CURE on yeast genes of unknown function increases students' bioinformatics proficiency and research confidence

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) can reduce barriers to research opportunities while increasing student knowledge and confidence. However, the number of widely adopted, easily transferable CUREs is relatively small. Here, we describe a CURE aimed at determining the function of poorly characterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes. More than 20 years after sequencing of the yeast genome, nearly 10% of open reading frames (ORFs) still have at least one uncharacterized Gene Ontology (GO) term. We refer to these genes as "ORFans" and formed a consortium aimed at assigning functions to them. Specifically, over 70 faculty members attended summer workshops to learn the bioinformatics workflow and basic laboratory techniques described herein. Ultimately, this CURE was adapted for implementation at 34 institutions, resulting in over 1,300 students conducting course-based research on ORFans. Pre-/post-tests confirmed that students gained both (i) an understanding of gene ontology and (ii) knowledge regarding the use of bioinformatics to assign gene function. After using these data to craft their own hypotheses, then testing their predictions by constructing and phenotyping deletion strains, students self-reported significant gains in several areas, including computer modeling and exposure to a project where no one knows the outcome. Interestingly, most net gains self-reported by ORFan Gene Project participants were greater than published findings for CUREs assessed with the same survey instrument. The surprisingly strong impact of this CURE may be due to the incoming lack of experience of ORFan Project participants and/or the independent thought required to develop testable hypotheses from complex data sets.

DMSO reduces the cytotoxicity of anticancer ruthenium complex KP1019 in yeast

Low solubility in aqueous solutions is a significant limitation of the otherwise promising anticancer ruthenium complex KP1019. In laboratory studies, this challenge is often overcome by using DMSO to help drive the drug into solution. Since DMSO was previously shown to alter the bioactivity of platinum-based chemotherapeutics, here we examine DMSO's effects on KP1019. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism, we apply multiple measures of growth inhibition to demonstrate that DMSO reduces the drug's toxicity. This reduction in bioactivity correlates with spectrophotometric changes consistent with DMSO-dependent increases in the stability of the KP1019 pro-drug. The impact of DMSO on the biology and chemistry of KP1019 suggests this solvent should not be used in studies of this and similar anticancer ruthenium complexes.

OP0187 DETERMINING OPTIMAL COOLING AND ADMINISTRATION METHODS FOR CNTX-4975 INTRA-ARTICULAR INJECTION IN SUBJECTS WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN

Background:

CNTX-4975 is a highly purified, synthetic capsaicin being developed to provide long-term analgesia after a single intra-articular (IA) injection for patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain. CNTX-4975 IA administration is associated with short-term post-procedural pain that can be attenuated with preemptive joint cooling.

Objectives:

To evaluate cooling and administration procedures for CNTX-4975 IA injection, with goals of balancing patient comfort and ease of use and assessing clinical response 8 weeks after injection.

Methods:

This phase 3, open-label, 8-week study (NCT03661996) enrolled subjects aged 40–95 y with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1–4, BMI ≤45 kg/m2, and stable, moderate to severe OA knee pain and who failed ≥2 therapies. Subjects were assigned to unilateral/bilateral CNTX-4975 1 mg IA injections as determined by OA pain/joint replacement status, then randomized by study site to 1 of 5 treatment regimens (Figure). The primary outcome measure assessed Breg cooling control vs other cooling regimens on day 1 using a combined sum of 1) pain (0, none; 4, severe) 30 minutes after CNTX-4975 injection; 2) subject satisfaction (SS) with cooling/injection procedures; and 3) investigator satisfaction (IS) with procedures. SS and IS were measured on a 1–7 scale (1, completely dissatisfied; 7, completely satisfied); pain was reverse scored and normalized (1, severe; 7, none) for equal weighting. Geometric mean ratios (GMR) with 95% CIs were constructed for each regimen vs Breg control (ANCOVA); lower 95% CI >0.7 was considered clinically acceptable. Secondary endpoints included percentage of subjects by subject type meeting criteria for Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) responders 8 weeks after injection. Safety assessments included TEAEs.

Results:

The intent-to-treat population included 848 subjects. The primary combined outcome showed that all cooling and administration regimens were clinically acceptable, with the evaluated cold gel wraps being at least as effective as the Breg circulating ice-water wrap (Table). For subjects with unilateral OA, OMERACT-OARSI response rates were 67% in those with no/mild nonindex knee pain and 81% in those with nonindex knee single joint replacement. For subjects with bilateral knee OA receiving bilateral injections, response rates for index and nonindex knees were 73% and 79%. TEAEs were reported in 22% of subjects; <1% were serious. TEAEs occurring in >2% of subjects were procedural pain (2.9%), arthralgia (2.2%), and nausea (2.1%), with no meaningful differences across groups.

Conclusion:

All cooling regimens for CNTX-4975 IA administration were clinically acceptable and well tolerated, offering feasible options for use in routine practice. Importantly, high levels of clinical response were observed 8 weeks after unilateral or bilateral knee injections for moderate to severe OA knee pain.

