Gammaherpesvirus modulation of mouse adenovirus type 1 pathogenesis

AbstractImmune function is likely to be shaped by multiple infections over time. Infection with one pathogen can confer cross-protection against heterologous pathogens. We tested the hypothesis that latent murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection modulates host inflammatory responses and susceptibility to mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1). Mice were infected intranasally (i.n.) with γHV68. 21 days later, they were infected i.n. with MAV-1. We assessed cytokine and chemokine expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR, cellular inflammation by histology, and viral loads by quantitative real-time PCR. Previous γHV68 infection led to persistently upregulated IFN-γ in lungs and spleen and persistently upregulated CCL2 and CCL5 in the lungs. Previous γHV68 infection amplified MAV-1-induced CCL5 upregulation and cellular inflammation in the lungs. Previous γHV68 infection was associated with lower MAV-1 viral loads in the spleen but not the lung. There was no significant effect of previous γHV68 on IFN-γ expression or MAV-1 viral loads when the interval between infections was increased to 44 days. In summary, previous γHV68 infection modulated lung inflammatory responses and decreased susceptibility to a heterologous virus in an organ- and time-dependent manner

Model Reactions Involving Ester Functional Groups during Thermo‐Oxidative Degradation of Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel used in diesel engines that is typically blended with diesel fuel. However, biodiesel is susceptible to oxidation, which has the potential to produce higher molecular weight materials that may adversely impact vehicle fuel‐system performance. To investigate the chemical reactions potentially important in biodiesel oxidation, four different types of chemical reactions involving esters were studied: (1) ester formation (reactions of acids with alcohols), (2) alcoholysis (reactions of alcohols with esters), (3) acidolysis (reaction of acids with esters), and (4) ester exchange (reactions between two esters). Experiments with representative model compounds were used to evaluate these reactions at 90 °C with aeration; conditions previously used to simulate thermo‐oxidative degradation during biodiesel aging. Reactions were monitored using gas chromatography, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and total acid number (TAN). Evidence is presented suggesting that alcoholysis and ester formation (Reactions 1 and 2), catalyzed by carboxylic acids, are important reactions of esters that could lead to larger molecules. Acidolysis (Reaction 3) proceeded at a comparatively slow rate and ester exchange reaction products (Reaction 4) were not detected under these aging conditions.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151841/1/aocs12277_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151841/2/aocs12277.pd

Urban remote sensing applications: TIMS observations of the City of Scottsdale

A research program has been initiated between Arizona State University and the City of Scottsdale, Arizona to study the potential applications of TIMS (Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner) data for urban scene classification, desert environmental assessment, and change detection. This program is part of a long-term effort to integrate remote sensing observations into state and local planning activities to improve decision making and future planning. Specific test sites include a section of the downtown Scottsdale region that has been mapped in very high detail as part of a pilot program to develop an extensive GIS database. This area thus provides excellent time history of the evolution of the city infrastructure, such as the timing and composition of street repavement. A second area of study includes the McDowell intensive study by state and local agencies to assess potential sites for urban development as well as preservation. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert areas. The objectives of this study in urban areas are aimed at determining potential applications of TIMS data for classifying and assessing land use and surface temperatures. Land use centers on surface impermeability studies for storm runoff assessment and pollution control. These studies focus on determining the areal abundance of urban vegetation and undeveloped soil. Highly experimental applications include assessment and monitoring of pavement condition. Temperature studies focus on determining swimming pool area and temperature for use in monitoring evaporating and urban water consumption. These activities are of particular relevance as the Phoenix metropolitan area undergoes major expansion into the surrounding desert area

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in a population-based study of male breast cancer

