Effectiveness of implementing evidence-based approaches to promote physical activity in a Midwestern micropolitan area using a quasi-experimental hybrid type I study design

BACKGROUND

Much evidence-based physical activity (PA) interventions have been tested and implemented in urban contexts. However, studies that adapt, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in micropolitan rural contexts are needed. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Ottumwa intervention to promote PA in a micropolitan community.

METHODS

Between 2013 - 2019, we implemented Active Ottumwa in a micropolitan setting, and subsequently implemented and evaluated its effectiveness using a Hybrid Type I design. In this paper, we describe the intervention's effectiveness in promoting PA. We collected PA data over 24 months from a cohort of community residents using accelerometers and PA data from two cross-sectional community surveys administered in 2013 and 2018, using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

From the cohort, we found significant change in PA over 24 months (P = 0.03) corresponding to a 45-min daily decrease in sedentary activity, a daily increase of 35-min in light PA and 9 min in moderate-to-vigorous PA. There was a statistically significant (P = 0.01) increasing trend at the population-level in the moderate-to-vigorous composition of 7 min between the two cross-sectional assessments (95% CI: 0.1%-1.34%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that the adapted evidence-based PA interventions in a micropolitan context is effective.

Prioritizing rural populations in state comprehensive cancer control plans: a qualitative assessment

PURPOSE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) requires that states develop comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans and recommends that disparities related to rural residence are addressed in these plans. The objective of this study was to explore rural partner engagement and describe effective strategies for incorporating a rural focus in CCC plans.

METHODS

States were selected for inclusion using stratified sampling based on state rurality and region. State cancer control leaders were interviewed about facilitators and barriers to engaging rural partners and strategies for prioritizing rural populations. Content analysis was conducted to identify themes across states.

RESULTS

Interviews (n = 30) revealed themes in three domains related to rural inclusion in CCC plans. The first domain (barriers) included (1) designing CCC plans to be broad, (2) defining "rural populations," and (3) geographic distance. The second domain (successful strategies) included (1) collaborating with rural healthcare systems, (2) recruiting rural constituents, (3) leveraging rural community-academic partnerships, and (4) working jointly with Native nations. The third domain (strategies for future plan development) included (1) building relationships with rural communities, (2) engaging rural constituents in planning, (3) developing a better understanding of rural needs, and (4) considering resources for addressing rural disparities.

CONCLUSION

Significant relationship building with rural communities, resource provision, and successful strategies used by others may improve inclusion of rural needs in state comprehensive cancer control plans and ultimately help plan developers directly address rural cancer health disparities.

Establishing a Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership in a Rural Community in the Midwest

BACKGROUND

Rural health disparities are well-documented. "New destination" communities in predominantly rural states have emerged in recent years, with immigrants moving into these communities for better opportunities. Few reports of community-based participatory partnerships with these communities have been previously described in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

We report on the formation and implementation of a community-academic partnership to reduce health disparities in a rural Midwestern community.

METHODS

We describe the creation of a partnership between the University of Iowa (UI) Prevention Research Center (PRC) and the Ottumwa, Iowa community.

RESULTS

We describe the partnership formation, activities, and results of the implementation of the partnership, and challenges encountered, including balancing attention to different health disparities populations and ensuring mechanisms for hearing from the different voices in the community.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests the importance and challenge of considering the multiple dimensions of health disparities in rural new destination Midwestern communities.

