Identification of two immunoreactive peptides useful for the detection of porcine astrovirus

Porcine astroviruses (PAstVs) are small RNA viruses associated with gastroenteritis. The capsid polyprotein of PAstVs, human (HAstVs) and feline (FAstVs) AstVs has a high similarity at the N-terminus before residue 415. Previous results showed the cross-detection of PAstVs and HAstVs from diarrheal samples using a commercial ELISA test that uses a monoclonal antibody to capture HAstVs, suggesting the existence of common immunoreactive epitopes between these two virus types. In this study, we seeked immunoreactive peptides located in the PAstV capsid that may be potentially used for their specific detection. The variability and hydrophobicity of a short fragment of 132 amino acids were analyzed using several capsid sequences of PAstVs and HAstVs. Peptides TATL, SLNP and IDIV were selected, synthesized and inoculated into rabbits. Pre- and hyperimmune sera were collected and their reactivity was examined by immunoassay and immunofluorescence against two wild-type strains of PAstV adapted to grow in cell culture, observing reactivity in two of the sera. Finally, the possible cross-reactivity of the sera against HAstVs was partially ruled out using HAstV8. Our data suggest that TATLGTIGSNSSGKTELEAC and IDIVVGKAATFNLKASDLSGP peptides represent immunoreactive regions useful for the specific detection of PAstVs.     

A novel ATTR L32V mutation causes familial amyloid polyneuropathy in a Bolivian family

We report a new transthyretin (ATTR) gene c.272C>G mutation and variant protein, p.Leu32Val, in a kindred of Bolivian origin with a rapid progressive peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy. Three individuals from a kindred with peripheral nerve and cardiac amyloidosis were examined. Analysis of the TTR gene was performed by Sanger direct sequencing. Neuropathologic examination was obtained on the index patient with mass spectrometry study of the ATTR deposition. Direct DNA sequence analysis of exons 2, 3, and 4 of the TTR gene demonstrated a c.272 C>G mutation in exon 2 (p.L32V). Sural nerve biopsy revealed massive amyloid deposition in the perineurium, endoneurium and vasa nervorum. Mass spectrometric analyses of ATTR immunoprecipitated from nerve biopsy showed the presence of both wild‐type and variant proteins. The observed mass results for the wild‐type and variant proteins were consistent with the predicted values calculated from the genetic analysis data. The ATTR L32V is associated with a severe course. This has implications for treatment of affected individuals and counseling of family members.     

Gonotrophic cycle estimate for Culex quinquefasciatus in Mérida, Yucatán, México

West Nile virus (WNV) has been present in the Yucatán State, México, since 2002. Culex quinquefasciatus, one of the main vectors of WNV transmission in the United States, is also common in Mexico and may be a key vector of WNV transmission t o humans in t he Yucatán. The aim of this study was to determine the length of the gonotrophic cycle and the survival rates of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Mérida, Yucatán, during the rainy versus the dry season. Mosquitoes were collected during 25-day periods in October (rainy season) and in April (dry season), and captured females were classified by abdominal appearance (freshly fed, late-stage fed, half gravid, and subgravid). To determine the age structure as nulliparous and parous females and to calculate the gonotrophic cycle through a time series and the mosquito survival, we used Davidson formulae. Also, vitellogenesis analysis to monitor egg maturity was conducted during both seasons. Cross-correlation data suggested a similar length of the gonotrophic cycle (4 days) in both seasons. Oogenic development required a minimum of 72 h in each season. However, survival of the mosquito population collected in the rainy season was significantly higher (0.91) with a mean temperature of 28 +/- 1.57 degrees C than was survival in the dry season (0.78) with a mean temperature of 29 +/- 1.10 degrees C. Survival, although higher during the rainy season, did not influence the length of the gonotrophic cycle of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Yucatán.     

