Clinical Microbiology Laboratories' Adoption of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests Is a Threat to Foodborne-Disease Surveillance in the United States

INTRODUCTION In November 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent a letter to state and territorial epidemiologists, state and territorial public health laboratory directors, and state and territorial health officials. In this letter, culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) for detection of enteric pathogens were characterized as “a serious and current threat to public health surveillance, particularly for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella .” The document says CDC and its public health partners are approaching this issue, in part, by “reviewing regulatory authority in public health agencies to require culture isolates or specimen submission if CIDTs are used.” Large-scale foodborne outbreaks are a continuing threat to public health, and tracking these outbreaks is an important tool in shortening them and developing strategies to prevent them. It is clear that the use of CIDTs for enteric pathogen detection, including both antigen detection and multiplex nucleic acid amplification techniques, is becoming more widespread. Furthermore, some clinical microbiology laboratories will resist the mandate to require submission of culture isolates, since it will likely not improve patient outcomes but may add significant costs. Specimen submission would be less expensive and time-consuming for clinical laboratories; however, this approach would be burdensome for public health laboratories, since those laboratories would need to perform culture isolation prior to typing. Shari Shea and Kristy Kubota from the Association of Public Health Laboratories, along with state public health laboratory officials from Colorado, Missouri, Tennessee, and Utah, will explain the public health laboratories' perspective on why having access to isolates of enteric pathogens is essential for public health surveillance, detection, and tracking of outbreaks and offer potential workable solutions which will allow them to do this. Marc Couturier of ARUP Laboratories and Melissa Miller of the University of North Carolina will explain the advantages of CIDTs for enteric pathogens and discuss practical solutions for clinical microbiology laboratories to address these public health needs

Patterns d'Analyse pour l'Ingénierie de Systèmes d'Information à base d'Agents : Une Application au Domaine du Transport

National audienceIntelligent Transport Information Systems may find benefit of using agent-based solutions. Actually, transport information systems require adaptability to varying changes in offers, and unexpected occurring events. Agents and multiagent systems provide such requirements. Unfortunately, agent-based information systems such as other distributed, asynchronous, loose-coupling applications are difficult to design and implement due to lack of best practices to ease development. This paper describes an approach based on software pattern reuse facilitating engineering of such systems. Patterns are generic solutions to frequently occurring problems. Metamodel represents and structures agent concepts. Fourteen analysis patterns have been specified from this metamodel and describe conceptual entities for the design of an agent-based IS application. Reuse support patterns help designers to reuse former patterns during the information system application engineering

Patterns for Agent-Based Information Systems: A Case Study in Transport

International audienceIntelligent Transport Information Systems may find benefit of using agent-based solutions. Actually, transport information systems require adaptability to varying changes in offers, and unexpected occurring events. Agents and multiagent systems provide such requirements. Unfortunately, agent-based information systems such as other distributed, asynchronous, loose coupling applications are difficult to design and implement due to lack of best practices to ease development. This paper describes an approach based on software pattern reuse that facilitates engineering of these systems. Some patterns have been specified for the analysis and design of such information systems and are described here. Implementation patterns for a specific platform are sketched in perspectives of this research

LES DETERMINANTS MECANIQUES ET NEUROPHYSIOLOGIQUES DE LA PERFORMANCE EN TIR A L’ARC : INCIDENCES SUR L’ENTRAINEMENT

International audienceL’objectif de ce travail est de caractériser les stratégies musculaires intervenant dans le tir àl’arc, mais également de déterminer leur évolution au décours de la fatigue. Ainsi l’influencede l’apparition d’un phénomène de fatigue neuro-musculaire sur la performance en tir à l’arcpourra être déterminée. Une programmation spécifique de renforcement musculaire pourraalors être établie dans le double objectif d’améliorer la performance, mais également deréduire les risques de pathologie de l’épaule

Les ADN topoisomérases du crenarchaeon hyperthermophile Sulfolobus solfataricus (régulateurs du métabolisme de l'ADN ?)

