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AIDS - Current Table Of Contents

The role of HIV in serious diseases other than AIDS.
Page: 2409DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e3283174636Authors: Phillips, Andrew N a; Neaton, James b; Lundgren, Jens D c
HIV clinical trial design for antiretroviral development: moving forward.
Page: 2419DOI: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32831692e6Authors: Chan-Tack, Kirk M a; Struble, Kimberly A a; Morgensztejn, Nathalie b; Murray, Jeffrey S a; Gulick, Roy c; Cheng, Ben d; Weller, Ian e; Miller, Veronica d

AIDS Patient Care and STDs - Table of Contents

Letter to the Editor: Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients Treated with Abacavir: Strategies To Avoid Such Reactions
liebertonline@liebertpub.com (Shailendra Kapoor) Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:54:25 -0000
AIDS Patient Care and STDs Oct 2008, Vol. 22, No. 10: 769-769.
Review: Thromboses among HIV-Infected Patients during the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Era
liebertonline@liebertpub.com (Nancy F. Crum-Cianflone et al) Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:54:10 -0000
AIDS Patient Care and STDs Oct 2008, Vol. 22, No. 10: 771-778. Abstract Venous thrombotic events (VTEs) may occur at higher rates among patients with HIV; some studies suggest that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may increase the risk for these potentially life-threatening events. We performed a ...

American Journal of Epidemiology - current issue

Meta-Regression of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Relation to Time Since Onset of Illicit Drug Injection: The Influence of Time and Place
Hagan, H., Pouget, E. R., Des Jarlais, D. C., Lelutiu-Weinberger, C. Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The authors examined the relation between time since onset of illicit drug injection (time at risk) and rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by using meta-regression. In 72 prevalence studies, median time since onset of injection was 7.24 years and median prevalence was 66.02%. The model showed statistically significant linear and quadratic effects of time at risk on HCV prevalence and significantly higher prevalence in developing and transitional countries and in earlier samples (1985–1995). In developed countries post-1995, mean fitted prevalence was 32.02% (95% confidence interval: 25.31, 39.58) at 1 year of injection and 53.01% (95% confidence interval: 40.69, 65.09) at 5 years. In developing/transitional countries post-1995, mean fitted HCV prevalence was 59.13% (95% confidence interval: 30.39, 82.74) at 1 year of injection. In 10 incidence studies, median time at risk was 5.29 years and median cumulative HCV incidence was 20.69%. Mean fitted cumulative incidence was 27.63% (95% confidence interval: 16.92, 41.70) at 1 year of drug injection. The authors concluded that time to HCV infection in developed countries has lengthened. More rapid onset of HCV infection in drug injectors in developing/transitional countries resembles an earlier era of the HCV epidemic in other regions.
Changes in Alcohol-Related Mortality and its Socioeconomic Differences After a Large Reduction in Alcohol Prices: A Natural Experiment Based on Register Data
Herttua, K., Makela, P., Martikainen, P. Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The authors examined the effect of a large reduction in the price of alcohol in Finland in 2004 on alcohol-related mortality by age and socioeconomic group. For this register-based study of Finns aged ≥15 years, data on independent variables were extracted from the employment statistics of Statistics Finland. Mortality follow-up was carried out for 2001–2003 (before the price reduction) and 2004–2005 (after). Alcohol-related causes were defined using both underlying and contributory causes of death. Alcohol-related mortality increased by 16% among men and by 31% among women; 82% of the increase was due to chronic causes, particularly liver diseases. The increase in absolute terms was largest among men aged 55–59 years and women aged 50–54 years. Among persons aged 30–59 years, it was biggest among the unemployed or early-age pensioners and those with low education, social class, or income. The relative differences in change between the education and social class subgroups were small. The employed and persons aged <35 years did not suffer from increased alcohol-related mortality during the 2 years after the change. These results imply that a large reduction in the price of alcohol led to substantial increases in alcohol-related mortality, particularly among the less privileged, and in chronic diseases associated with heavy drinking.

