Long-term persistent vesicular stomatitis virus and rabies virus infection of cells in vitro.

BHK 21 carrier cells persistently infected with VSV Indiana for over 2 years have been shedding generally very low levels of mature infectious virus or mature T particles (averaging less than one-hundredth p.f.u./cell/day) yet most cells are producing virus antigens and are resistant to homologous superinfection. However, large amounts of biologically active T particle RNP can be recovered from cytoplasmic extracts of these carrier cells even at times when they are shedding no detectable infectious virus. This recovered cytoplasmic RNP replicates (with helper B virions) to produce mature T particles, interferes strongly after DEAE dextran-facilitated uptake and, together with B virions, allows the establishment of a persistent carrier state in exposed cells. No 'provirus' DNA copies of the VSV RNA genome are detectable (less than 1/40 copy/cell or I copy per 40 cells) in carrier cells after more than 2 years of persistent infection, and all transfection attempts have failed using DNA from these VSV carriers or DNA from carrier cells persistently infected with some other negative strand RNA viruses (measles, mumps, LCM, influenza, rabies). Infectious viruses shed after more than I year from carrier cells originally infected with wild-type B virions are small plaque mutants showing a slight temperature sensitivity. Cured cell populations can be obtained from the long term VSV carrier culture by cloning in the presence or absence of antiviral antibody.     

Introduction of a kit for the documentation of occupational accidents regarding punctures and cuts

This paper emphasizes the creation and application of a KIT for the communication of occupational accidents with puncture-cutting objects to the Municipal Health Bureau from the city of Ribeir?o Preto. It is an essential instrument for the health care services directed to all the employees of the Health Units. It also evidences the notification and the beginning of the prevention of occupational diseases, being a highly useful instrument whenever any accident occurs. The creation of this KIT enabled the use of prevention measures regarding occupational diseases, culminating with the mobilization of the chiefs and the staff in order to intensify preventive procedures.     

An evaluation of the treatment of parapsoriasis with phototherapy

Whether parapsoriasis represents an early stage of T-cell cutaneous lymphoma is still the subject of controversy. We evaluated the efficacy of phototherapy in the treatment of parapsoriasis and its relation with TCCL. Patients diagnosed with parapsoriasis and treated with phototherapy PUVA or UVB-NB were selected. Between 1 to 8 years following treatment the evolution of their disease was evaluated. In 62 patients the cure rate was 79.3% and 17.2% showed improvement of the lesions. Only two patients developed full blown T-cell cutaneous lymphoma. Phototherapy is an excellent treatment for parapsoriasis, with high cure rates, regardless of the type of phototherapy employed. Of the 62 patients under study, parapsoriasis showed no general tendency to progress to T-cell cutaneous lymphoma.     

Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis in a family of patients with sarcoidosis reinforces the association between both entities

Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NSG) is a rare entity mainly characterized by a prominent granulomatous vasculitis affecting middle-aged or old individuals and with a favorable prognosis. Although many believe it is a variant of sarcoidosis, the proper classification is still a matter of debate as some of its features are found in sarcoidosis but also in Churg-Strauss syndrome, Wegener's disease and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In this paper, we described for the first time a case of NSG in a family with several cases of sarcoidosis, reinforcing the relationship between NSG and sarcoidosis. Additional interesting findings were the young age of the patient (15 years old), the symptoms limited to the respiratory tract (uncommon when NSG affects youngsters) and the increase in serologic markers of autoimmune disease. Though complete criteria for autoimmune disease were not present, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome are possible candidates. As sarcoidosis is described to be associated with several autoimmune diseases, this finding is an additional suggestion of the relationship between both entities.     

Interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma patterns during tuberculosis treatment: possible association with recurrence

Interleukin (IL) 10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-) levels in induced sputum supernatants of 21 tuberculosis (TB) patients at diagnosis and during chemotherapy were correlated to recurrence rates. IL-10 decreased until day 60 of treatment (T60), and between T60 and T180 it increased again in 7 cases (Pattern 1) and further decreased in 14 cases (Pattern 2). Follow-up of 69 months was performed in 20/21 cases; 6 had recurrence of TB, of which 5/7 (71%) had Pattern 1 and 1/13 (7.7%) Pattern 2 (OR 30.0, 95%CI 2.19411.3, P 0.0072). This was not observed for IFN-. High IL-10 levels at the end of treatment may function as a risk factor for TB recurrence.     

Epitaxial and large area Sb2Te3 thin films on silicon by MOCVD

Antimony telluride (Sb₂Te₃) thin films were prepared by a room temperature Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) process using antimony chloride (SbCl₃) and bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride (Te(SiMe₃)₂) as precursors. Pre-growth and post-growth treatments were found to be pivotal in favoring out-of-plane and in-plane alignment of the crystallites composing the films. A comprehensive suite of characterization techniques were used to evaluate their composition, surface roughness, as well as to assess their morphology, crystallinity, and structural features, revealing that a quick post-growth annealing triggers the formation of epitaxial-quality Sb₂Te₃ films on Si(111).

Highly oriented antimony telluride thin films are prepared by room temperature metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on Si(111).     

Research capacity and culture in podiatry: early observations within Queensland Health

Background

Research is a major driver of health care improvement and evidence-based practice is becoming the foundation of health care delivery. For health professions to develop within emerging models of health care delivery, it would seem imperative to develop and monitor the research capacity and evidence-based literacy of the health care workforce. This observational paper aims to report the research capacity levels of statewide populations of public-sector podiatrists at two different time points twelve-months apart.

Methods

The Research Capacity & Culture (RCC) survey was electronically distributed to all Queensland Health (Australia) employed podiatrists in January 2011 (n?=?58) and January 2012 (n?=?60). The RCC is a validated tool designed to measure indicators of research skill in health professionals. Participants rate skill levels against each individual, team and organisation statement on a 10-point scale (one?=?lowest, ten?=?highest). Chi-squared and Mann Whitney U tests were used to determine any differences between the results of the two survey samples. A minimum significance of p?<?0.05 was used throughout.

Results

Thirty-seven (64%) podiatrists responded to the 2011 survey and 33 (55%) the 2012 survey. The 2011 survey respondents reported low skill levels (Median?<?4) on most aspects of individual research aspects, except for their ability to locate and critically review research literature (Median?>?6). Whereas, most reported their organisation’s skills to perform and support research at much higher levels (Median?>?6). The 2012 survey respondents reported significantly higher skill ratings compared to the 2011 survey in individuals’ ability to secure research funding, submit ethics applications, and provide research advice, plus, in their organisation’s skills to support, fund, monitor, mentor and engage universities to partner their research (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

This study appears to report the research capacity levels of the largest populations of podiatrists published. The 2011 survey findings indicate podiatrists have similarly low research capacity skill levels to those reported in the allied health literature. The 2012 survey, compared to the 2011 survey, suggests podiatrists perceived higher skills and support to initiate research in 2012. This improvement coincided with the implementation of research capacity building strategies.