Challenges and key research questions for yaws eradication.

Yaws is endemic in west Africa, southeast Asia, and the Pacific region. To eradicate yaws by 2020, WHO has launched a campaign of mass treatment with azithromycin. Progress has been made towards achievement of this ambitious goal, including the validation of point-of-care and molecular diagnostic tests and piloting of the strategy in several countries, including Ghana, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. Gaps in knowledge need to be addressed to allow refinement of the eradication strategy. Studies exploring determinants of the spatial distribution of yaws are needed to help with the completion of baseline mapping. The finding that Haemophilus ducreyi causes lesions similar to yaws is particularly important and further work is needed to assess the effect of azithromycin on these lesions. The integration of diagnostic tests into different stages of the eradication campaign needs investigation. Finally, studies must be done to inform the optimum mass-treatment strategy for sustainable interruption of transmission

Vps1 in the late endosome-to-vacuole traffic

Vacuolar protein sorting 1 (Vps1), the yeast homolog to human dynamin, is a GTP hydrolyzing protein, which plays an important role in protein sorting and targeting between the Golgi and late endosomal compartments. In this study, we assessed the functional significance of Vps1 in the membrane traffic towards the vacuole. We show here that vps1Δ cells accumulated FM4-64 to a greater extent than wild-type (WT) cells, suggesting slower endocytic degradation traffic toward the vacuole. In addition, we observed that two endosome-to-vacuole traffic markers, DsRed-FYVE and Ste2-GFP, were highly accumulated in Vps1-deficient cells, further supporting Vps1\u27s implication in efficient trafficking of endocytosed materials to the vacuole. Noteworthy, a simultaneous imaging analysis in conjunction with FM4-64 pulse-chase experiment further revealed that Vps1 plays a role in late endosome to the vacuole transport. Consistently, our subcellular localization analysis showed that Vps1 is present at the late endosome. The hyperaccumulation of endosomal intermediates in the vps1 mutant cells appears to be caused by the disruption of integrity of HOPS tethering complexes, manifested by mislocalization of Vps39 to the cytoplasm. Finally, we postulate that Vps1 functions together with the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex at the late endosomal compartments, based on the observation that the double mutants, in which VPS1 along with singular ESCRT I, II and III genes have been disrupted, exhibited synthetic lethality. Together, we propose that Vps1 is required for correct and efficient trafficking from the late endosomal compartments to the vacuole

Focal non granulomatous orchitis in a patient with Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a systemic disease and sometimes involves the testicle, usually leading to granulomatous lesions. We report herein a case of focal non-granulomatous orchitis in a 21-year-old patient with active Crohn’s disease treated by an anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody. This circumscribed testicular lesion mimicked a tumor, leading to orchiectomy. Pre-operative blood tests (i.e. alpha-fetoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase and human chorionic gonadotrophin) were strictly normal Pathological examination of the testicle revealed a focal inflammatory infiltrate predominantly composed of lymphocytes accompanied by few plasma cells, lacking giant cells or granulomas. Importantly, intratubular germ cell neoplasia, atrophy or lithiasis were not observed. After discussing and excluding other plausible causes (burnt-out /regressed germ cell tumor, infection, vascular or traumatic lesions, iatrogenic effects), we concluded that this particular case of orchitis was most likely an extra-digestive manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of focal non-granulomatous orchitis associated with Crohn’s disease. Virtual Slides: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/211774728416011

