Transposon associated markers for the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus

We have previously characterized a Tcl-like transposable element Hctcl, from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. Here we describe the genetic variation of Hctcl insertion sites in H. contortus populations differing in geographical origin, resistance to chemotherapeutics and level of inbreeding. Clear differences between populations were observed on Southern blots with a Hctcl-specific probe. Sequencing the 5'- or 3'-flanks of individual Hctcl integration sites allowed the design of PCR reactions between a Hctcl-specific primer and the flanking regions. This revealed a considerable variation of integration sites of Hctcl both within and between populations, although several integrations were shared by populations of different geographical origin. For four of the eight markers allele frequencies were shifted during selection for resistance to chemotherapeutics and/or inbreeding. For two positions both the 5' and 3' regions flanking Hctcl were isolated and PCR showed that for these two positions the variation of transposon associated markers between populations were indeed caused by variation in integration of Hctcl. For these two positions co-dominant markers were developed. These results indicate that Hctcl insertions may serve as genetic markers for H. contortus.     

Empowerment effects of teaching leadership skills to adults with a severe mental illness and their families

As consumers become proficient with advocacy skills, they are better able to impact the planning and provision of mental health and support services at the state and local levels. A Leadership Academy was conducted in Idaho to teach the basic skills necessary for adults with a mental illness and family members to become effective leaders in grassroots advocacy organizations. Participants learned to identify issues and develop and implement action plans to address those issues within the context of their local communities. While the first three sessions of the Academy were facilitated by professional instructors, the last two were led by consumers and family members who had graduated from the Academy. In the course of five sessions in three years, 160 consumers and family members graduated from the Leadership Academy. In a 27 months period, graduates took 1,345 action steps to address issues of concern, with 400 outcomes, ranging from the establishment of a speakers bureau to starting a respite facility.     

Isolated limb perfusion: the European experience

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a method of cancer treatment allowing the administration of high doses of anticancer agents in a limb surgically isolated from systemic circulation. By using continuous leakage monitoring and using the drug melphalan, a high complete remission rate is obtained in patients with melanoma. In patients with sarcomas, ILP with tumor necrosis factor and melphalan represents a neoadjuvant treatment for limb-sparing surgery. This treatment is the first demonstration of an active anti-angiogenic regimen in the clinic.     

Prevalence of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Leon, Nicaragua

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and syphilis and to identify risk factors among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics in León, Nicaragua. During February to April 2004, blood samples from pregnant women were collected after written consent had been obtained. The samples were tested for antibodies against HIV and Treponema pallidum. A questionnaire was also completed. In total, 1,059 women were included. Antibodies against HIV were not detected in any of the women, whereas antibodies against T. pallidum were detected in 16 (1.5%). Risk factors for syphilis included illiteracy, lower education, and two or more pregnancies. HIV does not seem to be highly prevalent among pregnant women in León (prevalence, 0%; 95% CI, 0.0-0.3). The higher proportion of women infected with syphilis than found in earlier studies suggests that sexually transmitted diseases are circulating in the general population and highlights the increasing importance of HIV prevention.     

1990～1997年全球控制和消除麻疹进展

本文在已发表的《全球麻疹控制和地区消除麻疹进展报告》〔1〕的基础上,增加1997年麻疹发病数和麻疹疫苗免疫接种率资料,以及世界卫生组织(ＷＨＯ)估计的1997年全球麻疹发病率和死亡率与计划免疫实施前的麻疹发病水平比较的资料,旨在介绍目前全球控制和消除麻疹现状及一些...     

Prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and its association with allergic manifestations in 4-year-old children in the Netherlands: the PIAMA birth cohort study

The association between helminth infections and childhood atopic diseases remains controversial. The majority of studies have been carried out in tropical areas, whereas less information is available from western countries with low intensity of helminth infections. In the Netherlands, the infection of pigs with Ascaris suum is very common, particularly on pig farms with outdoor facilities. This helminth can also infect humans, causing visceral larva migrans. This study aims at determining the prevalence of antibodies against A. suum and its association with allergic symptoms and sensitisation in a population of 4-year-old children living in the Netherlands. Blood samples from 629 children from the prospective birth cohort Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) study were examined for Ascaris antibodies. Data on allergic symptoms and sensitisation were collected using questionnaires and radioallergosorbent tests (RAST). A total of 45 out of 629 (7%) were found to be Ascaris-seropositive. In addition, a positive association between Ascaris seropositivity and wheeze in the last year, doctor-diagnosed asthma and food and aero-allergen sensitisation was found. These results support the hypothesis that low-level or transient infection with helminths enhances allergic reactivity.     

Evaluation of the renal scanning agent N-succinyldesferrioxamine B in dogs

The mechanism of the excretion of ⁶⁷Ga-N-succinyldesferrioxamine B (SDF) was investigated in five healthy dogs. Comparison of the SDF clearance rates for whole blood and plasma as well as SDF renograms with those of ¹³¹I-o-iodohippuric acid (OIH) and ¹¹¹In-diethy-lenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) revealed that SDF is cleared by glomerular filtration and not by an active tubular transport mechanism.