Perlman syndrome nuclease DIS3L2 controls cytoplasmic non-coding RNAs and provides surveillance pathway for maturing snRNAs

PubMed Central

Łabno, Anna; Warkocki, Zbigniew; Kuliński, Tomasz; Krawczyk, Paweł Szczepan; Bijata, Krystian; Tomecki, Rafał; Dziembowski, Andrzej

2016-01-01

The exosome-independent exoribonuclease DIS3L2 is mutated in Perlman syndrome. Here, we used extensive global transcriptomic and targeted biochemical analyses to identify novel DIS3L2 substrates in human cells. We show that DIS3L2 regulates pol II transcripts, comprising selected canonical and histone-coding mRNAs, and a novel FTL_short RNA from the ferritin mRNA 5′ UTR. Importantly, DIS3L2 contributes to surveillance of maturing snRNAs during their cytoplasmic processing. Among pol III transcripts, DIS3L2 particularly targets vault and Y RNAs and an Alu-like element BC200 RNA, but not Alu repeats, which are removed by exosome-associated DIS3. Using 3′ RACE-Seq, we demonstrate that all novel DIS3L2 substrates are uridylated in vivo by TUT4/TUT7 poly(U) polymerases. Uridylation-dependent DIS3L2-mediated decay can be recapitulated in vitro, thus reinforcing the tight cooperation between DIS3L2 and TUTases. Together these results indicate that catalytically inactive DIS3L2, characteristic of Perlman syndrome, can lead to deregulation of its target RNAs to disturb transcriptome homeostasis. PMID:27431325

DisGeNET: a discovery platform for the dynamical exploration of human diseases and their genes.

PubMed

Piñero, Janet; Queralt-Rosinach, Núria; Bravo, Àlex; Deu-Pons, Jordi; Bauer-Mehren, Anna; Baron, Martin; Sanz, Ferran; Furlong, Laura I

2015-01-01

DisGeNET is a comprehensive discovery platform designed to address a variety of questions concerning the genetic underpinning of human diseases. DisGeNET contains over 380,000 associations between >16,000 genes and 13,000 diseases, which makes it one of the largest repositories currently available of its kind. DisGeNET integrates expert-curated databases with text-mined data, covers information on Mendelian and complex diseases, and includes data from animal disease models. It features a score based on the supporting evidence to prioritize gene-disease associations. It is an open access resource available through a web interface, a Cytoscape plugin and as a Semantic Web resource. The web interface supports user-friendly data exploration and navigation. DisGeNET data can also be analysed via the DisGeNET Cytoscape plugin, and enriched with the annotations of other plugins of this popular network analysis software suite. Finally, the information contained in DisGeNET can be expanded and complemented using Semantic Web technologies and linked to a variety of resources already present in the Linked Data cloud. Hence, DisGeNET offers one of the most comprehensive collections of human gene-disease associations and a valuable set of tools for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases of genetic origin, designed to fulfill the needs of different user profiles, including bioinformaticians, biologists and health-care practitioners. Database URL: http://www.disgenet.org/ © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Roof-harvested rainwater for potable purposes: application of solar collector disinfection (SOCO-DIS).

PubMed

Amin, M T; Han, M Y

2009-12-01

The efficiency of solar disinfection (SODIS), recommended by the World Health Organization, has been determined for rainwater disinfection, and potential benefits and limitations discussed. The limitations of SODIS have now been overcome by the use of solar collector disinfection (SOCO-DIS), for potential use of rainwater as a small-scale potable water supply, especially in developing countries. Rainwater samples collected from the underground storage tanks of a rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system were exposed to different conditions of sunlight radiation in 2-L polyethylene terephthalate bottles in a solar collector with rectangular base and reflective open wings. Total and fecal coliforms were used, together with Escherichia coli and heterotrophic plate counts, as basic microbial and indicator organisms of water quality for disinfection efficiency evaluation. In the SOCO-DIS system, disinfection improved by 20-30% compared with the SODIS system, and rainwater was fully disinfected even under moderate weather conditions, due to the effects of concentrated sunlight radiation and the synergistic effects of thermal and optical inactivation. The SOCO-DIS system was optimized based on the collector configuration and the reflective base: an inclined position led to an increased disinfection efficiency of 10-15%. Microbial inactivation increased by 10-20% simply by reducing the initial pH value of the rainwater to 5. High turbidities also affected the SOCO-DIS system; the disinfection efficiency decreased by 10-15%, which indicated that rainwater needed to be filtered before treatment. The problem of microbial regrowth was significantly reduced in the SOCO-DIS system compared with the SODIS system because of residual sunlight effects. Only total coliform regrowth was detected at higher turbidities. The SOCO-DIS system was ineffective only under poor weather conditions, when longer exposure times or other practical means of reducing the pH were required for the

Disability Critical Race Theory: Exploring the Intersectional Lineage, Emergence, and Potential Futures of DisCrit in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Annamma, Subini Ancy; Ferri, Beth A.; Connor, David J.

2018-01-01

In this review, we explore how intersectionality has been engaged with through the lens of disability critical race theory (DisCrit) to produce new knowledge. In this chapter, we (1) trace the intellectual lineage for developing DisCrit, (2) review the body of interdisciplinary scholarship incorporating DisCrit to date, and (3) propose the future…

A socio-cultural reframing of science and dis/ability in education: past problems, current concerns, and future possibilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connor, David J.; Valle, Jan W.

2015-12-01

In this article we assert the value of a socio-cultural reframing of science and dis/ability in education. We begin by problematizing current issues in education pertaining to the often-unquestioned concept of dis/ability and the impact that has upon research, theory, practice, and policy. As our topic is broad, we have chosen to focus upon four interconnected areas: (1) the historical mistrust of science and pseudo-science by people with dis/abilities; (2) the pervasive use of pseudo-science within the contemporary field of special education; (3) the use of dis/ability studies in education (DSE) to provide a contrast between a traditional positivist framing and a socio-cultural framing of dis/ability, and; (4) a brief exploration of what a DSE/socio-cultural grounding looks like for both schools and classroom teachers. In sum, our intention is to engage science educators to reject deficit-notions of dis/ability in favor of understanding it as part of human variation, and consider the personal and professional benefits of this shift.

[Estimation of cost-saving for reducing radioactive waste from nuclear medicine facilities by implementing decay in storage (DIS) in Japan].

PubMed

Kida, Tetsuo; Hiraki, Hitoshi; Yamaguchi, Ichirou; Fujibuchi, Toshioh; Watanabe, Hiroshi

2012-01-01

DIS has not yet been implemented in Japan as of 2011. Therefore, even if risk was negligible, medical institutions have to entrust radioactive temporal waste disposal to Japan Radio Isotopes Association (JRIA) in the current situation. To decide whether DIS should be implemented in Japan or not, cost-saving effect of DIS was estimated by comparing the cost that nuclear medical facilities pay. By implementing DIS, the total annual cost for all nuclear medical facilities in Japan is estimated to be decreased to 30 million yen or less from 710 million yen. DIS would save 680 million yen (96%) per year.

Time-Varying, Serotype-Specific Force of Infection of Dengue Virus

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-20

Barraquer I, et al. (2011) From re-emergence to hyperendemicity: The natural history of the dengue epidemic in Brazil . PLoS Negl Trop Dis 5(1):e935. 14...Negl Trop Dis 5(9):e1322. 22. Egger JR, et al. (2008) Reconstructing historical changes in the force of infection of dengue fever in Singapore...documented outbreak of dengue in the Peruvian amazon region . Bull Pan Am Health Organ 26(3):201–207. 26. Watts DM, et al. (1999) Failure of secondary

The roles of the exoribonucleases DIS3L2 and XRN1 in human disease.

PubMed

Pashler, Amy L; Towler, Benjamin P; Jones, Christopher I; Newbury, Sarah F

2016-10-15

RNA degradation is a vital post-transcriptional process which ensures that transcripts are maintained at the correct level within the cell. DIS3L2 and XRN1 are conserved exoribonucleases that are critical for the degradation of cytoplasmic RNAs. Although the molecular mechanisms of RNA degradation by DIS3L2 and XRN1 have been well studied, less is known about their specific roles in the development of multicellular organisms or human disease. This review focusses on the roles of DIS3L2 and XRN1 in the pathogenesis of human disease, particularly in relation to phenotypes seen in model organisms. The known diseases associated with loss of activity of DIS3L2 and XRN1 are discussed, together with possible mechanisms and cellular pathways leading to these disease conditions. © 2016 The Author(s); published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

Infection Prevention and Control in Deployed Military Medical Treatment Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

Targeted intranasal mupi- rocin to prevent colonization and infection by community-associated methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in...Natural history of community-acquired methicillin - resistant Staphylococcus au- reus colonization and infection in soldiers. Clin Infect Dis. 2004;39...coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae), P. aeruginosa, and methicillin - resistant S. au- reus (MRSA), have most commonly been reported as the cause of these

Cumulative (Dis)Advantage and the Matthew Effect in Life-Course Analysis

PubMed Central

Bask, Miia; Bask, Mikael

2015-01-01

To foster a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind inequality in society, it is crucial to work with well-defined concepts associated with such mechanisms. The aim of this paper is to define cumulative (dis)advantage and the Matthew effect. We argue that cumulative (dis)advantage is an intra-individual micro-level phenomenon, that the Matthew effect is an inter-individual macro-level phenomenon and that an appropriate measure of the Matthew effect focuses on the mechanism or dynamic process that generates inequality. The Matthew mechanism is, therefore, a better name for the phenomenon, where we provide a novel measure of the mechanism, including a proof-of-principle analysis using disposable personal income data. Finally, because socio-economic theory should be able to explain cumulative (dis)advantage and the Matthew mechanism when they are detected in data, we discuss the types of models that may explain the phenomena. We argue that interactions-based models in the literature traditions of analytical sociology and statistical mechanics serve this purpose. PMID:26606386

Talking (and Not Talking) about Race, Social Class and Dis/Ability: Working Margin to Margin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferri, Beth A.; Connor, David J.

2014-01-01

In this article we examine some of the omnipresent yet unacknowledged discourses of social and economic disadvantage and dis/ability within schools in the US. First, we document ways that social class, race, and dis/ability function within schools to further disadvantage and exclude already marginalized students. Next, we show how particular ways…

Development of a Web-Based Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Environment Using JavaScript

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

scripting that let users change or interact with web content depending on user input, which is in contrast with server-side scripts such as PHP, Java and...transfer, DIS usually broadcasts or multicasts its PDUs based on UDP socket. 3. JavaScript JavaScript is the scripting language of the web, and all...IDE) for developing desktop, mobile and web applications with JAVA , C++, HTML5, JavaScript and more. b. Framework The DIS implementation of

Advancement in Watershed Modelling Using Dynamic Lateral and Longitudinal Sediment (Dis)connectivity Prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, D. T.; al Aamery, N. M. H.; Fox, J.

2017-12-01

The authors find that sediment (dis)connectivity has seldom taken precedence within watershed models, and the present study advances this modeling framework and applies the modeling within a bedrock-controlled system. Sediment (dis)connectivity, defined as the detachment and transport of sediment from source to sink between geomorphic zones, is a major control on sediment transport. Given the availability of high resolution geospatial data, coupling sediment connectivity concepts within sediment prediction models offers an approach to simulate sediment sources and pathways within a watershed's sediment cascade. Bedrock controlled catchments are potentially unique due to the presence of rock outcrops causing longitudinal impedance to sediment transport pathways in turn impacting the longitudinal distribution of the energy gradient responsible for conveying sediment. Therefore, the authors were motivated by the need to formulate a sediment transport model that couples sediment (dis)connectivity knowledge to predict sediment flux for bedrock controlled catchments. A watershed-scale sediment transport model was formulated that incorporates sediment (dis)connectivity knowledge collected via field reconnaissance and predicts sediment flux through coupling with the Partheniades equation and sediment continuity model. Sediment (dis)connectivity was formulated by coupling probabilistic upland lateral connectivity prediction with instream longitudinal connectivity assessments via discretization of fluid and sediment pathways. Flux predictions from the upland lateral connectivity model served as an input to the instream longitudinal connectivity model. Disconnectivity in the instream model was simulated via the discretization of stream reaches due to barriers such as bedrock outcroppings and man-made check dams. The model was tested for a bedrock controlled catchment in Kentucky, USA for which extensive historic water and sediment flux data was available. Predicted sediment

DisTeam: A decision support tool for surgical team selection

PubMed Central

Ebadi, Ashkan; Tighe, Patrick J.; Zhang, Lei; Rashidi, Parisa

2018-01-01

Objective Surgical service providers play a crucial role in the healthcare system. Amongst all the influencing factors, surgical team selection might affect the patients’ outcome significantly. The performance of a surgical team not only can depend on the individual members, but it can also depend on the synergy among team members, and could possibly influence patient outcome such as surgical complications. In this paper, we propose a tool for facilitating decision making in surgical team selection based on considering history of the surgical team, as well as the specific characteristics of each patient. Methods DisTeam (a decision support tool for surgical team selection) is a metaheuristic framework for objective evaluation of surgical teams and finding the optimal team for a given patient, in terms of number of complications. It identifies a ranked list of surgical teams personalized for each patient, based on prior performance of the surgical teams. DisTeam takes into account the surgical complications associated with teams and their members, their teamwork history, as well as patient’s specific characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI) and Charlson comorbidity index score. Results We tested DisTeam using intra-operative data from 6065 unique orthopedic surgery cases. Our results suggest high effectiveness of the proposed system in a health-care setting. The proposed framework converges quickly to the optimal solution and provides two sets of answers: a) The best surgical team over all the generations, and b) The best population which consists of different teams that can be used as an alternative solution. This increases the flexibility of the system as a complementary decision support tool. Conclusion DisTeam is a decision support tool for assisting in surgical team selection. It can facilitate the job of scheduling personnel in the hospital which involves an overwhelming number of factors pertaining to patients, individual team members, and team

DisTeam: A decision support tool for surgical team selection.

PubMed

Ebadi, Ashkan; Tighe, Patrick J; Zhang, Lei; Rashidi, Parisa

2017-02-01

Surgical service providers play a crucial role in the healthcare system. Amongst all the influencing factors, surgical team selection might affect the patients' outcome significantly. The performance of a surgical team not only can depend on the individual members, but it can also depend on the synergy among team members, and could possibly influence patient outcome such as surgical complications. In this paper, we propose a tool for facilitating decision making in surgical team selection based on considering history of the surgical team, as well as the specific characteristics of each patient. DisTeam (a decision support tool for surgical team selection) is a metaheuristic framework for objective evaluation of surgical teams and finding the optimal team for a given patient, in terms of number of complications. It identifies a ranked list of surgical teams personalized for each patient, based on prior performance of the surgical teams. DisTeam takes into account the surgical complications associated with teams and their members, their teamwork history, as well as patient's specific characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI) and Charlson comorbidity index score. We tested DisTeam using intra-operative data from 6065 unique orthopedic surgery cases. Our results suggest high effectiveness of the proposed system in a health-care setting. The proposed framework converges quickly to the optimal solution and provides two sets of answers: a) The best surgical team over all the generations, and b) The best population which consists of different teams that can be used as an alternative solution. This increases the flexibility of the system as a complementary decision support tool. DisTeam is a decision support tool for assisting in surgical team selection. It can facilitate the job of scheduling personnel in the hospital which involves an overwhelming number of factors pertaining to patients, individual team members, and team dynamics and can be used to compose

Test-retest reliability of a standardized psychiatric interview (DIS/CIDI).

PubMed

Semler, G; Wittchen, H U; Joschke, K; Zaudig, M; von Geiso, T; Kaiser, S; von Cranach, M; Pfister, H

1987-01-01

The reliability of DSM-III diagnoses using an expanded version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), called the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), was evaluated by examining 60 psychiatric inpatients on a test-retest basis. Acceptable agreement coefficients of (kappa) 0.5 or above were found for all but two disorders: dysthymic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The subclassification of DSM-III affective disorders also revealed some discrepancies between the test and the retest interviews. When compared with results from earlier versions of the DIS, diagnostic reliability was found to have improved for the DSM-III anxiety disorders in particular. These improvements can possibly be attributed to some changes in the wording of the respective items of this section. Several reasons for lowered test-retest reliability are discussed.

Intestinal immune response to human Cryptosporidium sp. infection

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro . J. Infect. Dis. 172:211–216. 29. Gomez Morales, M. A., G. La Rosa, A. Ludovisi, A. M...at different developmental stages modulates host cell apop- tosis in vitro . Infect. Immun. 72:6061–6067. 68. Moore, K. W., R. de Waal Malefyt, R. L...Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California2; Cell Biology Laboratory, United

Performances of Student Activism: Sound, Silence, Gender, and Dis/ability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pasque, Penny A.; Vargas, Juanita Gamez

2014-01-01

This chapter explores the various performances of activism by students through sound, silence, gender, and dis/ability and how these performances connect to social change efforts around issues such as human trafficking, homeless children, hunger, and children with varying abilities.

Fatal Saccharomyces cerevisiae aortic graft infection.

PubMed

Smith, Davey; Metzgar, David; Wills, Christopher; Fierer, Joshua

2002-07-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast commonly used in baking and a frequent colonizer of human mucosal surfaces. It is considered relatively nonpathogenic in immunocompetent adults (J. N. Aucott, J. Fayan, H. Grossnicklas, A. Morrissey, M. M. Lederman, and R. A. Salata, Rev. Infect. Dis. 12:406-411, 1990). We present a case of S. cerevisiae fungemia and aortic graft infection in an immunocompetent adult. This is the first reported case of S. cerevisiae fungemia where the identity of the pathogen was confirmed by rRNA sequencing.

Utilizing a Low-Cost, Laser-Driven Interactive System (LaDIS) to Improve Learning in Developing Rural Regions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liou, Wei-Kai; Chang, Chun-Yen

2014-01-01

This study proposes an innovation Laser-Driven Interactive System (LaDIS), utilizing general IWBs (Interactive Whiteboard) didactics, to support student learning for rural and developing regions. LaDIS is a system made to support traditional classroom practices between an instructor and a group of students. This invention effectively transforms a…

Polarized 3He target and Final State Interactions in SiDIS

DOE PAGES

Del Dotto, Alessio; Kaptari, Leonid; Pace, Emanuele; ...

2017-01-03

Jefferson Lab is starting a wide experimental program aimed at studying the neutron’s structure, with a great emphasis on the extraction of the parton transverse-momentum distributions (TMDs). To this end, Semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SiDIS) experiments on polarized $^3$He will be carried out, providing, together with proton and deuteron data, a sound flavor decomposition of the TMDs. Here, given the expected high statistical accuracy, it is crucial to disentangle nuclear and partonic degrees of freedom to get an accurate theoretical description of both initial and final states. In this contribution, a preliminary study of the Final State Interaction (FSI) in themore » standard SiDIS, where a pion (or a Kaon) is detected in the final state is presented, in view of constructing a realistic description of the nuclear initial and final states.« less

The Changing Epidemiology of Infection in Burn Patients,

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

sepsis. Burns 6:235, 1980 ante biopsia para determinar el estado microbiol6gico, de la 1I. Bruck, H.S., Nash, G., Stein, J.M., Lindberg, R.B.: Studies on...from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Re- Des antibiotiques Iocaux, une excision rapide et une couverture search burn center in the mid-1980’s. Since...that time, the cutaade ont contribud A rdduire de fagon significative la frd- infection control program has included 3 time per week cultur- quence

Access, Opportunity, and Career: Supporting the Aspirations of Dis/abled Students with High-End Needs in New Zealand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irving, Barrie A.

2013-01-01

Acting as an entry marker into the adult world, the transition from compulsory schooling is inextricably linked with a change in career status. As such, transition is widely acknowledged to be a significant event in the lives of "all" young people regardless of their dis/abilities. However, many dis/abled students in New Zealand,…

A Socio-Cultural Reframing of Science and Dis/ability in Education: Past Problems, Current Concerns, and Future Possibilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Connor, David J.; Valle, Jan W.

2015-01-01

In this article we assert the value of a socio-cultural reframing of science and dis/ability in education. We begin by problematizing current issues in education pertaining to the often-unquestioned concept of dis/ability and the impact that has upon research, theory, practice, and policy. As our topic is broad, we have chosen to focus upon four…

Treatment Strategies for Human Arboviral Infections Applicable to Veterinary Medicine

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-16

16. MORILL , J. C., G. B. JENNINGS, T. M. COSGRIFF, P. H. GIBBS & C. J. PETERS. 1989. Prevention of Rift Valley fever in rhesus monkeys with interferon...alpha. Rev. Infect. Dis. 2(Suppl. 4): 815. 17. MORILL , J. C., C. W. CZARNECKI & C. J. PETERS. 1991. Recombinant human interferon- gamma modulates

DoD Global Emerging Infections System Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2002

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

France Grenada Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras India Indonesia Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Japan Laos Malaysia Maldives Mexico Myanmar Nepal Nicaragua...illness from adenovirus types 7 and 3 in healthy young adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2002;34(3):577-82. 37 55. Ryan MAK, Smith TC, Honner WK, Gray GC. Varicella

Scripted Curriculum: What Movies Teach about Dis/ability and Black Males

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Agosto, Vonzell

2014-01-01

Background/Context: Tropes of dis/ability in the movies and master-narratives of Black males in education and society are typically treated in isolation. Furthermore, education research on Hollywood movies has typically focused on portrayals of schools, principals, and teachers even though education professionals are exposed to a broader range of…

Prospective Study of Respiratory Infections at the U.S. Naval Academy

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-01

conducting the .findings were significant in demonstrating infection cause and study at the U.S. Naval Academy: Tomoko Hooper, MD MPH; Richard Jhe large...leven M, Ursi D, Van Bever H, Quint W, Niesters HG, Goossens H: Detection of disease. J Infect Dis 1992; 166: 365-73. Mycoplasmapneumoniaeby two...6. AUTHORS 5d. Project Number: Gregory C. Gray, MD, MPH; Robert G. Schultz, MD; Gary D. Gackstetter, DVM, 5e. Task Number: PhD; Richard Thomas, MD

DisA and c-di-AMP act at the intersection between DNA-damage response and stress homeostasis in exponentially growing Bacillus subtilis cells.

PubMed

Gándara, Carolina; Alonso, Juan C

2015-03-01

Bacillus subtilis contains two vegetative diadenylate cyclases, DisA and CdaA, which produce cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP), and one phosphodiesterase, GdpP, that degrades it into a linear di-AMP. We report here that DisA and CdaA contribute to elicit repair of DNA damage generated by alkyl groups and H2O2, respectively, during vegetative growth. disA forms an operon with radA (also termed sms) that encodes a protein distantly related to RecA. Among different DNA damage agents tested, only methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) affected disA null strain viability, while radA showed sensitivity to all of them. A strain lacking both disA and radA was as sensitive to MMS as the most sensitive single parent (epistasis). Low c-di-AMP levels (e.g. by over-expressing GdpP) decreased the ability of cells to repair DNA damage caused by MMS and in less extent by H2O2, while high levels of c-di-AMP (absence of GdpP or expression of sporulation-specific diadenylate cyclase, CdaS) increased cell survival. Taken together, our results support the idea that c-di-AMP is a crucial signalling molecule involved in DNA repair with DisA and CdaA contributing to modulate different DNA damage responses during exponential growth. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The etiology of mathematical and reading (dis)ability covariation in a sample of Dutch twins.

PubMed

Markowitz, Ezra M; Willemsen, Gonneke; Trumbetta, Susan L; van Beijsterveldt, Toos C E M; Boomsma, Dorret I

2005-12-01

The genetic etiology of mathematical and reading (dis)ability has been studied in a number of distinct samples, but the true nature of the relationship between the two remains unclear. Data from the Netherlands Twin Register was used to determine the etiology of the relationship between mathematical and reading (dis)ability in adolescent twins. Ratings of mathematical and reading problems were obtained from parents of over 1500 twin pairs. Results of bivariate structural equation modeling showed a genetic correlation around .60, which explained over 90% of the phenotypic correlation between mathematical and reading ability. The genetic model was the same for males and females.

Cumulative Viral Load and Virologic Decay Patterns After Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Subjects Influence CD4 Recovery and AIDS

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-20

Cohorte Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA EP 11 study. J Infect Dis 186: 710–714. 8. Hermankova M, Ray SC, Ruff C, Powell-Davis M, Ingersoll R, et...malignancy in HIV-infected patients during the combination antiretroviral therapy era: Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida (ANRS) CO3 Aquitaine

Self-Test Kit: Rapid Diagnosis of Urogenital Infections in Military Women

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-09-01

commonly occur in women. It has been estimated that 75% of women will have at least one episode of yeast vulvovaginitis , with 40-45% having two or...Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1987;1:1-23. 15. Sweet RL and Gibbs RS. Infectious vulvovaginitis . In: Infectious Diseases of the Female Genital Tract., 3 rd

Functional requirements document for NASA/MSFC Earth Science and Applications Division: Data and information system (ESAD-DIS). Interoperability, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, J. Briscoe; Grider, Gary W.

1992-01-01

These Earth Science and Applications Division-Data and Information System (ESAD-DIS) interoperability requirements are designed to quantify the Earth Science and Application Division's hardware and software requirements in terms of communications between personal and visualization workstation, and mainframe computers. The electronic mail requirements and local area network (LAN) requirements are addressed. These interoperability requirements are top-level requirements framed around defining the existing ESAD-DIS interoperability and projecting known near-term requirements for both operational support and for management planning. Detailed requirements will be submitted on a case-by-case basis. This document is also intended as an overview of ESAD-DIs interoperability for new-comers and management not familiar with these activities. It is intended as background documentation to support requests for resources and support requirements.

Measuring the (Dis) Satisfaction of the Employees in the Macedonian Companies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mitreva, Elizabeta; Krivokapic, Zdravko; Taskov, Nako; Jovanovic, Jelena

2018-01-01

The (dis)satisfaction of the employees who create and realize activities is as much important as the satisfaction of the buyers. In this paper, we have presented the results from the research in the Macedonian companies concerning the capacity of the leadership to motivate the employees to do their job efficiently and to preserve their initiative…

AdS black disk model for small-x DIS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cornalba, Lorenzo; Costa, Miguel S.; Penedones, Joao

2011-05-23

Using the approximate conformal invariance of QCD at high energies we consider a simple AdS black disk model to describe saturation in DIS. Deep inside saturation the structure functions have the same power law scaling, F{sub T}{approx}F{sub L}{approx}{sup -}{omega}, where {omega} is related to the expansion rate of the black disk with energy. Furthermore, the ratio F{sub L}/F{sub T} is given by the universal value (1+{omega}/3+{omega}), independently of the target.

siRNA Screen Identifies Trafficking Host Factors that Modulate Alphavirus Infection

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-20

Wang JL, Zhang JL, Chen W, Xu XF, Gao N, et al. (2010) Roles of small GTPase Rac1 in 893 the regulation of actin cytoskeleton during dengue virus...small GTPase Rac1 in 893 the regulation of actin cytoskeleton during dengue virus infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 4. 894 44. Schelhaas M, Shah B, Holzer M

Genome-Wide Profiling of Humoral Immune Response to Coxiella burnetii Infection by Protein Microarray

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

mortality rate for Chronic Q fever to less than 1% [1, 4, 5]. Chronic infections may cause life-threatening endocarditis but may not show apparent...Houpikian, P., Tissot Dupont, H., Riss, J. M. et a/., Treatment of a fever endocarditis : comparison of 2 regimens containing doxycycline and ofloxacin...fever endocarditis . J. Infect. Dis. 1998, 178, 278-281. [7) Yu, X., Raoult, D., Serotyping Coxiella burnetii isolates from acute and chronic a fever

School Choice or the Politics of Desperation? Black and Latinx Parents of Students with Dis/Abilities Selecting Charter Schools in Chicago

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waitoller, Federico R.; Super, Gia

2017-01-01

In this paper, we focus on the city of Chicago to examine how Black and Latinx parents of students with dis/abilities1 engage with school choice. Using analytical tools from grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990) and a theoretical lens informed by critical notions of space, race and dis/ability, we analyze interviews with parents of students…

An unconventional interaction between Dis1/TOG and Mal3/EB1 in fission yeast promotes the fidelity of chromosome segregation.

PubMed

Matsuo, Yuzy; Maurer, Sebastian P; Yukawa, Masashi; Zakian, Silva; Singleton, Martin R; Surrey, Thomas; Toda, Takashi

2016-12-15

Dynamic microtubule plus-ends interact with various intracellular target regions such as the cell cortex and the kinetochore. Two conserved families of microtubule plus-end-tracking proteins, the XMAP215, ch-TOG or CKAP5 family and the end-binding 1 (EB1, also known as MAPRE1) family, play pivotal roles in regulating microtubule dynamics. Here, we study the functional interplay between fission yeast Dis1, a member of the XMAP215/TOG family, and Mal3, an EB1 protein. Using an in vitro microscopy assay, we find that purified Dis1 autonomously tracks growing microtubule ends and is a bona fide microtubule polymerase. Mal3 recruits additional Dis1 to microtubule ends, explaining the synergistic enhancement of microtubule dynamicity by these proteins. A non-canonical binding motif in Dis1 mediates the interaction with Mal3. X-ray crystallography shows that this new motif interacts in an unconventional configuration with the conserved hydrophobic cavity formed within the Mal3 C-terminal region that typically interacts with the canonical SXIP motif. Selectively perturbing the Mal3-Dis1 interaction in living cells demonstrates that it is important for accurate chromosome segregation. Whereas, in some metazoans, the interaction between EB1 and the XMAP215/TOG family members requires an additional binding partner, fission yeast relies on a direct interaction, indicating evolutionary plasticity of this critical interaction module. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

A New Theoretical Approach to Postsecondary Student Disability: Disability-Diversity (Dis)Connect Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aquino, Katherine C.

2016-01-01

Disability is often viewed as an obstacle to postsecondary inclusion, but not a characteristic of student diversity. Additionally, current theoretical frameworks isolate disability from other student diversity characteristics. In response, a new conceptual framework, the Disability-Diversity (Dis)Connect Model (DDDM), was created to address…

9 CFR 82.21 - Vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment used for infected poultry.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., troughs, and other equipment used for infected poultry. 82.21 Section 82.21 Animals and Animal Products... ANIMALS (INCLUDING POULTRY) AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DIS- EASE (END) AND CHLAMYDIOSIS Chlamydiosis in Poultry § 82.21 Vehicles, cages, coops, containers, troughs, and other equipment used for...

DisGeNET-RDF: harnessing the innovative power of the Semantic Web to explore the genetic basis of diseases.

PubMed

Queralt-Rosinach, Núria; Piñero, Janet; Bravo, Àlex; Sanz, Ferran; Furlong, Laura I

2016-07-15

DisGeNET-RDF makes available knowledge on the genetic basis of human diseases in the Semantic Web. Gene-disease associations (GDAs) and their provenance metadata are published as human-readable and machine-processable web resources. The information on GDAs included in DisGeNET-RDF is interlinked to other biomedical databases to support the development of bioinformatics approaches for translational research through evidence-based exploitation of a rich and fully interconnected linked open data. http://rdf.disgenet.org/ support@disgenet.org. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

[(Dis)satisfaction with mental healthcare work: a study in Psychosocial Care Centers].

PubMed

Guimarães, José Maria Ximenes; Jorge, Maria Salete Bessa; Assis, Marluce Maria Araújo

2011-04-01

The scope of this article is to analyze satisfaction in the workplace of mental healthcare professionals who serve in Psychosocial Care Centers (Caps). The research is of a qualitative nature and the data-collecting medium was semistructured interviews with 19 workers of three Caps in Fortaleza, in the Northern Brazilian State of Ceará. The treatment of the empirical material was based upon the analysis of content with an emphasis on the thematic bias. The results revealed the determinants of (dis)satisfaction present in the daily routine of these workers. The relationships established with the users were singled out as the main source of satisfaction, whereas the work and wage conditions were the main motives for dissatisfaction. In addition to these aspects, consequences of (dis)satisfaction at work in the private, social and organizational field of the workers' life in the Caps were revealed, mainly in physical and mental health. Lastly, they emphasized the urgent need for implementation - on the part of public administration - of strategies that seek to reduce the precariousness of healthcare work, especially in mental health, with a view to mitigating damages potentially caused by such work.

MetSigDis: a manually curated resource for the metabolic signatures of diseases.

PubMed

Cheng, Liang; Yang, Haixiu; Zhao, Hengqiang; Pei, Xiaoya; Shi, Hongbo; Sun, Jie; Zhang, Yunpeng; Wang, Zhenzhen; Zhou, Meng

2017-08-22

Complex diseases cannot be understood only on the basis of single gene, single mRNA transcript or single protein but the effect of their collaborations. The combination consequence in molecular level can be captured by the alterations of metabolites. With the rapidly developing of biomedical instruments and analytical platforms, a large number of metabolite signatures of complex diseases were identified and documented in the literature. Biologists' hardship in the face of this large amount of papers recorded metabolic signatures of experiments' results calls for an automated data repository. Therefore, we developed MetSigDis aiming to provide a comprehensive resource of metabolite alterations in various diseases. MetSigDis is freely available at http://www.bio-annotation.cn/MetSigDis/. By reviewing hundreds of publications, we collected 6849 curated relationships between 2420 metabolites and 129 diseases across eight species involving Homo sapiens and model organisms. All of these relationships were used in constructing a metabolite disease network (MDN). This network displayed scale-free characteristics according to the degree distribution (power-law distribution with R2 = 0.909), and the subnetwork of MDN for interesting diseases and their related metabolites can be visualized in the Web. The common alterations of metabolites reflect the metabolic similarity of diseases, which is measured using Jaccard index. We observed that metabolite-based similar diseases are inclined to share semantic associations of Disease Ontology. A human disease network was then built, where a node represents a disease, and an edge indicates similarity of pair-wise diseases. The network validated the observation that linked diseases based on metabolites should have more overlapped genes. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Transparency of Evil in "The Leftovers" and Its Implications for Student (Dis)engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Kessel, Cathryn

2016-01-01

The HBO series, "The Leftovers," provides a thought-provoking platform for discussing Baudrillard's conceptualization of evil and the implications for contemporary pedagogical discourse about student (dis)engagement. The dystopic scenario of 2% of the world's population suddenly disappearing might help us rethink our own society,…

Intersectional harassment and deviant embodiment among Autistic adults: (dis)ability, gender and sexuality.

PubMed

Barnett, Jessica Penwell

2017-11-01

Harassment scholarship increasingly attends to the intersectional nature of harassment and its function within systems of domination. However, little of this work includes disability. In-depth interviews with 24 adults on the autism spectrum in the USA demonstrate the intersections of gender, sexuality and (dis)ability in the construction of deviant embodiments as targets for harassment. These intersections also shape how participants made sense of these experiences of violence. Participants' disability characteristics were often read as gender or sexual variance, with harassers relying on sexist and heterosexist constructs to frighten, demean or humiliate them for disability characteristics. Participant experiences demonstrate the cisgender basis of 'able-bodied' identity as well as the 'able-bodied' basis of cisgender and heterosexual identities and experiences. The interdependency of gender, sexuality and (dis)ability embodiment point to how it is critical for scholars and activists to account for the role of gender and heterosexist harassment in ableist oppression and disability harassment in (hetero)sexist oppression, as well as the limits of current US law enforcement structures in providing redress for harassment.

Low-cost real-time 3D PC distributed-interactive-simulation (DIS) application for C4I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonthier, David L.; Veron, Harry

1998-04-01

A 3D Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) application was developed and demonstrated in a PC environment. The application is capable of running in the stealth mode or as a player which includes battlefield simulations, such as ModSAF. PCs can be clustered together, but not necessarily collocated, to run a simulation or training exercise on their own. A 3D perspective view of the battlefield is displayed that includes terrain, trees, buildings and other objects supported by the DIS application. Screen update rates of 15 to 20 frames per second have been achieved with fully lit and textured scenes thus providing high quality and fast graphics. A complete PC system can be configured for under $2,500. The software runs under Windows95 and WindowsNT. It is written in C++ and uses a commercial API called RenderWare for 3D rendering. The software uses Microsoft Foundation classes and Microsoft DirectPlay for joystick input. The RenderWare libraries enhance the performance through optimization for MMX and the Pentium Pro processor. The RenderWare and the Righteous 3D graphics board from Orchid Technologies with an advertised rendering rate of up to 2 million texture mapped triangles per second. A low-cost PC DIS simulator that can partake in a real-time collaborative simulation with other platforms is thus achieved.

Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation of an Adjunctive Therapy for Extremity Wound Infection Reduction: Rapidly Resorbing Local Antibiotic Delivery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-01

activity of fast- degrading drug delivery vehicles made from cellulose binder and calcium sulfate dihydrate and from conven- tional calcium sulfate...investigations are planned to deter- mine if the in vitro findings of this study correlate to reduced risk of infection, biofilm formation, patient...of bacteria in biofilms . Lancet 358:135–138. 31. Donlan RM. 2002. Biofilms : microbial life on surfaces. Emerg Infect Dis 8:881–890. 32. Sarkisova S

Arts Integration: An Exploration of the Dis/Connect between Policy and Live(d) Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaJevic, Lisa M.

2009-01-01

This dissertation explores the dis/connect between arts integration policy (i.e. written texts and curriculum documents) and the live(d) practice of teachers working with arts integration. Although previous studies have examined how arts integration is implemented in schools and how it affects student achievement, particularly standardized test…

Calling for Research Collaborations and the Use of Dis/ability Studies in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Paulo; Kastberg, Signe

2017-01-01

In this commentary, the authors find that despite discussions of "mathematics for all," opportunities that support the development of mathematical reasoning and understanding of mathematics as a human endeavor often do not exist for mathematics learners identified in schools as having dis/abilities. Indeed, mathematics for all is…

Tipping Point: The Diversity Threshold for White Student (Dis) Engagement in Traditional Student Organizations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elston, Dhanfu El-Hajj

2011-01-01

During a time when most institutions of higher education are in search of underrepresented student participation, Georgia State University (GSU), a majority White institution, has observed a lack of involvement of White students in co-curricular activities. The purpose of the research study was to critically examine White students' (dis)…

Inclusion and Participation in Everyday School Life: Experiences of Children with Physical (Dis)Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asbjørnslett, Mona; Engelsrud, Gunn Helene; Helseth, Sølvi

2015-01-01

This study explores the school experiences of children with physical (dis)abilities. Based on 39 interviews with 15 Norwegian children, participation in everyday school life is introduced as a central theme and divided into three sub-themes: community and independence; adequate help and influence in the classroom; and influence in planning and…

disLocate: tools to rapidly quantify local intermolecular structure to assess two-dimensional order in self-assembled systems.

PubMed

Bumstead, Matt; Liang, Kunyu; Hanta, Gregory; Hui, Lok Shu; Turak, Ayse

2018-01-24

Order classification is particularly important in photonics, optoelectronics, nanotechnology, biology, and biomedicine, as self-assembled and living systems tend to be ordered well but not perfectly. Engineering sets of experimental protocols that can accurately reproduce specific desired patterns can be a challenge when (dis)ordered outcomes look visually similar. Robust comparisons between similar samples, especially with limited data sets, need a finely tuned ensemble of accurate analysis tools. Here we introduce our numerical Mathematica package disLocate, a suite of tools to rapidly quantify the spatial structure of a two-dimensional dispersion of objects. The full range of tools available in disLocate give different insights into the quality and type of order present in a given dispersion, accessing the translational, orientational and entropic order. The utility of this package allows for researchers to extract the variation and confidence range within finite sets of data (single images) using different structure metrics to quantify local variation in disorder. Containing all metrics within one package allows for researchers to easily and rapidly extract many different parameters simultaneously, allowing robust conclusions to be drawn on the order of a given system. Quantifying the experimental trends which produce desired morphologies enables engineering of novel methods to direct self-assembly.

The Finnish disease heritage database (FinDis) update-a database for the genes mutated in the Finnish disease heritage brought to the next-generation sequencing era.

PubMed

Polvi, Anne; Linturi, Henna; Varilo, Teppo; Anttonen, Anna-Kaisa; Byrne, Myles; Fokkema, Ivo F A C; Almusa, Henrikki; Metzidis, Anthony; Avela, Kristiina; Aula, Pertti; Kestilä, Marjo; Muilu, Juha

2013-11-01

The Finnish Disease Heritage Database (FinDis) (http://findis.org) was originally published in 2004 as a centralized information resource for rare monogenic diseases enriched in the Finnish population. The FinDis database originally contained 405 causative variants for 30 diseases. At the time, the FinDis database was a comprehensive collection of data, but since 1994, a large amount of new information has emerged, making the necessity to update the database evident. We collected information and updated the database to contain genes and causative variants for 35 diseases, including six more genes and more than 1,400 additional disease-causing variants. Information for causative variants for each gene is collected under the LOVD 3.0 platform, enabling easy updating. The FinDis portal provides a centralized resource and user interface to link information on each disease and gene with variant data in the LOVD 3.0 platform. The software written to achieve this has been open-sourced and made available on GitHub (http://github.com/findis-db), allowing biomedical institutions in other countries to present their national data in a similar way, and to both contribute to, and benefit from, standardized variation data. The updated FinDis portal provides a unique resource to assist patient diagnosis, research, and the development of new cures. © 2013 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Low hanging fruit in infectious disease drug development.

PubMed

Kraus, Carl N

2008-10-01

Cost estimates for developing new molecular entities (NME) are reaching non-sustainable levels and coupled with increasing regulatory requirements and oversight have led many pharmaceutical sponsors to divest their anti-microbial development portfolios [Projan SJ: Why is big Pharma getting out of anti-bacterial drug discovery?Curr Opin Microbiol 2003, 6:427-430] [Spellberg B, Powers JH, Brass EP, Miller LG, Edwards JE, Jr: Trends in antimicrobial drug development: implications for the future.Clin Infect Dis 2004, 38:1279-1286]. Operational issues such as study planning and execution are significant contributors to the overall cost of drug development that can benefit from the leveraging of pre-randomization data in an evidence-based approach to protocol development, site selection and patient recruitment. For non-NME products there is even greater benefit from available data resources since these data may permit smaller and shorter study programs. There are now many available open source intelligence (OSINT) resources that are being integrated into drug development programs, permitting an evidence-based or 'operational epidemiology' approach to study planning and execution.

Identifying the drivers of liking by investigating the reasons for (dis)liking using CATA in cross-cultural context: a case study on barbecue sauce.

PubMed

Choi, Ji-Hye; Gwak, Mi-Jin; Chung, Seo-Jin; Kim, Kwang-Ok; O'Mahony, Michael; Ishii, Rie; Bae, Ye-Won

2015-06-01

The present study cross-culturally investigated the drivers of liking for traditional and ethnic chicken marinades using descriptive analysis and consumer taste tests incorporating the check-all-that-apply (CATA) method. Seventy-three Koreans and 86 US consumers participated. The tested sauces comprised three tomato-based sauces, a teriyaki-based sauce and a Korean spicy seasoning-based sauce. Chicken breasts were marinated with each of the five barbecue sauces, grilled and served for evaluation. Descriptive analysis and consumer taste tests were conducted. Consumers rated the acceptance on a hedonic scale and checked the reasons for (dis)liking by the CATA method for each sauce. A general linear model, multiple factor analysis and chi-square analysis were conducted using the data. The results showed that the preference orders of the samples between Koreans and US consumers were strikingly similar to each other. However, the reasons for (dis)liking the samples differed cross-culturally. The drivers of liking of two sauces sharing relatively similar sensory profiles but differing significantly in hedonic ratings were effectively delineated by reasons of (dis)liking CATA results. Reasons for (dis)liking CATA proved to be a powerful supporting method to understand the internal drivers of liking which can be overlooked by generic descriptive analysis. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Real-time PCR for the Early Detection and Quantification of Coxiella burnetii as an Alternative to the Murine Bioassay

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

that chronic disease resulting from C. burnetii infection may be the first time Q fever is diagnosed in some patients. Although endocarditis is the most...Microbiol 2006;6:2. [13] Fenollar F, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in the sera of patients with Q fever endocarditis ...automated DNA preparation. BMC Microbiol 2008;8:77. [33] Ghassemi M, Agger WA, Vanscoy RE, Howe GB. Chronic sternal wound infection and endocarditis with

[The nursing team and Maslow: (dis)satisfaction in the work].

PubMed

Vitória Regis, Lorena Fagundes Ladeia; Porto, Isaura Setenta

2006-01-01

This text tries to understand the Nursing team and their (dis)satisfactions in the work. We consider the association with the theory of basic human needs of Abraham Maslow as a way to systemize and to comprehend the recurrent situations and the day-by-day Nursing issues. The necessities are structuralized hierarchically in physiological, security, social, auto-esteem and auto-accomplishment indicating the degree of satisfaction (from the disease to the fullness) of an individual or group. The advantage of this approach consists of being able to use the solid, depth and rich Maslow theory in concrete and particular situations of the Nursing team.

Im/mobilities and dis/connectivities in medical globalisation: How global is Global Health?

PubMed

Dilger, Hansjörg; Mattes, Dominik

2018-03-01

The interdisciplinary, politically contested field of Global Health has often been described as a consequence of, and response to, an intensification of the mobilities of, and connectivities between, people, pathogens, ideas, and infrastructure across national borders and large distances. However, such global mobilities and connectivities are not as omnidirectional and unpatterned as the rhetoric of many Global Health actors suggests. Instead, we argue that they are suffused by a plethora of institutional, national, and global political agendas, and substantially shaped by transnational and postcolonial power relations. Furthermore, the configurations that are typically subsumed under the category of Global Health represent only a minor part of the range of im/mobilities and dis/connectivities that are essential for understanding transformations of epidemiological patterns, health care infrastructures, and the responses to health-related challenges in a globalising world. In order to broaden such a limiting analytical perspective, we propose to expand the analytical focus in studying Global Health phenomena by paying close attention to the myriad ways in which particular im/mobilities and dis/connectivities constitute medicine and well-being in global and transnational settings. Pursuing a conceptual shift from studies of 'Global Health' to studying 'medical globalization' may carve out new analytical ground for such an endeavour.

Immunologic Control of Diarrheal Disease Due to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

Classical Enteropathogenic (Serotyped) Escherichia coli Strains of Proven Pathogenicity. Infect. Immun. 38:798-801, 1982. 8. Levine, M.M. Vacunas Contra...Microbiol., 18:808-815, 1983. 8 15. Levine, M.M., Lanata, C. Progresos en Vacunas Contra Diarrea Bacteriana. Adelantos Microbiol. Enferm. Inf., 2:67-117

Fort Holabird Defense Investigative Service (DIS), Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Plan (BCP), Version II

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-01

3-16 3.4.7 Category 7: Areas Not Evaluated or Require Additional Evaluation .................... 3-16...Alternatives Evaluation Process for DIS Disposal and Reuse, Fort Holabird, Maryland ........ 2-6 Figure 3-1. Environmental Restoration Early Action...Requirement AREE ............... Area Requiring Environmental Evaluation AST .................. Above-ground Storage Tank BCP .................. BRAC

Prayer and the Registered Nurse (PRN): nurses' reports of ease and dis-ease with patient-initiated prayer request.

PubMed

Minton, Mary E; Isaacson, Mary; Banik, Deborah

2016-09-01

To explore nurse comfort with patient-initiated prayer request scenarios. Spiritual care is fundamental to patient care evidenced by Joint Commission requirement of a spiritual assessment on a patient's hospital admission. Prayer is an assessment component. Patients may seek solace and support by requesting prayer from the bedside nurse, the nurse may lack confidence in responding. Absent in the literature are reports specific to nurses' comfort when patients initiate prayer requests. Cross-sectional mixed methods study. Data were collected in early 2014 from 134 nurses in the USA via an online survey using QuestionPro. The qualitative results reported here were collated by scenario and analysed using thematic analysis. The scenario responses revealed patterns of ease and dis-ease in response to patient requests for prayer. The pattern of ease of prayer with patients revealed three themes: open to voice of calm or silence; physical or spiritual; can I call the chaplain. For these nurses, prayer is a natural component of nursing care, as the majority of responses to all scenarios demonstrated an overwhelming ease in response and capacity to pray with patients on request. The pattern of dis-ease of prayer with patients distinguished two themes: cautious hesitancy and whose God. These nurses experienced dis-ease with the patient's request no matter the situation. Educators and administrators must nurture opportunities for students and nurses to learn about and engage in the reflective preparation needed to respond to patient prayer requests. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

On the need for Embodied and Dis-Embodied Cognition

PubMed Central

Dove, Guy

2011-01-01

This essay proposes and defends a pluralistic theory of conceptual embodiment. Our concepts are represented in at least two ways: (i) through sensorimotor simulations of our interactions with objects and events and (ii) through sensorimotor simulations of natural language processing. Linguistic representations are “dis-embodied” in the sense that they are dynamic and multimodal but, in contrast to other forms of embodied cognition, do not inherit semantic content from this embodiment. The capacity to store information in the associations and inferential relationships among linguistic representations extends our cognitive reach and provides an explanation of our ability to abstract and generalize. This theory is supported by a number of empirical considerations, including the large body of evidence from cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology supporting a multiple semantic code explanation of imageability effects. PMID:21833295

[Effect of gap size between tooth and restorative materials on microbiolism based caries in vitro].

PubMed

Lu, Wen-bin; Li, Yun

2012-05-01

To evaluate the effect of gap size between tooth and restorative materials on microbiolism based caries in vitro. Tooth blocks made of human molars without caries and the same size composite resin blocks were selected and prepared. Tooth-resin matrix was mounted on resin base with a gap size of 0, 25, 50, 100, 190, 250 µm and a control group was dealed with adhesive system. Six experimental groups and one control group were included, with 8 samples in one group and a total of 56 samples. The samples were cultured by a 14-day sequential batch culture technique. The development of outer surface lesion and wall lesion was assessed with confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) by measuring the maximum lesion depth, fluorescence areas and average fluorescence value. The data were collected and statistically analyzed. The deposits of the tooth-restoration interface and the development of the carious lesion were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Most groups showed outer surface lesion and wall surface lesions observed by CLSM and SEM except 2 samples in control group. There was no significant difference on the outer surface lesion (P > 0.05). The maximum lesion depth [(1145.37 ± 198.98), (1190.12 ± 290.80) µm respectively], the maximum lesion length, fluorescence areas and average fluorescence value of 190 and 250 µm groups' wall lesions were significantly higher than the 0, 25, 50 and 100 µm groups [the maximum lesion depth was (205.25 ± 122.61), (303.87 ± 118.80), (437.75 ± 154.88), (602.87 ± 269.13) µm respectively], P < 0.01. With the increase of the gap size, the demineralization developed more seriously. While the maximum lesion depth, the maximum lesion length and fluorescence areas of 0, 25, 50 µm groups' wall lesions were of no significant difference. There was close relationship between gap size and wall lesion when the gap was above 100 µm at tooth-composite resin interface. The existence of gap was the main influencing factor on the

(Re)Writing Civics in the Digital Age: The Role of Social Media in Student (Dis)Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Portman Daley, Joannah

2012-01-01

(Re)Writing Civics in the Digital Age: The Role of Social Media in Student (Dis)Engagement addresses an important gap in the knowledge of civic rhetoric available in Rhetoric and Composition by using qualitative methods to explore the parameters of civic engagement through social media-based digital writing. With funding from URI's Office of…

The Dis-Art Creative Journey, Art Therapy for Persons with Disabilities: Adaptation of the Creative Journey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luzzatto, Paola; Bruno, Teresa; Cosco, Marianna; Del Curatolo, Annamaria; Frigenti, Franca; Macchioni, Silvia

2017-01-01

This article describes a 10-session group art therapy program for people with physical and neurological disabilities. This program, the DIS-ART Creative Journey, was adapted from the Creative Journey used with cancer patients, and was tested in Italy by 4 art therapists. The 5-step structure of each session and the 10 facilitating techniques used…

[Microbiological diagnosis of infections of the skin and soft tissues].

PubMed

Burillo, Almudena; Moreno, Antonio; Salas, Carlos

2007-11-01

Skin and soft tissue infections are often seen in clinical practice, yet their microbiological diagnosis is among the most complex of laboratory tasks. The diagnosis of a skin and a soft tissue infection is generally based on clinical criteria and not microbiological results. A microbiological diagnosis is reserved for cases in which the etiology of infection is required, e.g., when the infection is particularly severe, when less common microorganisms are suspected as the causative agent (e.g. in immunocompromised patients), when response to antimicrobial treatment is poor, or when a longstanding wound does not heal within a reasonable period of time. We report the indications, sampling and processing techniques, and interpretation criteria for various culture types, including quantitative cultures from biopsy or tissue specimens and semiquantitative and qualitative cultures performed on all types of samples. For non-invasive samples taken from open wounds, application of the Q index to Gram stains is a cost-effective way to standardize sample quality assessment and interpretation of the pathogenic involvement of the different microorganisms isolated from cultures. All these issues are covered in the SEIMC microbiological procedure number 22: Diagnóstico microbiológico de las infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos (Microbiological diagnosis of infections of the skin and soft tissues) (2nd ed., 2006, www.seimc.org/protocolos/microbiologia).

Tioman virus infection in experimentally infected mouse brain and its association with apoptosis.

PubMed

Yaiw, Koon Chu; Ong, Kien Chai; Chua, Kaw Bing; Bingham, John; Wang, Linfa; Shamala, Devi; Wong, Kum Thong

2007-08-01

Tioman virus is a newly described bat-urine derived paramyxovirus isolated in Tioman Island, Malaysia in 2001. Hitherto, neither human nor animal infection by this virus has been reported. Nonetheless, its close relationship to another paramyxovirus, the Menangle virus which had caused diseases in humans and pigs [Philbey, A.W., Kirkland, P.D., Ross, A.D., Davis, R.J., Gleeson, A.B., Love, R.J., Daniels, P.W., Gould, A.R., Hyatt, A.D., 1998. An apparently new virus (family Paramyxoviridae) infectious for pigs, humans, and fruit bats. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 4, 269-271], raises the possibility that it may be potentially pathogenic. In this study, mice were experimentally infected with Tioman virus by intraperitoneal and intracerebral routes, and the cellular targets and topographical distribution of viral genome and antigens were examined using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The possible association between viral infection and apoptosis was also investigated using the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry to FasL, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 and bcl-2. The results showed that Tioman virus inoculated intracerebrally was neurotropic causing plaque-like necrotic areas, and appeared to preferentially replicate in the neocortex and limbic system. Viral infection of inflammatory cells was also demonstrated. TUNEL and Caspase-3 positivity was found in inflammatory cells but not in neurons, while FasL, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 were consistently negative. This suggests that neuronal infection was associated with necrosis rather than apoptosis. Moreover, the data suggest that there may be an association between viral infection and apoptosis in inflammatory cells, and that it could, at least in part, involve Caspase-independent pathways. Bcl-2 was expressed in some neurons and inflammatory cells indicating its possible role in anti-apoptosis. There was no evidence of central nervous system infection via the intraperitoneal route.

