Lack of robust associations between prepandemic coping strategies and frontolimbic circuitry with depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A preregistered longitudinal study

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing stressor that has resulted in the exacerbation of mental health problems worldwide. However, longitudinal studies that identify preexisting behavioral and neurobiological factors associated with mental health outcomes during the pandemic are lacking. Here, we examined associations between prepandemic coping strategy engagement and frontolimbic circuitry with internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. In 85 adults (71.8% female; age 18-30 years), we assessed prototypically adaptive coping strategies (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity (FC) of frontolimbic circuitry, and depression and anxiety symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders-Adult, respectively). We conducted general linear models to test preregistered hypotheses that (1) lower coping engagement prepandemic and (2) weaker frontolimbic FC prepandemic would predict elevated symptoms during the pandemic; and (3) coping would interact with FC to predict symptoms during the pandemic. Depression and anxiety symptoms worsened during the pandemic (ps < .001). Prepandemic adaptive coping engagement and frontolimbic FC were not associated with depression or anxiety symptoms during the pandemic (uncorrected ps > .05). Coping interacted with insula-rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) FC (p = .003, pFDR = .014) and with insula-ventral ACC FC (p < .001, pFDR < .001) to predict depression symptoms, but these findings did not survive FDR correction after removal of outliers. Findings from our preregistered study suggest that specific prepandemic factors, particularly adaptive coping and frontolimbic circuitry, are not robustly associated with emotional responses to the pandemic. Additional studies that identify preexisting neurobehavioral factors implicated in mental health outcomes during global health crises are needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations between early-life stress exposure and internalizing symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic: Assessing the role of neurobehavioral mediators

Background

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a major stressor that has been associated with increased risk for psychiatric illness in the general population. Recent work has highlighted that experiences of early-life stress (ELS) may impact individuals' psychological functioning and vulnerability for developing internalizing psychopathology in response to pandemic-related stress. However, little is known about the neurobehavioral factors that may mediate the association between ELS exposure and COVID-related internalizing symptomatology. The current study sought to examine the mediating roles of pre-pandemic resting-state frontoamygdala connectivity and concurrent emotion regulation (ER) in the association between ELS and pandemic-related internalizing symptomatology.

Methods

Retrospective life-stress histories, concurrent self-reported ER strategies (i.e., reappraisal and suppression), concurrent self-reported internalizing symptomatology (i.e., depression- and anxiety-related symptomatology), and resting-state functional connectivity data from a sample of adults (N = 64, M age = 22.12, female = 68.75%) were utilized.

Results

There were no significant direct associations between ELS and COVID-related internalizing symptomatology. Neither frontoamygdala functional connectivity nor ER strategy use mediated an association between ELS and COVID-related internalizing symptomatology (ps > 0.05). Exploratory analyses identified a significant moderating effect of reappraisal use on the association between ELS and internalizing symptomatology (β = -0.818, p = 0.047), such that increased reappraisal use buffered the impact of ELS on psychopathology.

Conclusions

While frontoamygdala connectivity and ER do not appear to mediate the association between ELS and COVID-related internalizing symptomatology, our findings suggest that the use of reappraisal may buffer against the effect of ELS on mental health during the pandemic.

Risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome among older women receiving anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on Modern Cooperative Group Trials (Alliance A151511)

PURPOSE

We examined acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) events among 9679 women treated for breast cancer on four adjuvant Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology trials with >90 months of follow-up in order to better characterize the risk for AML/MDS in older patients receiving anthracyclines.

METHODS

We used multivariable Cox regression to examine factors associated with AML/MDS, adjusting for age (≥65 vs. <65 years; separately for ≥70 vs. <70 years), race/ethnicity, insurance, performance status, and anthracycline receipt. We also examined the effect of cyclophosphamide, the interaction of anthracycline and age, and outcomes for those developing AML/MDS.

RESULTS

On Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 40101, 49907, 9344, and 9741, 7290 received anthracyclines; 15% were in the age ≥65 and 7% were ≥70. Overall, 47 patients developed AML/MDS (30 AML [0.3%], 17 MDS [0.2%]); 83% of events occurred within 5 years of study registration. Among those age ≥65 and ≥70, 0.8 and 1.0% developed AML/MDS (vs. 0.4% for age <65), respectively. In adjusted analyses, older age and anthracycline receipt were significantly associated with AML/MDS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for age ≥65 [vs. <65] = 3.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-8.33; HR for anthracycline receipt [vs. no anthracycline] = 5.16, 95% CI 1.47-18.19). There was no interaction between age and anthracycline use. Deaths occurred in 70% of those developing AML/MDS.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increased risk for AML/MDS for older patients and those receiving anthracyclines, though these events were rare. Our results help inform discussions surrounding anticipated toxicities of adjuvant chemotherapy in older patients.