Primary Combined Endpoint Outcome in the Index Knee, Normalized Scale, by Cooling and Administration Procedure (ANCOVA Model)

Breg Cooling ControlN=162Gel Pack CoolingN=179Shortened Gel Pack CoolingN=175Single Needle Injection,Gel Pack Cooling,2% LidocaineN=160Single Needle Injection,Gel Pack Cooling,1% LidocaineN=172Mean (SD)17.23 (2.660)18.23 (2.023)16.81 (2.891)17.57 (3.049)16.43 (3.138)Geometric LS Mean (SE)17.18 (1.016)18.26 (1.015)16.48 (1.016)17.40 (1.016)16.00 (1.015)95% CI16.66, 17.7217.74, 18.8015.99, 16.9916.87, 17.9515.53, 16.49Comparison vs Breg CoolingGMR (SE)1.06 (1.022)0.96 (1.022)1.01 (1.022)0.93 (1.022)95% CI1.02, 1.110.92, 1.000.97, 1.060.89, 0.97Clinically Acceptable?YesYesYesYes

LS, least squares; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error.

GMR lower 95% CI >0.7 considered clinically equivalent.

Disclosure of Interests:

Randall Stevens Shareholder of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Peter Hanson Shareholder of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Paul Tiseo Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Kimberly Guedes Shareholder of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, James Campbell Shareholder of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, James Connolly Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Stephanie Ruggiero Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Meg Corliss Employee of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Valerie Smith Consultant of: Centrexion Therapeutics Corp, Philip G Conaghan Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Flexion Therapeutics, Galapagos, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer

TEMPO® TVC for the Enumeration of Aerobic Mesophilic Flora in Foods: Collaborative Study

The automated system for enumeration of total viable count (TVC) in foods, TEMPO® TVC, uses a dehydrated culture medium and an enumeration card containing 48 wells across 3 different dilutions for the automatic determination of the most probable number (MPN). The alternative method was compared in a multilaboratory collaborative study to AOAC Method 966.23 for determination of aerobic plate count for nondairy products and the Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products (SMEDP) Standard Plate Count for dairy products. Five food types, raw ground beef, raw ground chicken, cooked whitefish fillets, bagged lettuce, and milk, were analyzed for TVC by 14 collaborating laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. Three lots of naturally contaminated food products representing a wide range of counts were tested for each of the 5 food types. The study demonstrated that the overall repeatability, reproducibility, and mean log counts of the TEMPO TVC method were statistically comparable to those of the 2 standard methods at the 5 level.

TEMPO® EC for the Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Foods: Collaborative Study

The automated method for enumeration of Escherichia coli, TEMPO&lt;sup/&gt; EC, in foods uses a dehydrated culture medium and enumeration card containing 48 wells across three different dilutions for the automatic determination of the most probable number (MPN). The alternative method was compared in a multilaboratory collaborative study to AOAC Official MethodSM 966.24. Six food types were artificially contaminated with E. coli: raw ground beef, bagged lettuce, cooked chicken, pasteurized crabmeat, frozen green beans, and pasteurized whole milk. All foods were analyzed for E. coli counts by 11 collaborating laboratories throughout the United States. Test portions from the six food types each contaminated at four different contamination levels were evaluated. The study demonstrated that the TEMPO EC method is a reliable, automated assay for the enumeration of E. coli in foods.

Evaluation of the BAX® System for Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in Foods: Collaborative Study

A multilaboratory study was conducted to compare the automated BAX® system and the standard cultural methods for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods. Six food types (frankfurters, soft cheese, smoked salmon, raw, ground beef, fresh radishes, and frozen peas) were analyzed by each method. For each food type, 3 inoculation levels were tested: high (average of 2 CFU/g), low (average of 0.2 CFU/g) and uninoculated controls. A total of 25 laboratories representing government and industry participated. Of the 2335 samples analyzed, 1109 were positive by the BAX system and 1115 were positive by the standard method. A Chi square analysis of each of the 6 food types, at the 3 inoculation levels tested, was performed. For all foods, except radishes, the BAX system performed as well as or better than the standard reference methods based on the Chi square results.

Evaluation of the BAX® System for Detection of Salmonella in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study

A multilaboratory study was conducted to compare the automated BAX® System to the standard cultural methods for detection of Salmonella in selected foods. Five food types—frankfurters, raw ground beef, mozzarella cheese, raw frozen tilapia fish, and orange juice—at 3 inoculation levels, were analyzed by each method. A sixth food type, raw ground chicken, was tested using 3 naturally contaminated lots. A total of 16 laboratories representing government and industry participated. In this study, 1386 samples were analyzed, of which 1188 were paired samples and 198 were unpaired samples. Of the 1188 paired samples, 461 were positive by both methods and 404 were negative by both methods. Thirty-seven samples were positive by the BAX System but negative by the standard reference method, and 11 samples were positive by standard cultural method and negative by the BAX System. Of the 198 unpaired samples, 106 were positive by the BAX System and 60 were positive by the standard cultural method. A Chi square analysis of each of the 6 food types, at the 3 inoculation levels tested, was performed. For all foods, the BAX System demonstrated results comparable to those of the standard reference methods based on the Chi square results.