Les ADN topoisomérases sont des enzymes capables de moduler la torsion de la double hélice d ADN afin de rendre compatible sa topologie avec les différents processus cellulaires impliquant l ADN. Les hyperthermophiles possèdent au moins une topoisomérase particulière, la reverse gyrase qui est constituée à la fois d un domaine topoisomérase IA etd un domaine hélicase de type SF2. Mon sujet de thèse a eu pour objectif de déterminer principalement l implication des ADN topoisomérases IA dans les différents processus cellulaires de Sulfolobus solfataricus. Ce crenarchaeon hyperthermophile possède, en plus, d une ADN topoisomérase de type II (Topo VI), trois ADN-topoisomérases IA dont une classique (TopA) et deux reverse gyrases (TopR1 et TopR2). Notre approche a permis d estimer, pour la première fois, le nombre de TopR1 et de TopR2 par cellule en fonction des différentes conditions testées. L étude des variations quantitatives des ADN topoisomérases a clairement mis en évidence que TopR1 et TopR2 sont régulées différemment ce qui renforce l hypothèse d une spécialisation de leurs fonctions. Nous avons ainsi montré que TopR1 est responsable du maintien de l homéostasie du surenroulement de l ADN. Si la Topo VI de par son activité antagoniste est impliquée dansce même contrôle homéostatique, elle ne fait pas l objet d une régulation quantitative. De plus, nous avons mis en évidence que TopR1 était liée à la vie à haute température. Enfin, nos résultats suggèrent que TopR2 serait pour sa part impliquée dans la stabilité des génomes. L identification des partenaires protéiques respectifs des quatre ADN topoisomérases de S. solfataricus permettra d avoir une vision globale des réseaux de régulation permettant derésoudre les différentes des contraintes topologiques générées au cours de la vie de cet hyperthermophile.DNA topoisomerases act in all DNA metabolism processes to control the DNA topology. Hyperthermophiles possess at least a particular topoisomerase, the reverse gyrase composed of a DNA topoisomerase IA domain and a helicase SF2 domain within the same polypeptide. The general objective of my thesis was to determine the involvement of each DNA topoisomerase in different cellular processes of S. solfataricus. This hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon possesses in addition to a type II DNA topoisomerase (Topo VI), three DNA topoisomerases IA : a classical one (TopA) and two reverse gyrases (TopR1 and TopR2). Our experimental approach allowed to estimate for the first time the number of TopR1 and TopR2 per cell in relation to different conditions. The study of quantitative variations of each DNA topoisomerase clearly showed that TopR1 and TopR2 are differently regulated suggesting that they are involved in distinct cellular processes. Indeed, we showed that TopR1 is the main actor of the homeostatic control of the DNA supercoiling. If the Topo VI with its antogonistic activity is involved in this homeostatic control, there is no regulation at the level of protein quantity. In addition we evidenced that TopR1 is somehow linked to the life at high temperature. Our results suggest that TopR2 is involved in genome stability. The identification of the respective potential partners of the four DNA topoisomerases of S. solfataricus will allow to get a more detailed understanding of the DNA topology regulation during the hyperthermophilic life style.EVRY-Bib. électronique (912289901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Compans – Le Poteau du Mesnil

Le projet de réaménagement du croisement entre la RN 2 et le RD 292 a motivé, fin 1998, une première tranche d’évaluation sur une superficie d’environ 30 ha concernant l’ensemble dit du Poteau du Mesnil. Les communes touchées sont principalement celle de Compans mais aussi, dans une moindre mesure, de Thieux et de Mitry-Mory. L’aménagement (piloté par la ODE de Seine-et-Marne) comporte un giratoire, une réfection complète des chaussées et la création de bassins de rétention d’eau. Une occupat..