Chiropractic & Osteopathy - Latest articles

Rehabilitation program for traumatic chronic cervical pain associated with unsteadiness: a single case study.
Danik Lafond, Annick Champagne, Rosalie Cadieux and Martin Descarreaux Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Neck problems are often recurring or chronic. After pain, unsteadiness and balance problems are among the most frequent symptoms reported by chronic neck pain (CNP) patients. Altered sensorimotor control of the cervical spine and sensorimotor integration problems affecting postural control have been observed in CNP patients. Very few data are available regarding the post-intervention effects of rehabilitation programs on postural control in CNP.Case presentationThis is a case study of a traumatic CNP patient (a 45-year old female) with postural unsteadiness who participated in an 8-week rehabilitation program combining therapeutic exercises with spinal manipulative therapy. Pre-intervention data revealed that the postural control system was challenged when postural control sensory inputs were altered, particularly during the head-extended-backward condition. Post-intervention centre of pressure measurements indicated a drastic reduction in postural sway during trials with changes in neck orientation. Conclusion: This case report indicates that an 8-week rehabilitation program combining therapeutic exercises with spinal manipulative therapy may have had an effect on improvement of postural control in a trauma CNP patient with unsteadiness. These results warrant further studies to investigate the relationships between pain amelioration, sensorimotor control of the cervical spine, muscle fitness and postural steadiness.
Through the rear view mirror: a content evaluation of the journal Chiropractic & Osteopathy for the years 2005-2008
Ian D Coulter and Raheleh Khorsan Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
In this review article we examine publication from the journal of Chiropractic & Osteopathy from the years 2005 through 2008 in relationship to the goals and objectives at by the journal's original editorial board. The results show that chiropractic as a single profession has published more articles in this journal compared to other professional groups; that articles that originated in the United Stated dominate; and over 30% of the articles published fall into the category primary research studies.

PubMed: 0002-9637

Blood feeding patterns of potential arbovirus vectors of the genus culex targeting ectothermic hosts.
Burkett-Cadena ND, Graham SP, Hassan HK, Guyer C, Eubanks MD, Katholi CR, Unnasch TR Related Articles Blood feeding patterns of potential arbovirus vectors of the genus culex targeting ectothermic hosts. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008 Nov;79(5):809-15 Authors: Burkett-Cadena ND, Graham SP, Hassan HK, Guyer C, Eubanks MD, Katholi CR, Unnasch TR Reptiles and amphibians constitute a significant portion of vertebrate biomass in terrestrial ecosystems and may be important arbovirus reservoirs. To investigate mosquito preference for ectothermic hosts, feeding indices were calculated from data collected in Tuskegee National Forest, Alabama, USA. Four mosquito species fed upon ectothermic hosts, with Culex peccator and Cx. territans feeding primarily upon ectotherms. These two species appeared to target distinct species with little overlap in host choice. Culex peccator was a generalist in its feeding patterns within ectotherms, and Cx. territans appeared to be a more specialized feeder. Six of eleven ectotherm species fed upon by Cx. territans were fed upon more often than predicted based upon abundance. Spring peepers were highly preferred over other host species by Cx. territans. Blood meals taken from each host species varied temporally, with some hosts being targeted fairly evenly throughout the season and others being fed upon in seasonal peaks. PMID: 18981528 [PubMed - in process]
Prevention of blood-borne diseases in Bolivia, 1993-2002.
Schmunis GA, Rodriguez G, Coenen J, Bellorin EG, Gianella A Related Articles Prevention of blood-borne diseases in Bolivia, 1993-2002. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2008 Nov;79(5):803-8 Authors: Schmunis GA, Rodriguez G, Coenen J, Bellorin EG, Gianella A This report shows the outcome of a coordinated effort by locals, foreign institutions, and an international agency, from 1996-2002, aimed at preventing transmission of blood-borne diseases in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. From 2001-2002, testing the donor pool for HIV prevented transfusion of 32 infected units and 29 infections. With 100% screening coverage, 196 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected units were discarded, and 177 infections of HBV were prevented between 1999 and 2002. Incomplete screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may have tainted nine units of blood and generated eight HCV infections in 1999. On the other hand, 600 units infected with HCV were discarded, and 540 HCV infections were prevented between 1999 and 2002. Screening for Chagas disease prevented transfusion of 10,661 tainted units and 2,133 infections from 1999 to 2002. From 1996-2002, the investment was US$1,108,000. PMID: 18981527 [PubMed - in process]

