The threat of peste des petits ruminants: progress in vaccine development for disease control

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious animal disease caused by a virus in the genus Morbillivirus, family Paramyxoviridae. This infection is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in sheep and goats and in some small wild ruminant species. The huge number of small ruminants, which are reared in the endemic areas makes PPR a serious disease threatening the livelihood of poor farmers. Taking advantage of the closely relationship between rinderpest and PPR viruses, the attenuated rinderpest vaccine was used in the control of PPR. It is now replaced by the homologous attenuated PPR vaccine. Unfortunately, animals that have received this vaccine cannot be distinguished serologically from infected animals. With the advent of DNA recombinant technology, efforts are being made to develop effective PPR marker vaccines to enable such differentiation and which would allow countries to implement both vaccination and disease surveillance programmes at the same time.

Dual targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with sorafenib and bevacizumab: Clinical and translational results

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Background: VEGF is a major mediator of angiogenesis in malignancy. We targeted the VEGF pathway in series by combining the VEGFR2/Raf kinase inhibitor sorafenib (S) with bevacizumab (B), a selective anti-VEGF antibody. We hypothesized that this combination would suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth, with corresponding changes in correlative dynamic imaging. Methods: Eligible pts had non-curable solid tumors, ECOG performance status 0–1, good end organ function, and no prior exposure to S or B. We enrolled pts at S 200 mg po BID and B 5 mg/kg IV q2weeks (dose level [DL] 1) and escalated each drug sequentially. The MTD was DL1; 24 additional pts were enrolled at this dose and randomized to single agent S (Arm 1) or B (Arm 2) for one month, then S+B thereafter. Serum samples for cytokine analysis, dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and 18FDG- PET scans were performed at 0, 2, and 6 weeks. DCE-MRI and PET scans measured vascular permeability (Ktrans) and metabolic activity (standardized uptake values [SUV]), respectively. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate the differences between the paired imaging values at the test time points in an exploratory fashion. Results: 7/38 pts (6/14 ovarian ca pts and 1/3 renal cell ca pts) had partial responses (8+-20 mo; median 15). Grade 3–4 toxicities included hypertension (10), proteinuria (2, DLT), and thrombocytopenia (1, DLT). Common grade 2 toxicities were hand-foot syndrome (18), fatigue (13), infection (13), and hypertension (12). DCE-MRI Ktrans decreased with S+B compared to baseline (p<0.03, both arms); no significant change occurred with either S or B treatment alone or between arms. No significant changes in PET SUV measurements occurred with treatment. Correlation of dynamic imaging parameters with response was not possible due to the limited patient numbers. Serial cytokine analysis is presently being performed and will be included at the time of presentation. Conclusions: S+B is active in solid tumors with manageable toxicity. DCE-MRI shows a decrease in vascular permeability with S+B treatment. A larger trial is necessary to evaluate if DCE-MRI changes can be predictive of response and is ongoing now in ovarian cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Is arterial stiffening in Alström syndrome linked to the development of cardiomyopathy?

BACKGROUND

Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by retinal degeneration, childhood obesity, and severe insulin resistance. Dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown aetiology is a well-recognized and potentially lethal complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vascular function, hyperinsulinaemia and cardiac performance in AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen subjects with AS (mean age 21 years, range 10-35) were studied and compared with age-, sex-, and blood pressure-matched healthy controls. Large artery stiffness and wave reflections were assessed in both groups by measuring aortic and brachial pulse wave velocity (PWV) (carotid-femoral and carotid-radial) and augmentation index (AIX) (Sphygmocor). In AS subjects, left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography and metabolic parameters including fasting insulin, glucose, lipids and brain natriuretic peptide were also measured.

RESULTS

Comparing AS subjects vs. controls (mean +/- SD), AIX was elevated in AS subjects (18 +/- 9% vs. 3 +/- 11%, P < 0.0001). No significant changes in brachial PWV (8.1 +/- 1.3 m s(-1) vs. 7.3 +/- 1.1 m s(-1), P = 0.14) or aortic PWV (6.5 +/- 1.1 m s(-1) vs. 6.0 +/- 1.0 m s(-1), P = 0.26) were observed. AS subjects were hyperinsulinaemic and had disturbances in lipid profiles relative to controls. No correlations were observed between vascular, metabolic and echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

In AS there are alterations in the shape of the central arterial pressure waveform associated with augmented aortic systolic pressure and indicative of increased wave reflection. Unfavourable central arterial haemodynamics in AS may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy but other aetiological factors are probably involved.