Amoral, im/moral and dis/loyal: Children's moral status in child welfare.

PubMed

Knezevic, Zlatana

2017-11-01

This article is a discursive examination of children's status as knowledgeable moral agents within the Swedish child welfare system and in the widely used assessment framework BBIC. Departing from Fricker's concept of epistemic injustice, three discursive positions of children's moral status are identified: amoral, im/moral and dis/loyal. The findings show the undoubtedly moral child as largely missing and children's agency as diminished, deviant or rendered ambiguous. Epistemic injustice applies particularly to disadvantaged children with difficult experiences who run the risk of being othered, or positioned as reproducing or accommodating to the very same social problems they may be victimised by.

Stigma, substance use and sexual risk behaviors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Edelman, E Jennifer; Cole, Christopher A; Richardson, Wanda; Boshnack, Nicholas; Jenkins, Heidi; Rosenthal, Marjorie S

2016-06-01

Public health HIV-service providers, including Medical Case Managers (case managers) and Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) have a key role to play in identifying and addressing clients' complex mental health needs and substance use which contribute to sexual risk behaviors, yet their understanding and its consensus with HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) have not been well characterized. Together with an AIDS Service Organization and the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in 2011-2012, we conducted a focus group of case managers (n = 14) and interviewed DIS (n = 7) and HIV-infected MSM (n = 17) in Connecticut. We used the constant comparison method, grounded theory, and a community-based participatory approach to guide analysis. We identified three themes characterizing public health HIV-service providers' and MSM's perspectives regarding factors contributing to substance use and sexual risk behaviors in the context of HIV infection: 1) While both MSM and providers described a co-occurrence of HIV, stigma, substance use, and sexual risk behaviors, only MSM identified a causal relationship between these factors; 2) MSM and providers both described varying levels of self-efficacy in readiness to decrease substance use and sexual risk behaviors among MSM; both identified the social network as the key barrier to overcome; 3) Providers described how the co-occurrence of HIV, stigma and sexual risk behaviors leads to multi-faceted client needs for which they lacked sufficient training and collaboration. Provider education, skills-based training, and interventions targeting social networks may decrease sexual risk behaviors among HIV-infected MSM.

DisArticle: a web server for SVM-based discrimination of articles on traditional medicine.

PubMed

Kim, Sang-Kyun; Nam, SeJin; Kim, SangHyun

2017-01-28

Much research has been done in Northeast Asia to show the efficacy of traditional medicine. While MEDLINE contains many biomedical articles including those on traditional medicine, it does not categorize those articles by specific research area. The aim of this study was to provide a method that searches for articles only on traditional medicine in Northeast Asia, including traditional Chinese medicine, from among the articles in MEDLINE. This research established an SVM-based classifier model to identify articles on traditional medicine. The TAK + HM classifier, trained with the features of title, abstract, keywords, herbal data, and MeSH, has a precision of 0.954 and a recall of 0.902. In particular, the feature of herbal data significantly increased the performance of the classifier. By using the TAK + HM classifier, a total of about 108,000 articles were discriminated as articles on traditional medicine from among all articles in MEDLINE. We also built a web server called DisArticle ( http://informatics.kiom.re.kr/disarticle ), in which users can search for the articles and obtain statistical data. Because much evidence-based research on traditional medicine has been published in recent years, it has become necessary to search for articles on traditional medicine exclusively in literature databases. DisArticle can help users to search for and analyze the research trends in traditional medicine.

Call to modernization: distributed interactive simulation (DIS)-an answer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarr, Ronald W.

1995-04-01

The recent profound change in the geo-political alignment of nations, fall of Soviet Communism, economic reform at home, lessons learned from Operation DESERT STORM, and increased reliance on the military to execute Operations Other Than War (OOTW), has resulted in a Modernization renaissance throughout the Department of the Defense. Focused by a diminished strategic threat and reduced budget, the Army must tackle the challenge of realism and accurate Comand and Control capabilities across the entire spectrum of the Synthetic Environment. To accomplish this, as the DoD lead for DIS, it has formulated many new modernization strategies during the last three years to ensure its premier status as the world's Dominant Landforce into the 21s1 Century. Responding to the National Military Strategy, the Army has established five modernization objectives that are necessary to ensure future sustainment of the warfighting force over the next decade.

VennDIS: a JavaFX-based Venn and Euler diagram software to generate publication quality figures.

PubMed

Ignatchenko, Vladimir; Ignatchenko, Alexandr; Sinha, Ankit; Boutros, Paul C; Kislinger, Thomas

2015-04-01

Venn diagrams are graphical representations of the relationships among multiple sets of objects and are often used to illustrate similarities and differences among genomic and proteomic datasets. All currently existing tools for producing Venn diagrams evince one of two traits; they require expertise in specific statistical software packages (such as R), or lack the flexibility required to produce publication-quality figures. We describe a simple tool that addresses both shortcomings, Venn Diagram Interactive Software (VennDIS), a JavaFX-based solution for producing highly customizable, publication-quality Venn, and Euler diagrams of up to five sets. The strengths of VennDIS are its simple graphical user interface and its large array of customization options, including the ability to modify attributes such as font, style and position of the labels, background color, size of the circle/ellipse, and outline color. It is platform independent and provides real-time visualization of figure modifications. The created figures can be saved as XML files for future modification or exported as high-resolution images for direct use in publications. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization Of Pathogenesis Of And Immune Response To Burkholderia Pseudomallei K9243 Using Both Inhalational And Intraperitoneal Infection Models In BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-24

mesh cages were 97 placed in a whole-body aerosol chamber within a class three biological safety cabinet located 98 inside a BSL-3 laboratory. Mice...ecological emerging infectious disease in the Alor Setar region of Kedah, Malaysia . BMC 1098 Infect Dis, 2010. 10: p. 302. 1099 12. Limmathurotsakul, D

Subjectivation, Agency and the Schooling of Raced and Dis/Abled Asylum-Seeking Children in the Italian Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Migliarini, Valentina

2017-01-01

This paper intends to address the challenges that the Italian education system is facing in terms of policies and practices relating to dis/abled asylum-seeking and refugee children, in order to make sense of the politics of daily life inside schools and the network of social services for forced migrants, and to pay renewed attention to the notion…

Factors Associated with Parent-Child (Dis)Agreement on Child Behavior and Parenting Problems in Chinese Immigrant Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fung, Joey J.; Lau, Anna S.

2010-01-01

We examined familial and cultural factors predicting parent-child (dis)agreement on child behavior and parenting problems. Immigrant Chinese parents (89.7% mothers; M age = 44.24 years) and their children (62 boys; 57.9%) between the ages of 9 and 17 years (M = 11.9 years, SD = 2.9) completed measures of parent punitive behavior and child…

Peeking under the Iron Curtain: Development of a Microcosm for Imaging the Colonization of Steel Surfaces by Mariprofundus sp. Strain DIS-1, an Oxygen-Tolerant Fe-Oxidizing Bacterium

PubMed Central

Adaktylou, Irini J.; Emerson, David

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a major cause of damage to steel infrastructure in the marine environment. Despite their ability to grow directly on Fe(II) released from steel, comparatively little is known about the role played by neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB). Recent work has shown that FeOB grow readily on mild steel (1018 MS) incubated in situ or as a substrate for pure cultures in vitro; however, details of how they colonize steel surfaces are unknown yet are important for understanding their effects. In this study, we combine a novel continuously upwelling microcosm with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to determine the degree of colonization of 1018 MS by the marine FeOB strain DIS-1. 1018 MS coupons were incubated with sterile seawater (pH 8) inoculated with strain DIS-1. Incubations were performed both under oxic conditions and in an anoxic-to-oxic gradient. Following incubations of 1 to 10 days, the slides were removed from the microcosms and stained to visualize both cells and stalk structures. Stained coupons were visualized by CLSM after being mounted in a custom frame to preserve the three-dimensional structure of the biofilm. The incubation of 1018 MS coupons with strain DIS-1 under oxic conditions resulted in initial attachment of cells within 2 days and nearly total coverage of the coupon with an ochre film within 5 days. CLSM imaging revealed a nonadherent biofilm composed primarily of the Fe-oxide stalks characteristic of strain DIS-1. When incubated with elevated concentrations of Fe(II), DIS-1 colonization of 1018 MS was inhibited. IMPORTANCE These experiments describe the growth of a marine FeOB in a continuous culture system and represent direct visualizations of steel colonization by FeOB. We anticipate that these experiments will lay the groundwork for studying the mechanisms by which FeOB colonize steel and help to elucidate the role played by marine FeOB in MIC. These observations of the

Peeking under the Iron Curtain: Development of a Microcosm for Imaging the Colonization of Steel Surfaces by Mariprofundus sp. Strain DIS-1, an Oxygen-Tolerant Fe-Oxidizing Bacterium.

PubMed

Mumford, Adam C; Adaktylou, Irini J; Emerson, David

2016-11-15

Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a major cause of damage to steel infrastructure in the marine environment. Despite their ability to grow directly on Fe(II) released from steel, comparatively little is known about the role played by neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB). Recent work has shown that FeOB grow readily on mild steel (1018 MS) incubated in situ or as a substrate for pure cultures in vitro; however, details of how they colonize steel surfaces are unknown yet are important for understanding their effects. In this study, we combine a novel continuously upwelling microcosm with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to determine the degree of colonization of 1018 MS by the marine FeOB strain DIS-1. 1018 MS coupons were incubated with sterile seawater (pH 8) inoculated with strain DIS-1. Incubations were performed both under oxic conditions and in an anoxic-to-oxic gradient. Following incubations of 1 to 10 days, the slides were removed from the microcosms and stained to visualize both cells and stalk structures. Stained coupons were visualized by CLSM after being mounted in a custom frame to preserve the three-dimensional structure of the biofilm. The incubation of 1018 MS coupons with strain DIS-1 under oxic conditions resulted in initial attachment of cells within 2 days and nearly total coverage of the coupon with an ochre film within 5 days. CLSM imaging revealed a nonadherent biofilm composed primarily of the Fe-oxide stalks characteristic of strain DIS-1. When incubated with elevated concentrations of Fe(II), DIS-1 colonization of 1018 MS was inhibited. These experiments describe the growth of a marine FeOB in a continuous culture system and represent direct visualizations of steel colonization by FeOB. We anticipate that these experiments will lay the groundwork for studying the mechanisms by which FeOB colonize steel and help to elucidate the role played by marine FeOB in MIC. These observations of the interaction between an Fe

The Canadian Legal System, the Robert Latimer Case, and the Rhetorical Construction of (Dis)ability: "Bodies that Matter?"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Sally

2009-01-01

This paper considers Judge Ted Noble's 1997 ruling of the Latimer case in terms of how it rhetorically constructs and privileges the normal, able-bodied status quo, while, at the same time, deconstructs and positions as inferior the "abnormal," dis-abled minority. In this case, Noble not only took the unprecedented step of granting…

When travel is a challenge: Travel medicine and the 'dis-abled' traveller.

PubMed

Bauer, Irmgard

Travellers with recognised disabilities or the dis-ability to function as required during a trip have been overlooked in the travel medicine literature. This paper provides a starting point for further discussion and research into this neglected traveller population. In contrast, tourism research has explored travel with a disability for some time in order to understand the travellers' needs and to improve services accordingly. The contemporary bio-psycho-social understanding of disability serves as the framework for exploring motivations to travel as well as barriers, such as inter and intrapersonal, economic, structural and attitudinal obstacles. The demands of complex travel planning are acknowledged. Attention is also drawn to the particular issue of acquired disability. The theoretical discussion is complemented by travellers' own accounts using as examples mobility impairment on aeroplanes, sensory impairments, and obesity. These insights should inform high quality travel health care starting with an exploration of the health professionals' own views on such endeavours. Important are appropriate communication skills, an understanding of the travellers'/carers' views, wishes and judgment of abilities, as well as the appreciation of the reason for the trip, destination and planned activities. Challenging may be the need to accept that the traveller/carer will be more knowledgeable about the disability, needs, potential problems and solutions than the health professional. Finally, medical requirements for destination and activity need to be combined with the medical requirements for the dis-abling condition. Scarce literature and increasing numbers of travellers with disabilities should make this field a research priority in travel medicine. Unless there is an absolute medical contraindication, travel health professionals should encourage and support travellers for whom travel is a challenge. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the p(dis) correction factor for cylindrical chambers.

PubMed

Andreo, Pedro

2010-03-07

The authors of a recent paper (Wang and Rogers 2009 Phys. Med. Biol. 54 1609) have used the Monte Carlo method to simulate the 'classical' experiment made more than 30 years ago by Johansson et al (1978 National and International Standardization of Radiation Dosimetry (Atlanta 1977) vol 2 (Vienna: IAEA) pp 243-70) on the displacement (or replacement) perturbation correction factor p(dis) for cylindrical chambers in 60Co and high-energy photon beams. They conclude that an 'unreasonable normalization at dmax' of the ionization chambers response led to incorrect results, and for the IAEA TRS-398 Code of Practice, which uses ratios of those results, 'the difference in the correction factors can lead to a beam calibration deviation of more than 0.5% for Farmer-like chambers'. The present work critically examines and questions some of the claims and generalized conclusions of the paper. It is demonstrated that for real, commercial Farmer-like chambers, the possible deviations in absorbed dose would be much smaller (typically 0.13%) than those stated by Wang and Rogers, making the impact of their proposed values negligible on practical high-energy photon dosimetry. Differences of the order of 0.4% would only appear at the upper extreme of the energies potentially available for clinical use (around 25 MV) and, because lower energies are more frequently used, the number of radiotherapy photon beams for which the deviations would be larger than say 0.2% is extremely small. This work also raises concerns on the proposed value of pdis for Farmer chambers at the reference quality of 60Co in relation to their impact on electron beam dosimetry, both for direct dose determination using these chambers and for the cross-calibration of plane-parallel chambers. The proposed increase of about 1% in p(dis) (compared with TRS-398) would lower the kQ factors and therefore Dw in electron beams by the same amount. This would yield a severe discrepancy with the current good agreement between

Electron-deuteron DIS with spectator tagging at EIC: Development of theoretical framework

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cosyn, Wim B.; Guzey, Vadim A.; Sargsian, Misak M.

2016-03-01

An Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) would enable next-generation measurements of deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) on the deuteron with detection of a forward-moving nucleon (p, n) and measurement of its recoil momentum ("spectator tagging''). Such experiments offer full control of the nuclear configuration during the high-energy process and can be used for precision studies of the neutron's partonic structure and its spin dependence, nuclear modifications of partonic structure, and nuclear shadowing at small x. We review the theoretical description of spectator tagging at EIC energies (light-front nuclear structure, on-shell extrapolation in the recoil nucleon momentum, final-state interactions, diffractive effects at small x) andmore » report about on-going developments.« less

Amoral, im/moral and dis/loyal: Children’s moral status in child welfare

PubMed Central

Knezevic, Zlatana

2017-01-01

This article is a discursive examination of children’s status as knowledgeable moral agents within the Swedish child welfare system and in the widely used assessment framework BBIC. Departing from Fricker’s concept of epistemic injustice, three discursive positions of children’s moral status are identified: amoral, im/moral and dis/loyal. The findings show the undoubtedly moral child as largely missing and children’s agency as diminished, deviant or rendered ambiguous. Epistemic injustice applies particularly to disadvantaged children with difficult experiences who run the risk of being othered, or positioned as reproducing or accommodating to the very same social problems they may be victimised by. PMID:29187776

Cross-Pollinating Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning: Toward an Inclusive Pedagogy That Accounts for Dis/Ability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waitoller, Federico R.; Thorius, Kathleen A. King

2016-01-01

In this article, Federico R. Waitoller and Kathleen A. King Thorius extend recent discussions on culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP) in order to explicitly account for student dis/ability. The authors engage in this work as part of an inclusive education agenda. Toward this aim, they discuss how CSP and universal design for learning will benefit…

Informing the Historical Record of Experimental Nonhuman Primate Infections with Ebola Virus: Genomic Characterization of USAMRIID Ebola Virus/H.sapiens-tc/COD/1995/Kikwit-9510621 Challenge Stock R4368 and Its Replacement R4415

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-20

8U EBOV/Yam-May populations converted to 7U populations 101 in guinea pigs [10]. These changes may be related to selective advantages linked to the... guinea pigs or nonhuman primates [25]. 104 However, the observations described above indicate that there may be selective advantages 105 associated with...culture and 20 infection of guinea pigs . J Infect Dis. 2011;204 Suppl 3:S941-6. Epub 2011/10/19. doi: 21 10.1093/infdis/jir321. PubMed PMID: 21987773. 22

Sediment tracing in the upper Hunter catchment using elemental and mineralogical compositions: Implications for catchment-scale suspended sediment (dis)connectivity and management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fryirs, Kirstie; Gore, Damian

2013-07-01

River bed colmation layers clog the interstices of gravel-bed rivers, impeding the vertical exchange of water and nutrients that drives ecosystem function in the hyporheic zone. In catchments where fine-grained sediment supply has increased since human disturbance, understanding sediment provenance and the (dis)connectivity of supply allows practitioners to target sediment source problems and treat them within catchment management plans. Release of alluvial fine-grained sediment from channel bank erosion since European settlement has resulted in the formation of a colmation layer along the upper Hunter River at Muswellbrook, eastern Australia. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) are used to determine the elemental and mineralogical signatures of colmation layer and floodplain sediment sources across this 4480 km2 catchment. This sediment tracing technique is used to construct a picture of how suspended sediment supply and (dis)connectivity operates in this catchment. In this system, the primary source areas are subcatchments in which sediments are stored largely in partly confined floodplain pockets, but from which sediment supply is unimpeded and directly connected to the receiving reach. Subcatchments in which alluvial sediment storage is significant — and which contain large, laterally unconfined valleys — are essentially 'switched off' or disconnected from the receiving reach. This is because large sediment sinks act to trap fine-grained sediment before it reaches the receiving reach, forming a buffer along the sediment conveyor belt. Given the age structure of floodplains in the receiving reach, this pattern of source area contributions and (dis)connectivity must have occurred throughout the Holocene.

Multifactorial causal model of brain (dis)organization and therapeutic intervention: Application to Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Iturria-Medina, Yasser; Carbonell, Félix M; Sotero, Roberto C; Chouinard-Decorte, Francois; Evans, Alan C

2017-05-15

Generative models focused on multifactorial causal mechanisms in brain disorders are scarce and generally based on limited data. Despite the biological importance of the multiple interacting processes, their effects remain poorly characterized from an integrative analytic perspective. Here, we propose a spatiotemporal multifactorial causal model (MCM) of brain (dis)organization and therapeutic intervention that accounts for local causal interactions, effects propagation via physical brain networks, cognitive alterations, and identification of optimum therapeutic interventions. In this article, we focus on describing the model and applying it at the population-based level for studying late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). By interrelating six different neuroimaging modalities and cognitive measurements, this model accurately predicts spatiotemporal alterations in brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden, glucose metabolism, vascular flow, resting state functional activity, structural properties, and cognitive integrity. The results suggest that a vascular dysregulation may be the most-likely initial pathologic event leading to LOAD. Nevertheless, they also suggest that LOAD it is not caused by a unique dominant biological factor (e.g. vascular or Aβ) but by the complex interplay among multiple relevant direct interactions. Furthermore, using theoretical control analysis of the identified population-based multifactorial causal network, we show the crucial advantage of using combinatorial over single-target treatments, explain why one-target Aβ based therapies might fail to improve clinical outcomes, and propose an efficiency ranking of possible LOAD interventions. Although still requiring further validation at the individual level, this work presents the first analytic framework for dynamic multifactorial brain (dis)organization that may explain both the pathologic evolution of progressive neurological disorders and operationalize the influence of multiple interventional

Automated Dissolution for Enteric-Coated Aspirin Tablets: A Case Study for Method Transfer to a RoboDis II.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Sarah A; Martini, Luigi

2014-08-01

Dissolution method transfer is a complicated yet common process in the pharmaceutical industry. With increased pharmaceutical product manufacturing and dissolution acceptance requirements, dissolution testing has become one of the most labor-intensive quality control testing methods. There is an increased trend for automation in dissolution testing, particularly for large pharmaceutical companies to reduce variability and increase personnel efficiency. There is no official guideline for dissolution testing method transfer from a manual, semi-automated, to automated dissolution tester. In this study, a manual multipoint dissolution testing procedure for an enteric-coated aspirin tablet was transferred effectively and reproducibly to a fully automated dissolution testing device, RoboDis II. Enteric-coated aspirin samples were used as a model formulation to assess the feasibility and accuracy of media pH change during continuous automated dissolution testing. Several RoboDis II parameters were evaluated to ensure the integrity and equivalency of dissolution method transfer from a manual dissolution tester. This current study provides a systematic outline for the transfer of the manual dissolution testing protocol to an automated dissolution tester. This study further supports that automated dissolution testers compliant with regulatory requirements and similar to manual dissolution testers facilitate method transfer. © 2014 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Geometric scaling behavior of the scattering amplitude for DIS with nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kormilitzin, Andrey; Levin, Eugene; Tapia, Sebastian

2011-12-01

The main question, that we answer in this paper, is whether the initial condition can influence on the geometric scaling behavior of the amplitude for DIS at high energy. We re-write the non-linear Balitsky-Kovchegov equation in the form which is useful for treating the interaction with nuclei. Using the simplified BFKL kernel, we find the analytical solution to this equation with the initial condition given by the McLerran-Venugopalan formula. This solution does not show the geometric scaling behavior of the amplitude deeply in the saturation region. On the other hand, the BFKL Pomeron calculus with the initial condition at x=1/mR given by the solution to Balitsky-Kovchegov equation, leads to the geometric scaling behavior. The McLerran-Venugopalan formula is the natural initial condition for the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) approach. Therefore, our result gives a possibility to check experimentally which approach: CGC or BFKL Pomeron calculus, is more satisfactory.

On the origin of the phase-space diffusion limit in (dis)ordered protein aggregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gadomski, A.; Siódmiak, J.; Santamaría-Holek, I.

2013-08-01

Derivation of a phase-space diffusion limit (D-L) allows to obtain a useful formula for a characteristic width of the macroion-channeling filter, controlling model (dis)ordered protein aggregations in a non-ideal aqueous solution. The channel’s width is estimated at the order of an inner half-width of the Stern-type double layer circumventing the growing object and depends in turn on an interplay of the local thermal and electrostatic conditions. The interfacial channeling effect manifests at the edge of biomolecular hydration-duration dependent (non)Markovianity of the system. The interface vs. solution aggregation late-time dynamics are discussed in such local (non)isothermal context with the aim to suggest their experimental assessment.

Low-shear modeled microgravity: a global environmental regulatory signal affecting bacterial gene expression, physiology, and pathogenesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nickerson, Cheryl A.; Ott, C. Mark; Wilson, James W.; Ramamurthy, Rajee; LeBlanc, Carly L.; Honer zu Bentrup, Kerstin; Hammond, Timothy; Pierson, Duane L.

2003-01-01

Bacteria inhabit an impressive variety of ecological niches and must adapt constantly to changing environmental conditions. While numerous environmental signals have been examined for their effect on bacteria, the effects of mechanical forces such as shear stress and gravity have only been investigated to a limited extent. However, several important studies have demonstrated a key role for the environmental signals of low shear and/or microgravity in the regulation of bacterial gene expression, physiology, and pathogenesis [Chem. Rec. 1 (2001) 333; Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 54 (2000) 33; Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63 (1997) 4090; J. Ind. Microbiol. 18 (1997) 22; Curr. Microbiol. 34(4) (1997) 199; Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 56(3-4) (2001) 384; Infect Immun. 68(6) (2000) 3147; Cell 109(7) (2002) 913; Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68(11) (2002) 5408; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99(21) (2002) 13807]. The response of bacteria to these environmental signals, which are similar to those encountered during prokaryotic life cycles, may provide insight into bacterial adaptations to physiologically relevant conditions. This review focuses on the current and potential future research trends aimed at understanding the effect of the mechanical forces of low shear and microgravity analogues on different bacterial parameters. In addition, this review also discusses the use of microgravity technology to generate physiologically relevant human tissue models for research in bacterial pathogenesis.

cos ( 4 φ ) azimuthal anisotropy in small- x DIS dijet production beyond the leading power TMD limit

DOE PAGES

Dumitru, Adrian; Skokov, Vladimir

2016-07-25

Here we determine the first correction to the quadrupole operator in high-energy QCD beyond the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) limit of Weizsäcker-Williams and linearly polarized gluon distributions. These functions give rise to isotropic, respectively, ~cos2more » $$\\phi$$ angular distributions in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) dijet production. On the other hand, the correction produces a ~cos4$$\\phi$$ angular dependence which is suppressed by one additional power of the dijet transverse momentum scale (squared) P 2.« less

Lack of Effectiveness of the 23-Valent Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine in Reducing All-Cause Pneumonias Among Healthy Young Military Recruits: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-08

pneumococcal capsu- lar polysaccharide vaccine with emphasis on the cross-reactive types within groups. J Infect Dis 1983;148:1136–59. [2] Update...pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine usage–United States. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1984;33:273–327, 81. [3] Skull SA, Andrews RM, Byrnes GB, Kelly HA...Protective effects of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the elderly population: the EVAN-65 study. Clin Infect Dis 2006;43:860–8

Induction of In Vivo Antipolysaccharide Immunoglobulin Responses to Intact Streptococcus pneumoniae Is More Heavily Dependent on Btk-Mediated B-Cell Receptor Signaling than Antiprotein Responses

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

pneumococcal surface adhesin A, and pneumolysin in relation to pneumo- coccal carriage and acute otitis media . J. Infect. Dis. 182:1146–1152. 29. Rawlings, D...Simell, B., M. Korkeila, H. Pursiainen, T. M. Kilpi, and H. Kayhty. 2001. Pneumococcal carriage and otitis media induce salivary antibodies to pneu...children with acute otitis media . Pediatr. Infect. Dis. J. 21:186–192. 41. Soininen, A., H. Pursiainen, T. Kilpi, and H. Kayhty. 2001. Natural devel

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii: DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded autopsy tissues from AIDS patients who died by severe disseminated toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Bastos da Silva, Inara; Batista, Tatiana Pimental de Andrade; Martines, Roosecelis Brasil; Kanamura, Cristina Takami; Ferreira, Isabelle Martins Ribeiro; Vidal, Jose Ernesto; Pereira-Chioccola, Vera Lucia

2016-06-01

This study investigated the genetic features of Toxoplasma gondii isolated directly in autopsies of HIV-infected patients who died with severe disseminated toxoplasmosis. This retrospective analysis was conducted in a cohort of 15 HIV-infected patients with clinical and laboratory data. They had previous cerebral toxoplasmosis at least 6 months before the disseminated toxoplasmosis episode. The hypothesis was that they were infected with highly virulent parasites due to the condition in which they died. T. gondii genotyping was done directly in DNA extracted from 30 autopsy brain and lung samples (2 per patient) and mutilocus PCR-RFLP genotyping was done using 12 molecular markers. The 30 clinical samples were genotyped successfully in 8 or more loci and six suggestive genotypes were identified. One of them was Toxo DB #11, previously identified in different domestic animals and virulent in experimental animals. The other five suggestive genotypes identified in 14 patients were not described. TgHuDis1 was the most frequent and was determined in 8 patients. TgHuDis3 and TgHuDis5 were identified in two patients each. TgHuDis2 and TgHuDis4 have been identified in one patient each. These suggestive genotypes could be considered as virulent, since they caused severe tissue damage and had similar characteristics as Toxo # DB 11. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Genotype and Elementary School Children's Likability, Dis-likability and Friendship among Classroom Peers: A Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

He, Jin; Buil, J Marieke; Koot, Hans M; van Lier, Pol A C

2018-04-27

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs53576 of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene is involved in forming and maintaining relationships in various social contexts. However, this has not been studied in the childhood peer context. The present study followed 359 children (51.6% girls) from age 9 to 12 to explore associations between OXTR rs53576 genotype (i.e., AA, AG or GG genotype) and three indicators of children's relationships with peers: likability and dis-likability among, and friendship with, classroom peers. Our results showed that OXTR rs53576 was associated with likability among boys, but not with dis-likability and friendship or among girls. Boys with an A and a G allele (i.e., AG genotype) became increasingly more liked by their peers across the four-year studied period than those with two A alleles or two G alleles (i.e., AA and GG genotype). This study indicates that OXTR rs53576 genotype might influence children's peer relationships, particularly their likeability among peers. Associations between OXTR rs53576 and peer relationships may differ depending on children's sex and the specific type of peer-relationship under scrutiny.

Organisational characteristics associated with the use of daily interruption of sedation in US hospitals: a national study.

PubMed

Miller, Melissa A; Krein, Sarah L; Saint, Sanjay; Kahn, Jeremy M; Iwashyna, Theodore J

2012-02-01

Daily interruption of sedation (DIS) has multiple proven benefits, but implementation is erratic. Past research on sedative interruption utilisation focused on individual clinicians, ignoring the role of organisations in shaping practice. The authors test the hypothesis that specific hospital organisational characteristics are associated with routine use of DIS. National, mailed survey to a stratified random sample of US hospitals in 2009. Respondents were the lead infection control professionals at each institution. Survey items enquired about DIS use, institutional structure, and organisational culture. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the independent association of these factors with DIS use. A total of 386 hospitals formed our final analytic sample; the response rate was 69.4%. Hospitals ranged in size from 25 to 1359 beds. 26% of hospitals were associated with a medical school. Almost 80% reported regular use of DIS for ventilated patients. While 75.4% of hospitals reported having leadership focus on safety culture, only 42.7% reported that their staff were receptive to changes in practice. In a multivariable logistic regression model, structural characteristics such as size and academic affiliation were not associated with use of DIS. However, leadership emphasis on safety culture (p=0.04), staff receptivity to change (p=0.02) and involvement in an infection prevention collaborative (p=0.04) were significantly associated with regular DIS use. Several elements of hospital organisational culture were associated with regular use of DIS in US hospitals. These findings emphasise the importance of combining specific administrative approaches with strategies to encourage receptivity to change among bedside clinicians in order to successfully implement complex evidence-based practices in the intensive care setting.

Responding to "Cross-Pollinating Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning: Toward an Inclusive Pedagogy That Accounts for Dis/Ability". A Harvard Educational Review Forum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alim, H. Samy; Baglieri, Susan; Ladson-Billings, Gloria; Paris, Django; Rose, David H.; Valente, Joseph Michael

2017-01-01

In the fall of 2016, the "Harvard Educational Review" ("HER") published "Cross-Pollinating Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning: Toward an Inclusive Pedagogy that Accounts for Dis/Ability" by Federico R. Waitoller, assistant professor in the Department of Special Education at the University…

ASO: Antistreptolysin O titer

MedlinePlus

... of Group A Streptococcal Infections. American Society for Microbiology [On-line journal]. Clin Microbiol Rev . 2000 July; ... Forbes, B. et. al. (© 2007). Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology, 12th Edition: Mosby Elsevier Press, St. Louis, MO. ...

The Influence of (Dis)belief in Free Will on Immoral Behavior.

PubMed

Caspar, Emilie A; Vuillaume, Laurène; Magalhães De Saldanha da Gama, Pedro A; Cleeremans, Axel

2017-01-01

One of the hallmarks of human existence is that we all hold beliefs that determine how we act. Amongst such beliefs, the idea that we are endowed with free will appears to be linked to prosocial behaviors, probably by enhancing the feeling of responsibility of individuals over their own actions. However, such effects appear to be more complex that one might have initially thought. Here, we aimed at exploring how induced disbeliefs in free will impact the sense of agency over the consequences of one's own actions in a paradigm that engages morality. To do so, we asked participants to choose to inflict or to refrain from inflicting an electric choc to another participant in exchange of a small financial benefit. Our results show that participants who were primed with a text defending neural determinism - the idea that humans are a mere bunch of neurons guided by their biology - administered fewer shocks and were less vindictive toward the other participant. Importantly, this finding only held for female participants. These results show the complex interaction between gender, (dis)beliefs in free will and moral behavior.

The Influence of (Dis)belief in Free Will on Immoral Behavior

PubMed Central

Caspar, Emilie A.; Vuillaume, Laurène; Magalhães De Saldanha da Gama, Pedro A.; Cleeremans, Axel

2017-01-01

One of the hallmarks of human existence is that we all hold beliefs that determine how we act. Amongst such beliefs, the idea that we are endowed with free will appears to be linked to prosocial behaviors, probably by enhancing the feeling of responsibility of individuals over their own actions. However, such effects appear to be more complex that one might have initially thought. Here, we aimed at exploring how induced disbeliefs in free will impact the sense of agency over the consequences of one’s own actions in a paradigm that engages morality. To do so, we asked participants to choose to inflict or to refrain from inflicting an electric choc to another participant in exchange of a small financial benefit. Our results show that participants who were primed with a text defending neural determinism – the idea that humans are a mere bunch of neurons guided by their biology – administered fewer shocks and were less vindictive toward the other participant. Importantly, this finding only held for female participants. These results show the complex interaction between gender, (dis)beliefs in free will and moral behavior. PMID:28144228

Hepatitis Infection in the Treatment of Opioid Dependence and Abuse

PubMed Central

Kresina, Thomas F; Sylvestre, Diana; Seeff, Leonard; Litwin, Alain H; Hoffman, Kenneth; Lubran, Robert; Clark, H Westley

2008-01-01

Many new and existing cases of viral hepatitis infections are related to injection drug use. Transmission of these infections can result directly from the use of injection equipment that is contaminated with blood containing the hepatitis B or C virus or through sexual contact with an infected individual. In the latter case, drug use can indirectly contribute to hepatitis transmission through the dis-inhibited at-risk behavior, that is, unprotected sex with an infected partner. Individuals who inject drugs are at-risk for infection from different hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A, B, or C. Those with chronic hepatitis B virus infection also face additional risk should they become co-infected with hepatitis D virus. Protection from the transmission of hepatitis viruses A and B is best achieved by vaccination. For those with a history of or who currently inject drugs, the medical management of viral hepatitis infection comprising screening, testing, counseling and providing care and treatment is evolving. Components of the medical management of hepatitis infection, for persons considering, initiating, or receiving pharmacologic therapy for opioid addiction include: testing for hepatitis B and C infections; education and counseling regarding at-risk behavior and hepatitis transmission, acute and chronic hepatitis infection, liver disease and its care and treatment; vaccination against hepatitis A and B infection; and integrative primary care as part of the comprehensive treatment approach for recovery from opioid abuse and dependence. In addition, participation in a peer support group as part of integrated medical care enhances treatment outcomes. Liver disease is highly prevalent in patient populations seeking recovery from opioid addiction or who are currently receiving pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction. Pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction is not a contraindication to evaluation, care, or treatment of liver disease due to hepatitis virus infection. Successful

Parameters determining the efficacy of adoptive CD8 T-cell therapy of cytomegalovirus infection.

PubMed

Ebert, Stefan; Podlech, Jürgen; Gillert-Marien, Dorothea; Gergely, Kerstin M; Büttner, Julia K; Fink, Annette; Freitag, Kirsten; Thomas, Doris; Reddehase, Matthias J; Holtappels, Rafaela

2012-11-01

Reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the transient state of immunodeficiency after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the most frequent and severe viral complication endangering leukemia therapy success. By infecting the bone marrow (BM) stroma of the transplantation recipient, CMV can directly interfere with BM repopulation by the transplanted donor-derived hematopoietic cells and thus delay immune reconstitution of the recipient. Cytopathogenic virus spread in tissues can result in CMV disease with multiple organ manifestations of which interstitial pneumonia is the most feared. There exists a 'window of risk' between hematoablative treatment and reconstitution of antiviral immunity after HCT, whereby timely reconstitution of antiviral CD8 T cells is a recognized positive prognostic parameter for the control of reactivated CMV infection and prevention of CMV disease. Supplementation of endogenous reconstitution by adoptive cell transfer of 'ready-to-go' effector and/or memory virus epitope-specific CD8 T cells is a therapeutic option to bridge the 'window of risk.' Preclinical research in murine models of CMV disease has been pivotal by providing 'proof of concept' for a benefit from CD8 T-cell therapy of HCT-associated CMV disease (reviewed in Holtappels et al. Med Microbiol Immunol 197:125-134, 2008). Here, we give an update of our previous review with focus on parameters that determine the efficacy of adoptive immunotherapy of CMV infection by antiviral CD8 T cells in the murine model.

[Mechanical testing of implant properties of thoracoscopic implantation of ventral spinal stabilizing systems. Comparative study with the ISO/DIS 12189-2 corpectomy model and an improved synthetic model].

PubMed

Grupp, T M; Beisse, R; Potulski, M; Marnay, T; Beger, J; Blömer, W

2002-04-01

A new modular anterior fixation system MACS TL (modular anterior construct system for the thoracic and lumbar spine) has been developed for use in thoracoscopic spondylodesis. This system demonstrates high angular stability and meets the surgical requirements for an endoscopic approach. The objective of the current study was fatigue testing of the MACS TL implant system using a corpectomy model according to ISO/DIS 12189-2 and a synthetic model recently developed by Kotani et al. [6]. The MACS TL system demonstrated good mechanical properties with a high stiffness compared to the published data reviewed. The importance of dynamic testing in a corpectomy model has been demonstrated by comparing the MACS TL plate system with an early prototype, which has not yet been clinically evaluated. The corpectomy model according to Kotani et al. offers an interesting alternative to the ISO/DIS 12189-2 test method for asymmetrically designed and antero-laterally positioned spinal implants due to the unconstrained ball joint.

Thermal (dis)comfort experienced from physiological movements across indoor, transitional and outdoor spaces in Singapore: A pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li Heng, Su; Chow, Winston

2017-04-01

Human thermal comfort research is important as climate discomfort can adversely affect both health and work productivity in cities; however, such biometeorological work in low-latitude urban areas is still relatively unstudied hitherto. In the tropical metropolis of Singapore, a suite of policies have been implemented aimed at improving environmental sustainability via increasing car-free commutes and pedestrian movement during work/school journeys, with the consequence that individuals will likely have increased personal exposure through a variety of spaces (and climates) during typical daily activities. As such, research into exploring the thermal (dis)comfort experienced during pedestrian movements across these indoor, outdoor and transitional (semi-outdoor) spaces would yield interesting applied biometerological insights. This pilot study thus investigates how pedestrian thermal comfort varies spatially across a university campus, and how the physical intensity of pedestrian travel affects thermal comfort across these spaces. Over a 10-week period, we profiled six students for both their objective and subjective pedestrian thermal comfort during traverses across different spaces. Data were obtained through use of (a.) of a heat stress sensor, (b.) a fitness tracker, and (b.) a questionnaire survey to record traverse measurements of the microclimate, their physiological data, and their perceived microclimate comfort respectively. Measured climate and physiological data were used to derive commonly-used thermal comfort indices like wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and physiological equivalent temperature (PET). Further, interviews were conducted with all six subjects at the end of the fieldwork period to ascertain details on individual acclimatization behavior and adaptation strategies. The results indicate that (a.) more than 50% of the microclimatic conditions within each indoor, semi-outdoor, and outdoor space exceeded heat stress thresholds of both PET and

Equality of hemisphere soft functions for e + e - , DIS and pp collisions at O ( α s 2 )

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Daekyoung; Labun, Ou Z.; Lee, Christopher

We present a simple observation about soft amplitudes and soft functions appearing in factorizable cross sections in ee, ep, and pp collisions that has not clearly been made in previous literature, namely, that the hemisphere soft functions that appear in event shape distributions in e +e - → dijets, deep inelastic scattering (DIS), and in Drell–Yan (DY) processes are equal in perturbation theory up to O(α s 2), even though individual amplitudes may have opposite sign imaginary parts due to changing complex pole prescriptions in eikonal propagators for incoming vs. outgoing lines. We also explore potential generalizations of this observationmore » to soft functions for other observables or with more jets in the final state.« less

DIS off glueballs from string theory: the role of the chiral anomaly and the Chern-Simons term

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovensky, Nicolas; Michalski, Gustavo; Schvellinger, Martin

2018-04-01

We calculate the structure function F 3( x, q 2) of the hadronic tensor of deep inelastic scattering (DIS) of charged leptons from glueballs of N=4 SYM theory at strong coupling and at small values of the Bjorken parameter in the gauge/string theory duality framework. This is done in terms of type IIB superstring theory scattering amplitudes. From the AdS5 perspective, the relevant part of the scattering amplitude comes from the five-dimensional non-Abelian Chern-Simons terms in the SU(4) gauged supergravity obtained from dimensional reduction on S 5. From type IIB superstring theory we derive an effective Lagrangian describing the four-point interaction in the local approximation. The exponentially small regime of the Bjorken parameter is investigated using Pomeron techniques.

Etiology and Rapid Diagnosis of Human Viral Gastroenteritis

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

Esherichia coli infections detected by DNA hybridization. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 26:1362-1366,1988. 16. Herrmann, J.E., Blacklow, N.R., Perron... coli infections in pediatric diarrhea in the Philippines, J. Infect. Dis. 138:326, 1978. 13. Echeverria, P., Hodge, F.A., Blacklow, N.R., Vollet, J.J

DisPATCh as a tool to evaluate coarse-scale remotely sensed soil moisture using localized in situ measurements: Application to SMOS and AMSR-E data in Southeastern Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malbéteau, Yoann; Merlin, Olivier; Molero, Beatriz; Rüdiger, Christoph; Bacon, Stephan

2016-03-01

Validating coarse-scale satellite soil moisture data still represents a big challenge, notably due to the large mismatch existing between the spatial resolution (> 10 km) of microwave radiometers and the representativeness scale (several m) of localized in situ measurements. This study aims to examine the potential of DisPATCh (Disaggregation based on Physical and Theoretical scale Change) for validating SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) and AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth observation system) level-3 soil moisture products. The ∽40-50 km resolution SMOS and AMSR-E data are disaggregated at 1 km resolution over the Murrumbidgee catchment in Southeastern Australia during a one year period in 2010-2011, and the satellite products are compared with the in situ measurements of 38 stations distributed within the study area. It is found that disaggregation improves the mean difference, correlation coefficient and slope of the linear regression between satellite and in situ data in 77%, 92% and 94% of cases, respectively. Nevertheless, the downscaling efficiency is lower in winter than during the hotter months when DisPATCh performance is optimal. Consistently, better results are obtained in the semi-arid than in a temperate zone of the catchment. In the semi-arid Yanco region, disaggregation in summer increases the correlation coefficient from 0.63 to 0.78 and from 0.42 to 0.71 for SMOS and AMSR-E in morning overpasses and from 0.37 to 0.63 and from 0.47 to 0.73 for SMOS and AMSR-E in afternoon overpasses, respectively. DisPATCh has strong potential in low vegetated semi-arid areas where it can be used as a tool to evaluate coarse-scale remotely sensed soil moisture by explicitly representing the sub-pixel variability.

Arabidopsis RabF1 (ARA6) Is Involved in Salt Stress and Dark-Induced Senescence (DIS)

PubMed Central

Yin, Congfei; Karim, Sazzad; Zhang, Hongsheng; Aronsson, Henrik

2017-01-01

Arabidopsis small GTPase RabF1 (ARA6) functions in endosomal vesicle transport and may play a crucial role in recycling and degradation of molecules, thus involved in stress responses. Here we have reported that complementary overexpression lines RabF1OE (overexpression), GTPase mutants RabF1Q93L (constitutively active) and RabF1S47N (dominant negative) lines show longer root growth than wild-type, rabF1 knockout and N-myristoylation deletion (Δ1−29, N-terminus) complementary overexpression mutant plants under salt induced stress, which indicates that N-myristoylation of RabF1 is indispensable for salt tolerance. Moreover, RabF1 is highly expressed during senescence and RabF1OE lines were more tolerant of dark-induced senescence (DIS) than wild-type and rabF1. PMID:28157156

Success in the workplace: From the voice of (dis)abled to the voice of enabled

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The intention of this article is twofold; first to encourage a shift in seeing ‘the disabled’ not as people with disabilities but rather as people with unique abilities. Secondly, to explore ways of facilitating gainful employment for these uniquely abled people. The term disability is examined against a backdrop of definitions including the definition postulated by the International Classification of Functioning. In this article, the life experiences of a purposive sample of people with (dis)abilities who have been successful in the world of work are explored. A narrative approach gives voice to their experiences. Quotes from the participants’ responses are used to illustrate the common themes that emerged relating to their experiences. These themes are resonated against a backdrop of relevant literature. If disabled people are enabled to recognize and use their unique abilities, as well as develop various self-determination skills, imagine the endless possibilities which could arise for them and society in general. PMID:28729997

Development of a spatio-temporal disaggregation method (DisNDVI) for generating a time series of fine resolution NDVI images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bindhu, V. M.; Narasimhan, B.

2015-03-01

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a key parameter in understanding the vegetation dynamics, has high spatial and temporal variability. However, continuous monitoring of NDVI is not feasible at fine spatial resolution (<60 m) owing to the long revisit time needed by the satellites to acquire the fine spatial resolution data. Further, the study attains significance in the case of humid tropical regions of the earth, where the prevailing atmospheric conditions restrict availability of fine resolution cloud free images at a high temporal frequency. As an alternative to the lack of high resolution images, the current study demonstrates a novel disaggregation method (DisNDVI) which integrates the spatial information from a single fine resolution image and temporal information in terms of crop phenology from time series of coarse resolution images to generate estimates of NDVI at fine spatial and temporal resolution. The phenological variation of the pixels captured at the coarser scale provides the basis for relating the temporal variability of the pixel with the NDVI available at fine resolution. The proposed methodology was tested over a 30 km × 25 km spatially heterogeneous study area located in the south of Tamil Nadu, India. The robustness of the algorithm was assessed by an independent comparison of the disaggregated NDVI and observed NDVI obtained from concurrent Landsat ETM+ imagery. The results showed good spatial agreement across the study area dominated with agriculture and forest pixels, with a root mean square error of 0.05. The validation done at the coarser scale showed that disaggregated NDVI spatially averaged to 240 m compared well with concurrent MODIS NDVI at 240 m (R2 > 0.8). The validation results demonstrate the effectiveness of DisNDVI in improving the spatial and temporal resolution of NDVI images for utility in fine scale hydrological applications such as crop growth monitoring and estimation of evapotranspiration.

A common genetic variant in FOXP2 is associated with language-based learning (dis)abilities: Evidence from two Italian independent samples.

PubMed

Mozzi, Alessandra; Riva, Valentina; Forni, Diego; Sironi, Manuela; Marino, Cecilia; Molteni, Massimo; Riva, Stefania; Guerini, Franca R; Clerici, Mario; Cagliani, Rachele; Mascheretti, Sara

2017-04-24

Language-based Learning Disabilities (LLDs) encompass a group of complex, comorbid, and developmentally associated deficits in communication. Language impairment and developmental dyslexia (DD) represent the most recognized forms of LLDs. Substantial genetic correlations exist between language and reading (dis)abilities. Common variants in the FOXP2 gene were consistently associated with language- and reading-related neuropsychological and neuroanatomical phenotypes. We tested the effect of a FOXP2 common variant, that is, rs6980093 (A/G), on quantitative measures of language and reading in two independent Italian samples: a population-based cohort of 699 subjects (3-11 years old) and a sample of 572 children with DD (6-18 years old). rs6980093 modulates expressive language in the general population sample, with an effect on fluency scores. In the DD sample, the variant showed an association with the accuracy in the single word reading task. rs6980093 shows distinct genetic models of association in the two cohorts, with a dominant effect of the G allele in the general population sample and heterozygote advantage in the DD cohort. We provide preliminary evidence that rs6980093 associates with language and reading (dis)abilities in two independent Italian cohorts. rs6980093 is an intronic SNP, suggesting that it (or a linked variant) modulates phenotypic association via regulation of FOXP2 expression. Because FOXP2 brain expression is finely regulated, both temporally and spatially, it is possible that the two alleles at rs6980093 differentially modulate expression levels in a developmental stage- or brain area-specific manner. This might help explaining the heterozygote advantage effect and the different genetic models in the two cohorts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The US Air Force Tick Identification Service

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-22

Anderson JF. Infected ticks feeding on persons in areas endemic for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever . J Infect Dis 1989;160:729-730. 12...sis, KFD = Kysanur forest disease, LD = Lyme disease (erythema migrans), OHF = Omsk hemorrhagic fever, RMSF = Rocky Mountain spotted fever , RSSE

Azimuthal Dependence of Intrinsic Top in Photon-Quark Scattering and Higgs Production in Boson-Gluon Fusion DIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boroun, G. R.; Khanehzar, A.; Boustanchi Kashan, M.

2017-11-01

In this paper, we study the top content of nucleon by analyzing azimuthal asymmetries in lepton-nucleon deep inelastic scattering (DIS), also we search for the Higgs boson associated production channel, t\\bar{t}H, at the large hadron-electron collider (LHeC) caused by boson-gluon fusion (BGF) contribution. We use azimuthal asymmetries in {γ }* Q cross sections in terms of helicity contributions to semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering to investigate numerical properties of the \\cos 2φ distribution. We conclude that measuring azimuthal distributions caused by intrinsic heavy quark production can directly probe heavy quarks inside nucleon. Moreover, in order to estimate the probability of producing the Higgs boson, we suggest another approach in the framework of calculating t\\bar{t} cross section in boson-gluon fusion mechanism. Finally, we can confirm that this observed massive particle is referred to Higgs boson produced by fermion loop.

Staphylococcus aureus β-Toxin Mutants Are Defective in Biofilm Ligase and Sphingomyelinase Activity, and Causation of Infective Endocarditis and Sepsis.

PubMed

Herrera, Alfa; Vu, Bao G; Stach, Christopher S; Merriman, Joseph A; Horswill, Alexander R; Salgado-Pabón, Wilmara; Schlievert, Patrick M

2016-05-03

β-Toxin is an important virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus, contributing to colonization and development of disease [Salgado-Pabon, W., et al. (2014) J. Infect. Dis. 210, 784-792; Huseby, M. J., et al. (2010) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107, 14407-14412; Katayama, Y., et al. (2013) J. Bacteriol. 195, 1194-1203]. This cytotoxin has two distinct mechanisms of action: sphingomyelinase activity and DNA biofilm ligase activity. However, the distinct mechanism that is most important for its role in infective endocarditis is unknown. We characterized the active site of β-toxin DNA biofilm ligase activity by examining deficiencies in site-directed mutants through in vitro DNA precipitation and biofilm formation assays. Possible conformational changes in mutant structure compared to that of wild-type toxin were assessed preliminarily by trypsin digestion analysis, retention of sphingomyelinase activity, and predicted structures based on the native toxin structure. We addressed the contribution of each mechanism of action to producing infective endocarditis and sepsis in vivo in a rabbit model. The H289N β-toxin mutant, lacking sphingomyelinase activity, exhibited lower sepsis lethality and infective endocarditis vegetation formation compared to those of the wild-type toxin. β-Toxin mutants with disrupted biofilm ligase activity did not exhibit decreased sepsis lethality but were deficient in infective endocarditis vegetation formation compared to the wild-type protein. Our study begins to characterize the DNA biofilm ligase active site of β-toxin and suggests β-toxin functions importantly in infective endocarditis through both of its mechanisms of action.

(Dis)placing trust: the long-term effects of job displacement on generalised trust over the adult lifecourse.

PubMed

Laurence, James

2015-03-01

Increasing rates of job displacement (i.e. involuntary job loss from redundancy, downsizing, restructuring) have been suggested to be a key driver of declining macro-levels of generalised trust. This article undertakes the first test of how job displacement affects individuals' tendencies to (dis)trust over the adult lifecourse, using two-waves of the Great Britain National Child Development Study cohort data, on a sample of n=6840 individuals. Applying both lagged dependent variable logistic regression and two-wave change-score models, experiencing job displacement between the ages of 33 and 50 appears to significantly scar individuals' generalised trust, with depressed trust observable at least nine years after the event occurred. However, this effect is dependent on the value an individual places on work: the greater the attachment to employment the stronger the negative effect of displacement. A range of mediators, such as physical health, mental well-being, and personal efficacy, do not appear to account for the effect. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clostridium difficile in the Military Population

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-05

association between race and infection . This is similar to the Buchner and associates case- control study; which noted an increase in occurrence of C...sustained within a hospital , additional persons infected with C. difficile are needed10. Acute appendicitis ranking first among diagnoses for hospitalized ...Buchner AM, Sonnenberg A. Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection in a large population of hospitalized US military veterans. Dig Dis Sci

Managing risk and marginalizing identities: on the society-of-captives thesis and the harm of social dis-ease.

PubMed

Arrigo, Bruce A

2013-06-01

This article develops the constitutive features of the society-of-captives thesis as suggested by Arrigo and Milovanovic, and Arrigo, Bersot, and Sellers. The relevance of this thesis is briefly explored in relation to the institutional and community-based treatment philosophies that currently inform the mental health and criminal justice systems. This exploration specifies how risk (being human and doing humanness differently) is managed symbolically, linguistically, materially, and culturally. The management of this risk extends to the kept as well as to their keepers, regulators, and watchers (i.e., the society of captives). This article calls for a new clinical praxis (being/doing a critical mindfulness) designed to overcome the totalizing madness (the harm of social dis-ease) that follows from managing risk fearfully and marginalizing identities desperately as reified recursively through society's captivity. The ethical underpinnings of this clinical praxis represent an emergent direction for undertaking correctional policy reform.

Culture, Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Studies in Bartonella bacilliformis

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-09-22

within the BA lesions ofHIV-infected patients that appeared similar to the CSD bacillus. ReIman et aI. provided the first infotmation on the genus of the...1993. 31(7): 1730-1734. 21. ReIman DA. Bacillary angiomatosis and Rochalimaea species. Curro CUn. Top. Infect. Dis. pp. 205-219. MElliODS and MATERIALS

Bacteriophage Therapy for Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm-Infected Wounds: A New Approach to Chronic Wound Care

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

J Am Coll Surg. 2012;215:388–399. 25. Carter MJ, Warriner RA III. Evidence - based medicine in wound care: Time for a new paradigm. Adv Skin Wound Care...therapy: Facts and fiction. Int J Med Microbiol. 2006;296:5–14. Evidence - Based Medicine : Questions and Answers Q: Will PRS still review, accept, and

Human Papillomavirus - Prevalence of High-Risk and Low-Risk Types among Females Aged 14-59 Years, National Health and ...

