The influence of cultural food security on cultural identity and well-being: a qualitative comparison between second-generation American and international students in the United States

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of cultural food insecurity on identity and well-being in second-generation American and international university students. Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-April 2020. Audio transcripts were analyzed using continuous and abductive thematic analysis. Students indicated that cultural foodways enhanced their well-being by facilitating their cultural/ethnic identity maintenance, connection, and expression. Conversely, cultural food insecurity diminished student well-being due to reduced cultural anchors, highlighting the importance of cultural food in this population. Universities that reduce cultural foodways barriers may mitigate cultural food insecurity for second-generation American and international university students. (100/100).

State Preemption: An Emerging Threat to Local Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation

We sought to examine the strategies promoting and countering state preemption of local sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes in the United States. Using Crosbie and Schmidt's tobacco preemption framework, we analyzed key tactics used by the SSB industry to achieve state preemption of local taxes identified in news sources, industry Web sites, government reports, and public documents.Starting in 2017, 4 states rejected and 4 passed laws preempting local SSB taxes. The beverage industry attempted to secure state preemption through front groups and trade associations, lobbying key policymakers, inserting preemptive language into other legislation, and issuing legal threats and challenges. The public health community's response is in the early stages of engaging in media advocacy, educating policymakers, mobilizing national collaboration, and expanding legal networks.State preemption of local SSB taxes is in the early stages but will likely scale up as local tax proposals increase. The public health community has a substantial role in proactively working to prevent preemption concurrent with health policy activity and using additional strategies successfully used in tobacco control to stop preemption diffusion.

Biosignature detection at an Arctic analog to Europa

The compelling evidence for an ocean beneath the ice shell of Europa makes it a high priority for astrobiological investigations. Future missions to the icy surface of this moon will query the plausibly sulfur-rich materials for potential indications of the presence of life carried to the surface by mobile ice or partial melt. However, the potential for generation and preservation of biosignatures under cold, sulfur-rich conditions has not previously been investigated, as there have not been suitable environments on Earth to study. Here, we describe the characterization of a range of biosignatures within potentially analogous sulfur deposits from the surface of an Arctic glacier at Borup Fiord Pass to evaluate whether evidence for microbial activities is produced and preserved within these deposits. Optical and electron microscopy revealed microorganisms and extracellular materials. Elemental sulfur (S⁰), the dominant mineralogy within field samples, is present as rhombic and needle-shaped mineral grains and spherical mineral aggregates, commonly observed in association with extracellular polymeric substances. Orthorhombic α-sulfur represents the stable form of S⁰, whereas the monoclinic (needle-shaped) γ-sulfur form rosickyite is metastable and has previously been associated with sulfide-oxidizing microbial communities. Scanning transmission electron microscopy showed mineral deposition on cellular and extracellular materials in the form of submicron-sized, needle-shaped crystals. X-ray diffraction measurements supply supporting evidence for the presence of a minor component of rosickyite. Infrared spectroscopy revealed parts-per-million level organics in the Borup sulfur deposits and organic functional groups diagnostic of biomolecules such as proteins and fatty acids. Organic components are below the detection limit for Raman spectra, which were dominated by sulfur peaks. These combined investigations indicate that sulfur mineral deposits may contain identifiable biosignatures that can be stabilized and preserved under low-temperature conditions. Borup Fiord Pass represents a useful testing ground for instruments and techniques relevant to future astrobiological exploration at Europa.

Assessment of the activity of a novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ analogue at recombinant human nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin receptor (NOP). In an attempt to identify high potency NOP agonists for use in the brain we have compared the activity of a novel N/OFQ analogue [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-O)Gly(2)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) ([F/G-O]) with the existing [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) ([F/G]). Both peptides are modified between the first two N-terminal amino acids and are further compared with the agonist template N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) in [(3)H]N/OFQ binding, GTPgamma[(35)S] binding and cAMP inhibition studies using Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the recombinant human NOP. All peptides displaced [(3)H]N/OFQ, stimulated GTPgamma[(35)S] binding and inhibited cAMP formation. In [(3)H]N/OFQ binding and GTPgamma[(35)S] binding the rank order affinity and potency was N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2)>[F/G-O]>[F/G]. In GTPgamma[(35)S] binding [F/G] was a clear partial agonist with intrinsic activity (E(max) stimulation factor, mean+/-SEM, n=4) of 7.75+/-1.02 compared with N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) of 11.13+/-1.76. The efficacy of [F/G-O] (10.17+/-1.88) approached that of the full agonist N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2). Downstream, at the level of cAMP formation, all peptides were full agonists with the following rank order potency: N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2)>[F/G-O]=[F/G]. The enhanced potency and intrinsic activity of the novel [F/G-O] modification makes this an interesting peptide for further in vivo analysis.

Thymocyte-targeted overexpression of xiap transgene disrupts T lymphoid apoptosis and maturation

The X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and other members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family can suppress apoptosis induced by a diverse variety of triggers. Functional studies done to date have focused on tissue culture models and adenovirus overexpression of XIAP and other IAP proteins. Here we report the phenotype of an engineered transgenic mouse overexpressing a human IAP, as well as assessing the long-term consequence of IAP overexpression. We document the relative protein expression levels of the endogenous mouse homologue to XIAP, mouse inhibitor of apoptosis (MIAP 3), within thymocyte and T cell subpopulations. The consequence of lymphoid-targeted overexpression of XIAP in transgenic mice suggests a physiological role for the endogenous protein, MIAP3. Xiap-transgenic mice accumulated thymocytes and/or T cells in primary and secondary lymphoid tissue, T cell maturation was perturbed, and transgenic thymocytes resisted a variety of apoptotic triggers both in vitro and in vivo. These observations imply a possible key function for the intrinsic cellular inhibitor XIAP in maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system.