Venous calibre reduction after intermittent pneumatic compression

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on venous calibre.

Methods: A total of 28 subjects were divided into three groups: 15 with venous insufficiency (Var), six with lymphoedema (Lym) and seven healthy (Hlt) subjects. One of each patient's lower limbs were treated with IPC. Both limbs were assessed by a duplex scanner, before and after the treatment, and the calibres were then compared.

Results: A significant decrease in the venous calibre was observed only on the treated limbs. The veins affected were: in the Lym group, the lesser saphena ( P<0.05); in the Var group, the greater saphena at its cross ( P<0.01), the lesser saphena ( P<0.02) and the superficial femoral vein ( P<0.05).

Conclusion: A 40 mmHg IPC was sufficient to enhance some venous tonus, especially in subjects with venous insufficiency, for 15–30 min after the 30 min of treatment.

Pf1 filamentous phage as an alignment tool for generating local and global structural information in nucleic acids

Abstract Pf1 filamentous phage represent a simple versatile method for generating partially ordered macromolecules in solution. The phage allow tunable degrees of alignment of macromolecules under a wide range of temperature and solvent conditions. The negatively charged phage are ideal for aligning negatively charged nucleic acids and these phage-nucleic acid solutions are stable indefinitely. We have used Pf1 phage to align various DNA and RNA molecules in solution for measurement of dipolar coupling interactions. These dipolar couplings can be used to improve the local structure of nucleic acids. More importantly they also contain information on the global structure, such as DNA bending, which presently cannot be obtained by standard NMR methods. The principles involved in using Pf1 phage to generate solutions of partially order macromolecules will be discussed. The use of (1)H-(1)H, (1)H-(13)C and (1)H-(15)N dipolar couplings for generating angle constraints for structure refinement of nucleic acids will also be discussed.

Painful fat necrosis resulting from insulin injections

The case is a 34-year-old woman with long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus with existing follow-up in the outpatient clinic at the Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, UHCW. She had maintained good glycaemic control and glycaemic stability with basal bolus regimen for many years. She had not developed any diabetes-related complications and had no other co-morbidities. Six months ago, she presented to A&E with sudden-onset, well-localised and severe pain in the right iliac fossa, just lateral to the para-umbilical area. Her biochemistry was normal. Ultrasound scan, however, revealed a right-sided ovarian cyst, which was thought to have caused pain to her. She was discharged from A&E with simple analgesia. On subsequent gynaecological follow-up 4 weeks later, her pain remained severe and examination revealed an exquisitely tender subcutaneous nodule at the same location measuring 2 cm in diameter. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at the time revealed a 1 cm mass in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, which co-localised to her pain. The mass demonstrated a central fat signal surrounded by a peripheral ring: observations consistent with fat necrosis. There were other smaller subcutaneous nodules also observed in the left para-umbilical area. Subsequent surgical resection of the main area of fat necrosis was performed. The patient made an excellent recovery and her pain resolved post-operatively. Histology confirmed the presence of fat necrosis. Fat necrosis is a rare complication of s.c. insulin injection. This case illustrates the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients who inject insulin and develop localised injection-site pain.

Fast shut-down protection system for radio frequency breakdown and multipactor testing

Radio frequency (RF) breakdown such as multipactor or ionization breakdown is a device-limiting phenomenon for on-orbit spacecraft used for communication, navigation, or other RF payloads. Ground testing is therefore part of the qualification process for all high power components used in these space systems. This paper illustrates a shut-down protection system to be incorporated into multipactor/ionization breakdown ground testing for susceptible RF devices. This 8 channel system allows simultaneous use of different diagnostic classes and different noise floors. With initiation of a breakdown event, diagnostic signals increase above a user-specified level, which then opens an RF switch to eliminate RF power from the high power amplifier. Examples of this system in use are shown for a typical setup, illustrating the reproducibility of breakdown threshold voltages and the lack of multipactor conditioning. This system can also be utilized to prevent excessive damage to RF components in tests with sensitive or flight hardware.