Relationship between walking levels and perceptions of the local neighbourhood environment

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between frequency of walking trips, perceptions of the local environment and individual travel preferences in children.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

SETTING

Six primary schools in Birmingham, UK, range of socioeconomic classifications.

PARTICIPANTS

473 children aged 9-11 years (82% response rate), including 250 (52.9%) boys and 160 (33.8%) from ethnic minority populations.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was level of walking (high or low) based on self-reported walking frequency in the past week. Secondary outcome measures included child perceptions of seven aspects of the local environment and individual travel preference. All outcomes were measured through questionnaires administered at school in the presence of a researcher.

RESULTS

198 (41.9%) children were classified as high walkers and 275 (58.1%) as low walkers. After adjusting for confounding factors, high walkers were more likely to perceive heavy traffic surrounding their homes (odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 2.33), unsafe streets (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.80) and prefer healthier modes of travel (OR 1.67, 95% CI 2.56 to 1.08). High walkers were less likely to worry about strangers (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.02) and less likely to report no parks or sports grounds nearby (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.02). Children from ethnic minority groups walked significantly less than white children (mean number of walking trips 16.8 and 21.9, respectively, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Certain environmental perceptions are related to walking levels in children. Awareness of these may help in the development of future interventions, and also enable healthcare professionals to encourage walking by providing case-specific and appropriate advice.

Matrix protein and glycoproteins F and H of Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus function better as a homologous complex

The matrix (M) protein of paramyxoviruses forms an inner coat to the viral envelope and serves as a bridge between the surface glycoproteins (F and H) and the ribonucleoprotein core. Previously, a marker vaccine (RPV-PPRFH) was produced for the control of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) disease, where the F and H genes of Rinderpest virus (RPV) were replaced with the equivalent genes from Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV); however, this virus grew poorly in tissue culture. The poor growth of the RPV-PPRFH chimeric virus was thought to be due to non-homologous interaction of the surface glycoproteins with the internal components of the virus, in particular with the M protein. In contrast, replacement of the M gene of RPV with that from PPRV did not have an effect on the viability or replication efficiency of the recombinant virus. Therefore, in an effort to improve the growth of the RPV-PPRFH virus, a triple chimera (RPV-PPRMFH) was made, where the M, F and H genes of RPV were replaced with those from PPRV. As expected, the growth of the triple chimera was improved; it grew to a titre as high as that of the unmodified PPRV, although comparatively lower than that of the parental RPV virus. Goats infected with the triple chimera showed no adverse reaction and were protected from subsequent challenge with wild-type PPRV. The neutralizing-antibody titre on the day of challenge was approximately 17 times higher than that in the RPV-PPRFH group, indicating RPV-PPRMFH as a promising marker-vaccine candidate.

Increased efficacy and toxicity with combination anti-VEGF therapy using sorafenib and bevacizumab

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Background: The multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib (sor), targets raf-kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Bevacizumab (bev) is a monoclonal antibody against VEGF. We theorized that combining the two agents would have synergistic therapeutic effects. Methods: Eligible pts had advanced solid tumors, good end organ function, and PS ≤ 1. A phase I dose-escalation study (cohort 1) used sor 200 mg po BID, and bev 5 mg/kg q2 wks IV (dose level, DL1) or 10 mg/kg (DL2). After DLT was reached, DL4 was added to cohort 1 which tested sor 200 mg po BID on days 1–5 q wk with bev IV 5 mg/kg q 2 wks in an attempt to minimize toxicity. Cohort 2 is an expansion phase at MTD (DL1: sor 200 mg po BID daily with bev IV 5 mg/kg), randomized to start with single drug for 4 wks. Cohort 2 has extensive translational endpoints, including imaging. Results: 34 pts have enrolled, 16 in cohort 1 and 18 in cohort 2. Tumor types include ovarian cancer (13), melanoma (4), and renal cell carcinoma (3). The median age was 58 yrs (30–76); pts received a median of 6.5 (1–15) prior regimens. In cohort 1, 3/16 pts had PR (19%; duration 4, 5+, 12+ mos), all with ovarian cancer, and 11/16 had stable disease (SD; 69%; 3+ - 13+ mos). 10/13 assessable cohort 2 pts had SD (77%; 3+ - 6.5+ mos). The most common DL1 AEs Gr ≥ 2 were hypertension (HTN; 6/6) and hand-foot syndrome (4/6). Other Gr 3 AEs in DL1 were leukopenia and infection (2; 2). DLT was reached at DL2 when 2/6 patients developed Gr 3 proteinuria (4, 5 gm/24 hr) and 3/6 developed uncontrolled Gr 3 HTN. Dose reduction on daily sor (DL1 and DL2) occurred for 11/12 pts at a median of 2 cycles, but is delayed on the intermittent schedule (DL4). In all pts, common Gr 1–2 AEs were elevated AST/ALT (18), rhinorrhea (12), fatigue (10), and anorexia (4). 4 pts developed Gr 2–3 diarrhea and 4 Gr 2–3 nausea/vomiting. Gastrointestinal fistulae occurred in two pts with PR, occurring within 4 wk of initiation of therapy, both in areas of tumor regression. Serial PET and DCE-MRI results and proteomic signal pathway analysis will be reported. Conclusions: The combination of sorafenib and bevacizumab appeared to increase both clinical effect and toxicity at below recognized single agent doses. Sor 200 mg po BID d1–5 qwk and bev of 5 mg/kg q2 wks is suggested for further study, pending further dose escalation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II study of BAY 43–9006 (Sorafenib) in patients with relapsed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