Helicobacter pylori Lipopolysaccharide Is Synthesized via a Novel Pathway with an Evolutionary Connection to Protein N-Glycosylation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component on the surface of Gram negative bacteria and is composed of lipid A-core and the O antigen polysaccharide. O polysaccharides of the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori contain Lewis antigens, mimicking glycan structures produced by human cells. The interaction of Lewis antigens with human dendritic cells induces a modulation of the immune response, contributing to the H. pylori virulence. The amount and position of Lewis antigens in the LPS varies among H. pylori isolates, indicating an adaptation to the host. In contrast to most bacteria, the genes for H. pylori O antigen biosynthesis are spread throughout the chromosome, which likely contributed to the fact that the LPS assembly pathway remained uncharacterized. In this study, two enzymes typically involved in LPS biosynthesis were found encoded in the H. pylori genome; the initiating glycosyltransferase WecA, and the O antigen ligase WaaL. Fluorescence microscopy and analysis of LPS from H. pylori mutants revealed that WecA and WaaL are involved in LPS production. Activity of WecA was additionally demonstrated with complementation experiments in Escherichia coli. WaaL ligase activity was shown in vitro. Analysis of the H. pylori genome failed to detect a flippase typically involved in O antigen synthesis. Instead, we identified a homolog of a flippase involved in protein N-glycosylation in other bacteria, although this pathway is not present in H. pylori. This flippase named Wzk was essential for O antigen display in H. pylori and was able to transport various glycans in E. coli. Whereas the O antigen mutants showed normal swimming motility and injection of the toxin CagA into host cells, the uptake of DNA seemed to be affected. We conclude that H. pylori uses a novel LPS biosynthetic pathway, evolutionarily connected to bacterial protein N-glycosylation

Maintaining Life-saving Testing for Patients With Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Society for Microbiology, and Pan American Society for Clinical Virology Recommendations on the Regulation of Laboratory-developed Tests

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs)-diagnostics designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology recognize that the FDA is committed to protecting patients. However, our societies are concerned that the proposed regulations will limit access to testing and negatively impact infectious diseases (ID) LDTs. In this joint commentary, our societies discuss why LDTs are critical for ID patient care, hospital infection control, and public health responses. We also highlight how the FDA's proposed regulation of LDTs could impair patient access to life-saving tests and stifle innovation in ID diagnostics. Finally, our societies make specific recommendations for the FDA's consideration to reduce the burden of the proposed new rules on clinical laboratories and protect patients' access to state-of-the art, quality LDTs

Decline of a Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni Gmelin, 1789) population in forest. Combined effects of several anthropogenic factors

This study investigates the evolution of a population of Hermann’s tortoises, located on the edge of the massif des Maures, over a period of 30 years through capture–recapture monitoring. It shows a considerable decline of 73 % in the number of adult tortoises between the early 1980s and 1999; then from 1999, the population stabilized at around 100 adult tortoises. The fall in numbers during the first period seems to be linked to several factors. The 22 % increase in forest cover between 1983 and 1995 increased the concentrations of eggs laid in some open areas, making it easier for the species’ natural predators to find them. Mechanized clearance of undergrowth carried out in 1989 and 1994 has undoubtedly reduced the size of the population. The presence of dogs has posed an additional threat (97 % of the adult tortoises have bite marks and 7 % are missing limbs). In addition, the impact of dog bites on the tortoises’ shells has, over time, removed individual markings, thereby distorting survival estimates. The stabilization of numbers over the last decade seems to be due to the discontinuation of certain practices (notably mechanized undergrowth clearance). However, the demographic structure (with almost no juveniles) could soon lead to another decrease in population. This situation seems to be specific to this particular population and cannot be applied generally to all the populations in ProvenceCette étude analyse l'évolution d'une population de Tortue d'Hermann située en marge du massif des Maures sur une période de 30 années, sur la base de suivis par capture―recapture. Elle montre une baisse considérable des effectifs adultes (73 %) entre le début des années 1980 et 1999, puis une stabilisation de la population aux alentours de 100 individus adultes à partir de 1999. Cette chute des effectifs sur la première période semble liée à une addition de facteurs. L'augmentation de 22 % du couvert forestier entre 1983 et 1995 accroît la concentration des pontes sur quelques zones ouvertes, ce qui favorise leur découverte par les prédateurs naturels de l'espèce. Des débroussaillages mécaniques conduits en 1989 et 1994 ont certainement amoindri les effectifs de la population. La pression exercée par les chiens (actuellement 97 % des sujets adultes présentent des traces de crocs et 7 % des amputations de membres) vient ajouter une menace supplémentaire. De plus, les impacts de crocs de chien sur les carapaces de tortues ont provoqué une perte des marques individuelles au cours du temps, biaisant ainsi les estimations de survie. La stabilisation des effectifs depuis une dizaine d'années semble due à l'arrêt de certaines pratiques (débroussaillages mécaniques notamment). En revanche, la structure démographique (quasi absence de juvéniles) laisse craindre un effondrement prochain de la population. Cette situation semble propre à cette population et non généralisable à l'ensemble des populations de la Provence