MedlinePlus

... 14 – 59 Years, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003 – 2006 Recommend on Facebook Tweet Share Compartir ... United States, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2006. J Infect Dis. 2011;204(4): ...

Lipid Metabolism during Infection and Endotoxemia

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

containing 8- and 10-carbon fatty acids almost exclusively) have been used in certain therapeutic diets . In contrast to the long-chain triglycerides...increased utilization of ketone bodies. The major substrates for hepatic ketogenesis are long-chain fatty acids. The term ’ ketogenic capacity’ refers to the...bodies is influenced not only by substrate availability and enzyme activities, but also more directly by the dis- posal of acetyl-CoA through ketogenic

Summary Report: Workshop on the Potential Risks of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Human HIV Vaccine Trials

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

the possible role of ADE of infection are not understood. Immune-mediated disease enhancement in several viral dis- Animal viral diseases. Feline ...hemorrhagic fever/ more, in vitro FIPV infection of primary feline peritoneal dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Such severe manifesta- macrophages is...in vivo immune enhancement has these cells. The enhancing (or neutralizing) activity measured not been reported in simian immunodeficiency viruses

Two Distinct Mechanisms for Induction of Dendritic Cell Apoptosis in Response to Intact Streptococcus pneumoniae

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

exus) for providing phosphorylcholine-keyhole limpet hemocyanin, GM- CSF, and purified PG, respectively, and Drs. David Briles and Janet Yother... Musher , D. M. 1992. Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: clinical spectrum, pathogenesis, immunity, and treatment. Clin. Infect. Dis. 14:801...47. Watson, D. A., and D. M. Musher . 1990. Interruption of capsule production in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 by insertion of transposon

Human Leukocyte Antigen-DQ8 Transgenic Mice: A Model to Examine the Toxicity of Aerosolized Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-11-30

Que, and A. S. Bayer. 2002. Pathogenesis of streptococcal and staphylococcal endocarditis . Infect . Dis. Clin. N. Am. 16:297–318. 26. Nabozny, G. H., J... INFECTION AND IMMUNITY, Apr. 2005, p. 2452–2460 Vol. 73, No. 4 0019-9567/05/$08.000 doi:10.1128/IAI.73.4.2452–2460.2005 Copyright © 2005, American... infections , including scarlet fever, pharyngitis, dermatitis, infectious ar- thritis, and toxic shock syndrome (2, 13, 18, 25, 31). These pathogenic bacteria

Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Health-Care Worker Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis. Vol. 47/No. RR-7.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-15

needlestick injury. J Infect Dis 1993;168:1589-92. 25. Cao Y, Krogstad P, Korber BT, et al. Maternal HIV-1 viral load and vertical transmission of...pregnant women infected with HIV-1 for maternal health and for reducing perinatal HIV-1 transmission in the United States. MMWR 1998;47(no. RR-2). 87...Director Hospital Infections Program William R. Jarvis, M.D. Acting Director The production of this report as an MMWR serial publication was coordinated

(dis)connectivity in Catchment-Scale Sediment Cascades: Forecasting Responses in Sediment Flux Associated with Various Forms of Environmental Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fryirs, K.

2010-12-01

Fluvial systems are key elements that drive Earth surface change because they convey most of the global fluxes of water and sediment from land to oceans. Fluvial fluxes of water and sediment also drive a significant proportion of the terrestrial biochemical cycling of carbon, nutrients and pollutants. Understanding the internal dynamics of the sediment cascade is therefore critical to forecasting how environmental change, whether driven by extrinsic climate change, or intrinsic human-disturbance, might affect biochemical fluxes. To understand the internal dynamics of sediment flux requires a framework that can incorporate the various processes involved in the movement of sediment from the source area through the basin system to the outlet, and can take account of spatial variability within the system and the timeframes over which these processes operate. Traditionally a sediment budget approach has been used to quantify the sediment being supplied, transported and stored in various parts of catchments. In more recent years, a more sophisticated approach to analysis of catchment linkages and (dis)connectivity has been developed that incorporates both spatial and temporal variability in the operation of the sediment cascade. This framework is based on an understanding of longitudinal, lateral and vertical linkages in sediment flux in catchments, and where blockages occur to disrupt these linkages. These blockages have been termed buffers, barriers and blankets (Fryirs et al 2007). Depending on the position of these blockages, and their sediment residence time, various parts of catchment may be actively contributing sediment to the catchment sediment cascade and be switched on, or inactive and switched off. The degree of spatial connectivity determines the effective catchment area. The breaching capacity of buffers, barriers and blankets determines the effective timescale over which certain parts of a catchment are switched on. The sediment residence time and

Limits of variation, specific infectivity, and genome packaging of massively recoded poliovirus genomes.

PubMed

Song, Yutong; Gorbatsevych, Oleksandr; Liu, Ying; Mugavero, JoAnn; Shen, Sam H; Ward, Charles B; Asare, Emmanuel; Jiang, Ping; Paul, Aniko V; Mueller, Steffen; Wimmer, Eckard

2017-10-10

Computer design and chemical synthesis generated viable variants of poliovirus type 1 (PV1), whose ORF (6,189 nucleotides) carried up to 1,297 "Max" mutations (excess of overrepresented synonymous codon pairs) or up to 2,104 "SD" mutations (randomly scrambled synonymous codons). "Min" variants (excess of underrepresented synonymous codon pairs) are nonviable except for P2 Min , a variant temperature-sensitive at 33 and 39.5 °C. Compared with WT PV1, P2 Min displayed a vastly reduced specific infectivity (si) (WT, 1 PFU/118 particles vs. P2 Min , 1 PFU/35,000 particles), a phenotype that will be discussed broadly. Si of haploid PV presents cellular infectivity of a single genotype. We performed a comprehensive analysis of sequence and structures of the PV genome to determine if evolutionary conserved cis-acting packaging signal(s) were preserved after recoding. We showed that conserved synonymous sites and/or local secondary structures that might play a role in determining packaging specificity do not survive codon pair recoding. This makes it unlikely that numerous "cryptic, sequence-degenerate, dispersed RNA packaging signals mapping along the entire viral genome" [Patel N, et al. (2017) Nat Microbiol 2:17098] play the critical role in poliovirus packaging specificity. Considering all available evidence, we propose a two-step assembly strategy for +ssRNA viruses: step I, acquisition of packaging specificity, either ( a ) by specific recognition between capsid protein(s) and replication proteins (poliovirus), or ( b ) by the high affinity interaction of a single RNA packaging signal (PS) with capsid protein(s) (most +ssRNA viruses so far studied); step II, cocondensation of genome/capsid precursors in which an array of hairpin structures plays a role in virion formation.

Spanish flu, Asian flu, Hong Kong flu, and seasonal influenza in Japan under social and demographic influence: review and analysis using the two-population model.

PubMed

Yoshikura, Hiroshi

2014-01-01

When cumulative numbers of patients (X) and deaths (Y) associated with an influenza epidemic are plotted using the log-log scale, the plots fall on an ascending straight line generally expressed as logY = k(logX - logN0). For the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the slope k was ～0.6 for Mexico and ～2 for other countries. The two-population model was proposed to explain this phenomenon (Yoshikura H. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2012;65:279-88; Yoshikura H. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2009;62:411-2; and Yoshikura H. Jpn J Infect Dis. 2009;62:482-4). The current article reviews and analyzes previous influenza epidemics in Japan to examine whether the two-population model is applicable to them. The slope k was found to be ～2 for the Spanish flu during 1918-1920 and the Asian flu during 1957-1958, and ～1 for the Hong Kong flu and seasonal influenza prior to 1960-1961; however, k was ～0.6 for seasonal influenza after 1960-1961. This transition of the slope k of seasonal influenza plots from ～1 to ～0.6 corresponded to the shift in influenza mortality toward the older age groups and a drastic reduction in infant mortality rates due to improvements in the standard of living during the 1950s and 1960s. All the above observations could be well explained by reconstitution of the influenza epidemic based on the two-population model.

Phenotypic Characterization of a Novel Virulence-Factor Deletion Strain of Burkholderia mallei that Provides Partial Protection against Inhalational Glanders in Mice

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-26

minimal to mild expansion of the white pulp by lymphoid hyperplasia with variable numbers of plasma cells within the white and red pulp (Figures 8G–I... Cell . Infect. Microbiol. 6:21. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00021 Phenotypic Characterization of a Novel Virulence-Factor Deletion Strain of Burkholderia...respect to intracellular growth, macrophage uptake and phagosomal escape, actin-based motility, and multinucleated giant cell formation. Based on observed

Effects of Pharmacologic Intervention on Oxygenation, Lung Water and Protein Leak in the Pseudomonas ARDS Procine Model

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-07-01

they displayed varying degrees of congestion and edema, often with petechial or larger hemorrhages and more or less widespread bronchopneumonia in...Chemow, B. (1990) Circulating interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor in septic shock and experimental endotoxin fever . J. Infect. Dis., 161:79-84

The role of pest control advisors in preventative management of grapevine trunk diseases

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Diseased vineyards can produce a disproportionately low ratio of yield to ecosystem dis-services, and can have little to no returns on the capital invested. Minimizing such environmental and economic impacts depends on disease prevention, but adopting a preventative practice after infection occurs m...

A Novel Mechanism of High-Level, Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Resistance Caused by a Single Base Pair Change in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-20

significantly alter the regulation of the mtrCDE operon and result in increased resistance to anti- microbials. IMPORTANCE Gonorrhea is the second most...causative agent of the sexually trans-mitted infection gonorrhea , is a Gram-negative diplococcus and is strictly a human pathogen. Clinical isolates of N...produced in response to experimental human gonorrhea . J. Infect. Dis. 172:186 –191. 34. Schmidt KA, et al. 2001. Experimental gonococcal urethritis and

Global Surveillance of Emerging Influenza Virus Genotypes by Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-30

Intercontinental circulation of human influenza A( H1N2 ) reassortant viruses during the 2001–2002 influenza season. J Infect Dis 186: 1490–1493. 6. Taubenberger...Global Surveillance of Emerging Influenza Virus Genotypes by Mass Spectrometry Rangarajan Sampath1*, Kevin L. Russell2, Christian Massire1, Mark W...Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America Background. Effective influenza surveillance requires

Immune Serum Produced by DNA Vaccination Protects Hamsters against Lethal Respiratory Challenge with Andes Virus

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-02-01

responses in the hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. J. Infect. Dis. 182:43–48. 3. Butler, J. C., and C. J. Peters. 1994. Hantaviruses and hantavirus ...November 2007 Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a highly pathogenic disease (40% case fatality rate) carried by rodents chronically infected with...certain viruses within the genus Hantavirus of the family Bunyaviridae. The primary mode of transmission to humans is thought to be inhalation of excreta

Vascular Abnormalities Associated with Thermal and Electrical Trauma,

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

Knippenberg, R,W.: Temporal relationships among immunologic alterations in a guinea pig model of thermal injury. J. Infect, Dis., 153:1098, 1986. 7...decompression venous access to 72 hr in thermally injured patients of the stomach and alimentation provided either by is supported by the documented

Targeting Common but Complex Proteoglycans on Breast Cancer Cells and Stem Cells Using Evolutionary Refined Malaria Proteins

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

clearance and infect placental cells, thereby causing pregnancy - associated malaria outbreaks in epidemic regions of the world. Prior to this...recognition and activity. Nat. Chem. Biol. 2, 467–473. Holtan, S.G., Creedon, D.J., Haluska, P., and Markovic, S.N. (2009). Cancer and pregnancy : parallels...falciparum involved in pregnancy -associated malaria. Mol. Microbiol. 49, 179–191. Salanti, A., Dahlbäck, M., Turner, L., Nielsen, M.A., Barfod, L

A Multi-Agent Alphavirus DNA Vaccine Delivered by Intramuscular Electroporation Elicits Robust and Durable Virus Specific Immune Responses in Mice and Rabbits and Completely Protects Mice against Lethal Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Aerosol Challenges

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-26

protection against aerosol viral challenge in animal studies (13-15). In addition, immune 89 interference has been documented when the VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV...in developing protective DNA vaccines for WEEV and EEEV that 536 provide significantly increased protection against lethal viral aerosol challenge...Arboviral infections in the United States. Infect Dis Clin North Am 5:73-102. 723 3. Bale JF, Jr. 1993. Viral encephalitis. Med Clin North Am 77:25-42. 724

Report on Lyme disease Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

uninformed citizens. Ticks serve as vectors for a number of important human diseases. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is primarily a disease of...H. 1989. "Selected tickborne infections - A review of Lyme dis- ease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever , and Babesiosis. N.Y. State J. Med. 26 References

Molecular Detection of Rickettsia amblyommii in Amblyomma americanum Parasitizing Humans

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Rocky Mountain spotted fever [RMSF...diseases in North Carolina: is "Rickettsia amblyommii" a possible cause of rickettsiosis reported as Rocky Mountain spotted fever ? Vector Borne Zoonot...HN, et al. Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis and its clinical distinction from Rocky Mountain spotted fever . Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47:1188-

Keratinolytic activities of alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. MBRL 575 from a novel habitat, limestone deposit site in Manipur, India.

PubMed

Kshetri, Pintubala; Ningthoujam, Debananda S

2016-01-01

Microbial degradation of keratinous wastes is preferred over physicochemical methods as the latter is costlier and not eco-friendly. Novel habitats are promising for discovery of new microbial strains. Towards discovery of novel keratinolytic bacteria, screening of bacterial strains from a novel limestone habitat in Hundung, Manipur, India was done and a promising isolate, MBRL 575, was found to degrade native chicken feather efficiently. It could grow over a broad pH range (Langeveld et al. in J Infect Dis 188:1782-1789, 2003; Park and Son in Microbiol Res 164:478-485, 2009; Zaghloul et al. in Biodegradation 22:111-128, 2011; Takami et al. in Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 56:1667-1669, 1992; Riffel et al. in J Biotechnol 128:693-703, 2007; Wang et al. in Bioresour Technol 99:5679-5686, 2008) and in presence of 0-15 % NaCl. Based on phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the new keratinolytic limestone isolate was identified as Bacillus sp. MBRL 575. It produced 305 ± 12 U/ml keratinase and liberated 120 ± 5.5 mg of soluble peptides and 158 ± 4 mg of amino acids per gram of feather after 48 h of incubation at 30 °C in chicken feather medium. The strain could also degrade feathers of other species besides chicken. The cell-free enzyme was also able to degrade feather. Citrate and soybean meal were found to be the best carbon and nitrogen supplements for enhanced enzyme, soluble peptide and amino acid production. In addition to keratinolytic activity, MBRL 575 also exhibited antagonistic activity against two major rice fungal pathogens, Rhizoctonia oryzae-sativae (65 %) and Rhizoctonia solani (58 %).

Challenge of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators with Viable H1N1 Influenza Aerosols (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

Response, US Department of Health and Human Services. references 1. Tellier R. Aerosol transmission of influenza A virus: a review of new studies. J R...5. Tellier R. Review of aerosol transmission of influenza A virus. Emerg Infect Dis 2006;12:1657–1662. 6. Bridges CB, Kuehnert MJ, Hall CB

Profiles and clinical management of hepatitis C patients in Spain: disHCovery study.

PubMed

Buti, Maria; Franco, Alejandro; Carmona, Isabel; Sánchez-Ruano, Juan Jose; Sansó, Andreu; Berenguer, Marina; García-Buey, Luisa; Hernández-Guerra, Manuel; Morillas, Rosa Maria; Ledesma, Francisco; Esteban, Rafael

2015-06-01

To assess the clinical profile and management of patients with hepatitis C (HCV) infection in an observational study in Spanish hospitals. The study included an initial cross-sectional phase (study phase I), in which investigators at 48 hospitals from 14 Spanish regions collected data from approximately 20 consecutive patients each (a total of 1,000 patients) to assess the general features of HCV-infected patients of any genotype. During the second phase (study phase II), data from 878 patients that were infected exclusively with genotype 1 HCV were assessed retrospectively. Eight pre-defined clinical profiles were established, in order to assess clinical and previous treatments characteristics. Among the HCV-infected individuals that were analysed during the first part, HCV genotype 1 was found to be predominant (with a prevalence of 76.6%), prevailing the subtype 1b (69.8%), with other significant groups infected by genotype 3 (12.3%) and 4 (7.4%). In the second part of the study, 44% of the HCV genotype 1-infected patients were at a F3/F4 fibrosis stage. 15.9% had never been treated, and previously unsuccessfully treated patients that were no longer receiving anti-HCV treatment accounted for 50.8% of cases. Individuals with a sustained virologic response (SVR) to previous dual therapies (based on Interferon and Ribavirin) were only 14.5% and patients under treatment during the study accounted for the remaining 18.8%. A total of 713 patients (81.2%) in the second phase were not receiving any type of therapy over the period analysed, mainly due to the anticipation of new anti-HCV drugs (41.8%), SVR achievement (17.8%) and unresponsiveness to therapies available at the time of the study (9.5%). HCV genotype 1, predominately 1b, is the most prevalent type in Spain. Advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is frequent in this group, mainly patients not yet cured.

Stigma, discrimination, and sexual (dis)satisfaction among people living with HIV: results from the "AIDES et toi" survey.

PubMed

Rojas Castro, D; Le Gall, J M; Andreo, C; Spire, B

2010-08-01

The effects of HIV-related stigma and discrimination have been studied in several areas, such as access to testing, quality of care quality, and access to work. Nevertheless, the effects of stigma and discrimination on the sexual life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have not been studied enough. AIDES, a French community-based organization, has developed a biannual survey which assesses several socioeconomical and psychosocial dimensions of the people in contact with this organization. A focus on the results concerning sexual (dis)satisfaction and the factors associated are presented here. A convenience sample of 521 HIV-positive men having sex with men, heterosexual men and women was analyzed. A logistic regression was performed to examine which factors were significantly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Results showed that being older, not having a full-time job, not having a steady sexual partner, lower frequency of sexual intercourse, discrimination in the sexual relationship setting, and the perception of loneliness were independently associated with sexual dissatisfaction. A quality health approach must include the aspects linked to sexual life and sexual satisfaction. Given the potentially harmful effects that HIV-related stigma and discrimination have on PLWHA's well-being, more specific actions and advocacy in this direction should be developed and implemented.

Biodegradable sizing agents from soy protein via controlled hydrolysis and dis-entanglement for remediation of textile effluents.

PubMed

Yang, Maiping; Xu, Helan; Hou, Xiuliang; Zhang, Jie; Yang, Yiqi

2017-03-01

Fully biodegradable textile sizes with satisfactory performance properties were developed from soy protein with controlled hydrolysis and dis-entanglement to tackle the intractable environmental issues associated with the non-biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in textile effluents. PVA derived from petroleum is the primary sizing agent due to its excellent sizing performance on polyester-containing yarns, especially in increasingly prevailing high-speed weaving. However, due to the poor biodegradability, PVA causes serious environmental pollution, and thus, should be substituted with more environmentally friendly polymers. Soy protein treated with high amount of triethanolamine was found with acceptable sizing properties. However, triethanolamine is also non-biodegradable and originated from petroleum, therefore, is not an ideal additive. In this research, soy sizes were developed from soy protein treated with glycerol, the biodegradable triol that could also be obtained from soy. The soy sizes had good film properties, adhesion to polyester and abrasion resistance close to PVA, rendering them qualified for sizing applications. Regarding desizing, consumption of water and energy for removal of soy size could be remarkably decreased, comparing to removal of PVA. Moreover, with satisfactory degradability, the wastewater containing soy sizes was readily dischargeable after treated in activated sludge for two days. In summary, the fully biodegradable soy sizes had potential to substitute PVA for sustainable textile processing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic Diversity Among Botulinum Neurotoxin-Producing Clostridial Strains

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

analysis. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY. 25. Keto -Timonen, R., M. Nevas, and H. Korkeala. 2005. Efficient DNA finger- printing of Clostridium...G botulinal toxin in humans: report of five sudden unexpected deaths. J. Infect. Dis. 143 :22–27. 41. Sonnabend, O. A., W. F. Sonnabend, U. Krech, G

Bacteriophage-Resistant Mutants in Yersinia pestis: Identification of Phage Receptors and Attenuation for Mice

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-28

presented according to [51]. Kdo, 2- keto -3-deoxy-octulosonic acid; Ko, D-glycero-D-talo-oct-2-ulosonic acid; Hep, heptulose (ketoheptose); Glc, glucose...pestis. J Bacteriol 98: 1404–1406. 54. Jawetz E, Meyer KF (1943) Avirulent strains of Pasteurella pestis. J Infect Dis 73: 124– 143 . 55. Burrows TW

Nuclear RNA Exosome at 3.1 Å Reveals Substrate Specificities, RNA Paths, and Allosteric Inhibition of Rrp44/Dis3.

PubMed

Zinder, John C; Wasmuth, Elizabeth V; Lima, Christopher D

2016-11-17

The eukaryotic RNA exosome is an essential and conserved 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease complex that degrades or processes nearly every class of cellular RNA. The nuclear RNA exosome includes a 9-subunit non-catalytic core that binds Rrp44 (Dis3) and Rrp6 subunits to modulate their processive and distributive 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease activities, respectively. Here we utilize an engineered RNA with two 3' ends to obtain a crystal structure of an 11-subunit nuclear exosome bound to RNA at 3.1 Å. The structure reveals an extended RNA path to Rrp6 that penetrates into the non-catalytic core; contacts between the non-catalytic core and Rrp44, which inhibit exoribonuclease activity; and features of the Rrp44 exoribonuclease site that support its ability to degrade 3' phosphate RNA substrates. Using reconstituted exosome complexes, we show that 3' phosphate RNA is not a substrate for Rrp6 but is readily degraded by Rrp44 in the nuclear exosome. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

History of U.S. Military Contributions to the Study of Bacterial Zoonoses

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

44: 23-50. 28. Dennig H : 9-fieber (Balkangrippe). Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1947: 72: 369-71. 29. Feinstein M, Yesner R, Marks JL: Epidemics of 9 fever...Infect Immun 1993: 61: 1251-8. 41. Stanley JL, Smith H : Purification of factor I and recognition of a third factor of the anthrax toxin. J Gen Microbiol...1961: 26: 49-66. 42. Stanley JL, Smith H : The three factors of anthrax toxin: their immunogenicity and lack of demonstrable enzymie activity. J Gen

Further characteristics of Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum DSM 28752T and Arcanobacterium wilhelmae DSM 102162T, two novel species of genus Arcanobacterium.

PubMed

Sammra, Osama; Rau, Jörg; Wickhorst, Jörn; Alssahen, Mazen; Hassan, Abdulwahed Ahmed; Lämmler, Christoph; Prenger-Berninghoff, Ellen; Abdulmawjood, Amir

2018-05-13

The newly described type strains Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum DSM 28752 T and Arcanobacterium wilhelmae DSM 102162 T , initially isolated from an anal swab of a harbor seal (Sammra et al. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 65:4539-4543, 2015) and the genital tract of a rhinoceros (Sammra et al. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 67:2093-2097, 2017), could be further characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and by sequencing the genomic targets 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) and the genes rpoB, gap, and tuf. The two strains investigated in the present study were isolated together with several other bacterial species indicating that the pathogenic importance of both species remained unclear. However, the detection of specific spectra by MALDI-TOF MS and by FT-IR spectroscopy and the presented genotypic approaches might help to identify A. pinnipediorum and A. wilhelmae in the future and might elucidate the role these two species play in infections of animals.

Clinical Investigation Program, Fiscal Year 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-03

exposure to C. immitis (1) California (2) Arizona (3) New Mexico b.1 for moderate possibility of exposure to C. immitis (1) Texas (2) Utah (3) Nevada c...44 of 45 interns had blood drawn. P1 has serology on Rubeola, Rubella varicella on 44 of 44 and anti.HBSAG on 41/44. PI notified C, Infect Dis of

The Energy Industry Profile of ISO/DIS 19115-1: Facilitating Discovery and Evaluation of, and Access to Distributed Information Resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hills, S. J.; Richard, S. M.; Doniger, A.; Danko, D. M.; Derenthal, L.; Energistics Metadata Work Group

2011-12-01

A diverse group of organizations representative of the international community involved in disciplines relevant to the upstream petroleum industry, - energy companies, - suppliers and publishers of information to the energy industry, - vendors of software applications used by the industry, - partner government and academic organizations, has engaged in the Energy Industry Metadata Standards Initiative. This Initiative envisions the use of standard metadata within the community to enable significant improvements in the efficiency with which users discover, evaluate, and access distributed information resources. The metadata standard needed to realize this vision is the initiative's primary deliverable. In addition to developing the metadata standard, the initiative is promoting its adoption to accelerate realization of the vision, and publishing metadata exemplars conformant with the standard. Implementation of the standard by community members, in the form of published metadata which document the information resources each organization manages, will allow use of tools requiring consistent metadata for efficient discovery and evaluation of, and access to, information resources. While metadata are expected to be widely accessible, access to associated information resources may be more constrained. The initiative is being conducting by Energistics' Metadata Work Group, in collaboration with the USGIN Project. Energistics is a global standards group in the oil and natural gas industry. The Work Group determined early in the initiative, based on input solicited from 40+ organizations and on an assessment of existing metadata standards, to develop the target metadata standard as a profile of a revised version of ISO 19115, formally the "Energy Industry Profile of ISO/DIS 19115-1 v1.0" (EIP). The Work Group is participating on the ISO/TC 211 project team responsible for the revision of ISO 19115, now ready for "Draft International Standard" (DIS) status. With ISO 19115 an

Health Care Workers and Researchers Traveling to Developing-World Clinical Settings: Disease Transmission Risk and Mitigation

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

viruses can be transmitted by needlestick, such as dengue virus and other hemorrhagic fever viruses. Other potential disease risks include syphilis...Infectious Dis- eases [ 11]. All hemorrhagic fever viruses except dengue virus are known to infect via artificially produced aerosols in a laboratory en...specific health care-related risks (needlestick, hemorrhagic fever viruses, severe viral respiratory disease, and tuberculosis), with suggestions

Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 19, Number 12, December 2012

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

Less com- monly, infection with Coccidioides can dis- seminate outside of the pulmonary system.6 Th e most common sites of extrapulmonary dissemination...soil, and it is impracticable to move all military bases and training sites outside of the endemic region. Available engineering controls to...appendectomy-related Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (outpatient) 44950, 44955, 44960 Open appendectomy 44970, 44979 Laparoscopic appendectomy

Exploring Physicians' Dissatisfaction and Work-Related Stress: Development of the PhyDis Scale.

PubMed

Pedrazza, Monica; Berlanda, Sabrina; Trifiletti, Elena; Bressan, Franco

2016-01-01

reference to attachment styles, which is recognized as being a central variable of individual difference supporting caregiving practices. This study represents an original and innovative attempt to address physicians' dissatisfaction and job satisfaction. The PhyDis scale has been developed and, in line with international findings, our results indicate that role uncertainty and loss of social esteem are the most dissatisfying factors.

Exploring Physicians' Dissatisfaction and Work-Related Stress: Development of the PhyDis Scale

PubMed Central

Pedrazza, Monica; Berlanda, Sabrina; Trifiletti, Elena; Bressan, Franco

2016-01-01

with reference to attachment styles, which is recognized as being a central variable of individual difference supporting caregiving practices. This study represents an original and innovative attempt to address physicians' dissatisfaction and job satisfaction. The PhyDis scale has been developed and, in line with international findings, our results indicate that role uncertainty and loss of social esteem are the most dissatisfying factors. PMID:27588013

Antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections: an overview of Cochrane reviews.

PubMed

Arroll, B

2005-03-01

The aim of this paper is to review the four Cochrane reviews of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections. Each Cochrane review was read and summarized, and results presented as odds ratios (as in the Internet version) and, where relevant, numbers needed to treat. The reviews of antibiotics for acute otitis media have concluded that benefit is not great with a number needed to treat for a benefit (NNTB) of 15. Recent US guidelines are recommending a delay in prescriptions in children over the age of 6 months. For streptococcal tonsillitis, the Cochrane reviewers suggest that antibiotic use seems to be discretionary rather than prohibited or mandatory. This is because the benefit in terms of symptoms is only about 16h (NNTB from 2 to 7 at day 3 for pain) compared with placebo, and that serious complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, are now rare in developed countries. The reviewers do, however, suggest that antibiotics are considered in populations in whom these complications are more common. This is an area of debate, as the Infectious Disease Society of America (2002) recommends routine treatment. [Clin. Infect. Dis. 35 (2002) 113] There is good evidence and consensus that there is no indication for antibiotics for the common cold. The situation with acute purulent rhinitis is less clear, as new evidence suggests that antibiotics may be effective for acute purulent rhinitis (NNTB from 6 to 8). However, as most people with acute purulent rhinitis improve without antibiotics, giving antibiotics is not justified as an initial treatment. For acute maxillary sinusitis, the evidence suggests that antibiotics are effective for people with radiologically confirmed sinusitis. The reviewers suggest that clinicians should weigh up the modest benefits (NNTB from 3 to 6) against the potential for adverse effects. The use of antibiotics for acute otitis media, sore throat and streptococcal tonsillitis, common cold and acute purulent rhinitis

Installation Restoration Program. Phase I: Records Search Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

CHDRO - ARSENIC SARIUM, CADMIUM MIUM. COPPER. IRON, DIS- DIS- DIS- DIS- DIS- DIS- SOLVED SOLVED SOLVED SOLVED SOLVED SOLVED TIME (UOIL (UCIL (UGIL (UG/L... cadmium , chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc. The recommended parameters include those compounds known or...8217. ... . . -. * -:,-..’... .... ’.... ...’. .’..".-... ... -......- . ..............-............... . ..... .. APPENDIX A (Continued, Page 2 of 7) Cadmium A metal used in batteries and other industrial

The Pandemic Influenza Policy Model: A Planning Tool for Military Public Health Officials

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Containment . Geneva , WHO , 2006. 7. Luke CJ , Subbarao K : Vaccines for pandemic infl uenza . Emerg Infect Dis 2006 ; 12 (1) : 66 – 72...Report (SAR) 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 9 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT unclassified b . ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified...simulations . Simulation 2005 ; 81 (10) : 671 – 99 . 19. Pourbohloul B , Meyers LA , Skowronski DM , Krajden M , Patrick DM , Brunham RC

Floods and tsunamis.

PubMed

Llewellyn, Mark

2006-06-01

Floods and tsunamis cause few severe injuries, but those injuries can overwhelm local areas, depending on the magnitude of the disaster. Most injuries are extremity fractures, lacerations, and sprains. Because of the mechanism of soft tissue and bone injuries, infection is a significant risk. Aspiration pneumonias are also associated with tsunamis. Appropriate precautionary interventions prevent communicable dis-ease outbreaks. Psychosocial health issues must be considered.

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pseudotyped with Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Serves as a Highly Protective, Non-infectious Vaccine Against Ebola Virus Challenge

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

Single-Injection Trivalent Filovirus 428 Vaccine: Proof of Concept Study in Outbred Guinea Pigs . J Infect Dis. 429 29. Murin, C. D., M. L. Fusco, Z...Jahrling, and J. F. Smith. 2000. Recombinant RNA replicons derived from attenuated 442 Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus protect guinea pigs and...platform, 65 including ease of production and characterization, absence of virus replication concerns and the 66 robust immune stimulatory activity

Antibody and T cell responses induced in chickens immunized with avian influenza virus N1 and NP DNA vaccine with chicken IL-15 and IL-18.

PubMed

Lim, Kian-Lam; Jazayeri, Seyed Davoud; Yeap, Swee Keong; Mohamed Alitheen, Noorjahan Banu; Bejo, Mohd Hair; Ideris, Aini; Omar, Abdul Rahman

2013-12-01

We had examined the immunogenicity of a series of plasmid DNAs which include neuraminidase (NA) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes from avian influenza virus (AIV). The interleukin-15 (IL-15) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) as genetic adjuvants were used for immunization in combination with the N1 and NP AIV genes. In the first trial, 8 groups of chickens were established with 10 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens per group while, in the second trial 7 SPF chickens per group were used. The overall N1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titer in chickens immunized with the pDis/N1+pDis/IL-15 was higher compared to the chickens immunized with the pDis/N1 and this suggesting that chicken IL-15 could play a role in enhancing the humoral immune response. Besides that, the chickens that were immunized at 14-day-old (Trial 2) showed a higher N1 antibody titer compared to the chickens that were immunized at 1-day-old (Trial 1). Despite the delayed in NP antibody responses, the chickens co-administrated with IL-15 were able to induce earlier and higher antibody response compared to the pDis/NP and pDis/NP+pDis/IL-18 inoculated groups. The pDis/N1+pDis/IL-15 inoculated chickens also induced higher CD8+ T cells increase than the pDis/N1 group in both trials (P<0.05). The flow cytometry results from both trials demonstrated that the pDis/N1+pDis/IL-18 groups were able to induce CD4+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, pDis/N1+pDis/IL-18 group was able to induce CD8+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P<0.05) in Trial 2 only. In the present study, pDis/NP was not significant (P>0.05) in inducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when co-administered with the pDis/IL-18 in both trials in comparison to the pDis/NP. Our data suggest that the pDis/N1+pDis/IL-15 combination has the potential to be used as a DNA vaccine against AIV in chickens. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility as a means for insect pest population control.

PubMed

Zabalou, Sofia; Riegler, Markus; Theodorakopoulou, Marianna; Stauffer, Christian; Savakis, Charalambos; Bourtzis, Kostas

2004-10-19

Biological control is the purposeful introduction of parasites, predators, and pathogens to reduce or suppress pest populations. Wolbachia are inherited bacteria of arthropods that have recently attracted attention for their potential as new biocontrol agents. Wolbachia manipulate host reproduction by using several strategies, one of which is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) [Stouthamer, R., Breeuwer, J. A. J. & Hurst, G. D. D. (1999) Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 53, 71-102]. We established Wolbachia-infected lines of the medfly Ceratitis capitata using the infected cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cerasi as donor. Wolbachia induced complete CI in the novel host. Laboratory cage populations were completely suppressed by single releases of infected males, suggesting that Wolbachia-induced CI could be used as a novel environmentally friendly tool for the control of medfly populations. The results also encourage the introduction of Wolbachia into pest and vector species of economic and hygenic relevance to suppress or modify natural populations.

Adhesion and invasion to epithelial cells and motility of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli reveal ST131 superiority: a comparative in vitro study of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli lineages.

PubMed

Kondratyeva, Kira; Wollman, Ayala; Gerlitz, Gabi; Navon-Venezia, Shiri

2017-09-01

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) sequence type ST131 is pandemic, and it is the major contributor to antibiotic resistance in E. coli. Despite its epidemiological superiority, the physiological reasons that decipher its success remain elusive. We aimed to compare the adhesion, invasion and motility potential of ST131 versus other E. coli lineages. In this in vitro comparative study, 14 ESBL-producing ExPEC community-onset bacteremia isolates were chosen from a reported clinical collection (Karfunkel D, Carmeli Y, Chmelnitsky I, Kotlovsky T, Navon-Venezia S. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2013;32:513-521). Isolates were divided into two groups, ST131 (n=7) and 'non-ST131', sporadic sequence types (STs) (n=7). Virulence and adhesion genes were screened by PCR in all isolates. Virotyping and serotyping were performed for ST131 isolates. Adhesion and invasion to Caco-2 epithelial cells, and motility on semi-solid agar were quantified and compared between the two groups. Fluorescence microscopy using anti-LPS E. coli antibodies was used for visualization and confirmation of adhesion and invasion. ST131 isolates belonged to the O25b:H4-B2 subclone. Two ST131 virotypes were found, A (two blaCTX-M-15 H30-Rx) and C (two blaCTX-M-15 H30-Rx and three blaCTX-M-14 H30 isolates). The average number of adhesion and virulence genes carried by ExPEC ST131 isolates and non-ST131 isolates was 5.3 and 3.7, respectively (P<0.05). Group analysis showed that ST131 surpassed non-ST131 lineages in all three physiological properties: adherence (17.1 vs 13.1 %, P<0.001), invasion (0.4 vs 0.17 %, P<0.01), and swarming motility on all media tested (P<0.05). This study demonstrates ST131 superiority that may explain its improved gut-colonization and dissemination capabilities within the host. These insights are an important step in our understanding of ST131 epidemiological success.

Changes in Body Fluid Compartments, Tissue Water and Electrolyte Distribution, and Lipid Concentrations in Rhesus Macaques with Yellow Fever

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-11-01

When these techniques were used for the changes are reported to be caused by the invasion of virus study of pathogenesis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in...37. Beisel WR: Zinc metabolism in infection, in Brewer AJ, Prasad monkeys with Rocky Mountain spotted fever . JInfect Dis 138-42-48,1978. VTISGR13oI K1TA just’ ’ jnd/Or 2018AmJetRVo4ion/1

Antibody Responses in the Nonhuman Primate, Macaca Fascicularis, to Protein Toxins

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

generation of tetanus-specific antibody, producing B cells after in vivo immunization of Crohn’s dis- ease and ulcerative colitis patients ...lty Codes APPROVED: Noat eoa Sanford Millef, Ph.D. Dean CON;’ DEDICATION 1 his thesis is dedicated to the ones who so patiently tucked away their...were expermentally infected with Brugia milayi, a human filarial parasite , and antibody levels followed by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA

Botulinum and Tetanus Neurotoxin Induced Blockage of Synaptic Transmission in Networked Cultures of Human and Rodent Neurons

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-28

preliminary feasibility studies, neat samples of centrifu- gation-clarified milk, green bean juice , or non-alcoholic apple cider were added to ESN...2008). International outbreak of severe botulism with pro- longed toxemia caused by commercial carrot juice . Clin. Infect. Dis. 47, 1245–1251. Simpson...derived from induced plu - ripotent stem cells develop mature phenotypes typical of en- dogenous spinal motoneurons. J. Neurosci. 35, 1291–1306. Van

Outbreak of Colistin-Resistant, Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: Are We at the End of the Road?

PubMed Central

van Duin, David

2015-01-01

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that produce K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) have spread globally in the last decade. Colistin is a key agent in treating infections caused by this pathogen. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Giani et al. (T. Giani, F. Arena, G. Vaggelli, V. Conte, A Chiarell, L. H. De Angelis, R. Fornaini, M. Grazzini, F. Niccolini, P. Pecile, and G. M. Rossolini, J Clin Microbiol 53:3341–3344, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01017-15) describe a sustained outbreak of colistin-resistant KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. PMID:26202122

Increased Resistance to Multiple Antimicrobials and Altered Resistance Gene Expression in CMY-2-Positive Salmonella enterica following a Simulated Patient Treatment with Ceftriaxone

PubMed Central

Hamilton, Russell D.; Hulsebus, Holly J.; Akbar, Samina

2012-01-01

Salmonellosis is one of the most common causes of food-borne disease in the United States. Increasing antimicrobial resistance and corresponding increases in virulence present serious challenges. Currently, empirical therapy for invasive Salmonella enterica infection includes either ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin (E. L. Hohmann, Clin. Infect. Dis. 32:263–269, 2001). The blaCMY-2 gene confers resistance to ceftriaxone, the antimicrobial of choice for pediatric patients with invasive Salmonella enterica infections, making these infections especially dangerous (J. M. Whichard et al., Emerg. Infect. Dis. 11:1464–1466, 2005). We hypothesized that blaCMY-2-positive Salmonella enterica would exhibit increased MICs to multiple antimicrobial agents and increased resistance gene expression following exposure to ceftriaxone using a protocol that simulated a patient treatment in vitro. Seven Salmonella enterica strains survived a simulated patient treatment in vitro and, following treatment, exhibited a significantly increased ceftriaxone MIC. Not only would these isolates be less responsive to further ceftriaxone treatment, but because the blaCMY-2 genes are commonly located on large, multidrug-resistant plasmids, increased expression of the blaCMY-2 gene may be associated with increased expression of other drug resistance genes located on the plasmid (N. D. Hanson and C. C. Sanders, Curr. Pharm. Des. 5:881–894, 1999). The results of this study demonstrate that a simulated patient treatment with ceftriaxone can alter the expression of antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaCMY-2 and floR in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium and S. enterica serovar Newport. Additionally, we have shown increased MICs following a simulated patient treatment with ceftriaxone for tetracycline, amikacin, ceftriaxone, and cefepime, all of which have resistance genes commonly located on CMY-2 plasmids. The increases in resistance observed are significant and may have a negative impact on both

Infective Endocarditis

MedlinePlus

... Center > Infective Endocarditis Menu Topics Topics FAQs Infective Endocarditis En español Infective endocarditis is an infection of ... time, congestive heart failure (CHF). What causes infective endocarditis? The infection that leads to endocarditis can be ...

Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility as a means for insect pest population control

PubMed Central

Zabalou, Sofia; Riegler, Markus; Theodorakopoulou, Marianna; Stauffer, Christian; Savakis, Charalambos; Bourtzis, Kostas

2004-01-01

Biological control is the purposeful introduction of parasites, predators, and pathogens to reduce or suppress pest populations. Wolbachia are inherited bacteria of arthropods that have recently attracted attention for their potential as new biocontrol agents. Wolbachia manipulate host reproduction by using several strategies, one of which is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) [Stouthamer, R., Breeuwer, J. A. J. & Hurst, G. D. D. (1999) Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 53, 71–102]. We established Wolbachia-infected lines of the medfly Ceratitis capitata using the infected cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cerasi as donor. Wolbachia induced complete CI in the novel host. Laboratory cage populations were completely suppressed by single releases of infected males, suggesting that Wolbachia-induced CI could be used as a novel environmentally friendly tool for the control of medfly populations. The results also encourage the introduction of Wolbachia into pest and vector species of economic and hygenic relevance to suppress or modify natural populations. PMID:15469918

Dark inclusions in CO3 chondrites: new indicators of parent-body processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Daisuke; Tomeoka, Kazushige

2003-01-01

A petrographic and scanning electron microscopic study of the four CO3 chondrites Kainsaz, Ornans, Lancé, and Warrenton reveals for the first time that dark inclusions (DIs) occur in all the meteorites. DIs are mostly smaller in size than those reported from CV3 chondrites. They show evidence suggesting that they were formed by aqueous alteration and subsequent dehydration of a chondritic precursor and so probably have a formation history similar to that of DIs in CV3 chondrites. DIs in the CO3 chondrites consist mostly of fine-grained, Fe-rich olivine and can be divided into two types on the basis of texture. Type I DIs contain rounded, porous aggregates of fine grains in a fine-grained matrix and have textures suggesting that they are fragments of chondrule pseudomorphs. Veins filled with Fe-rich olivine are common in type I DIs, providing evidence that they experienced aqueous alteration on the parent body. Type II DIs lack rounded porous aggregates and have a matrix-like, featureless texture. Bulk chemical compositions of DIs and mineralogical characteristics of olivine grains in DIs suggest that these two types of DIs have a close genetic relationship. The DIs are probably clasts that have undergone aqueous alteration and subsequent dehydration at a location different from the present location in the meteorites. The major element compositions, the mineralogy of metallic phases, and the widely dispersed nature of the DIs suggest that their precursor was CO chondrite material. The CO parent body has been commonly regarded to have been dry, homogeneous, and unprocessed. However, the DIs suggest that the CO parent body was a heterogeneous conglomerate consisting of water-bearing regions and water-free regions and that during asteroidal heating, the water-bearing regions were aqueously altered and subsequently dehydrated. Brecciation may also have been active in the parent body. The DIs and the matrices are similarly affected by thermal metamorphism in their own

Hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Sulkowski, Mark S

2007-10-01

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a spherical enveloped RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, classified within the Hepacivirus genus. Since its discovery in 1989, HCV has been recognized as a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis that progresses in some patients to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the United States, approximately 4 million people have been infected with HCV, and 10,000 HCVrelated deaths occur each year. Due to shared routes of transmission, HCV and HIV co-infection are common, affecting approximately one third of all HIV-infected persons in the United States. In addition, HIV co-infection is associated with higher HCV RNA viral load and a more rapid progression of HCV-related liver disease, leading to an increased risk of cirrhosis. HCV infection may also impact the course and management of HIV disease, particularly by increasing the risk of antiretroviral drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, chronic HCV infection acts as an opportunistic disease in HIV-infected persons because the incidence of infection is increased and the natural history of HCV infection is accelerated in co-infected persons. Strategies to prevent primary HCV infection and to modify the progression of HCV-related liver disease are urgently needed among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals.

Topically Applied AaeIAP1 Double-Stranded RNA Kills Female Adults of Aedes aegypti

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

L. Barreto, and E. Mota. 2005. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Brazil : what research is needed based on trends, sur- veillance...disease in the world andcancause anundifferentiated fever , dengue fever , dengue hemorrhagic fever , or dengue shock syndrome (Malavige et al. 2004...Para State, Amazon region of Brazil , 1998Ð1999: entomologic and epidemiologic Þnd- ings. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 7: 565Ð569. Vaux, D. L., G. Haecker, and A

Serologic Correlates of Protection against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-14

strain expressed either LT, CFA/I, CFA/II, or CFA/IV. Episodes in which Shigella spe- cies, Campylobacter species, rotavirus , or astrovirus were iso- lated...serum antibody levels cor- relate with protection against diarrheal illness caused by cholera and rotavirus [29–33]. Serum vibriocidal antibodies...cholera. J Infect Dis 1991; 163:1235–42. 31. Clemens JD, Ward RL, Rao MR, et al. Seroepidemiologic evaluation of antibodies to rotavirus as correlates of

Transcriptome Analysis of Human Immune Responses Following Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) Francisella Tularensis Vaccination

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-08

with CD3D 50848 PAR1/UBE3A Prader–Willi syndrome chromosome region 1, GMCSFRalpha precursor, IL3Ralpha precursor (CD123) Brain development...intervention programs justifiable? Emerg. Infect. Dis. 3, 83–94. iebel, U., Kindler , B., Pepperkok, R., 2004. ‘Harvester’: a fast meta search engine of human...protein resources. Bioinformatics 20, 1962–1963. iebel, U., Kindler , B., Pepperkok, R., 2005. Bioinformatic “Harvester”: a search engine for genome

Antibody Recognition of the Dengue Virus Proteome and Implications for Development of Vaccines

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

Parvovirus B19 empty capsids as antigen carriers for presentation of antigenic detenninants of dengue 2 virus. J. Infect. Dis. 194:790-794. 3... reactiv - ity against other DENV serotypes (1, 35). In contrast to DF, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is an infrequent but far more serious consequence of...recipients of the tetrava- lent DENV vaccine or from dengue cases owing to antibody cross- reactivity among serotypes (29). Furthermore, as results from

Control of Hemotropic Diseases of Dogs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-31

34 infectious mononucleosis " in western Japan, differentiating it from mononucleosis in other parts of Japan and other countries. The disease, which is widely...from the blood, lymph nodes and bone marrow fluid of a patient who showed the typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis (Misao and Kobayashi, 1954...Disease in Western Japan. J Japan Assoc Infect Dis, 40 (1966): 71-73. Misao, T. and Kobayashi, Y.: Studies on Infectious Mononucleosis . I. Isola- tion of

Use of Vector Diagnostics During Military Deployments: Recent Experience in Iraq and Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

Armed Forces Pest Management Board (www.afpmb. org) maintains a database that Msts a variety of vector assays that have been developed by various...threat of rickettsial diseases to military medicine and interna- tional public health. Clin Infect Dis 2002: 34(Suppl 4): S145-69, 6, Kitchener S...Mehr ZA. Rutledge LC, Echano NM, Gupta RK: U.S. Army soldiers’ perceptions of arthropixl pests and their effects on military missions. Mil Med 1997

Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity of the Aids Virus

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

al., 1987; Luciw et al., 1989), sheep (visna virus) (Haas et al., 1985), goats (caprine-arthritis encepha- litis virus) (Narayan & Cork , 1985), and...into therapeutic maneuvers which may suppress virus replication and/or cytopathicity, and assist in the development of a vaccine for WIV prevention. 7...and AIDS. Narayan and Cork , 1985, Rev. Infect. Dis. 7:89. Niederran et al., 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:1128. Pederson et al., 1987, Science 235

Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

populated areas. The species of the Babesia was not determined , but was thought to be from a wild animal, 11 Figure 11.1 Theileria parva from a cow in...these infections was a small, unidentified Babesia that formed tetrads within erythrocytes.6,27 The species in these cases was not determined . From...initially diagnosed with babe- siosis and 66%, of those initially diagnosed with Lyme dis- ease. They determined that babesiosis and Lyme disease do

Chlamydia muridarum Alters the Immune Environment of the Murine Genital Tract to be More Permissive for Infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a Novel Coinfection Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-05

Immun 39:1491-4. 35. Brunham, R. C., D. H. Martin , C. C. Kuo, S. P. Wang, C. E. Stevens, T. Hubbard, and K. K. Holmes. 1981. Cellular immune...Greene, B. Smith, M. Hagensee, D. H. Martin , and A. J. Quayle. 2008. A distinct cellular profile is seen in the human endocervix during Chlamydia...and persistence. BMC Microbiol 8:5. 131. Hobbs, M. M., T. M. Alcorn, R. H. Davis, W. Fischer, J. C. Thomas, I. Martin , C. Ison, P. F. Sparling, and

Co-administration of avian influenza virus H5 plasmid DNA with chicken IL-15 and IL-18 enhanced chickens immune responses.

PubMed

Lim, Kian-Lam; Jazayeri, Seyed Davoud; Yeap, Swee Keong; Alitheen, Noorjahan Banu Mohamed; Bejo, Mohd Hair; Ideris, Aini; Omar, Abdul Rahman

2012-08-06

DNA vaccines offer several advantages over conventional vaccines in the development of effective vaccines against avian influenza virus (AIV). However, one of the limitations of the DNA vaccine in poultry is that it induces poor immune responses. In this study, chicken interleukin (IL) -15 and IL-18 were used as genetic adjuvants to improve the immune responses induced from the H5 DNA vaccination in chickens. The immunogenicity of the recombinant plasmid DNA was analyzed based on the antibody production, T cell responses and cytokine production, following inoculation in 1-day-old (Trial 1) and 14-day-old (Trial 2) specific-pathogen-free chickens. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to explore the role of chicken IL-15 and IL-18 as adjuvants following the vaccination of chickens with the H5 DNA vaccine. The overall HI antibody titer in chickens immunized with pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-15 was higher compared to chickens immunized with pDis/H5 (p < 0.05). The findings revealed that the inoculation of the 14-day-old chickens exhibited a shorter time to achieve the highest HI titer in comparison to the inoculation of the 1-day-old chickens. The cellular immunity was assessed by the flow cytometry analysis to enumerate CD4+ and CD8 + T cells in the peripheral blood. The chickens inoculated with pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-15 demonstrated the highest increase in CD4+ T cells population relative to the control chickens. However, this study revealed that pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-15 was not significant (P > 0.05) in inducing CD8+ T cells. Meanwhile, with the exception of Trial 1, the flow cytometry results for Trial 2 demonstrated that the pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-18 inoculated group was able to trigger a higher increase in CD4+ T cells than the pDis/H5 group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-18 group was not significant (P > 0.05) in modulating CD8+ T cells population in both trials. The pDis/H5 + pDis/IL-15 inoculated group showed the highest IL-15 gene

Detection and Characterization of Infections and Infection Susceptibility

ClinicalTrials.gov

2018-06-26

Immune Disorders; Chronic Granulomatous Disease; Genetic Immunological Deficiencies; Hyperimmunoglobulin-E Recurrent Infection Syndrome; Recurrent Infections; Unknown Immune Deficiency; GATA2 Deficiency (MonoMAC); Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections; Hyper IgE (Job s) Syndrome; Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency; Susceptibility to Disseminated Infections; Primary Immune Deficiency Disease (PIDD)

The Spanish Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Reliability and concordance with clinical diagnoses in Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Canino, G J; Bird, H R; Shrout, P E; Rubio-Stipec, M; Bravo, M; Martinez, R; Sesman, M; Guzman, A; Guevara, L M; Costas, H

1987-08-01

A Spanish translation of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was assessed using samples of Puerto Rican patients and community subjects from the San Juan area. Concordance between DIS results from psychiatrists' interviews and from laypersons' interviews was similar to results with the DIS in mainland samples. Comparisons of laypersons' DIS results with psychiatrists' clinical diagnoses yielded generally poorer agreement. Levels of agreement improved when diagnoses were clustered into higher-rank categories. These results raise cultural issues related to the use of the DIS in Puerto Rico.

Dry intrusions: Lagrangian climatology and impact on the boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raveh-Rubin, Shira; Wernli, Heini

2017-04-01

Dry air intrusions (DIs) are large-scale descending airstreams. A DI is typically referred to as a coherent airstream in the cold sector of an extratropical cyclone. Emerging evidence suggests that DIs are linked to severe surface wind gusts. However, there is yet no strict Lagrangian definition of DIs, and so their climatological frequency, dynamical characteristics as well as their seasonal and spatial distributions are unknown. Furthermore, the dynamical interaction between DIs and the planetary boundary layer is not fully understood. Here, we suggest a Lagrangian definition for DI air parcels, namely a minimum pressure increase along a trajectory of 400 hPa in 48 hours. Based on this criterion, the open questions are addressed by: (i) a novel global Lagrangian climatology for the ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset for the years 1979-2014; (ii) a case study illustrating the interaction between DIs and the boundary layer. We find that DIs occur predominantly in winter. DIs coherently descend from the upper troposphere (their stratospheric origin is small), to the mid- and low levels, where they mix with their environment and diverge. Different physical characteristics typify DIs in the different regions and seasons. Finally, we demonstrate the different mechanisms by which DIs can destabilize the boundary layer and facilitate the formation of strong surface winds.