Background: The contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 to the incidence of male breast cancer (MBC) in the United Kingdom is not known, and the importance of these genes in the increased risk of female breast cancer associated with a family history of breast cancer in a male first-degree relative is unclear. Methods: We have carried out a population-based study of 94 MBC cases collected in the UK. We screened genomic DNA for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 and used family history data from these cases to calculate the risk of breast cancer to female relatives of MBC cases. We also estimated the contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 to this risk. Results: Nineteen cases (20%) reported a first-degree relative with breast cancer, of whom seven also had an affected second-degree relative. The breast cancer risk in female first-degree relatives was 2.4 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–4.0) the risk in the general population. No BRCA1 mutation carriers were identified and five cases were found to carry a mutation in BRCA2. Allowing for a mutation detection sensitivity frequency of 70%, the carrier frequency for BRCA2 mutations was 8% (95% CI = 3–19). All the mutation carriers had a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer. However, BRCA2 accounted for only 15% of the excess familial risk of breast cancer in female first-degree relatives. Conclusion: These data suggest that other genes that confer an increased risk for both female and male breast cancer have yet to be found

Suicide in pregnant women : experiences and support networks for the surviving families

ABSTRACT: To describe the experiences of the families of two pregnant women who committed suicide in the Department of Antioquia (Colombia) during 2010-2011. Methodology: a qualitative study using the hermeneutic phenomenological approach, specifically the case study method. Three to four interviews were conducted with each family. These interviews were later systematized using the Atlas ti software. Results: the category “family experience in the event of suicide: on how to become a learner” was found in the family of Bella, and two categories emerged from it: 1. “Her death affected us both internally and externally.” 2. “Between deafness and the power of the support networks.” In the family of Consentida, the “family experience: how to survive pain” category emerged, and additionally, two tendencies derived from it: 1. “Expanding and breaking networks.” 2. “Tying up loose ends.” Conclusions: the studied families have overcome the event as they have earned the recognition of collaborative, empowering and linking networks, which have remained throughout time. In their experience, the families have managed to distance themselves from the choice of their pregnant relatives and have thus bravely overcome their loss.RESUMEN: Describir la vivencia que han tenido las familias de dos mujeres gestantes alrededor de su muerte por suicidio en el Departamento de Antioquia (Colombia) durante el año 2010-2011. Metodología: investigación cualitativa, método fenomenológico-hermenéutico, específicamente estudio de casos. Se realizaron entre tres y cuatro entrevistas con cada familia y posteriormente se sistematizaron bajo el software Atlas ti. Resultados: en la familia de Bella se encontró la categoría: la vivencia familiar frente al suicidio: de cómo tornarse aprendiz; de ésta surgieron dos categorías: 1). Su muerte nos afectó por dentro y por fuera; 2). entre la sordera y la potencia de las redes de apoyo. En la familia de Consentida emerge la categoría la vivencia familiar: cómo sobrevivir al dolor, a su vez de ella se derivan dos tendencias: 1). Ampliando y rompiendo redes: 2). atando cabos. Conclusiones: las familias del estudio han ido sobreponiéndose al evento en tanto han logrado reconocimiento por parte de redes colaborativas, potenciadoras y vinculantes que han permanecido a lo largo del tiempo. En su vivencia las familias han logrado tomar distancia de la elección de sus familiares gestantes y han seguido valientemente sobreponiéndose a su pérdida

A Novel Bacterium Associated with Lymphadenitis in a Patient with Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inherited disease of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase system causing defective production of toxic oxygen metabolites, impaired bacterial and fungal killing, and recurrent life-threatening infections. We identified a novel gram-negative rod in excised lymph nodes from a patient with CGD. Gram-negative rods grew on charcoal-yeast extract, but conventional tests could not identify it. The best 50 matches of the 16S rRNA (using BLAST) were all members of the family Acetobacteraceae, with the closest match being Gluconobacter sacchari. Patient serum showed specific band recognition in whole lysate immunoblot. We used mouse models of CGD to determine whether this organism was a genuine CGD pathogen. Intraperitoneal injection of gp91(phox) (−/−) (X-linked) and p47 (phox −/−) (autosomal recessive) mice with this bacterium led to larger burdens of organism recovered from knockout compared with wild-type mice. Knockout mouse lymph nodes had histopathology that was similar to that seen in our patient. We recovered organisms with 16S rRNA sequence identical to the patient's original isolate from the infected mice. We identified a novel gram-negative rod from a patient with CGD. To confirm its pathogenicity, we demonstrated specific immune reaction by high titer antibody, showed that it was able to cause similar disease when introduced into CGD, but not wild-type mice, and we recovered the same organism from pathologic lesions in these mice. Therefore, we have fulfilled Koch's postulates for a new pathogen. This is the first reported case of invasive human disease caused by any of the Acetobacteraceae. Polyphasic taxonomic analysis shows this organism to be a new genus and species for which we propose the name Granulobacter bethesdensis