Relationship between hot flashes and distress in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Objective: Side effects of cancer treatment have been found to have a significant impact on patients' psychological well‐being. Each of the primary treatment options for prostate cancer is associated with significant side effects that can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. Hot flashes are a notable side effect of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and a potential source of distress due to their episodic nature and low frequency in a normal aging male population. The current study sought to examine the relationship between hot flashes and cancer‐related distress during the first three months of ADT. Methods: Participants were 68 men with various stages of prostate cancer scheduled to begin ADT for the first time. Study measures were completed at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that men who did not experience hot flashes had a significant decrease in total cancer‐related distress and avoidance over the 3‐month period, while men with hot flashes exhibited no change in distress. Among men with hot flashes, results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that a worse experience with hot flashes was a significant predictor of greater increases in intrusion and total cancer‐related distress over the 3‐month period. Conclusions: These results suggest that hot flashes serve to maintain levels of distress during the treatment period. Further research should extend these findings by lengthening the follow‐up period and using ecological momentary assessment to refine measurement of these constructs and provide evidence for the direction of causality between hot flashes and distress. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Search for primary infection by Pneumocystis carinii in a cohort of normal, healthy infants.

To determine whether Pneumocystis carinii is associated with clinical illness in the competent host, 107 normal, healthy infants were enrolled in a 2-year prospective cohort study in Chile. P. carinii was identified by specific stains and nested--deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification of the large subunit mitochondrial ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene of P. carinii f. sp. hominis, and seroconversion was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples drawn every 2 months. P. carinii DNA was identified in nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained during episodes of mild respiratory infection in 24 (32%) of 74 infants from whom specimens were available for testing. Three (12.5%) of those 24 infants versus 0 of 50 infants who tested negative for P. carinii had apnea episodes. Seroconversion developed in 67 (85%) of 79 infants who remained in the study by 20 months of age and occurred in the absence of any symptoms of disease in 14 (20.8%). The study indicates that P. carinii DNA can be frequently detected in healthy infants, and it raises the hypothesis that they may be an infectious reservoir of P. carinii in the community. Further investigation is needed to identify whether P. carinii causes overt respiratory disease in infants.     

The aging face: A multidisciplinary corrective procedure

Observations of worldwide attitudes toward the increasing problems of aging are presented. In a brief preliminary summary report on the postoperative clinical, physical, and psychological results in a group of 86 individuals who came for consultation for a regional or total rhytidectomy, it is emphasized that the patients not only obtained improvements in their external appearance as well as their expressions and functional activity, but soon came to request a full health and appearance program. From the psychologic standpoint, plastic surgeons are now challenging their patients to help themselves in such an overall program to forestall the effects of aging.Presented at I.S.A.P.S. IX Congress, New York, New York, October 1987     

Vitamin C uptake and recycling among normal and tumor cells from the central nervous system

Specialized cells transport vitamin C in its reduced form using sodium-dependent cotransporters (SVCT1 and SVCT2). Additionally, different cells transport the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbic acid, through glucose transporters (GLUTs). We have proposed recently a model for vitamin C uptake that resolves the apparent contradiction that although only ascorbic acid is detectable in vivo, there are cells that transport only dehydroascorbic acid. We carried out a detailed kinetic analysis to compare the mechanisms of vitamin C uptake in normal human melanocytes, neurons isolated from brain cortex, hypothalamic ependymal-glial cells, and astrocytes. Uptake of ascorbic acid was also analyzed in the human oligodendroglioma cell line TC620, in human choroid plexus papilloma cells (HCPPC-1), and in the neuroblastoma cell line Neuro-2a. Melanocytes were used to carry out a detailed analysis of vitamin C uptake. Analysis of the transport data by the Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed the presence of one functional component (K(m) 20 microM) involved in ascorbic acid transport by melanocytes. Vitamin C sodium-dependent saturable uptake was also observed in neurons and hypothalamic tanycytes. We confirmed SVCT2 expression in neurons by in situ hybridization; however, SVCT2 expression was not detected in astrocytes in situ. Functional data indicate that astrocytes transport mainly dehydroascorbic acid, using the glucose transporter GLUT1. Our functional uptake analyses support the hypothesis that astrocytes are involved in vitamin C recycling in the nervous system. This recycling model may work as an efficient system for the salvage of vitamin C by avoiding the hydrolysis of dehydroascorbic acid produced by antioxidative protection.