Azurin-like protein blocks invasion of Toxoplasma gondii through potential interactions with parasite surface antigen SAG1

Some pathogenic bacteria produce factors that have evolved a capacity to neutralize competing microbes. The cupredoxin family protein azurin, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibits a remarkable ability to impede invasion of a number of diverse intracellular pathogens, including the human AIDS virus human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum (which causes malaria). Here we report that azurin and an azurin-like protein (Laz) from gonococci/meningococci have activity against Toxoplasma, an apicomplexan parasite that causes opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals. We demonstrate that the mechanism of action for Laz involves interfering with the ability of Toxoplasma to adhere to host cells. Computer structural analysis reveals that azurin shares structural features with the predominant surface antigen SAG1, which is known to play an important role in parasite attachment. Interestingly, azurin also has structural similarities to a monoclonal antibody to SAG1. Surface plasmon resonance binding studies validate that SAG1 interacts strongly with Laz and, to lesser extent, azurin. Moreover, Toxoplasma mutants lacking SAG1 are not as susceptible to the growth-inhibitory effects of Laz. Collectively, our data show that Toxoplasma adhesion can be significantly impaired by Laz, and to some extent by azurin, via interactions with SAG1. These observations indicate that Laz can serve as an important tool in the study of host-pathogen interactions and is worthy of further study for development into potential therapeutic agents.     

Gender differences in discipline of nurses in Missouri

Analysis of discipline of nurses by the Missouri Board of Nursing, 2000-2003, demonstrated differing rates by gender. Males received disproportionately high rates at 18.9%, although they represented 7.5% of Missouri nurses. Males received more severe discipline than females, with higher rates of license suspension and revocation, regardless of infractions or license level. Males surrendered licenses at higher rates. For 3 of the 28 infractions, males exceeded the number of females by a ratio of 2:1. Males committed one infraction that females did not. For three infractions, females outnumbered males by a ratio of 2:1. Females committed eight infractions not committed by males, including four murders. Consistent with previous studies, substance abuse was the behavior disciplined in the majority of cases (41.3%). Disparity in nurse discipline suggests the need for further study to analyze contributing factors, roles that nursing culture and gendered behaviors may play in the disciplinary process.     

Inducing impulsivity leads high and low restrained eaters into overeating, whereas current dieters stick to their diet

Previous research has related impulsivity to overeating and obesity. However, the precise nature of this relation has not been examined yet. One possibility is that impulsivity causes overeating and hence contributes to overweight. To test this possibility we induced impulsivity versus inhibition to see whether this would affect food intake. In the first study participants were cognitively primed with the concepts “impulsivity” or “inhibition”. Caloric intake was significantly higher in the Impulsivity Condition compared to the Inhibition Condition. This effect was even stronger for highly restrained participants. In the second study impulsivity was manipulated via behavioural instructions. Restrained and unrestrained nondieters acted as expected: their caloric intake was significantly higher when impulsivity was induced compared to inhibition. Current dieters sharply reduced their caloric intake following the impulsivity induction. These results are in accordance with Lowe's model that, contrary to restraint theory, states that restraint and current dieting are different constructs that affect eating regulation differently. At least for nondieters it can be concluded that heightened impulsivity versus inhibition leads to a higher food intake in the lab.     

Why we are wasting time in the operating theatre?

Objectives To determine reasons for delay during elective operating lists and suggest solutions. Design Prospective observational study. Setting A large under‐graduate teaching hospital. Participants Fifty‐five consecutive women undergoing elective gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia. Interventions Every time point of individual patient's passage through the operating theatre (patients sent for, arrival in the anaesthetic room, general anaesthetic commenced, transfer to the operating theatre, surgery started, surgery completed, anaesthetic reversed, patient taken to recovery area) was documented. Main outcome measures Time intervals between the various time points with particular reference to wait by the anaesthetist and surgeon between cases. Results We monitored 55 operations carried out during 22 operating lists. Apart from the surgery itself (median 81 min per procedure), the longest interval was the time taken to get patients into the anaesthetic room from the ward (median 20 min). Although patients waited a median of 10 min before the start of anaesthesia, if the first procedure on the list was excluded, the anaesthetist was waiting for the patient to arrive in the anaesthetic room in 13/30 (43%) cases, wasting a median of 7 min per case. The surgeon had to wait a median of 22.5 min between operations. Conclusions Considerable operating theatre time is wasted while patients are transferred to and from the operating theatre resulting in both anaesthetists and surgeons having to wait between patients in a high proportion of cases, averaging 1 h during a 4 h operating list. Surgery could be made more time efficient by ensuring that patients arrive in the operating theatre complex early enough (to reduce time wasted for anaesthetists and surgeons), and by having two anaesthetists available at the end of surgery, one to reverse the anaesthetic while the other starts the next induction (to reduce time waste for the surgeon), coupled to adequate recovery area capacity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prevalence of HIV/AIDS and Prediction of Future Trends in North-west Region of India: A six-year ICTC-based Study

Background:

The study was conducted to analyze previous six-year prevalence data of HIV infection in the Northwest region of India and predict future trends for a couple of years.

Objectives:

The study was conducted to aid SACS and NACO to plan and arrange resources for the future scenario.

Materials and Methods:

All the attendees of ICTC, Jaipur, from January 2002 to December 2007 were included and variables like age, sex, marital status, occupation, place of residence, pattern of risk behavior and HIV serostatus were studied. As per the strategy and policy prescribed by NACO, tests (E/R/S) were performed on the serum samples. Data was collected; compiled and analyzed using standard statistical methods. Future trends of HIV-prevalence in north-west India were anticipated.

Results:

The overall positivity rates among attendees of ICTC, were found to be 12.2% (386/3161), 11.8% (519/4381), 11.1% (649/5867), 13% (908/6983), 14% (1385/9911) and 17.34% (1756/10133) in the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Future trends for the next couple of years depict further increase in prevalence without any plateau.

Conclusion:

Epidemiological studies should be carried out in various settings to understand the role and complex relations of innumerable behavioral, social and demographic factors, which will help, interrupt and control the transmission of HIV/ AIDS.     

Neuropathology of viral infections of the central nervous system

Many viral infections of the nervous system cause stereotyped pathologic features and overlapping clinical and imaging features. Neuroimaging usually offers neuroanatomical localization of the pathology, degree of involvement of the nervous system, and response to therapy during follow up in a few instances. Neuroimaging is a useful adjunct for diagnosis.