Simultaneous ground- and space-based observations of the plasmaspheric plume and reconnection

Magnetic reconnection is the primary process through which energy couples from the solar wind into Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. Conditions both in the incident solar wind and in the magnetosphere are important in determining the efficiency of this energy transfer. In particular, the cold, dense plasmaspheric plume can substantially impact the coupling in the dayside reconnection region. Using ground-based total electron content (TEC) maps and measurements from the THEMIS spacecraft, we investigated simultaneous ionosphere and magnetosphere observations of the plasmaspheric plume and its involvement in an unsteady magnetic reconnection process. The observations show the full circulation pattern of the plasmaspheric plume and validate the connection between signatures of variability in the dense plume and reconnection at the magnetopause as measured in situ and through TEC measurements in the ionosphere.

Viewpoint: physician, know thyself: the professional culture of medicine as a framework for teaching cultural competence

The need for physicians who are well equipped to treat patients of diverse social and cultural backgrounds is evident. To this end, cultural competence education programs in medical schools have proliferated. Although these programs differ in duration, setting, and content, their intentions are the same: to bolster knowledge, promote positive attitudes, and teach appropriate skills in cultural competence. However, to advance the current state of cultural competence curricula, a number of challenges have to be addressed. One challenge is overcoming learner resistance, a problem that is encountered when attempting to convey the importance of cultural competence to students who view it as a "soft science." There is also the challenge of avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes and labeling groups as "others" in the process of teaching cultural competence. An additional challenge is that few cultural competence curricula are specifically designed to foster an awareness of the student's own cultural background. The authors propose the professional culture of medicine as a framework to cultural competence education that may help mitigate these challenges. Rather than focusing on patients as the "other" group, this framework explores the customs, languages, and beliefs systems that are shared by physicians, thus defining medicine as a culture. Focusing on the physician's culture may help to broaden students' concept of culture and may sensitize them to the importance of cultural competence. The authors conclude with suggestions on how students can explore the professional culture of medicine through the exploration of films, role-playing, and the use of written narratives.

In vitro studies on the infection and replication of porcine circovirus type 2 in cells of the porcine immune system

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) nucleic acid and/or antigens are consistently observed in cells of monocytic morphology in lesions of pigs affected by post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). In this study, PCV2 antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of monocytes, pulmonary macrophages (PMs) and monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to the virus in vitro, by immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) and the phenotype of these cells confirmed by detection of monocytic cell surface markers using flow cytometry. Viral antigen was not observed in lymphocytic cells. Replication of the virus in PMs was investigated further by comparison to that observed in the continuous pig kidney cell line (PK15A) using quantitative virus titration, quantitative PCR and by the detection of double stranded DNA intermediates of viral replication by Southern blotting analyses. Although increases in viral DNA and levels of infectious virus progeny and the presence of replicative intermediates, indicative of viral replication, were observed in PK15A cells, no such changes were observed in PMs in spite of the fact that infectious virus, viral antigen and viral DNA persisted in the cells for at least the duration of the experiment. These results suggest that in vivo, monocytic cells may not represent the primary target for PCV2 replication.

Antibody-dependent killing of virus-infected targets by NK-like cells in bovine blood

Natural killer (NK) cell lysis of target cells by an Fc receptor-mediated mechanism has not been conclusively demonstrated in cattle (Campos and Rossi, Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 8, 351-362, 1985), although it is well recognized in other species (Sulica et al., Nat. Immun. 14, 123-133, 1995). To resolve this problem, bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were completely depleted of adherent monocyte/macrophage type cells. The resulting enriched population of lymphocytes, was totally devoid of adherent monocytes, but contained up to 2% NK-like cells. On their own, this population had very low background levels of cytotoxicity for virus-infected target cells in 51chromium release assays, but following the addition of virus-specific antibodies, high levels of lysis were observed. This enhanced level of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity demonstrated that bovine NK-like cells can mediate killing of targets by an Fc receptor-mediated mechanism as has been demonstrated for NK cells from other species.

Effect of parainfluenza-3 virus challenge on cell-mediated immune function in parainfluenza-3 vaccinated and non-vaccinated calves

A group of four conventional, colostrum-fed calves was vaccinated with live parainfluenza type 3 (PI-3) virus vaccine at 1 and 5 weeks of age. A group of four control calves was treated with cell culture medium at the same time. Two weeks after the second vaccination, both groups of calves were challenged with PI-3 virus by a combined respiratory route. Blood and nasal mucus samples were collected at intervals, and alveolar macrophages were recovered before and after challenge by bronchoalveolar lavage. The results demonstrated that clearance of virus, as indicated by presence of virus antigen was more rapid in previously vaccinated calves. Several alveolar macrophage functions were markedly reduced in all calves 5 to 7 days following virus challenge, although microbicidal activity was unaffected, compared to the controls. The production of neutrophil chemotactic factors by alveolar macrophages occurred more rapidly after virus challenge in the previously vaccinated calves and this correlated with a more rapid neutrophil influx into the lungs in these animals.