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials - Latest articles

Brachyspira pilosicoli bloodstream infections: Case report and review of the literature
Lilia Bait-Merabet, Arnaud Thille, Patrick Legrand, Christian Brun-Buisson and Vincent Cattoir Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Brachyspira pilosicoli is the etiologic agent of human and animal intestinal spirochetosis and is rarely implicated as a cause of bacteremia. Here, we describe the case of a B. pilosicoli spirochetemia in a 53-year-old male patient suffering from cardiogenic shock. This fastidious bacterium was isolated from blood, likely after translocation from the intestinal tract. Blood cultures were positive after 5 days of incubation (one day after the patient's death), highlighting the problem of the recovery of such type of fastidious bacterium. Identification was achieved by molecular methods (16S rRNA sequencing). A review of the English literature found only 8 cases of bacteremia caused by B. pilosicoli, mostly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Finally, difficulties in rapid and accurate diagnosis of B. pilosicoli bloodstream infections, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of human clinical isolates, and therapeutic options are discussed.
Predicting the sensitivity and specificity of published real-time PCR assays
Gordon H Lemmon and Shea N Gardner Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: In recent years real-time PCR has become a leading technique for nucleic acid detection and quantification. These assays have the potential to greatly enhance efficiency in the clinical laboratory. Choice of primer and probe sequences is critical for accurate diagnosis in the clinic, yet current primer/probe signature design strategies are limited, and signature evaluation methods are lacking. Methods: We assessed the quality of a signature by predicting the number of true positive, false positive and false negative hits against all available public sequence data. We found real-time PCR signatures described in recent literature and used a BLAST search based approach to collect all hits to the primer-probe combinations that should be amplified by real-time PCR chemistry. We then compared our hits with the sequences in the NCBI taxonomy tree that the signature was designed to detect. Results: We found that many published signatures have high specificity (almost no false positives) but low sensitivity (high false negative rate). Where high sensitivity is needed, we offer a revised methodology for signature design which may designate that multiple signatures are required to detect all sequenced strains. We use this methodology to produce new signatures that are predicted to have higher sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We show that current methods for real-time PCR assay design have unacceptably low sensitivities for most clinical applications. Additionally, as new sequence data becomes available, old assays must be reassessed and redesigned. A standard protocol for both generating and assessing the quality of these assays is therefore of great value. Real-time PCR has the capacity to greatly improve clinical diagnostics. The improved assay design and evaluation methods presented herein will expedite adoption of this technique in the clinical lab.

BMC Infectious Diseases - Latest articles

Risky sexual practices among youth attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Willy K Urassa, Candida Moshiro, Guerino Chalamila, Fred Mhalu and Eric Sandstrom Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Youth have been reported to be at a higher risk of acquiring STIs with significant adverse health and social consequences. Knowledge on the prevailing risky practices is an essential tool to guide preventive strategies. Methods: Youth aged between 18 and 25 years attending an STI clinic were recruited. Social, sexual and demographic characteristics were elicited using a structured standard questionnaire. Blood samples were tested for syphilis and HIV infections. Urethral, high vaginal and cervical swabs were screened for common STI agents. Results: A total of 304 youth were studied with mean age of 21.5 and 20.3 years for males and females respectively. 63.5% of youth were seeking STI care. The mean age of coitache was 16.4 and 16.2 years for males and females respectively. The first sexual partner was significantly older in females compared to male youth (23.0 vs 16.8 years) (p<0.01). 93.2% of male youth reported more than one sexual lifetime partner compared to 63.0% of the females. Only 50% of males compared to 43% of females had ever used a condom and fewer than 8.3% of female youth used other contraceptive methods. 27.1% of pregnancies were unplanned and 60% of abortions were induced. 42.0% of female youth had received gifts/money for sexual favours. The HIV prevalence was 15.3 % and 7.5% for females and males respectively. The prevalence of other STIs was relatively low. Among male youth, use of alcohol or illicit drugs was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the age of sexual initiation, number of sexual partners or the age of the first sexual partner were not associated with increased risk of being HIV infected. Conclusion: Most female youth seen at the STI clinic had their first sexual intercourse with older males. Youth were engaging in high risk unprotected sexual practices which were predisposing them to STIs and unplanned pregnancies. There is a great need to establish more youth-friendly reproductive health clinics, encourage consistent and correct use of condoms, delay in sexual debut and avoid older sexual partners in females.
Effect of treating Schistosoma haematobium infection on Plasmodium falciparum-specific antibody responses
Liam J Reilly, Christiana Magkrioti, David R Cavanagh, Takafira Mduluza and Francisca Mutapi Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: The overlapping geographical and socio-economic distribution of malaria and helminth infection has led to several studies investigating the immunological and pathological interactions of these parasites. This study focuses on the effect of treating schistosome infections on natural human immune responses directed against plasmodia merozoite surface proteins MSP-1 (DPKMWR, MSP119), and MSP-2 (CH150 and Dd2) which are potential vaccine candidates as well as crude malaria (schizont) and schistosome (whole worm homogenate) proteins. Methods: IgG1 and IgG3 antibody responses directed against Schistosoma haematobium crude adult worm antigen (WWH) and Plasmodium falciparum antigens (merozoite surface proteins 1/2 and schizont extract), were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 117 Zimbabweans (6-18 years old) exposed to S. haematobium and P. falciparum infection. These responses were measured before and after anti-helminth treatment with praziquantel to determine the effects of treatment on anti-plasmodial/schistosome responses. Results: There were no significant associations between antibody responses (IgG1/IgG3) directed against P. falciparum and schistosomes before treatment. Six weeks after schistosome treatment there were significant changes in levels of IgG1 directed against schistosome crude antigens, plasmodia crude antigens, MSP-119, MSP-2 (Dd2), and in IgG3 directed against MSP-119. However, only changes in anti-schistosome IgG1 were attributable to the anti-helminth treatment. Conclusions: There was no association between anti-P. falciparum and S. haematobium antibody responses in this population and anti-helminth treatment affected only anti-schistosome responses and not responses against plasmodia crude antigens or MSP-1 and -2 vaccine candidates.