Antivenom Treatment Is Associated with Fewer Patients using Opioids after Copperhead Envenomation

Introduction Copperhead envenomation causes local tissue destruction, leading people to seek treatment for the pain and swelling. First-line treatment for the pain is opioid medications. There is rising concern that an initial opioid prescription from the emergency department (ED) can lead to long-term addiction. This analysis sought to determine whether use of Fab antivenom (FabAV) for copperhead envenomation affected opioid use. Methods We performed a secondary analysis using data from a randomized clinical trial designed to determine the effect of FabAV on limb injury recovery following mild to moderate copperhead envenomation. Opioid use was a defined secondary outcome in the parent trial. Patients were contacted after discharge, and data were obtained regarding medications used for pain and the patients’ functional status. This analysis describes the proportion of patients in each treatment group reporting opioid use at each time point. It also assesses the interaction between functional status and use of opioids. Results We enrolled 74 patients in the parent trial (45 received FabAV, 29 placebo), of whom 72 were included in this secondary analysis. Thirty-five reported use of any opioids after hospital discharge. A smaller proportion of patients treated with FabAV reported opioid use: 40.9% vs 60.7% of those in the placebo group. The proportion of patients using opioids remained smaller in the FabAV group at each follow-up time point. Controlling for confounders and interactions between variables, the model estimated that the odds ratio of using opioids after hospital discharge among those who received placebo was 5.67 times that of those who received FabAV. Patients who reported higher baseline pain, those with moderate as opposed to mild envenomation, and females were more likely to report opioid use at follow-up. Patients with ongoing limitations to functional status had an increased probability of opioid use, with a stronger association over time. Opioid use corresponded with the trial’s predefined criteria for full recovery, with only two patients reporting opioid use in the 24 hours prior to achieving full limb recovery and no patients in either group reporting opioid use after full limb recovery. Conclusion In this study population, the proportion of patients using opioids for pain related to envenomation was smaller in the FabAV treatment group at all follow-up time points

The Efficacy of Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) Antivenom Versus Placebo Plus Optional Rescue Therapy on Recovery From Copperhead Snake Envenomation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial

Study objective: Copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) envenomation causes limb injury resulting in pain and disability. It is not known whether antivenom administration improves limb function. We determine whether administration of antivenom improves recovery from limb injury in patients envenomated by copperhead snakes. Methods: From August 2013 through November 2015, we performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled, clinical trial to evaluate the effect of ovine Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) (CroFab; FabAV) antivenom therapy on recovery of limb function in patients with copperhead snake envenomation at 14 days postenvenomation. The study setting was 18 emergency departments in regions of the United States where copperhead snakes are endemic. Consecutive patients aged 12 years or older with mild- to moderate-severity envenomation received either FabAV or placebo. The primary outcome was limb function 14 days after envenomation, measured by the Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Additional outcomes included the Patient-Specific Functional Scale at other points; the Disorders of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Patient’s Global Impression of Change instruments; grip strength; walking speed; quality of life (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Fucntion-10); pain; and analgesic use. Results: Seventy-four patients received study drug (45 FabAV, 29 placebo). Mean age was 43 years (range 12 to 86 years). Fifty-three percent were men, 62% had lower extremity envenomation, and 88% had mild initial severity. The primary outcome, the least square mean Patient-Specific Functional Scale score at 14 days postenvenomation, was 8.6 for FabAV-treated subjects and 7.4 for placebo recipients (difference 1.2; 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 2.3; P1�4.04). Additional outcome assessments generally favored FabAV. More FabAV-treated subjects experienced treatment- emergent adverse events (56% versus 28%), but few were serious (1 in each group). Conclusion: Treatment with FabAV reduces limb disability measured by the Patient-Specific Functional Scale 14 days after copperhead envenomation. [Ann Emerg Med. 2017;70:233-244.