Detection of IgM responses to bovine respiratory syncytial virus by indirect ELISA following experimental infection and reinfection of calves: abolition of false positive and false negative results by pre-treatment of sera with protein-G agarose

The IgM responses in three panels of sera generated by infection and reinfection of calves with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were measured by indirect ELISA (I-ELISA). The effect of depleting serum IgG by pre-treatment with protein G agarose (PGA) was evaluated. Following primary infection a weak IgM response was detected in the untreated sera of 3 out of 4 calves with maternally derived antibody (MDA). Both the magnitude and duration of the specific IgM responses in these calves were increased by pre-treatment with PGA. In addition, the fourth infected calf tested gave a single positive IgM result following PGA treatment. Transient or persistent IgM responses which were abolished by pre-treatment of sera with PGA were detected in 4/8 calves following reinfection. These were considered to be false positive results, consistent with the influence of IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). One of these calves and two additional calves showed transient increases in IgM which were resistant to PGA treatment. These were considered to represent specific IgM responses to reinfection. The results indicate the ability of PGA treatment to eliminate both false positive and false negative results and emphasise the necessity for controlling the influence of IgM-RF in IgM-specific indirect ELISAs.

Cultural and spiritual meanings of childbirth. Orthodox Jewish and Mormon women

This descriptive, phenomenological study investigated the cultural and spiritual meanings of the childbirth experience from the personal perspectives of 30 Canadian Orthodox Jewish and 30 American Mormon women. Fewer Jewish women had childbirth education and attendance of their partners during childbirth than did Mormon women. Participants in the study, having codified belief systems, expressed the primary importance of bearing children in obedience to religious law. Birth was articulated as a bittersweet paradox, often accompanied by a sense of empowerment. Women described the importance of personal connectedness with others and with God, the importance of childbearing, and the spiritual and emotional dimensions of their childbirth experiences. Religious beliefs help women define the meaning of childbirth and may provide coping mechanisms for the intensity of giving birth. It is essential for holistic nurses to value and acknowledge the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the childbirth experience.

Evaluation of an immunofluorescent antibody test to detect bovine herpesvirus 1-specific IgM

An indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IIFAT) was developed to detect bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1)-specific IgM. All sera were treated with protein-G agarose prior to testing to eliminate the possibility of false-positive results due to IgM-isotype rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). Specific IgM was first detected 8 days after experimental infection of 3 calves free of maternally derived antibody, with peak responses occurring 2-7 days later. Seroconversion was detected in all 3 calves using a single-dilution enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Following reinfection at 30 days postinfection, a low-level IgM response was detected in only 1 calf. Seroconversion was detected in 2 calves. There was no evidence of activation of IgM-RF by infection or reinfection with BHV-1. When 87 acute and convalescent serum pairs collected from 21 outbreaks of respiratory disease were tested, specific IgM was detected in 58 animals (66.6%) from 19 (90.5%) outbreaks. Seroconversion was detected in 44 of these animals (50.6%) from 17 outbreaks (81.0%). The correlations between these 2 assays on a calf and outbreak basis were 79.3% and 90.5%, respectively. Specific IgM was detected in 17/20 sera (85.0%) collected from an additional outbreak. No virus was detected by virus isolation or immunofluorescent staining in nasal mucus samples collected at the same time. Detection of specific IgM by IIFAT is a useful technique for the serodiagnosis of BHV-1 infection.

A comparison of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for the detection of a new porcine circovirus in formalin-fixed tissues from pigs with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS)

Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a recently identified condition affecting pigs in North America and Europe. Porcine circovirus antigen and nucleic acid have been demonstrated associated with lesions, and a new porcine circovirus designated PCV2 has been recovered from tissues of these animals. In this study, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemical protocols were developed, optimized and compared for their relative sensitivity in detecting PCV2 antigens and nucleic acid in tissues from cases of PMWS that had been fixed for up to 6 months in formalin. For both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, an increase in specific signal was observed following increased exposure to both protease XIV and proteinase K. Maximum signal and minimal loss of tissue morphology was seen after 40 min treatment with protease XIV (0.5 mg/ml). After optimisation, a comparison of these techniques on sequential sections demonstrated that both techniques successfully detected antigen or nucleic acid in all of the tissues examined. More positive cells, with increased signal intensity, were detected following immunohistochemistry.