117 Supplementation of IVF medium with nerve growth factor improved bovine embryonic cleavage rates during summer months

Nerve growth factor-β (NGF), a protein originally associated with regulation of neuron development, has been found to play a role in the reproductive system of mammals. Previous research showed that administration of NGF to cows resulted in enhanced conceptus development. Although these effects were speculated to be a result of improved corpus luteum function, whether NGF could act directly on the embryo remained undetermined. Therefore, the direct effects of NGF on fertilization and embryo development warrant investigation to see whether it can be used as a novel tool to improve cleavage and blastocyst rates when producing embryos via IVF during periods of suboptimal oocyte quality, such as with heat stress. The objective of this study was to explore how supplementation of NGF, purified from bull seminal plasma, during IVF may directly affect embryo development in oocytes harvested in the summer. Abattoir-derived bovine ovaries were used for recovery of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) over eight replicates through May and June. On Day −1, COCs were collected and matured for 20h in oocyte maturation medium incubated at 38.5°C. On Day 0, matured oocytes were added to a solution of IVF-Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) and either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; control) or 100ngmL−1 NGF. Pooled frozen-thawed semen from two different bulls per replicate were added to the IVF solutions and incubated with COCs for 20h at 38.5°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2. On Day 1, zygotes were washed in HEPES-TALP, and cumulus cells were removed using 1% hyaluronidase. The zygotes were plated in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF-BE2) culture medium and incubated at 38.5°C in a tri-gas chamber (5% CO2, 5% O2, and balanced N2). Cleavage rates were recorded at 24 and 48h, calculated by dividing the number of cleaved embryos by the total zygote count. Embryos were incubated until Day 8, when the rate of blastocysts was assessed. This study found that the treatment of IVF medium with NGF increased the cleavage rate of embryos after 48h (Control: 59%; NGF: 66%; P=0.04) and the hatched blastocyst percentage per oocyte on Day 8 (Control: 6.7%; NGF: 9.4%; P=0.01). The treatment did not affect the percentage of blastocysts per cleaved embryos (Control: 21%; NGF: 22%; P=0.16) or the hatched blastocyst rate at Day 8 (Control: 53%; NGF: 55%; P=0.67). These results show that NGF can act directly on the oocyte during fertilization to alter subsequent development, specifically through increased embryonic cleavage rates. Further studies are needed to assess different dosages of NGF in order to mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress on oocyte competence for use in IVF. Follow-up studies using a whole-animal model are needed to understand the clinical relevance of these findings in the ability of embryos to promote maternal recognition of pregnancy.

Active Ottumwa: Adapting Evidence-Based Recommendations to Promote Physical Activity in a Micropolitan New Destination Community

Background: Evidence-based interventions have been developed and tested to promote physical activity, but fewer studies have focused on identifying effective intervention strategies for mid-size rural communities, especially new immigrant destinations. We report here on the design and implementation of Active Ottumwa, a community-wide intervention using a lay health advisor approach to increase physical activity in a micropolitan new destination community in the rural state of Iowa. Methods: The Active Ottumwa study is part of a community-academic partnership in Ottumwa, IA. Evidence-based strategies recommended by the Community Guide for Preventive Services guided study implementation and included behavioral and social, campaign and informational, and environmental and policy approaches. Evaluation methods for this study are multi-faceted and include a cross-sectional community survey, longitudinal cohort assessment, observational data, key informant interviews, and project records. Results: We are currently in our second year of intervention implementation, with 45 lay health advisors (termed physical activity leaders here) trained to carry out behavioral and social intervention approaches, including walking groups, tai chi, and yoga. We have completed a communication and informational campaign utilizing five channels. Our longitudinal cohort has been recruited, with baseline and 12-month data collection completed. Conclusions: This study will assess the effectiveness and impact of a community-wide intervention to support physical activity.

Statewide dissemination of a rural, non-chain restaurant intervention: adoption, implementation and maintenance

The obesity epidemic calls for greater dissemination of nutrition-related programs, yet there remain few studies of the dissemination process. This study, guided by elements of the RE-AIM model, describes the statewide dissemination of a simple, point-of-purchase restaurant intervention. Conducted in rural counties of the Midwest, United States, the study targeted randomly selected, non-chain, family-style restaurants. Owners were recruited through mail, then telephone follow-up. Data were collected through telephone at baseline, and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months post-adoption. Using mixed methods, measures captured the program adoption rate, characteristics of adopters and non-adopters, program implementation and maintenance issues, and owner and customer satisfaction. Analyses involved descriptive statistics and summaries of qualitative data. The program adoption rate was 28%. Adopters were similar to responding non-adopters demographically, but varied in attitudes. The majority of restaurants maintained the program for at least 12 months. Adopters and their customers expressed satisfaction with the program. With some adjustments, the RE-AIM model was helpful in guiding evaluation of this process. Results provide implications for future dissemination of this and other programs with regard to research procedures and potential barriers that may be encountered. Research on alternative strategies for widespread dissemination of such programs is needed in this and other settings.