Current Opinion in HIV & AIDS - Current Table Of Contents

Editorial introductions.
Page: viiDOI: 10.1097/COH.0b013e328317c9da
Variable adherence to prescribed dosing regimens for protease inhibitors: scope and outcomes.
Page: 603DOI: 10.1097/COH.0b013e32831271c2Authors: Blaschke, Terrence F

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases - Current Table Of Contents

Editorial introductions.
Page: viiDOI: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e32831a6d3f
Decision support systems for antibiotic prescribing.
Page: 573DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e3283118932Authors: Sintchenko, Vitali a,b,c; Coiera, Enrico c; Gilbert, Gwendolyn L a,b

Epidemiologic Reviews - current issue

The Burden of Mental Disorders
Eaton, W. W., Martins, S. S., Nestadt, G., Bienvenu, O. J., Clarke, D., Alexandre, P. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0000
In the last decade, there has been an increase in interest in the burden of chronic and disabling health conditions that are not necessarily fatal, such as the mental disorders. This review systematically summarizes data on the burden associated with 11 major mental disorders of adults. The measures of burden include estimates of prevalence, mortality associated with the disorders, disabilities and impairments related to the disorders, and costs. This review expands the range of mental disorders considered in a report on the global burden of disease, updates the literature, presents information on the range and depth of sources of information on burden, and adds estimates of costs. The purpose is to provide an accessible guide to the burden of mental disorders, especially for researchers and policy makers who may not be familiar with this subfield of epidemiology.
Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Jalbert, J. J., Daiello, L. A., Lapane, K. L. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Dementia of the Alzheimer type is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition characterized by deterioration in cognition and memory, progressive impairment in the ability to carry out activities of daily living, and a number of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This narrative review summarizes the literature regarding descriptive epidemiology, clinical course, and characteristic neuropathological changes of dementia of the Alzheimer type. Although there are no definitive imaging or laboratory tests, except for brain biopsy, for diagnosis, brief screening instruments and neuropsychiatric test batteries used to assess the disease are discussed. Insufficient evidence exists for the use of biomarkers in clinical practice for diagnosis or disease management, but promising discoveries are summarized. Optimal treatment requires both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions, yet none have been shown to modify the disease's clinical course. This review describes the current available options and summarizes promising new avenues for treatment. Issues related to the care of persons with dementia of the Alzheimer type, including caregiver burden, long-term care, and the proliferation of dementia special care units, are discussed. Although advances have been made, more research is needed to address the gaps in our understanding of the disease.

Epidemiology and Infection - Current Issue

Volume 136 Issue 12
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Epidemiology and Infection, Volume 136 Issue 12 Increased frequency in 2007 - now 8 issues per year! Epidemiology and Infection publishes original reports and reviews on all aspects of infection in humans and animals. Particular emphasis is given to the epidemiology, prevention and control of infectious diseases. The field covered is broad and includes the zoonoses, tropical infections, food hygiene, vaccine studies, statistics and the clinical, social and public-health aspects of infectious disease. Papers covering microbiology and immunology which have an epidemiological relevance are part of this broad field. Papers come from medical and veterinary scientists worldwide. It has become the key periodical in which to find the latest reports on recently discovered infections and new technology. For those concerned with policy and planning for the control of infections, the papers on mathematical modelling of epidemics caused by historical, current and emergent infections, will be of particular value. To celebrate 100 years of the journal, a series of important papers has been selected and each, together with a modern commentary on the paper by an expert, will be published on-line. This journal has now moved over to electronic submission, using the Scholar One system. Click here to go to the submission website. Guidance on how to upload your manuscript is available on the site by clicking "User Tutorials". Online manuscript submission (now) available, please go to http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cup/hyg
The transmission and control of XDR TB in South Africa: an operations research and mathematical modelling approach
Review ArticlesS. BASU, A. P. GALVANI, Epidemiology and Infection, Volume 136 Issue 12 , pp 1585-1598Abstract