Sorting of glycoprotein B from human cytomegalovirus to protein storage vesicles in seeds of transgenic tobacco

As part of ongoing studies into the use of plant expression systems for making human therapeutic proteins, we have successfully expressed the major glycoprotein, gB, of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in transgenic tobacco plants. Viral glycoprotein was detectable in the protein extracts of mature tobacco seeds using neutralizing and non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies specific for gB. Although several mammalian proteins have been expressed in tobacco, localization of these proteins in transgenic tobacco tissue has not been extensively examined. The objective of this study was to identify the site(s) of recombinant gB deposition in mature tobacco seeds. Using immunogold labelling and electron microscopy, we found specific labelling for gB in the endosperm of transgenic seeds, with gB localized almost exclusively in protein storage vesicles (PSV). This occurred in seeds that were freshly harvested and in seeds that had been stored for several months. These data indicate that gB behaves like a plant storage protein when expressed in tobacco seeds, and provide further support for the suitability of plants for producing recombinant proteins of potential clinical relevance.

Evaluation of a neonatal rat model for prediction of mumps virus neurovirulence in humans

Neurovirulence of several mumps virus strains was assessed in a prototype rat neurovirulence test and compared to results obtained in the monkey neurovirulence test. The relative human neurovirulence of these strains was proportional to the severity of hydrocephalus in rats but not to lesion scores in the monkeys.

Iatrogenic spondylolysis leading to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and unstable spondylolisthesis: a case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case report of iatrogenic spondylolysis as a complication of microdiscectomy leading to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and unstable spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE

To improve understanding of this condition by presenting a case history and roentgenographic findings of a patient that differ from those already reported and to propose an effective method of surgical management.

METHODS

A 67-year-old woman with no history of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis underwent an L4-L5 microdiscectomy for a left herniated nucleus pulposus 1 year before the current consultation. For the preceding 8 months, she had been experiencing low back and bilateral leg pain. Imaging studies revealed a left L4 spondylolytic defect and a right L4 pedicular stress fracture with an unstable Grade I spondylolisthesis.

RESULTS

The patient was treated with posterior spinal fusion, which resulted in complete resolution of her clinical and neurologic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Iatrogenic spondylolysis after microdiscectomy is an uncommon entity. However, it can lead to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and spondylolisthesis, and thus can be a source of persistent back pain after disc surgery. Surgeons caring for these patients should be aware of this potential complication.

Biological characteristics of genetic variants of Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine virus

The Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine is composed of a mixture of variants distinguishable by a difference at nucleotide (nt) 1081 of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene (Brown, E.G., Dimock, K., Wright, K.E., 1996. The Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine is a mixture of viruses differing at amino acid (aa) 335 of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene with one form associated with disease. J. Infect. Dis. 174, 619-622.). Further genetic and biological variation was detected in plaque purified viruses from the Urabe AM9 vaccine by examining the HN gene sequence, plaque morphology, cytopathic effects and growth in Vero cells, and temperature sensitivity (ts). Infection of Vero cells with plaque purified viruses with a G at nt 1081 of the HN gene produced large, clear plaques, caused significant CPE early after infection but yielded lower titres of virus than other purified viruses. None of these viruses were ts. In contrast, half of the plaque purified viruses with an A at nt 1081 were sensitive to a temperature of 39.5 degrees C. These viruses produced small plaques, caused significant CPE and grew to low titres. Two ts viruses possessed a unique aa substitution at aa 468 of HN. The remaining A(1081) viruses were not ts, produced large plaques but little CPE, and grew to titres 10-fold higher than the G(1081) viruses. Isolates of Urabe AM9 associated with post-vaccination illness were similar to these non-ts A(1081) viruses, but could be further sub-divided into two groups on the basis of a difference at aa 464 of HN. The post-vaccination isolates may represent insufficiently attenuated components of the vaccine, while the G(1081) and ts subset of A(1081) viruses may be more fully attenuated.

Viscosupplementation for osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation therapy can restore the elastic and viscous properties of synovial fluid and thus recreate the intra-articular joint homeostasis that is disrupted in the degenerative joint. Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) products have been developed and used for viscosupplementation therapy in osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation treatments using these products are well tolerated. Because viscosupplementation therapy is based on the concept of replenishing a normal physiological component of synovial fluid and cartilaginous tissue, exogenous administration of hyaluronic acid has the potential to have few side effects or local or systemic reactions. Viscosupplementation represents an alternative treatment for patients with osteoarthritis in which oral medications and/or surgery are not options or are ineffective.

The mumps virus neurovirulence safety test in Rhesus monkeys: a comparison of mumps virus strains

Wild type mumps viruses are highly neurotropic and a frequent cause of aseptic meningitis in unvaccinated humans. To test whether attenuated mumps viruses used in the manufacture of mumps vaccines have neurovirulent properties, a monkey neurovirulence safety test (MNVT) is performed. However, results with several mumps virus MNVTs have raised questions as to whether the test can reliably discriminate neurovirulent from nonneurovirulent mumps virus strains. Here, various mumps virus strains representing a wide range of neuropathogenicity were tested in a standardized MNVT. A trend of higher neurovirulence scores was observed in monkeys inoculated with wild type mumps virus versus vaccine strains, although differences were not statistically significant. Results indicated the need for further examination and refinement of the MNVT or for development of alternative MNVTs.