Experimental reproduction of severe wasting disease by co-infection of pigs with porcine circovirus and porcine parvovirus

Colostrum-deprived pigs were infected intranasally with a recent isolate of porcine circovirus (PCV2) and a porcine parvovirus (PPV), both from Canadian pigs with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Four pigs were inoculated with PCV2 alone, three with PPV alone, five with a combined PCV2/PPV inoculum, and two with a chloroform-treated combined PCV2/PPV inoculum. Pigs were killed 21-26 days after infection and tissue samples examined for gross and microscopical lesions and for the presence of viral antigens. No clinical signs, lesions or viral antigens were detected in two uninfected control pigs or in pigs inoculated with PPV alone. One pig inoculated with PCV2 alone became dull and thin. Mild to moderate histopathological lesions containing PCV2 antigen were detected in lymphoid tissues from the pigs inoculated with PCV2 alone. Pigs given the PCV2/PPV inoculum and the chloroform-treated PCV2/PPV inoculum became dull and two died. Jaundice and hepatomegaly were seen at post-mortem examination of most of the dually infected pigs. The latter showed large amounts of PCV2 antigen in numerous tissues; PPV antigen, which was less abundant, was detected in a few tissues, especially kidney. The lesions were similar to those seen in recently described field cases of porcine PMWS in North America and Europe.

Isotype- and subclass-specific responses to infection and reinfection with parainfluenza-3 virus: comparison of the diagnostic potential of ELISAs detecting seroconversion and specific IgM and IgA

Isotype- and subclass-specific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed to detect parainfluenza-3 virus-specific IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA responses. Sera were treated with protein G-agarose prior to testing for specific IgM and IgA to eliminate the possibility of false-positive results due to IgM-rheumatoid factor and to remove interisotypic competition due to specific IgG. IgM and IgA absorbance values were expressed as a percentage of the absorbance values of positive reference sera included on each plate (S/P%), and respective positive/negative threshold values of 15.0% and 28.0% were determined. The mean interval between experimental infection of 3 calves and initial detection of specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses was 8.0 and 9.3 days respectively, rising rapidly to an initial plateau 13.7 and 11.0 days postinfection (dpi). Reinfection of these calves at 30 dpi resulted in further rapid increases, with higher plateau values reached 13.0 (IgG1) and 13.7 (IgG2) days later. The mean interval between infection and the first positive IgM and IgA responses was 6.7 and 12.3 days, respectively. IgM S/P% values peaked at 13.0 dpi, with all 3 calves showing a secondary anamnestic response to reinfection, peaking 4.7 days later. The IgA response to initial infection was weak, with only 2 calves showing an obvious peak response at 15.0 dpi. A strong anamnestic IgA response to reinfection occurred in 2 calves, with a peak response 9.5 days later. Apparent biphasic and triphasic IgM and IgA responses were evident in some calves. Acute and convalescent serum samples from 80 calves involved in 17 outbreaks of respiratory disease were tested for specific IgM and IgA. Positive IgM results were detected in 15 outbreaks, with 71 sera from 44 calves testing positive. Although IgA-positive results were detected in the same 15 outbreaks, only 42 sera from 31 calves were positive. In a previous study, seroconversion was detected in 21 of these calves from 10 outbreaks. Thus the diagnostic potential of the assays was in the order IgM > IgA > seroconversion. The correlations between IgM and IgA, IgM and seroconversion, and IgA and seroconversion results for each calf were 73.8%, 58.8% and 62.5%, respectively.

Cytotoxic interactions between bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus and bovine alveolar macrophages

This paper describes an investigation of the cytotoxic activity of bovine alveolar macrophages for parainfluenza type 3 (PI-3) virus-infected target cells, using 51Cr release assays. Alveolar macrophages from uninfected calves were shown to be capable of killing PI-3 virus infected cells without the presence of antibody or complement (antibody-independent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). The level of killing was shown to vary from animal to animal with specific lysis values ranging from <5% to 70%. Presence of PI-3 virus antiserum was shown to inhibit, rather than enhance macrophage cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that bovine alveolar macrophages do not always exhibit antibody-dependent lysis in all cases. Following intranasal and intratracheal inoculation of calves with PI-3 virus, the level of cytotoxicity by macrophages lavaged from the lungs of the calves increased substantially, and by Day 5 post inoculation, levels of 95% to 98% specific lysis were recorded. After Day 5, the killing ability decreased rapidly to low levels. Cell-free lavage fluids, collected from PI-3 virus infected and control calves at various times throughout the experiment, were incubated with aliquots of an alveolar macrophage population from an uninfected donor calf, which initially showed a low level of killing, and were subsequently added to PI-3 virus infected target cells. The recorded levels of cytotoxicity, mirrored those which were seen with the initial macrophage effector cells from the infected and control animals, suggesting that macrophage cytotoxicity was largely controlled by extracellular factors.