Drawing Education – Worldwide! Continuities – Transfers – Mixtures

Zeichnen war von der Frühen Neuzeit bis in die Moderne als Kulturtechnik fest in der Lebenswirklichkeit der europäischen Gesellschaft verankert. Der vorliegende Band fragt ausgehend von dieser Tatsache erstmals nach dem Stellenwert des Zeichnens auch in anderen Kulturräumen. Indigene Verfahren des Zeichnens und Zeichnen-Lernens im arabischen, asiatischen, im latein- bzw. nordamerikanischen und auch europäischen Raum werden ebenso adressiert wie auch historische Transferprozesse didaktischer Methoden, ästhetischer Normen und ausbildender Institutionen des Zeichenunterrichts.From early modern to modern times, drawing was firmly anchored in the realities of European society as a cultural technique. Based on this fact, the present volume asks for the first time about the significance of drawing and drawing education in other cultural areas. Indigenous methods of drawing and sign-learning in Arabic, Asian, Latin American, North American and European countries are addressed, as well as historical transfer processes of didactic methods, aesthetic norms and educational institutions of drawing instruction

Drawing Education – Worldwide! Continuities – Transfers – Mixtures

Zeichnen war von der Frühen Neuzeit bis in die Moderne als Kulturtechnik fest in der Lebenswirklichkeit der europäischen Gesellschaft verankert. Der vorliegende Band fragt ausgehend von dieser Tatsache erstmals nach dem Stellenwert des Zeichnens auch in anderen Kulturräumen. Indigene Verfahren des Zeichnens und Zeichnen-Lernens im arabischen, asiatischen, im latein- bzw. nordamerikanischen und auch europäischen Raum werden ebenso adressiert wie auch historische Transferprozesse didaktischer Methoden, ästhetischer Normen und ausbildender Institutionen des Zeichenunterrichts.From early modern to modern times, drawing was firmly anchored in the realities of European society as a cultural technique. Based on this fact, the present volume asks for the first time about the significance of drawing and drawing education in other cultural areas. Indigenous methods of drawing and sign-learning in Arabic, Asian, Latin American, North American and European countries are addressed, as well as historical transfer processes of didactic methods, aesthetic norms and educational institutions of drawing instruction

Drawing Education – Worldwide! Continuities – Transfers – Mixtures

Zeichnen war von der Frühen Neuzeit bis in die Moderne als Kulturtechnik fest in der Lebenswirklichkeit der europäischen Gesellschaft verankert. Der vorliegende Band fragt ausgehend von dieser Tatsache erstmals nach dem Stellenwert des Zeichnens auch in anderen Kulturräumen. Indigene Verfahren des Zeichnens und Zeichnen-Lernens im arabischen, asiatischen, im latein- bzw. nordamerikanischen und auch europäischen Raum werden ebenso adressiert wie auch historische Transferprozesse didaktischer Methoden, ästhetischer Normen und ausbildender Institutionen des Zeichenunterrichts.From early modern to modern times, drawing was firmly anchored in the realities of European society as a cultural technique. Based on this fact, the present volume asks for the first time about the significance of drawing and drawing education in other cultural areas. Indigenous methods of drawing and sign-learning in Arabic, Asian, Latin American, North American and European countries are addressed, as well as historical transfer processes of didactic methods, aesthetic norms and educational institutions of drawing instruction

Drawing Education – Worldwide! Continuities – Transfers – Mixtures

Zeichnen war von der Frühen Neuzeit bis in die Moderne als Kulturtechnik fest in der Lebenswirklichkeit der europäischen Gesellschaft verankert. Der vorliegende Band fragt ausgehend von dieser Tatsache erstmals nach dem Stellenwert des Zeichnens auch in anderen Kulturräumen. Indigene Verfahren des Zeichnens und Zeichnen-Lernens im arabischen, asiatischen, im latein- bzw. nordamerikanischen und auch europäischen Raum werden ebenso adressiert wie auch historische Transferprozesse didaktischer Methoden, ästhetischer Normen und ausbildender Institutionen des Zeichenunterrichts.From early modern to modern times, drawing was firmly anchored in the realities of European society as a cultural technique. Based on this fact, the present volume asks for the first time about the significance of drawing and drawing education in other cultural areas. Indigenous methods of drawing and sign-learning in Arabic, Asian, Latin American, North American and European countries are addressed, as well as historical transfer processes of didactic methods, aesthetic norms and educational institutions of drawing instruction