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Background: Sorafenib is an inhibitor of multiple kinases including Raf-1 (C-Raf), b-Raf and pro-angiogenic tyrosine kinases (VEGFR-2/3 and PDGFR-β) and showed preclinical activity against NSCLC cell lines. Its anti-tumor activity may be attributable to inhibition of proliferative signaling through the RAS/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway and its anti-angiogenic effects. In NSCLC, the proliferation signaling of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is increased due to the increase in K-ras mutations. We initiated a single agent sorafenib trial in patients (pts) with relapsed NSCLC to assess clinical response and translational endpoints in tumor biopsies. Methods: This phase 2 trial uses a two-stage design targeting an objective response rate (RR) which can rule out 5% in favor of a more desirable 20% RR. Eligibility criteria: Pts with recurrent NSCLC with measurable disease who have received only one prior chemotherapy regimen, ECOG 0–1. Pts receive Sorafenib 400 mg bid continuously on 28-day cycle. Responses were evaluated every 8 weeks (wks) according to RECIST criteria. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and tumor biopsy are performed before cycle 1 and at C1D15 to study early changes in tumor vascularity and translational endpoints. Results: 6 pts are evaluable for toxicity and 5 pts are evaluable for response. Best Response: 1PR (41% tumor reduction at wk 8, remained in PR until wk 28), 1 PR (unconfirmed) at wk 3, 2SD (16 and 19 wks respectively) and 1PD after 8 wks of treatment. Skin toxicity: Acne like drug-related rash (5 pts), hand-foot syndrome (6 pts), keratoacanthoma (1pt) and vasculitis (1pt). All skin toxicities are G1 or G2 and have responded to temporary withdrawal of Sorafenib and supportive care. Hypertension occurred in 1 pt (G2). No G4 toxicities have been observed. G3 toxicities include: anemia (1 pt), hyponatremia (2 pts), and nausea (1 pt). DCE-MRI results: 1 pt on C1D15 showed decrease in permibility parameters (ktrans and kep) and tumor size. DCE-MRI from the other 2 pts (1 PD, 1 SD for 16 weeks) showed no decrease in the permeability parameters. Conclusions: Sorafenib appears to be well-tolerated and active against relapsed NSCLC. Preliminary evidence of objective response warranting second stage accrual.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Two sporadic cases of adult-onset progressive mucinous histiocytosis

Progressive mucinous histiocytosis is a rare, benign, non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis limited to the skin. Ten cases--all women--in four families and one sporadic case have been described in the literature. The disorder usually begins in childhood and progresses slowly. We report two sporadic cases of adult-onset progressive mucinous histiocytosis in unrelated African-American women, aged 48 and 55 years, respectively, who developed red-brown and flesh-coloured, asymptomatic papules on the face, the arms and the legs without truncal, mucosal or visceral involvement. The lesions showed no spontaneous regression. Both patients lacked associated systemic symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia or seizures. There was no underlying hyperlipidaemia, paraproteinaemia or lymphoproliferative disease. No family history of similar lesions could be identified. Light microscopy revealed dermal proliferation of spindle-shaped histiocytes with abundant mucin deposition. Electron microscopy demonstrated a high number of myelin figures or zebra bodies in the cytoplasm of histiocytes. On immunohistochemistry, positive staining with macrophage markers--CD68, HAM56 and lysozyme--and factor XIIIa, a transglutaminase present in dermal dendrocytes, and negative staining with Langerhans' cell markers--CD1a and S100--and CD34, a marker present in dermal dendritic cells derived from uncommitted mesenchymal cells, were observed.