Distribution of cytopathic and noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus antigens in tissues of calves following acute experimental infection

The distribution of cytopathic and noncytopathic biotypes of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in the tissues of colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived calves was investigated. Colostrum-fed (group A) and colostrum-deprived (group B) calves were experimentally infected with the BVDV isolate 80/1, which contains both BVDV biotypes. Colostrum-deprived calves were also experimentally infected with a noncytopathic BVDV (group C) or with a cytopathic BVDV (group D) cloned from the 80/1 isolate. All calves were sequentially euthanized, and a wide range of tissue samples were processed for immunofluorescent and virus isolation studies. In group A, consistent immunofluorescent staining for BVDV was detected in vascular smooth muscle of numerous blood vessels in the tissues examined, mainly at 11 and 13 days postinoculation. A predominance of samples containing cytopathic BVDV was observed in the calves of this group, following virus isolation studies. Both cytopathic and noncytopathic BVDV were detected/recovered from a larger range of specimens in the calves in group B than from the calves in group A. In the calves in all the experimental groups, large amounts of BVDV antigen were detected mainly in tissue samples from the lymphoid and gastrointestinal systems, whereas only minimal amounts of BVDV were detected in the respiratory tract. Abundant noncytopathic BVDV antigen was also detected in pituitary gland and in Langerhans islets in pancreases of colostrum-deprived calves infected with the cloned noncytopathic BVDV. Noncytopathic BVDV was isolated from a wider range of tissues from calves in group C than in the colostrum-deprived calves infected with both BVDV biotypes. A cytopathic BVDV was isolated/detected in retropharyngeal, mesenteric, and abomasal lymph nodes and in thymus of 2 calves in group C. Cytopathic BVDV was detected/isolated mainly from mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches of the calves in group D.

A comparative study on the use of virus and antibody detection techniques for the diagnosis of La Piedad Michoacan paramyxovirus (LPMV) infection in pigs

La Piedad Michoacan paramyxovirus (LPMV) is newly recognized paramyxovirus that has been associated with neurologic and reproductive disorders in pigs in Mexico. To date, no comparative study of methods for the diagnosis of infection with this virus has been published. In this study, we identified tissues containing maximum virus load to optimize virus isolation procedures, and we compared this method to a rapid diagnostic test employing immunostaining of impression smears for LPMV antigens. In addition, several of the available tests for detecting LPMV antibodies were compared for their sensitivity in detecting seroconversion. Pigs used for the study of virus load in tissues and serologic studies were inoculated at 17 days of age with 10(7.00) TCID50 of LPMV. Serial blood samples were collected from selected pigs, and selected pigs were necropsied over a 14-day period. Pigs used in the investigation comparing standard virus isolation techniques to immunostaining of impression smears were inoculated at 3 days of age as described above and necropsied over an 8-day period. The results demonstrate that in the 17-day-old pigs maximum virus titers were detected in olfactory bulb at 5 days postinoculation (PI) and in midbrain at 9 days PI. In addition, the most consistent recovery of high titer virus was from tonsil (3-9 days PI) and olfactory bulb (4-9 days PI). Immunostaining of impression smears was as sensitive as virus isolation when selected tissues (lung, midbrain, olfactory bulb) were compared, with virus detected by both methods in 11/13 samples and in 1 sample each by immunostaining and virus isolation, respectively. All of the serology tests investigated detected seroconversion in pigs by 8 days PI. The identification of target organs where highest virus titers are found combined with immunofluorescent methods for the detection of LPMV antigens and a comparative study of the available serologic tests should facilitate the selection of techniques suitable for any laboratory to diagnose LPMV infection in pigs.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection in bone marrow of experimentally infected calves

Colostrum-deprived calves were inoculated with either a field isolate of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) containing cytopathogenic (CP) and noncytopathogenic (NCP) biotypes or with only the NCP biotype. Paraffin wax-embedded sections of bone marrow from these calves, examined by means of an immunoperoxidase method, showed BVDV antigen in megakaryocytes and myeloid cells. Infection of such cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and neutropenia, as reported in cattle infected with BVDV.