Genetic studies on a mumps vaccine strain associated with meningitis

Vaccination with mumps measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine containing the live attenuated mumps strain, Urabe AM9, is associated with an increased incidence of meningitis. The isolation of mumps virus from CSF and subsequent identification as Urabe AM9-like by sequence analysis confirmed the causative role of Urabe AM9 vaccine in meningitis. To assess the role of genetic reversion in vaccine failure, sequence comparisons were made between several genes of Urabe AM9 vaccine and post-vaccination meningitis mumps isolates. An amino acid substitution in the Urabe AM9 HN gene Lys335Glu was not detected in the post-vaccination meningitis isolates suggesting that reversion to wild type sequence was associated with vaccine failure. However, further analysis showed that the vaccine was a mixture of viruses that differed at aa 335 of HN, possessing either the wild type Lys335 or the mutant Glu335, whereas the clinical isolates were homogeneous and possessed the wild type Lys335. Passage of the Urabe AM9 vaccine preparations in Vero cells resulted in the amplification of the Glu335 virus, however the post-vaccination meningitis isolates (Lys335) grew better in Vero cells than Urabe AM9 vaccine. A virus isolate, similar to the post-vaccination isolates was obtained from the vaccine suggesting that the strain responsible for vaccine failure was a pre-existing component of the vaccine and was not necessarily the result of reversion. The Urabe AM9 vaccine is a heterogeneous mixture of genotypes that differ in virulence with the HN Glu335 viruses being attenuated and at least a subset of the HN Lys335 viruses that are associated with disease. The Glu335 mutation may be among a class of attenuating mutations identified in several neurotropic viruses that involve charged amino acids in neutralising epitopes of receptor binding proteins. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An assessment of learning styles among undergraduate athletic training students

OBJECTIVE

Increased attention has been directed toward assessing and improving academic quality in athletic training education. The educational process has been assessed from a global level, but little is known about how athletic training students learn. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the learning styles of undergraduate athletic training students.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Undergraduate students enrolled in a Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited athletic training education program completed a learning styles inventory during a regularly scheduled athletic training class at the start of the spring semester.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-seven student athletic trainers (age range, 19-30 yrs, mean age = 20.5 yrs) served as subjects. Sixteen subjects (7 male, 9 female) were in the first year of this 3-year program. Eleven subjects (7 male, 4 female) were second-year students.

MEASUREMENTS

Learning style was assessed using the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey.

RESULTS

Parametric and nonparametric one-way analyses of variance for each learning subscale by sex and by year in program revealed significant differences (P < .05) in light preferences for male and female students. There were also significant differences (P < .05) between first-and second-year students in preferences for afternoon learning activities.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that undergraduate athletic training students function best as leamers in a well-lit leaming environment. The significance of aftemoon as the preferred time for learning reinforces the importance of the clinical setting in the introduction and mastery of skills. Athletic training educators and clinical instructors can use these results as they examine their teaching strategies and educational environments.

Specificity analysis of murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with Tn, sialylated Tn, T, and monosialylated (2-->6) T antigens

T, Tn, and sialyated Tn (sTn) are pancarcinoma antigens, and increased expression of these carbohydrate epitopes has been correlated with a poor prognosis in several epithelial malignancies. Ten murine monoclonal antibodies have been generated to these antigens, and compared by ELISA and immunohistochemistry to established mAbs reactive with these antigens. Nine mAbs (3 IgM and 6 IgG) reactive with synthetic T-human serum albumin (T-HSA) were produced after immunizing BALB/c mice with a synthetic T-keyhole limpet hemocyanin glycoconjugate (T-KLH). An additional IgM mAb (145.22) was produced in mice immunized with erythrocytes isolated from a patient with Tn syndrome. Three IgM and six IgG1 mAbs reactive with T-HSA did not react with natural T antigen present on desialyated glycophorin. All three IgM and several IgG1 mAbs, however, did react with LS-174T, a mucinous colon carcinoma cell line, 647V, a human bladder carcinoma cell line, and TA3Ha, a murine mammary carcinoma cell line as well as fresh frozen colon carcinomas. MAb 145.22 reacted with both natural and synthetic sources of sTn and Tn, as well as with LS-174T cells and mucin deposits in 10/11 colon carcinomas on fresh-frozen sections. MAb B72.3 reacted strongly with ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM) and sTn-HSA, while mAb CC49, a second-generation mAb to TAG-72 carcinoma mucin, reacted strongly with OSM, less strongly with desialyated OSM, and only weakly with sTn-HSA, suggesting that the epitope specificity for mAb CC49 is distinct from that of B72.3.