Inhibition of host peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation ex vivo by Rinderpest virus

Rinderpest, or cattle plague, is caused by Rinderpest virus (RPV), which is related most closely to human Measles virus (MV), both being members of the genus Morbillivirus, a group of viruses known to have strong immunosuppressive effects in vitro and in vivo. Here, it was shown that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from cattle experimentally infected with either wild-type or vaccine strains of RPV impaired the proliferation of PBMCs derived from uninfected animals; however, in contrast to either mild or virulent strains of wild-type virus, the inhibition induced by the vaccine was both weak and transient. Flow-cytometric analysis of PBMCs obtained from cattle infected with different strains of RPV showed that the proportion of infected cells was virus dose-dependent and correlated with lymphoproliferative suppression.

'Rescue' of mini-genomic constructs and viruses by combinations of morbillivirus N, P and L proteins

Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT)-expressing negative-sense mini-genomic constructs of measles virus (MV) and rinderpest virus (RPV) were rescued by standard technology with helper plasmids expressing the nucleocapsid (N), phospho- (P) and large (L) proteins of MV, canine distemper virus (CDV) or RPV in order to determine whether the proteins of different viruses can function together. Homogeneous sets consisting of N, P and L plasmids derived from one virus were able to generate reporter gene expression from either mini-genomic construct. Heterogeneous sets of proteins from different viruses were not functional, with the exception that a low level of activity was obtained when MV N and P protein were combined with RPV L protein in the rescue of the MV mini-genomic construct, or CDV N was combined with RPV P and L in the rescue of the RPV mini-genome. However, only homogeneous sets of plasmids were able to rescue infectious virus from full-length anti-genome-expressing plasmids.

The Plowright vaccine strain of Rinderpest virus has attenuating mutations in most genes

The currently used vaccine strain of Rinderpest virus was derived by serial passage of the highly virulent Kabete ‘O’ strain (KO). A full-length cDNA copy of the KO strain was made from which a virus identical in pathogenicity to the wild-type virus was rescued. A series of chimeric viruses was prepared in which the coding sequences for the N, P, F, H or L proteins were replaced with the corresponding sequences from the vaccine strain. The KO-based virus with the vaccine strain H gene and that with the carboxy-terminal half of the L gene replaced with the corresponding sequence from the vaccine strain retained all or almost all of the virulence of the original KO virus. Animals infected with the KO-based virus containing the vaccine strain N, P or F gene, or the amino-terminal half of the L gene, developed high and prolonged pyrexia and leukopenia, but with reduced or absent lesions and other clinical signs; although partially attenuated, none was nearly as attenuated as the vaccine strain itself. These data indicate that the high attenuation and stability of the current vaccine are due to the accumulation of a number of separate mutations, none of which is itself so sufficiently debilitating that there is strong selective pressure in favour of the revertant.

Autoantibody testing in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To determine the role of autoantibody tests for autoimmune diseases in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Citation lists of included studies were scanned and relevant professional and patient websites reviewed. Laboratories and manufacturers were contacted to identify ongoing or unpublished research.

REVIEW METHODS

Following scoping searches on thyroid and coeliac autoantibodies, a systematic review of autoantibody tests for diagnosis of coeliac disease was carried out. Studies were included where cohorts of untreated patients with unknown disease status were included, all patients had undergone the reference test (biopsy) and antibody tests, and sensitivity and specificity were reported or calculable. Selected studies were then evaluated against a quality checklist. Summary statistics of diagnostic accuracy, i.e. sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios, were calculated for all studies. A decision analytic model was developed to evaluate the cost utility of screening for coeliac disease at diagnosis of diabetes.