A sequential study of experimental porcine paramyxovirus (LPMV) infection of pigs: immunostaining of cryostat sections and virus isolation

La Piedad Michoacan Paramyxovirus (LPMV) is a recently recognized paramyxovirus infecting pigs throughout Mexico. Disease syndromes observed in field cases associated with LPMV infection include neurologic, respiratory, and reproductive disorders. Clinical signs and the distribution of LPMV virus and antigen in tissue samples from pigs experimentally infected with LPMV by natural routes were studied. Severe neurologic disease and death occurred following experimental inoculation of 3- and 17-day-old pigs. All of the pigs inoculated at 3 days of age were either dead or moribund by 8 days after inoculation, whereas 30% of the pigs inoculated at 17 days of age were affected. Virus was consistently recovered from or demonstrated in tissues from the respiratory tract of both groups of pigs. LPMV and antigen were also demonstrated in central nervous system (CNS) tissues from these pigs; however, differences in virus distribution within the CNS were demonstrated in the 2 groups. In the pigs inoculated at 17 days of age, isolation of LPMV was restricted to the olfactory bulb and midbrain. In contrast, in the pigs inoculated at 3 days of age, isolation of LPMV was more widespread throughout the CNS tissue examined. Virus excretion studies indicated that nasal spread of LPMV was more important than fecal spread. Comparatively large quantities of infectious LPMV were consistently recovered from urine samples of experimentally infected pigs.

Use of the Cytobrush for Papanicolaou smear screens in pregnant women

A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to study the safety and efficacy of the Cytobrush for Papanicolaou smear screens in 252 pregnant women. Two groups-Ayre spatula plus Cytobrush and Ayre spatula plus cotton swab-were compared. There was a higher incidence of spotting with each of the three devices as compared with studies of nonpregnant women. The highest incidence of spotting at time of exam occurred with the Cytobrush; however, this spotting was not clinically significant. Eleven first-trimester women experienced a pregnancy loss; five of these losses were due to a hydatidiform mole or missed abortion that occurred before the exam. Six women (2%) aborted spontaneously compared with a 10% incidence reported in the literature. It was concluded that all three devices are safe for use in pregnancy. In addition, the most adequate screen for retrieval of squamous epithelial cells was found to be the Ayre spatula, while the Cytobrush proved most effective for retrieval of endocervical epithelial cells.

Effect of porcine circovirus infection on porcine alveolar macrophage function

The effect of porcine circovirus (PCV) infection of porcine alveolar macrophage cultures on some of the functional properties of these cells are reported. PCV infection of alveolar macrophages did not effect their ability to phagocytose and kill complement-coated yeast cells or the expression of Fc or complement receptors. A transient increase in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression in PCV-infected cells were observed 4 days after infection and a decrease in the number of cells expressing MHC class II antigens was observed 8 days after infection. Infection of alveolar macrophages with PCV also resulted in a transient decrease in their ability to act as accessory cells in mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation of monocyte-depleted porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Effect of BVD virus infection on alveolar macrophage functions

Alveolar macrophages (AM) were recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage from a group of eight calves at various times before and after inoculation with a cytopathic respiratory isolate of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). A second group of four calves were given tissue culture medium as a control inoculum. Macrophages were also recovered from two additional, uninoculated calves, and were exposed to BVDV in vitro. Tests were carried out on the recovered macrophages to determine the effects of the virus on several functional properties. Immunofluorescence did not indicate the AM as being readily susceptible to this isolate of BVDV, although infection did occur. Fc receptor (FcR) and complement receptor (C3R) expression, phagocytosis and microbicidal activity and the production of neutrophil chemotactic factors were all significantly reduced in macrophages recovered from BVDV infected calves, compared with pre-inoculation control levels, whereas the control inoculated calves displayed significant increases in some of the functions. With macrophages exposed to the virus in vitro however, only FcR and C3R expression and phagocytic activity were significantly reduced. The results demonstrate that BVDV can reduce local immune defences in the lung, following infection by the respiratory route, and in conjunction with the other immunosuppressive properties of BVDV would favour a pre-disposing role for the virus in the pathogenesis of respiratory disease in calves.

Primary cytotoxic response of bovine peripheral blood leukocytes to parainfluenza type 3 virus infection

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from calves following Parainfluenza Type-3 (PI-3) virus infection and incubated with autologous and non-autologous PI-3 virus-infected muscle cells in a 4 h chromium release assay. Peaks of cytotoxicity, which ranged from 12% to 53% were observed between Days 6 and 9 post infection, with an effector to target cell ratio of 100:1. Killing of PI-3 virus-infected or uninfected mismatched muscle cells was never more than 5%.