Filaria Journal - Latest articles

Contribution of migrant coffee labourers infected with Onchocerca volvulus to the maintenance of the microfilarial reservoir in an ivermectin-treated area of Mexico
Mario A Rodríguez-Pérez, Aldo Segura Cabrera, Cristian Lizarazo Ortega, María-Gloria Basáñez and John B Davies Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Since 1991, in Mexico, ivermectin has been administered twice a year to all residents in the onchocerciasis endemic foci which are mainly located in the coffee growing areas. However, the presence of a potentially infected itinerant seasonal labour force which is not treated regularly could jeopardise the attainment of the 85% coverage which is the present target for elimination of the disease. Methods: The prevalence and intensity of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae (mf), as well as their transmission from humans to vectors, were assessed during the coffee planting-clearing and harvesting seasons of 1997–1998, and 1998–1999 in two localities (I and II) of Southern Chiapas, Mexico, which regularly receive an influx of untreated migrant coffee labourers. Results: Localities I and II had, respectively, an average of 391 (± 32) and 358 (± 14) resident inhabitants, and 70 (± 52) and 498 (± 289) temporary labourers. The ratio of migrants to residents ranged from 0.1:1 in locality I to 2.4:1 in locality II. The proportion of infected Simulium ochraceum s.l. parous flies was significantly lower in locality I than in locality II, and significantly higher during the stay of the migrants than before their arrival or after their departure. Parity and infection were higher in May-July than in November-February (in contrast with the latter being typically considered as the peak onchocerciasis transmission season by S. ochraceum s.l.). Conclusion: The presence of significant numbers of untreated and potentially infected migrants may contribute to ongoing transmission, and their incorporation into ivermectin programmes should be beneficial for the attainment of the elimination goals of the regional initiative. However, the possibility that the results also reflect transmission patterns for the area cannot be excluded and these should be analyzed further.
Epidemiology and psycho-social aspects of onchocercal skin diseases in northeastern Nigeria
Ikem Chris Okoye and Celestine OE Onwuliri Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Observations were made on the prevalence of onchocerciasis and Onchocercal Skin Diseases (OSD); frequency of occurrence and anatomical distribution of OSD in the Hawal River Valley, an established onchocerciasis endemic focus in north-eastern Nigeria. Methods: Symptoms of OSD were diagnosed in 5 844 subjects using Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) while 1 479 of the subjects chosen from alternate households had their skin biopsies examined for active microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. Also, Focal Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted at the Health District levels. Results: O. volvulus was recorded in (19.0%) and OSD in (43.8%) of the subjects. The Mantel-Haenszel test for linear association showed a close agreement between onchocerciasis prevalence and the rate of OSD (χ2 = 3.93; p < 0.05). The various forms of OSD occurred in the order: CPOD (17.7%), APOD (9.9%), DPM (9.0%), LOD (7.0%) and ATR (3.1%). The overall frequency of occurrence of various symptoms of OSD on different anatomical locations showed the locations in descending order of occurrence as lower limbs (24.6%), upper limbs (21.3%), buttocks (19.9%), shoulder & neck (19.1%), abdomen and trunk (11.3%), backside (10.6), and 'other' sites (7.5%). The Focal Group Discussion (FGD) revealed the most worrisome consequences of OSD as social isolation of victims (31.3%), shame and low self esteem (22.7%) and high cost of medication (15.6%). Conclusion: It is recommended that Onchocerciasis control programmes in the Hawal River Valley and any other focus with high incidence of OSD should incorporate an aspect that would address the anxiety and depression caused by various OSD lesions since they carry lots of psycho-social implications. This would increase acceptance and compliance of the target population. The classification criteria of onchocerciasis endemicity should be based on either or both of the O. volvulus and onchocercal skin disease burden of any community and no longer on O. volvulus parasitic infection rate alone.

Foodborne Pathogens and Disease - Table of Contents

Conserved Stx2 Phages from Escherichia coli O103:H25 Isolated from Patients Suffering from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
liebertonline@liebertpub.com (Camilla Sekse et al) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:05:19 -0000
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease , Vol. 0, No. 0. Abstract Background: One of the main virulence factors produced by Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli is the Shiga toxin (Stx), which is encoded on lambdoid phages (Stx phage). In Norway, an outbreak of hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic ...
23S rRNA Gene Mutations Contributing to Macrolide Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli
liebertonline@liebertpub.com (Scott R. Ladely et al) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:05:13 -0000
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease , Vol. 0, No. 0. Abstract The genetic basis of macrolide resistance in Campylobacter coli (n = 17) and C. jejuni (n = 35) isolates previously subjected to in vivo selective pressure was investigated to determine if the number of copies of 23S rRNA genes with macrolide-...