Richness and Abundance of Ichneumonidae in a Fragmented Tropical Rain Forest

Because of the magnitude of land use currently occurring in tropical regions, the local loss of animal species due to habitat fragmentation has been widely studied, particularly in the case of vertebrates. Many invertebrate groups and the ichneumonid wasps in particular, however, have been poorly studied in this context, despite the fact that they are one of the most species-rich groups and play an important role as regulators of other insect populations. Here, we recorded the taxonomic composition of ichneumonid parasitoids and assessed their species richness, abundance, similarity, and dominance in the Los Tuxtlas tropical rain forest, Mexico. We compared two forest types: a continuous forest (640 ha) and a forest fragment (19 ha). We sampled ichneumonids using four malaise traps in both forest types during the dry (September-October) and rainy (March-April) seasons. A total of 104 individuals of Ichneumonidae belonging to 11 subfamilies, 18 genera, and 42 species were collected in the continuous forest and 11 subfamilies, 15 genera, and 24 species were collected in the forest fragment. Species richness, abundance, and diversity of ichneumonids were greater in the continuous forest than in the forest fragment. We did not detect differences between seasons. Species rank/abundance curves showed that the ichneumonid community between the forest types was different. Species similarity between forest types was low. The most dominant species in continuous forest was Neotheronia sp., whereas in the forest fragment, it was Orthocentrus sp. Changes in the ichneumonid wasp community may compromise important tropical ecosystem processes.

TEMPO EC for the enumeration of Escherichia coli in foods: collaborative study

The automated method for enumeration of Escherichia coli, TEMPO EC, in foods uses a dehydrated culture medium and enumeration card containing 48 wells across three different dilutions for the automatic determination of the most probable number (MPN). The alternative method was compared in a multilaboratory collaborative study to AOAC Official Method 966.24. Six food types were artificially contaminated with E. coli: raw ground beef, bagged lettuce, cooked chicken, pasteurized crabmeat, frozen green beans, and pasteurized whole milk. All foods were analyzed for E. coli counts by 11 collaborating laboratories throughout the United States. Test portions from the six food types each contaminated at four different contamination levels were evaluated. The study demonstrated that the TEMPO EC method is a reliable, automated assay for the enumeration of E. coli in foods.

Adhesive capsulitis of the hip: three case reports

PURPOSE

To describe the diagnosis and treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the hip (ACH).

METHOD

A literature review and consideration of three case reports.

DISCUSSION

Adhesive capsulitis of the hip is a supposedly rare but probably underestimated condition which predominantly affects middle-aged women. Clinical assessment reveals a painful limitation of joint mobility. The diagnosis is confirmed by arthrography, where the crucial factor is a joint capacity below 12ml. Osteoarthritis and complex regional pain syndrome type 1 are the two main differential diagnoses. Whether the treatment is pharmacological, physical or surgical depends on the aetiology of the condition. Physiotherapy is essential for limiting residual deficits and functional impairments.

CONCLUSION

Adhesive capsulitis of the hip is probably more common than suggested by the limited medical literature. The condition is frequently idiopathic but can be secondary to another joint pathology. The first-line treatment consists of sustained-release corticosteroid intra-articular injections and physical therapy. Arthroscopy and manipulation under anaesthesia may be useful in cases of ACH which are refractory to treatment.

Venous tonus enhancement after a short cycle of intermittent pneumatic compression

Objectives

To test if intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) used with a short cycle could reproduce and confirm the 30 min vasoconstriction effect observed after a long cycle of pressure.

Methods

Eighteen subjects took part in the study, 12 with venous insufficiency (VI) and six without VI (NonVI). Duplex scanner was used to evaluate the diameter of six sites of veins on each of both lower limbs before and after the treatment. The IPC was applied to only one limb.

Results

The control limb showed no change in venous diameter. The treated limb, showed in the NonVI group one vasoconstriction: the greater saphena at the knee level (GS) ( P < 0.05). In the VI group, four sites out of six showed a vasoconstriction: the common femoral ( P < 0.005), the GS at its cross ( P < 0.001), the GS ( P < 0.001) and the lesser saphena ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both long and short cycle of IPC are suitable to enhance the venous tone in VI patients for at least 30 min after the end of the treatment.

Reliability and limits of agreement of circumferential, water displacement, and optoelectronic volumetry in the measurement of upper limb lymphedema

We conducted a reliability comparison study to determine the intrarater and inter-rater reliability and the limits of agreement of the volume estimated by circumferential measurements using the frustum sign method and the disk model method, by water displacement volumetry, and by infrared optoelectronic volumetry in the assessment of upper limb lymphedema. Thirty women with lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection surgery for breast cancer surgery were enrolled. In each patient, the volumes of the upper limbs were estimated by three physical therapists using circumference measurements, water displacement and optoelectronic volumetry. One of the physical therapists performed each measure twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), relative differences, and limits of agreement were determined. Intrarater and interrater reliability ICCs ranged from 0.94 to 1. Intrarater relative differences were 1.9% for the disk model method, 3.2% for the frustum sign model method, 2.9% for water displacement volumetry, and 1.5% for optoelectronic volumetry. Intrarater reliability was always better than interrater, except for the optoelectronic method. Intrarater and interrater limits of agreement were calculated for each technique. The disk model method and optoelectronic volumetry had better reliability than the frustum sign method and water displacement volumetry, which is usually considered to be the gold standard. In terms of low-cost, simplicity, and reliability, we recommend the disk model method as the method of choice in clinical practice. Since intrarater reliability was always better than interrater reliability (except for optoelectronic volumetry), patients should therefore, ideally, always be evaluated by the same therapist. Additionally, the limits of agreement must be taken into account when determining the response of a patient to treatment.