Infection of leucocyte cell cultures derived from different species with pig circovirus

Cultures of leucocyte cells were prepared from pig bone marrow, peripheral blood, lung washings, thymus and lymph nodes. Cell cultures were also prepared from peripheral blood from sheep, cattle and a human. Immunofluorescent (IF) staining of all these cultures, following inoculation with pig circovirus (PCV), detected virus replication in all the cell cultures derived from pigs and in the cell cultures derived from cattle. Virus replication in pig leucocyte cell cultures was confirmed by demonstrating the production of infectious virus. Double immunostaining of PCV infected cells using monoclonal antibodies specific for cell membrane markers indicated infection was confined to monocyte/macrophage cell types. No PCV antigen was detected in T or B cells in infected cell cultures.

A woman's health agenda

A "Woman's Health Agenda for Health Promotion and Health Protection throughout her Life Span" is proposed. The agenda is based on synthesis of recent literature, health policy documents, and a study of women's health care in nine countries in Europe and the Middle East partially supported by a World Health Organization fellowship. Analysis revealed no comprehensive guideline for women's health promotion and protection, although most of the elements can be identified. The role of the individual woman, society, and primary health care providers; strategies for implementation; barriers; and requirements for desired outcomes and anticipated benefits for the woman, her family, and society are presented.

Effects of two adenoviruses (type 1 and type 8) on functional properties of bovine alveolar macrophages in vitro

Cultures of bovine alveolar macrophages were inoculated with type-1 and type-8 adenoviruses, initially isolated from calves with respiratory tract disease, and functional properties of the cells were observed over a period of 10 to 11 days. Both viruses replicated in macrophages; viral titers were low (less than 3.75 log10 TCID50/0.1 ml), and intranuclear inclusions were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in 5 to 10% of the cells from 3 days after inoculation. Highest titers were induced by type-1 adenovirus, which also induced the greatest functional changes. Expression of Fc and complement receptors was reduced by both viruses, although the greatest effects were seen with type 1. Phagocytosis of Candida krusei cells was reduced following type 1 infection, whereas phagocytosis in type-8-infected cells was not different from that of noninfected macrophages. Ability to kill ingested Candida cells also was reduced following type-1 infection, whereas type-8-infected macrophages had lower killing ability only at 2 to 4 days after inoculation. Neither virus had substantial effects on the production of neutrophil chemotactic factors by the macrophages.

Cytotoxicity of bovine leucocytes for parainfluenza type-3 virus-infected cells

The cytotoxic effect of bovine neutrophils, alveolar macrophages, monocytes and lymphocytes for parainfluenza type-3 (PI-3) virus-infected cells in 51chromium-release assays is described. Specific lysis of virus-infected target cells with PI-3 virus antibody and complement was first observed 8 h after infection coincident with the appearance of haemadsorption-positive cells. Specific lysis increased rapidly reaching a peak 18-24 h after infection. This increase was paralleled by the increase in the percentage of cells with surface haemagglutinin. Target cells were subsequently used in 51chromium-release assays between 18 and 20 h after virus infection. Antibody-independent killing of PI-3 virus-infected cells was observed with neutrophils, alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes. Levels of specific lysis up to 30% for neutrophils and 68% for alveolar macrophages were observed, although there was considerable variation in activity from animal to animal. Lymphocyte preparations showed levels of cytotoxicity up to 20% in some cases while monocytes had low killing ability. Addition of PI-3 virus-specific antibodies enhanced killing by neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes but inhibited killing by alveolar macrophages. Complement, particularly guinea pig complement, was cytotoxic for virus-infected but not for uninfected cells, and also considerably enhanced the cytotoxic effect of neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Comparison between 1-hour and 24-hour follow-up radiographs in hysterosalpingography using oil based contrast media

A comparison was made between oil-contrast hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with 1-hour follow-up radiograph and the traditional 24-hour follow-up radiograph with respect to detection of tubal patency and pelvic adhesive disease. The results on either modality were assessed by subsequent laparoscopy. The 1-hour HSG was comparable to the 24-hour HSG in defining tubal patency. Even though it was inferior to the 24-hour HSG with respect to identifying pelvic adhesions, it may serve as an adequate substitute to the above since the sensitivity of the HSG in identifying adhesions is low and has little influence on the clinical decision process in the evaluation of infertility.

Adverse relationship between blood transfusions and survival after colectomy for colon cancer

Random-donor blood transfusions are deliberately given before cadaver renal allografting to improve allograft survival. Since host modifications that improve the outcome of an allograft might be associated with a decreased ability of the host to control cancer growth, the relationship between blood transfusions and the outcome of 146 Dukes' stages A, B, and C colon cancers treated by resection during the years 1974 to 1979 was studied. It was found that 65 patients (45%) had been transfused and that at 5 years, overall survival was significantly better in the nontransfused patients compared to the transfused patients (0.68 and 0.51 5-year product limit survival fractions respectively; P = 0.03 for unadjusted log-rank comparison of entire survival curves). Relative risk of death due to cancer in transfused patients versus nontransfused patients was 2.3 (P = 0.05) when controlled for sex, age, stage, histologic differentiation, cancer location, and pre-resection hemoglobin level using Cox regression analysis. Thus, blood transfusion appears to be an additional important prognostic variable. The hypothesis suggested but not proven by these data that the outcome for some malignancies may be related to the immunomodulating effects of blood transfusions needs further study.