PubMed: 0019-9567

Klebsiella pneumoniae increases the levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in human airway epithelial cells.
Regueiro V, Moranta D, Campos MA, Margareto J, Garmendia J, Bengoechea JA Related Articles Klebsiella pneumoniae increases the levels of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in human airway epithelial cells. Infect Immun. 2008 Nov 17; Authors: Regueiro V, Moranta D, Campos MA, Margareto J, Garmendia J, Bengoechea JA Airway epithelial cells act as the first barrier against pathogens. They recognize conserved structural motifs expressed by microbial pathogens via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) expressed on the surface. In contrast to lymphoid cells, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 is low in airway epithelial cells under physiological conditions. Here we explored whether Klebsiella pneumoniae up-regulates the expression of TLRs in human airway epithelial cells. We found that the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by A549 cells and human primary airway cells (NHBE) was up-regulated upon infection with K. pneumoniae. This increased expression of TLRs resulted in an enhancement of the cellular response upon stimulation with Pam3CSK4 or lipopolysaccharide, TLR2 and TLR4 agonists respectively. Klebsiella-dependent up-regulation of TLR expression was via a positive IkappaBalpha-dependent NF-kappaB pathway and negative p38 and p44/42 MAP kinases-dependent pathways. We showed that Klebsiella-induced TLR2 and TLR4 up-regulation was dependent on TLR activation. An isogenic capsule polysaccharide (CPS) mutant did not increase TLR2 and TLR4 expressions. Purified CPS up-regulated TLR2 and TLR4 expressions and polymyxin B did not abrogate CPS-induced TLRs up-regulation. Although by SDS-PAGE and colloidal gold staining no proteins were detected in the CPS preparation, we cannot totally rule out that protein traces in our CPS preparation could be responsible, at least partially, for TLRs up-regulation. PMID: 19015258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Localization of the domains of the Haemophilus ducreyi trimeric autotransporter DsrA involved in serum resistance and binding to the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and vitronectin.
Leduc I, Olsen B, Elkins C Related Articles Localization of the domains of the Haemophilus ducreyi trimeric autotransporter DsrA involved in serum resistance and binding to the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and vitronectin. Infect Immun. 2008 Nov 17; Authors: Leduc I, Olsen B, Elkins C Resisting the bactericidal activity of naturally occurring antibodies and complement of normal human serum is an important element to evasion of innate immunity by bacteria. In the gram-negative mucosal pathogen Haemophilus ducreyi, serum resistance is primarily mediated by the trimeric autotransporter DsrA. DsrA also functions as an adhesin to the extracellular matrix proteins fibronectin and vitronectin and mediates attachment of H. ducreyi to keratinocytes. We sought to determine the domain(s) of the 236-residue DsrA protein required for serum resistance and extracellular matrix protein binding. A 140 amino acid truncated protein containing only the C-terminal portion of the passenger and the entire translocator domains of DsrA retained binding to fibronectin and vitronectin and conferred serum resistance to a H. ducreyi serum sensitive strain. A shorter DsrA construct of only 128 amino acids was unable to bind extracellular matrix proteins, but remained serum resistant. We conclude that neither fibronectin nor vitronectin binding is required for high-level serum resistance in H. ducreyi. PMID: 19015257 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Latest Issue of International Journal of Medical Microbiology

Editorial - ETOX turned twenty
Sebo P.
Pathogenomics of mobile genetic elements of toxigenic bacteria
Hacker J.Hochhut B.Middendorf B.Schneider G.Buchrieser C.Gottschalk G.Dobrindt U.

JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes - Current Table Of Contents

Comparison of 5 Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping Systems for Absolute CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Counts in HIV-1-Infected Patients Living in Resource-Limited Settings.
Page: 339DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31818c1721Authors: Pattanapanyasat, Kovit PhD *+; Phuang-Ngern, Yuwadee MSc +; Sukapirom, Kasama MSc *; Lerdwana, Surada BSc *; Thepthai, Charin MSc +; Tassaneetrithep, Boonrat PhD, MD *
Characterization of Quantitative and Functional Innate Immune Parameters in HIV-1-Infected Colombian Children Receiving Stable Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.
Page: 348DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31818c16ffAuthors: Usuga, Xiomara MSc *; Montoya, Carlos Julio MD, PhD *; Landay, Alan L PhD +; Rugeles, Maria Teresa PhD *

ScienceDirect Publication: Women's Health Issues

Employer Approaches To Preconception Care
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:08:52 -0000
Publication year: 2008Source: Women's Health Issues, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 October 2008Kathryn E., Phillips , Georgette, Flood
Prevalence of Chronic Illness in Pregnancy, Access to Care, and Health Care CostsImplications for Interconception Care
Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:08:52 -0000
Publication year: 2008Source: Women's Health Issues, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 25 October 2008Sharmila, Chatterjee , Milton, Kotelchuck , Usha, Sambamoorthi Purpose: Access to health care after pregnancy is especially important for pregnant women with chronic illness. The purpose of our study was to describe the prevalence of chronic illness in pregnant women and factors affecting the receipt of ongoing care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 6,294 women between 19 and 45 years of age from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Chronic illness was defined using aggregate clinical classification codes in the MEPS. Women were divided into 4 groups: pregnant and currently not pregnant, with and without chronic illness. We analyzed group differences in demographic variables, socioeconomic status, and access to...