Mutations in the hemagglutinin and matrix genes of a virulent influenza virus variant, A/FM/1/47-MA, control different stages in pathogenesis

The mouse adapted strain of influenza A/FM/1/47 virus, FM-MA, has increased virulence due to mutations in HA, M1 and at least one other, unmapped, genome segment. Genetic reassortants that differ due to the HA or M1 mutations were used to define the role of these mutations in pathogenesis. Pathological changes in lungs of infected mice were assessed by hematoxylin phloxine saffron (HPS) staining, and viral infection was measured by fluorescent antibody staining of thin sections and flow cytometry of lung parenchymal cells. HA played a role in bronchiolar pathology by increasing necrosis of bronchiolar epithelium, peribronchiolar lymphocytes, and airway obstruction. The HA mutation was shown to be responsible for a 0.2 unit decreased in the pH optimum of fusion and controlled resistance to alpha and beta inhibitors of hemagglutination. Both these changes in biology may confer a replicative advantage in bronchioles seen in the first day of infection. Thus the HA mutation may have conferred a survival advantage in the extracellular lung environment. The M1 mutation resulted in improved growth in the lung and cultured cells and was associated with increases in recruitment of macrophages, spread of infection into the alveoli of the lung and interstitial pneumonia. Sequence analysis indicated that the unmapped mutation in the control of FM-MA virulence is either the K482-->R substitution in the PB2 protein or the D538-->G substitution in the PB1 protein. One or other of these mutations results in a growth advantage in infected lung but not in cultured cells as well as a further increased recruitment and infection of macrophages in the lung. Infection with virulent strains of influenza that induced increases in macrophage recruitment caused hypothermia in the mouse.

The Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine is a mixture of viruses differing at amino acid 335 of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene with one form associated with disease

The reason for the high incidence of vaccine-associated meningitis due to the Urabe AM9 vaccine was assessed by comparing the nucleotide (nt) sequence of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene from vaccine virus to those of viruses isolated from persons with postvaccination meningitis. A G1081--> A nt substitution that was predicted to result in a Glu335--> Lys reversion in the HN protein was detected between Urabe AM9 (G) and postvaccine meningitis mumps virus isolates (A). Further analysis showed that the Urabe AM9 vaccine was a mixture of viruses with wild type (A) and variant (G) nt at position 1081. Urabe AM9 vaccinees who developed meningitis or parotitis possessed predominantly A (98%-100%) at nt 1081, indicating strong selection of the wild type (A) form relative to the variant (G) form. Mumps virus homogeneous for the variant Glu335 form of the HN gene may be safer than the original Urabe AM9 vaccine.

Effect of incremental time experience on the results of in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

PURPOSE

Our objective was to determine the effect of experience on the results with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

METHODS

The quarterly outcome with both ICSI and traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1994 was analyzed in 475 patients under age 40 undergoing 595 oocyte retrievals. The data represent 307 patients undergoing 379 retrievals for IVF and 165 patients undergoing 216 retrievals for ICSI.

RESULTS

Fertilization rates with ICSI improved significantly each quarter (52.96, 62.17, 70.17, and 74.87% in Q-I, Q-II, Q-III, and Q-IV, respectively), while the rate with IVF improved significantly between Q-I (69.9%) and Q-II (80.10%) and slightly but significantly between Q-II and Q-IV (82.88%). The implantation rate per embryo after ICSI improved significantly after Q-I (6.17%) compared to Q-II (10.70%) and Q-IV (12.14%). The pregnancy rate per transfer with ICSI increased steadily after Q-I (13.79, 21.88, 23.53, and 25.00% in Q-I through Q-IV), reaching statistical significance between Q-I and Q-III and between Q-I and Q-IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Although acceptable results can be obtained with ICSI after a relatively short period of time, optimum results require substantial experience.

Stimulation of megakaryocytopoiesis in mice by human modified C-reactive protein (mCRP)

The prototypic human acute phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP), and a structurally modified form of CRP (mCRP) were studied as agents which could stimulate thrombopoiesis in both in vitro and in vivo mouse models. mCRP, but not the widely studied (native) pentameric form of CRP, demonstrated significant megakaryocyte colony-stimulating activity. This activity was measured in plasma clot cultures incubated with pokeweed mitogen-stimulated spleen cell conditioned medium (PWM-SCM). mCRP increased the number of mouse megakaryocyte colonies in a dose-dependent manner. While significantly more colonies were observed in mCRP-treated cultures compared to controls, the kinetics of megakaryocyte growth and maturation were similar to those measured in cultures stimulated with PWM-SCM lacking mCRP. A low level of megakaryocyte growth-promoting activity was noted when mCRP was added to plasma clot cultures not incubated with spleen cell conditioned medium. However, the most striking activity of mCRP was in potentiating stimulated megakaryocyte colony formation (i.e., as a Meg-POT factor). In in vivo experiments, mCRP injected subcutaneously into normal mice resulted in significant increases in blood platelet numbers compared to control mice receiving sham injections. These results suggest that a modified form of CRP has thrombopoietic activity in both in vitro and in vivo mouse models, Therefore, one important biological role for CRP during an acute-phase response might be to contribute, after a structural modification, to the hematopoietic regulation of blood platelets.

Use of computer-based instruction in athletic training education

Computer-based instruction is being widely used in the education programs of many allied health professions. However, there has been little, if any, documentation of computer-based instruction use in athletic training education. The primary purpose of this study was to determine what percentage of undergraduate and graduate NATA-approved athletic training education programs are using some form of computer-based instruction (ie, computer-assisted instruction or interactive video). We also addressed the following research questions: 1) What athletic training educational software is currently being used by athletic training students and educators? 2) What factors currently impede the use of computer-based instruction in athletic training education? 3) What instructional methods are commonly used to incorporate computer-based instruction into the athletic training curricula? and 4) What are the attitudes of athletic training program directors toward the use of computer-based instruction in athletic training education? Surveys were mailed to the program directors (n = 97) of all graduate and undergraduate NATA-approved athletic training education programs. Eighty-six (87.7%) usable surveys were returned. Forty-eight (55.8%) of the respondents reported using some form of computer-based instruction in their athletic training education program; 47 (54.7%) used computer-assisted instruction and 9 (10.6%) used interactive video. Respondents also identified the educational software they use and their method for implementing this software. Software was used most often to supplement traditional instructional methods. A lack of funds was reported to be the primary impeding factor for those programs not using computer-based instruction. Respondents reported an overall positive attitude toward computer-based instruction use in athletic training education and indicated the need for increased development of athletic training/sports medicine software.

