Genetic heterogeneity and recombination in human type 2 astroviruses

Novel lineages of human astrovirus (HAstV) types 2, 2c, and 2d have been identified. Upon sequencing of the 3= end of the genome, the type 2c and 2d HAstVs were found to be open reading frame 1b (ORF1b)-ORF2 recombinant, with ORF1b being derived from type 3 and type 1 HAstVs, respectively. An ORF2 interlineage recombinant strain, 2c/2b, was also identified

Human Amniocytes Are Receptive to Chemically Induced Reprogramming to Pluripotency

Restoring pluripotency using chemical compounds alone would be a major step forward in developing clinical-grade pluripotent stem cells, but this has not yet been reported in human cells. We previously demonstrated that VPA_ AFS cells, human amniocytes cultivated with valproic acid (VPA) acquired functional pluripotency while remaining distinct from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), questioning the relationship between the modulation of cell fate and molecular regulation of the pluripotency network. Here, we used single-cell analysis and functional assays to reveal that VPA treatment resulted in a homogeneous population of self-renewing non-transformed cells that fulfill the hallmarks of pluripotency, i.e., a short G1 phase, a dependence on glycolytic metabolism, expression of epigenetic modifications on histones 3 and 4, and reactivation of endogenous OCT4 and downstream targets at a lower level than that observed in hESCs. Mechanistic insights into the process of VPA-induced reprogramming revealed that it was dependent on OCT4 promoter activation, which was achieved independently of the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/ AKT/ mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway or GSK3 beta inhibition but was concomitant with the presence of acetylated histones H3K9 and H3K56, which promote pluripotency. Our data identify, for the first time, the pluripotent transcriptional and molecular signature and metabolic status of human chemically induced pluripotent stem cells

Host range of Canine minute virus in cell culture

Canine minute virus (CnMV) is a member of the Bocavirus genus, together with Bovine parvovirus (BPV), which emerged as new pathogen of dogs in 1967. The genus Bocavirus gained more recognition after the recent identification of Human bocavirus in pooled specimens from the respiratory tract of children. The cell culture host range of CnMV appears to be restricted to the Walter Reed canine cell (WRCC) line, although there is a report that indicates susceptibility of the Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. In order to study the susceptibility of different cell lines to CnMV, the replication in cell cultures of canine-, bovine-, and human-origin, and the interaction of the virus with freshly isolated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were evaluated. The in vitro host range was unexpectedly wide. As shown by indirect fluorescent antibody and polymerase chain reaction assays, CnMV replicates efficiently in the A72 and MDCK canine cell lines. Bovine and human cell lines support the replication of CnMV less efficiently. In contrast, canine mononuclear blood cells are permissive to replication of CnMV in vitro. The present study revealed the ability of CnMV to replicate in continuous cell lines of different origin and, partially, in canine mononuclear cells

Re: Detection of newly described astrovirus MLB1 in stool samples from children

non applicabil

Norovirus in retail shellfish

Norovirusis a common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with consumption of raw shellfish. The majority of norovirus infections worldwide are due to genogroup II noroviruses. Bivalve molluscs (mussels, clams and oysters) at the end of the commercial chain, the points of purchase, were sampled between 2005 and 2008 in several retail points in Apulia, Italy, and screened by a semi-nested RT-PCR specific for genogroup 11 noroviruses. Noroviral RNA was detected in 12.1% of the samples, with lower frequency being observed in samples obtained from hypermarkets (8.1%) rather than in samples from open-air markets and fish shops (17.6% and 16.2%, respectively). By sequence analysis, the strains were characterized as norovirus variants GII.4/2004 and GII.b/Hilversum, which were both circulating in Italy in the same time-span. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserve

Knowledge of Blood Transfusion in Medical And Biology Student

Introduction: Blood transfusion (hemotherapy) is a therapeutic intervention used in treatment strategies of multiple diseases, thus, proper education is of utmost importance. Since currently there are no specified educational programs, undergraduate students were evaluated for the knowledge gained during university courses. Purpose: To evaluate and compare the level of knowledge of students of the faculty of Health Science, Department of Medicine (DM), and Department of Molecular Biology-Genetics (DMB&Gs) on issues related to the transfusion of blood products. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 123 students from the aforementioned departments of the Democritus University of Thrace, from the third year to the last year of study. A questionnaire was used, weighted, and was based on the European Commission’s Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance for Blood Components. Statistical tests such as chi-square (chi 2), t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to investigate the factors that affect the overall score. Results: The mean score of the students was 42.55 while the standard deviation (SD) was 12.27. The difference in the scores between the students of the DM (M = 44.63, SD = 13.2) and those of the DMB&Gs (mean = 38.25, SD = 9.05) was statistically significant in the univariable analysis (t= 3.1, p = 0.0), but in the multivariable analysis, it was not statistically significant (beta = -4.1, p = 0.1.). The results of the multiple regression model indicated that the year of study, the professional status of the father, and the grade in the hematology course were associated with the total score. Conclusions: The level of knowledge regarding blood product transfusion among students of the faculty of Health Science is insufficient

Nation-wide surveillance study of Human Astrovirus infections in Italian paediatric population

The study investigated the genetic diversity of human astroviruses (HAstVs) detected in children hospitalized with gastroenteritis in Italy in 2008-2009. A total of 1321 faecal samples were collected in Parma (northern Italy), Bari (southern Italy), and Palermo (Sicily) and screened for the presence of HAstVs. RT-PCR amplification of a portion at the 5'-end of ORF2 allowed the detection of HAstVs in 3·95% of the patients. Four different genotypes (HAstV-1, HAstV-2, HAstV-4, HAstV-5) were found to be circulating during the study period, with HAstV-1 being the predominant type. Interestingly, a novel lineage, proposed as HAstV-2d, was found to have emerged in Parma in 2009. Investigating the genetic variability of HAstVs will be important for understanding the epidemiological trends and evolution of these viruse

Mixed infection by Feline astrovirus and Feline panleukopenia virus in a domestic cat with gastroenteritis and panleukopenia.

Astroviruses are important pathogens of human beings and animals. Feline astroviruses have been identified by electron microscopy in the feces of either asymptomatic or symptomatic cats, and experimental infection with one isolate was shown to induce enteric clinical signs and virus excretion, thus suggesting a possible role as enteric pathogen. However, due to the lack of specific diagnostic assays, feline astroviruses are not included in the diagnostic algorithms of feline infectious diseases, and their role as feline pathogens remains unclear. The present report describes a dual infection by Feline astrovirus and Feline panleukopenia virus in a 4-month-old cat with severe gastroenteritis and panleukopenia. Upon sequence analysis, the Feline astrovirus strain was found to be genetically related to astroviruses identified in human beings and felids