Future Medicine: Women's Health: Table of Contents

New advances in breast cancer metastasis
info@futuremedicine.com (Jose Russo et al) Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:47:58 -0000
Women's Health , November 2008, Vol. 4, No. 6, Pages 547-549.
Significance of patient education and counseling in improving breast healthcare
info@futuremedicine.com (Shahla Masood) Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:47:54 -0000
Women's Health , November 2008, Vol. 4, No. 6, Pages 551-555.

Archives of Women's Mental Health

A depression preventive intervention for rural low-income African-American pregnant women at risk for postpartum depression
Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:15:03 -0000
Abstract  Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major health problem for many women, including rural low-income African-American women. Researchers have documented the long lasting consequences of PPD. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the initial acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of the ROSE Program, a brief, interpersonally-based intervention in a group of low-income, rural African-American pregnant women at risk for PPD. Participants were 36 African-American pregnant women at risk for PPD who attended a rural hospital-affiliated prenatal clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to the ROSE Program or to treatment as usual (TAU). Outcomes included measures of depressive symptoms, postpartum adjustment, and parental stress at 3 months postpartum. At 3 months postpartum, the study found no significant differences between the two conditions in degree of depressive symptoms or level of parental stress. The women in the intervention condition reported significantly better postpartum adjustment at 3 months postpartum than women in the TAU group. Those in the ROSE Program reported improvement in depressive symptoms over time, whereas women in the TAU group did not evidence such changes. These results provide initial effectiveness for the ROSE Program in improving postpartum functioning in a group of low-income, rural African-American pregnant women. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionDOI 10.1007/s00737-008-0036-3Authors Kathy Crockett, Jackson State University Department of Psychology Jackson MS USACaron Zlotnick, Brown Medical School Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Women and Infants Hospital Providence RI USAMelvin Davis, Jackson State University Department of Psychology Jackson MS USANanetta Payne, Jackson State University Mississippi Urban Research Center Jackson MS USARosie Washington, Lexington MS USA Journal Archives of Women's Mental HealthOnline ISSN 1435-1102Print ISSN 1434-1816
Effects of maternal prenatal stress on offspring development: a commentary
Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:16:43 -0000
Abstract  Pregnancy is associated with major physiological changes and adaptation to these changes is crucial for normal fetal development. Heightened emotional stress during pregnancy may interfere with the necessary adaptation and lead to dysregulation of the two major stress response systems: the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) Axis and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Negative effects on the fetus of such maladaptation have been documented in both animals and humans and range from poor birth outcomes to negative impacts on neurodevelopment, as well as long term emotional and behavioural disturbances. Conversely, it has been hypothesized that low levels of maternal prenatal stress may actually have an adaptive value for the offspring. Investigation of these associations employing physiological markers and repeated measures throughout pregnancy and postpartum of both the mother and the offspring, is required in order to understand the various effects of prenatal stress on the development of the offspring. It is also crucial to explore the possibility of variable periods of vulnerability throughout gestation. The aim of this commentary is to reexamine the current literature on the ill-effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on the offspring and to explore avenues for future treatment and prevention. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionDOI 10.1007/s00737-008-0035-4Authors Marysia J. Lazinski, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Women’s Health Concerns Clinic 50 Charlton Avenue East Hamilton ON Canada L8N 4A6Alison K. Shea, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Women’s Health Concerns Clinic 50 Charlton Avenue East Hamilton ON Canada L8N 4A6Meir Steiner, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Women’s Health Concerns Clinic 50 Charlton Avenue East Hamilton ON Canada L8N 4A6 Journal Archives of Women's Mental HealthOnline ISSN 1435-1102Print ISSN 1434-1816