The rural restaurant healthy options program: response of rural, local newspapers to a program press release

Local media should be used to raise awareness of health promotion programs. In rural areas, local newspapers provide an opportunity to reach large numbers of residents. Although there are expert guidelines describing the process for successfully engaging local media, little has been documented regarding the range of responses that local, rural newspapers might have when approached about covering health promotion programs. This study describes the response of rural, local newspapers to a press release about a health promotion program taking place in 28 restaurants in different rural towns. The most common reason for not publishing a story was that it would constitute free advertising for the restaurant. Twenty-two stories were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The majority of the responding newspapers were weeklies, and 16 published the full press release verbatim. Three stories included photos, and five included quotes. Headlines typically included the name of the restaurant and the university partner. The overall response rate is encouraging; however, there is considerable room for improvement in terms of personalizing the story with photos or quotes. Greater efforts may be required to obtain this depth of coverage, including training for local journalists to increase their interest and confidence in covering health promotion issues.

Validating a framework for participatory ergonomics (the PEF)

Participatory ergonomics is reported in an increasing number of case studies, but there is little evidence of emerging supportive theory and relatively little generic advice or guidance. The paper describes an effort to provide clarity and organization to the field of participatory ergonomics. A framework has been developed to define a range of different participatory ergonomics initiatives, establishing a number of levels at which to operate. This participatory ergonomics framework (the PEF) was validated through retrospective description of seven independently conducted case studies and through peer evaluation. The exercise suggests that the PEF can be used as a first basis to produce practical guidance on participatory ergonomics programmes.

Variation of codons 1961 and 2177 of the Stargardt disease gene is not associated with age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of 2 specific alleles of the Stargardt disease gene (ABCA4) in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Secondary objectives were to investigate differences in frequency of the G1961E allele in selected ethnic groups as well as to examine the segregation of both G1961E and D2177N alleles in 5 multiplex families with AMD.

METHODS

Five hundred forty-four patients with AMD and 689 controls were ascertained from 3 continents. Blood samples from 62 normal individuals of Somalian ancestry were also obtained. Participants were screened for the presence of these ABCA4 alleles with a combination of restriction digestion and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplification products. Detected alleles were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The number of subjects exhibiting the G1961E or D2177N variants were compared between AMD and control groups using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference (P >.1) in the frequency of the G1961E and D2177N alleles in patients with AMD (2.2%) vs controls (1.0%). In contrast, there was a significant difference (P< .001) in the frequency of the G1961E alleles between normal individuals of Somali ancestry (11.3%) and normal individuals from other populations (0.4%). There was no evidence of cosegregation of these alleles and the AMD phenotype in the 5 multiplex families with AMD examined. These two ABCA4 alleles were slightly more frequent in patients with AMD with choroidal neovascularization (2.7%) than those without this complication (2.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Somali ancestry is more than 100 times more strongly associated with presence of the G1961E allele than the AMD phenotype. This study did not find any statistically significant evidence for involvement of the G1961E or D2177N alleles of the ABCA4 gene in AMD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ABCA4 gene is definitively involved in the pathogenesis of Stargardt disease and some cases of photoreceptor degeneration. However, it does not seem to be involved in a statistically significant fraction of AMD cases.

Safety pictograms: are they getting the message across?

This study set out to investigate the role of pictograms in conveying consumer safety information. The experimental work was carried out in two parts. The first part investigated UK comprehension levels of 13 product related pictograms. A new method of judging levels of comprehension of the pictograms was developed. In general the pictograms surveyed were found to be poorly understood, particularly those which were abstract in nature. The second part of the research investigated the effect of different warning styles on noticeability and intended compliance. This was tested using the new European Standard pictogram developed to convey the small parts warning on toys. The effect on parents' intended purchase decisions of different pictograms and or text messages was investigated. Results indicated that parents' decisions on toy suitability were influenced by the perceived hazardousness of the product rather than warnings, regardless of their design. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of pictograms as a method for conveying consumer information and makes recommendations for their effective use.

Antiviral activity of a sulphated polysaccharide from the red seaweed Nothogenia fastigiata

The antiviral activity of polysaccharide fractions obtained from water extracts of the red seaweed Nothogenia fastigiata was investigated. Fraction F6, corresponding to a sulphated xylomannan, was found to inhibit efficiently the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Furthermore, F6 selectively inhibited the replication of several other enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus type 2, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B virus, Junin and Tacaribe virus and simian immunodeficiency virus. F6 was only weakly active against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2. The mode of action of F6 against HSV-1 and HCMV could be ascribed to an inhibitory effect on virus adsorption.