Persistent infection of mice with Pichinde virus associated with failure to thrive

Intracranial inoculation of neonatal mice of certain inbred strains with Pichinde virus has been found to be fatal, but Balb/c neonates survive such infection. Survival of Balb/c mice after neonatal inoculation was not linked to the major histocompatability complex. Virus was gradually cleared in surviving Balb/c mice but could be detected in the brain and kidneys for up to 9 months after infection. These animals were not immunologically tolerant but exhibited high antibody titers to viral antigens. MHC restricted cytotoxic T cell activity was also demonstrable in persistently infected mice following challenge with high titered virus. Pathological changes consistent with glomerulonephritis were observed in the kidneys and surviving mice were runted compared to normals. This model differs from the widely studied persistent infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and provides a unique model for the study of the genetics of resistance to viral infection, mechanisms of persistence and pathological processes in chronic viral infections.

Typing and subtyping of influenza viruses in clinical samples by PCR

Type A and B influenza viruses can cause a wide spectrum of illness, and these viruses are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity. Rapid typing of isolates is desirable when amantadine treatment or prophylaxis of contacts of type A influenza virus carriers is considered, but the available rapid techniques lack sensitivity and standard diagnostic methods require expansion of virus in tissue culture or embryonated hens' eggs. We developed a series of oligonucleotide primers able to detect, type, and subtype type A influenza viruses in a single reverse transcription-PCR. RNA was isolated from clinical specimens, and cDNA was generated with random primers. PCR was carried out with a mixture of primers specific for influenza viruses of types B, A/H1 and A/H3, and subtyping of the neuraminidase was carried out on the same cDNA template under identical conditions. Amplified products were detected by ethidium bromide staining of amplified products after agarose gel electrophoresis. When it was used to test 98 clinical specimens, this method was comparable to standard culture techniques in the detection, typing, and subtyping of influenza viruses.

Modified lachman test for anterior cruciate ligament stability

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Delphi Study: HIV/AIDS and the Athletic Population

Recent announcements in the news of HIV/AIDS contraction by famous sports figures have focused world attention on the fact that athletes are not immune to this deadly virus. In view of this, we reviewed the literature to examine what studies have been directed specifically at the athletic population and HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, because of the relatively new nature of this problem, little data exists for examination. A panel of experts was assembled to participate in a Delphi methodology project. This educational study was designed to examine three issues surrounding the athletic community and HIV/AIDS. The three questions examined in this study were: 1) should medical testing be undertaken within the athletic community to determine exposure to the virus; 2) if testing is undertaken, what privacy/confidentiality measures should be incorporated to protect the individual and the results of the test; and 3) what educational interventions should be developed and implemented to help the athlete understand the disease and prevent the spread. The responses from the Delphi participants indicate that the HIV/AIDS dilemma is a societal issue and should not single out a segment of the population-in this case the athletic community. The panel also indicated that privacy and confidentiality are crucial in protecting the individual athlete and test results. The development and implementation of educational interventions is the most important component in the entire issue of HIV/AIDS and the athletic community.

Localization of complement-fixing cytotoxic monoclonal antibodies to subcutaneous tumors and liver metastases in a syngeneic immunocompetent rat colon carcinoma model

To study the immune effects of complement-fixing cytotoxic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in a syngeneic immunocompetent animal model, mouse mAbs reactive with the transplantable rat colon carcinoma K12/TRb were generated. This system was used in part because rats have a complement system superior to that of mice. Seven murine IgG mAbs that reacted strongly with cell surface determinants of the K12/TRb rat colon carcinoma cell line were produced by immunizing MRL/Mp-1pr/1pr autoimmune mice, known to produce an increased amount of complement-fixing IgG2a and IgG3 immune cytotoxic antibodies, with K12/TRb cells. These mAbs were screened for their specificity of reaction, and two of these mAbs were extensively tested for their ability to lyse cells in vitro and localize to K12/TRb tumors in syngeneic BD IX rats. IgG2a mAbs 27-3 and 61-5 were able to mediate both complement and lymphocyte cytotoxicity in vitro and localize to subcutaneous tumors and liver metastases in this immunocompetent rat model.

Medicated compress for blister treatment

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Maturation of Hantaan virus glycoproteins G1 and G2

Hantaan virus-infected Vero E6 cell lysates were used for immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies against glycoprotein G1 (MAbG1) or G2 (MAbG2). When cell lysates were prepared with buffer containing nonionic detergent, both G1 and G2 glycoproteins were precipitated with either MAbG1 or MAbG2. In contrast, when cell lysates were prepared with a buffer containing ionic detergents MAbG1 precipitated only glycoprotein G1 and MAbG2 precipitated only glycoprotein G2. Heterodimers and possibly higher oligomeric forms of the glycoproteins were detected on nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gels only after chemical cross-linking and immunoprecipitation with either MAbG1 or MAbG2. In order to determine the sites of Hantaan virus glycoproteins maturation and the G1-G2 complex formation, infected cells were treated with inhibitors that prevent specific steps of oligosaccharide processing. Furthermore, glycoproteins G1 and G2 immunoprecipitated from infected cell lysates or from isolated virus particles were tested for sensitivity to endoglycosidase H, endoglycosidase F, and endoglycosidase D. The results of these experiments show that maturation of both G1 and G2 takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Furthermore, G1-G2 complex formation occurs in the ER as well, since the two glycoproteins co-precipitated with either MAbG1 or MAbG2 from infected cell lysates treated with brefeldin A and prepared with buffer containing nonionic detergent.