Meningococcal Disease in US Military Personnel Before and after Adoption of Conjugate Vaccine

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-01

after Adoption of Conjugate Vaccine Michael P. Broderick , Christopher Phillips, Dennis Faix Author affiliation: Naval Health Research Center, San Diego...1964–1998. Clin Infect Dis. 2002; 35:1376–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/344273 8. Broderick MP, Faix DJ, Hansen CJ, Blair PJ. Trends in meningo...1988. p. 445–7. 10. Patel M, Romero-Steiner S, Broderick MP, Thomas CG, Plikaytis BD, Schmidt DS, et al. Persistence of serogroup C antibody

Science + Technology = Intelligence on Target

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

quarters of its bird species to extinction since humans arrived. Th e dis- eases, avian malaria caused by mosquitoes, avian pox carried by introduced...Source: Terry Yates, University of New Mexico . Figure 16. Human Cases of Hantavirus Related to Rodent Density and the Number of Infected Rodents...Source: Terry Yates, University of New Mexico . 24 | Th e carrier turned out to be a rodent, the deer mouse. Th ese are the study sites in the four

Heliobactor pylori Virulence Factors and Their Role in Pathogenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-25

with duodenal ulceration in Belgium, South Africa , China, or North America. Clin Infect Dis 45:1204-6. 19. Argent, R. H., J. L. Hale, E. M. El-Omar...domestic dogs and cats, to farm animals (cattle and swine), to some non-human primates and humans (81, 85, 264, 330). H. pylori itself is a human and...duodenal ulcer-promoting gene (dupA) of Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer in North Indian population. Helicobacter 12:591-7. 18

Genetic Structure of Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) marajoara (Diptera: Culicidae) in Colombia

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

South America . J Infect Dis 186: 999 – 1006 . 2. Mendoza M , Nicholls R , Olano V , Cortés L , 2000 . Situación de la malaria en ...Colombia . Manual de Manejo integral de la malaria. Instituto Nacional de Salud Ed . Bogotá, Columbia: Instituto Nacional de Salud . 3. Herrera...S , Suárez M , Sánchez G , Quiñones M , Herrera M , 1987 . Uso de la técnica inmunoradiometrica (IRMA) en Anopheles de Colombia para la

World Reference Center and Arbovirus Diagnosis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

protect personnel working with CDC class 3 viruses and unknown viruses from possible infection 1. GENERAL STATEMENT This contract proposal is submitted...Carey, A.B., and Downs, W.G. Powassan virus in Ixodes cookei and Mustelidae in New England. J. Wildlife Dis. 15: 585-591, 1979. Main, A.J., Smith...those at CDC (25) showed that the FA test detects antibody earlier and longer than the CF test and is thus a more sensitive diagnostic technique. The

Differences in Susceptibility of Inbred Mice to Bacillus anthracis

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-26

dilutions of the mixture were prepared and injected into A/J and CBA/J mice via the tail vein, as described by Ezzell et al. (9). Five mice per strain were...xylazine (Rompun, Miles Laboratories, Shawnee, Kansas) in 50 pl, and were dissected iwnmediately. Gross pathological changes were noted, heart blood and...anthracis; a histopathological study of skin lesions produced by B. anthracis in susceptible and resistant animal species. J. Infect. Dis. 80:1-13. 9. Ezzell

Anal Human Papillomavirus Infection among HIV-Infected Men in Korea

PubMed Central

Lee, Chang Hun; Lee, Sun Hee; Lee, Shinwon; Cho, Heerim; Kim, Kye-Hyung; Lee, Jung Eun; Jung, Eun ju; Lee, Su jin; Kim, Eun Jung; Kim, Ki Hyung; Moon, Eunsoo; Cho, Hong Je

2016-01-01

Background Little is known about the epidemiology on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected men in Korea. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors associated with anal HPV infection among HIV-infected men in Korea. Methods A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted with HIV-infected men in Korea. Participants completed a detailed sexual behavior risk factor questionnaire. Anal samples were collected for cytology and HPV genotyping. Factors associated with anal HPV infection were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, stratifying by sexual behaviour. Results A total of 201 HIV-infected men were included in the study: 133 were from men who have sex with men (MSM) and 68 from men who have sex with women (MSW). Any anal HPV infection was detected in 82.7% of HIV-infected MSM and in 51.5% of HIV- infected MSW (P < 0.001). High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence was higher among MSM (47.4%) than MSW (25.0%; P = 0.002). The HR-HPV types identified most frequently were HPV 16 (11%), HPV 18 (9.9%), and HPV 58 (5%) in MSM, and HPV 58(11%) and HPV 16 (8.9%) in MSW. Prevalence of any HPV types in 9-valent vaccine types was higher among MSM than MSW (47.4% vs 22.1%. P = 0.001). Abnormal anal cytology was more commonly detected in MSM than MSW (42.9% vs.19.1%, P < 0.001). In HIV-infected MSM, higher number of lifetime male sex partners was significantly associated with any anal HPV infection, but age was a significant risk factor associated with anal HR-HPV infection. Conclusion Anal HPV infection was highly prevalent in HIV-infected MSM in Korea, and also commonly found in HIV-infected MSW. In HIV-infected MSM, the significant risk factor for being infected with any HPV infection was lifetime number of male sexual partners, and with anal oncogenic HPV infection was age. PMID:27548632

Anal Human Papillomavirus Infection among HIV-Infected Men in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Chang Hun; Lee, Sun Hee; Lee, Shinwon; Cho, Heerim; Kim, Kye-Hyung; Lee, Jung Eun; Jung, Eun Ju; Lee, Su Jin; Kim, Eun Jung; Kim, Ki Hyung; Moon, Eunsoo; Cho, Hong Je

2016-01-01

Little is known about the epidemiology on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-infected men in Korea. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors associated with anal HPV infection among HIV-infected men in Korea. A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted with HIV-infected men in Korea. Participants completed a detailed sexual behavior risk factor questionnaire. Anal samples were collected for cytology and HPV genotyping. Factors associated with anal HPV infection were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, stratifying by sexual behaviour. A total of 201 HIV-infected men were included in the study: 133 were from men who have sex with men (MSM) and 68 from men who have sex with women (MSW). Any anal HPV infection was detected in 82.7% of HIV-infected MSM and in 51.5% of HIV- infected MSW (P < 0.001). High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence was higher among MSM (47.4%) than MSW (25.0%; P = 0.002). The HR-HPV types identified most frequently were HPV 16 (11%), HPV 18 (9.9%), and HPV 58 (5%) in MSM, and HPV 58(11%) and HPV 16 (8.9%) in MSW. Prevalence of any HPV types in 9-valent vaccine types was higher among MSM than MSW (47.4% vs 22.1%. P = 0.001). Abnormal anal cytology was more commonly detected in MSM than MSW (42.9% vs.19.1%, P < 0.001). In HIV-infected MSM, higher number of lifetime male sex partners was significantly associated with any anal HPV infection, but age was a significant risk factor associated with anal HR-HPV infection. Anal HPV infection was highly prevalent in HIV-infected MSM in Korea, and also commonly found in HIV-infected MSW. In HIV-infected MSM, the significant risk factor for being infected with any HPV infection was lifetime number of male sexual partners, and with anal oncogenic HPV infection was age.

Outbreak of Colistin-Resistant, Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: Are We at the End of the Road?

PubMed

van Duin, David; Doi, Yohei

2015-10-01

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that produce K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) have spread globally in the last decade. Colistin is a key agent in treating infections caused by this pathogen. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Giani et al. (T. Giani, F. Arena, G. Vaggelli, V. Conte, A Chiarell, L. H. De Angelis, R. Fornaini, M. Grazzini, F. Niccolini, P. Pecile, and G. M. Rossolini, J Clin Microbiol 53:3341-3344, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01017-15) describe a sustained outbreak of colistin-resistant KPC-producing K. pneumoniae. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Depressive thoughts limit working memory capacity in dysphoria.

PubMed

Hubbard, Nicholas A; Hutchison, Joanna L; Turner, Monroe; Montroy, Janelle; Bowles, Ryan P; Rypma, Bart

2016-01-01

Dysphoria is associated with persistence of attention on mood-congruent information. Longer time attending to mood-congruent information for dysphoric individuals (DIs) detracts from goal-relevant information processing and should reduce working memory (WM) capacity. Study 1 showed that DIs and non-DIs have similar WM capacities. Study 2 embedded depressive information into a WM task. Compared to non-DIs, DIs showed significantly reduced WM capacity for goal-relevant information in this task. Study 3 replicated results from Studies 1 and 2, and further showed that DIs had a significantly greater association between processing speed and recall on the depressively modified WM task compared to non-DIs. The presence of inter-task depressive information leads to DI-related decreased WM capacity. Results suggest dysphoria-related WM capacity deficits when depressive thoughts are present. WM capacity deficits in the presence of depressive thoughts are a plausible mechanism to explain day-to-day memory and concentration difficulties associated with depressed mood.

Diversity of Dicotyledenous-Infecting Geminiviruses and Their Associated DNA Molecules in Southern Africa, Including the South-West Indian Ocean Islands

PubMed Central

Rey, Marie E. C.; Ndunguru, Joseph; Berrie, Leigh C.; Paximadis, Maria; Berry, Shaun; Cossa, Nurbibi; Nuaila, Valter N.; Mabasa, Ken G.; Abraham, Natasha; Rybicki, Edward P.; Martin, Darren; Pietersen, Gerhard; Esterhuizen, Lindy L.

2012-01-01

The family Geminiviridae comprises a group of plant-infecting circular ssDNA viruses that severely constrain agricultural production throughout the temperate regions of the world, and are a particularly serious threat to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. While geminiviruses exhibit considerable diversity in terms of their nucleotide sequences, genome structures, host ranges and insect vectors, the best characterised and economically most important of these viruses are those in the genus Begomovirus. Whereas begomoviruses are generally considered to be either monopartite (one ssDNA component) or bipartite (two circular ssDNA components called DNA-A and DNA-B), many apparently monopartite begomoviruses are associated with additional subviral ssDNA satellite components, called alpha- (DNA-αs) or betasatellites (DNA-βs). Additionally, subgenomic molecules, also known as defective interfering (DIs) DNAs that are usually derived from the parent helper virus through deletions of parts of its genome, are also associated with bipartite and monopartite begomoviruses. The past three decades have witnessed the emergence and diversification of various new begomoviral species and associated DI DNAs, in southern Africa, East Africa, and proximal Indian Ocean islands, which today threaten important vegetable and commercial crops such as, tobacco, cassava, tomato, sweet potato, and beans. This review aims to describe what is known about these viruses and their impacts on sustainable production in this sensitive region of the world. PMID:23170182

Inpatient Mental Health Recapture

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-07

AdrnltTJagTcd DiagDesc Admit_Diag_Cd Diag_besc AdmitDiagCd Diag_Desc 29530 PARANOID SCHIZO-UNSPEC 30002 GENERALIZED ANXIETY DIS 2910 DELIRIUM TREMENS...29532 PARANOID SCHIZO-CHRONIC 3003 OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DIS 29181 ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL 29570 SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DIS NOS 3004 DYSTHYMIC DISORDER 2920 DRUG...WITHDRAWAL 29590 SCHIZOPHRENIA NOS-UNSPEC 3007 HYPOCHONDRIASIS 29212 DRUG PSY DIS W HALLUCIN 29592 SCHIZOPHRENIA NOS-CHR 30113 CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization versus conventional ACL reconstruction: A matched study on return to work.

PubMed

Bieri, Kathrin S; Scholz, Stefan M; Kohl, Sandro; Aghayev, Emin; Staub, Lukas P

2017-06-01

The dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) technique is based on a different treatment approach than ACL reconstruction in that it intends to promote self-healing of the ligament. It is only recommended for acute injuries (<21days). The purpose of the present study was to compare DIS and ACLR with respect to the extent of work incapacity, revision rates, secondary arthroscopies, and treatment costs during recovery. The study was a post-hoc analysis of prospectively collected data in the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) database. All registered DIS cases treated until 31 December 2012 were included in the study. ACLR cases were matched to DIS cases using a propensity score approach and analysed in a follow-up period of 2 years after injury. Paired Student's T-test and the Chi-square test were used to compare the outcome measures. All 53 DIS patients were matched to an ACLR pair. The mean time period from injury to surgery was 14days for DIS and 50days for ACLR (p<0.001). Overall work incapacity was 13% for DIS and 17% for ACLR resulting in a difference of nearly 1 month of absence from work (p=0.03). The course of postoperative work incapacity was very similar between the groups, while the work incapacity prior to surgery lower in the DIS group. We found no difference in treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates. DIS patients benefited from nearly one month shorter absence from work than ACLR patients. This difference is likely related to the early surgical timing that is recommended for DIS. Since no differences were found between DIS and ACLR in terms of treatment costs, secondary arthroscopies and revision rates, the study supports the choice of DIS as an additional treatment option for acute ACL injuries. Further comparative studies are proposed to improve the evidence about optimal timing and best practice in ACL treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Oxygen Isotope Composition of Dark Inclusions in HEDs, Ordinary and Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenwood, R. C.; Zolensky, M. E.; Buchanan, P. C.; Franchi, I. A.

2015-01-01

Dark inclusions (DIs) are lithic fragments that form a volumetrically small, but important, component in carbonaceous chondrites. Carbonaceous clasts similar to DIs are also found in some ordinary chondrites and HEDs. DIs are of particular interest because they provide a record of nebular and planetary processes distinct from that of their host meteorite. DIs may be representative of the material that delivered water and other volatiles to early Earth as a late veneer. Here we focus on the oxygen isotopic composition of DIs in a variety of settings with the aim of understanding their formational history and relationship to the enclosing host meteorite.

Central line infections - hospitals

MedlinePlus

... infection; CVC - infection; Central venous device - infection; Infection control - central line infection; Nosocomial infection - central line infection; Hospital acquired infection - central line infection; Patient safety - central ...

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection: Cause of postoperative wound infection.

PubMed

Ashraf, Irfan; Umer, Masood

2014-12-01

To determine the rate of urinary tract infection in patients given incomplete treatment before undergoing hip fracture surgery. The descriptive case series was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, From October 25, 2012 to April 24, 2013. 84 postmenopausal women having hip fracture along with asymptomatic urinary tract infection. The infection was treated incompletely and postoperatively wound infection rate was determined. The SPSS version 17 was used to analyze the data. The overall mean age of the 84 patients in the study was 63.57+10.34 years. Overall, 14(16.7%) patients had wound infection after orthopaedic implant surgery for hip fracture. There was a high occurrence of wound infection after hip implant surgery in patients having preoperative asymptomatic urinary tract infection who were treated incompletely.

Schistosoma japonicum infection in the pig: the effect of a patent primary infection on a challenge infection.

PubMed

Willingham, A L; Bøgh, H O; Johansen, M V; Christensen, N O; Nansen, P

1997-06-24

The response of pigs to a challenge infection of Schistosoma japonicum following a primary infection was assessed using parasitological parameters and eosinophil counts. Twenty-five Danish Landrace/Yorkshire/Duroc crossbred pigs were divided into four groups. Group A (n = 10) received a primary infection, group B (n = 5) received both a primary and challenge infection, group C (n = 5) received a challenge control infection and group D (n = 5) received no infection serving as helminth-free controls. A dose of 850 cercariae was administered by intramuscular injection at the primary infection (week 0) and challenge infection (week 12). The pigs were perfused at week 21, except for half of the group A pigs which were slaughtered at week 12. Challenge infection did not result in higher worm burdens or tissue egg counts in group B than group A at week 21 and mature/immature worm ratios were similar for the two groups. In addition, no increases in faecal egg counts or eosinophil counts were observed in group B after challenge infection. The results indicate that pigs are able to mount a very rapid and effective response to reinfection with S. japonicum following a patent primary infection resulting in prevention of establishment of challenge infection schistosomes. An anti-worm effect appears to be the main feature of this regulatory host response.

Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei infection in non-HIV-infected patients

PubMed Central

Chan, Jasper FW; Lau, Susanna KP; Yuen, Kwok-Yung; Woo, Patrick CY

2016-01-01

Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei is an important pathogenic thermally dimorphic fungus causing systemic mycosis in Southeast Asia. The clinical significance of T. marneffei became evident when the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic arrived in Southeast Asia in 1988. Subsequently, a decline in the incidence of T. marneffei infection among HIV-infected patients was seen in regions with access to highly active antiretroviral therapy and other control measures for HIV. Since the 1990s, an increasing number of T. marneffei infections have been reported among non-HIV-infected patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Their comorbidities included primary adult-onset immunodeficiency due to anti-interferon-gamma autoantibodies and secondary immunosuppressive conditions including other autoimmune diseases, solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, T-lymphocyte-depleting immunsuppressive drugs and novel anti-cancer targeted therapies such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors. Moreover, improved immunological diagnostics identified more primary immunodeficiency syndromes associated with T. marneffei infection in children. The higher case-fatality rate of T. marneffei infection in non-HIV-infected than HIV-infected patients might be related to delayed diagnosis due to the lack of clinical suspicion. Correction of the underlying immune defects and early use of antifungals are important treatment strategies. Clinicians should be familiar with the changing epidemiology and clinical management of T. marneffei infection among non-HIV-infected patients. PMID:26956447

Field Trial of Attenuated Salmonella typhi Live Oral Vaccine Ty21a in Liquid and Enteric-Coated Formulations and Epidemiological Survey for Incidence of Diarrhea Due to Shigella Species

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-30

8217 diarrhea in Mexico . A prospective study of physicians and family members attending a congress. N Eng J Med 1976; 294:1299-1305. 14 18. Black RE...Schoolnik GK, Riley LW. Diffuse-adhering Escherichia coli (DAEC) as a putatuve cause of diarrhea in Mayan children in mexico . J Infect Dis 1991; 164...diarrhea and show that Shi- land village in Guatemala (3), and a village geIla has a propensity to cause severe diar- in Mexico (12). Only the rural

Molecular Epidemiology of Emerging Adenovirus 14 Associated Respiratory Disease in the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

nucleotides and 99.6% amino acids), including pos- session of a single 3-nucleotide GTG insertion corresponding to amino acid 148 (Ser) that was present in all...trainees: the Adenovirus Surveillance Program, 1966–1971. Am J Epidemiol 1973; 97:187–98. 4. Gray GC, Goswami PR, Malasig MD, et al. Adult adenovirus...facility and tertiary-care hospital. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32:694–700. 43. Gray GC, McCarthy T, Lebeck MG, et al. Genotype prevalence and risk factors

Awareness, attitude, and expectations toward dental implants among removable prostheses wearers.

PubMed

Al-Dwairi, Ziad N; El Masoud, Bilal Mohammed; Al-Afifi, Sanaa A; Borzabadi-Farahani, Ali; Lynch, Edward

2014-04-01

To assess removable denture patient awareness, expectations, and source of information about dental implants (DIs). Three hundred patients [150 removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and 150 complete denture wearers (CDWs)] attended the removable prosthodontic clinic at Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Patients were evaluated using a pilot-tested, 21-question questionnaire. Ninety-six percent of participants were aware of DIs, with no difference between CDWs and RPD wearers (p > 0.05). The participants' friends and relatives were the main source of information (63.4%), followed by dentists (32.4%). Improvement in function was the predominant reason (55.7%) for patients to consider DIs. Fear of unknown side effects was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing DIs (11.7%), followed by high cost (9.7%) and surgical risk (8.7%). Approximately 89% had no information or were poorly informed about DIs. Over two-thirds of patients did not know about the care (78.3%) of DIs, causes of DI failure (69.7%), or DI duration of service (80.7%). Only 24.7% knew that DIs would be anchored to the jawbone; however, 27.3% and 56.7% of CDWs and RPD wearers, respectively, preferred (p < 0.05) to have their teeth replaced with DIs. High costs were considered the major disadvantage of DIs in 45% of participants, followed by fear of surgery (27.3%), and long treatment times (24.7%). There was a high awareness about DIs among removable denture patients; however, this awareness was associated with a low level of accurate information. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Factors Associated with Acquisition of Human Infective and Animal Infective Trypanosome Infections in Domestic Livestock in Western Kenya

PubMed Central

von Wissmann, Beatrix; Machila, Noreen; Picozzi, Kim; Fèvre, Eric M.; deC. Bronsvoort, Barend M.; Handel, Ian G.; Welburn, Susan C.

2011-01-01

Background Trypanosomiasis is regarded as a constraint on livestock production in Western Kenya where the responsibility for tsetse and trypanosomiasis control has increasingly shifted from the state to the individual livestock owner. To assess the sustainability of these localised control efforts, this study investigates biological and management risk factors associated with trypanosome infections detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in a range of domestic livestock at the local scale in Busia, Kenya. Busia District also remains endemic for human sleeping sickness with sporadic cases of sleeping sickness reported. Results In total, trypanosome infections were detected in 11.9% (329) out of the 2773 livestock sampled in Busia District. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that host species and cattle age affected overall trypanosome infection, with significantly increased odds of infection for cattle older than 18 months, and significantly lower odds of infection in pigs and small ruminants. Different grazing and watering management practices did not affect the odds of trypanosome infection, adjusted by host species. Neither anaemia nor condition score significantly affected the odds of trypanosome infection in cattle. Human infective Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense were detected in 21.5% of animals infected with T. brucei s.l. (29/135) amounting to 1% (29/2773) of all sampled livestock, with significantly higher odds of T. brucei rhodesiense infections in T. brucei s.l. infected pigs (OR = 4.3, 95%CI 1.5-12.0) than in T. brucei s.l. infected cattle or small ruminants. Conclusions Although cattle are the dominant reservoir of trypanosome infection it is unlikely that targeted treatment of only visibly diseased cattle will achieve sustainable interruption of transmission for either animal infective or zoonotic human infective trypanosomiasis, since most infections were detected in cattle that did not exhibit classical clinical signs of

Viral Infections

MedlinePlus

... to fight it off. For most viral infections, treatments can only help with symptoms while you wait ... for viral infections. There are antiviral medicines to treat some viral infections. Vaccines can help prevent you ...

Staphylococcal Infections

MedlinePlus

... of bacteria. There are over 30 types, but Staphylococcus aureus causes most staph infections (pronounced "staff infections"), including ... Some staph bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making infections harder ...

Rotavirus infection

PubMed Central

Crawford, Sue E.; Ramani, Sasirekha; Tate, Jacqueline E.; Parashar, Umesh D.; Svensson, Lennart; Hagbom, Marie; Franco, Manuel A.; Greenberg, Harry B.; O’Ryan, Miguel; Kang, Gagandeep; Desselberger, Ulrich; Estes, Mary K.

2017-01-01

Rotavirus infections are a leading cause of severe, dehydrating gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age. Despite the global introduction of vaccinations for rotavirus over a decade ago, rotavirus infections still result in >200,000 deaths annually, mostly in low-income countries. Rotavirus primarily infects enterocytes and induces diarrhoea through the destruction of absorptive enterocytes (leading to malabsorption), intestinal secretion stimulated by rotavirus non-structural protein 4 and activation of the enteric nervous system. In addition, rotavirus infections can lead to antigenaemia (which is associated with more severe manifestations of acute gastroenteritis) and viraemia, and rotavirus can replicate in systemic sites, although this is limited. Reinfections with rotavirus are common throughout life, although the disease severity is reduced with repeat infections. The immune correlates of protection against rotavirus reinfection and recovery from infection are poorly understood, although rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin A has a role in both aspects. The management of rotavirus infection focuses on the prevention and treatment of dehydration, although the use of antiviral and anti-emetic drugs can be indicated in some cases. PMID:29119972

Kidney Infection

MedlinePlus

... Overview Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that generally begins in your urethra or bladder ... symptoms. If you're being treated for a urinary tract infection but your signs and symptoms aren't improving, ...

Imipenem Resistance of Enterobacter aerogenes Mediated by Outer Membrane Permeability

PubMed Central

Bornet, Charléric; Davin-Regli, Anne; Bosi, Claude; Pages, Jean-Marie; Bollet, Claude

2000-01-01

Multidrug-resistant Enterobacter aerogenes strains are increasingly isolated in Europe and especially in France. Treatment leads to imipenem resistance, because of a lack of porin. We studied the evolution of resistance in 29 strains isolated from four patients during their clinical course. These strains belonged to the prevalent epidemiological type observed in France in previous studies (C. Bosi, et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 37:2165–2169, 1999; A. Davin-Regli et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 34:1474–1480, 1996). They also harbored a TEM-24 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-coding gene. Thirteen strains were susceptible to gentamicin and resistant to imipenem and cefepime. All of the patients showed E. aerogenes strains with this resistance after an imipenem treatment. One patient showed resistance to imipenem after a treatment with cefpirome. Twelve of these 13 strains showed a lack of porin. Cessation of treatment with imipenem for three patients was followed by reversion of susceptibility to this antibiotic and the reappearance of porins, except in one case. For one patient, we observed three times in the same day the coexistence of resistant strains lacking porin and susceptible strains possessing porin. The emergence of multidrug-resistant E. aerogenes strains is very disquieting. In our study, infection by E. aerogenes increased the severity of the patients' illnesses, causing a 100% fatality rate. PMID:10698994

Fish tapeworm infection

MedlinePlus

Fish tapeworm infection is an intestinal infection with a parasite found in fish. ... The fish tapeworm ( Diphyllobothrium latum ) is the largest parasite that infects humans. Humans become infected when they eat raw ...

Quick-look guide to the crustal dynamics project's data information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noll, Carey E.; Behnke, Jeanne M.; Linder, Henry G.

1987-01-01

Described are the contents of the Crustal Dynamics Project Data Information System (DIS) and instructions on the use of this facility. The main purpose of the DIS is to store all geodetic data products acquired by the Project in a central data bank and to maintain information about the archive of all Project-related data. Access and use of the DIS menu-driven system is described as well as procedures for contacting DIS staff and submitting data requests.

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Imlay, Hannah; Kaul, Daniel; Rao, Krishna

2016-01-01

Clostridium difficile infection is a healthcare-associated infection resulting in significant morbidity. Although immunosuppression is associated with Clostridium difficile infection acquisition and adverse outcomes, the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection in HIV-infected patients has been little studied in the era of antiretroviral therapy. This study identifies the risk factors for acquisition of Clostridium difficile infection in HIV-infected patients. A retrospective, propensity score-matched case-control study design was employed, with patients selected from our institution's outpatient HIV clinic. Clostridium difficile infection cases were defined as having positive stool testing plus an appropriate clinical presentation. The propensity score was generated via multiple logistic regression from year of HIV diagnosis, age at first contact, duration of follow-up, gender, and initial CD4 count. The 46 cases included were matched to a total of 180 controls. Prior antibiotic treatment was a significant predictor of Clostridium difficile infection (odds ratio: 13, 95% confidence interval: 3.49-48.8, p  < .001) as was number of hospital admissions in the preceding year (odds ratio: 4.02, confidence interval: 1.81-8.94, p  < .001). Having both proton pump inhibitor use and CD4 count <200 cells/µL significantly increased odds of Clostridium difficile infection in the multivariable model (odds ratio: 15.17, confidence interval: 1.31-175.9, p  = .021). As in the general population, frequent hospitalizations and exposure to antimicrobials are independent predictors of Clostridium difficile infection acquisition in patients with HIV. Additionally, low CD4 count and proton pump inhibitor use are new potentially modifiable variables that can be targeted for prevention of Clostridium difficile infection in future interventional studies.

Fungal Skin Infections

MedlinePlus

... Skin Infections Overview of Fungal Skin Infections Candidiasis (Yeast Infection) Dermatophytid Reaction Intertrigo Tinea Versicolor Overview of ... breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candida or Malassezia furfur ) or dermatophytes , ...

An in vitro reprogrammable antiviral RISC with size-preferential ribonuclease activity.

PubMed

Omarov, Rustem T; Ciomperlik, Jessica; Scholthof, Herman B

2016-03-01

Infection of Nicotiana benthamiana plants with Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) mutants compromised for silencing suppression induces formation of an antiviral RISC (vRISC) that can be isolated using chromatography procedures. The isolated vRISC sequence-specifically degrades TBSV RNA in vitro, its activity can be down-regulated by removing siRNAs, and re-stimulated by exogenous supply of siRNAs. vRISC is most effective at hydrolyzing the ~4.8kb genomic RNA, but less so for a ~2.2kb TBSV subgenomic mRNA (sgRNA1), while the 3' co-terminal sgRNA2 of ~0.9kb appears insensitive to vRISC cleavage. Moreover, experiments with in vitro generated 5' co-terminal viral transcripts show that RNAs of ~2.7kb are efficiently cleaved while those of ~1.1kb or shorter are unaffected. The isolated antiviral ribonuclease complex fails to degrade ~0.4kb defective interfering RNAs (DIs) in vitro, agreeing with findings that in plants DIs are not targeted by silencing. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Anticipating persistent infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moitra, Promit; Jain, Kanishk; Sinha, Sudeshna

2018-03-01

We explore the emergence of persistent infection in a closed region where the disease progression of the individuals is given by the SIRS model, with an individual becoming infected on contact with another infected individual within a given range. We focus on the role of synchronization in the persistence of contagion. Our key result is that higher degree of synchronization, both globally in the population and locally in the neighbourhoods, hinders persistence of infection. Importantly, we find that early short-time asynchrony appears to be a consistent precursor to future persistence of infection, and can potentially provide valuable early warnings for sustained contagion in a population patch. Thus, transient synchronization can help anticipate the long-term persistence of infection. Further we demonstrate that when the range of influence of an infected individual is wider, one obtains lower persistent infection. This counterintuitive observation can also be understood through the relation between synchronization and infection burn-out.

The DIS, the CODD, IGSNs and DOIs: Tools you need to succeed with your ocean and continental scientific drilling project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorgas, Thomas; Conze, Ronald; Lorenz, Henning; Elger, Kirsten; Ulbricht, Damian; Wilkens, Roy; Lyle, Mitchell; Westerhold, Thomas; Drury, Anna Joy; Tian, Jun; Hahn, Annette

2017-04-01

Scientific ocean drilling over the past >40 years and corresponding efforts on land (by now for more than >20 years) has led to the accumulation of an enormous amount of valuable petrophysical, geochemical, biological and geophysical data obtained through laboratory and field experiments across a multitude of scale-and time dimensions. Such data can be utilized comprehensively in a holistic fashion, and thereby provide base toward an enhanced "Core-Log-Integration", modeling small-scale basin processes to large-scale Earth phenomena, while also storing and managing all relevant information in an "Open Access" fashion. Since the early 1990's members of our team have acquired and measured a large dataset of physical and geochemical properties representing both terrestrial and marine geological environments. This dataset cover a variety of both macro-to-microscale dimensions, and thereby allowing this type of interdisciplinary data examination. Over time, data management and processing tools have been developed and were recently merged with modern data publishing methods, which allow identifying and tracking data and associated publications in a trackable and concise manner. Our current presentation summarizes an important part of the value chain in geosciences, comprising: 1) The state-of-the-art in data management for continental and lake drilling projects performed with and through ICDP's Drilling Information System (DIS). 2) The CODD (Code for Ocean Drilling Data) as numerical-based, programmable data processing toolbox and applicable for both continental and marine drilling projects. 3) The implementation of Persistent Identifiers, such as the International Geo Sample Number (IGSN) to identify and track sample material as part of Digital-Object-Identifier (DOI)-tagged operation reports and research publications. 4) A list of contacts provided for scientists with an interest in learning and applying methods and techniques we offer in form of basic and advanced

Develop Systems for Manufacturing 100,000,000 Doses of an Emergency Pharmaceutical (e.g. Vaccine or Monoclonal Antibody) Within 2 Months of Product Identification

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-08

protein production. At Genencor, we have developed strains of Aspergillus niger var. awamori, which demonstrate improved secretion of foreign proteins...2000. Characterization of the kexin-like maturase of Aspergillus niger . Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 66:363-368 Jefferis, R., J. Lund, and J. D. Pound...N., Gieswein C., Park M., Wang H. 2004. Characterization of humanized antibodies secreted by Aspergillus niger . Appl Environ Microbiol. 70:2567

Dissemination and Implementation Science in Primary Care Research and Practice: Contributions and Opportunities.

PubMed

Holtrop, Jodi Summers; Rabin, Borsika A; Glasgow, Russell E

2018-01-01

Dissemination and Implementation Science (DIS) is a growing research field that seeks to inform how evidence-based interventions can be successfully adopted, implemented, and maintained in health care delivery and community settings. In this article, an overview of DIS and how it has contributed to primary care delivery improvement, future opportunities for its use, and DIS resources for learning are described. Case examples are provided to illustrate how DIS can be used to solve the complex implementation and dissemination problems that emerge in primary care. Finally, recommendations are made to guide the use of DIS to inform and drive improvements in primary care delivery. © Copyright 2018 by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Critical Review of Selected Components of RIPD (Radiation-Induced Performance Decrement)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

e in UG dis n Table 3. of the NAS of the NAS tive toxin A stem. This al vomiting leared at a ra ted by the e s for B and β rate const s of...protracted and fractionated doses. From data for acute doses ( King 1988), severity curves were constructed for the ferret. Model parameters were fit to...cytokine concentrations and bacterial infection,” Radiat. Res, 173(3):319– 332. King G.L., 1988. “Characterization of radiation-induced emesis in

Yeast Infection (Vaginal)

MedlinePlus

Yeast infection (vaginal) Overview A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness ... symptoms Causes The fungus candida causes a vaginal yeast infection. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including ...

Pseudomonal breast infection

PubMed Central

Rastall, S; Catchpole, C; Bright-Thomas, R; Thrush, S

2010-01-01

Breast infection and breast sepsis secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is uncommon. We report two cases of pseudomonal breast infection leading to septic shock and abscess formation in women with non-responding breast infection. The management of breast infection is broad-spectrum antibiotics and ultrasound with aspiration of any collection. To treat breast infection effectively, the causative organism must be isolated to enable appropriate antibiotic therapy. PMID:20412664

Retinitis due to opportunistic infections in Iranian HIV infected patients.

PubMed

Abdollahi, Ali; Mohraz, Minoo; Rasoulinejad, Mehrnaz; Shariati, Mona; Kheirandish, Parastou; Abdollahi, Maryam; Soori, Tahereh

2013-01-01

We tried to evaluate prevalence and characteristics of Iranian HIV infected patients with retinitis due to opportunistic infections. In this cross sectional study, we evaluated 106 HIV infected patients via indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp examination by 90 lens to find retinitis cases. General information and results of ophthalmologic examination were analyzed. Prevalence of retinitis due to opportunistic infections was 6.6%: cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis 1.88%, toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis 1.88% and tuberculosis chorioretinitis 2.83%. CD4 count was higher than 50 cell/µlit in both cases with CMV retinitis. Along with increasing survival in the HIV infected patients, the prevalence of complications such as ocular manifestation due to opportunistic infections are increasing and must be more considered.

Strategies for Optimizing the Diagnostic Predictive Value of Clostridium difficile Molecular Diagnostics.

PubMed

Kociolek, Larry K

2017-05-01

Because nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) do not distinguish Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and asymptomatic C. difficile carriage, the diagnostic predictive value of NAATs is limited when used in patients with a low probability of CDI. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology , Truong et al. (J. Clin. Microbiol., 55:1276-1284, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02319-16) report significant reductions in hospital-onset CDI and oral vancomycin utilization at their institution following implementation of a novel intervention that leveraged their clinical bioinformatics resources to prevent C. difficile testing of stools from patients without clinically significant diarrhea and in patients with recent laxative use. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Prosthetic Joint Infections

PubMed Central

Aslam, Saima; Darouiche, Rabih O.

2012-01-01

Prosthetic joint infections represent a major therapeutic challenge for both healthcare providers and patients. This paper reviews the predisposing factors, pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of prosthetic joint infection. The most optimal management strategy should be identified based on a number of considerations including type and duration of infection, antimicrobial susceptibility of the infecting pathogen, condition of infected tissues and bone stock, patient wishes and functional status. PMID:22847032

Nodal infection in Markovian susceptible-infected-susceptible and susceptible-infected-removed epidemics on networks are non-negatively correlated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cator, E.; Van Mieghem, P.

2014-05-01

By invoking the famous Fortuin, Kasteleyn, and Ginibre (FKG) inequality, we prove the conjecture that the correlation of infection at the same time between any pair of nodes in a network cannot be negative for (exact) Markovian susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) and susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) epidemics on networks. The truth of the conjecture establishes that the N-intertwined mean-field approximation (NIMFA) upper bounds the infection probability in any graph so that network design based on NIMFA always leads to safe protections against malware spread. However, when the infection or/and curing are not Poisson processes, the infection correlation between two nodes can be negative.

Nodal infection in Markovian susceptible-infected-susceptible and susceptible-infected-removed epidemics on networks are non-negatively correlated.

PubMed

Cator, E; Van Mieghem, P

2014-05-01

By invoking the famous Fortuin, Kasteleyn, and Ginibre (FKG) inequality, we prove the conjecture that the correlation of infection at the same time between any pair of nodes in a network cannot be negative for (exact) Markovian susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) and susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) epidemics on networks. The truth of the conjecture establishes that the N-intertwined mean-field approximation (NIMFA) upper bounds the infection probability in any graph so that network design based on NIMFA always leads to safe protections against malware spread. However, when the infection or/and curing are not Poisson processes, the infection correlation between two nodes can be negative.

Diagnosis of treponemal co-infection in HIV-infected West Africans.

PubMed

Mamoojee, Yaasir; Tan, Grace; Gittins, Sandra; Sarfo, Stephen; Stephenson, Lisa; Carrington, David; Bedu-Addo, George; Phillips, Richard; Appiah, Lambert T; Chadwick, David

2012-12-01

To evaluate the performance of two enzyme immunoassays (EIA), Murex and ICE, and the Determine TP point-of-care test (POCT) in diagnosing treponemal infection (syphilis or yaws) in patients attending a large HIV clinic in Ghana; to determine the prevalence of treponemal co-infections; and to characterise demographic and clinical features of patients with infection. Samples were tested with EIAs and rapid plasma reagin (RPR), then POCT and reference assays for Treponema pallidum to determine prevalence of active and past infection. Sensitivity and specificity of each assay were calculated and demographic and clinical characteristics of patients compared. Data were collected from case notes of patients retrospectively. Overall, 45/284 patient samples (14.8%, 95% CI, 11.1-19.4%) were Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) positive, and of these, 27 (64.3%) were RPR positive and 4 (8.9%) were treponemal IgM positive. Both EIAs and Determine TP POCT showed high sensitivities and specificities for identifying infection although RPR was less reliable. Clinical features of syphilis or yaws were rarely identified in TPPA-positive patients suggesting most had previous or late latent infection. Treatment of various intercurrent infections using short courses of antibiotics active against T. pallidum was common in the clinic. A high proportion of this HIV-infected cohort showed evidence of treponemal infection. Both EIAs as well as the POCT were practical and effective at diagnosing treponemal co-infection in this setting. RPR alone was unreliable at identifying active treponemal co-infection, however might be useful in some settings where treponemal-specific assays are unaffordable. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Infection and stillbirth.

PubMed

McClure, Elizabeth M; Goldenberg, Robert L

2009-08-01

Infection may cause stillbirth by several mechanisms, including direct infection, placental damage, and severe maternal illness. Various organisms have been associated with stillbirth, including many bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. In developed countries, between 10% and 25% of stillbirths may be caused by an infection, whereas in developing countries, which have much higher stillbirth rates, the contribution of infection is much greater. In developed countries, ascending bacterial infection, both before and after membrane rupture, with organisms such as Escherichia coli, group B streptococci, and Ureaplasma urealyticum is usually the most common infectious cause of stillbirth. However, in areas where syphilis is prevalent, up to half of all stillbirths may be caused by this infection alone. Malaria may be an important cause of stillbirth in women infected for the first time in pregnancy. The two most important viral causes of stillbirth are parvovirus and Coxsackie virus, although a number of other viral infections appear to be causal. Toxoplasma gondii, Listeria monocytogenes, and the organisms that cause leptospirosis, Q fever, and Lyme disease have all been implicated as etiologic for stillbirth. In certain developing countries, the stillbirth rate is high and the infection-related component so great that achieving a substantial reduction in stillbirth should be possible by reducing maternal infections. However, because infection-related stillbirth is uncommon in developed countries, and because those that do occur are caused by a wide variety of organisms, reducing this etiologic component of stillbirth much further will be difficult.

Rapid identification of serotypes of Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare complex by using infected swine sera and reference antigenic glycolipids.

PubMed

Ikawa, H; Oka, S; Murakami, H; Hayashi, A; Yano, I

1989-11-01

The species of 136 strains of acid-fast bacteria isolated from swine with mycobacteriosis were identified by numerical taxonomy and chemotaxonomy on the basis of mycolic acid subclass composition as members of the Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare (MAI) complex. The isolates were further classified by using both thin-layer chromatography of the antigenic glycopeptidolipids (GPL) obtained from the bacteria by the method of Tsang et al. (A. Y. Tsang, I. Drupa, M. Goldberg, J. K. McClatchy, and P. J. Brennan, Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 33:285-292, 1983) and the seroagglutination test devised by W. B. Schaefer (Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 92[Suppl.]:85-93, 1965). For the reference standard, purified antigenic GPL of serotypes 4, 8, and 9 were isolated and their structures were analyzed by negative fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry. The fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometric spectra of the intact GPL antigens of serotypes 4, 8, and 9 agreed with the structures reported earlier by Brennan et al. (P. J. Brennan and M. B. Goren, J. Biol. Chem. 254:4205-4211, 1979; P. J. Brennan, G. O. Aspinall, and J. E. Nam Shin, J. Biol. Chem. 256:6817-6822, 1981). With these antigenic GPL, the thin-layer chromatographic behaviors of the alkali-stable lipids of the above-described isolates were examined. These MAI complex isolates fell into the serotype 8 (85 strains), 4 (33 strains), and 9 (7 strains) and untypeable (11 strains) categories. Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on type-specific glycolipid antigens and infected swine sera was used to diagnose the serological types of the MAI complex isolates. Of 14 cases typed by both the seroagglutination reaction and thin-layer chromatography, 13 showed clear agreement with the ELISA results. The results demonstrated that ELISA using infected sera was especially useful, and it can be recommended on the basis of simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity as an adjunct to the seroaggulutination test and thin

Treatment based on the type of infected TKA improves infection control.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Hoo; Choi, Yoowang; Kim, Jun-Shik

2011-04-01

A classification system with four types of infected TKAs has been commonly used to determine treatment, especially with regard to whether the prosthesis should be removed or retained. We asked whether (1) the classification-dictated treatment of the four types of infection after TKA would control infection and maintain functional TKA; (2) repeated débridement and two-stage TKA would further improve the infection control rate after initial treatment; and (3) fixation of TKA prosthesis to the host bone was achieved. We retrospectively reviewed 114 patients with 116 infected TKAs. We determined the infection control rate after initial treatment, repeated débridement and two-stage TKA. We evaluated the functional and radiographic results using the Knee Society and Hospital for Special Surgery knee scoring systems. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 5.6 years; range, 2-8 years). The overall infection control rate was 100% in all patients. All patients with early superficial postoperative infection, 94% of patients with early deep postoperative infection, 96% of patients with late chronic infection, and 86% of patients with acute hematogenous infection maintained functioning knee prosthesis at the final followup. One hundred nine of the 114 patients could walk with no or only slight pain and maintained functioning knee prostheses. These 109 patients had stable fixation of the TKA prosthesis to host bone. The techniques proposed by the classification effectively controlled infection and maintained functional TKA with firm fixation of the TKA prosthesis in most patients. Repeated débridement and two-stage TKA further improved the control of infection and functional TKA after initial treatment. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Nosocomial infections in HIV infected patients. Gruppo HIV e Infezioni Ospedaliere.

PubMed

Petrosillo, N; Pugliese, G; Girardi, E; Pallavicini, F; Carosi, G; Moro, M L; Ippolito, G

1999-04-01

To determine the incidence of nosocomial infections (NI) in HIV-infected patients and to analyse some of the associated risk factors. Multicentre prospective study on consecutive HIV-infected patients admitted to 19 Italian acute-care infectious disease wards. All patients admitted during a 1-year period were followed-up for NI until their discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for NI risk factors. As of June 1998 a total of 344 NI occurred in 4330 admissions, with at least one NI in 273 admissions (6.3%). The incidence rate of NI was 3.6 per 1000 patient days [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.2-4.1]. Overall distribution by site was 36.6% bloodstream infections (BSI), 30.5% urinary tract infections, 18.4% pneumonia, 5.2% skin/soft tissue infections, 2.0% surgical wound infections and 7.3% others. Fifty-five out of the 126 BSI were related to a central venous catheter (CVC); the rate of CVC-associated infections was eight infections per 1000 devices. At multivariate analysis, variables independently associated with NI included CD4 T-lymphocyte count < 200 x 10(6)/l [odds ratio (OR), 2.21; 95% CI, 1.35-3.62], Karnofsky Performance Status < 40 (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.28-2.78), therapy with corticosteroids (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.29-2.45), CVC (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.41-4.35), urinary catheter (OR, 6.53; 95% CI, 4.81-8.86) and surgery (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.90-5.15). Results suggest that NI occur commonly in HIV-infected patients. As the number of cases of HIV continues to increase, the number of HIV-infected patients requiring hospitalization may also increase. Clinicians need to be aware of the risk factors for NI and must consider these infections in the overall management of HIV-infected, hospitalized patients.

Cytomegalovirus infection in HIV-infected versus non-infected infants and HIV disease progression in Cytomegalovirus infected versus non infected infants early treated with cART in the ANRS 12140-Pediacam study in Cameroon.

PubMed

Kfutwah, Anfumbom K W; Ngoupo, Paul Alain T; Sofeu, Casimir Ledoux; Ndongo, Francis Ateba; Guemkam, Georgette; Ndiang, Suzie Tetang; Owona, Félicité; Penda, Ida Calixte; Tchendjou, Patrice; Rouzioux, Christine; Warszawski, Josiane; Faye, Albert; Tejiokem, Mathurin Cyrille

2017-03-23

The outcome of CMV/HIV co-infection in infants treated early with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in resource-limited settings has not been described. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify factors associated with early CMV infection in HIV-infected and non-infected infants included in a study in Cameroon, and to compare HIV disease progression and survival after 1 year of early cART, following infants' CMV status. HIV-infected infants followed from birth or from HIV diagnosis before 7 months old and HIV-uninfected infants born to HIV-infected or uninfected mothers were tested for CMV at a median age of 4.0 months [Interquartile range (IQR): 3.4-4.9]. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with CMV infection. Early cART was offered to HIV-infected infants: mortality, immunological and virological outcomes were assessed. Three hundred and sixty-nine infants were tested. The proportion of infants infected with CMV at baseline was significantly higher in HIV-infected than in HIV-uninfected groups (58.9% (86/146) vs 30.0% (67/223), p < 0.001). At baseline, median CMV viral load was higher in HIV-infected (3.7 log copies/ml [IQR; 3.1-4.3]) than in HIV-uninfected infants (2.8 log copies [IQR; 2.1-3.4], p < 0.001). cART was initiated in 90% of HIV-infected infants (132/146) at a median age of 4.0 months (IQR; 3.2-5.9); in this sub-group CMV infection was independently associated with being followed from the time of HIV diagnosis rather than from birth (aOR = 3.1, 95%CI [1.2-8.0]), born to a non-single mother (aOR = 3.4[1.4-8.1]), and breastfeeding (aOR = 7.3 [2.7-19.4]). HIV-infected infants were retested after a median of 7.1 months [4.8-9.5]: CMV was undetectable in 37 of the 61 (60.7%) initially CMV-infected cases and became detectable in 8 of the 38 (21.1%) initially CMV-negative cases. After 1 year of cART, the probability of death (0.185 vs 0.203; p = 0.75), the proportion of

[Reactivation of parvovirus B19 infection in an HIV-infected woman].

PubMed

Sterpu, R; Ichou, H; Mahé, I; Mortier, E

2014-06-01

Infection by human parvovirus B19 (erythrovirus B19) is common and usually asymptomatic during childhood conferring lasting protection against a new infection. Parvovirus B19 infection may cause erythema infectiosum (5th disease) and aplastic crisis. Secondary symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection in the same patient is rare and its physiopathology is not always clear. A 48-year-old HIV-infected female patient presented within 5 years two acute episodes of parvovirus B19 infection although her CD4 cells count was above 500/mm(3). Absence of specific antibodies production after the first episode and persisting parvovirus viremia suggested viral reactivation rather than re-infection. During the second episode, specific antibodies were produced. Similarly to most DNA viruses, parvovirus B19 reactivation is possible in HIV-infected patients while effectively treated by antiretroviral therapy. Copyright © 2013 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Occupational infections.

PubMed

Lim, V K E

2009-06-01

Many infections are associated with occupations. Involvement in a particular occupation may place the person at higher direct risk of contracting certain infections. In some instances the life-style associated with the occupation results in a higher risk of exposure to the infection. The link between the infection and the workplace is often missed by the attending physician. This may be due to a lack of awareness on the part of the physician. Sometimes a direct link can be difficult to prove without the use of sophisticated molecular epidemiological tests. This has led to gross under-diagnosis and under-reporting of such cases. It is however important that occupational infections be diagnosed as adequate preventive measures need to be implemented. Furthermore the patient may be eligible for monetary compensation under the relevant occupational safety laws of the country.

In-Situ Chemical Analyses of Mineral Inclusions in Diamonds in Kimberlitic Eclogites From Yakutia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ANAND, M.; MISRA, K. C.; TAYLOR, L. A.; SOBOLEV, N. V.

2001-12-01

Mineral inclusions in diamonds (DIs) are stated to provide P-T-X-t information regarding the formation of the diamonds and the nature of the upper mantle. In an endeavor to further understand the importance of diamonds and their DIs in relation to their host rocks, we have investigated several diamondiferous eclogites from Yakutia, first by HRXC tomography (Taylor et al., 2001, this meeting) and then by dissection of the eclogites into their individual minerals. The mineralogy of the host eclogite is presented by Misra et al. (2001, this meeting). Two of the diamondiferous eclogite xenoliths, although weighing but 66 g and 42 g, contain 74 and 47 macro-diamonds, resp. Based on HRXCT imaging, appropriate sections were selected in the eclogite to extract diamonds with minimum loss of material. In the majority of cases, diamonds occur as perfect octahedron with well developed crystal faces. In some cases, however, diamonds occur as macles (twinned xls). The size range of the diamonds is 1-6 mm. Optical examination reveals the sulfides as the most common DIs in these diamonds, followed by clinopyroxenes and garnets. Each diamond was cut and polished along relatively soft directions parallel to either (001) or (110) faces so as to expose DIs for in-situ analyses. Examination by cathodoluminescence (CL) on an EMP demonstrated that the majority of the diamonds have minute, optically invisible, cracks from the DIs to the surfaces of the diamonds - i.e., the possibility of an open system. These diamonds show complicated growth histories and contain DIs that are in some cases, found to be associated with secondary alteration. In addition, the DIs in each diamond, examined in-situ are of different composition from the host and different from DIs in other diamonds, a relationship reported earlier (Taylor et al., 2000, Int'l Geol Rev). These observations raise serious doubts about the significance of DIs and the pristinity and syngenesis of DIs removed by the typical diamond

Infections in hemodialysis: a concise review - Part 1: bacteremia and respiratory infections

PubMed Central

Eleftheriadis, T; Liakopoulos, V; Leivaditis, K; Antoniadi, G; Stefanidis, I

2011-01-01

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are particularly predisposed to infections. It seems that the HD procedure per se as well as disturbances in both innate and adaptive immunity significantly contribute to this susceptibility. Infections are the major cause of morbidity and the second cause of death following cardiovascular events in HD patients. Episodes of bacteremia and pneumonia account for the majority of severe infections in this population. In addition to these bacterial infections another common problem in HD units is the blood transmitted viral infections, particularly infections caused by hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and Human immunodeficiency virus. A number of safety concerns exist for limiting the spread of these viral infections among HD patients and the staff of the unit. The aim of the present review is to present in a concise albeit practical form the difficult aspect of infections in HD. For practical reasons the review is separated in two parts. The present first part covers bacteremia and respiratory infections, while the second part will cover blood transmitted viral infections. PMID:21607029

Computer-generated forces in distributed interactive simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petty, Mikel D.

1995-04-01

Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) is an architecture for building large-scale simulation models from a set of independent simulator nodes communicating via a common network protocol. DIS is most often used to create a simulated battlefield for military training. Computer Generated Forces (CGF) systems control large numbers of autonomous battlefield entities in a DIS simulation using computer equipment and software rather than humans in simulators. CGF entities serve as both enemy forces and supplemental friendly forces in a DIS exercise. Research into various aspects of CGF systems is ongoing. Several CGF systems have been implemented.

[Infections of the oral mucosa II. Bacterial, mycotic and viral infections].

PubMed

Reichart, P A

1999-11-01

Non-specific infections of the oral mucosa are rare; however, they may present during HIV infection in the form of gingivo-periodontal lesions. In some of these Candida albicans may play a role in the pathogenesis. Sexually transmitted bacterial infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis are frequently associated with HIV infection. Since penicillin resistance is frequent in gonorrhoea, the cephalosporines are mainly used for treatment. Syphilis increases the risk for transmission of HIV. Lues maligna with oral manifestations has been described. For this, penicillin G is the therapy of choice. Tuberculosis, characterized by multitherapy resistance, is associated with HIV infections world-wide; oral manifestations are rare. Oral candidiasis during HIV infection is often characterized by therapy resistance against fluconazole and a shift in species, with Candida glabrata and Candida krusei as the emerging species. The azoles are still the mainstay of therapy, particularly fluconazole. Herpes simplex (HSV) infections run an atypical course during HIV disease; resistance against acyclovir is a clinical problem. The association of HSV infection with erythema exudativum multiforme has been clearly shown. Oral hairy leukoplakia caused by Epstein Barr virus is a characteristic infection during immunosuppression. Cytomegalovirus infection is also observed in immunodeficient patients. Cases of ganciclovir resistance have been described. Human herpes virus 8 (HHV 8) is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. Therapeutic trials have focussed on the inhibition of HHV 8 replication. Over 100 different genotypes of human papillomaviruses are known; some can cause infections of the oral mucosa. Characteristic lesions caused by different HPV genotypes are verruca vulgaris, condyloma acuminatum and focal epithelial hyperplasia.

Knee joint kinematics after dynamic intraligamentary stabilization: cadaveric study on a novel anterior cruciate ligament repair technique.

PubMed

Schliemann, Benedikt; Lenschow, Simon; Domnick, Christoph; Herbort, Mirco; Häberli, Janosch; Schulze, Martin; Wähnert, Dirk; Raschke, Michael J; Kösters, Clemens

2017-04-01

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) has been introduced for the repair of acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears as an alternative to delayed reconstruction. The aim of the present study was to compare knee joint kinematics after DIS to those of the ACL-intact and ACL-deficient knee under simulated Lachman/KT-1000 and pivot-shift tests. We hypothesized that DIS provides knee joint kinematics equivalent to an intact ACL. With the use of a robotic knee simulator, knee kinematics were determined in simulated Lachman/KT-1000 and pivot-shift tests at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion in eight cadaveric knees under the following conditions: (1) intact ACL, (2) ACL deficiency, (3) DIS with a preload of 60 N, and (4) DIS with a preload of 80 N. Statistical analyses were performed using two-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance. The significance level was set at a p value of <0.05. After DIS with a preload of either 60 N or 80 N, the anterior translation was significantly reduced in the simulated Lachman/KT-1000 and pivot-shift tests when compared to the ACL-deficient knee (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the DIS reconstruction with a preload of 80 N and the intact ACL with regard to anterior laxity in either test. However, DIS with a preload of only 60 N was not able to restore knee joint kinematics to that of an intact knee in all degrees of flexion. DIS with a preload of 80 N restores knee joint kinematics comparable to that of an ACL-intact knee and is therefore capable of providing knee joint stability during ACL healing. DIS therefore provides a new technique for primary ACL repair with superior biomechanical properties in comparison with other techniques that have been described previously, although further clinical studies are required to determine its usefulness in clinical settings.