Glomerular filtration rate and plasma solutes in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

Immune-complex glomerular nephritis (ICGN) is known to develop during malarial infections, but little is known of its impact on renal function. A total of 24 male BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei, and measurements of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), parasitemia, and plasma solute concentrations were made on days 0, 7, 14, and 19 post-infection. Identical observations were made on 24 uninfected controls. The GFR declined progressively in infected mice from a mean of 201 +/- 2.1 (day 0) to 51 +/- 3 microliters/min (day 19), whereas parasitemia rose to 47% +/- 4.2% infected erythrocytes. In controls, the GFR remained unchanged, averaging 205 +/- 3.4 microliters/min. Plasma osmolality rose in infected mice (326 +/- 1 vs 310 +/- 0.6 mosmol/kg in controls) as a result of increased chloride (123 +/- 0.7 vs 117 +/- 0.6 mEq/l) and urea (17.8 +/- 2.8 vs 9.3 +/- 0.7 mM/l levels). The data reveal a substantial deterioration of renal function during the course of a malarial infection that is short of outright renal failure.

Glomerular filtration rate in wild house mice, Mus musculus, acclimated to water scarcity

1. A single injection technique for GFR (14C-methoxyinulin clearance) was adapted for use in small mammals and applied to wild house mice (Mus musculus). 2. GFR in controls was 247 +/- 14(SE) microliter/min while that of mice acclimated to water shortage was reduced some 44%.

Fluid compartmentation in skeletal muscle and carcass of Mus musculus acclimated to water scarcity

1. Total water (TW), and extracellular water (ECW) (as sodium and chloride space) were determined in skeletal muscle and carcass of Mus musculus acclimated to long-term water shortage. 2. The presence of fat in control mice and those in early stages of acclimation resulted in an apparent increase in TW and ECW as acclimation proceeded. 3. In contrast, fluid volumes per fat-free weight were either unchanged from controls or reduced. 4. Sodium space exceeded chloride space. 5. Muscle and carcass had essentially the same pattern of fluid shifts. 6. We conclude that ECW maintenance is a preeminent component of the acclimation process in this species.

Blocked herpes simplex virus type 2-specific DNA synthesis in simian virus 40-transformed hamster cells permissive for herpes simplex virus type 1

Simian virus 40-transformed hamster cells (LL-1) permissive to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were shown to be relatively nonpermissive to HSV-2. When LL-1 cells were infected with HSV-2, there was a 3- to 4-log reduction in infectious viral progeny at 24 h postinfection as compared with HSV-1 under identical cultured conditions. HSV-2 could be carried in the LL-1 cell line for up to 12 passages without any appreciable cytopathology. Various early functions of the replicative cycle of HSV-2 appeared to be normal. Experiments demonstrated that early enzyme activity, HSV-2 thymidine kinase, and DNA polymerase appeared at permissive levels in extracts of HSV-2-infected LL-1 cells. However, DNA analysis of HSV-2 infected LL-1 cells demonstrated a block in HSV-2-specific DNA synthesis, although HSV-2 was capable of inhibiting DNA synthesis in LL-1 cells. Furthermore, indirect immunofluorescence studies indicate that late HSV-2 structural protein synthesis was inhibited in infected LL-1 cells. Thus, the inability of HSV-2 to replicate in LL-1 cells is due to a block at or before HSV-specific DNA synthesis, resulting in a reduction of the structural protein synthesis required for viral maturation.

The acute retinal necrosis syndrome. Part 2: Histopathology and etiology

The acute retinal necrosis syndrome is manifested by diffuse uveitis, vitritis, retinal vasculitis, and acute necrotizing retinitis (see Part 1). We studied the histopathology and electron microscopic findings of an eye enucleated from a 67-year-old man with typical acute retinal necrosis. Histology showed profound acute necrosis of the retina, retinal arteritis, and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in retinal cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated a herpes group virus in all layers of affected retina. The implications of these findings for antiviral and other treatments are discussed.