Guidelines for dispensing medications

Federal and state codes exist regarding administering and dispensing medications and there is variation between the two. Recognition of the differences is imperative for the athletic trainer, who has traditionally dispensed these agents in compliance with established legal and professional guidelines. Statutes that apply to classifying, documenting, prescribing, dispensing, labeling, and housing medications by athletic trainers are presented as a baseline for this article. State and local regulations should be consulted to clarify differences existing at various governmental levels. These guidelines are provided to assist athletic trainers in properly dispensing medications.

A national survey of athletic trainer roles and responsibilities in the allied clinical setting

Data collected from a survey instrument mailed to all 188 NATA-approved allied clinical setting directors were analyzed to assess the current levels of professional preparation as related to the NATA competencies, job roles, and responsibilities of certified athletic trainers in the allied clinical setting. The topics examined included specific roles and responsibilities of certified athletic trainers currently employed in an allied clinical setting. A response rate of 70.5% was obtained. Skills and services provided by the clinical ATC rated as very important were: evaluation, prevention, and rehabilitation/reconditioning of athletic injuries. Competency regarding recognition and evaluation received the highest relative importance score, which is consistent with the findings of the 1982 NATA Role Delineation Study and the 1991 NATA Validation Study. Educational preparation through NATA-approved curriculums had the highest importance in professional preparation for a career in athletic training. The data indicated that educational emphasis for athletic training students interested in employment in the nontraditional setting has diverged from the guidelines established in the 1982 Role Delineation Study. The results of this study suggest that students preparing for a career in a nontraditional (clinical) setting should focus on developing skills in athletic injury evaluation, rehabilitation and reconditioning, and prevention. While these results support findings of the 1982 Role Delineation Study, additional research is needed to address the levels of professional preparation as related to the NATA competencies, job roles, and responsibilities of the clinical athletic trainer.

Antiviral antibodies attenuate T-cell-mediated immunopathology following acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection

The role of antiviral antibody in resistance to acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection has been examined by passive transfer of monoclonal antibodies and intracerebral challenge infection. Protection of mice from lethal T-cell-mediated acute disease was observed following passive administration of antibodies either 1 day before or up to 2 days after infection. Viral replication was suppressed in protected mice, and the cytotoxic T-cell response to virus was also diminished. Virus was cleared from the brain and other tissues of protected mice without development of lethal immunopathology, suggesting that preexisting antibody may play a significant role in modulating potentially destructive effects of T-cell-mediated immune responses to pathogens.

Post-translational processing of the glycoproteins of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus

Intracellular events in the synthesis, glycosylation, and transport of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) glycoproteins have been examined. We have shown by N-glycanase digestion that LCMV strain Arm-4 bears five oligosaccharides on GP-1 and two on GP-2. By pulse-chase labeling experiments in the presence of drugs which inhibit N-linked oligosaccharide addition and processing we demonstrate that addition of high mannose precursor oligosaccharides is necessary for transport and cleavage of the viral GP-C glycoprotein. Moreover, in the presence of tunicamycin which inhibits en bloc addition of these mannose-rich side chains, virus budding was substantially decreased and infectious virions were reduced by more than 1000-fold in the supernatant medium. Incubation in the presence of castantospermine, which permits addition of oligomannosyl-rich chains but blocks further processing, restored transport and cleavage of GP-C and maturation of virions. Finally, by temperature block experiments we have determined that maturation of GP-C oligosaccharides to an endoglycosidase H resistant form precedes cleavage to GP-1 and GP-2. The latter process is most likely to occur in the Golgi or post-Golgi compartment.

Neutralizing epitopes of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus are conformational and require both glycosylation and disulfide bonds for expression

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (Armstrong strain) bears two overlapping epitopes, GP-1A (A) and GP-1D (D), recognized by neutralizing antibodies on the major surface glycoprotein GP-1. Both are discontinuous conformational epitopes that require prior formation of disulfide bridges and addition of N-linked oligosaccharides. Using monoclonal antibodies specific for each of these epitopes, as well as for conformation-independent epitopes, we have investigated the requirements for biosynthesis and folding of the epitopes. The carbohydrate residues themselves do not appear to comprise critical informational components of these epitopes, but are required for proper folding of the nascent glycopeptide chain within the rough endoplasmic reticulum. These epitopes differ in their resistance to denaturation; epitope D is retained when denatured with SDS under nonreducing conditions, whereas epitope A is lost. Monoclonal antibodies to epitope A cross-react with several strains of LCMV. However, epitope D is detected in only a subset of isolates derived from the Armstrong strain of LCMV. By RNA sequence analysis, we have mapped a single amino acid change distinguishing those virions containing epitope D. Acquisition of binding activity of the epitope D-specific monoclonal correlates with a Thr----Ala or Thr----Lys mutation at amino acid 173 of the GP-1 molecule and concomitant disruption of a consensus N-linked glycosylation site.