Medical Surveillance Monthly Report. Volume 21, Number 7

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

Health Research Center Laboratory–based Meningococcal Disease Surveillance Program, 2006–2014 Michael P. Broderick , PhD S U M M A R Y T A B L E S A N...2006–2014 Michael P. Broderick , PhD F I G U R E . Annual counts of fatal and non-fatal cases of meningococcal disease among active duty service members...1998. Clin Infect Dis. 2002;35(11):1376–1381. 2. Broderick MP, Faix DJ, Hansen CJ, Blair PJ. Trends in meningococcal disease in the United States

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Central Bolivia: Relationships Between Reservoir Hosts, Habitats, and Viral Genotypes

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

in Brazil. J Med Virol 59: 527–535. 7. Lopez N, Padula P, Rossi C, Lazaro ME, Franze-Fernandez MT, 1996. Genetic identification of a new hantavirus...177: 529–538. 10. Toro J, Vega JD, Khan AS, Mills JN, Padula P, Terry W, Yadon Z, Valderrama R, Ellis BA, Pavletic C, Cerda R, Zaki S, Wun- Ju S, Meyer...Chile, 1997. Emerg Infect Dis 4: 687–694. 11. Padula PJ, Rossi CM, Della Valle MO, Martinez PV, Colavecchia SB, Edelstein A, Miguel SD, Rabinovich RD

Clustering of Toxoplasma gondii Infections Within Families of Congenitally Infected Infants

PubMed Central

Contopoulos-Ioannidis, Despina; Wheeler, Kelsey M.; Ramirez, Raymund; Press, Cindy; Mui, Ernest; Zhou, Ying; Van Tubbergen, Christine; Prasad, Sheela; Maldonado, Yvonne; Withers, Shawn; Boyer, Kenneth M.; Noble, A. Gwendolyn; Rabiah, Peter; Swisher, Charles N.; Heydemann, Peter; Wroblewski, Kristen; Karrison, Theodore; Grigg, Michael E.; Montoya, Jose G.; McLeod, Rima

2015-01-01

Background. Family clusters and epidemics of toxoplasmosis in North, Central, and South America led us to determine whether fathers of congenitally infected infants in the National Collaborative Chicago-Based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study (NCCCTS) have a high incidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Methods. We analyzed serum samples collected from NCCCTS families between 1981 and 2013. Paternal serum samples were tested for T. gondii antibodies with immunoglobulin (Ig) G dye test and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additional testing of paternal serum samples was performed with differential-agglutination and IgG avidity tests when T. gondii IgG and IgM results were positive and serum samples were collected by the 1-year visit of the congenitally infected child. Prevalence of paternal seropositivity and incidence of recent infection were calculated. We analyzed whether certain demographics, maternal parasite serotype, risk factors, or maternal/infant clinical manifestations were associated with paternal T. gondii infection status. Results. Serologic testing revealed a high prevalence (29 of 81; 36%) of T. gondii infection in fathers, relative to the average seropositivity rate of 9.8% for boys and men aged 12–49 years in the United States between 1994 and 2004 (P < .001). Moreover, there was a higher-than-expected incidence of recent infections among fathers with serum samples collected by the 1-year visit of their child (6 of 45; 13%; P < .001). No demographic patterns or clinical manifestations in mothers or infants were associated with paternal infections, except for sandbox exposure. Conclusions. The high prevalence of chronic and incidence of recent T. gondii infections in fathers of congenitally infected children indicates that T. gondii infections cluster within families in North America. When a recently infected person is identified, family clustering and community risk factors should be investigated for appropriate clinical management

Prosthetic vascular graft infection and prosthetic joint infection caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri.

PubMed

Bonares, Michael J; Vaisman, Alon; Sharkawy, Abdu

2016-01-01

Pseudomonas stutzeri is infrequently isolated from clinical specimens, and if isolated, more likely represents colonization or contamination rather than infection. Despite this, there are dozens of case reports which describe clinically significant P. stutzeri infections at variable sites. A 69-year-old man had a P. stutzeri infection of a prosthetic vascular graft infection, which he received in Panama City. He was successfully treated with a single antipseudomonal agent for 6 weeks and the removal of the infected vascular graft. A 70-year-old man had a P. stutzeri infection of a prosthetic joint, which was successfully treated with a single anti-pseudomonal agent for 6 weeks. There is only one other documented case of a prosthetic vascular graft infection secondary to P. stutzeri . There are 5 documented cases of P. stutzeri prosthetic joint infections. The previous cases were treated with antibiotics and variably, source control with the removal of prosthetic material. Most cases of P. stutzeri infection are due to exposure in health care settings. Immunocompromised states such as HIV or hematological and solid tumor malignancies are risk factors for P. stutzeri infection. Infections caused by P. stutzeri are far less frequent and less fatal than those caused by P. aeruginosa. The etiology of a P. stutzeri infection could be exposure to soil and water, but also contaminated material in the health care setting or an immunocompromised state. Iatrogenic infections that are secondary to health care tourism are a potential cause of fever in the returned traveler.

Infections complicating cirrhosis.

PubMed

Piano, Salvatore; Brocca, Alessandra; Mareso, Sara; Angeli, Paolo

2018-02-01

Patients with cirrhosis have a high risk of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections induce systemic inflammation that may lead to organ failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) resulting in a high risk of short term mortality. The early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections is essential to improve the patient's prognosis. However, in recent years, the spread of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections has reduced the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics such as third generation cephalosporins. In patients at high risk of MDR bacteria, such as those with nosocomial infections, the early administration of broad spectrum antibiotics has been shown to improve the prognosis. However, early de-escalation of antibiotics is recommended to reduce a further increase in antibiotic resistance. Strategies to prevent acute kidney injury and other organ failures should be implemented. Although prophylaxis of bacterial infections with antibiotics improves the prognosis in selected patients, their use should be limited to patients at high risk of developing infections. In this article, we review the pathogenesis and management of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Screening for potential anti-infective agents towards Burkholderia pseudomallei infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eng, Su Anne; Nathan, Sheila

2014-09-01

The established treatment for melioidosis is antibiotic therapy. However, a constant threat to this form of treatment is resistance development of the causative agent, Burkholderia pseudomallei, towards antibiotics. One option to circumvent this threat of antibiotic resistance is to search for new alternative anti-infectives which target the host innate immune system and/or bacterial virulence. In this study, 29 synthetic compounds were evaluated for their potential to increase the lifespan of an infected host. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was adopted as the infection model as its innate immune pathways are homologous to humans. Screens were performed in a liquid-based survival assay containing infected worms exposed to individual compounds and survival of untreated and compound-treated worms were compared. A primary screen identified nine synthetic compounds that extended the lifespan of B. pseudomallei-infected worms. Subsequently, a disc diffusion test was performed on these selected compounds to delineate compounds into those that enhanced the survival of worms via antimicrobial activity i.e. reducing the number of infecting bacteria, or into those that did not target pathogen viability. Out of the nine hits selected, two demonstrated antimicrobial effects on B. pseudomallei. Therefore, the findings from this study suggest that the other seven identified compounds are potential anti-infectives which could protect a host against B. pseudomallei infection without developing the risk of drug resistance.

Certification in infection control matters: Impact of infection control department characteristics and policies on rates of multidrug-resistant infections

PubMed Central

Pogorzelska, Monika; Stone, PatriciaW.; Larson, Elaine L.

2012-01-01

Background The study objective is to describe infection control policies aimed at multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in California hospitals and assess the relationship among these policies, structural characteristics, and rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections. Methods Data on infection control policies, structural characteristics, and MDRO rates were collected through a 2010 survey of California infection control departments. Bivariate and multivariable Poisson and negative binomial regressions were conducted. Results One hundred eighty hospitals provided data (response rate, 54%). Targeted MRSA screening upon admission was reported by the majority of hospitals (87%). The majority of hospitals implemented contact precautions for confirmed MDRO and C difficile patients; presumptive isolation/contact precautions for patients with pending screens were less frequently implemented. Few infection control policies were associated with lower MDRO rates. Hospitals with a certified infection control director had significantly lower rates of MRSA bloodstream infections (P < .05). Conclusion Although most California hospitals are involved in activities to decrease MDRO, there is variation in specific activities utilized with the most focus placed on MRSA. This study highlights the importance of certification and its significant impact on infection rates. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings. PMID:22381222

Infections are a global issue: infection addresses global issues.

PubMed

Grobusch, M P; Calleri, G; Bogner, J R

2012-12-01

Infections are of unifying global concern, despite regional differences in disease epidemiology, clinical appearance and the instruments to tackle them. The primary aim of Infection is "to be a forum for the presentation and discussion of clinically relevant information on infectious diseases… from all over the world". To that end, and as a reflection of the global burden of infectious diseases, we intend to increase the number of high-quality contributions from authors addressing the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases from outside Europe and the affluent North (Chang et al. Infection 40:359-365, 2012; Misra et al. Infection 40:125-130, 2012). The Editorial Board of Infection envisages the journal as an interface between where infectious diseases meet and mix between "North and South"--i.e., the field of travel medicine--frequently functioning as a sentinel for altered/novel disease activities that are encountered as imported conditions. With the change in generation on the Editorial Board, Infection aims to expand the areas of tropical medicine, travel medicine and global health with its own section editors (GC and MPG). Contributions from outside Europe are actively encouraged.

Mosquito Infectivity and Parasitemia after Controlled Human Malaria Infection.

PubMed

Walk, Jona; van Gemert, Geert-Jan; Graumans, Wouter; Sauerwein, Robert; Bijker, Else M

2018-04-30

Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) has become an increasingly important tool for the evaluation of drugs and vaccines. Controlled Human Malaria Infection has been demonstrated to be a reproducible model; however, there is some variability in time to onset of parasitemia between volunteers and studies. At our center, mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum by membrane feeding have variable and high salivary gland sporozoite load (mean 78,415; range 26,500-160,500). To determine whether this load influences parasitemia after CHMI, we analyzed data from 13 studies. We found no correlation between the sporozoite load of a mosquito batch and time to parasitemia or parasite density of first-wave parasitemia. These findings support the use of infected mosquito bite as a reproducible means of inducing P. falciparum infection and suggest that within this range, salivary gland sporozoite load does not influence the stringency of a CHMI.

Lack of preference for infective faeces in Hymenolepis diminuta-infected beetles (Tenebrio molitor).

PubMed

Shea, John F

2007-09-01

The beetle-tapeworm life cycle provides a convenient system to study how host behaviour influences the probability of re-infection because initial and secondary infections can be tracked. The beetle, Tenebrio molitor, is infected with the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta when it ingests rat faeces containing tapeworm eggs, which upon hatching undergo five morphologically distinct stages while developing inside the beetle. In a series of preference trials, both individual and groups of previously infected beetles were exposed to baits of infective (faeces with eggs) and uninfective faeces. Beetles did not differ in the amount of time spent or in the number of occurrences at each bait type, suggesting that infected beetles show no preference for infective faeces. This may be a host adaptation to avoid further infection, parasite manipulation to avoid competition for host resources, or both. Further, once infected, beetles are no more or no less likely to become re-infected than uninfected beetles. An analysis of the mean and variance of infection suggests that some individuals are highly susceptible to and some are highly resistant to infection, with males being more variable than females. This could explain the higher load of cysticercoids observed in males.

Puerperal infections.

PubMed

Eschenbach, D A; Wager, G P

1980-12-01

This comprehensive review on puerperal infections covers risk factors, causative bacteria, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapy of specific entities, and prevention. Puerperal infection is problematic to define especially with antibiotics that change the course of fever. I may present as endometritis (most common), myometritis, parametritis, pelvic abscess, salpingitis, septic pelvic thrombophlebitis or septicemia, and also includes infections of the urinary tract, episiotomy, surgical wounds, lacerations or breast. Each of these is discussed in terms of contributing factors, microbiology, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and complications. Risk factors in general are cesarean section, premature rupture of the membranes, internal fetal monitoring, general anesthesia, pelvic examinations. The most common bacterial involved are group B and other streptococci, E. coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, Gram positive anaerobic cocci, Mycoplasma and pre-existing Chlamydial infections. Diagnosis of the causative organism is difficult because of polyinfection and difficulty of getting a sterile endometrial swab. Diagnosis of the infection is equally difficult because of the wide variety of symptoms: fever, abnormal lochia, tachycardia, tenderness, mass and abnormal bowel sounds are common. Therapy depends of the responsible microorganism, although 3 empirical tactics are suggested while awaiting results of culture: 1) choose an antibiotic for the most common aerobic bacteria; 2) an antibiotic effective against B. fragilis and one for aerobic bacteria, e.g. clindamycin and an aminoglycoside; 3) a nontoxic antibiotic active against most aerobic and anaerobic organisms, e.g. doxycycline or cefoxitin. An example of an infection recently described is pudendal-paracervical block infection, often signaled by severe hip pain. It is associated with vaginal bacteria, is usually complicated by abscess even with antibiotic coverage, and may end in paraplegia or fatal sepsis

Infections and Pregnancy

MedlinePlus

During pregnancy, some common infections like the common cold or a skin infection do not usually cause serious problems. ... of the infections that can be dangerous during pregnancy include Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Group B strep (GBS) ...

The role of Arabidopsis Actin-Related Protein 3 in amyloplast sedimentation and polar auxin transport in root gravitropism

PubMed Central

Zou, Jun-Jie; Zheng, Zhong-Yu; Xue, Shan; Li, Han-Hai; Wang, Yu-Ren; Le, Jie

2016-01-01

Gravitropism is vital for shaping directional plant growth in response to the forces of gravity. Signals perceived in the gravity-sensing cells can be converted into biochemical signals and transmitted. Sedimentation of amyloplasts in the columella cells triggers asymmetric auxin redistribution in root tips, leading to downward root growth. The actin cytoskeleton is thought to play an important role in root gravitropism, although the molecular mechanism has not been resolved. DISTORTED1 (DIS1) encodes the ARP3 subunit of the Arabidopsis Actin-Related Protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex, and the ARP3/DIS1 mutant dis1-1 showed delayed root curvature after gravity stimulation. Microrheological analysis revealed that the high apparent viscosity within dis1-1 central columella cells is closely associated with abnormal movement trajectories of amyloplasts. Analysis using a sensitive auxin input reporter DII-VENUS showed that asymmetric auxin redistribution was reduced in the root tips of dis1-1, and the actin-disrupting drug Latrunculin B increased the asymmetric auxin redistribution. An uptake assay using the membrane-selective dye FM4-64 indicated that endocytosis was decelerated in dis1-1 root epidermal cells. Treatment and wash-out with Brefeldin A, which inhibits protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, showed that cycling of the auxin-transporter PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins to the plasma membrane was also suppressed in dis1-1 roots. The results reveal that ARP3/DIS1 acts in root gravitropism by affecting amyloplast sedimentation and PIN-mediated polar auxin transport through regulation of PIN protein trafficking. PMID:27473572

Immune responses induced by co-infection with Capillaria hepatica in Clonorchis sinensis-infected rats.

PubMed

Moon, E-K; Lee, S-H; Goo, T W; Quan, F-S

2018-07-01

Clonorchis sinensis and Capillaria hepatica are zoonotic parasites that mainly infect the liver and cause serious liver disorders. However, immunological parameters induced by co-infection with these parasites remain unknown. In this study, for the first time, we investigated immunological profiles induced by co-infection with C. hepatica (CH) in C. sinensis (CS)-infected rats (Sprague-Dawley). Rats were infected primarily with 50 metacercariae of C. sinensis; 4 weeks later, they were subsequently infected with 1000 infective C. hepatica eggs. Significantly higher levels of C. sinensis- or C. hepatica-specific IgG antibodies were found in the sera of rats. Interestingly, no cross-reacting antibody was observed between C. sinensis and C. hepatica infections. Significantly raised eosinophil levels were found in the blood of C. sinensis/C. hepatica co-infected rats (CS + CH) compared to the blood of rats infected singly with C. sinensis. Co-infected rats showed significantly higher levels of lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production compared to a single C. sinensis infection. The worm burden of C. sinensis was significantly reduced in co-infected rats compared to the single C. sinensis infection. These results indicate that the eosinophils, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production induced by subsequent infection with C. hepatica in C. sinensis-infected rats might contribute to the observed C. sinensis worm reduction.

Clustering of Toxoplasma gondii Infections Within Families of Congenitally Infected Infants.

PubMed

Contopoulos-Ioannidis, Despina; Wheeler, Kelsey M; Ramirez, Raymund; Press, Cindy; Mui, Ernest; Zhou, Ying; Van Tubbergen, Christine; Prasad, Sheela; Maldonado, Yvonne; Withers, Shawn; Boyer, Kenneth M; Noble, A Gwendolyn; Rabiah, Peter; Swisher, Charles N; Heydemann, Peter; Wroblewski, Kristen; Karrison, Theodore; Grigg, Michael E; Montoya, Jose G; McLeod, Rima

2015-12-15

Family clusters and epidemics of toxoplasmosis in North, Central, and South America led us to determine whether fathers of congenitally infected infants in the National Collaborative Chicago-Based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study (NCCCTS) have a high incidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. We analyzed serum samples collected from NCCCTS families between 1981 and 2013. Paternal serum samples were tested for T. gondii antibodies with immunoglobulin (Ig) G dye test and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additional testing of paternal serum samples was performed with differential-agglutination and IgG avidity tests when T. gondii IgG and IgM results were positive and serum samples were collected by the 1-year visit of the congenitally infected child. Prevalence of paternal seropositivity and incidence of recent infection were calculated. We analyzed whether certain demographics, maternal parasite serotype, risk factors, or maternal/infant clinical manifestations were associated with paternal T. gondii infection status. Serologic testing revealed a high prevalence (29 of 81; 36%) of T. gondii infection in fathers, relative to the average seropositivity rate of 9.8% for boys and men aged 12-49 years in the United States between 1994 and 2004 (P < .001). Moreover, there was a higher-than-expected incidence of recent infections among fathers with serum samples collected by the 1-year visit of their child (6 of 45; 13%; P < .001). No demographic patterns or clinical manifestations in mothers or infants were associated with paternal infections, except for sandbox exposure. The high prevalence of chronic and incidence of recent T. gondii infections in fathers of congenitally infected children indicates that T. gondii infections cluster within families in North America. When a recently infected person is identified, family clustering and community risk factors should be investigated for appropriate clinical management. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University

Hematologic abnormalities associated with Simian Immunodeficieny Virus (SIV) Infection mimic those in HIV infection

PubMed Central

Gill, Amy F.; Ahsan, Muhammad H.; Lackner, Andrew A.; Veazey, Ronald S.

2012-01-01

Studies of hematologic abnormalities in HIV infected patients are confounded by a multitude of factors. A retrospective data analysis of SIV infected Rhesus macaques (RM) of Indian origin was performed to determine the prevalence of hematologic abnormalities free of these confounds. Hematologic data from rhesus macaques inoculated with SIV and without antiviral therapy were examined pre-inoculation, and throughout infection and the development of AIDS. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, eosinophilia, and neutropenia all increased in prevalence with SIV infection. Significant increases in prevalence for both neutropenia and neutrophilia were also detected in SIV-infected macaques. SIV-infected macaques also had lower lymphocyte counts and increased prevalence of lymphopenia compared to non-infected subjects. The prevalence of eosinophilia was significantly increased during SIV infection. Concordance of hematologic abnormalities during SIV infection of macaques with similar changes in HIV infection of humans suggest that, like in HIV infection, hematologic abnormalities are major complications of SIV infection. PMID:22620272

Hematologic abnormalities associated with simian immunodeficieny virus (SIV) infection mimic those in HIV infection.

PubMed

Gill, Amy F; Ahsan, Muhammad H; Lackner, Andrew A; Veazey, Ronald S

2012-06-01

Studies of hematologic abnormalities in HIV-infected patients are confounded by a multitude of factors. A retrospective data analysis of simian immunodeficieny virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (RM) of Indian origin was performed to determine the prevalence of hematologic abnormalities free of these confounds. Hematologic data from RM inoculated with SIV and without antiviral therapy were examined pre-inoculation, and throughout infection and the development of AIDS. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, eosinophilia, and neutropenia all increased in prevalence with SIV infection. Significant increases in prevalence for both neutropenia and neutrophilia were also detected in SIV-infected macaques. SIV-infected macaques also had lower lymphocyte counts and increased prevalence of lymphopenia compared with non-infected subjects. The prevalence of eosinophilia was significantly increased during SIV infection. Concordance of hematologic abnormalities during SIV infection of macaques with similar changes in HIV infection of humans suggests that, like in HIV infection, hematologic abnormalities are major complications of SIV infection. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Cutaneous Infections in Wrestlers

PubMed Central

Wilson, Eugene K.; deWeber, Kevin; Berry, James W.; Wilckens, John H.

2013-01-01

Context: Cutaneous infections are common in wrestlers. Although many are simply a nuisance in the everyday population, they can be problematic to wrestlers because such infections may result in disqualification from practice or competition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are therefore important. Evidence Acquisition: Medline and PubMed databases, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and UpToDate were searched through 2012 with the following keywords in various combinations: skin infections, cutaneous infections, wrestlers, athletes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, skin and soft tissue infections, tinea corporis, tinea capitis, herpes simplex, varicella zoster, molluscum contagiosum, verruca vulgaris, warts, scabies, and pediculosis. Relevant articles found in the primary search, and selected references from those articles were reviewed for pertinent clinical information. Results: The most commonly reported cutaneous infections in wrestlers are herpes simplex virus infections (herpes gladiatorum), bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, and dermatophyte infections (tinea gladiatorum). The clinical appearance of these infections can be different in wrestlers than in the community at large. Conclusion: For most cutaneous infections, diagnosis and management options in wrestlers are similar to those in the community at large. With atypical presentations, testing methods are recommended to confirm the diagnosis of herpes gladiatorum and tinea gladiatorum. There is evidence to support the use of prophylactic medications to prevent recurrence of herpes simplex virus and reduce the incidence of dermatophyte infections in wrestlers. PMID:24427413

Marek's disease virus infection of phagocytes: a de novo in vitro infection model.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Pankaj; Vervelde, Lonneke; Dalziel, Robert G; Wasson, Peter S; Nair, Venugopal; Dutia, Bernadette M; Kaiser, Pete

2017-05-01

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an alphaherpesvirus that induces T-cell lymphomas in chickens. Natural infections in vivo are caused by the inhalation of infected poultry house dust and it is presumed that MDV infection is initiated in the macrophages from where the infection is passed to B cells and activated T cells. Virus can be detected in B and T cells and macrophages in vivo, and both B and T cells can be infected in vitro. However, attempts to infect macrophages in vitro have not been successful. The aim of this study was to develop a model for infecting phagocytes [macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs)] with MDV in vitro and to characterize the infected cells. Chicken bone marrow cells were cultured with chicken CSF-1 or chicken IL-4 and chicken CSF-2 for 4 days to produce macrophages and DCs, respectively, and then co-cultured with FACS-sorted chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) infected with recombinant MDV expressing EGFP. Infected phagocytes were identified and sorted by FACS using EGFP expression and phagocyte-specific mAbs. Detection of MDV-specific transcripts of ICP4 (immediate early), pp38 (early), gB (late) and Meq by RT-PCR provided evidence for MDV replication in the infected phagocytes. Time-lapse confocal microscopy was also used to demonstrate MDV spread in these cells. Subsequent co-culture of infected macrophages with CEFs suggests that productive virus infection may occur in these cell types. This is the first report of in vitro infection of phagocytic cells by MDV.

Hand Infections

MedlinePlus

... drainage or pus should be sent for laboratory testing to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment. CAUSES Atypical Mycobacterial Infections Rarely, a ...

HIV and co-infections

PubMed Central

Chang, Christina C; Crane, Megan; Zhou, JingLing; Mina, Michael; Post, Jeffrey J; Cameron, Barbara A; Lloyd, Andrew R; Jaworowski, Anthony; French, Martyn A; Lewin, Sharon R

2013-01-01

Summary Despite significant reductions in morbidity and mortality secondary to availability of effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still accounts for 1.5 million deaths annually. The majority of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa where rates of opportunistic co-infections are disproportionately high. In this review, we discuss the immunopathogenesis of five common infections that cause significant morbidity in HIV-infected patients globally. These include co-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Plasmodium falciparum. Specifically, we review the natural history of each co-infection in the setting of HIV, the specific immune defects induced by HIV, the effects of cART on the immune response to the co-infection, the pathogenesis of immune restoration disease (IRD) associated with each infection, and advances in the areas of prevention of each co-infection via vaccination. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and gaps for future research. PMID:23772618

Genetic characterization of multiple hepatitis C virus infections following acute infection in HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Thomas, Xiomara V; Grady, Bart P X; Van Der Meer, Jan T M; Ho, Cynthia K; Vanhommerig, Joost W; Rebers, Sjoerd P; De Jong, Menno D; Van Der Valk, Marc; Prins, Maria; Molenkamp, Richard; Schinkel, Janke

2015-11-01

High rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfections among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) following clearance of a primary infection suggest absence of protective immunity. Here, we investigated the incidence of HCV super and reinfections in 85 HIV-infected MSM with incident HCV infection. Serial sequencing of a fragment of NS5B and the HCV envelope was used to longitudinally characterize the virus. If the primary genotype was still present at the most recent viremic time point, as indicated by the NS5B sequence analysis, serial envelope 2/hypervariable region 1 (E2/HRV1) sequence analysis was performed to distinguish a new infection with the same genotype (clade switch) from intrahost evolution. Incidence rate and cumulative incidence of secondary infections were estimated, and the effect of the primary genotype (1a versus non1) on the risk of acquiring a second infection with the same genotype was determined using Cox proportional-hazards analysis. Among 85 patients with a median follow-up of 4.8 years, incidence rate of secondary infections was 5.39 cases/100 person-years (95% confidence interval 3.34-8.26). Cumulative incidence of genotype switches was markedly higher than the cumulative incidence of clade switches (26.7 versus 4.8% at 5 years, respectively). In patients with HCV-1a as primary infection, the risk for acquiring another HCV-1a infection was reduced compared to those with a primary non-HCV-1a subsequently acquiring HCV-1a (hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.93). Risk of acquiring a secondary infection with the primary genotype was strikingly reduced compared with the risk of acquiring a secondary infection with a different genotype.

Fact or Infection: Do Surgical Trainees Know Enough About Infection Control?

PubMed Central

Brady, RRW; McDermott, C; Gibb, AP; Paterson-Brown, S

2008-01-01

INTRODUCTION There exists a high level of non-compliance with basic infection control measures by medical staff. One explanation may be a lack of familiarity with contemporary infection control guidelines. As surgical trainees represent a key group of stakeholders responsible for the delivery of recommended infection control practice, we assessed knowledge of infection control guidelines amongst current UK surgical trainees. MATERIALS AND METHODS Without warning, during the annual meeting of the UK Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT), participating surgical trainees were asked to complete a questionnaire examining their basic knowledge of infection control and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) based on recently published guidelines. RESULTS A total of 52 trainees (13 higher surgical trainees [HSTs]; 39 basic surgical trainees [BSTs]) returned completed questionnaires in the study. BSTs demonstrated a higher level of knowledge of infection control, outperforming the HSTs in 7 out of 11 questions. Of surgical trainees, 61.5% were misinformed regarding the prevalence of MRSA blood-stream infections and 69% were unaware of policies for transfer of MRSA-positive patients. Analysis revealed areas of concern in regards to an adequate general level of knowledge of infection control in surgical trainees, particularly in some key areas. CONCLUSIONS To ensure patient safety and reduce hospital-acquired infections, it is vital that focused, co-ordinated programmes of education, in this rapidly changing field, are prioritised and formalised into surgical training, selection and assessment. PMID:18990279

Avian malaria co-infections confound infectivity and vector competence assays of Plasmodium homopolare.

PubMed

Carlson, Jenny S; Nelms, Brittany; Barker, Christopher M; Reisen, William K; Sehgal, Ravinder N M; Cornel, Anthony J

2018-05-29

Currently, there are very few studies of avian malaria that investigate relationships among the host-vector-parasite triad concomitantly. In the current study, we experimentally measured the vector competence of several Culex mosquitoes for a newly described avian malaria parasite, Plasmodium homopolare. Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) blood infected with a low P. homopolare parasitemia was inoculated into a naïve domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica). Within 5 to 10 days post infection (dpi), the canary unexpectedly developed a simultaneous high parasitemic infection of Plasmodium cathemerium (Pcat6) and a low parasitemic infection of P. homopolare, both of which were detected in blood smears. During this infection period, PCR detected Pcat6, but not P. homopolare in the canary. Between 10 and 60 dpi, Pcat6 blood stages were no longer visible and PCR no longer amplified Pcat6 parasite DNA from canary blood. However, P. homopolare blood stages remained visible, albeit still at very low parasitemias, and PCR was able to amplify P. homopolare DNA. This pattern of mixed Pcat6 and P. homopolare infection was repeated in three secondary infected canaries that were injected with blood from the first infected canary. Mosquitoes that blood-fed on the secondary infected canaries developed infections with Pcat6 as well as another P. cathemerium lineage (Pcat8); none developed PCR detectable P. homopolare infections. These observations suggest that the original P. homopolare-infected songbird also had two un-detectable P. cathemerium lineages/strains. The vector and host infectivity trials in this study demonstrated that current molecular assays may significantly underreport the extent of mixed avian malaria infections in vectors and hosts.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections

MedlinePlus

... 1.5 billion people, or 24% of the world’s population, are infected with soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide. ... 1.5 billion people, or 24% of the world’s population, are infected with soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide. ...

Societal Interactions in Ovarian Cancer Metastases: A Quorum Sensing Hypothesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

subsequent studies we found that the density of the cells in culture at the time of harvest for injection did have a significant effect on their...VJ (2003) From motility to virulence: sensing and responding to environmental signals in Vibrio chol- erae. Curr Opin Microbiol 6:186–190. doi:10.1016...of luminescence in Vibrio har- veyi: sequence and function of genes encoding a second sensory pathway. Mol Microbiol 13:273–286. doi:10.1111/j.1365

[Epidemiology of nosocomial infections].

PubMed

Astagneau, P

1998-09-15

The frequency of nosocomial infections lies between 5 and 10%, and varies according to the type of hospital and service. Age, underlying disease invasive devices (such as catheters) or procedures are the main risk factors. Common nosocomial infections are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, bacteremia/septicemia and intravascular catheter-related infections. Gram positive cocci and gram negative bacilli account for one third and two thirds of microorganisms respectively, Staphylococcus aureus being frequently resistant to antibiotics. Prevention is based on a better control of infection risk related to the use of invasive devices.

Does Infection Site Matter? A Systematic Review of Infection Site Mortality in Sepsis.

PubMed

Motzkus, Christine A; Luckmann, Roger

2017-09-01

Sepsis treatment protocols emphasize source control with empiric antibiotics and fluid resuscitation. Previous reviews have examined the impact of infection site and specific pathogens on mortality from sepsis; however, no recent review has addressed the infection site. This review focuses on the impact of infection site on hospital mortality among patients with sepsis. The PubMed database was searched for articles from 2001 to 2014. Studies were eligible if they included (1) one or more statistical models with hospital mortality as the outcome and considered infection site for inclusion in the model and (2) adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock. Data abstracted included stage of sepsis, infection site, and raw and adjusted effect estimates. Nineteen studies were included. Infection sites most studied included respiratory (n = 19), abdominal (n = 19), genitourinary (n = 18), and skin and soft tissue infections (n = 11). Several studies found a statistically significant lower mortality risk for genitourinary infections on hospital mortality when compared to respiratory infections. Based on studies included in this review, the impact of infection site in patients with sepsis on hospital mortality could not be reliably estimated. Misclassification among infections and disease states remains a serious possibility in studies on this topic.

What Is Infective Endocarditis?

MedlinePlus

ANSWERS by heart Cardiovascular Conditions What Is Infective Endocarditis? Infective (bacterial) endocarditis (IE) is an infection of either the heart’s inner lining (endocardium) or the heart valves. Infective endocarditis is a serious — and sometimes fatal — illness. Two ...

Brain Potentials and Personality: A New Look at Stress Susceptibility.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

disinhibition (Dis) measures a hedonistic , extraverted lifestyle including drinking, parties, sex, and gambling; boredom susceptibility (BS) indicates an...adventure seeking; ES = Experience seeking; Dis = Disinhibition; BS = Boredom susceptibility. 1 14 I N i*5’ Table 4 Correlation of Auditory Evoked...20. aTAS = Thrill and adventure seeking; ES = Experience seeking; Dis = Disinhibition; BS = Boredom susceptibility. < .05. 15 I The present study

Clostridium difficile infection

PubMed Central

Smits, Wiep Klaas; Lyras, Dena; Lacy, D. Borden; Wilcox, Mark H.; Kuijper, Ed J.

2017-01-01

Infection of the colon with the Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium difficile is potentially life threatening, especially in elderly people and in patients who have dysbiosis of the gut microbiota following antimicrobial drug exposure. C. difficile is the leading cause of health-care-associated infective diarrhoea. The life cycle of C. difficile is influenced by antimicrobial agents, the host immune system, and the host microbiota and its associated metabolites. The primary mediators of inflammation in C. difficile infection (CDI) are large clostridial toxins, toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB), and, in some bacterial strains, the binary toxin CDT. The toxins trigger a complex cascade of host cellular responses to cause diarrhoea, inflammation and tissue necrosis — the major symptoms of CDI. The factors responsible for the epidemic of some C. difficile strains are poorly understood. Recurrent infections are common and can be debilitating. Toxin detection for diagnosis is important for accurate epidemiological study, and for optimal management and prevention strategies. Infections are commonly treated with specific antimicrobial agents, but faecal microbiota transplants have shown promise for recurrent infections. Future biotherapies for C. difficile infections are likely to involve defined combinations of key gut microbiota. PMID:27158839

The Isotopologue Record of Repeat Vital Effect Offenders: Tracking (Dis)equilibrium Effects in Sea Urchins and Nannofossil Using Clumped Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, C. M.; Davies, A.; Drury, A. J.

2016-12-01

Vital effects vary between species and affect various isotopic systems in unequal proportion. The magnitude of the response of different isotopic systems might thus be key in understanding biologically-mediated disequilibrium, especially in groups that show a tendency to be "repeat offenders" with regards to vital effects. Here we present carbon, oxygen, and clumped isotope data from echinoderm calcite and nannofossil ooze, both of which exhibit strong vital effects in bulk isotopes. Our study is the first to investigate the clumped isotope (dis)equilibrium of echinoids. Results from two echinoids, three marine gastropods and a bivalve mollusk from modern beach deposits of Bali, Indonesia, highlight a significant offset in clumped isotopes of a regular echinoid test from expected values, interpreted as evidence of a similar "vital effect" as observed in surface corals. This is in contrast to the test of an irregular "sand dollar" echinoid, with clumped isotope values within error of expected sea surface temperature. Furthermore, data on the inter-skeletal variability in the clumped isotopic composition of two regular echinoid species shows that the spines of the echinoids are in equilibrium with seawater with respect to clumped isotopes, but the test is not. For the nannofossil material, no clumped isotope vital effects are observed, consistent with previously published studies but at odds with strong vital effects in carbon and oxygen isotopes, often correlated with cell-size. In addition, we reveal that the <63 micron fraction of deep-sea ooze could constitute useful material for clumped isotope studies. An intriguing result of our study is that vital effects are mostly absent in clumped isotopes, even in phylums known for important isotopic effects. It remains to be explained why some parts of the echinoids show clear vital effects, notably enrichment in clumped isotopes of urchin tests. Mechanisms that could explain this include pH effects during calcification

Parasitic infections in HIV infected individuals: Diagnostic & therapeutic challenges

PubMed Central

Nissapatorn, Veeranoot; Sawangjaroen, Nongyao

2011-01-01

After 30 years of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, parasites have been one of the most common opportunistic infections (OIs) and one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-infected patients. Due to severe immunosuppression, enteric parasitic pathogens in general are emerging and are OIs capable of causing diarrhoeal disease associated with HIV. Of these, Cryptosporidium parvum and Isospora belli are the two most common intestinal protozoan parasites and pose a public health problem in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. These are the only two enteric protozoan parasites that remain in the case definition of AIDS till today. Leismaniasis, strongyloidiasis and toxoplasmosis are the three main opportunistic causes of systemic involvements reported in HIV-infected patients. Of these, toxoplasmosis is the most important parasitic infection associated with the central nervous system. Due to its complexity in nature, toxoplasmosis is the only parasitic disease capable of not only causing focal but also disseminated forms and it has been included in AIDS-defining illnesses (ADI) ever since. With the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), cryptosporidiosis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and toxoplasmosis are among parasitic diseases reported in association with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This review addresses various aspects of parasitic infections in term of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with HIV-infection. PMID:22310820

Rotavirus Infections

MedlinePlus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Almost all ... the U.S. are likely to be infected with rotavirus before their 5th birthday. Infections happen most often ...

Campylobacter Infections

MedlinePlus

... for Your Family Food Poisoning Produce Precautions Diarrhea E. Coli Salmonella Infections Shigella Infections Why Is Hand Washing ... Hands? Being Safe in the Kitchen Food Poisoning E. Coli What Are Germs? Dehydration Shigellosis Hand Washing Food ...

Staph Infections

MedlinePlus

... About Staph Infections Staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Many healthy people carry these bacteria on ... MRSA You may have heard about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria with a ...

Congenital brain infections.

PubMed

Arbelaez, Andres; Restrepo, Feliza; Davila, Jorge; Castillo, Mauricio

2014-06-01

Pediatric congenital intracranial infections are a group of different and important entities that constitute a small percentage of all pediatric infections. The causal factors and clinical presentations are different in children compared with adults. They require early recognition because delay diagnosis and initiation of treatment may have catastrophic consequences. Despite improvements in prenatal screening, vaccine safety, and antibiotics, infections of the central nervous system remain an important cause of neurological disabilities worldwide. This article reviews the most common congenital infections and their imaging findings.

The role of Arabidopsis Actin-Related Protein 3 in amyloplast sedimentation and polar auxin transport in root gravitropism.

PubMed

Zou, Jun-Jie; Zheng, Zhong-Yu; Xue, Shan; Li, Han-Hai; Wang, Yu-Ren; Le, Jie

2016-10-01

Gravitropism is vital for shaping directional plant growth in response to the forces of gravity. Signals perceived in the gravity-sensing cells can be converted into biochemical signals and transmitted. Sedimentation of amyloplasts in the columella cells triggers asymmetric auxin redistribution in root tips, leading to downward root growth. The actin cytoskeleton is thought to play an important role in root gravitropism, although the molecular mechanism has not been resolved. DISTORTED1 (DIS1) encodes the ARP3 subunit of the Arabidopsis Actin-Related Protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) complex, and the ARP3/DIS1 mutant dis1-1 showed delayed root curvature after gravity stimulation. Microrheological analysis revealed that the high apparent viscosity within dis1-1 central columella cells is closely associated with abnormal movement trajectories of amyloplasts. Analysis using a sensitive auxin input reporter DII-VENUS showed that asymmetric auxin redistribution was reduced in the root tips of dis1-1, and the actin-disrupting drug Latrunculin B increased the asymmetric auxin redistribution. An uptake assay using the membrane-selective dye FM4-64 indicated that endocytosis was decelerated in dis1-1 root epidermal cells. Treatment and wash-out with Brefeldin A, which inhibits protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, showed that cycling of the auxin-transporter PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins to the plasma membrane was also suppressed in dis1-1 roots. The results reveal that ARP3/DIS1 acts in root gravitropism by affecting amyloplast sedimentation and PIN-mediated polar auxin transport through regulation of PIN protein trafficking. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Fungal Eye Infections

MedlinePlus

... fungal eye infections . Fungal eye infections are extremely rare, but they can be very serious. The most common way for someone to develop a fungal eye infection is as a result of an eye injury, particularly if the injury was caused by plant material such as a stick or a thorn. ...

Infectivity of Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites determines emerging parasitemia in infected volunteers.

PubMed

McCall, Matthew B B; Wammes, Linda J; Langenberg, Marijke C C; van Gemert, Geert-Jan; Walk, Jona; Hermsen, Cornelus C; Graumans, Wouter; Koelewijn, Rob; Franetich, Jean-François; Chishimba, Sandra; Gerdsen, Max; Lorthiois, Audrey; van de Vegte, Marga; Mazier, Dominique; Bijker, Else M; van Hellemond, Jaap J; van Genderen, Perry J J; Sauerwein, Robert W

2017-06-21

Malaria sporozoites must first undergo intrahepatic development before a pathogenic blood-stage infection is established. The success of infection depends on host and parasite factors. In healthy human volunteers undergoing controlled human malaria infection (CHMI), we directly compared three clinical Plasmodium falciparum isolates for their ability to infect primary human hepatocytes in vitro and to drive the production of blood-stage parasites in vivo. Our data show a correlation between the efficiency of strain-specific sporozoite invasion of human hepatocytes and the dynamics of patent parasitemia in study subjects, highlighting intrinsic differences in infectivity among P. falciparum isolates from distinct geographical locales. The observed heterogeneity in infectivity among strains underscores the value of assessing the protective efficacy of candidate malaria vaccines against heterologous strains in the CHMI model. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Preventing infections in nursing homes: A survey of infection control practices in southeast Michigan

PubMed Central

Mody, Lona; Langa, Kenneth M.; Saint, Sanjay; Bradley, Suzanne F.

2012-01-01

Background Studies on adherence to infection control policies in nursing homes (NHs) are limited. This pilot study explores the use of various infection control practices and the role of infection control practitioners in southeast Michigan NHs. Methods A 43-item self-administered questionnaire and explanatory cover letter were mailed to 105 licensed NHs in southeast Michigan. A second mailing was sent to the nonresponders 4 weeks later. Results Significant variability existed in adoption of various infection control measures with respect to time spent in infection control activities (50% of facilities having a full-time infection control practitioner), definitions used in monitoring infections, and immunization rates (influenza: range, 0%–100%; mean, 73.2%; pneumococcal: range, 0%–100%; mean, 38.5%). Conclusion Although strides have been made in infection control research in NHs, significant variations exist in implementation of infection control methods and guidelines. Future research should focus on identifying barriers to infection control in NHs. PMID:16216667

Hormones in Infection. Chapter 8. Alterations in Hormone Production and Utilization during Infection,

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-28

AD-AU90 848 ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FR--ETC F/6 6/5 HORMONES IN INFECTION . CHAPTER A. ALTERATIONS IN HORMONE PROOUC-ETC(U...PERIOD COVERED Alterations in Hormone Production and Publication Utilization during Infection S. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER 7. AUTHOR(e) 0. CONTRACT...the severity and duration of infections , differences related to the kind of infection , and endocrine- usociated complications of infection . I ,R

Staph Infections

MedlinePlus

... most staph infections are caused by the species Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) . S. aureus usually causes skin infections that are ... You may also have heard about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA for short. MRSA is a type ...

The role of asymptomatic P. falciparum parasitaemia in the evolution of antimalarial drug resistance in areas of seasonal transmission.

PubMed

Babiker, Hamza A; Gadalla, Amal A H; Ranford-Cartwright, Lisa C

2013-01-01

In areas with seasonal transmission, proper management of acute malaria cases that arise in the transmission season can markedly reduce the disease burden. However, asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium falciparum sustains a long-lasting reservoir in the transmission-free dry season that seeds cyclical malaria outbreaks. Clinical trials targeting asymptomatic parasitaemia in the dry season failed to interrupt the malaria epidemics that follow annual rains. These asymptomatic infections tend to carry multiple-clones, capable of producing gametocytes and infecting Anopheles mosquitoes. Different clones within an infection fluctuate consistently, indicative of interaction between clones during the long course of asymptomatic carriage. However, the therapy-free environment that prevails in the dry season dis-advantages the drug resistant lineages and favors the wild-type parasites. This review highlights some biological and epidemiological characteristics of asymptomatic parasitaemia and calls for consideration of policies to diminish parasite exposure to drugs "therapy-free" and allow natural selection to curb drug resistance in the above setting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[ZIKA--VIRUS INFECTION].

PubMed

Velev, V

2016-01-01

This review summarizes the knowledge of the scientific community for Zika-virus infection. It became popular because of severe congenital damage causes of CNS in newborns whose mothers are infected during pregnancy, as well as the risk of pandemic distribution. Discusses the peculiarities of the biology and ecology of vectors--blood-sucking mosquitoes Aedes; stages in the spread of infection and practical problems which caused during pregnancy. Attention is paid to the recommendations that allow leading national and international medical organizations to deal with the threat Zika-virus infection.

Does CMV infection increase the incidence of infective endocarditis following kidney transplantation?

PubMed

Einollahi, Behzad; Lessan-Pezeshki, Mahboob; Pourfarziani, Vahid; Nemati, Eghlim; Nafar, Mohsen; Pour-Reza-Gholi, Fatemeh; Ghadyani, Mohammad Hassan; Farahani, Maryam Moshkani

2009-01-01

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but life threatening infection after renal transplantation. In addition, coinfection of CMV and IE has not been reported. Therefore, the current study was initiated to determine whether CMV infection is a risk factor for developing of IE after kidney transplantation. In a retrospectively study, we analyzed the medical records of 3700 kidney recipients at two transplant centers in Iran, between January 2000 and June 2008 for infective endocarditis. During the study, 15 patients with IE hospitalized in our centers were included. The predominant causative microorganisms (60%) were group D non-enterococcal streptococci and enterococci. Patient survival rate in all recipients was 66% at 6 months. Data analysis showed no significant differences in 6 months patient survival from hospitalization between both groups with and without CMV infection (P=0.2). The presentation time of infective endocarditis in recipients with CMV coinfection was more likely to be early when compared to CMV negative coinfection patients (P=0.03). The present study indicates that CMV infection may lead to predispose to infective endocarditis after kidney transplantation. Rapid diagnosis, effective treatment, and prompt recognition of complications in kidney transplant recipients are essential to good patient outcome.

Dengue Virus Infection Perturbs Lipid Homeostasis in Infected Mosquito Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perera, Rushika M.; Riley, Catherine; Isaac, Georgis

Dengue virus causes {approx}50-100 million infections per year and thus is considered one of the most aggressive arthropod-borne human pathogen worldwide. During its replication, dengue virus induces dramatic alterations in the intracellular membranes of infected cells. This phenomenon is observed both in human and vector-derived cells. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry of mosquito cells, we show that this membrane remodeling is directly linked to a unique lipid repertoire induced by dengue virus infection. Specifically, 15% of the metabolites detected were significantly different between DENV infected and uninfected cells while 85% of the metabolites detected were significantly different in isolated replication complexmore » membranes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that intracellular lipid redistribution induced by the inhibition of fatty acid synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme in lipid biosynthesis, is sufficient for cell survival but is inhibitory to dengue virus replication. Lipids that have the capacity to destabilize and change the curvature of membranes as well as lipids that change the permeability of membranes are enriched in dengue virus infected cells. Several sphingolipids and other bioactive signaling molecules that are involved in controlling membrane fusion, fission, and trafficking as well as molecules that influence cytoskeletal reorganization are also up regulated during dengue infection. These observations shed light on the emerging role of lipids in shaping the membrane and protein environments during viral infections and suggest membrane-organizing principles that may influence virus-induced intracellular membrane architecture.« less

Dengue Virus Infection Perturbs Lipid Homeostasis in Infected Mosquito Cells

PubMed Central

Perera, Rushika; Moore, Ronald J.; Weitz, Karl W.; Pasa-Tolic, Ljiljana; Metz, Thomas O.; Adamec, Jiri; Kuhn, Richard J.

2012-01-01

Dengue virus causes ∼50–100 million infections per year and thus is considered one of the most aggressive arthropod-borne human pathogen worldwide. During its replication, dengue virus induces dramatic alterations in the intracellular membranes of infected cells. This phenomenon is observed both in human and vector-derived cells. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry of mosquito cells, we show that this membrane remodeling is directly linked to a unique lipid repertoire induced by dengue virus infection. Specifically, 15% of the metabolites detected were significantly different between DENV infected and uninfected cells while 85% of the metabolites detected were significantly different in isolated replication complex membranes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that intracellular lipid redistribution induced by the inhibition of fatty acid synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme in lipid biosynthesis, is sufficient for cell survival but is inhibitory to dengue virus replication. Lipids that have the capacity to destabilize and change the curvature of membranes as well as lipids that change the permeability of membranes are enriched in dengue virus infected cells. Several sphingolipids and other bioactive signaling molecules that are involved in controlling membrane fusion, fission, and trafficking as well as molecules that influence cytoskeletal reorganization are also up regulated during dengue infection. These observations shed light on the emerging role of lipids in shaping the membrane and protein environments during viral infections and suggest membrane-organizing principles that may influence virus-induced intracellular membrane architecture. PMID:22457619

Thermodynamic characteristics of protolytic equilibria in aqueous solutions of glycyl peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gridchin, S. N.

2016-11-01

Protolytic equilibria in aqueous solutions of glycyl-DL-serine, glycyl-DL-threonine, and glycyl-DL-valine are investigated by means of potentiometry and calorimetry. Dissociation constants and heat effects of the above dipeptides are determined. Standard thermodynamic characteristics (p K°, Δdis G°, Δdis H°, Δdis S°) of the investigated equilibria are calculated. The obtained results are compared to corresponding data on relative compounds.

In Situ/on-Site Biodegradation of Refined Oils and Fuels (A Technology Review). Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-01

209. Atlas, R.M. and Bartha, R. 1972a. Biodegradation of petroleum in seawater at low temperatures. Can. J . Microbiol. 18:1851-1855. Atlas, R.M. and...Becking, L.G.M., Kaplan, I.R., and Moore, 0. 1960. Limits of the natu- ral environment in terms of pH and oxidation-reduction potentials. J . Geolo- gy. 68...of subsurface mi- croorganisms. Abstr. Ann. Mtg. Amer. Soc. Microbiol. p. 192. Ballester, A. and Castelvi, J . 1980. J . Invest. Pes. 44:1. 115

Transient Oral Human Cytomegalovirus Infections Indicate Inefficient Viral Spread from Very Few Initially Infected Cells

PubMed Central

Mayer, Bryan T.; Krantz, Elizabeth M.; Swan, David; Ferrenberg, James; Simmons, Karen; Selke, Stacy; Huang, Meei-Li; Casper, Corey; Corey, Lawrence; Wald, Anna; Schiffer, Joshua T.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is acquired by the oral route in children, and primary infection is associated with abundant mucosal replication, as well as the establishment of latency in myeloid cells that results in lifelong infection. The efficiency of primary CMV infection in humans following oral exposure, however, is unknown. We consistently detected self-limited, low-level oral CMV shedding events, which we termed transient CMV infections, in a prospective birth cohort of 30 highly exposed CMV-uninfected infants. We estimated the likelihood of transient oral CMV infections by comparing their observed frequency to that of established primary infections, characterized by persistent high-level shedding, viremia, and seroconversion. We developed mathematical models of viral dynamics upon initial oral CMV infection and validated them using clinical shedding data. Transient infections comprised 76 to 88% of oral CMV shedding events. For this high percentage of transient infections to occur, we identified two mathematical prerequisites: a very small number of initially infected oral cells (1 to 4) and low viral infectivity (<1.5 new cells infected/cell). These observations indicate that oral CMV infection in infants typically begins with a single virus that spreads inefficiently to neighboring cells. Thus, although the incidence of CMV infection is high during infancy, our data provide a mechanistic framework to explain why multiple CMV exposures are typically required before infection is successfully established. These findings imply that a sufficiently primed immune response could prevent CMV from establishing latent infection in humans and support the achievability of a prophylactic CMV vaccine. IMPORTANCE CMV infects the majority of the world's population and is a major cause of birth defects. Developing a vaccine to prevent CMV infection would be extremely valuable but would be facilitated by a better understanding of how natural human CMV infection is

West Nile virus infection.

PubMed

Guharoy, Roy; Gilroy, Shelley A; Noviasky, John A; Ference, Jonathan

2004-06-15

The epidemiology, virology, and transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) are reviewed, and the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of WNV infection are examined. WNV infection is caused by a flavivirus transmitted from birds to humans through the bite of culicine mosquitoes. WNV was discovered in the blood of a febrile woman from Uganda's West Nile province in 1937. The first case of domestically acquired WNV infection was reported in the United States in 1999 in New York. Since then, WNV infection has spread rapidly across the United States, with 9306 confirmed cases and 210 deaths reported from 45 states in 2003. It is still not clear how WNV was introduced into North America. WNV is a small, single-stranded RNA virus and a member of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex. While most humans infected with WNV are asymptomatic, some may develop an influenza-like illness. Disease surveillance remains the cornerstone for the early recognition and control of WNV. We describe one case of WNV infection with an update on the disease. Strategies for the prevention and control of this infection are reviewed. There is no established treatment for WNV infection. Currently, prevention and control are the only measures that help decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with WNV infection. As the number of cases escalates and the geographic distribution of WNV infection widens, the epidemic will continue to pose a major challenge to clinicians in the coming years. There is an urgent need for more research on the pathogenesis and treatment of WNV infection.

Nasopharyngeal polymicrobial colonization during health, viral upper respiratory infection and upper respiratory bacterial infection.

PubMed

Xu, Qingfu; Wischmeyer, Jareth; Gonzalez, Eduardo; Pichichero, Michael E

2017-07-01

We sought to understand how polymicrobial colonization varies during health, viral upper respiratory infection (URI) and acute upper respiratory bacterial infection to understand differences in infection-prone vs. non-prone patients. Nasopharyngeal (NP) samples were collected from 74 acute otitis media (AOM) infection-prone and 754 non-prone children during 2094 healthy visits, 673 viral URI visits and 631 AOM visits. Three otopathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) were identified by culture. NP colonization rates of multiple otopathogens during health were significantly lower than during viral URI, and during URI they were lower than at onset of upper respiratory bacterial infection in both AOM infection-prone and non-prone children. AOM infection-prone children had higher polymicrobial colonization rates than non-prone children during health, viral URI and AOM. Polymicrobial colonization rates of AOM infection-prone children during health were equivalent to that of non-prone children during viral URI, and during viral URI were equivalent to that of non-prone during AOM infection. Spn colonization was positively associated with NTHi and Mcat colonization during health, but negatively during AOM infection. The infection-prone patients more frequently have multiple potential bacterial pathogens in the NP than the non-prone patients. Polymicrobial interaction in the NP differs during health and at onset of infection. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HIV-1 group P infection: towards a dead-end infection?

