Interferon Production by Nonviral Stimuli of Microbial Origin

An increasing number of nonviral materials of microbial origin has been reported to stimulate the production of interferon in cell cultures and (or) in animals. These materials include (a) gram-negative bacteria or the endotoxins prepared from their cell walls, (b) other microorganisms such as Rickettsiae, Bedsoniae, Protozoa, and (c) fungal products such as a mannan from Candida and various antibiotics which act as protein synthesis inhibitors, e.g., glutarimide antibiotics and tenuazonic acid. A summary is presented of the current state of knowledge about interferon production in animals by the most thoroughly studied nonviral substance of microbial origin, bacterial endotoxin. Further evidence is presented which clearly distinguishes the "endotoxin-type" of interferon response in animals from the response seen after the injection of virus. The data suggest that the release of preformed interferon from the tissues occurs in animals injected with endotoxin. On the other hand, interferon produced in response to the injection of virus is newly synthesized protein. While the exact chemical structure of the component of bacterial endotoxin responsible for interferon release has not yet been elucidated, it is clear that the lipid portion of the lipopolysaccharide, rather than the O-specific polysaccharide side chains or the core polysaccharide, is the active moiety

An industrial sewing machine variable speed controller

The apparel industry is attempting to move in a new direction in the coming decade. Since the invention of an electrically powered sewing machine, the operator has been seated. Today, companies are switching from a sit down operation to a stand up operation involving modular stations. The old treadle worked well with the sitting operator, but problems have been found when trying to use the same treadle with a standing operator. This report details a new design for a treadle to operate an industrial sewing machine that has a standing operator. Emphasis is placed on the ease of use by the operator, as well as the ergonomics involved. Procedures for testing the design are included along with possible uses for the treadle in other applications besides an industrial sewing machine

Hepatitis C and Injection Drug Use: Testing and Linkage to Care

Background: The recent outbreak of HIV infection in Indiana linked to injection drug use demonstrates the importance of timely HIV and Hepatitis C surveillance and rapid response to interrupt disease transmission. An estimated 2.7 – 3.9 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Of those, 50 – 70% are unaware of their infection. People who inject drugs account for more than half of new HCV cases. Within 5 years of beginning injection drug use, 50 – 80% of injection drug users (IDUs) become infected with HCV. Since 2007, HCV-related deaths have surpassed HIV-related deaths. CDC reported 19,368 death certificates listing HCV as a cause of death in 2013, adding that this figure represents a fraction of deaths attributable to HCV. Method: Imagine Hope, supported by a grant from a pharmaceutical company, initiated HCV rapid testing in April 2015. The Georgia-wide project includes 10 agencies serving substance-using populations, including 4 methadone clinics. The project offers free, routine HCV testing and linkage to care. Results: Over the first 12 months of testing, 3,226 clients received HCV antibody testing. Of those, 344 (10.7%) were HCV antibody positive (Ab+), with 186 completing confirmatory RNA testing. Confirmatory tests yielded 132 (71%) RNA positive cases; 56 (42.4%) of these were linked to care. Five clients have achieved sustained viral load suppression which is considered a cure for hepatitis C. Numerous others have begun direct acting antiviral regimens. Conclusion: HCV testing in substance abuse facilities is feasible. Among substance users, HCV prevalence is high and awareness of infection risk is low. Linkage to care is enhanced by the use of a navigator. RNA screening prior to the 1st medical appointment expedites linkage to care; RNA positive clients are more motivated to keep appointments and RNA negative clients do not clog an already burdened system of care for the uninsured