Somatostatin gene expression in pancreatic islet cells is directed by cell-specific DNA control elements and DNA-binding proteins

Somatostatin is a peptide synthesized in the pancreatic islets, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and thyroid gland. Factors that control islet cell-specific expression of the somatostatin gene were analyzed by expression of fusion genes consisting of 5' rat somatostatin gene sequences linked to coding sequences of the receptor genes, bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and human growth hormone. Fusion genes containing 900 and 250 base pairs (bp) of 5'-flanking DNA were preferentially expressed at 5-10-fold higher levels in somatostatin-producing islet cell lines, as compared with islet cell lines that produced insulin and glucagon, and in three non-islet cell lines. A deletional mutation consisting of only 65 bp of 5'-flanking sequence of the rat somatostatin gene expressed in all islet cell lines but not in non-islet lines, indicating the existence of a negative-acting islet cell-specific element located between nucleotides -250 and -65. The 65-bp sequence contains the octameric cAMP-responsive enhancer (CRE) TGACGTCA (nucleotides -48 to -41). Fine mapping of sequences responsible for islet-specific expression by substitution of synthetic oligonucleotide cassettes revealed full retention of expression by deletion to nucleotides -48 and complete loss of expression at nucleotides -42 of the CRE. Substitution of the 9 bp adjacent 3' to the CRE of the somatostatin gene (nucleotides -40 to -32) with the corresponding sequence located 3' to the CRE of the glucagon gene abolished expression. By gel mobility shift and DNaseI footprinting analyses, proteins in extracts of islet cells bound to the 24 bp including the CRE and downstream adjacent 9 bp (nucleotides -58 to -35). An additional upstream region of DNA was protected from DNase I digestion (nucleotides -110 to -80). Proteins from non-islet cells bound to the region from nucleotides -58 to -35, but patterns of DNase I protection differed from those using proteins from islet cells. These observations indicate that several DNA-binding proteins interact with cis-acting elements located between 35 and 58 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site of the rat somatostatin gene to determine islet cell-specific gene expression. CRE-binding protein(s) is ubiquitous among phenotypically different cells, and expression of the somatostatin gene in non-somatostatin-producing islet cells appears to be inhibited by a negative-acting element located upstream of the CRE.

Association of reduced interleukin-2 production with genetic susceptibility to Pichinde virus in inbred strains of hamsters

Adult inbred MHA hamsters are susceptible to lethal infections with Pichinde virus while inbred LSH hamsters resist such infections. Previous studies demonstrated higher levels of endogenous and induced natural killer (NK) activity in MHA splenocytes than in LSH splenocytes. Preferential replication of Pichinde virus in cells with NK activity was suggested by showing that the greater numbers of infected spleen cells observed in MHA hamsters could be accounted for by a cell population that cosedimented with a peak of NK activity. Increased cellularity of thymi and spleens as well as increased cells sensitive to lymphokines was also found in MHA hamsters as compared to LSH hamsters. In the present study we found that injection of anti-asialo GM 1 serum reduced NK activity but did not alter susceptibility to virus infection. However, MHA hamsters were found to be relatively deficient in the production of interleukin 2 and injection of interleukin 2 altered the mortality of hamsters infected with Pichinde virus. These findings suggest that susceptibility to lethal infection by Pichinde virus is associated with reduced ability to produce interleukin 2 in MHA hamsters.

Differences in lymphocyte responsiveness to lymphokines in two inbred strains of Syrian hamster

Two inbred strains of Syrian hamster have been shown to display differences in splenic NK cell activity both endogenously and after infection with Pichinde virus. On further investigation of these differences, it was found that the spleens and thymuses of the high NK strain, MHA, displayed greater cellularity than those of the low NK strain, LSH. Additionally, thymocytes from MHA hamsters were found to proliferate to a greater extent than those of LSH hamsters in response to Con A-induced conditioned medium plus lectin. Splenocytes from MHA hamsters showed high levels of lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK) activity after culture in conditioned medium, in contrast to LSH splenocytes cultured under the same conditions. By limiting dilution analysis, spleens from MHA hamsters were found to contain a greater frequency of LAK precursors than those from LSH hamsters. The data suggest that the relative concentrations of lymphopoietic cells is genetically determined.

Differences in lymphocyte responsiveness to lymphokines in two inbred strains of Syrian hamster

Two inbred strains of Syrian hamster have been shown to display differences in splenic NK cell activity both endogenously and after infection with Pichinde virus. On further investigation of these differences, it was found that the spleens and thymuses of the high NK strain, MHA, displayed greater cellularity than those of the low NK strain, LSH. Additionally, thymocytes from MHA hamsters were found to proliferate to a greater extent than those of LSH hamsters in response to Con A-induced conditioned medium plus lectin. Splenocytes from MHA hamsters showed high levels of lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK) activity after culture in conditioned medium, in contrast to LSH splenocytes cultured under the same conditions. By limiting dilution analysis, spleens from MHA hamsters were found to contain a greater frequency of LAK precursors than those from LSH hamsters. The data suggest that the relative concentrations of lymphopoietic cells is genetically determined.

An apparent rachitogenic effect of excessive vitamin E intakes in the chick

Three replicates (pens of 10 birds each) of a 2 X 2 factorial design experiment (25 and 10,000 IU vitamin E/kg diet on 25 and 500 IU vitamin D/kg diet) were utilized in order to assess effects of excessive intakes of vitamin E on calcium metabolism in the growing chick. A one-week equilibration period was followed by a two-week experimental period. Excessive vitamin E supplementation resulted in reduced calcium and phosphorus in blood plasma, in dry fat-free bone, and in bone ash, calcium, and phosphorus. Inadequate vitamin D supplementation reduced total feed consumption, terminal body weight, plasma calcium, dry fat-free-bone, bone ash, bone calcium, and bone phosphorus. Significant vitamin E X vitamin D interactions were noted for plasma calcium, dry bone, and bone ash, excessive vitamin E apparently interfering with vitamin D utilization.