Kaposi's sarcoma: absence of cytomegalovirus antigens

Using an immunohistochemical method, we could not detect cytomegalovirus antigens in the tissue of Kaposi's sarcoma but could in the cells of control sections from tissues known to be infected by that virus. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that high antibody titers to cytomegalovirus found in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma are not due to infection of neoplastic cells by the virus, as a secondary event; our data supports the conclusions of others that exposure to cytomegalovirus may be a primary event in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Demonstration of interference between dengue virus types in cultured mosquito cells using monoclonal antibody probes

Cultured Aedes albopictus cells (clone C6/36), persistently infected (PI) with dengue virus type 1 (dengue-1) were found resistant to superinfection with dengue virus type 3 (dengue-3). This was determined by indirect immunofluorescent (IF) staining of cultures using monoclonal antibody against a dengue-3 type-specific antigen. Dengue-1 PI cultures stained with this antibody 3 days after superinfection with dengue-3 virus (m.o.i of 2) had dengue-3 antigen in 0.1 to 1.0% of the cells. Control cultures infected with dengue-3 at the same multiplicity contained dengue-3 antigen in greater than 90% of the cells. The resistance to superinfection was not interferon-mediated, and occurred within 20 h after primary infection. In cultures simultaneously infected with two dengue virus types, one virus type was excluded from replication in most cells. A small population of cells was also found (about 1%) that contained type-specific antigen of both dengue virus types.

Characterization of a reptilian epithelioid skin cell line derived from the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas

A continuous line of epithelioid cells was established from explant skin tissues of the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas. These cells, designated GTS, have been subcultured more than 60 times in commercially available mammalian cell culture medium supplemented with 5% bovine calf serum. Of those temperatures tested, optimal growth was achieved at 30 degrees C although replication occurred between 16 and 37 degrees C. These cells may be held as monolayers at 8 degrees C or stored frozen in growth medium containing 10% dimethyl-sulfoxide at -70 or -196 degrees C. The modal number of 55 chromosomes per cell is in agreement with the heterogametic female diploid number of this species. The GTS line represents the first established culture of normal epithelioid skin cells to be reported for a poikilothermic species.

Sodium metabolism during acclimation to water restriction by wild mice, Mus musculus

Changes in sodium and potassium balance and urinary aldosterone excretion (free plus "acid labile") were surveyed in house mice acclimating initially to 1/2 the ad libitum water ration and later to 1/4 of ad libitum. Each water restriction caused negative sodium and potassium balance, followed by conservation of both ions. At the first water restriction, negative balance was produced by natriuresis and kaliuresis, at successive water restriction, a negative balance was due to a decrease in food consumption. Aldosterone excretion doubled at the 1/2 ad libitum restriction, and then generally remained at control levels thereafter. Fractional intestinal absorption of both ions showed a persistent increase after the 3rd day of water restriction. The Na:K ratio in urine and feces declined as mice responded to each water restriction and returned to control levels in acclimated animals.

Ineffectiveness of topical adenine arabinoside 5'-monophosphate in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis

The ability of topical 10 per cent adenine arabinoside 5'-monophosphate to decrease the severity and frequency of recurrent herpes simplex labialis was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized study of 233 patients at three collaborating institutions. Nine clinical and four virologic measurements were used to evaluate drug efficacy during a single episode. No statistically significant improvement in any measurement was seen in the drug-treated patients. Analyses according to institution and age, stage and size of lesion before therapy also indicated no benefit attributable to the drug. There was no effect of the drug on the rate of recurrence of herpes simplex labialis. We conclude that, despite activity against herpes simplex virus infection in tissue culture and in some laboratory animal models, topical use of the drug is ineffective against recurrent herpes simplex labialis. This may be due to failure of the drug to penetrate the skin.

Body fluid distribution in wild Mus musculus acclimated to water restriction

Total body water (TBW), extracellular volume (ECV), and plasma volume (PV) were measured in wild house mice acclimated to chronic water shortage and compared to the same measures in mice exposed acutely to water shortage. Chronic mice were either steady state (SS), i.e., completely acclimated, or nonsteady state (NSS), i.e., transitional. Water shortage was imposed sequentially--1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 ad lib., and no water. SS mice lost solids and cellular fluid at each level of restriction, but maintained plasma volume and partially defended extracellular volume. Acute restriction to 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 ad lib. caused proportional losses of solids and fluids with the predominant fluid loss being extracellular. Acute restriction to no water caused cellular dehydration plus a loss of extracellular fluids including plasma. Comparison of acute and NSS mice at identical levels of restriction showed the NSS groups to be preacclimated toward further water restriction. Discussion centers on the comparison of acclimated and nonacclimated animals, mechanism of PV defense, and the general process of acclimation.

