Rapid molecular epidemiology investigations into two recent measles outbreaks in Israel detected from October 2023 to January 2024

Between late 2023 and early 2024, two measles outbreaks occurred in Israel, each caused by importation of measles virus strains of respective B3 and D8 genotypes. In this study, we validate transmission pathways uncovered by epidemiological investigations using a rapid molecular approach, based on complete measles virus genomes. The presented findings support this rapid molecular approach in complementing conventional contact tracing and highlight its potential for informing public health interventions.

Immune events associated with the cure of established tumors and spontaneous metastases by local and systemic interleukin 12

The antitumor activity of recombinant murine interleukin-12 (rIL-12) is documented by a large set of data from numerous mouse models. Because the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which rIL-12 impairs tumor growth are still not fully defined, we compared the effects of local and systemic rIL-12 administration in mice harboring an invasive 7-day-old moderately differentiated and spontaneously metastasizing mammary adenocarcinoma (TSA). Whereas the immune events elicited via the two routes of rIL-12 administration seem to be the same, systemic rIL-12 is markedly more effective; tumor destruction is dependent on a prompt antitumor response resulting from the cooperation of several subsets of reactive cells. The reactions that seem to play a key role are: (a) indirect inhibition of angiogenesis by secondary cytokines (mainly IFN-gamma) and third-level chemokines (inducible protein 10 and monokine induced by IFN-gamma); (b) systemic activation of leukocyte subsets capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines, CTLs, and antitumor antibodies; and (c) destruction of tumor vessels by polymorphonuclear cells. The markedly higher efficacy of systemic rIL-12 seems to rest on its ability to recruit these systemic reactions more quickly and efficiently than local rIL-12.

Concentration of respirable dust and bioaerosols and identification of certain microbial types in a hog-growing facility

In order to assess the effects of ventilation rate, temperature, relative humidity and source of air on bioaerosol levels and dust with particle size < 10 μm, a total of 120 pigs housed in 12 pens in two separate rooms were used. Pigs averaged 30 kg initially and the trials were discontinued when 20% of the pigs were marketed. A six-stage Andersen sampler and a light scattering particle counter were used to determine bioaerosols and respirable dust (0.1–10 μm), respectively. Total bioaerosols were assessed using Trypticase Soy Agar. Potato Dextrose Agar was used for fungal aeorsols and Baird-Parker Agar used for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus. Moulds amounted to less than 1% of total microorganisms. Gram positive bacteria made up 72% of the bacterial isolates. Respirable dust was not correlated with respirable bioaerosols. Ventilation rate (2, 5 or 8 changes h−1) did not affect bioaerosol level or respirable dust. Total bioaerosols were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in higher temperatures only. Relative humidity did not influence total bioaerosols but in one series respirable bioaerosols were significantly (R = 0.53) (P < 0.05) correlated with RH. Total bioaerosols were not different in outside air or attic air. Key words: Dust, bioaerosols, pigs, ventilation