Adverse relationship between blood transfusions and survival after colectomy for colon cancer

Random-donor blood transfusions are deliberately given before cadaver renal allografting to improve allograft survival. Since host modifications that improve the outcome of an allograft might be associated with a decreased ability of the host to control cancer growth, the relationship between blood transfusions and the outcome of 146 Dukes' stages A, B, and C colon cancers treated by resection during the years 1974 to 1979 was studied. It was found that 65 patients (45%) had been transfused and that at 5 years, overall survival was significantly better in the nontransfused patients compared to the transfused patients (0.68 and 0.51 5-year product limit survival fractions respectively; P = 0.03 for unadjusted log-rank comparison of entire survival curves). Relative risk of death due to cancer in transfused patients versus nontransfused patients was 2.3 (P = 0.05) when controlled for sex, age, stage, histologic differentiation, cancer location, and pre-resection hemoglobin level using Cox regression analysis. Thus, blood transfusion appears to be an additional important prognostic variable. The hypothesis suggested but not proven by these data that the outcome for some malignancies may be related to the immunomodulating effects of blood transfusions needs further study.

Blood transfusions and survival after surgery for breast cancer

Numerous reports have demonstrated that blood transfusions given prior to renal allografting have an immunomodulating effect that leads to increased graft survival. To determine if blood transfusions would adversely affect the outcome for patients with breast cancer, we examined 226 patients with invasive breast cancer who had a mastectomy and found 65 (29%) had received transfusions. The patients who had transfusions and those who did not were similar in age, clinical tumor-node-metastasis stage, and number of histologic nodal metastases. At a median follow-up of 52 months for surviving patients, 48 (21%) of the patients were dead. Log-rank and Cox regression analyses that compared patients who had transfusions v those who did not showed no excess of either overall deaths or deaths due to cancer in the group that received transfusions. The hypothesis that blood transfusions might have an adverse effect on survival was not supported by this study. Additional studies involving other groups of patients with malignant neoplasms and other blood donor populations are needed.

Western miners and silicosis: "The scourge of the underground toiler," 1890-1943

This paper examines the history of silicosis in the mines of the western United States between 1890 and 1943. After establishing the seriousness of the health threat posed by the disease, the author describes the methods of prevention known to be effective during that period, the slow pace at which mine operators adopted those methods, and their campaign to defeat silicosis-compensation legislation in one western state, Arizona. Also described is the surprisingly passive role played in this controversy by the Western Federation of Miners. Finally, the author finds some empirical evidence of the Kerr-Siegel hypothesis, namely, silicosis may have been a “mass grievance” that helps to explain the violent labor history of the mining West.

Regulatory considerations in the transportation of laboratory rodents

The transportation standards of the Animal Welfare Act do not cover rats and mice, however, commercial carriers apply them to all species. These regulations, which outline such areas as packaging standards, terminal conditions and temperature parameters, are an example of governmental regulatory overkill. Air cargo deregulation also has had a negative impact on transportation of animals. We in the research community must work affirmatively within the legislative and regulatory process rather than responding defensively to proposed regulations.

Granulopoiesis in chronic myeloproliferative disorders in children

Four children with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (three with Philadelphia [Ph1] chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia [CML] were studied with soft agar culture at diagnosis (before therapy) in an attempt to define abnormalities in granulopoiesis. The three patients with CML had elevated peripheral blood golony-forming cells (CFCs) and/or normal or decreased bone marrow CFCs (in those studied). Colony-stimulating activity (CSA) was markedly decreased or absent at diagnosis in all three. Maturation of myeloid cells eithin the colonies in agar was normal, indicating that no block in myeloid maturation was present. These findings are in general agreement with results previously reported in untreated adults with Ph1 chromosome-positive CML and further define the similarity with the adult form of the disease. One Ph1 chromosome-negative patient with a clinically similar chronic myeloproliferative disorder was studied and had similarly elevated peripheral blood CFCs. She had normal CSA with a similarly high WBC count. This finding was unexpected and suggests that, unlike the patients with CML, her monocytes were capable of elaboration CSA. This difference might prove helpful in the classification of this type of disorder in cases where the Ph1 chromosome abnormality is not present.