Blood respiratory properties of Bison bison

The respiratory properties and basic hematology of blood from seven adult bison and one calf were determined. Average oxygen-carrying capacity was 22.2 ml/100 ml blood from adults and 17.0 in calf blood; hemoglobin averaged 17.1 g/100 ml in adults and 13.6 in the calf. Half saturation of the blood occurred at 32mm Hg Po2 at pH 7.40 and 37 degrees C. The average Bohr effect was -0.40. Erythrocytes numbered 8.6 X 10(6)/mm3 and were 52 micron 3 in mean volume. Adult and calf cells differed in mean cell hemoglobin, adults 19.9 pg/cell vs 15.9 in the calf, and this difference evidently caused differences in Haldane effect, standard bicarbonate, and buffering capacity. Bison are capable of prolonged running. Two features of the blood that promote this capacity are its comparatively great oxygen-carrying capacity and low oxygen affinity.

Effect of water temperature on a herpesvirus infection of sea turtles

The role of water temperature in the induction and maintenance of a dermal herpesvirus infection (gray-patch disease) of young, green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) was studied under carefully controlled experimental conditions, in which the influence of other recognized stress factors was negligible. A nimals that were subjected to a gradual temperature increase from 25 to 30 degrees C, with subsequent maintenance at 30 degrees C, and those that were abruptly shifted from water at 25 degrees C to water at 30 degrees C showed a significantly shorter period before the onset of clinical signs and an increase in the severity of the lesions when compared with control animals. Animals that were subjected to a gradual increase in water temperature from 25 to 30 degrees C and a subsequent decrease to 25 degrees C, where they were maintained, had a period before onset of clinical signs and severity closer to that of control animals. Our findings indicate that both the induction of clinical gray-patch disease and the severity of the lesions are affected by water temperature and suggest that one possible means of control of this herpesvirus infection under intensive aquaculture conditions might be water temperature manipulation.

Viral diseases of the skin, 1975: a 25-year perspective

Most of the major advances in modern virology during the past 25 years have been due principally to the development of refined laboratory techniques and tools and have provided a fund of new knowledge and information about the nature of viral infection and pathogenesis. One group of viruses of interest to dermatologists, the herpesviruses, is undergoing intensive biochemical investigation to determine whether it is carcinogenic. As a result of the success of the World Health Organization's campaign to eradicate smallpox, it is predicted that by the end of 1976, smallpox will have been eradicated. Other viruses of dermatologic interest which are now being studied include the agents of warts, molluscum contagiosum, cat-scratch disease, and enteroviruses. Current research in the field of viral chemotherapy may provide the basis for successfully treating these diseases in the future.

Nuclear membrane changes in herpes simplex virus-infected BHK-21 cells as seen by freeze-fracture

The freeze-fracture technique, which produced high-resolution replicas of large internal faces of membranes, was used for an ultrastructural study of the nuclei of herpes simplex virus-infected BHK-21 cells and mock-infected controls. Crystalline arrays of viral nucleocapsids were found in the nucleoplasm of infected cells, and numerous nuclear membrane "blebs" and protrusions were observed. The numerous areas of membrane distortions were not found to contain nuclear pores. In addition, specific areas of normal protein intramembranous particles are deleted from certain areas of the nuclear membrane as a result of herpes simplex virus, type 2, infection.

A herpesvirus-type agent associated with skin lesions of green sea turtles in aquaculture

Nine successive groups of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were observed in aquaculture during the posthatchling period. During the first 6 months of growth, each group underwent an epizootic of skin lesions, named gray-patch disease. Two types of skin lesions are associated with gray-patch disease: papules and, more characteristically, spreading gray patches which appear 7 to 8 weeks after hatching. In both types of lesions, intranuclear inclusions are found in keratinocytes in the malpighian layer of the epidermis. Electron microscopic examination of scrapings from lesions and biopsies revealed many viral particles, with features characteristic of the herpesvirus group. Transmission of gray-patch disease is possible with bacteria-free preparations of viral particles.