Segmental spinal myoclonus and syringomyelia: A case report

We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who developed involuntary jerks of the abdominal musculature. They occurred spontaneously or triggered by a forced inspiration or attempts to rise from the supine position. Electromyography (EMG) recorded abnormal bursts of muscle activity in the abdominal, thoracic paraspinal, and intercostal muscles up to the 3rd intercostal space. The bursts were bilateral, arrythmic and synchronous in all muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed a syringomyelic cavity between the T3 and T10 levels. The topological correlation between the EMG muscle activities and the MRI findings was consistent with spinal myoclonus arising from the thoracic spinal cord. The synchronous bursts in muscles depending from few adjacent spinal segments suggested the diagnosis of segmental spinal myoclonus (SSM). There are few reports of SSM related to syringomyelia in the literature.

Pyrexia due to pyogenic sacroiliitis with iliopsoas abscess after spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Single case report.

OBJECTIVES

To present an unusual cause of fever in a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

University Hospital, Belgium.

METHODS

A 52-year-old man with a complete T9 paraplegia was admitted to hospital with a 7 day history of fever above 39 degrees C without pain and without gastrointestinal, urinary, or respiratory complaints. The patient had had a flap coverage for a sacral pressure ulcer 6 months prior to admission.

RESULTS

Bone scintigraphy demonstrated markedly increased activity in the left sacroiliac joint. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an infection of the left sacroiliac joint with a large abscess involving the iliopsoas muscle. The responsible organism, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was isolated from abscess liquid obtained by CT-guided aspiration. We postulated that P. aeruginosa had colonized the eschar and, due to the proximity, infected the sacroiliac joint and the adjacent iliopsoas muscle. Prompt intravenous antibiotic therapy ensured clinical improvement and radiological regression.

CONCLUSION

Pyogenic sacroiliitis is a relatively rare condition that may be difficult to diagnose in patients with normal sensation, and even more so in SCI patients. As far as we know, psoas abscess associated with pyogenic sacroiliitis has never been described in SCI patients. This infectious pathology must be kept in mind in SCI patients with fever of unknown origin and with a history of sacral eschar.

First Report of the Occurrence of Tomato chlorosis virus and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus in Taiwan

Pronounced yellowing symptoms on the lower leaves of tomato plants, similar to those caused by nitrogen deficiency, were observed in the spring of 1998 in The Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center and in farmers' fields in southern Taiwan. However, the brittleness of the discolored leaves, occasional upward leaf rolling, and abundance of whiteflies on these plants suggested the involvement of Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato infectious chlorosis virus (TICV) that belong to the group of whitefly-transmitted, phloem-limited criniviruses (family Closteroviridae). Leaves of symptomatic and healthy plants were collected, and total nucleic acids were extracted from 0.2 g of leaf tissue (1). The total nucleic acids were precipitated by ethanol and dissolved in 160 μl of sterile water. Eight microliters of total nucleic acids were observed on positively charged nylon membranes (Roche Diagnostic GmbH, Roch Applied Science, Germany). Two digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes, transcribed from pTIC8-44 (complementary to the 3'-end region of TICV RNA 1) and pToC 78 (corresponding to the coat protein region of ToCV RNA 2), were used in hybridization tests to detect TICV and ToCV, respectively (2). Six of seventeen symptomatic tomato plant samples were positive with the ToCV probe, whereas none of the 13 samples reacted with the TICV probe. Similar symptoms as described above for tomato were observed on zinnia plants in the same locations. Five of eight zinnia samples gave a positive reaction with the ToCV probe. One of the ToCV positive samples also gave a positive reaction with the TICV probe. Electron microscopic examination from leaf-dip preparations of ToCV-positive leaf tissues, stained in 1% uranyl acetate, showed the presence of flexuous filamentous particles approximately 800 to 850 nm long. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the presence of ToCV and TICV in zinnia and ToCV in tomato in Taiwan. References: (1) A. Hadidi et al. J. Virol. Methods 30:261, 1990. (2) G. C. Wisler et al. Phytopathology 88:402, 1998.

Evaluation of the BAX system for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods: collaborative study

A multilaboratory study was conducted to compare the automated BAX system and the standard cultural methods for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods. Six food types (frankfurters, soft cheese, smoked salmon, raw, ground beef, fresh radishes, and frozen peas) were analyzed by each method. For each food type, 3 inoculation levels were tested: high (average of 2 CFU/g), low (average of 0.2 CFU/g) and uninoculated controls. A total of 25 laboratories representing government and industry participated. Of the 2335 samples analyzed, 1109 were positive by the BAX system and 1115 were positive by the standard method. A Chi square analysis of each of the 6 food types, at the 3 inoculation levels tested, was performed. For all foods, except radishes, the BAX system performed as well as or better than the standard reference methods based on the Chi square results.