RESULTS

All antibody tests for diagnosis of coeliac disease showed reasonably good diagnostic test accuracy. Studies reported variable measures of test accuracy, which may be due to aspects of study quality, differences in the tests and their execution in the laboratories, different populations and reference standards. The decision analytic model indicated screening for coeliac disease at diagnosis of diabetes was cost-effective. Sensitivity analyses exploring variations in the cost and disutility of gluten-free diet, the utilities attached to treated and untreated coeliac disease and the decrease in life expectancy associated with treated and untreated coeliac disease did substantially affect the cost-effectiveness of the screening strategies considered.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of test accuracy in testing for coeliac disease, immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-endomysium is the most accurate test. If an enzyme-linked immunoassay test was required, which may be more suitable for screening purposes as it can be semi-automated, testing for IgA tissue transglutaminase is likely to be most accurate. The decision analytic model shows that the most accurate tests combined with confirmatory biopsy are the most cost-effective, whilst combinations of tests add little or no further value. There is limited information regarding test accuracy in screening populations with diabetes, and there is some uncertainty over whether the test characteristics would remain the same. Further research is required regarding the role of screening in silent coeliac disease and regarding long-term outcomes and complications of untreated coeliac disease.

Development of a dual recombinant vaccine to protect small ruminants against peste-des-petits-ruminants virus and capripoxvirus infections

A recombinant capripoxvirus vaccine containing a cDNA of the peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion protein gene was constructed. A quick and efficient method was used to select a highly purified recombinant virus clone. A trial showed that a dose of this recombinant as low as 0.1 PFU protected goats against challenge with a virulent PPRV strain.

Development of new generation rinderpest vaccines

Veterinary science has benefited much from the advances in biotechnology during the past 20 years. New and improved diagnostic techniques for infectious diseases have been developed and new and highly effective vaccines to prevent such diseases have been introduced and more have been, or are about to be, field-tested. The latest development in negative strand virology, reverse genetics, the ability to rescue live virus from a DNA copy of the RNA genome, is being used to address questions concerning virus pathogenicity at the molecular level and to produce "marker" vaccines, i.e. vaccines that allow serological identification of all vaccinated animals. Such a vaccine would greatly benefit the continuing campaign for the global eradication of rinderpest since it would then be possible, by serological means, to detect wild type virus circulating in local areas or regions where it is still necessary to vaccinate and where the vaccination levels are below those required to eliminate the virus. Here we describe different approaches we have taken to produce such a vaccine using reverse genetics to add a marker to the existing and widely used Plowright rinderpest vaccine.

Goat immune response to capripox vaccine expressing the hemagglutinin protein of peste des petits ruminants

Sheep-pox and capripox are contagious diseases of domestic small ruminants for which the causal agent is a poxvirus classified into the Capripoxvirus genus. Viruses of this group have a host range specific to sheep, goats, cattle, and possibly buffalo. Thus, they are clearly indicated as vectors for the development of recombinant vaccines for peste des petits ruminants (PPR). Here we report the immune response of goats inoculated with a recombinant capripox-PPR hemagglutinin.

Induction of apoptotic cellular death in lymphatic tissues of cattle experimentally infected with different strains of rinderpest virus

The presence, type, and extent of cellular death in lymphatic tissues of cattle experimentally infected with rinderpest virus strains of different virulence was investigated morphologically. Cells with DNA strand breaks were identified in histological sections of palatine tonsil, spleen, and mesenteric and mandibular lymph nodes by the TUNEL (terminal desoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) assay. In addition, representative samples of lymphatic tissues were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that cellular disassembly in lymphatic tissues was caused by both apoptosis and oncosis. Cells with DNA strand breaks were observed in follicular and parafollicular areas of lymphatic tissues and their numbers were determined. A significant correlation was found between the number of TUNEL-positive cells and viral virulence. These results suggest that, in addition to oncosis, apoptotic cellular death in lymphatic tissues contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of rinderpest.

Rinderpest virus H protein: role in determining host range in rabbits

A major molecular determinant of virus host-range is thought to be the viral protein required for cell attachment. We used a recombinant strain of Rinderpest virus (RPV) to examine the role of this protein in determining the ability of RPV to replicate in rabbits. The recombinant was based on the RBOK vaccine strain, which is avirulent in rabbits, carrying the haemagglutinin (H) protein gene from the lapinized RPV (RPV-L) strain, which is pathogenic in rabbits. The recombinant virus (rRPV-lapH) was rescued from a cDNA of the RBOK strain in which the H gene was replaced with that from the RPV-L strain. The recombinant grew at a rate equivalent to the RPV-RBOK parental virus in B95a cells but at a lower rate than RPV-L. The H gene swap did not affect the ability of the RBOK virus to act as a vaccine to protect cattle against virulent RPV challenge. Rabbits inoculated with RPV-L became feverish, showed a decrease in body weight gain and leukopenia. High virus titres and histopathological lesions in the lymphoid tissues were also observed. Clinical signs of infection were never observed in rabbits inoculated with either RPV-RBOK or with rRPV-lapH; however, unlike RPV-RBOK, both RPV-L and rRPV-lapH induced a marked antibody response in rabbits. Therefore, the H protein plays an important role in allowing infection to occur in rabbits but other viral proteins are clearly required for full RPV pathogenicity to be manifest in this species.