Association between plasma and liver vitamin A levels in the calf; weanling pig, rabbit and rat; and adult goat fed fixed intakes of vitamin A

To reexamine the relationship between plasma and liver vitamin A levels, data from various species of animals fed fixed intakes of vitamin A ester (expressed as retinol equivalents/kg liver weight/day) were vitamin A ester (expressed as retinol equivalents/kg live weight/day) were studied. The intakes ranging from deficient to toxic were for 48 calves, 4 to 17,600 micrograms; 39 pigs, 17.6 to 19,842 micrograms; 86 rabbits, 4.5 to 287 micrograms; 138 rats, 4 to 16,384 micrograms; and 40 goats, 1 to 17,640 micrograms. Following the feeding of these intakes for periods of between 5 and 133 weeks, blood and liver samples were taken for vitamin A determinations. Plasma vitamin A concentrations reached minimum values at low liver vitamin A levels whereas liver vitamin A levels reached maximum values at high plasma vitamin A concentrations. Upon elimination of data pairs at the extremes, linear regressions of log10 (total liver vitamin A) on plasma vitamin A concentrations and of plasma vitamin A concentrations on log10 (total liver vitamin A) were statistically significant. Therefore it was possible to estimate within limits the log10 (total liver vitamin A) from plasma vitamin A. Applicable limits were for the calf 8 to 46 micrograms/100 ml of plasma, for the pig 14 to 32, for the rabbit 14 to 74, for the rat 5 to 51 and for the goat 22 to 55. Simple correlation coefficients were 0.92, 0.60, 0.93, 0.92 and 0.75.

Effect of sublingual nitroglycerin on cardiac performance in patients with coronary artery disease and non-dyskinetic left ventricular contraction

In 8 patients with coronary artery disease and symmetrical left ventricular contraction, an echocardiographic study of left ventricular function was performed before and 3 minutes after the administration of 0-6 mg nitroglycerin sublingually. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased from 5-2 +/- 0-2 to 4-9 +/- 0-2 cm (P less than 0-05) and the end-systolic diameter from 4-2 +/- 0-2 to 3-7 +/- 0-2 cm (P less than 0-001). The estimated stroke volume did not change significantly, while the cardiac output increased, 5-8 +/- 0-6 to 7-7 +/- 0-6 l min-1 (P less than 0-001) and the heart rate increased from 72 +/- 5 to 90 +/- 6 (P less than 0-001). The mean arterial blood pressure decreased from 105 +/- 4 to 88 +/- 3 mmHg (P less than 0-001). The ejection fraction increased from 53 +/- 3 per cent to 65 +/- 6 per cent (P less than 0-001) and the mean velocity of circumferential fibre shortening (VCF) from 0-81 +/- 0-05 to 1-15 +/- 0-10 circumferences per second (P less than 0-001). The estimated midsystolic midwall stress decreased from 155 +/- 14 g cm-2 to 102 +/- 12 g cm-2 after mitroglycerin (P less than 0-001). The administration of nitroglycerin was associated with a significant decrease in left ventricular preload and afterload. A vasodilating effect is suggested by the fall in peripheral resistance. The overall improvement in ejection fraction and VCF may not reflect a true increase contractility, because of the concomitant fall in wall stress.

Alternation in mitral valve and septal movements in a patient with pulsus alternans

In a patient with recent aortic valve replacement, echocardiography, phonocardiography, and external pulse recordings were employed to evaluate a prolonged period of pulsus alternans. Alternation in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, systolic diameter shortening, diastolic ventricular filling, systolic ejection time and diastolic period (A2Q) were seen. In addition, two features were noted which have not been previously reported: (1) Alternation in the timing of mitral valve motion, such that prior to the weak beats, closure of the mitral valve did not occur until 40-70 msec. after the onset of the Q-wave on the ECG. Before the strong beats, however, mitral closure coincided approximately with the Q-wave. (2) Alternation of the movement of the interventricular septum with abnormal or paradoxical movement during weak beats and normal movement during the strong beats. The first observation lends credence to the theory that stretch-tension relationships are important in the maintenance of pulsus alternans in some patients. The paradoxical septal motion during the weak beats may be due either to a discordant right and left ventricular alternans or alternate contractile defection of the septum.

Artificial pacemakers: indications and management

The development of artificial pacemakers for the electrical control of the cardiac rhythm has greatly enhanced the physician's ability to treat cardiac dysrhythmias. Pacemakers have been useful in treating Stokes-Adams syndrome and symptomatic bradyeardias; they have helped control the occurrence of tachyarrhythmias and have played an important role in the management of arrhythmias accompanying myocardial infarctions. With their more frequent use, pacemakers have contributed to our knowledge of underlying conduction and natural pacemaker disorders. As new indications for artificial pacemaking have been elucidated, more complex pulse generators have been developed, and newer technics found for their insertion. In spite of recent development the pulse generators in general use have a limited useful lifetime.

This paper reviews the indications for pacemaker insertion that are commonly employed. In addition, an approach to the problem of pulse generator replacement is presented.