Collagen fibril size and crimp morphology in ruptured and intact Achilles tendons

The present study examined the hypothesis that collagen fibril diameter and crimp angle in ruptured human Achilles tendons differed from that of intact ones. Tissue samples were obtained from the central core (distal core) and the posterior periphery (distal superficial) at the rupture site, and the proximally intact (proximal superficial) part of the tendon in 10 subjects (38+/-8 years) with a complete tendon rupture. For comparisons corresponding tissue samples were procured from age (38+/-7 years) and gender matched intact Achilles tendons during routine forensic autopsy. The cross-sectional area density and diameter distribution of fibrils were analyzed using stereological techniques of digitized electron microscopy biopsy cross-sections, while crimp angle was measured by the changing banding pattern of collagen fibers when rotated between crossed polars. Nine of 10 persons with tendon ruptures reported that the injury did not occur during exceedingly large forces, and none experienced any symptoms in the days or months prior to the injury. Fibril diameter distribution showed no region-specific differences in either the ruptured or intact tendons for either group. However, in the distal core there were fewer fibrils in the ruptured compared to the intact tendons in 60-150 nm range, P<0.01. Similarly, in the distal superficial portion there were fewer fibrils in the ruptured compared to the intact tendons in the 90-120 nm range, 2P<0.05, while there were no differences in the proximal superficial tendons. Crimp angle did not display any region-specific differences, or any difference between the rupture and intact tendons. In conclusion, these data suggest that although crimp morphology is unchanged there appears to be a site-specific loss of larger fibrils in the core and periphery of the Achilles tendon rupture site. Moreover, the lack of symptoms prior to the rupture suggests that clinical tendinopathy is not an etiological factor in complete tendon ruptures.

Abdominal wall weakness and lumboabdominal pain revealing neuroborreliosis: a report of three cases

The authors report three cases of thoracic radiculoneuropathy disclosing neuroborreliosis. All three patients had low back and abdominal pain and two had marked abdominal wall paresis. EMG confirmed a motor involvement of the lower thoracic roots and CSF analysis revealed a lymphocytic meningitis in all three cases. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were present in both the serum and the CSF. A favourable outcome was obtained in all three patients with appropriate antibiotherapy. The differential diagnosis of this misleading presentation is discussed.

A survey of homopteran species (Auchenorrhyncha) from coffee shrubs and poró and laurel trees in shaded coffee plantations, in Turrialba, Costa Rica

A survey of homopteran species (Auchenorryncha) was conducted in coffee plantations with no shade (C), and in those with shade of either poró (Erythrina poeppigiana) (CP) or poró plus laurel (Cordia alliodora) (CPL), in Turrialba, Costa Rica. A total of 130 species in ten families were collected, dominated by Cicadellidae (82 species). Species richness was highest in the CP system (88), followed by CPL (74) and C systems (60). Five most common species for all systems were Fusigonalia lativittata, Hebralebra nicaraguensis, Neocoelidia sp., Oliarus sp. and Clastoptera sp. Diversification of the coffee agroecosystem favors some species while limiting others, and have no effect on the majority of species. Thus, only F. lativittata, Neocoelidia sp. and Scaphytopius ca. latidens were well represented in all systems, but were more abundant in coffee shrubs. Additionally, the following were the dominant species in each system: Graphocephala sp. 1 (C), F. lativittata (CP) and H. nicaraguensis (CPL). Four species abundant on laurel trees, including H. nicaraguensis, appeared almost exclusively on these tree species. Species similarity was highest on the CP and CPL systems (51% of the species in common), followed by the C and CP (39%) and the C and CPL systems (38%). These findings show that even disturbed systems can harbor many insect species, so that they deserve attention from conservation advocates and biologists.

Re-evaluation of ivermectin efficacy against equine gastrointestinal parasites

Two trials were conducted to confirm the efficacy of ivermectin paste against endoparasites of horses. In these trials, 20 ponies were treated with ivermectin oral paste at 200 mcg x kg body weight once on Day 0, and 20 ponies served as unmedicated controls. The animals carried naturally acquired parasite infections as confirmed by pretrial fecal examination. The animals were necropsied for worm recovery on Days 14, 15 or 16. Parasites recovered were identified to species. Horses treated with ivermectin had significantly (P<0.05) fewer (>99.0% reduction) adult small strongyles (Coronocyclus spp including C. coronatus, C. labiatus, C. labratus; Cyathostomum spp including C. catinatum, C. pateratum; Cylicocyclus spp including C. ashworthi, C. elongatus, C. insigne, C. leptostomum, C. nassatus, C. radiatus; Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus; Cylicostephanus spp including C. asymetricus, C. bidentatus, C. calicatus, C. goldi, C. longibursatus, C. minutus; Gyalocephalus capitatus; Parapoteriostomum spp including P. euproctus, P. mettami; Petrovinema poculatum; Poteriostomum spp including P. imparidentatum, P. ratzii) and adult large strongyles (Strongylus edentatus, S. vulgaris; Triodontophorus spp including T. brevicauda, T. serratus; Craterostomum acuticaudatum) than the controls. Ivermectin was also highly effective (94% to >99%, P<0.05-0.01) against Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae, Habronema spp., Oxyuris equi, Parascaris equorum. The data from these two trials confirm that ivermectin paste administered to horses orally at 200mcg x kg(-1) continues to be highly effective for treatment and control of a broad range of small and large strongyle species as well as other species of gastrointestinal parasites.