Seasonal variation, hip fracture and vitamin D levels in Southern Tasmania

AIMS

To determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in older patients admitted with a hip fracture and to look for seasonal variation in vitamin D levels and hip fracture in Southern Tasmania.

METHODS

This was a case series of patients admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania with a hip fracture from July 1996-June 1997. Information was collected on demographic data, functional activity, associated medical disorders and drug history.

RESULTS

There were 91 patients, 66 female with a mean age of 81.3 years. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 1,25 hydroxyvitamin D level <28 nmol/L was present in 67% of subjects. Vitamin D levels were low throughout the year without significant seasonal variation. There was no seasonal variation in admissions with a hip fracture. The majority of patients (68%) either lived in institutional care or were dependent on a carer and 43% reported going outdoors less than once a week.

CONCLUSIONS

The high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in these subjects admitted with a hip fracture reflects reduced sunlight exposure and poor diet and is probably a marker of frailty. The absence of seasonal variation reflects a frailer population likely to be housebound, less mobile and more likely to have falls and sustain a fracture. Older and frailer people may benefit from routine screening for vitamin D deficiency, and replacement therapy should be considered for those found to be deficient.

Inhibition of in vitro leukocyte proliferation by morbilliviruses

Immune suppression associated with morbillivirus infections may influence the mortality rate by allowing secondary bacterial infections that are lethal to the host to flourish. Using an in vitro proliferation assay, we have shown that all members of the genus Morbillivirus inhibit the proliferation of a human B-lymphoblast cell line (BJAB). Proliferation of freshly isolated, stimulated bovine and caprine peripheral blood lymphocytes is also inhibited by UV-inactivated rinderpest (RPV) and peste-des-petits ruminants viruses. As for measles virus, coexpression of both the fusion and the hemagglutinin proteins of RPV is necessary and sufficient to induce immune suppression in vitro.

Long term immunity in African cattle vaccinated with a recombinant capripox-rinderpest virus vaccine

Cattle were vaccinated with a recombinant capripox-rinderpest vaccine designed to protect cattle from infection with either rinderpest virus (RPV) or lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). Vaccination did not induce any adverse clinical responses or show evidence of transmission of the vaccine virus to in-contact control animals. Approximately 50% of the cattle were solidly protected from challenge with a lethal dose of virulent RPV 2 years after vaccination while at 3 years approx. 30% were fully protected. In the case of LSDV, all of 4 vaccinated cattle challenged with virulent LSDV at 2 years were completely protected from clinical disease while 2 of 5 vaccinated cattle were completely protected at 3 years. The recombinant vaccine showed no loss of potency when stored lyophylized at 4 degrees C for up to 1 year. These results indicate that capripoxvirus is a suitable vector for the development of safe, effective and stable recombinant vaccines for cattle.

Assembly and use of a broadly applicable neural cDNA microarray

cDNA microarrays provide an efficient method to analyze gene expression patterns in thousands of genes in parallel. In some cases, large unfocused collections of cDNAs have been used in hybridization studies, in others small logically defined collections of tissue specific arrays have been used. Here we describe the bioinformatic selection of 1152 named human cDNAs specifically designed for neuroscience applications, arrayed on nylon membranes at high density. cDNAs were chosen which represent all the major cellular types of the brain including; neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Gene families chosen include cell type specific markers, ion-channels, transporters, receptors, and cell adhesion molecules among many others. These arrays were used with region specific samples from human brain to determine MRNA expression profiles for each region. Used with 33p labeled complex probes, this is a low cost, highly sensitive approach for tbc investigator to focus on tissue specific genes of interest where samples of limiting amounts of RNA are used. This selected set of brain-relevant cDNAs should be widely useful in the analysis of gene expression patterns from brain tissues as well as neural cell lines.