PubMed

Alessandri-Gradt, Elodie; De Oliveira, Fabienne; Leoz, Marie; Lemee, Véronique; Robertson, David L; Feyertag, Felix; Ngoupo, Paul-Alain; Mauclere, Philippe; Simon, François; Plantier, Jean-Christophe

2018-06-19

HIV/1 group P (HIV-1/P) is the last HIV/1 group discovered and, to date, constitutes only two strains. To obtain new insight into this divergent group, we screened for new infections by developing specific tools, and analysed phenotypic and genotypic properties of the prototypic strain RBF168. In addition, the follow-up of the unique infected patient monitored so far has raised the knowledge of the natural history of this infection and its therapeutic management. We developed an HIV-1/P specific seromolecular strategy and screened over 29 498 specimen samples. Infectivity and evolution of the gag-30 position, considered as marker of adaptation to human, were explored by successive passages of RBF168 strain onto human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Natural history and immunovirological responses to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) were analysed based on CD4 cells and plasmatic viral load evolution. No new infection was detected. Infectivity of RBF168 was found lower, relative to other main HIV groups and the conservative methionine found in the gag-30 position revealed a lack of adaptation to human. The follow-up of the patient during the 5-year ART-free period, showed a relative stability of CD4 cell count with a mean of 326 cells/μl. Initiation of cART led to rapid RNA undetectability with a significant increase of CD4 cells, reaching 687 cells/μl after 8 years. Our results showed that HIV-1/P strains remain extremely rare and could be less adapted and pathogenic than other HIV strains. These data lead to the hypothesis that HIV-1/P infection could evolve towards, or even already corresponds to, a dead-end infection.

Emmonsia helica Infection in HIV-Infected Man, California, USA.

PubMed

Rofael, Martin; Schwartz, Ilan S; Sigler, Lynne; Kong, Li K; Nelson, Nicholas

2018-01-01

Emmonsia-like fungi have rarely been reported from North America. We report a fatal case of E. helica infection in a man with advanced HIV infection from California, USA, who had progressive respiratory failure and a brain abscess.

Ferret hepatitis E virus infection induces acute hepatitis and persistent infection in ferrets.

PubMed

Li, Tian-Cheng; Yang, Tingting; Yoshizaki, Sayaka; Ami, Yasushi; Suzaki, Yuriko; Ishii, Koji; Kishida, Noriko; Shirakura, Masayuki; Asanuma, Hideki; Takeda, Naokazu; Wakita, Takaji

2016-02-01

Ferret hepatitis E virus (HEV), a novel hepatitis E virus, has been identified in ferrets. However, the pathogenicity of ferret HEV remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the HEV RNA-positivity rates and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of 63 ferrets between before and after import from the US to Japan. We found that the ferret HEV-RNA positivity rates were increased from 12.7% (8/63) to 60.3% (38/63), and ALT elevation was observed in 65.8% (25/38) of the ferret HEV RNA-positive ferrets, indicating that ferret HEV infection is responsible for liver damage. From long term-monitoring of ferret HEV infection we determined that this infection in ferrets exhibits three patterns: sub-clinical infection, acute hepatitis, and persistent infection. The ALT elevation was also observed in ferret HEV-infected ferrets in a primary infection experiment. These results indicate that the ferret HEV infection induced acute hepatitis and persistent infection in ferrets, suggesting that the ferrets are a candidate animal model for immunological as well as pathological studies of hepatitis E. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Salmonella Infections

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Infections with bacteria of the genus Salmonella are responsible for both acute and chronic poultry diseases. These diseases cause economically significant losses for poultry producers in many nations and absorb large investments of public and private resources in testing and control efforts. Infect...

Lung Infections in Systemic Rheumatic Disease: Focus on Opportunistic Infections.

PubMed

Di Franco, Manuela; Lucchino, Bruno; Spaziante, Martina; Iannuccelli, Cristina; Valesini, Guido; Iaiani, Giancarlo

2017-01-29

Systemic rheumatic diseases have significant morbidity and mortality, due in large part to concurrent infections. The lung has been reported among the most frequent sites of infection in patients with rheumatic disease, who are susceptible to developing pneumonia sustained both by common pathogens and by opportunistic microorganisms. Patients with rheumatic disease show a peculiar vulnerability to infectious complications. This is due in part to intrinsic disease-related immune dysregulation and in part to the immunosuppressive treatments. Several therapeutic agents have been associated to a wide spectrum of infections, complicating the management of rheumatic diseases. This review discusses the most frequent pulmonary infections encountered in rheumatic diseases, focusing on opportunistic agents, consequent diagnostic challenges and appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Infection after pacemaker implantation: infection rates and risk factors associated with infection in a population-based cohort study of 46299 consecutive patients

PubMed Central

Johansen, Jens Brock; Jørgensen, Ole Dan; Møller, Mogens; Arnsbo, Per; Mortensen, Peter Thomas; Nielsen, Jens Cosedis

2011-01-01

Aims Infection is a serious complication of pacemaker (PM) systems. Although the rate of infection has been debated, the figures are largely unknown. We therefore studied the incidence of PM infection and its associated risk factors in the Danish population. Methods and results Since 1982, all PM implantation and removal procedures performed in Denmark have been prospectively recorded in the Danish Pacemaker Register. All patients (n = 46299) who underwent implantation between 1982 and 2007 were included. The total length of surveillance was 236 888 PM-years. The incidence of infection was calculated according to the total number of PM-years. The incidence of surgical site infection (≤365 days after PM implantation) was compared with later infection in first implant and replacement procedures. Multiple-record and multiple-event-per-subject proportional hazards analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors of PM infection. Surgical site infection occurred in 192 cases after first implantation (incidence rate 4.82/1000 PM-years), and in 133 cases after replacement (12.12/1000 PM-years). Infections occurring more than 365 days after the first implantation occurred in 153 cases (1.02/1000 PM-years), and in 118 cases after replacement (3.26/1000 PM-years). Independent factors associated with an increased risk of PM infection were a greater number of PM operations (including replacements), male sex, younger age, implantation during the earliest part of the study period, and absence of antibiotics (P< 0.001). Conclusion The overall risk of infection after PM implantation was low. A greater number of operations augmented the risk of infection. This should be taken into account when considering revisions of PM systems. PMID:21252172

Does a feline leukemia virus infection pave the way for Bartonella henselae infection in cats?

PubMed

Buchmann, Alexandra U; Kershaw, Olivia; Kempf, Volkhard A J; Gruber, Achim D

2010-09-01

Domestic cats serve as the reservoir hosts of Bartonella henselae and may develop mild clinical symptoms or none after experimental infection. In humans, B. henselae infection can result in self-limiting cat scratch disease. However, immunocompromised patients may suffer from more-severe courses of infection or may even develop the potentially lethal disease bacillary angiomatosis. It was reasoned that cats with immunocompromising viral infections may react similarly to B. henselae infection. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of the most important viruses known to cause immunosuppression in cats-Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)-on natural B. henselae infection in cats. Accordingly, 142 cats from animal shelters were necropsied and tested for B. henselae and concurrent infections with FeLV, FIV, or FPV by PCR and immunohistochemistry. A significant association was found between B. henselae and FeLV infections (P = 0.00028), but not between B. henselae and FIV (P = 1.0) or FPV (P = 0.756) infection, age (P = 0.392), or gender (P = 0.126). The results suggest that susceptibility to B. henselae infection is higher in cats with concurrent FeLV infections, regardless of whether the infection is latent or progressive. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry for B. henselae failed to identify lesions that could be attributed specifically to B. henselae infection. We conclude that the course of natural B. henselae infection in cats does not seem to be influenced by immunosuppressive viral infections in general but that latent FeLV infection may predispose cats to B. henselae infection or persistence.

Clinical presentation and course of acute hepatitis C infection in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Luetkemeyer, Annie; Hare, C Bradley; Stansell, John; Tien, Phyllis C; Charlesbois, Edwin; Lum, Paula; Havlir, Diane; Peters, Marion

2006-01-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a significant source of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. However, little is known about the clinical presentation and course of acute HCV infection in this population. This study reports the outcomes of acute HCV infection in 9 HIV-infected men. Sex with men was the only reported risk factor for HCV infection in 6 of the subjects. Clinical presentation of acute HCV ranged from incidentally discovered elevated transaminases to severe liver dysfunction requiring hospitalization. At the time of HCV diagnosis, 8 of 9 patients had CD4+ counts >250 cells/mm(3), and 6 had HIV viral loads of < or =5000 copies/mL. Eight patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Outcome of these acute HCV infections varied. Five patients experienced virologic clearance, 2 in whom virus cleared spontaneously and 3 who were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Four patients developed chronic infection, one of whom had a relapse during HCV treatment and 3 of whom were untreated. All 4 patients to whom HCV therapy was administered experienced significant anemia or neutropenia, necessitating dose reduction or support with growth factors. Prompt recognition of acute HCV infection may minimize antiretroviral treatment interruption and will allow early treatment, which may improve virologic clearance. Unexplained transaminase elevations in HIV-infected patients, including men who have sex with men, should trigger an evaluation for acute HCV infection.

Gonococcal Prosthetic Joint Infection.

PubMed

Gassiep, Ian; Gilpin, Bradley; Douglas, Joel; Siebert, David

2017-01-01

Neisseria gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disseminated gonococcal infection is an infrequent presentation and rarely can be associated with septic arthritis. Incidence of this infection is rising, both internationally and in older age groups. We present the first documented case of N. gonorrhoea prosthetic joint infection which was successfully treated with laparoscopic debridement and antimicrobial therapy.

Identification of two proline transport systems in Staphylococcus aureus and their possible roles in osmoregulation.

PubMed

Bae, J H; Miller, K J

1992-02-01

The food-borne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is distinguished from other food-borne pathogens by its ability to grow at water activity values below 0.90. Previous studies have indicated that proline accumulation mediated by transport represents a primary osmoregulatory strategy utilized by this bacterium (C. B. Anderson and L. D. Witter, Appl. Environ, Microbiol. 43:1501-1503, 1982; I. Koujima, H. Hayashi, K. Tomochika, A. Okabe, and Y. Kanemasa, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 35:467-470, 1978; K. J. Miller, S. C. Zelt, and J.-H. Bae, Curr. Microbiol. 23:131-137, 1991). In this study, we demonstrate the presence of two proline transport systems within whole cells of S. aureus, a high-affinity transport system (Km, 7 microM) and a low-affinity transport system (Km, 420 microM). Our results indicate that the low-affinity proline transport system is osmotically activated and is the primary system responsible for the accumulation of proline by this pathogen during growth at low water activity.

Infections do not predict shedding in co-infections with two helminths from a natural system.

PubMed

Cattadori, Isabella M; Wagner, Benjamin R; Wodzinski, Laura A; Pathak, Ashutosh K; Poole, Adam

2014-06-01

Given the health and economic burden associated with the widespread occurrence of co-infections in humans and agricultural animals, understanding how coinfections contribute to host heterogeneity to infection and transmission is critical if we are to assess risk of infection based on host characteristics. Here, we examine whether host heterogeneity to infection leads to similar heterogeneity in transmission in a population of rabbits single and co-infected with two helminths and monitored monthly for eight years. Compared to single infections, co-infected rabbits carried higher Trichostrongylus retortaeformis intensities, shorter worms with fewer eggs in utero, and shed similar numbers of parasite eggs. In contrast, the same co-infected rabbits harbored fewer Graphidium strigosum with longer bodies and more eggs in utero, and shed more eggs of this helminth. A positive density-dependent relationship between fecundity and intensity was found for T. retortaeformis but not G. strigosum in co-infected rabbits. Juvenile rabbits contributed to most of the infection and shedding of T. retortaeformis, while adult hosts were more important for G. strigosum dynamics of infection and transmission, and this pattern was consistent in single and co-infected individuals. This host-parasite system suggests that we cannot predict the pattern of parasite shedding during co-infections based on intensity of infection alone. We suggest that a mismatching between susceptibility and infectiousness should be expected in helminth coinfections and should not be overlooked.

Transient Oral Human Cytomegalovirus Infections Indicate Inefficient Viral Spread from Very Few Initially Infected Cells.

PubMed

Mayer, Bryan T; Krantz, Elizabeth M; Swan, David; Ferrenberg, James; Simmons, Karen; Selke, Stacy; Huang, Meei-Li; Casper, Corey; Corey, Lawrence; Wald, Anna; Schiffer, Joshua T; Gantt, Soren

2017-06-15

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is acquired by the oral route in children, and primary infection is associated with abundant mucosal replication, as well as the establishment of latency in myeloid cells that results in lifelong infection. The efficiency of primary CMV infection in humans following oral exposure, however, is unknown. We consistently detected self-limited, low-level oral CMV shedding events, which we termed transient CMV infections, in a prospective birth cohort of 30 highly exposed CMV-uninfected infants. We estimated the likelihood of transient oral CMV infections by comparing their observed frequency to that of established primary infections, characterized by persistent high-level shedding, viremia, and seroconversion. We developed mathematical models of viral dynamics upon initial oral CMV infection and validated them using clinical shedding data. Transient infections comprised 76 to 88% of oral CMV shedding events. For this high percentage of transient infections to occur, we identified two mathematical prerequisites: a very small number of initially infected oral cells (1 to 4) and low viral infectivity (<1.5 new cells infected/cell). These observations indicate that oral CMV infection in infants typically begins with a single virus that spreads inefficiently to neighboring cells. Thus, although the incidence of CMV infection is high during infancy, our data provide a mechanistic framework to explain why multiple CMV exposures are typically required before infection is successfully established. These findings imply that a sufficiently primed immune response could prevent CMV from establishing latent infection in humans and support the achievability of a prophylactic CMV vaccine. IMPORTANCE CMV infects the majority of the world's population and is a major cause of birth defects. Developing a vaccine to prevent CMV infection would be extremely valuable but would be facilitated by a better understanding of how natural human CMV infection is acquired. We

Nuclear PDF for neutrino and charged lepton data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kovarik, K.

2011-10-06

Neutrino Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS) on nuclei is an essential process to constrain the strange quark parton distribution functions (PDF) in the proton. The critical component on the way to using the neutrino DIS data in a proton PDF analysis is understanding the nuclear effects in parton distribution functions. We parametrize these effects by nuclear parton distribution functions (NPDF). Here we compare results from two analysis of NPDF both done at next-to-leading order in QCD. The first uses neutral current charged-lepton (l{sup {+-}A}) Deeply Inelastic Scattering (DIS) and Drell-Yan data for several nuclear targets and the second uses neutrino-nucleon DISmore » data. We compare the nuclear corrections factors (F{sub 2}{sup Fe}/F{sub 2}{sup D}) for the charged-lepton data with other results from the literature. In particular, we compare and contrast fits based upon the charged-lepton DIS data with those using neutrino-nucleon DIS data.« less

Immediate Antiretroviral Therapy Reduces Risk of Infection-Related Cancer During Early HIV Infection.

PubMed

Borges, Álvaro H; Neuhaus, Jacqueline; Babiker, Abdel G; Henry, Keith; Jain, Mamta K; Palfreeman, Adrian; Mugyenyi, Peter; Domingo, Pere; Hoffmann, Christian; Read, Tim R H; Pujari, Sanjay; Meulbroek, Michael; Johnson, Margaret; Wilkin, Timothy; Mitsuyasu, Ronald

2016-12-15

 In the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) study, immediate combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation reduced cancer risk by 64%. We hypothesized that risk reduction was higher for infection-related cancer and determined by differences in CD4 cell counts and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA between the study arms.  Incident malignancies in START were categorized into infection-related and infection-unrelated cancer. We used Cox models to assess factors associated with both cancer categories. We used sequential adjustment for baseline covariates, cancer risk factors, and HIV-specific variables to investigate potential mediators of cancer risk reduction with immediate cART.  There were 14 cancers among persons randomized to immediate cART (6 infection-related and 8 infection-unrelated) and 39 cancers in the deferred arm (23 infection-related and 16 infection-unrelated); hazard ratios of immediate vs deferred cART initiation were 0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], .11-.64) for infection-related and 0.49 (95% CI, .21-1.15) for infection-unrelated cancer. Independent predictors of infection-related cancer were older age, higher body mass index, low- to middle-income region, HIV RNA, and baseline CD8 cell count. Older age and baseline CD8 cell count were independent predictors of infection-unrelated cancer. Adjustment for latest HIV RNA level had little impact on the protective effect of immediate cART on infection-related cancer. Adjustment for latest HIV RNA level, but not for CD4 cell count or cancer risk factors, attenuated the effect of immediate cART on infection-unrelated cancer.  Immediate cART initiation significantly reduces risk of cancer. Although limited by small sample size, this benefit does not appear to be solely attributable to HIV RNA suppression and may be also mediated by other mechanisms. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights

Immunology of Pediatric HIV Infection

PubMed Central

Tobin, Nicole H.; Aldrovandi, Grace M.

2013-01-01

Summary Most infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women escape HIV infection. Infants evade infection despite an immature immune system and, in the case of breastfeeding, prolonged repetitive, exposure. If infants become infected, the course of their infection and response to treatment differs dramatically depending upon the timing (in utero, intrapartum, or during breastfeeding) and potentially the route of their infection. Perinatally acquired HIV infection occurs during a critical window of immune development. HIV’s perturbation of this dynamic process may account for the striking age-dependent differences in HIV disease progression. HIV infection also profoundly disrupts the maternal immune system upon which infants rely for protection and immune instruction. Therefore, it is not surprising that infants who escape HIV infection still suffer adverse effects. In this review, we highlight the unique aspects of pediatric HIV transmission and pathogenesis with a focus on mechanisms by which HIV infection during immune ontogeny may allow discovery of key elements for protection and control from HIV. PMID:23772619

Comparison of multi-monthly rainfall-based drought severity indices, with application to semi-arid Konya closed basin, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogan, Selim; Berktay, Ali; Singh, Vijay P.

2012-11-01

SummaryMany drought indices (DIs) have been introduced to monitor drought conditions. This study compares Percent of Normal (PN), Rainfall Decile based Drought Index (RDDI), statistical Z-Score, China-Z Index (CZI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), and Effective Drought Index (EDI) to identify droughts in a semi-arid closed basin (Konya), Turkey. Comparison studies of DIs under different climatic conditions is always interesting and may be insightful. Employing and comparing 18 different timesteps, the objective of comparison is twofold: (1) to determine the effect of timestep for choosing an appropriate value, and (2) to determine the sensitivity of DI to timestep and the choice of a DI. Monthly rainfall data obtained from twelve spatially distributed stations was used to compare DIs for timesteps ranging from 1 month to 48 months. These DIs were evaluated through correlations for various timesteps. Surprisingly, in many earlier studies, only 1-month time step has been used. Results showed that the employment of median timesteps was essential for future studies, since 1-month timestep DIs were found as irrelevant to those for other timesteps in arid/semi-arid regions because seasonal rainfall deficiencies are common there. Comparing time series of various DI values (numerical values of drought severity) instead of drought classes was advantageous for drought monitoring. EDI was found to be best correlated with other DIs when considering all timesteps. Therefore, drought classes discerned by DIs were compared with EDI. PN and RDDI provided different results than did others. PN detected a decrease in drought percentage for increasing timestep, while RDDI overestimated droughts for all timesteps. SPI and CZI were more consistent in detecting droughts for different timesteps. The response of DI and timestep combination to the change of monthly and multi-monthly rainfall for a qualitative comparison of severities (drought classes) was investigated. Analyzing the

Urinary tract infection - children

MedlinePlus

UTI - children; Cystitis - children; Bladder infection - children; Kidney infection - children; Pyelonephritis - children ... Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when bacteria get into the bladder or the kidneys. These bacteria are common ...

[Nosocomial virus infections].

PubMed

Eggers, H J

1986-12-01

Enveloped viruses, e.g. influenza- or varicella viruses may cause highly contagious airborne infections. Their spread is difficult to control, also in hospitals. In the case of influenza and varicella immune prophylaxis and chemotherapy/chemoprophylaxis are possible. This is of particular significance, since varicella and zoster are of increasing importance for immunocompromized patients. Diarrhea is caused to a large extent by viruses. Rotavirus infections play an important role in infancy, and are frequently acquired in the hospital. In a study on infectious gastroenteritis of infants in a hospital we were able to show that 30 percent of all rotavirus infections were of nosocomial origin. Admission of a rotavirus-excreting patient (or personnel) may start a long chain of rotavirus infections on pediatric wards. Even careful hygienic measures in the hospital can hardly prevent the spread of enterovirus infections. Such infections may be severe and lethal for newborns, as shown by us in a study on an outbreak of echovirus 11 disease on a maternity ward. We have recently obtained data on the "stickiness" of enteroviruses on human skin. This could explain essential features of the spread of enteroviruses in the population.

A novel epidemic spreading model with decreasing infection rate based on infection times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yunhan; Ding, Li; Feng, Yun

2016-02-01

A new epidemic spreading model where individuals can be infected repeatedly is proposed in this paper. The infection rate decreases according to the times it has been infected before. This phenomenon may be caused by immunity or heightened alertness of individuals. We introduce a new parameter called decay factor to evaluate the decrease of infection rate. Our model bridges the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible(SIS) model and the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered(SIR) model by this parameter. The proposed model has been studied by Monte-Carlo numerical simulation. It is found that initial infection rate has greater impact on peak value comparing with decay factor. The effect of decay factor on final density and threshold of outbreak is dominant but weakens significantly when considering birth and death rates. Besides, simulation results show that the influence of birth and death rates on final density is non-monotonic in some circumstances.

Collaboration with an infection control team for patients with infection after spine surgery.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Kazuyoshi; Imagama, Shiro; Kato, Daizo; Ando, Kei; Hida, Tetsuro; Ito, Kenyu; Tsushima, Mikito; Matsumoto, Akiyuki; Morozumi, Masayoshi; Tanaka, Satoshi; Yagi, Tetsuya; Nishida, Yoshihiro; Ishiguro, Naoki

2017-07-01

The risk of infection, including surgical site infection (SSI), after spine surgery has increased due to aging and more immunocompromised hosts. An infection control team (ICT) is responsible for management of health care-associated infections at our institution. The study subjects were 40 patients (18 men and 22 women with an average age of 54 years) referred to the ICT after spine surgery since 2010. Pathogenic bacteria and treatment in these cases were reviewed. Collaboration with the ICT involved guidance on use of antibiotics for infection in 30 patients (16 SSI and 14 non-SSI) and a search for the infection focus for fever of unknown origin in 10 patients (7 patients were found to have urinary tract infections and 2 patients were found to have pneumonia). The detection rate of causative bacteria in ICT consultation was 88% (35 out of 40 patients). SSI patients with instrumentation involved had a significantly higher rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection compared with those without instrumentation (42% vs 13%; P < .05). All cases of SSI with instrumentation involved were cured by ICT support without removal of instrumentation. Early assistance from the ICT was important for prevention of worsening of methicillin-resistant S aureus infection. Collaboration with the ICT was helpful for detection of pathogenic bacteria and allowed appropriate use of antibiotics at an early stage. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Psychiatric disorders, HIV infection and HIV/hepatitis co-infection in the correctional setting.

PubMed

Baillargeon, J G; Paar, D P; Wu, H; Giordano, T P; Murray, O; Raimer, B G; Avery, E N; Diamond, P M; Pulvino, J S

2008-01-01

Psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression have long been associated with risk behaviors for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The US prison population is reported to have elevated rates of HIV, hepatitis and most psychiatric disorders. This study examined the association of six major psychiatric disorders with HIV mono-infection, HIV/HCV co-infection and HIV/HBV co-infection in one of the nation's largest prison populations. The study population consisted of 370,511 Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates who were incarcerated for any duration between January 1, 2003 and July 1, 2006. Information on medical conditions and sociodemographic factors was obtained from an institution-wide electronic medical information system. Offenders diagnosed with HIV mono-infection, HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV and all HIV combined exhibited elevated rates of major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, non-schizophrenic psychotic disorder and any psychiatric disorder. In comparison to offenders with HIV mono-infection, those with HIV/HCV co-infection had an elevated prevalence of any psychiatric disorder. This cross-sectional study's finding of positive associations between psychiatric disease and both HIV infection and hepatitis co-infection among Texas prison inmates holds both clinical and public health relevance. It will be important for future investigations to examine the extent to which psychiatric disorders serve as a barrier to medical care, communication with clinicians and adherence to prescribed medical regimens among both HIV-mono-infected and HIV/hepatitis-co-infected inmates.

High prevalence of human parvovirus 4 infection in HBV and HCV infected individuals in shanghai.

PubMed

Yu, Xuelian; Zhang, Jing; Hong, Liang; Wang, Jiayu; Yuan, Zhengan; Zhang, Xi; Ghildyal, Reena

2012-01-01

Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) has been detected in blood and diverse tissues samples from HIV/AIDS patients who are injecting drug users. Although B19 virus, the best characterized human parvovirus, has been shown to co-infect patients with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus (HBV, HCV) infection, the association of PARV4 with HBV or HCV infections is still unknown.The aim of this study was to characterise the association of viruses belonging to PARV4 genotype 1 and 2 with chronic HBV and HCV infection in Shanghai.Serum samples of healthy controls, HCV infected subjects and HBV infected subjects were retrieved from Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention (SCDC) Sample Bank. Parvovirus-specific nested-PCR was performed and results confirmed by sequencing. Sequences were compared with reference sequences obtained from Genbank to derive phylogeny trees.The frequency of parvovirus molecular detection was 16-22%, 33% and 41% in healthy controls, HCV infected and HBV infected subjects respectively, with PARV4 being the only parvovirus detected. HCV infected and HBV infected subjects had a significantly higher PARV4 prevalence than the healthy population. No statistical difference was found in PARV4 prevalence between HBV or HCV infected subjects. PARV4 sequence divergence within study groups was similar in healthy subjects, HBV or HCV infected subjects.Our data clearly demonstrate that PARV4 infection is strongly associated with HCV and HBV infection in Shanghai but may not cause increased disease severity.

A Case of Systemic Infection Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes Oral Infection in an Edentulous Patient.

PubMed

Inagaki, Yumi; Abe, Masanobu; Inaki, Ryoko; Zong, Liang; Suenaga, Hideyuki; Abe, Takahiro; Hoshi, Kazuto

2017-08-18

Infections in the oral and maxillofacial region can sometimes extend beyond the oral cavity, with serious consequences. Most oral infections are odontogenic, occurring through the root apex of the tooth or the periodontal pocket. It thus makes sense that edentulous patients have a much lower risk of oral bacterial infection. For this reason, while there are many reports on systemic infections caused by oral infections, few of these describe such infections in edentulous patients. We present a case of oral and maxillofacial cellulitis followed by sepsis due to Streptococcus pyogenes infection in an 89-year-old Japanese edentulous woman. S. pyogenes was detected in the wound of left maxilla and the blood sample. S. pyogenes has been reported to be one of the most common and influential aerobic bacteria associated with deep neck infection and subsequent systemic infection. Left maxillary sinusitis was observed, and this could be the origin of the S. pyogenes infection. S. pyogenes derived from the sinusitis and leaked to the oral cavity might have caused systemic infection through wounding of the oral mucosa. Fortunately, intensive antibiotic therapy was effective, and the patient recovered without any surgical procedures. We experienced a rare case of oral and maxillofacial cellulitis followed by sepsis due to a Streptococcus pyogenes infection in an old edentulous woman. This result indicated that, while edentulous patients are considered to have no risk of odontogenic infection, they still carry a risk of bacterial infection.

Infection Control and Prevention: A Review of Hospital-Acquired Infections and the Economic Implications

PubMed Central

Reed, Deoine; Kemmerly, Sandra A.

2009-01-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2 million patients suffer from hospital-acquired infections every year and nearly 100,000 of them die. Most of these medical errors are preventable. Hospital-acquired infections result in up to $4.5 billion in additional healthcare expenses annually. The U.S. government has responded to this financial loss by focusing on healthcare quality report cards and by taking strong action to curb healthcare spending. The Medicare Program has proposed changes to the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Fiscal Year Rates: Proposed Rule CMS 1488-P-Healthcare-associated infection. Payment will be linked to performance. Under the new rule, payment will be withheld from hospitals for care associated with treating certain catheter-associated urinary tract infections, vascular catheter-associated infections, and mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Infection-prevention strategies are essential. In the healthcare setting, the infection control department is categorized as non-revenue-producing. Funds dedicated to resources such as staff, educational programs, and prevention measures are vastly limited. Hospital leaders will need to balance the upfront cost needed to prevent hospital-related infections with the non-reimbursed expense accrued secondary to potentially preventable infections. The purpose of this paper is to present case studies and cost analysis of hospital-acquired infections and present strategies that reduce infections and cost. PMID:21603406

Infective endocarditis in drug addicts: role of HIV infection and the diagnostic accuracy of Duke criteria.

PubMed

Cecchi, Enrico; Imazio, Massimo; Tidu, Massimo; Forno, Davide; De Rosa, Francesco Giuseppe; Dal Conte, Ivano; Preziosi, Costantina; Lipani, Filippo; Trinchero, Rita

2007-03-01

Intravenous drug users (IVDUs) are at increased risk of infective endocarditis. Moreover, HIV infection is common in IVDUs, with a reported prevalence of 40-90%. The clinical features of IVDUs with infective endocarditis and HIV infection may be peculiar. Few data have been reported on the diagnostic accuracy of Duke criteria in IVDUs with or without HIV infection, and a comparison of these two populations is lacking. The present study aimed to compare prospectively the clinical features of patients with infective endocarditis with or without HIV infection and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Duke criteria in these patients. The study population consisted of 201 consecutive adult IVDUs with a suspected infective endocarditis (102 patients with HIV infection and 99 patients without HIV infection). Infective endocarditis was the final diagnosis in 40 of 102 patients (38.2%) with HIV infection and in 55 of 99 HIV-negative patients (55.6%). Despite similar baseline features, longer vegetations were recorded in infective endocarditis without HIV infection (23.7 +/- 7.1 mm versus 13.6 +/- 6.8 mm; P = 0.001). Patients with infective endocarditis and HIV infection had a higher total mortality at 2 months (respectively 12.5% versus 1.8%; P = 0.09); almost all the deaths were recorded in patients with AIDS or a CD4 cell count below 200 per microl, and no deaths were recorded in patients with HIV infection and a CD4 cell count > 500 per microl. Despite no identical clinical features, Duke criteria had a similar sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in IVDUs with and without HIV infection.

Minerals and Trace Elements in Milk, Milk Products, Infant Formula, and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula, ICP-MS Method: Collaborative Study, AOAC Final Action 2015.06, ISO/DIS 21424, IDF 243.

PubMed

Pacquette, Lawrence H; Thompson, Joseph J; Malaviole, I; Zywicki, R; Woltjes, F; Ding, Y; Mittal, A; Ikeuchi, Y; Sadipiralla, B; Kimura, S; Veltman, H; Miura, A

2018-03-01

AOAC Final Action Official MethodSM 2015.06 "Minerals and Trace Elements in Milk, Milk Products, Infant Formula and Adult/Pediatric Nutritional Formula, ICP-MS Method" was collaboratively studied. Note that "milk, milk products" has now been added to the title of the Final Action method because whole milk and several dairy ingredients were successfully incorporated into the collaborative study for the purpose of developing an International Organization for Standardization/International Dairy Federation standard (ISO/DIS 21424; in progress). The method determines sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, molybdenum, and selenium by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS after microwave digestion. Ten laboratories participated in the study, and data from five different model ICP-MS units were represented. Thirteen products, five placebo products, and six dairy samples were tested as blind duplicates in this study, along with a standard reference material, for a total 50 samples. The overall repeatability and reproducibility for all samples met Standard Method Performance Requirements put forth by the AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals, with a few exceptions. Comparisons are made to ICP-atomic emission data from a collaborative study of AOAC Official Method 2011.14 carried out concurrently on these same samples.

Who Gets Fungal Infections?

MedlinePlus

... can also happen in people without weak immune systems Fungal infections that are not life-threatening, such ... to cause an infection. People with weak immune systems Infections that happen because a person’s immune system ...

Epidemiology of UK neonatal infections: the neonIN infection surveillance network.

PubMed

Cailes, Benjamin; Kortsalioudaki, Christina; Buttery, Jim; Pattnayak, Santosh; Greenough, Anne; Matthes, Jean; Bedford Russell, Alison; Kennea, Nigel; Heath, Paul T

2017-12-05

To describe the epidemiology of neonatal infection over the past decade in UK neonatal units. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected infection surveillance network data from 2005 to 2014. 30 neonatal units in the UK. Newborns on participating neonatal units who had a positive blood, cerebrospinal fluid or urine culture and were treated with at least 5 days of appropriate antibiotics. 2171 episodes of neonatal infection in 1922 infants were recorded. The incidence of infection was 6.1/1000 live births and 48.8/1000 neonatal admissions (2.9 and 23.5 respectively if coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) cultures excluded). The incidence of infection showed a statistically significant reduction over time with reductions in the rates of both early-onset sepsis (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS).The majority of episodes (76%) represented LOS (diagnosed > 48 hours after birth), and infection was more common in premature (<37 weeks gestation) and low birth weight (<2500 g) neonates (84% and 81%, respectively). Commonly identified pathogens included group B streptococci (43%) and Escherichia coli (18%) for EOS, while E. coli (15%), Staphylococcus aureus (14%) and CoNS were prominent causes of LOS. This paper describes the epidemiology of neonatal infection in the UK over the past decade. These data enable benchmarking of practice and inform areas of future research and guideline development. The results support the hypothesis that the introduction of infection prevention care bundles and antibiotic stewardship programmes in the UK has reduced the burden of LOS. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Dispersion entropy for the analysis of resting-state MEG regularity in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Azami, Hamed; Rostaghi, Mostafa; Fernandez, Alberto; Escudero, Javier

2016-08-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative brain disorder affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. It is the most common form of dementia and a big social problem in western societies. The analysis of brain activity may help to diagnose this disease. Changes in entropy methods have been reported useful in research studies to characterize AD. We have recently proposed dispersion entropy (DisEn) as a very fast and powerful tool to quantify the irregularity of time series. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the ability of DisEn, in comparison with fuzzy entropy (FuzEn), sample entropy (SampEn), and permutation entropy (PerEn), to discriminate 36 AD patients from 26 elderly control subjects using resting-state magnetoencephalogram (MEG) signals. The results obtained by DisEn, FuzEn, and SampEn, unlike PerEn, show that the AD patients' signals are more regular than controls' time series. The p-values obtained by DisEn, FuzEn, SampEn, and PerEn based methods demonstrate the superiority of DisEn over PerEn, SampEn, and PerEn. Moreover, the computation time for the newly proposed DisEn-based method is noticeably less than for the FuzEn, SampEn, and PerEn based approaches.

The Role of Infected Cell Proliferation in the Clearance of Acute HBV Infection in Humans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goyal, Ashish; Ribeiro, Ruy Miguel; Perelson, Alan S.

Around 90–95% of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected adults do not progress to the chronic phase and, instead, recover naturally. The strengths of the cytolytic and non-cytolytic immune responses are key players that decide the fate of acute HBV infection. In addition, it has been hypothesized that proliferation of infected cells resulting in uninfected progeny and/or cytokine-mediated degradation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) leading to the cure of infected cells are two major mechanisms assisting the adaptive immune response in the clearance of acute HBV infection in humans. We employed fitting of mathematical models to human acute infection datamore » together with physiological constraints to investigate the role of these hypothesized mechanisms in the clearance of infection. Results suggest that cellular proliferation of infected cells resulting in two uninfected cells is required to minimize the destruction of the liver during the clearance of acute HBV infection. In contrast, we find that a cytokine-mediated cure of infected cells alone is insufficient to clear acute HBV infection. Lastly, our modeling indicates that HBV clearance without lethal loss of liver mass is associated with the production of two uninfected cells upon proliferation of an infected cell.« less

The Role of Infected Cell Proliferation in the Clearance of Acute HBV Infection in Humans

DOE PAGES

Goyal, Ashish; Ribeiro, Ruy Miguel; Perelson, Alan S.

2017-11-18

Around 90–95% of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected adults do not progress to the chronic phase and, instead, recover naturally. The strengths of the cytolytic and non-cytolytic immune responses are key players that decide the fate of acute HBV infection. In addition, it has been hypothesized that proliferation of infected cells resulting in uninfected progeny and/or cytokine-mediated degradation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) leading to the cure of infected cells are two major mechanisms assisting the adaptive immune response in the clearance of acute HBV infection in humans. We employed fitting of mathematical models to human acute infection datamore » together with physiological constraints to investigate the role of these hypothesized mechanisms in the clearance of infection. Results suggest that cellular proliferation of infected cells resulting in two uninfected cells is required to minimize the destruction of the liver during the clearance of acute HBV infection. In contrast, we find that a cytokine-mediated cure of infected cells alone is insufficient to clear acute HBV infection. Lastly, our modeling indicates that HBV clearance without lethal loss of liver mass is associated with the production of two uninfected cells upon proliferation of an infected cell.« less

Prosthetic Device Infections.

PubMed

Martinez, Raquel M; Bowen, Thomas R; Foltzer, Michael A

2016-08-01

The immunocompromised host is a particularly vulnerable population in whom routine and unusual infections can easily and frequently occur. Prosthetic devices are commonly used in these patients and the infections associated with those devices present a number of challenges for both the microbiologist and the clinician. Biofilms play a major role in device-related infections, which may contribute to failed attempts to recover organisms from routine culture methods. Moreover, device-related microorganisms can be difficult to eradicate by antibiotic therapy alone. Changes in clinical practice and advances in laboratory diagnostics have provided significant improvements in the detection and accurate diagnosis of device-related infections. Disruption of the bacterial biofilm plays an essential role in recovering the causative agent in culture. Various culture and nucleic acid amplification techniques are more accurate to guide directed treatment regimens. This chapter reviews the performance characteristics of currently available diagnostic assays and summarizes published guidelines, where available, for addressing suspected infected prosthetic devices.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of intact skin.

PubMed

Agger, W A; Mardan, A

1995-02-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of healthy skin are uncommon. We report four cases of P. aeruginosa infections of intact skin. These cases illustrate the clinical spectrum of these cutaneous infections: localized, mild epidermal infections (the green nail syndrome and webbed space infections), moderately serious infections (cutaneous folliculitis and otitis externa), and, in immunocompromised patients, extremely serious infections (malignant otitis externa, perirectal infection, and ecthyma gangrenosum).

[Infection and infertility].

PubMed

Pilatz, A; Boecker, M; Schuppe, H-C; Diemer, Th; Wagenlehner, F

2016-07-01

Infections in the urogenital tract are accepted causes of male infertility. Epidemiologic data indicate 6-10 % of all males undergoing andrological work-up for infertility having an infectious etiology. This review gives a comprehensive overview on the most important urogenital tract infections (prostatitis, epididymitis, orchitis, male accessory gland infection-MAGI) and the impact on fertility. In males suffering infertility, evidence is also presented regarding an infectious etiology.

A review of the clinical implications of anti-infective biomaterials and infection-resistant surfaces.

PubMed

Campoccia, Davide; Montanaro, Lucio; Arciola, Carla Renata

2013-11-01

Infection is currently regarded as the most severe and devastating complication associated to the use of biomaterials. The important social, clinical and economic impacts of implant-related infections are promoting the efforts to obviate these severe diseases. In this context, the development of anti-infective biomaterials and of infection-resistant surfaces is being regarded as the main strategy to prevent the establishment of implant colonisation and biofilm formation by bacteria. In this review, the attention is focused on the biomaterial-associated infections, from which the need for anti-infective biomaterials originates. Biomaterial-associated infections differ markedly for epidemiology, aetiology and severity, depending mainly on the anatomic site, on the time of biomaterial application, and on the depth of the tissues harbouring the prosthesis. Here, the diversity and complexity of the different scenarios where medical devices are currently utilised are explored, providing an overview of the emblematic applicative fields and of the requirements for anti-infective biomaterials. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serodiagnosis of dengue infection using rapid immunochromatography test in patients with probable dengue infection.

PubMed

Kidwai, Aneela Altaf; Jamal, Qaiser; Saher; Mehrunnisa; Farooqi, Faiz-ur-rehman; Saleem-Ullah

2010-11-01

To determine the frequency of seropositive dengue infection using rapid immunochromatographic assay in patients with probable dengue infection as per WHO criteria. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from July 2008 to January 2009. Patients presenting with acute febrile illness, rashes, bleeding tendencies, leucopenia and or thrombocytopenia were evaluated according to WHO criteria for probable dengue infection. Acute phase sera were collected after 5 days of the onset of fever as per WHO criteria. Serology was performed using rapid immunochromatographic (ICT) assay with differential detection of IgM and IgG. A primary dengue infection was defined by a positive IgM band and a negative IgG band whereas secondary infection was defined by a positive IgG band with or without positive IgM band. Among 599 patients who met the WHO criteria for dengue infection, 251(41.9%) were found to be ICT reactive among whom 42 (16.73%) had primary infection. Secondary infection was reported in 209 (83.26%). Acute phase sera of 348 (58.09%) were ICT non reactive. Four patients died because of dengue shock syndrome among which three had secondary infection. Early identification of secondary infection in acute phase sera using rapid ICT is valuable in terms of disease progression and mortality. However in highly suspected cases of dengue infection clinical management should not rely on negative serological results.

Establishing an infection control structure.

PubMed

Hambraeus, A

1995-06-01

In studies from the USA it has been shown that infection control can lower infection rates by 30%. To achieve this an infection control programme has to be given a firm structure. Judging from the opinions presented by an educational workshop within the International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC) and from the literature there is an international consensus on the basic components of hospital infection control. An infection control team, with the task of identifying areas of concern, providing or initiating work on written policies, educating and advising not only medical staff but also hospital administrators, constructors etc., constitutes the backbone of infection control. However, in most countries the infection control team, should it exist, is usually understaffed. This is false economy, a qualified medical input is a proven investment.

Genome-Wide Identification by Transposon Insertion Sequencing of Escherichia coli K1 Genes Essential for In Vitro Growth, Gastrointestinal Colonizing Capacity, and Survival in Serum.

PubMed

McCarthy, Alex J; Stabler, Richard A; Taylor, Peter W

2018-04-01

Escherichia coli K1 strains are major causative agents of invasive disease of newborn infants. The age dependency of infection can be reproduced in neonatal rats. Colonization of the small intestine following oral administration of K1 bacteria leads rapidly to invasion of the blood circulation; bacteria that avoid capture by the mesenteric lymphatic system and evade antibacterial mechanisms in the blood may disseminate to cause organ-specific infections such as meningitis. Some E. coli K1 surface constituents, in particular the polysialic acid capsule, are known to contribute to invasive potential, but a comprehensive picture of the factors that determine the fully virulent phenotype has not emerged so far. We constructed a library and constituent sublibraries of ∼775,000 Tn 5 transposon mutants of E. coli K1 strain A192PP and employed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) to identify genes required for fitness for infection of 2-day-old rats. Transposon insertions were lacking in 357 genes following recovery on selective agar; these genes were considered essential for growth in nutrient-replete medium. Colonization of the midsection of the small intestine was facilitated by 167 E. coli K1 gene products. Restricted bacterial translocation across epithelial barriers precluded TraDIS analysis of gut-to-blood and blood-to-brain transits; 97 genes were required for survival in human serum. This study revealed that a large number of bacterial genes, many of which were not previously associated with systemic E. coli K1 infection, are required to realize full invasive potential. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli K1 strains cause life-threatening infections in newborn infants. They are acquired from the mother at birth and colonize the small intestine, from where they invade the blood and central nervous system. It is difficult to obtain information from acutely ill patients that sheds light on physiological and bacterial factors determining invasive disease

Genome-Wide Identification by Transposon Insertion Sequencing of Escherichia coli K1 Genes Essential for In Vitro Growth, Gastrointestinal Colonizing Capacity, and Survival in Serum

PubMed Central

McCarthy, Alex J.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli K1 strains are major causative agents of invasive disease of newborn infants. The age dependency of infection can be reproduced in neonatal rats. Colonization of the small intestine following oral administration of K1 bacteria leads rapidly to invasion of the blood circulation; bacteria that avoid capture by the mesenteric lymphatic system and evade antibacterial mechanisms in the blood may disseminate to cause organ-specific infections such as meningitis. Some E. coli K1 surface constituents, in particular the polysialic acid capsule, are known to contribute to invasive potential, but a comprehensive picture of the factors that determine the fully virulent phenotype has not emerged so far. We constructed a library and constituent sublibraries of ∼775,000 Tn5 transposon mutants of E. coli K1 strain A192PP and employed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing (TraDIS) to identify genes required for fitness for infection of 2-day-old rats. Transposon insertions were lacking in 357 genes following recovery on selective agar; these genes were considered essential for growth in nutrient-replete medium. Colonization of the midsection of the small intestine was facilitated by 167 E. coli K1 gene products. Restricted bacterial translocation across epithelial barriers precluded TraDIS analysis of gut-to-blood and blood-to-brain transits; 97 genes were required for survival in human serum. This study revealed that a large number of bacterial genes, many of which were not previously associated with systemic E. coli K1 infection, are required to realize full invasive potential. IMPORTANCE Escherichia coli K1 strains cause life-threatening infections in newborn infants. They are acquired from the mother at birth and colonize the small intestine, from where they invade the blood and central nervous system. It is difficult to obtain information from acutely ill patients that sheds light on physiological and bacterial factors determining invasive

Inverse construction of the ΛLTB model from a distance-redshift relation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tokutake, Masato; Yoo, Chul-Moon, E-mail: tokutake@gravity.phys.nagoya-u.ac.jp, E-mail: yoo@gravity.phys.nagoya-u.ac.jp

2016-10-01

Spherically symmetric dust universe models with a positive cosmological constant Λ, known as Λ-Lemaȋtre-Tolman-Bondi (ΛLTB) models, are considered. We report a method to construct the ΛLTB model from a given distance-redshift relation observed at the symmetry center. The spherical inhomogeneity is assumed to be composed of growing modes. We derive a set of ordinary differential equations for three functions of the redshift, which specify the spherical inhomogeneity. Once a distance-redshift relation is given, with careful treatment of possible singular points, we can uniquely determine the model by solving the differential equations for each value of Λ. As a demonstration, wemore » fix the distance-redshift relation as that of the flat ΛCDM model with (Ω{sup dis}{sub m0}, Ω{sup dis}{sub Λ0})=(0.3,0.7), where Ω{sup dis}{sub m0} and Ω{sup dis}{sub Λ0} are the normalized matter density and the cosmological constant, respectively. Then, we construct the ΛLTB model for several values of Ω{sub Λ0}:=Λ/(3 H {sub 0}{sup 2}), where H {sub 0} is the present Hubble parameter observed at the symmetry center. We obtain void (over dense) structure around the symmetry center for Ω{sub Λ0} < Ω{sup dis}{sub Λ0}(Ω{sub Λ0} > Ω{sup dis}{sub Λ0}). We show the relation between the ratio Ω{sub Λ0}/Ω{sup dis}{sub Λ0} and the amplitude of the inhomogeneity.« less

Is the treatment of Enterobius vermicularis co-infection necessary to eradicate Dientamoeba fragilis infection?

PubMed

Boga, José A; Rojo, Susana; Fernández, Jonathan; Rodríguez, Mercedes; Iglesias, Carmen; Martínez-Camblor, Pablo; Vázquez, Fernando; Rodríguez-Guardado, Azucena

2016-08-01

Dientamoeba fragilis is a pathogenic protozoan of the human gastrointestinal tract with a worldwide distribution, which has emerged as an important and misdiagnosed cause of chronic gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and 'irritable-bowel-like' gastrointestinal disease. Very little research has been conducted on the use of suitable antimicrobial compounds. Furthermore, higher rates of co-infection with Enterobius vermicularis have been described, suggesting that E. vermicularis could influence the treatment of D. fragilis-infected patients. To study this, the treatment of E. vermicularis and D. fragilis co-infected patients was evaluated. Forty-nine patients with a D. fragilis infection, including 25 (51.0%) patients co-infected with E. vermicularis, were studied. All of them were treated with metronidazole. Patients with E. vermicularis co-infection and/or an E. vermicularis-positive case in the family were treated with mebendazole. Metronidazole treatment failure was significantly more frequent in patients with E. vermicularis co-infection and in patients with children in the family. Co-infection with E. vermicularis may act as a factor favoring D. fragilis infection by preventing eradication measures. This suggests that both parasites should be treated simultaneously. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The immune response against Chlamydia suis genital tract infection partially protects against re-infection.

PubMed

De Clercq, Evelien; Devriendt, Bert; Yin, Lizi; Chiers, Koen; Cox, Eric; Vanrompay, Daisy

2014-09-25

The aim of the present study was to reveal the characteristic features of genital Chlamydia suis infection and re-infection in female pigs by studying the immune response, pathological changes, replication of chlamydial bacteria in the genital tract and excretion of viable bacteria. Pigs were intravaginally infected and re-infected with C. suis strain S45, the type strain of this species. We demonstrated that S45 is pathogenic for the female urogenital tract. Chlamydia replication occurred throughout the urogenital tract, causing inflammation and pathology. Furthermore, genital infection elicited both cellular and humoral immune responses. Compared to the primo-infection of pigs with C. suis, re-infection was characterized by less severe macroscopic lesions and less chlamydial elementary bodies and inclusions in the urogenital tract. This indicates the development of a certain level of protection following the initial infection. Protective immunity against re-infection coincided with higher Chlamydia-specific IgG and IgA antibody titers in sera and vaginal secretions, higher proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), higher percentages of blood B lymphocytes, monocytes and CD8⁺ T cells and upregulated production of IFN-γ and IL-10 by PBMC.

Occult HBV infection in HIV-infected adults and evaluation of pooled NAT for HBV.

PubMed

Dinesha, T R; Boobalan, J; Sivamalar, S; Subashini, D; Solomon, S S; Murugavel, K G; Balakrishnan, P; Smith, D M; Saravanan, S

2018-06-01

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among HIV-infected persons and to evaluate the use of a pooling strategy to detect occult HBV infection in the setting of HIV infection. Five hundred and two HIV-positive individuals were tested for HBV, occult HBV and hepatitis C and D with serologic and nucleic acid testing (NAT). We also evaluated a pooled NAT strategy for screening occult HBV infection among the HIV-positive individuals. The prevalence of HBV infection among HIV-positive individuals was 32 (6.4%), and occult HBV prevalence was 10%. The pooling HBV NAT had a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 100%, compared to HBV DNA NAT of individual samples. In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of occult HBV infection among our HIV-infected population. We also demonstrated that pooled HBV NAT is highly specific, moderately sensitive and cost-effective. As conventional HBV viral load assays are expensive in resource-limited settings such as India, pooled HBV DNA NAT might be a good way for detecting occult HBV infection and will reduce HBV-associated complications. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[The risk of infection to the mother prior, during and after delivery. A registration of nosocomial infections].

PubMed

Hirsch, H A; Niehues, U

1982-09-01

During 5 1/2 years all infections arising in the hospital (nosocomial infections) were registered prospectively by an infection control nurse. The incidence of all nosocomial infections in 3192 maternity patients was 2.1%. In 10,569 women following vaginal deliveries 2.6% and in 1,353 women following Caesarean section 21.1%. The commonest infections were urinary tract infections, endometritis, infections of the abdominal wound or the episiotomy, and a phlebitis of the intravenous infusion site. Measures to prevent infection resulted in a steadily decreasing incidence of infections during the 6 years of registration of nosocomial infections.

Relapse, re-infection and mixed infections in tuberculosis disease.

PubMed

McIvor, Amanda; Koornhof, Hendrik; Kana, Bavesh Davandra

2017-04-01

Tuberculosis (TB) disease can be characterized by genotypic and phenotypic complexity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli within a single patient. This microbiological heterogeneity has become an area of intense study due its perceived importance in drug tolerance, drug resistance and as a surrogate measure of transmission rates. This review presents a descriptive analysis of research describing the prevalence of mixed-strain TB infections in geographically distinct locations. Despite significant variation in disease burden and a rampant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-TB co-epidemic, there was no difference in the prevalence range of mixed infections reported in African countries when compared to the rest of the world. The occurrence of recurrent TB was associated with a higher prevalence of mixed-strain infections, but this difference was not reported as statistically significant. These interpretations were limited by differences in the design and overall size of the studies assessed. Factors such as sputum quality, culture media, number of repeated culture steps, molecular typing methods and HIV-infection status can affect the detection of mixed-strain infection. It is recommended that future clinical studies should focus on settings with varying TB burdens, with a common sample processing protocol to gain further insight into these phenomena and develop novel transmission blocking strategies. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Differential Effects of Continuous Versus Discontinuous Aerobic Training on Blood Pressure and Hemodynamics.

PubMed

Landram, Michael J; Utter, Alan C; Baldari, Carlo; Guidetti, Laura; McAnulty, Steven R; Collier, Scott R

2018-01-01

Landram, MJ, Utter, AC, Baldari, C, Guidetti, L, McAnulty, SR, and Collier, SR. Differential effects of continuous versus discontinuous aerobic training on blood pressure and hemodynamics. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 97-104, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic, arterial stiffness, and blood flow changes after 4 weeks of either continuous or discontinuous aerobic exercise in adults. Forty-seven subjects between the ages of 18 and 57 were recruited for 1 month of either continuous aerobic treadmill work for 30 minutes at 70% max heart rate or 3 bouts of 10 minutes of exercise at 70% of max heart rate with two 10 minutes break periods in between, totaling 30 minutes of aerobic work. After exercise, both continuous (CON) and discontinuous (DIS) groups demonstrated a significant improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, CON 35.39 ± 1.99 to 38.19 ± 2.03; DIS 36.18 ± 1.82 to 39.33 ± 1.75), heart rate maximum (CON 183.5 ± 3.11 to 187.17 ± 3.06; DIS 179.06 ± 2.75 to 182 ± 2.61), decreases in systolic blood pressure (CON 119 ± 1.82 to 115.11 ± 1.50; DIS 117.44 ± 1.90 to 112.67 ± 1.66), diastolic blood pressure (CON 72.56 ± 1.65 to 70.56 ± 1.06; DIS 71.56 ± 1.59 to 69.56 ± 1.43), augmentation index (CON 17.17 ± 2.17 to 14.9 ± 1.92; DIS 19.71 ± 2.66 to 13.91 ± 2.46), central pulse wave velocity (CON 8.29 ± 0.32 to 6.92 ± 0.21; DIS 7.85 ± 0.30 to 6.83 ± 0.29), peripheral pulse wave velocity (CON 9.49 ± 0.35 to 7.72 ± 0.38; DIS 9.11 ± 0.37 to 7.58 ± 0.47), and significant increases in average forearm blood flow (CON 4.06 ± 0.12 to 4.34 ± 0.136; DIS 4.26 ± 0.18 to 4.53 ± 0.15), peak forearm blood flow (FBF) after reactive hyperemia (CON 28.45 ± 0.094 to 29.96 ± 0.45; DIS 29.29 ± 0.46 to 30.6 ± 0.38), area under the curve (AUC) of FBF (CON 28.65 ± 1.77 to 30.4 ± 1.08; DIS 30.52 ± 1.9 to 31.67 ± 1.44), and AUC peak FBF after reactive hyperemia (CON 222.3 ± 5.68 to 231.95 ± 4.42; DIS 230.81 �

Wound infections after transplant nephrectomy.