Application and Validation of PFGE for Serovar Identification of Leptospira Clinical Isolates

Serovar identification of clinical isolates of Leptospira is generally not performed on a routine basis, yet the identity of an infecting serovar is valuable from both epidemiologic and public health standpoints. Only a small number of reference laboratories worldwide have the capability to perform the cross agglutinin absorption test (CAAT), the reference method for serovar identification. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is an alternative method to CAAT that facilitates rapid identification of leptospires to the serovar level. We employed PFGE to evaluate 175 isolates obtained from humans and animals submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1993 and 2007. PFGE patterns for each isolate were generated using the NotI restriction enzyme and compared to a reference database consisting of more than 200 reference strains. Of the 175 clinical isolates evaluated, 136 (78%) were identified to the serovar level by the database, and an additional 27 isolates (15%) have been identified as probable new serovars. The remaining isolates yet to be identified are either not represented in the database or require further study to determine whether or not they also represent new serovars. PFGE proved to be a useful tool for serovar identification of clinical isolates of known serovars from different geographic regions and a variety of different hosts and for recognizing potential new serovars

Syphilis epidemiology in Norway, 1992-2008: resurgence among men who have sex with men

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In recent years, the number of syphilis cases has stabilised in many countries of Western Europe, however several countries have reported increases among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this article was to describe the epidemiology of early syphilis in Norway in 1992-2008.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Cases of early syphilis and congenital syphilis reported to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS) 1992-2008 were described by route of transmission, gender, age, birthplace, stage of disease, HIV co-infection, source partner and place of infection.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of reported syphilis ranged from 0.05 (1992) to 1.50 (2002) per 100 000 person-years. Of 562 cases reported to MSIS during the study period, 62% were men infected by another man. The proportion of those, infected homosexually increased from 0 (1992-1994) to 77% (2008). Most of them were Norwegians (83%). The proportion of HIV co-infection among homosexually infected increased over time and reached 39% in 2008. The majority reported being infected by a casual partner (73%) and in the municipality of Oslo (72%). Of 152 heterosexually infected men 64% were Norwegians; 51% were infected by casual contacts and 20% by commercial sex workers; 73% were infected abroad. Among 56 women, 57% were Norwegians, 57% were infected by a steady partner and 40% were infected abroad. Almost half (46%) were diagnosed in the early latent stage. Four cases had congenital syphilis, two of whom were adopted from abroad.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Syphilis is rare in Norway, but MSM represent almost two thirds of cases. The increase of HIV co-infected cases among MSM may enhance transmission of both infections. We recommend sexually active MSM to be tested for syphilis 2-4 times a year. Due to its variable clinical course, syphilis might be difficult to recognise at an early stage among women in a low-prevalence population. We estimate current practice of prenatal screening in Norway as sufficient.</p

Human Complement Regulators C4b-Binding Protein and C1 Esterase Inhibitor Interact with a Novel Outer Surface Protein of Borrelia recurrentis

The spirochete Borrelia recurrentis is the causal agent of louse-borne relapsing fever and is transmitted to humans by the infected body louse Pediculus humanus. We have recently demonstrated that the B. recurrentis surface receptor, HcpA, specifically binds factor H, the regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, thereby inhibiting complement mediated bacteriolysis. Here, we show that B. recurrentis spirochetes express another potential outer membrane lipoprotein, termed CihC, and acquire C4b-binding protein (C4bp) and human C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-Inh), the major inhibitors of the classical and lectin pathway of complement activation. A highly homologous receptor for C4bp was also found in the African tick-borne relapsing fever spirochete B. duttonii. Upon its binding to B. recurrentis or recombinant CihC, C4bp retains its functional potential, i.e. facilitating the factor I-mediated degradation of C4b. The additional finding that ectopic expression of CihC in serum sensitive B. burgdorferi significantly increased spirochetal resistance against human complement suggests this receptor to substantially contribute, together with other known strategies, to immune evasion of B. recurrentis