Protective effect of glove on median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel

OBJECTIVES

To determine the protective effect of gel padded glove on median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel.

METHODS

Median nerve conduction parameters, skin temperature, laser Doppler flowmetry and pain modifications were measured during and after a 30-min carpal tunnel external compression protocol performed with and without glove in a random order on six healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Compression induced a rapidly reversible increase in sensory and motor distal latencies, a decrease in sensory amplitude, finger laser Doppler flowmetry and hand skin temperature supporting the hypothesis of a reversible conduction block of ischemic origin. There was no statistical difference between the tests (with or without glove) except for pain that was significantly reduced by glove protection.

CONCLUSION

Gel padded glove does not seem to have a protective effect on the carpal tunnel syndrome induced by compression but provides significant comfort.

The superficial anulus fibrosus ligament. An incipient description of a separate ligament between the lumbar anterior longitudinal ligament and the intervertebral disc

A previously unknown ligament, the superficial anulus fibrosus ligament (SAFL), situated on the ventral part of the L5 intervertebral disc (ID) was observed and described from autopsy material. Twenty-eight cadaveric specimens from 12 black and 16 white persons aged 17-30 years were studied during routine forensic autopsies. The anterior longitudinal ligament was separated from the ID and the ventral part of the SAFL was visualized. The SAFL samples were removed, measured and studied with both conventional histology and examination by transmission electron microscopy. The SAFL was a completely separate ligament at the level of the L5-S1 ID situated between the anterior longitudinal ligament and the anulus fibrosus of the ID. The fibers of the ligament were vertically oriented. A difference in distance between the L5-S1 vertebral bodies ventrally was noted in the two groups studied (18.7 +/- 1.2 mm in the black vs. 15.2 +/- 1.0 mm in the white, p < 0.001), indicating a difference in the ventral thickness of the intervertebral disc. Also, there was a difference in the length (black: 17.7 +/- 1.6 mm vs. white: 14.1 +/- 1.1), thickness (black: 3.3 +/- 0.3 mm vs. white: 2.1 +/- 1.9), and the cross-sectional area (black: 58.2 +/- 6.7 mm(2) vs. white: 26.5 +/- 2.7 mm(2), p < 0.001) of the SAFL. Conventional light microscopy revealed no obvious differences. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed notably larger collagen fibril diameter in black than white subjects. In conclusion, the interbody distances were greater in the black group, indicating a greater intervertebral disc thickness, compared to that of the white. Furthermore, the SAFL was significantly longer and thicker in the black than in the white group. Albeit unsubstantiated, these race-specific macroscopic findings may have implications for understanding the etiology of various low back stress problems.

[Selective fasicular neurotomy for spastic equinovarus foot deformity in cerebral palsy children]

Spasticity is usually treated by rehabilitation, orthosis, chemical denervations, orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery. Selective fascicular neurotomy is a neurosurgical procedure consisting in partial section of selected motor nerves innervating spastic muscles. Neurotomy is indicated in cases of localised disabling spasticity without musculotendinous shortening, resistant to chemical denervation and for which a motor nerve block with anaesthetic has given a good functional result. Neurotomy includes division of the afferent Ia and Ib fibers, unable to recover, leading to permanent disappearance of the spasticity. Neurotomy also includes section of the motor efferent fibers with transient paresis as a result. In adults, neurotomy provides functional improvement in 81 to 97% of cases. In case of posterior tibial neurotomy, improved walking stability and a decrease in foot equinus and knee recurvatum is observed. In children, the risk of deformity recurrence seems higher because of motor axonal reinnervation: indications must therefore be carefully considered and rehabilitation provided after surgery.

Differences in sacral angulation and lumbosacral curvature in black and white young men and women

The angle between the base of the sacrum and its pelvic surface (SA), and the lumbosacral curve (LSC) defined as the anteroposterior distance between the L1 vertebra and the sacrum were studied in 105 fresh cadavers aged 15-32 years at death. The sample is comprised of 27 black males, 20 black females, 37 white males and 21 white females. Measurements of the SA were made with an adjustable protractor with an accuracy of +/-1 degrees. A new method using a specially designed instrument was developed for taking LSC measurements. A sliding scale that could be moved in the cranialcaudal direction was fitted with a measurement stick which measured the depth of the lumbar and sacral vertebral bodies (ventral to dorsal). The measuring device was placed on the autopsy table above the supine cadaver to measure these depths from the ventral side. The LSC was calculated as the mean difference between lumbar and sacral depths. The SA is smaller in black than in white men (43.6 +/- 3.4 vs. 61.7 +/- 2.1 degrees, p <0.001). Similarly, black women have a smaller SA than white women (36.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 50. 2 +/- 1.9 degrees, p <0.001). The LSC is also larger in black than white men (9.4 +/- 1.1 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.3 cm, p <0.001), and black women also have significantly larger LSC compared to white women (13. 2 +/- 0.5 vs. 9.2 +/- 0.6 cm, p <0.001). These data are so far the largest empirical evidence of differences in the SA and the LSC in young black and white cadaver specimens.