PubMed

Kohlberg, W I; Tellis, V A; Bhat, D J; Driscoll, B; Veith, F J

1980-05-01

Wound infections after transplant nephrectomy were analyzed retrospectively. When prophylactic antibiotics were not used, 20% of the closed nephrectomy wounds became infected. Eighty-one percent of the infections were due to staphylococcal organisms. Wounds containing a preexisting focus of infection or those reoperated on more than once within a month prior to nephrectomy are at such high risk for infection that these wounds should be left open for secondary healing. With the use of prophylactic cefazolin sodium, in the immediate preoperative and postoperative period, no wound infections have occurred in 18 closed transplant nephrectomy wounds.

Whirlpool-associated folliculitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa: report of an outbreak and review.

PubMed Central

Ratnam, S; Hogan, K; March, S B; Butler, R W

1986-01-01

An outbreak of folliculitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype O:7 occurred among the guests of a hotel in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and the source of the infection was traced to the hotel whirlpool. Of 36 persons who used the whirlpool, 26 (72%) developed folliculitis within 1 to 5 days after exposure; the attack rate was significantly higher for children (90%) than for adults (50%). The rash characteristics were consistent with those of Pseudomonas folliculitis previously described (T. L. Gustafson, J. D. Band, R. H. Hutcheson, Jr., and W. Schaffner, Rev. Infect. Dis. 5:1-8, 1983). This is considered to be the first outbreak in which P. aeruginosa serotype O:7 has been incriminated. Published reports to date of outbreaks of Pseudomonas folliculitis associated with the use of whirlpools, hot tubs, swimming pools, etc., were reviewed. PMID:3082930

Urinary tract infection in children: recurrent infections.

PubMed

Larcombe, James

2015-06-12

Up to 11% of girls and 7% of boys will have had a urinary tract infection (UTI) by the age of 16 years, and recurrence of infection is common. Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) is identified in up to 40% of children being investigated for a first UTI, and is a risk factor for, but weak predictor of, renal parenchymal defects. We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to December 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We found three studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following intervention: prophylactic antibiotics.

Transmission spectroscopy of dengue viral infection Transmission spectroscopy of dengue viral infection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firdous, S.; Ahmed, M.; Rehman, A.; Nawaz, M.; Anwar, S.; Murtaza, S.

2012-04-01

We presented the rapid diagnostic test for dengue infection based on light spectrum of human blood. The transmission spectra of dengue infected whole blood samples have been recorded in ultra violet to near infrared range (400 - 800 nm) of about 30 conformed infected patients and compared to normal blood samples. Transmission spectra of dengue infected blood illustrate a strong band from 400 - 600 nm with prominant peaks at 540 and 580 nm, where is in case of normal blood below 600 nm, total absorption has been observed. These prominent peaks from 400 - 600 nm are characteristics of cells damage and dangue virus antibodies immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) produced against dengue antigen. The presented diagnostic method is non invasive, cost effective, easy and fast screening technique for dengue infected patients.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Claus, Claudia; Tzeng, W.-P.; Liebert, Uwe Gerd

During serial passaging of rubella virus (RUB) in cell culture, the dominant species of defective-interfering RNA (DI) generated contains an in-frame deletion between the capsid protein (C) gene and E1 glycoprotein gene resulting in production of a C-E1 fusion protein that is necessary for the maintenance of the DI [Tzeng, W.P., Frey, T.K. (2006). C-E1 fusion protein synthesized by rubella virus DI RNAs maintained during serial passage. Virology 356 198-207.]. A BHK cell line stably expressing the RUB structural proteins was established which was used to package DIs into virus particles following transfection with in vitro transcripts from DI infectiousmore » cDNA constructs. Packaging of a DI encoding an in-frame C-GFP-E1 reporter fusion protein corresponding to the C-E1 fusion protein expressed in a native DI was only marginally more efficient than packaging of a DI encoding GFP, indicating that the C-E1 fusion protein did not function by enhancing packaging. However, infection with the DI encoding the C-GFP-E1 fusion protein (in the absence of wt RUB helper virus) resulted in formation of clusters of GFP-positive cells and the percentage of GFP-positive cells in the culture following infection remained relatively constant. In contrast, a DI encoding GFP did not form GFP-positive clusters and the percentage of GFP-positive cells declined by roughly half from 2 to 4 days post-infection. Cluster formation and sustaining the percentage of infected (GFP-positive) cells required the C part of the fusion protein, including the downstream but not the upstream of two arginine clusters (both of which are associated with RNA binding and association with mitochondrial p32 protein) and the E1 part through the transmembrane sequence, but not the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Among a collection of mutant DI constructs, cluster formation and sustaining infected cell percentage correlated with maintenance during serial passage with wt RUB. We hypothesize that cluster formation

Small Intestinal Infections.

PubMed

Munot, Khushboo; Kotler, Donald P

2016-06-01

Small intestinal infections are extremely common worldwide. They may be bacterial, viral, or parasitic in etiology. Most are foodborne or waterborne, with specific etiologies differing by region and with diverse pathophysiologies. Very young, very old, and immune-deficient individuals are the most vulnerable to morbidity or mortality from small intestinal infections. There have been significant advances in diagnostic sophistication with the development and early application of molecular diagnostic assays, though these tests have not become mainstream. The lack of rapid diagnoses combined with the self-limited nature of small intestinal infections has hampered the development of specific and effective treatments other than oral rehydration. Antibiotics are not indicated in the absence of an etiologic diagnosis, and not at all in the case of some infections.

Genital mycoplasma & Chlamydia trachomatis infections in treatment naïve HIV-1 infected adults

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Arnab; Dhawan, Benu; Chaudhry, Rama; Vajpayee, Madhu; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla

2011-01-01

Background & objectives: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) enhance the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thus, screening for STIs is a routine component of primary HIV care. There are limited data for selective screening guidelines for genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis in HIV-infected adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of genital infections with Ureaplasma spp., Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium and C. trachomatis in treatment naïve asymptomatic HIV-1 - infected adults and study their association with CD4+ T-cell count. Methods: First-void urine samples were collected from 100 treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected adults and 50 healthy volunteers. C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis were detected by both culture and PCR. Circulating CD4+ cell counts of HIV-1-infected patients were determined from peripheral blood by flow-cytometry. Results: C. trachomatis was detected in 7 per cent of HIV-1-infected adults compared to none in control population. Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis showed infection rates of 6 and 1 per cent in the HIV group and 2 and 0 per cent in the control group, respectively. None of the individuals from the patient and control groups was tested positive for M. genitalium. A significant association was found between CD4 cell count and detection of C. trachomatis in HIV-infected adults (P = 0.01). Interpretation & conclusions: Screening of HIV-infected individuals for C. trachomatis infection could be recommended as a routine component of HIV care. The role of mycoplasmas as co-pathogens of the genitourinary tract in HIV-1 infected patients seems to be unlikely. Further longitudinal studies need to be done to confirm these findings. PMID:22310829

Catheter associated urinary tract infections

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Urinary tract infection attributed to the use of an indwelling urinary catheter is one of the most common infections acquired by patients in health care facilities. As biofilm ultimately develops on all of these devices, the major determinant for development of bacteriuria is duration of catheterization. While the proportion of bacteriuric subjects who develop symptomatic infection is low, the high frequency of use of indwelling urinary catheters means there is a substantial burden attributable to these infections. Catheter-acquired urinary infection is the source for about 20% of episodes of health-care acquired bacteremia in acute care facilities, and over 50% in long term care facilities. The most important interventions to prevent bacteriuria and infection are to limit indwelling catheter use and, when catheter use is necessary, to discontinue the catheter as soon as clinically feasible. Infection control programs in health care facilities must implement and monitor strategies to limit catheter-acquired urinary infection, including surveillance of catheter use, appropriateness of catheter indications, and complications. Ultimately, prevention of these infections will require technical advances in catheter materials which prevent biofilm formation. PMID:25075308

Urinary Tract Infections (For Teens)

MedlinePlus

... Staying Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Urinary Tract Infections KidsHealth / For Teens / Urinary Tract Infections What's in ... especially girls — visit a doctor. What Is a Urinary Tract Infection? A bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) is the ...

Middle Ear Infections (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... Staying Safe Videos for Educators Search English Español Middle Ear Infections KidsHealth / For Parents / Middle Ear Infections What's ... en español Infecciones del oído medio What Are Middle Ear Infections? Ear infections happen when viruses or bacteria ...

[Antimicrobial treatment of polymicrobial infections].

PubMed

Pavlović, Milorad; Nikolić, Jelena

2010-01-01

Polymicrobial infections are concomitant or successive infections caused by two or more microorganisms at the same site. The most common types of these infections include orofacial, gastro-intestinal, pelvic (PID) infections, solid organ abscesses (brain, liver, lungs), chronic infections (sinusitis, mastoiditis), skin and soft tissue infections ("diabetic foot", cellulitis, necrotic fasciitis), sepsis. The most important clues in the therapeutic choice include isolation of the causative agents and empirical data concerning the most common microorganisms of'the affected region. The sensitivity of the most common anaerobic pathogen in polymicrobial infections--B.fragillis, is closely monitored, and according to the latest data it is maintained as such to metronidazole, carbapenems. aminopenicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors and tigecycline, fluoroquinolones. However it must be emphasized that antimicrobial therapy represents only one aspect of the treatment in this type of infections, and can not replace a more adequate multi-disciplinary approach, which often includes surgical treatment.

African swine fever virus infection in Classical swine fever subclinically infected wild boars.

PubMed

Cabezón, Oscar; Muñoz-González, Sara; Colom-Cadena, Andreu; Pérez-Simó, Marta; Rosell, Rosa; Lavín, Santiago; Marco, Ignasi; Fraile, Lorenzo; de la Riva, Paloma Martínez; Rodríguez, Fernando; Domínguez, Javier; Ganges, Llilianne

2017-08-01

Recently moderate-virulence classical swine fever virus (CSFV) strains have been proven capable of generating postnatal persistent infection (PI), defined by the maintenance of viremia and the inability to generate CSFV-specific immune responses in animals. These animals also showed a type I interferon blockade in the absence of clinical signs. In this study, we assessed the infection generated in 7-week-old CSFV PI wild boars after infection with the African swine fever virus (ASFV). The wild boars were divided in two groups and were infected with ASFV. Group A comprised boars who were CSFV PI in a subclinical form and Group B comprised pestivirus-free wild boars. Some relevant parameters related to CSFV replication and the immune response of CSFV PI animals were studied. Additionally, serum soluble factors such as IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and sCD163 were analysed before and after ASFV infection to assess their role in disease progression. After ASFV infection, only the CSFV PI wild boars showed progressive acute haemorrhagic disease; however, the survival rates following ASFV infection was similar in both experimental groups. Notwithstanding, the CSFV RNA load of CSFV PI animals remained unaltered over the study; likewise, the ASFV DNA load detected after infection was similar between groups. Interestingly, systemic type I FN-α and IL-10 levels in sera were almost undetectable in CSFV PI animals, yet detectable in Group B, while detectable levels of IFN-γ were found in both groups. Finally, the flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in myelomonocytic cells (CD172a + ) and a decrease in CD4 + T cells in the PBMCs from CSFV PI animals after ASFV infection. Our results showed that the immune response plays a role in the progression of disease in CSFV subclinically infected wild boars after ASFV infection, and the immune response comprised the systemic type I interferon blockade. ASFV does not produce any interference with CSFV replication, or vice

Decision tree for accurate infection timing in individuals newly diagnosed with HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Verhofstede, Chris; Fransen, Katrien; Van Den Heuvel, Annelies; Van Laethem, Kristel; Ruelle, Jean; Vancutsem, Ellen; Stoffels, Karolien; Van den Wijngaert, Sigi; Delforge, Marie-Luce; Vaira, Dolores; Hebberecht, Laura; Schauvliege, Marlies; Mortier, Virginie; Dauwe, Kenny; Callens, Steven

2017-11-29

There is today no gold standard method to accurately define the time passed since infection at HIV diagnosis. Infection timing and incidence measurement is however essential to better monitor the dynamics of local epidemics and the effect of prevention initiatives. Three methods for infection timing were evaluated using 237 serial samples from documented seroconversions and 566 cross sectional samples from newly diagnosed patients: identification of antibodies against the HIV p31 protein in INNO-LIA, SediaTM BED CEIA and SediaTM LAg-Avidity EIA. A multi-assay decision tree for infection timing was developed. Clear differences in recency window between BED CEIA, LAg-Avidity EIA and p31 antibody presence were observed with a switch from recent to long term infection a median of 169.5, 108.0 and 64.5 days after collection of the pre-seroconversion sample respectively. BED showed high reliability for identification of long term infections while LAg-Avidity is highly accurate for identification of recent infections. Using BED as initial assay to identify the long term infections and LAg-Avidity as a confirmatory assay for those classified as recent infection by BED, explores the strengths of both while reduces the workload. The short recency window of p31 antibodies allows to discriminate very early from early infections based on this marker. BED recent infection results not confirmed by LAg-Avidity are considered to reflect a period more distant from the infection time. False recency predictions in this group can be minimized by elimination of patients with a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/mm3 or without no p31 antibodies. For 566 cross sectional sample the outcome of the decision tree confirmed the infection timing based on the results of all 3 markers but reduced the overall cost from 13.2 USD to 5.2 USD per sample. A step-wise multi assay decision tree allows accurate timing of the HIV infection at diagnosis at affordable effort and cost and can be an important

Burn Wound Infections

PubMed Central

Church, Deirdre; Elsayed, Sameer; Reid, Owen; Winston, Brent; Lindsay, Robert

2006-01-01

Burns are one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma. Patients with serious thermal injury require immediate specialized care in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. Significant thermal injuries induce a state of immunosuppression that predisposes burn patients to infectious complications. A current summary of the classifications of burn wound infections, including their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, is given. Early excision of the eschar has substantially decreased the incidence of invasive burn wound infection and secondary sepsis, but most deaths in severely burn-injured patients are still due to burn wound sepsis or complications due to inhalation injury. Burn patients are also at risk for developing sepsis secondary to pneumonia, catheter-related infections, and suppurative thrombophlebitis. The introduction of silver-impregnated devices (e.g., central lines and Foley urinary catheters) may reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections due to prolonged placement of these devices. Improved outcomes for severely burned patients have been attributed to medical advances in fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, pulmonary and burn wound care, and infection control practices. PMID:16614255

Zebrafish and Streptococcal Infections.

PubMed

Saralahti, A; Rämet, M

2015-09-01

Streptococcal bacteria are a versatile group of gram-positive bacteria capable of infecting several host organisms, including humans and fish. Streptococcal species are common colonizers of the human respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, but they also cause some of the most common life-threatening, invasive infections in humans and aquaculture. With its unique characteristics and efficient tools for genetic and imaging applications, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model for infectious diseases. Several zebrafish models introduced so far have shown that zebrafish are suitable models for both zoonotic and human-specific infections. Recently, several zebrafish models mimicking human streptococcal infections have also been developed. These models show great potential in providing novel information about the pathogenic mechanisms and host responses associated with human streptococcal infections. Here, we review the zebrafish infection models for the most relevant streptococcal species: the human-specific Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes, and the zoonotic Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus agalactiae. The recent success and the future potential of these models for the study of host-pathogen interactions in streptococcal infections are also discussed. © 2015 The Foundation for the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.

Infections in myelodysplastic syndromes

PubMed Central

Toma, Andréa; Fenaux, Pierre; Dreyfus, François; Cordonnier, Catherine

2012-01-01

Myelodysplastic syndromes are associated with a risk of severe infections. While neutropenia is likely to be the main predisposing factor, several other immune defects have been reported, including impaired neutrophil function, B-, T- and NK-cell defects and the possible consequences of iron overload due to red blood cell transfusions. The advanced age of most patients, their frequent comorbidities, and the fact that drugs such as hypomethylating agents and lenalidomide, which are effective in myelodysplastic syndromes but can transiently worsen neutropenia, may increase the risk of infection and their severity in this context. The majority of infections in myelodysplastic syndromes are bacterial, while the incidence of fungal infections is not well known and viral infections seem to be rare. No prophylactic measures against infections have demonstrated efficacy in myelodysplastic syndromes. However, pending more data, we propose here some recommendations for the management of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. In the future, an important contribution can be made by prospective trials testing the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to infection in these patients, especially in the context of the new drugs available for myelodysplastic syndromes. PMID:22733024

[Saccharomyces cerevisiae infections].

PubMed

Souza Goebel, Cristine; de Mattos Oliveira, Flávio; Severo, Luiz Carlos

2013-01-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an ubiquitous yeast widely used in industry and it is also a common colonizer of the human mucosae. However, the incidence of invasive infection by these fungi has significantly increased in the last decades. To evaluate the infection by S. cerevisiae in a hospital in southern Brazil during a period of 10 years (2000-2010). Review of medical records of patients infected by this fungus. In this period, 6 patients were found to be infected by S. cerevisiae. The age range of the patients was from 10 years to 84. Urine, blood, ascitic fluid, peritoneal dialysis fluid, and esophageal biopsy samples were analyzed. The predisposing factors were cancer, transplant, surgical procedures, renal failure, use of venous catheters, mechanical ventilation, hospitalization in Intensive Care Unit, diabetes mellitus, chemotherapy, corticosteroid use, and parenteral nutrition. Amphotericin B and fluconazole were the treatments of choice. Three of the patients died and the other 3 were discharged from hospital. We must take special precautions in emerging infections, especially when there are predisposing conditions such as immunosuppression or patients with serious illnesses. The rapid and specific diagnosis of S. cerevisiae infections is important for therapeutic decision. Furthermore, epidemiological and efficacy studies of antifungal agents are necessary for a better therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2012 Revista Iberoamericana de Micología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Paediatric HIV infection.

PubMed

Scarlatti, G

1996-09-28

By the year 2000 there will be six million pregnant women and five to ten million children infected with HIV-1. Intervention strategies have been planned and in some instances already started. A timely and cost-effective strategy needs to take into account that most HIV-1 infected individuals reside in developing countries. Further studies are needed on immunological and virological factors affecting HIV-1 transmission from mother to child, on differential disease progression in affected children, and on transient infection.

Co-infections determine patterns of mortality in a population exposed to parasite infection.

PubMed

Woolhouse, Mark E J; Thumbi, Samuel M; Jennings, Amy; Chase-Topping, Margo; Callaby, Rebecca; Kiara, Henry; Oosthuizen, Marinda C; Mbole-Kariuki, Mary N; Conradie, Ilana; Handel, Ian G; Poole, E Jane; Njiiri, Evalyne; Collins, Nicola E; Murray, Gemma; Tapio, Miika; Auguet, Olga Tosas; Weir, Willie; Morrison, W Ivan; Kruuk, Loeske E B; Bronsvoort, B Mark de C; Hanotte, Olivier; Coetzer, Koos; Toye, Philip G

2015-03-01

Many individual hosts are infected with multiple parasite species, and this may increase or decrease the pathogenicity of the infections. This phenomenon is termed heterologous reactivity and is potentially an important determinant of both patterns of morbidity and mortality and of the impact of disease control measures at the population level. Using infections with Theileria parva (a tick-borne protozoan, related to Plasmodium) in indigenous African cattle [where it causes East Coast fever (ECF)] as a model system, we obtain the first quantitative estimate of the effects of heterologous reactivity for any parasitic disease. In individual calves, concurrent co-infection with less pathogenic species of Theileria resulted in an 89% reduction in mortality associated with T. parva infection. Across our study population, this corresponds to a net reduction in mortality due to ECF of greater than 40%. Using a mathematical model, we demonstrate that this degree of heterologous protection provides a unifying explanation for apparently disparate epidemiological patterns: variable disease-induced mortality rates, age-mortality profiles, weak correlations between the incidence of infection and disease (known as endemic stability), and poor efficacy of interventions that reduce exposure to multiple parasite species. These findings can be generalized to many other infectious diseases, including human malaria, and illustrate how co-infections can play a key role in determining population-level patterns of morbidity and mortality due to parasite infections.

Vaginal yeast infection

MedlinePlus

Yeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis ... Most women have a vaginal yeast infection at some time. Candida albicans is a common type of fungus. It is often found in small amounts in the ...

C. difficile Infection

MedlinePlus

... Patients Home / Digestive Health Topic / C. Difficile Infection C. Difficile Infection Basics Overview Diarrhea is a frequent ... that change the normal colon bacteria allowing the C. difficile bacteria to grow and produce its toxins. ...

Inferring Viral Dynamics in Chronically HCV Infected Patients from the Spatial Distribution of Infected Hepatocytes

DOE PAGES

Graw, Frederik; Balagopal, Ashwin; Kandathil, Abraham J.; ...

2014-11-13

Chronic liver infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern. Despite partly successful treatment options, several aspects of intrahepatic HCV infection dynamics are still poorly understood, including the preferred mode of viral propagation, as well as the proportion of infected hepatocytes. Answers to these questions have important implications for the development of therapeutic interventions. In this study, we present methods to analyze the spatial distribution of infected hepatocytes obtained by single cell laser capture microdissection from liver biopsy samples of patients chronically infected with HCV. By characterizing the internal structure of clusters of infected cells, wemore » are able to evaluate hypotheses about intrahepatic infection dynamics. We found that individual clusters on biopsy samples range in size from 4-50 infected cells. In addition, the HCV RNA content in a cluster declines from the cell that presumably founded the cluster to cells at the maximal cluster extension. These observations support the idea that HCV infection in the liver is seeded randomly (e.g. from the blood) and then spreads locally. Assuming that the amount of intracellular HCV RNA is a proxy for how long a cell has been infected, we estimate based on models of intracellular HCV RNA replication and accumulation that cells in clusters have been infected on average for less than a week. Further, we do not find a relationship between the cluster size and the estimated cluster expansion time. Lastly, our method represents a novel approach to make inferences about infection dynamics in solid tissues from static spatial data.« less

Inferring Viral Dynamics in Chronically HCV Infected Patients from the Spatial Distribution of Infected Hepatocytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Graw, Frederik; Balagopal, Ashwin; Kandathil, Abraham J.

Chronic liver infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern. Despite partly successful treatment options, several aspects of intrahepatic HCV infection dynamics are still poorly understood, including the preferred mode of viral propagation, as well as the proportion of infected hepatocytes. Answers to these questions have important implications for the development of therapeutic interventions. In this study, we present methods to analyze the spatial distribution of infected hepatocytes obtained by single cell laser capture microdissection from liver biopsy samples of patients chronically infected with HCV. By characterizing the internal structure of clusters of infected cells, wemore » are able to evaluate hypotheses about intrahepatic infection dynamics. We found that individual clusters on biopsy samples range in size from 4-50 infected cells. In addition, the HCV RNA content in a cluster declines from the cell that presumably founded the cluster to cells at the maximal cluster extension. These observations support the idea that HCV infection in the liver is seeded randomly (e.g. from the blood) and then spreads locally. Assuming that the amount of intracellular HCV RNA is a proxy for how long a cell has been infected, we estimate based on models of intracellular HCV RNA replication and accumulation that cells in clusters have been infected on average for less than a week. Further, we do not find a relationship between the cluster size and the estimated cluster expansion time. Lastly, our method represents a novel approach to make inferences about infection dynamics in solid tissues from static spatial data.« less

[Plant-infecting reoviruses].

PubMed

Sasaya, Takahide

2014-01-01

The family Reoviridae separates two subfamilies and consists of 15 genera. Fourteen viruses in three genera (Phytoreovirus, Oryzavirus, and Fijivirus) infect plants. The outbreaks of the plant-infecting reoviruses cause sometime the serious yield loss of rice and maize, and are a menace to safe and efficient food production in the Southeast Asia.　The plant-infecting reoviruses are double-shelled icosahedral particles, from 50 to 80nm in diameter, and include from 10 to 12 segmented double-stranded genomic RNAs depending on the viruses. These viruses are transmitted in a persistent manner by the vector insects and replicated in both plants and in their vectors. This review provides a brief overview of the plant-infecting reoviruses and their recent research progresses including the strategy for viral controls using transgenic rice plants.

Influence of staff infection control training on infection-related quality measures in US nursing homes.

PubMed

Kaur, Jasjit; Stone, Patricia W; Travers, Jasmine L; Cohen, Catherine C; Herzig, Carolyn T A

2017-09-01

Health care-associated infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in US nursing home residents. Ongoing training of nursing home staff is vital to the implementation of infection prevention and control processes. Our aim was to describe associations between methods, frequency, and timing of staff infection prevention and control training and infection-related quality measures. In this national survey of nursing homes, timing of staff infection prevention and control training was associated with reduced indwelling urinary catheter use. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acute Sleep Deprivation Enhances Post-Infection Sleep and Promotes Survival during Bacterial Infection in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Kuo, Tzu-Hsing; Williams, Julie A.

2014-01-01

Study Objectives: Sleep is known to increase as an acute response to infection. However, the function of this behavioral response in host defense is not well understood. To address this problem, we evaluated the effect of acute sleep deprivation on post-infection sleep and immune function in Drosophila. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Drosophila melanogaster. Methods and Results: Flies were subjected to sleep deprivation before (early DEP) or after (late DEP) bacterial infection. Relative to a non-deprived control, flies subjected to early DEP had enhanced sleep after infection as well as increased bacterial clearance and survival outcome. Flies subjected to late DEP experienced enhanced sleep following the deprivation period, and showed a modest improvement in survival outcome. Continuous DEP (early and late DEP) throughout infection also enhanced sleep later during infection and improved survival. However, improved survival in flies subjected to late or continuous DEP did not occur until after flies had experienced sleep. During infection, both early and late DEP enhanced NFκB transcriptional activity as measured by a luciferase reporter (κB-luc) in living flies. Early DEP also increased NFκB activity prior to infection. Flies that were deficient in expression of either the Relish or Dif NFκB transcription factors showed normal responses to early DEP. However, the effect of early DEP on post-infection sleep and survival was abolished in double mutants, which indicates that Relish and Dif have redundant roles in this process. Conclusions: Acute sleep deprivation elevated NFκB-dependent activity, increased post-infection sleep, and improved survival during bacterial infection. Citation: Kuo TH, Williams JA. Acute sleep deprivation enhances post-infection sleep and promotes survival during bacterial infection in Drosophila. SLEEP 2014;37(5):859-869. PMID:24790264

Treatment of the Infected Stone.

PubMed

Marien, Tracy; Miller, Nicole L

2015-11-01

Infected kidney stones refer to stones that form because of urinary tract infections with urease-producing bacteria, secondarily infected stones of any composition, or stones obstructing the urinary tract leading to pyelonephritis. The mainstay of treatment of infection stones is complete stone removal. Kidney stones that obstruct the urinary tract and cause obstructive pyelonephritis are also frequently referred to as infected stones. Obstructive pyelonephritis is a urologic emergency as it can result in sepsis and even death. Infection stones and obstructive stones causing pyelonephritis are different disease processes, and their workup and management are described separately. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The environmental impact of the Virgo Cluster on the evolution of dwarf irregular galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Henry

Dwarf galaxies are the greatest contributor to the total number of galaxies and most are believed to be systems consisting of matter in a near-primordial state. Containing H I gas and H II regions, dwarf irregular galaxies (dIs) can be used as test bodies to evaluate the impact of the environment on their evolution. Oxygen abundances relative to hydrogen within H II regions are a measure of how far the conversion of gas in the interstellar medium into stars has proceeded as a whole, as abundances do not vary significantly with galactocentric radius in dIs. Measurements of the [O III]λ4363 emission line from H II region spectroscopy provide accurate probes of the electron temperature from which oxygen abundances are directly computed. The impact of the Virgo Cluster environment is investigated by comparing the properties of a set of Virgo dIs with those of a set of dIs in the field. To ensure accurate measures of luminosity and abundance, dIs in the field are chosen to have distance determinations from well-calibrated techniques and oxygen abundances derived from [O III]λ4363 measurements. Spectroscopic data are obtained for H II regions in 11 dIs distributed in the central and outer regions of the Virgo Cluster. There is no systematic difference in oxygen abundance between field dIs and Virgo dIs at a given luminosity, showing that there is no detectable difference in their stellar populations. Oxygen abundances for field dIs are well correlated with the gas fraction in a way which shows definitively that evolution has been isolated, i.e., consistent with the “closed-box” model of chemical evolution. For the gas-poor dI UGC 7636 (VCC 1249), the oxygen abundance of a newly discovered intergalactic H II region is combined with the optical luminosity of the dI and the gas mass of the adjacent H I cloud (STET) to show that STET must have once been the interstellar medium of the dI. Tidal interactions of the dI with the elliptical NGC 4472 combined with ram

Distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in infected animals and efficacy against experimental infections.

PubMed Central

Boon, R J; Beale, A S; Comber, K R; Pierce, C V; Sutherland, R

1982-01-01

The therapeutic effects produced by formulations of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (BRL 25 000A and BRL 25 000G) were compared with those of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid separately against a variety of infections produced by amoxicillin-susceptible and beta-lactamase-producing (amoxicillin-resistant) bacteria. The infection models studied included intraperitoneal infections, a mouse pneumonia, experimental pyelonephritis, and local lesions caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis. The distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in infected animals after the administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was evaluated by measurement of the concentrations of the substances present in specimens collected at the sites of infection. The results showed that both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were well distributed in the animal body after the administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid formulations, being present in significant concentrations at various sites of infection, e.g., peritoneal washings, pleural fluid, pus, and infected tissue homogenates. In a number of cases, the amoxicillin concentrations measured after the administration of BRL 25000 were higher than those found after treatment with amoxicillin alone, presumably as a result of inhibition of bacterial beta-lactamases by clavulanic acid at the site of infection. The ability of clavulanic acid to protect amoxicillin in vivo was confirmed by the efficacy of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid formulations in the treatment of the infections studied, most of which were refractory to therapy with amoxicillin. PMID:7137980

Urinary Tract Infections

MedlinePlus

... kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice Pain or burning when you ...

Yeast Infection Test

MedlinePlus

... infections of the skin and genitals. Serious yeast infections occur more often in hospital patients and in people with weakened immune systems. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health ...

Infections Caused by Scedosporium spp.

PubMed Central

Cortez, Karoll J.; Roilides, Emmanuel; Quiroz-Telles, Flavio; Meletiadis, Joseph; Antachopoulos, Charalampos; Knudsen, Tena; Buchanan, Wendy; Milanovich, Jeffrey; Sutton, Deanna A.; Fothergill, Annette; Rinaldi, Michael G.; Shea, Yvonne R.; Zaoutis, Theoklis; Kottilil, Shyam; Walsh, Thomas J.

2008-01-01

Scedosporium spp. are increasingly recognized as causes of resistant life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Scedosporium spp. also cause a wide spectrum of conditions, including mycetoma, saprobic involvement and colonization of the airways, sinopulmonary infections, extrapulmonary localized infections, and disseminated infections. Invasive scedosporium infections are also associated with central nervous infection following near-drowning accidents. The most common sites of infection are the lungs, sinuses, bones, joints, eyes, and brain. Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium prolificans are the two principal medically important species of this genus. Pseudallescheria boydii, the teleomorph of S. apiospermum, is recognized by the presence of cleistothecia. Recent advances in molecular taxonomy have advanced the understanding of the genus Scedosporium and have demonstrated a wider range of species than heretofore recognized. Studies of the pathogenesis of and immune response to Scedosporium spp. underscore the importance of innate host defenses in protection against these organisms. Microbiological diagnosis of Scedosporium spp. currently depends upon culture and morphological characterization. Molecular tools for clinical microbiological detection of Scedosporium spp. are currently investigational. Infections caused by S. apiospermum and P. boydii in patients and animals may respond to antifungal triazoles. By comparison, infections caused by S. prolificans seldom respond to medical therapy alone. Surgery and reversal of immunosuppression may be the only effective therapeutic options for infections caused by S. prolificans. PMID:18202441

Infections caused by Scedosporium spp.

PubMed

Cortez, Karoll J; Roilides, Emmanuel; Quiroz-Telles, Flavio; Meletiadis, Joseph; Antachopoulos, Charalampos; Knudsen, Tena; Buchanan, Wendy; Milanovich, Jeffrey; Sutton, Deanna A; Fothergill, Annette; Rinaldi, Michael G; Shea, Yvonne R; Zaoutis, Theoklis; Kottilil, Shyam; Walsh, Thomas J

2008-01-01

Scedosporium spp. are increasingly recognized as causes of resistant life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Scedosporium spp. also cause a wide spectrum of conditions, including mycetoma, saprobic involvement and colonization of the airways, sinopulmonary infections, extrapulmonary localized infections, and disseminated infections. Invasive scedosporium infections are also associated with central nervous infection following near-drowning accidents. The most common sites of infection are the lungs, sinuses, bones, joints, eyes, and brain. Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium prolificans are the two principal medically important species of this genus. Pseudallescheria boydii, the teleomorph of S. apiospermum, is recognized by the presence of cleistothecia. Recent advances in molecular taxonomy have advanced the understanding of the genus Scedosporium and have demonstrated a wider range of species than heretofore recognized. Studies of the pathogenesis of and immune response to Scedosporium spp. underscore the importance of innate host defenses in protection against these organisms. Microbiological diagnosis of Scedosporium spp. currently depends upon culture and morphological characterization. Molecular tools for clinical microbiological detection of Scedosporium spp. are currently investigational. Infections caused by S. apiospermum and P. boydii in patients and animals may respond to antifungal triazoles. By comparison, infections caused by S. prolificans seldom respond to medical therapy alone. Surgery and reversal of immunosuppression may be the only effective therapeutic options for infections caused by S. prolificans.

Urinary tract infections.

PubMed

Rubinoff, H

1977-12-01

Urinary tract infections can be found in either sex at any age. While the majority occur in adult females as acute cystitis, recurrent symptomatic bacteriuria, or asymptomatic bacteriuria, adult males with prostatitis or acute pyelonephritis and children with symptomatic urinary tract infections comprise a considerable portion of patients seen. Management in pregnant females or in males with indwelling catheters or before prostatic surgery presents special problems. The choice of drug and dosage schedule should vary according to the infecting agent and the clinical state of the patient.

Past history of skin infection and risk of surgical site infection after elective surgery.

PubMed

Faraday, Nauder; Rock, Peter; Lin, Elaina E; Perl, Trish M; Carroll, Karen; Stierer, Tracey; Robarts, Polly; McFillin, Angela; Ross, Tracy; Shah, Ashish S; Riley, Lee H; Tamargo, Rafael J; Black, James H; Blasco-Colmenares, Elena; Guallar, Eliseo

2013-01-01

To identify baseline patient characteristics associated with increased susceptibility to surgical site infection (SSI) after elective surgery. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers SSI to be preventable through adherence to current infection control practices; however, the etiology of wound infection is incompletely understood. Prospective cohort study involving patients undergoing cardiac, vascular, craniotomy, and spinal surgery at 2 academic medical centers in Baltimore, MD. A comprehensive medical history was obtained at baseline, and participants were followed for 6 months using active inpatient and outpatient surveillance for deep SSI and infectious death. Infection control best practices were monitored perioperatively. The relative risk of SSI/infectious death was determined comparing those with versus those without a past medical history of skin infection using Cox proportional hazards models. Of 613 patients (mean [SD] = 62.3 [11.5] years; 42.1% women), 22.0% reported a history of skin infection. The cumulative incidence of deep SSI/infectious death was 6.7% versus 3.1% for those with and without a history of skin infection, respectively (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.98-5.14; P = 0.055). Risk estimates increased after adjustments for demographic and socioeconomic variables (HR = 2.82; 95% CI, 1.18-6.74; P = 0.019) and after propensity score adjustment for all potential confounders (HR = 3.41; 95% CI, 1.36-8.59; P = 0.009). Adjustments for intraoperative infection risk factors and adherence to infection control best practice metrics had no impact on risk estimates. A history of skin infection identified a state of enhanced susceptibility to SSI at baseline that is independent of traditional SSI risk factors and adherence to current infection control practices.

Clinically Significant Pocket Hematoma Increases Long-Term Risk of Device Infection: BRUISE CONTROL INFECTION Study.

PubMed

Essebag, Vidal; Verma, Atul; Healey, Jeff S; Krahn, Andrew D; Kalfon, Eli; Coutu, Benoit; Ayala-Paredes, Felix; Tang, Anthony S; Sapp, John; Sturmer, Marcio; Keren, Arieh; Wells, George A; Birnie, David H

2016-03-22

The BRUISE CONTROL trial (Bridge or Continue Coumadin for Device Surgery Randomized Controlled Trial) demonstrated that a strategy of continued warfarin during cardiac implantable electronic device surgery was safe and reduced the incidence of clinically significant pocket hematoma (CSH). CSH was defined as a post-procedure hematoma requiring further surgery and/or resulting in prolongation of hospitalization of at least 24 h, and/or requiring interruption of anticoagulation. Previous studies have inconsistently associated hematoma with the subsequent development of device infection; reasons include the retrospective nature of many studies, lack of endpoint adjudication, and differing subjective definitions of hematoma. The BRUISE CONTROL INFECTION (Bridge or Continue Coumadin for Device Surgery Randomized Controlled Trial Extended Follow-Up for Infection) prospectively examined the association between CSH and subsequent device infection. The study included 659 patients with a primary outcome of device-related infection requiring hospitalization, defined as 1 or more of the following: pocket infection; endocarditis; and bloodstream infection. Outcomes were verified by a blinded adjudication committee. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of infection. The overall 1-year device-related infection rate was 2.4% (16 of 659). Infection occurred in 11% of patients (7 of 66) with previous CSH and in 1.5% (9 of 593) without CSH. CSH was the only independent predictor and was associated with a >7-fold increased risk of infection (hazard ratio: 7.7; 95% confidence interval: 2.9 to 20.5; p < 0.0001). Empiric antibiotics upon development of hematoma did not reduce long-term infection risk. CSH is associated with a significantly increased risk of infection requiring hospitalization within 1 year following cardiac implantable electronic device surgery. Strategies aimed at reducing hematomas may decrease the long-term risk of infection. (Bridge or Continue

Staph infections - hospital

MedlinePlus

... promptly reporting any sign of wound infections Many hospitals encourage patients to ask their providers if they have washed their ... DP. Prevention and control of health care-associated infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil ...

Zika Virus Infection and Differential Diagnosis in A Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients.

PubMed

Calvet, Guilherme Amaral; Brasil, Patricia; Siqueira, Andre Machado; Zogbi, Heruza Einsfeld; de Santis Gonçalves, Bianca; da Silva Santos, Aline; Lupi, Otilia; Valls de Souza, Rogerio; Santos Rodrigues, Cintia Damasceno Dos; da Silveira Bressan, Clarisse; Wakimoto, Mauymi Duarte; de Araújo, Eliane Saraiva; Santos, Ingrid Cardoso Dos; Georg, Ingebourg; Ribeiro Nogueira, Rita Maria; Veloso, Valdilea Gonçalves; Bispo de Filippis, Ana Maria

2018-06-14

BackgroundZika virus (ZIKV) emergence in South America revealed the lack of knowledge regarding clinical manifestations in HIV-infected individuals. We described the clinical characteristics, laboratory manifestations, differential diagnosis, and outcome of ZIKV infection in a large, single-center cohort of HIV-infected patients.MethodsHIV-infected patients aged ≥ 18 years with clinical suspected arboviral disease from an ongoing cohort were followed from February through December 2015. Acute serum samples were tested for ZIKV, DENV, and CHIKV by rRT-PCR, anti-DENV IgM/IgG, and syphilis assays; convalescent samples were tested for anti-DENV IgM/IgG; and urine samples were tested for ZIKV by rRT-PCR. ZIKV disease was defined according to the PAHO guidelines.ResultsOf 101 patients, ZIKV was confirmed in 43 cases and suspected in 34, and another diagnosis was assumed for 24 patients (dengue, secondary/latent syphilis, respiratory infections, human parvovirus B19, adverse drug reaction, musculoskeletal disorders, and acute gastroenteritis). ZIKV-confirmed and suspected patients reported similar signs and symptoms. Pruritic rash was the most common symptom, followed by myalgia, nonpurulent conjunctivitis, arthralgia, prostration, and headache. In the short-term follow-up [median 67.5 days (IQR: 32-104.5)], CD4 cell count (Z = -.831, p = 0.406) and HIV viral load (Z = -.447, p = 0.655) did not change significantly post ZIKV infection. There were no hospitalizations, complications, or deaths.ConclusionsAmong HIV-infected patients with suspected arboviral disease, 42.6% were ZIKV-infected. CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load were not different post ZIKV infection. Differential diagnosis with other diseases and adverse drug reaction should be evaluated.

Sequential Acquisition of Anal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Following Genital Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Women: The HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study

PubMed Central

Pamnani, Shitaldas J.; Nyitray, Alan G.; Abrahamsen, Martha; Rollison, Dana E.; Villa, Luisa L.; Lazcano-Ponce, Eduardo; Huang, Yangxin; Borenstein, Amy; Giuliano, Anna R.

2016-01-01

Background. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of sequential acquisition of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection following a type-specific genital HPV infection for the 9-valent vaccine HPV types and investigate factors associated with sequential infection among men who have sex with women (MSW). Methods. Genital and anal specimens were available for 1348 MSW participants, and HPV genotypes were detected using the Roche Linear Array assay. Sequential risk of anal HPV infection was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) among men with prior genital infection, compared with men with no prior genital infection, in individual HPV type and grouped HPV analyses. Results. In individual analyses, men with prior HPV 16 genital infections had a significantly higher risk of subsequent anal HPV 16 infections (HR, 4.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–15.23). In grouped analyses, a significantly higher risk of sequential type-specific anal HPV infections was observed for any of the 9 types (adjusted HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.32–5.99), high-risk types (adjusted HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.26, 5.55), and low-risk types (adjusted HR, 5.89; 95% CI, 1.29, 27.01). Conclusions. MSW with prior genital HPV infections had a higher risk of a subsequent type-specific anal infection. The higher risk was not explained by sexual intercourse with female partners. Autoinoculation is a possible mechanism for the observed association. PMID:27489298

Infection's Sweet Tooth: How Glycans Mediate Infection and Disease Susceptibility.

PubMed

Taylor, Steven L; McGuckin, Michael A; Wesselingh, Steve; Rogers, Geraint B

2018-02-01

Glycans form a highly variable constituent of our mucosal surfaces and profoundly affect our susceptibility to infection and disease. The diversity and importance of these surface glycans can be seen in individuals who lack a functional copy of the fucosyltransferase gene, FUT2. Representing around one-fifth of the population, these individuals have an altered susceptibility to many bacterial and viral infections and diseases. The mediation of host-pathogen interactions by mucosal glycans, such as those added by FUT2, is poorly understood. We highlight, with specific examples, important mechanisms by which host glycans influence infection dynamics, including by: acting as pathogen receptors (or receptor-decoys), promoting microbial stability, altering the physical characteristics of mucus, and acting as immunological markers. We argue that the effect glycans have on infection dynamics has profound implications for many aspects of healthcare and policy, including clinical management, outbreak control, and vaccination policy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Local immune response to primary infection and re-infection by Clonorchis sinensis in FVB mice.

PubMed

Kim, Eun-Min; Yu, Hak Sun; Jin, Yan; Choi, Min-Ho; Bae, Young Mee; Hong, Sung-Tae

2017-08-01

Although Clonorchis sinensis lives in the bile duct, few studies have investigated the local immune response in the liver and bile duct. To investigate the local immune response to C. sinensis, we investigated the activation and recruitment of various immune cells and cytokine levels in the liver and bile duct lymph nodes (BLN) in FVB mice after primary infection and re-infection. Male 4-week-old FVB mice were divided into 6 experimental groups: uninfected controls, primary infection lasting 1week (PI 1w), primary infection lasting 4weeks (PI 4w), praziquantel treatment after PI 4w (Tx), re-infection lasting 1week after Tx (RI 1w), and re-infection lasting 4weeks after Tx (RI 4w). Recovery rates were 80.0% and 73.0% in PI 1w and PI 4w mice, respectively, but significantly decreased during re-infection to 26.6% in RI 1w and 13.3% in RI 4w. This result suggested that the mice were resistant to re-infection. In the liver, Kupffer cells were augmented 70-fold in PI 1w mice (P<0.001). Kupffer cells expressed Th2-related cytokines (IL-10 and IL-13) during primary infection. In addition, serum levels of C. sinensis-specific IgG1 and IgG2a strongly increased in RI 1w mice. Secretion of C. sinensis-specific IgE reached a plateau at 4weeks after primary infection, and remained elevated in all infected groups. In conclusion, during infection with C. sinensis, Kupffer cells likely act as antigen-presenting cells, stimulating the Th2 cytokine production system. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Multiple Human Papillomavirus Infection Is Associated with High-Risk Infection in Male Genital Warts in Ulsan, Korea

PubMed Central

Moon, Kyung Hyun; Yang, Sung-Hak; Roh, Min Cheol; Lee, Sang Hoon; Kim, Je Won; Kim, In Kyu; Roh, Kyoung Ho

2016-01-01

Further understanding of male human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is necessary to prevent infection in men, as well as transmission to women. In our current study, we investigated patterns of HPV infection and genotype distributions in male genital warts using the Anyplex II HPV28 Detection kit. We reviewed the medical records of 80 male patients who presented to 5 neighborhood clinics in Ulsan, Korea, for the treatment of genital warts between April 2014 and January 2015. All patients underwent HPV genotyping. The prevalence and characteristics of HPV infection were analyzed, and the patterns of HPV infection according to age were assessed. Among the study patients, 13 (16.3%) were negative for HPV infection, 46 (57.3%) were infected with low-risk HPV, and 21 (26.3%) were infected with high-risk HPV. Patients with multiple HPV infection were more likely to have high-risk HPV infection (P = 0.001). The prevalence of HPV infection was much higher in samples obtained by tissue excision due to a definite lesion (P = 0.001). There were no differences in high-risk HPV infection (P = 0.459), multiple HPV infection (P = 0.185), and recurrence at diagnosis (P = 0.178) according to age. HPV-6 and HPV-11 were the most common type overall (39.7% and 13.8%, respectively). HPV-16 and HPV-18 were the most common high-risk infections (both 3.4%). HPV infection is not only commonly encountered in male genital warts, but is also accompanied by high-risk HPV and multiple infections. PMID:26955236

Multiple Human Papillomavirus Infection Is Associated with High-Risk Infection in Male Genital Warts in Ulsan, Korea.

PubMed

Kwon, Taekmin; Moon, Kyung Hyun; Yang, Sung-Hak; Roh, Min Cheol; Lee, Sang Hoon; Kim, Je Won; Kim, In Kyu; Roh, Kyoung Ho; Park, Sungchan

2016-03-01

Further understanding of male human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is necessary to prevent infection in men, as well as transmission to women. In our current study, we investigated patterns of HPV infection and genotype distributions in male genital warts using the Anyplex II HPV28 Detection kit. We reviewed the medical records of 80 male patients who presented to 5 neighborhood clinics in Ulsan, Korea, for the treatment of genital warts between April 2014 and January 2015. All patients underwent HPV genotyping. The prevalence and characteristics of HPV infection were analyzed, and the patterns of HPV infection according to age were assessed. Among the study patients, 13 (16.3%) were negative for HPV infection, 46 (57.3%) were infected with low-risk HPV, and 21 (26.3%) were infected with high-risk HPV. Patients with multiple HPV infection were more likely to have high-risk HPV infection (P = 0.001). The prevalence of HPV infection was much higher in samples obtained by tissue excision due to a definite lesion (P = 0.001). There were no differences in high-risk HPV infection (P = 0.459), multiple HPV infection (P = 0.185), and recurrence at diagnosis (P = 0.178) according to age. HPV-6 and HPV-11 were the most common type overall (39.7% and 13.8%, respectively). HPV-16 and HPV-18 were the most common high-risk infections (both 3.4%). HPV infection is not only commonly encountered in male genital warts, but is also accompanied by high-risk HPV and multiple infections.

Tuberculosis and infection control.

PubMed

Karim, Kelvin

Against a background of rising tuberculosis (TB) rates, increasing incidence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, coupled with the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), the need for effective TB infection control has never been more vital (World Health Organization (WHO), 2009). TB infection control has been defined as 'a combination of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of TB transmission within populations' (WHO, 2009: p.ix). Health professionals are frequently confused about appropriate infection control measures when caring for patients affected by infectious respiratory tuberculosis (Mohandas and Cunniffe, 2009). This article aims to address the key infection control measures required to optimize patient care and reduce the risk of TB transmission within hospital and community settings.

Helicobacter Pylori Infections

MedlinePlus

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is the main cause of ... of people in the United States get an H. pylori infection. Most people get it as a ...

Staphylococcus aureus infection dynamics.

PubMed

Pollitt, Eric J G; Szkuta, Piotr T; Burns, Nicola; Foster, Simon J

2018-06-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal that can also cause systemic infections. This transition requires evasion of the immune response and the ability to exploit different niches within the host. However, the disease mechanisms and the dominant immune mediators against infection are poorly understood. Previously it has been shown that the infecting S. aureus population goes through a population bottleneck, from which very few bacteria escape to establish the abscesses that are characteristic of many infections. Here we examine the host factors underlying the population bottleneck and subsequent clonal expansion in S. aureus infection models, to identify underpinning principles of infection. The bottleneck is a common feature between models and is independent of S. aureus strain. Interestingly, the high doses of S. aureus required for the widely used "survival" model results in a reduced population bottleneck, suggesting that host defences have been simply overloaded. This brings into question the applicability of the survival model. Depletion of immune mediators revealed key breakpoints and the dynamics of systemic infection. Loss of macrophages, including the liver Kupffer cells, led to increased sensitivity to infection as expected but also loss of the population bottleneck and the spread to other organs still occurred. Conversely, neutrophil depletion led to greater susceptibility to disease but with a concomitant maintenance of the bottleneck and lack of systemic spread. We also used a novel microscopy approach to examine abscess architecture and distribution within organs. From these observations we developed a conceptual model for S. aureus disease from initial infection to mature abscess. This work highlights the need to understand the complexities of the infectious process to be able to assign functions for host and bacterial components, and why S. aureus disease requires a seemingly high infectious dose and how interventions such as a vaccine may be

Candida Infections of Medical Devices

PubMed Central

Kojic, Erna M.; Darouiche, Rabih O.

2004-01-01

The number of indwelling medical devices is escalating, and an increasing proportion of device-related infections are being caused by Candida spp. Candida spp. produce biofilms on synthetic materials, which facilitates adhesion of the organisms to devices and renders them relatively refractory to medical therapy. Management of device-related Candida infections can be challenging. Removal of the infected device is generally needed to establish cure of Candida infections of medical devices. However, since the pathogenesis of Candida bloodstream infection is complicated, more studies are necessary to determine the role of catheter exchange in patients with both gastrointestinal tract mucositis and indwelling catheters. The medical and economic impact of these infections is enormous. PMID:15084500

Primary peak and chronic malaria infection levels are correlated in experimentally infected great reed warblers.

PubMed

Asghar, Muhammad; Westerdahl, Helena; Zehtindjiev, Pavel; Ilieva, Mihaela; Hasselquist, Dennis; Bensch, Staffan

2012-09-01

Malaria parasites often manage to maintain an infection for several months or years in their vertebrate hosts. In humans, rodents and birds, most of the fitness costs associated with malaria infections are in the short initial primary (high parasitaemia) phase of the infection, whereas the chronic phase (low parasitaemia) is more benign to the host. In wild birds, malaria parasites have mainly been studied during the chronic phase of the infection. This is because the initial primary phase of infection is short in duration and infected birds with severe disease symptoms tend to hide in sheltered places and are thus rarely caught and sampled. We therefore wanted to investigate the relationship between the parasitaemia during the primary and chronic phases of the infection using an experimental infection approach. We found a significant positive correlation between parasitaemia in the primary peak and the subsequent chronic phase of infection when we experimentally infected great reed warblers (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) with Plasmodium ashfordi. The reason for this association remains to be understood, but might arise from individual variation in exoerythrocytic parasite reservoirs in hosts, parasite antigenic diversity and/or host genetics. Our results suggest that the chronic phase parasitaemia can be used to qualitatively infer the parasitaemia of the preceding and more severe primary phase, which is a very important finding for studies of avian malaria in wild populations.

Chlamydial Pre-Infection Protects from Subsequent Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Challenge in a Murine Vaginal Super-Infection Model

PubMed Central

Slade, Jessica; Hall, Jennifer V.; Kintner, Jennifer; Schoborg, Robert V.

2016-01-01

Chlamydia trachomatis and Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) genital tract co-infections have been reported in humans and studied in vitro but the clinical consequences are unknown. Limited epidemiologic evidence suggests that these co-infections could be more severe than single infections of either pathogen, but the host-pathogen interactions during co-infection remain uncharacterized. To determine whether disease progression and/or pathogen shedding differs between singly-infected and super-infected animals, we developed an in vivo super-infection model in which female BALB/c mice were vaginally infected with Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) followed later by HSV-2. Pre-infection with Chlamydia 3 or 9 days prior to HSV-2 super-infection conferred significant protection from HSV-2-induced neurologic disease and significantly reduced viral recovery compared to HSV-2 singly-infected controls. Neither protection from mortality nor reduced viral recovery were observed when mice were i) super-infected with HSV-2 on day 27 post Cm; ii) infected with UV-irradiated Cm and super-infected with HSV-2; or iii) azithromycin-treated prior to HSV-2 super-infection. Therefore, protection from HSV-2-induced disease requires active infection with viable chlamydiae and is not observed after chlamydial shedding ceases, either naturally or due to antibiotic treatment. Thus, Chlamydia-induced protection is transient and requires the continued presence of chlamydiae or their components. These data demonstrate that chlamydial pre-infection can alter progression of subsequent HSV-2 infection, with implications for HSV-2 transmission from co-infected humans. PMID:26726882

Ear infection - chronic

MedlinePlus

Middle ear infection - chronic; Otitis media - chronic; Chronic otitis media; Chronic ear infection ... Chole RA. Chronic otitis media, mastoiditis, and petrositis. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. ...

Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections and other coinfections in HIV-infected patients: May 2015.

PubMed

Iribarren, José Antonio; Rubio, Rafael; Aguirrebengoa, Koldo; Arribas, Jose Ramón; Baraia-Etxaburu, Josu; Gutiérrez, Félix; Lopez Bernaldo de Quirós, Juan Carlos; Losa, Juan Emilio; Miró, José Ma; Moreno, Santiago; Pérez Molina, José; Podzamczer, Daniel; Pulido, Federico; Riera, Melchor; Rivero, Antonio; Sanz Moreno, José; Amador, Concha; Antela, Antonio; Arazo, Piedad; Arrizabalaga, Julio; Bachiller, Pablo; Barros, Carlos; Berenguer, Juan; Caylá, Joan; Domingo, Pere; Estrada, Vicente; Knobel, Hernando; Locutura, Jaime; López Aldeguer, José; Llibre, Josep Ma; Lozano, Fernando; Mallolas, Josep; Malmierca, Eduardo; Miralles, Celia; Miralles, Pilar; Muñoz, Agustín; Ocampo, Agustín; Olalla, Julián; Pérez, Inés; Pérez Elías, Ma Jesús; Pérez Arellano, José Luis; Portilla, Joaquín; Ribera, Esteban; Rodríguez, Francisco; Santín, Miguel; Sanz Sanz, Jesús; Téllez, Ma Jesús; Torralba, Miguel; Valencia, Eulalia; Von Wichmann, Miguel Angel

2016-10-01

Despite the huge advance that antiretroviral therapy represents for the prognosis of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), opportunistic infections (OIs) continue to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. OIs often arise because of severe immunosuppression resulting from poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, failure of antiretroviral therapy, or unawareness of HIV infection by patients whose first clinical manifestation of AIDS is an OI. The present article updates our previous guidelines on the prevention and treatment of various OIs in HIV-infected patients, namely, infections by parasites, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria, and bacteria, as well as imported infections. The article also addresses immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Acute sleep deprivation enhances post-infection sleep and promotes survival during bacterial infection in Drosophila.

PubMed

Kuo, Tzu-Hsing; Williams, Julie A

2014-05-01

Sleep is known to increase as an acute response to infection. However, the function of this behavioral response in host defense is not well understood. To address this problem, we evaluated the effect of acute sleep deprivation on post-infection sleep and immune function in Drosophila. Laboratory. Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were subjected to sleep deprivation before (early DEP) or after (late DEP) bacterial infection. Relative to a non-deprived control, flies subjected to early DEP had enhanced sleep after infection as well as increased bacterial clearance and survival outcome. Flies subjected to late DEP experienced enhanced sleep following the deprivation period, and showed a modest improvement in survival outcome. Continuous DEP (early and late DEP) throughout infection also enhanced sleep later during infection and improved survival. However, improved survival in flies subjected to late or continuous DEP did not occur until after flies had experienced sleep. During infection, both early and late DEP enhanced NFκB transcriptional activity as measured by a luciferase reporter (κB-luc) in living flies. Early DEP also increased NFκB activity prior to infection. Flies that were deficient in expression of either the Relish or Dif NFκB transcription factors showed normal responses to early DEP. However, the effect of early DEP on post-infection sleep and survival was abolished in double mutants, which indicates that Relish and Dif have redundant roles in this process. Acute sleep deprivation elevated NFκB-dependent activity, increased post-infection sleep, and improved survival during bacterial infection.

[Impact of HIV/HBV infection and HIV/HBV co-infection on outcomes of pregnancy].

PubMed

Yang, Y; Cheng, W T; Zhou, Y B; Jiang, Q W

2017-06-10

Both HIV and HBV infection have become major health problems, of global concern, due to the high prevalence in the past few decades. Data from cumulated epidemiological surveys have shown the links between maternal HIV or HBV infection and adverse outcomes on pregnancy. Maternal HIV or HBV infection may also increase the mother-to-child (MTCT) transmission of the two diseases. However, association between HIV-HBV co-infection and adverse pregnancy is still inconclusive. Does maternal HIV-HBV co-infection have an impact on mother-to-child transmission on either HIV or HBV? Study on effective precautionary measures to promote both maternal and child's health is deemed necessary.

Sequential Acquisition of Anal Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Following Genital Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Women: The HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study.

PubMed

Pamnani, Shitaldas J; Nyitray, Alan G; Abrahamsen, Martha; Rollison, Dana E; Villa, Luisa L; Lazcano-Ponce, Eduardo; Huang, Yangxin; Borenstein, Amy; Giuliano, Anna R

2016-10-15

The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of sequential acquisition of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection following a type-specific genital HPV infection for the 9-valent vaccine HPV types and investigate factors associated with sequential infection among men who have sex with women (MSW). Genital and anal specimens were available for 1348 MSW participants, and HPV genotypes were detected using the Roche Linear Array assay. Sequential risk of anal HPV infection was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) among men with prior genital infection, compared with men with no prior genital infection, in individual HPV type and grouped HPV analyses. In individual analyses, men with prior HPV 16 genital infections had a significantly higher risk of subsequent anal HPV 16 infections (HR, 4.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-15.23). In grouped analyses, a significantly higher risk of sequential type-specific anal HPV infections was observed for any of the 9 types (adjusted HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.32-5.99), high-risk types (adjusted HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.26, 5.55), and low-risk types (adjusted HR, 5.89; 95% CI, 1.29, 27.01). MSW with prior genital HPV infections had a higher risk of a subsequent type-specific anal infection. The higher risk was not explained by sexual intercourse with female partners. Autoinoculation is a possible mechanism for the observed association. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Topical immunomodulation in the treatment of herpetic infections in HIV-infected patients].

PubMed

Shul'diakov, A A; Barkhatova, T S; Zubareva, E V; Satarova, S A; Perminova, T A

2012-01-01

The efficiency of cycloferon liniment in combined treatment of herpetic infection in patients with latent form of HIV infection has been assess by observations of 40 patients divided into two groups. In the first group, the standard treatment was supplemented with the application of cycloferon liniment twice a day during 7 days; in the second group, the therapy was conducted according to standard recommendations. It was established that the application of cycloferon liniment in combination with standard therapy in patients with relapse of herpetic infection against the background of HIV infection ensures faster disappearance of general infectious syndrome, decreases the period of eruptions and the duration of local inflammations, and accelerates the epithelialization of erosions.

Number of infection events per cell during HIV-1 cell-free infection.

PubMed

Ito, Yusuke; Remion, Azaria; Tauzin, Alexandra; Ejima, Keisuke; Nakaoka, Shinji; Iwasa, Yoh; Iwami, Shingo; Mammano, Fabrizio

2017-07-26

HIV-1 accumulates changes in its genome through both recombination and mutation during the course of infection. For recombination to occur, a single cell must be infected by two HIV strains. These coinfection events were experimentally demonstrated to occur more frequently than would be expected for independent infection events and do not follow a random distribution. Previous mathematical modeling approaches demonstrated that differences in target cell susceptibility can explain the non-randomness, both in the context of direct cell-to-cell transmission, and in the context of free virus transmission (Q. Dang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:632-7, 2004: K. M. Law et al., Cell reports 15:2711-83, 2016). Here, we build on these notions and provide a more detailed and extensive quantitative framework. We developed a novel mathematical model explicitly considering the heterogeneity of target cells and analysed datasets of cell-free HIV-1 single and double infection experiments in cell culture. Particularly, in contrast to the previous studies, we took into account the different susceptibility of the target cells as a continuous distribution. Interestingly, we showed that the number of infection events per cell during cell-free HIV-1 infection follows a negative-binomial distribution, and our model reproduces these datasets.

[Transplantation-associated infections].

PubMed

Würzner, R

2004-01-01

Transplantation-associated infections are caused by an infected transplanted organ or the endogenic or exogenic environment of the recipient in a state of induced immunodeficiency. The best therapy would be to reconstitute the immunodeficiency, but this is usually impossible as it endangers the transplanted organ. Thus, a specific, standardised anti-infectious therapy is needed even in the absence of clearly identified micro-organisms [bacteria (in two thirds gram-positive rods), parasites (in central Europe predominantly Toxoplasma), fungi (especially Candida spp. or Aspergillus spp.) or viruses (such as Parvovirus B19 and Cytomegalovirus)]. Origins of infection (e.g., hygiene), types of infection (e.g., reactivation), typical localisations, diagnostic tools (e.g., blood cultures, antigenic tests, PCR, CT, advantages and disadvantages of antibody assays) and possible therapies are briefly discussed. The take home messages are to avoid economy measures in microbial diagnostics and to use CMV-seronegative donors whenever possible.

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV, Potyvirus): Vertical transmission, seed infection and cryptic infections

PubMed Central

Simmons, H.E.; Dunham, J.P.; Zinn, K. E.; Munkvold, G.P.; Holmes, E.C.; Stephenson, A.G.

2013-01-01

The role played by seed transmission in the evolution and epidemiology of viral crop pathogens remains unclear. We determined the seed infection and vertical transmission rates of zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), in addition to undertaking Illumina sequencing of nine vertically transmitted ZYMV populations. We previously determined the seed-to-seedling transmission rate of ZYMV in Cucurbita pepo ssp. texana (a wild gourd) to be 1.6%, and herein observed a similar rate (1.8%) in the subsequent generation. We also observed that the seed infection rate is substantially higher (21.9%) than the seed-to-seedling transmission rate, suggesting that a major population bottleneck occurs during seed germination and seedling growth. In contrast, that two thirds of the variants present in the horizontally transmitted inoculant population were also present in the vertically transmitted populations implies that the bottleneck at vertical transmission may not be particularly severe. Strikingly, all of the vertically infected plants were symptomless in contrast to those infected horizontally, suggesting that vertical infection may be cryptic. Although no known virulence determining mutations were observed in the vertically infected samples, the 5’ untranslated region was highly variable, with at least 26 different major haplotypes in this region compared to the two major haplotypes observed in the horizontally transmitted population. That the regions necessary for vector transmission are retained in the vertically infected populations, combined with the cryptic nature of vertical infection, suggests that seed transmission may be a significant contributor to the spread of ZYMV. PMID:23845301

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV, Potyvirus): vertical transmission, seed infection and cryptic infections.

PubMed

Simmons, H E; Dunham, J P; Zinn, K E; Munkvold, G P; Holmes, E C; Stephenson, A G

2013-09-01

The role played by seed transmission in the evolution and epidemiology of viral crop pathogens remains unclear. We determined the seed infection and vertical transmission rates of zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), in addition to undertaking Illumina sequencing of nine vertically transmitted ZYMV populations. We previously determined the seed-to-seedling transmission rate of ZYMV in Cucurbita pepo ssp. texana (a wild gourd) to be 1.6%, and herein observed a similar rate (1.8%) in the subsequent generation. We also observed that the seed infection rate is substantially higher (21.9%) than the seed-to-seedling transmission rate, suggesting that a major population bottleneck occurs during seed germination and seedling growth. In contrast, that two thirds of the variants present in the horizontally transmitted inoculant population were also present in the vertically transmitted populations implies that the bottleneck at vertical transmission may not be particularly severe. Strikingly, all of the vertically infected plants were symptomless in contrast to those infected horizontally, suggesting that vertical infection may be cryptic. Although no known virulence determining mutations were observed in the vertically infected samples, the 5' untranslated region was highly variable, with at least 26 different major haplotypes in this region compared to the two major haplotypes observed in the horizontally transmitted population. That the regions necessary for vector transmission are retained in the vertically infected populations, combined with the cryptic nature of vertical infection, suggests that seed transmission may be a significant contributor to the spread of ZYMV. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Country of infection among HIV-infected patients born abroad living in French Guiana.

PubMed

Nacher, Mathieu; Adriouch, Leila; Van Melle, Astrid; Parriault, Marie-Claire; Adenis, Antoine; Couppié, Pierre

2018-01-01

Over 75% of patients in the HIV cohort in French Guiana are of foreign origin. Our objective was to estimate what proportion of the migrant population of HIV-infected patients in Cayenne had been infected in French Guiana. We included patients of known foreign origin who were followed in Cayenne, for whom the year of arrival in French Guiana was known and the initial CD4 count at the time of diagnosis was available. The time between seroconversion and time at diagnosis was estimated using the formula [square root (CD4 at seroconversion)-square root(CD4 at HIV diagnosis)] / slope of CD4 decline.CD4 counts at the time of infection and the slope were computed in an age and ethnicity-dependent variable. The median estimated time between infection and diagnosis was 4.5 years (IQR = 0.2-9.2). Overall, using a median estimate of CD4 count at the time of infection, it was estimated that 53.2% (95% CI = 48.3-58%) of HIV infected foreign patients had acquired HIV after having arrived in French Guiana. Patients having arrived in French Guiana before and during the 1990s and those receiving their HIV diagnosis before 2010 were more likely to have been infected in French Guiana. Contrary to widespread belief suggesting that most migrants are already HIV-infected when they arrive in French Guiana, a large proportion of foreign HIV patients seem acquire the virus in French Guiana.There is still much to do in terms of primary prevention and testing among migrants.

Infections and systemic lupus erythematosus

PubMed Central

Skare, Thelma Larocca; Dagostini, Jéssica Scherer; Zanardi, Patricia Imai; Nisihara, Renato Mitsunori

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the incidence of infections in a population of systemic lupus erythematosus individuals and the characteristics of infections regarding original site, as well as to study the possible associations between infections and treatment. Methods An analytical retrospective study using data from medical charts of systemic lupus erythematosus patients from a single university hospital. A total of 144 patients followed up for five years were included. Data collected comprised age of patients and age at onset of lupus, sex and ethnicity, disease duration before the study period, medications, cumulative dose of prednisone, occurrence of infections and their original site. Results The most frequent infections were urinary tract infections (correlated to use of prednisone − p<0.0001 and cyclophosphamide − p=0.045), upper airways infections (correlated to use of prednisone − p=0.0004, mycophenolate mofetil − p=0.0005, and cyclosporine − p=0.025), and pneumonia (associated to prednisone − p=0.017). Conclusion Prednisone was the drug more often associated with presence of infections, pointing to the need for a more judicious management of this drug. PMID:27074234

Emerging and re-emerging infections.

PubMed

Lim, V K

1999-06-01

An emerging infection is defined as an infection which has newly appeared in a population while a re-emerging infection is one which has existed in the past but its incidence is rapidly increasing. The reasons for the emergence and re-emergence of infections are not well understood but appear to be associated with factors that involve the pathogen, the host and the environment. These factors are often inter-related and act together in a complex manner to bring about changes in patterns of infection. Pathogens are extremely resourceful and possess mechanisms to adapt to new hosts and environments as well as to acquire new virulence traits. Host factors include herd immunity, social behaviour and demographics. Environmental factors like the climate, deforestation and new technologies have an impact on the emergence of infections. The challenge is to contain an infection when it emerges but more importantly to prevent its emergence in the first place. As the emergence of an infection is complex and multifactorial, a multidisciplinary approach is required. Health based strategies alone are insufficient. Social, economic and environmental measures and the political will to implement appropriate policies are equally important.

Tracking vaginal, anal and oral infection in a mouse papillomavirus infection model.

PubMed

Hu, Jiafen; Budgeon, Lynn R; Cladel, Nancy M; Balogh, Karla; Myers, Roland; Cooper, Timothy K; Christensen, Neil D

2015-12-01

Noninvasive and practical techniques to longitudinally track viral infection are sought after in clinical practice. We report a proof-of-principle study to monitor the viral DNA copy number using a newly established mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) mucosal infection model. We hypothesized that viral presence could be identified and quantified by collecting lavage samples from cervicovaginal, anal and oral sites. Nude mice infected at these sites with infectious MmuPV1 were tracked for up to 23 weeks starting at 6 weeks post-infection. Viral DNA copy number was determined by SYBR Green Q-PCR analysis. In addition, we tracked viral DNA load through three complete oestrous cycles to pinpoint whether there was a correlation between the DNA load and the four stages of the oestrous cycle. Our results showed that high viral DNA copy number was reproducibly detected from both anal and cervicovaginal lavage samples. The infection and disease progression were further confirmed by histology, cytology, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, the viral copy number fluctuated over the oestrous cycle, with the highest level at the oestrus stage, implying that multiple sampling might be necessary to provide a reliable diagnosis. Virus DNA was detected in oral lavage samples at a later time after infection. Lower viral DNA load was found in oral samples when compared with those in anal and vaginal tracts. To our knowledge, our study is the first in vivo study to sequentially monitor papillomavirus infection from mucosal anal, oral and vaginal tracts in a preclinical model.

Odontogenic infections. Complications. Systemic manifestations.

PubMed

Jiménez, Yolanda; Bagán, José Vicente; Murillo, Judith; Poveda, Rafael

2004-01-01

The term, odontogenic infection refers to an infection that originates in the tooth proper or in the tissues that closely surround it; said infection then progresses along the periodontia down to the apex, involving periapical bone and from this area, it then spreads through the bone and periosteum towards near-by or more distant structures. The relevance of this type of infection lies in that it can cause infections that compromise more distant structures (via direct spread and distant spread), for example, intracraneal, retropharyngeal and pulmonary pleural infections. Dissemination by means of the bloodstream can lead to rheumatic problems and deposits on the valves of the heart (endocarditis), etc. The conditions or factors that influence the spread of infection are dependent on the balance between patient-related conditions and microorganism-related conditions. The virulence of the affecting germs is dependent upon their quality and quantity and is one of the microbiological conditions that influences the infection. It is this virulence that promotes infectious invasion and the deleterious effects the microbe will have on the host. Patient-related conditions include certain systemic factors that determine host resistance, which may be impaired in situations such as immunodeficiency syndrome or in brittle diabetes, as well as local factors that will also exert their impact on the spread of the infection.

Actinomyces Species Isolated from Breast Infections

PubMed Central

Loh, S. F.; Morris, T.; Hughes, H.; Dixon, J. M.

2015-01-01

Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by Actinomyces species characterized by abscess formation, tissue fibrosis, and draining sinuses. The spectrum of infections caused by Actinomyces species ranges from classical invasive actinomycosis to a less invasive form of superficial skin and soft tissue infection. We present a review detailing all Actinomyces species isolated from breast infections in NHS Lothian between 2005 and 2013, Actinomyces species isolated from breast infections referred to the United Kingdom Anaerobe Reference Unit between 1988 and 2014, and cases describing Actinomyces breast infections published in the medical literature since 1994. Actinomyces species are fastidious organisms which can be difficult to identify and are likely to be underascertained as a cause of breast infections. Due to improved diagnostic methods, they are increasingly associated with chronic, recurrent breast infections and may play a more significant role in these infections than has previously been appreciated. PMID:26224846

MHC-I affects infection intensity but not infection status with a frequent avian malaria parasite in blue tits.

PubMed

Westerdahl, Helena; Stjernman, Martin; Råberg, Lars; Lannefors, Mimi; Nilsson, Jan-Åke

2013-01-01

Host resistance against parasites depends on three aspects: the ability to prevent, control and clear infections. In vertebrates the immune system consists of innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is particularly important for preventing infection and eradicating established infections at an early stage while adaptive immunity is slow, but powerful, and essential for controlling infection intensities and eventually clearing infections. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules are central in adaptive immunity, and studies on parasite resistance and MHC in wild animals have found effects on both infection intensity (parasite load) and infection status (infected or not). It seems MHC can affect both the ability to control infection intensities and the ability to clear infections. However, these two aspects have rarely been considered simultaneously, and their relative importance in natural populations is therefore unclear. Here we investigate if MHC class I genotype affects infection intensity and infection status with a frequent avian malaria infection Haemoproteus majoris in a natural population of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We found a significant negative association between a single MHC allele and infection intensity but no association with infection status. Blue tits that carry a specific MHC allele seem able to suppress H. majoris infection intensity, while we have no evidence that this allele also has an effect on clearance of the H. majoris infection, a result that is in contrast with some previous studies of MHC and avian malaria. A likely explanation could be that the clearance rate of avian malaria parasites differs between avian malaria lineages and/or between avian hosts.

MHC-I Affects Infection Intensity but Not Infection Status with a Frequent Avian Malaria Parasite in Blue Tits

PubMed Central

Westerdahl, Helena; Stjernman, Martin; Råberg, Lars; Lannefors, Mimi; Nilsson, Jan-Åke

2013-01-01

Host resistance against parasites depends on three aspects: the ability to prevent, control and clear infections. In vertebrates the immune system consists of innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is particularly important for preventing infection and eradicating established infections at an early stage while adaptive immunity is slow, but powerful, and essential for controlling infection intensities and eventually clearing infections. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules are central in adaptive immunity, and studies on parasite resistance and MHC in wild animals have found effects on both infection intensity (parasite load) and infection status (infected or not). It seems MHC can affect both the ability to control infection intensities and the ability to clear infections. However, these two aspects have rarely been considered simultaneously, and their relative importance in natural populations is therefore unclear. Here we investigate if MHC class I genotype affects infection intensity and infection status with a frequent avian malaria infection Haemoproteus majoris in a natural population of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We found a significant negative association between a single MHC allele and infection intensity but no association with infection status. Blue tits that carry a specific MHC allele seem able to suppress H. majoris infection intensity, while we have no evidence that this allele also has an effect on clearance of the H. majoris infection, a result that is in contrast with some previous studies of MHC and avian malaria. A likely explanation could be that the clearance rate of avian malaria parasites differs between avian malaria lineages and/or between avian hosts. PMID:24023631

Preventing Giardia Infection.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beer, W. Nicholas

1993-01-01

Outdoor recreationists are at risk for developing giardia infection from drinking contaminated stream water. Giardia is the most common human parasite found in contaminated water that causes gastrointestinal illness. Describes medical treatment and ways of preventing infection through water treatment, including heat, filtration, and chemical…

Mixed Infections and their Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-29

endocarditis , bactereF.,;a, and closed-space infections , such as brain or lung abscesses that cavnot be surgically drained. Combination therapy should not be...Systemic infection is a common complication of multiple injury despite the availability of potent and specific antibiotics. 2 Infections following...trauma are due to opportunistic pathogens that . originate from endogenous nr exogenous sources. These pathogens, often present as mixed infections

Zika Virus Infection.

PubMed

Shirley, Debbie-Ann T; Nataro, James P

2017-08-01

In less than 2 years since entry into the Americas, we have witnessed the emergent spread of Zika virus into large subsets of immunologically naïve human populations and then encountered the devastating effects of microcephaly and brain anomalies that can arise from in utero infection with the virus. Diagnostic evaluation and management of affected infants continues to evolve as our understanding of Zika virus rapidly advances. The development of a safe and effective vaccine holds the potential to attenuate the spread of infection and limit the impact of congenital infection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Infection after primary hip arthroplasty

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background and purpose The aim of the present study was to assess incidence of and risk factors for infection after hip arthroplasty in data from 3 national health registries. We investigated differences in risk patterns between surgical site infection (SSI) and revision due to infection after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA). Materials and methods This observational study was based on prospective data from 2005–2009 on primary THAs and HAs from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register (NAR), the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register (NHFR), and the Norwegian Surveillance System for Healthcare–Associated Infections (NOIS). The Norwegian Patient Register (NPR) was used for evaluation of case reporting. Cox regression analyses were performed with revision due to infection as endpoint for data from the NAR and the NHFR, and with SSI as the endpoint for data from the NOIS. Results The 1–year incidence of SSI in the NOIS was 3.0% after THA (167/5,540) and 7.3% after HA (103/1,416). The 1–year incidence of revision due to infection was 0.7% for THAs in the NAR (182/24,512) and 1.5% for HAs in the NHFR (128/8,262). Risk factors for SSI after THA were advanced age, ASA class higher than 2, and short duration of surgery. For THA, the risk factors for revision due to infection were male sex, advanced age, ASA class higher than 1, emergency surgery, uncemented fixation, and a National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) risk index of 2 or more. For HAs inserted after fracture, age less than 60 and short duration of surgery were risk factors of revision due to infection. Interpretation The incidences of SSI and revision due to infection after primary hip replacements in Norway are similar to those in other countries. There may be differences in risk pattern between SSI and revision due to infection after arthroplasty. The risk patterns for revision due to infection appear to be different for HA and THA. PMID:22066562

Management of herpesvirus infections.

PubMed

Evans, Cariad M; Kudesia, Goura; McKendrick, Mike

2013-08-01

Management of human herpesviruses remains a considerable clinical challenge, in part due to their ability to cause both lytic and latent disease. Infection with the Herpesviridae results in lifelong infection, which can reactivate at any time. Control of herpesviruses is by the innate and adaptive immune systems. Herpesviruses must evade the host innate immune system to establish infection. Once infected, the adaptive immune response, primarily CD8(+) T-cells, is crucial in establishing and maintaining latency. Latent herpesviruses are characterised by the presence of viral DNA in infected cells and limited or no viral replication. These characteristics provide a challenge to clinicians and those developing antiviral agents. The scope of this review is two-fold. First, to provide an overview of all antivirals used against herpesviruses, including their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, resistance and clinical uses. And second, to address the management of each of the eight herpesviruses both in the immunocompetent and immunocompromised host, providing evidence for clinical management and therapeutic options, which is important to the clinician engaged in the management of these infections. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Epidemiology of bacterial hand infections.

PubMed

Houshian, Shirzad; Seyedipour, Sedigheh; Wedderkopp, Niels

2006-07-01

The aim of the study was to delineate and update the bacteriological spectrum, characterize patterns and sites of injury, evaluate laboratory tests and possible causes of complications in patients with bacterial hand infections. All hand infections operated on in the department of orthopedics at Odense University Hospital during the period 1992-2001 were reviewed retrospectively. A standard protocol was used to collect data for each patient. We also examined all laboratory reports and recorded the identity of the etiologic organism, if known, for all cases of bacterial hand infections. Four hundred and eighteen patients (296 men and 122 women) with hand infections were operated on between 1992 and 2001 in our department. The median age of the patients was 40 years (range 1-93). The average interval from primary injury to operation was 10 days (range 1-50). The etiology was laceration/puncture in 35%. The site of infection was subcutaneous in 45% followed by tendon, joint and bone in 27, 18 and 5%, respectively. The bacteria isolated from the patients showed that 184 cultures (44%) were pure Staphylococcus aureus followed by 49 cultures (11.7%) of mixed organisms. Body temperature and C-reactive protein (CRP) were normal in three quarters of all patients with hand infections in our series. However the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 50% of the patients and was a significantly better test for infection in this study than CRP (p = 0.002). Neither the severity of infection nor the etiology of infection was related in any way to the initial temperature, CRP or ESR in this study. Complications were noted in 14.8% of all patients, and were especially related to diabetes, and mixed infection. Despite modern antibiotics, hand infections with a variety of organisms continue to be a source of morbidity and possible long-term disability. Most hand infections are the result of minor wounds that have been neglected. A complete history and physical

Infections and exposure to anti-infective agents and the risk of severe mental disorders: a nationwide study.

PubMed

Köhler, O; Petersen, L; Mors, O; Mortensen, P B; Yolken, R H; Gasse, C; Benros, M E

2017-02-01

Severe infections are associated with increased risks of mental disorders; however, this is the first large-scale study investigating whether infections treated with anti-infective agents in the primary care setting increase the risks of schizophrenia and affective disorders. We identified all individuals born in Denmark 1985-2002 (N = 1 015 447) and studied the association between infections treated with anti-infective agents and the subsequent risk of schizophrenia and affective disorders during 1995-2013. Cox regression analyses were adjusted for important confounders. Infections treated with anti-infective agents were associated with increased risks of schizophrenia by a hazard rate ratio (HRR) of 1.37 (95%-CI = 1.20-1.57) and affective disorders by a HRR of 1.64 (95%-CI = 1.48-1.82), fitting a dose-response and temporal relationship (P < 0.001). The excess risk was primarily driven by infections treated with antibiotics, whereas infections treated with antivirals, antimycotics, and antiparasitic agents were not significant after mutual adjustment. Individuals with infections requiring hospitalization had the highest risks for schizophrenia (HRR = 2.05; 95%-CI = 1.77-2.38) and affective disorders (HRR = 2.59; 95%-CI = 2.31-2.89). Infections treated with anti-infective agents and particularly infections requiring hospitalizations were associated with increased risks of schizophrenia and affective disorders, which may be mediated by effects of infections/inflammation on the brain, alterations of the microbiome, genetics, or other environmental factors. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prevalence of human papilloma virus infection in patients with male accessory gland infection.

PubMed

La Vignera, S; Vicari, E; Condorelli, R A; Franchina, C; Scalia, G; Morgia, G; Perino, A; Schillaci, R; Calogero, A E

2015-04-01

The frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the semen of patients with male accessory gland infection (MAGI) was evaluated. One hundred infertile patients with MAGI were classified into group A: patients with an inflammatory MAGI (n = 48) and group B: patients with a microbial form (n = 52). Healthy age-matched fertile men (34.0 ± 4.0 years) made up the control group (n = 20). Amplification of HPV DNA was carried out by HPV-HS Bio nested polymerase chain reaction for the detection of HPV DNA sequences within the L1 ORF. Ten patients in group A (20.8%) and 15 patients in group B (28.8%) had a HPV infection; two controls (10.0%) had HPV infection. Patients with MAGI had a significantly higher frequency of HPV infection compared with controls; patients with a microbial MAGI had significantly higher frequency of HPV infection compared with patients with an inflammatory form (both P < 0.05). Patients with MAGI and HPV had a slight, but significantly lower sperm progressive motility and normal morphology compared with patients with MAGI HPV-negative (P < 0.05). Elevated frequency of HPV infection occurred in patients with MAGI, suggesting that HPV should be investigated in the diagnostic work-up of these patients. Copyright © 2014 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cervical cytological abnormalities and human papilloma virus infection in women infected with HIV in Southern India.

PubMed

Thunga, Suchitra; Andrews, Anusmitha; Ramapuram, John; Satyamoorthy, Kapaettu; Kini, Hema; Unnikrishnan, B; Adhikari, Prabha; Singh, Prakhar; Kabekkodu, Shama Prasada; Bhat, Samatha; Kadam, Anagha; Shetty, Avinash K

2016-12-01

The aim of this study was to examine the association between CD4 count, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among HIV-infected women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 HIV-infected women attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic. They underwent Pap smear and cervical HPV DNA testing. The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 57.7%. HPV 16 was the commonest genotype found (38.5%); HPV 16 and 18 put together contributed to 73.3% of HPV infection; 27.5% of HIV-infected women had squamous cell abnormalities. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was less likely among women with CD4 count > 500/mm 3 (12%) and in those without opportunistic infections (17.8%). The prevalence of high-risk HPV infection was higher in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or greater lesions (85.7%) as compared to women with normal cytology (52.1%). The high prevalence of HPV infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women warrants the need for regular Pap smear screening in these women and routine HPV vaccination for adolescents to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in India. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Protective cellular responses to Burkholderia mallei infection.

PubMed

Rowland, Caroline A; Lever, M Stephen; Griffin, Kate F; Bancroft, Gregory J; Lukaszewski, Roman A

2010-10-01

Burkholderia mallei is a Gram-negative bacillus causing the disease glanders in humans. During intraperitoneal infection, BALB/c mice develop a chronic disease characterised by abscess formation where mice normally die up to 70 days post-infection. Although cytokine responses have been investigated, cellular immune responses to B. mallei infection have not previously been characterised. Therefore, the influx and activation status of splenic neutrophils, macrophages and T cells was examined during infection. Gr-1+ neutrophils and F4/80+ macrophages infiltrated the spleen 5 h post-infection and an increase in activated macrophages, neutrophils and T cells occurred by 24 h post-infection. Mice depleted of Gr-1+ cells were acutely susceptible to B. mallei infection, succumbing to the infection 5 days post-infection. Mice depleted of both CD4 and CD8 T cells did not succumb to the infection until 14 days post-infection. Infected μMT (B cell) and CD28 knockout mice did not differ from wildtype mice whereas iNOS-2 knockout mice began to succumb to the infection 30 days post-infection. The data presented suggests that Gr-1+ cells, activated early in B. mallei infection, are essential for controlling the early, innate response to B. mallei infection and T cells or nitric oxide are important during the later stages of infection. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Actinomyces Species Isolated from Breast Infections.

PubMed

Bing, A U; Loh, S F; Morris, T; Hughes, H; Dixon, J M; Helgason, K O

2015-10-01

Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by Actinomyces species characterized by abscess formation, tissue fibrosis, and draining sinuses. The spectrum of infections caused by Actinomyces species ranges from classical invasive actinomycosis to a less invasive form of superficial skin and soft tissue infection. We present a review detailing all Actinomyces species isolated from breast infections in NHS Lothian between 2005 and 2013, Actinomyces species isolated from breast infections referred to the United Kingdom Anaerobe Reference Unit between 1988 and 2014, and cases describing Actinomyces breast infections published in the medical literature since 1994. Actinomyces species are fastidious organisms which can be difficult to identify and are likely to be underascertained as a cause of breast infections. Due to improved diagnostic methods, they are increasingly associated with chronic, recurrent breast infections and may play a more significant role in these infections than has previously been appreciated. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Diagnosing avian influenza infection in vaccinated populations by systems for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA).

PubMed

Capua, I; Cattoli, G

2007-01-01

Vaccination against avian influenza is recommended as a tool to support control measures in countries affected by avian influenza. Vaccination is known to increase the resistance of susceptible birds to infection and also to reduce shedding; however, it does not always prevent infection. Vaccinated infected flocks can therefore be a source of infection and thus be responsible for the perpetuation of infection. To avoid the spread of infection in a vaccinated population, immunization strategies must allow differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), combined with an appropriate monitoring system. Vaccinated exposed flocks must be identified and managed by restriction policies that include controlled marketing and stamping-out. Several vaccines and diagnostic tests to detect infection in vaccinated populations are available, the tests having various properties and characteristics. In order to achieve eradication, the most appropriate DIVA vaccination strategy must be identified and an appropriate monitoring programme be designed, taking into account risk factors, the epidemiological situation and the socioeconomic implications of the policy.

Executive summary: Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections and other coinfections in HIV-infected patients: May 2015.

PubMed

Iribarren, José Antonio; Rubio, Rafael; Aguirrebengoa, Koldo; Arribas, Jose Ramón; Baraia-Etxaburu, Josu; Gutiérrez, Félix; Lopez Bernaldo de Quirós, Juan Carlos; Losa, Juan Emilio; Miró, José Ma; Moreno, Santiago; Pérez Molina, José; Podzamczer, Daniel; Pulido, Federico; Riera, Melchor; Rivero, Antonio; Sanz Moreno, José; Amador, Concha; Antela, Antonio; Arazo, Piedad; Arrizabalaga, Julio; Bachiller, Pablo; Barros, Carlos; Berenguer, Juan; Caylá, Joan; Domingo, Pere; Estrada, Vicente; Knobel, Hernando; Locutura, Jaime; López Aldeguer, José; Llibre, Josep Ma; Lozano, Fernando; Mallolas, Josep; Malmierca, Eduardo; Miralles, Celia; Miralles, Pilar; Muñoz, Agustín; Ocampo, Agustín; Olalla, Julián; Pérez, Inés; Pérez Elías, Ma Jesús; Pérez Arellano, José Luis; Portilla, Joaquín; Ribera, Esteban; Rodríguez, Francisco; Santín, Miguel; Sanz Sanz, Jesús; Téllez, Ma Jesús; Torralba, Miguel; Valencia, Eulalia; Von Wichmann, Miguel Angel

2016-10-01

Opportunistic infections continue to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. They often arise because of severe immunosuppression resulting from poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy, failure of antiretroviral therapy, or unawareness of HIV infection by patients whose first clinical manifestation of AIDS is an opportunistic infection. The present article is an executive summary of the document that updates the previous recommendations on the prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients, namely, infections by parasites, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria, and bacteria, as well as imported infections. The article also addresses immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This document is intended for all professionals who work in clinical practice in the field of HIV infection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Viruses Infecting Reptiles

PubMed Central

Marschang, Rachel E.

2011-01-01

A large number of viruses have been described in many different reptiles. These viruses include arboviruses that primarily infect mammals or birds as well as viruses that are specific for reptiles. Interest in arboviruses infecting reptiles has mainly focused on the role reptiles may play in the epidemiology of these viruses, especially over winter. Interest in reptile specific viruses has concentrated on both their importance for reptile medicine as well as virus taxonomy and evolution. The impact of many viral infections on reptile health is not known. Koch’s postulates have only been fulfilled for a limited number of reptilian viruses. As diagnostic testing becomes more sensitive, multiple infections with various viruses and other infectious agents are also being detected. In most cases the interactions between these different agents are not known. This review provides an update on viruses described in reptiles, the animal species in which they have been detected, and what is known about their taxonomic positions. PMID:22163336

Viruses infecting reptiles.

PubMed

Marschang, Rachel E

2011-11-01

A large number of viruses have been described in many different reptiles. These viruses include arboviruses that primarily infect mammals or birds as well as viruses that are specific for reptiles. Interest in arboviruses infecting reptiles has mainly focused on the role reptiles may play in the epidemiology of these viruses, especially over winter. Interest in reptile specific viruses has concentrated on both their importance for reptile medicine as well as virus taxonomy and evolution. The impact of many viral infections on reptile health is not known. Koch's postulates have only been fulfilled for a limited number of reptilian viruses. As diagnostic testing becomes more sensitive, multiple infections with various viruses and other infectious agents are also being detected. In most cases the interactions between these different agents are not known. This review provides an update on viruses described in reptiles, the animal species in which they have been detected, and what is known about their taxonomic positions.

Apoptosis in infection.

PubMed

Häcker, Georg

2017-11-04

Apoptosis is one of the principal responses that human cells have at their disposal when faced with changes in their environment. Microbial infection is a massive challenge to a cell, and it is unsurprising that the apoptosis apparatus has been implicated in numerous infections. However, looking at the available data, the impression is one of bewildering complexity. Microbial proteins and other molecules that are often poorly understood interact, with uncertain specificity, with host cell components of varying function, triggering signalling pathways that are ambiguously linked to the apoptotic machinery. Accordingly, many pathogens have been found in different studies both to induce and to inhibit apoptosis. I will here try to present some of the principles of apoptosis and of infection, and to provide a viewpoint on the question how the two are linked. I will further give the reasons for my personal opinion that apoptosis-induction is in most infections beneficial to the host. Copyright © 2017 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Non-Markovian Infection Spread Dramatically Alters the Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible Epidemic Threshold in Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Mieghem, P.; van de Bovenkamp, R.

2013-03-01

Most studies on susceptible-infected-susceptible epidemics in networks implicitly assume Markovian behavior: the time to infect a direct neighbor is exponentially distributed. Much effort so far has been devoted to characterize and precisely compute the epidemic threshold in susceptible-infected-susceptible Markovian epidemics on networks. Here, we report the rather dramatic effect of a nonexponential infection time (while still assuming an exponential curing time) on the epidemic threshold by considering Weibullean infection times with the same mean, but different power exponent α. For three basic classes of graphs, the Erdős-Rényi random graph, scale-free graphs and lattices, the average steady-state fraction of infected nodes is simulated from which the epidemic threshold is deduced. For all graph classes, the epidemic threshold significantly increases with the power exponents α. Hence, real epidemics that violate the exponential or Markovian assumption can behave seriously differently than anticipated based on Markov theory.

Autophagic flux without a block differentiates varicella-zoster virus infection from herpes simplex virus infection.

PubMed

Buckingham, Erin M; Carpenter, John E; Jackson, Wallen; Zerboni, Leigh; Arvin, Ann M; Grose, Charles

2015-01-06

Autophagy is a process by which misfolded and damaged proteins are sequestered into autophagosomes, before degradation in and recycling from lysosomes. We have extensively studied the role of autophagy in varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, and have observed that vesicular cells are filled with >100 autophagosomes that are easily detectable after immunolabeling for the LC3 protein. To confirm our hypothesis that increased autophagosome formation was not secondary to a block, we examined all conditions of VZV infection as well as carrying out two assessments of autophagic flux. We first investigated autophagy in human skin xenografts in the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model of VZV pathogenesis, and observed that autophagosomes were abundant in infected human skin tissues. We next investigated autophagy following infection with sonically prepared cell-free virus in cultured cells. Under these conditions, autophagy was detected in a majority of infected cells, but was much less than that seen after an infected-cell inoculum. In other words, inoculation with lower-titered cell-free virus did not reflect the level of stress to the VZV-infected cell that was seen after inoculation of human skin in the SCID mouse model or monolayers with higher-titered infected cells. Finally, we investigated VZV-induced autophagic flux by two different methods (radiolabeling proteins and a dual-colored LC3 plasmid); both showed no evidence of a block in autophagy. Overall, therefore, autophagy within a VZV-infected cell was remarkably different from autophagy within an HSV-infected cell, whose genome contains two modifiers of autophagy, ICP34.5 and US11, not present in VZV.

[Non-tuberculous pleural infections versus tuberculous pleural infections].

PubMed

Horo, K; N'Gom, A; Ahui, B; Brou-Gode, C; Anon, J-C; Diaw, A; Bemba, P; Foutoupouo, K; Djè Bi, H; Ouattara, P; Kouassi, B; Koffi, N; Aka-Danguy, E

2012-03-01

In countries where tuberculosis is endemic, the main differential diagnosis for pleural infection by common bacteria is pleural tuberculosis. The purpose of our study was to determine the differences between pleural infection by common bacteria and that caused by pleural tuberculosis. Our study was a retrospective analysis and compared the characteristics of confirmed pleural infection by common bacteria (PIB) and that due to pleural tuberculosis (PT). For the PIB, the signs evolved for 2.4 ± 1.4 weeks versus 5.6 ± 2.2 weeks for the PT (P=0.01). In multivariate analysis, for PIB the onset of symptoms was more abrupt (OR=3.8 [1.5; 9.9]; P=0.01), asthenia was less frequent (OR=0.3 [0.1; 0.9]; P=0.03), pleural liquid was more purulent (OR=40.0 [15.0; 106.7]; P<0.01). The blood neutrophil count was more frequently raised in cases of PIB (OR=2.5 [1.2; 5.4]; P=0.02). Pneumothorax/hydropneumothorax was less frequent in PIB (OR=0.3 [0.1; 1.0]; P=0.04). Clinical differences exist between pleural effusions caused by tuberculosis (TB) and those due to other bacterial infections. However, they are not sufficiently sensitive and therefore the search for the tuberculous bacillus must be systematic while waiting for implementation of new diagnostic tests for the organism. Copyright © 2012 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

GLOBE Program's Data and Information System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Memarsadeghi, N.; Overoye, D.; Lewis, C.; Butler, D. M.; Ramapriyan, H.

2016-12-01

"The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment" (www.globe.gov ). GLOBE Program has a rich community of students, teachers, scientists, trainers, country coordinators, and alumni across the world, technologically spanning both high- and low-end users. There are 117 GLOBE participating countries from around the world. GLOBE's Science data protocols and educational material span atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, soil (pedosphere), and Earth as a System scientific areas (http://www.globe.gov/do-globe/globe-teachers-guide). GLOBE's Data and Information System (DIS), when first introduced in 1995, was a cutting edge system that was well-received and innovative for its time. However, internet-based technologies have changed dramatically since then. Projects to modernize and evolve the GLOBE DIS started in 2010, resulting in today's GLOBE DIS. The current GLOBE DIS is now built upon the latest information technologies and is engaging and supporting the user community with advanced tools and services to further the goals of the GLOBE Program. GLOBE DIS consists of over 20 years of observation and training data, a rich set of software systems and applications for data entry, visualization, and analysis, as well as tools for training users in various science data protocols and enabling collaborations among members of the international user community. We present the existing GLOBE DIS, application technologies, and lessons learned for their operations, development, sustaining engineering, and data management practices. Examples of GLOBE DIS technologies include Liferay System for integrated user and content management, a Postgress/PostGIS database, Ruby on Rails for Data

Dignity Impact as a Primary Outcome Measure for Dignity Therapy.

PubMed

Scarton, Lisa; Oh, Sungho; Sylvera, Ashley; Lamonge, Ralph; Yao, Yingwei; Chochinov, Harvey; Fitchett, George; Handzo, George; Emanuel, Linda; Wilkie, Diana

2018-01-01

Feasibility of dignity therapy (DT) is well established in palliative care. Evidence of its efficacy, however, has been inconsistent and may stem from DT's primary effects differing from the outcomes measured in previous studies. We proposed that DT effects were in the spiritual domain and created a new outcome measure, Dignity Impact Scale (DIS), from items previously used in a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). The purpose of this secondary analysis study was to examine properties of a new measure of dignity impact. Using the DIS, we conducted reanalysis of posttest data from a large 3-arm, multi-site RCT study. Participants were receiving hospice/palliative care (n = 326, 50.6% female, mean age = 65.1 years, 89.3% white, all with a terminal illness with 6 months or less life expectancy). They had been randomized to standard palliative care (n = 111), client-centered care (n = 107), or DT (n = 108). The 7-item DIS was derived from selected items in a posttest DT Patient Feedback Questionnaire. The DIS had strong internal consistency (α = 0.85). The DT group mean DIS score (21.4 ± 5.0) was significantly higher than the usual care group mean score (17.7 ± 5.5; t = 5.2, df = 216, P < .001) and a client-centered intervention group mean score (17.9 ± 4.9; t = 5.2, df = 213, P < .001). We found that, compared to both other groups, patients who received DT reported significantly higher DIS ratings, which is consistent with the DT focus on meaning-making, preparation for death, and life completion tasks. We propose that the DIS be used as the primary outcome measure in evaluating the effects of DT.

The kinetics of feline leukaemia virus shedding in experimentally infected cats are associated with infection outcome.

PubMed

Cattori, Valentino; Tandon, Ravi; Riond, Barbara; Pepin, Andrea C; Lutz, Hans; Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina

2009-01-13

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection in felids results mainly from oronasal exposure to infectious saliva and nasal secretions, but the potential for viral transmission through faeces and urine has not been completely characterized. In order to assess and compare potential FeLV transmission routes, we determined the viral kinetics in plasma, saliva, faeces and urine during early experimental FeLV infection (up to week 15 post-exposure) in specific pathogen-free cats. In addition to monitoring p27 antigen levels measured by ELISA, we evaluated the presence of infectious particles by cell culture assays and quantified viral RNA loads by a quantitative real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. RNA load was associated with infection outcome (high load-progressive infection; low load-regressive infection) not only in plasma, but also in saliva, faeces and urine. Infectious virus was isolated from the saliva, faeces and urine of infected cats with progressive infection as early as 3-6 weeks post-infection, but usually not in cats with regressive infection. In cats with progressive infection, therefore, not only saliva but also faeces and to some extent urine might represent potential FeLV transmission routes. These results should be taken into account when modelling FeLV-host interactions and assessing FeLV transmission risk. Moreover, during early FeLV infection, detection of viral RNA in saliva may be used as an indicator of recent virus exposure, even in cats without detectable antigenaemia/viraemia. To determine the clinically relevant outcome of FeLV infection in exposed cats, however, p27 antigen levels in the peripheral blood should be measured.

Developing and promoting an intranet site for a drug information service.

PubMed

Costerison, Emily C; Graham, Angie S

2008-04-01

The development and promotion of a drug information service (DIS) intranet site are described. Stanford Hospital and Clinics (SHC) is an acute and tertiary care facility with 613 licensed inpatient beds and 48 outpatient clinics. A DIS intranet site was developed to allow better accessibility to pharmacy forms and products (e.g., drug shortage list, reference guides) and to reduce repetitive requests to the DIS. The goal was to continue to provide information to SHC health care providers but allow the drug information specialist to focus on answering clinical questions. The intranet site was completed over a four-month period. The intranet site was divided into seven webpages: DIS overview, pharmacy and therapeutics, frequently asked questions, quick drug reference guide, ask the pharmacist, drug information resources, and referral center. The preparation for and implementation of the promotional phase took approximately two months. Promotional strategies included the creation and dissemination of brochures and stickers. The intranet site went live on January 1, 2007, and the advertising campaign began one month later. The utility of the site was measured for five months by tracking the number of visits to the site, the number of visits to each webpage, and the number of downloaded files. Request volume, caller affiliation, and question types received by the DIS call center were also recorded. Establishing a DIS intranet site required a considerable time investment and a willingness to work with existing infrastructures, such as the marketing and communications department and Web marketing staff.

In-cell infection: a novel pathway for Epstein-Barr virus infection mediated by cell-in-cell structures

PubMed Central

Ni, Chao; Chen, Yuhui; Zeng, Musheng; Pei, Rongjuan; Du, Yong; Tang, Linquan; Wang, Mengyi; Hu, Yazhuo; Zhu, Hanyu; He, Meifang; Wei, Xiawei; Wang, Shan; Ning, Xiangkai; Wang, Manna; Wang, Jufang; Ma, Li; Chen, Xinwen; Sun, Qiang; Tang, Hong; Wang, Ying; Wang, Xiaoning

2015-01-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can infect both susceptible B lymphocytes and non-susceptible epithelial cells (ECs). Viral tropism analyses have revealed two intriguing means of EBV infection, either by a receptor-mediated infection of B cells or by a cell-to-cell contact-mediated infection of non-susceptible ECs. Herein, we report a novel “in-cell infection” mechanism for EBV infection of non-susceptible ECs through the formation of cell-in-cell structures. Epithelial CNE-2 cells were invaded by EBV-infected Akata B cells to form cell-in-cell structures in vitro. Such unique cellular structures could be readily observed in the specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Importantly, the formation of cell-in-cell structures led to the autonomous activation of EBV within Akata cells and subsequent viral transmission to CNE-2 cells, as evidenced by the expression of viral genes and the presence of virion particles in CNE-2 cells. Significantly, EBV generated from in-cell infected ECs displayed altered tropism with higher infection efficacy to both B cells and ECs. In addition to CNE-2 tumor cells, cell-in-cell structure formation could also mediate EBV infection of NPEC1-Bmi1 cells, an immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. Furthermore, efficient infection by this mechanism involved the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Thus, our study identified “in-cell infection” as a novel mechanism for EBV infection. Given the diversity of virus-infected cells and the prevalence of cell-in-cell structures during chronic infection, we speculate that “in-cell infection” is likely a general mechanism for EBV and other viruses to infect non-susceptible ECs. PMID:25916549

[Urinary tract infections in adults].

PubMed

Michno, Mikolaj; Sydor, Antoni

Review of urinary tract infections in adults including etiology, pathogenesis, classification and the most important therapeutic recommendations. Urinary tract infections are still a common clinical problem occurring more often in sexually active women, pregnancy, elderly , after catherization of a urinary bladder and urological surgery as well as in the co-existence of diabetes or nephrolithiasis. Due to the anatomical differences, women suffer more often than men. The main etiological factor is Escherichia coli, even though it plays a lesser role in the complicated infections, than in non-complicated ones. Apart from that, the infections may also be caused by atypical microbes, viruses and fungi. Relapses as well as reinfections are typical features of urinary tract infections and in some cases prolonged infections can spread from lower to upper urinary tract contributing to pyelonephritis, urosepsis or even death. These long-term infections can progress in a hidden, insidious, oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic manner leading to irreversible, progressive deterioration of renal function. They can also mask other diseases such as tuberculosis or neoplasms of the urinary tract, which leads to the delayed diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections is a complex problem, often requiring specialized procedures as well as hospitalization. The choice of a therapy is determined by the type of infection, general condition, age and coexisting diseases. Rapid diagnosis and implementation of proper pharmacotherapy may shorten the time of treatment and hospitalization, preventing serious complications and reinfections.

Biology of flower-infecting fungi.

PubMed

Ngugi, Henry K; Scherm, Harald

2006-01-01

The ability to infect host flowers offers important ecological benefits to plant-parasitic fungi; not surprisingly, therefore, numerous fungal species from a wide range of taxonomic groups have adopted a life style that involves flower infection. Although flower-infecting fungi are very diverse, they can be classified readily into three major groups: opportunistic, unspecialized pathogens causing necrotic symptoms such as blossom blights (group 1), and specialist flower pathogens which infect inflorescences either through the gynoecium (group 2) or systemically through the apical meristem (group 3). This three-tier system is supported by life history attributes such as host range, mode of spore transmission, degree of host sterilization as a result of infection, and whether or not the fungus undergoes an obligate sexual cycle, produces resting spores in affected inflorescences, and is r- or K-selected. Across the three groups, the flower as an infection court poses important challenges for disease management. Ecologically and evolutionarily, terms and concepts borrowed from the study of venereal (sexually transmitted) diseases of animals do not adequately capture the range of strategies employed by fungi that infect flowers.

Surgical management of corneal infections.

PubMed

Tuli, Sonal; Gray, Matthew

2016-07-01

The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of corneal infections. Although the mainstay of treatment of corneal infections is topical antimicrobial agents, surgical intervention may be necessary in a number of cases. These include advanced disease at presentation, resistant infections, and progressive ulceration despite appropriate treatment. Prompt and appropriate treatment can make the difference between a good outcome and loss of vision or the eye. There are a number of surgical therapies available for corneal infections. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. Although there are no completely novel therapies that have been developed recently, there have been incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities making them more effective, easier, and safer. Several options are available for surgically managing corneal infections. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient's situation. http://links.lww.com/COOP/A20.

Surgical management of corneal infections

PubMed Central

Tuli, Sonal; Gray, Matthew

2016-01-01

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to discuss the options for, and recent developments in, the surgical treatment of corneal infections. While the mainstay of treatment of corneal infections is topical antimicrobial agents, surgical intervention may be necessary in a number of cases. These include advanced disease at presentation, resistant infections, and progressive ulceration despite appropriate treatment. Prompt and appropriate treatment can make the difference between a good outcome and loss of vision or the eye. Recent findings There are a number of surgical therapies available for corneal infections. Preferred therapeutic modalities differ based on the size, causation, and location of the infection but consist of either replacement of the infected tissue or structural support of the tissue to allow healing. While there are no completely novel therapies that have been developed recently, there have been incremental improvements in the existing treatment modalities making them more effective, easier, and safer. Summary Several options are available for surgically managing corneal infections. Ophthalmologists should select the optimal procedure based on the individual patient’s situation. PMID:27096375