Differences in the iliolumbar ligament and the transverse process of the L5 vertebra in young white and black people

The anatomy of the iliolumbar ligament (ILL) and the spatial orientation of the transverse process of the L5 vertebra were studied in 62 young black (n = 29) and white (n = 33) men and women during routine autopsy. The aim of the study was to determine possible racial differences in the structure and attachments of the iliolumbar ligament. The present study also investigated the spatial orientation of the transverse process of the L5 vertebra since the ILL has been reported to attach to the transverse process. The measurements of the iliolumbar ligament were carried out with a digital vernier caliper while the transverse process angles were measured with an adjustable protractor. The ligament in black people was made up of a single, markedly longer band compared to white people, where the ligament was made up of two shorter bands. The ILL measured 61.8 +/- 1.3 mm in black and 33.2 +/- 1.5 mm white men, and in black women 61.3 +/- 0.9 mm versus 32.2 +/- 1.2 mm in white women (p <0.01). Further, the ILL was markedly wider in black than white subjects (p <0.01). The horizontal and vertical angle also varied greatly between black and white subjects (p <0.01). These are previously unrecognized observations. Albeit unsubstantiated, these findings may have implications for understanding the etiology of various low back stress problems.

The lumbosacral ligament. An autopsy study of young black and white people

The lumbosacral ligament (LSL), situated between the L5-vertebra and the sacrum, was studied in autopsy material. Twenty-eight cadaveric specimens from 12 black and 16 white persons aged 17-30 years were studied during routine forensic autopsies. The ligaments were measured and determined in situ. Thereafter, the ligaments were removed for histologic preparation. The ligament in the black subjects was thicker compared with the white (7.5 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.7 +/- 1.2 mm), and wider (11.7 +/- 1.6 mm in the black vs. 9.2 +/- 0.5 mm in the white), yielding a greater cross-sectional area in the black group (70.7 +/- 22.8 vs. 34.5 +/- 11.4 mm(2), p < 0.001). However, no histological differences were noted. The previously described fibro-osseus tunnel could not be detected in any of the subjects. In all instances, the ligament was situated medial to the L5 nerve. Compression of the L5 nerve under the previously presented fibro-osseus tunnel could not be confirmed.

DEMS - a second generation diabetes electronic management system

Diabetes electronic management system (DEMS) is a component-based client/server application, written in Visual C++ and Visual Basic, with the database server running Sybase System 11. DEMS is built entirely with a combination of dynamic link libraries (DLLs) and ActiveX components - the only exception is the DEMS.exe. DEMS is a chronic disease management system for patients with diabetes. It is used at the point of care by all members of the diabetes team including physicians, nurses, dieticians, clinical assistants and educators. The system is designed for maximum clinical efficiency and facilitates appropriately supervised delegation of care. Dispersed clinical sites may be supervised from a central location. The system is designed for ease of navigation; immediate provision of many types of automatically generated reports; quality audits; aids to compliance with good care guidelines; and alerts, advisories, prompts, and warnings that guide the care provider. The system now contains data on over 34000 patients and is in daily use at multiple sites.

Orientation and immersion depth of a helical lipopeptaibol in membranes using TOAC as an ESR probe

Trichogin GA IV is a lipopeptaibol antibiotic characterized by the sequence nOct-Aib1-Gly-Leu-Aib4-Gly-Gly-Leu-Aib8-Gly-Ile- Lol (nOct: n-octanoyl; Aib: alpha-aminoisobutyric acid; Lol, leucinol), which exhibits membrane-modifying properties. We synthesized step-by-step by solution methods three trichogin analogues, each with a single Aib --> 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid (TOAC) substitution. The similarity in the conformational propensities of the Calpha-tetrasubstituted alpha-amino acids Aib and TOAC allowed us to exploit these analogues to investigate the orientation and therefore the mechanism of action of trichogin in the membranes by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. A conformational analysis by Fourier transform ir absorption and CD in different organic solvents and in a membrane-mimetic environment indicated that the conformation of the natural lipopeptaibol remains almost unchanged in the three analogues. Moreover, for all of the analogues permeability measurements revealed membrane-modifying properties comparable to those of trichogin. Our ESR investigation demonstrated that, in liposomes based on phosphatidylcholine, trichogin lays parallel to the membrane surface with its hydrophobic face oriented toward the membrane interior. These results suggest that trichogin might modify membrane permeability via a carpet-like mechanism, at least in liposomes and in the absence of a transmembrane potential.