BMC Women's Health - Latest articles

Mammography screening: views from women and primary care physicians in Crete
Maria Trigoni, Frances Griffiths, Dimitris Tsiftsis, Eugenios Koumantakis, Eileen Green and Christos Lionis Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and a leading cause of death from cancer in women in Europe. Although breast cancer incidence is on the rise worldwide, breast cancer mortality over the past 25 years has been stable or decreasing in some countries and a fall in breast cancer mortality rates in most European countries in the 1990s was reported by several studies, in contrast, in Greece have not reported these favourable trends. In Greece, the age-standardised incidence and mortality rate for breast cancer per 100.000 in 2006 was 81,8 and 21,7 and although it is lower than most other countries in Europe, the fall in breast cancer mortality that observed has not been as great as in other European countries. There is no national strategy for screening in this country. This study reports on the use of mammography among middle-aged women in rural Crete and investigates barriers to mammography screening encountered by women and their primary care physicians. Methods: Design: Semi-structured individual interviews. Setting and participants: Thirty women between 45-65 years of age, with a mean age of 54,6 years, and standard deviation 6,8 from rural areas of Crete and 28 qualified primary care physicians, with a mean age of 44,7 years and standard deviation 7,0 serving this rural population. Main outcome measure: Qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Most women identified several reasons for not using mammography. These included poor knowledge of the benefits and indications for mammography screening, fear of pain during the procedure, fear of a serious diagnosis, embarrassment, stress while anticipating the results, cost and lack of physician recommendation. Physicians identified difficulties in scheduling an appointment as one reason women did not use mammography and both women and physicians identified distance from the screening site, transportation problems and the absence of symptoms as reasons for non-use. Conclusion: Women are inhibited from participating in mammography screening in rural Crete. The provision of more accessible screening services may improve this. However physician recommendation is important in overcoming women's inhibitions. Primary care physicians serving rural areas need to be aware of barriers preventing women from attending mammography screening and provide women with information and advice in a sensitive way so women can make informed decisions regarding breast caner screening. KEY WORDS: Breast neoplasms; mammography; mass screening; Greece; health knowledge, attitudes, practice
Hormonal contraception, sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence among women in Cameroon
Eugene J Kongnyuy, Varda Soskolne and Bella Adler Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Background: Data on the effect of contraceptive methods, other than the condom, on HIV acquisition is not clear. The aim of this study was to describe hormonal contraceptive use, sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence among women in Cameroon in order to provide baseline information for future analytical studies. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study based a nationally representative sample of 4486 sexually active women aged 15–49 years who participated in the 2004 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey. Results: The overall HIV prevalence was 7.4% (332/4486). The HIV prevalence was higher in the 25–35 year age group (10.03%), urban residents (9.39%), and formerly married (18.48%), compared to their compatriots. The prevalence was lower in women with five or more living child (3.67%), women in the low wealth index category (3.79%) and women who had no formal education (3.37%). The HIV prevalence was higher among women who had two or more partners in the last 12 months (10.26%) and women who reported to have had four or more partners in their lifetime (12.40%). The prevalence of HIV was higher among current hormonal contraceptive users (6.63%) compared to the current non-users (3.06%), among ever users of hormonal contraception (13.27%) compared to the never users (7.11%). Conclusion: We conclude that the prevalence of HIV among sexually active women in Cameroon varies according to sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and hormonal contraceptive use. Our findings underscore the need to counsel women using hormonal contraception to be aware that hormonal methods do not protect against HIV infection. Given the biologic plausibility of the link between hormonal contraception and HIV infection, future research should focus on carefully designed prospective studies to establish the temporal relationship and estimate the incidence of HIV infection among women using and not using hormonal contraceptive methods.

PubMed: 0003-4819

Is low-molecular-weight heparin suitable in all patients undergoing knee arthroplasty?
Geerts W Related Articles Is low-molecular-weight heparin suitable in all patients undergoing knee arthroplasty? Ann Intern Med. 2008 Nov 4;149(9):687; author reply 687-8 Authors: Geerts W PMID: 18981493 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Errors in a meta-analysis of treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection.
Gatta L, Di Mario F, Zullo A, Vaira D Related Articles Errors in a meta-analysis of treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. Ann Intern Med. 2008 Nov 4;149(9):686; author reply 686 Authors: Gatta L, Di Mario F, Zullo A, Vaira D PMID: 18981492 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Archives of Internal Medicine current issue

ABOUT THIS JOURNAL: About This Journal
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000

IN THIS ISSUE OF ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE: In This Issue of Archives of Internal Medicine
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0000


Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention - current issue

Posttraumatic Success: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Bannink, F. P. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Results of several studies suggest that traumas need not be debilitating and that most people are resilient and even grow in the wake of a trauma. Understanding and highlighting the sources of this resilience and posttraumatic growth and focusing on hope and optimism help professionals foster these strengths in their clients, as opposed to focusing on what is wrong with them, which can have a discouraging effect. From a solution-focused perspective, the focus in treatment shifts from posttraumatic stress to posttraumatic success.
Reducing Child Abuse Potential in Families Identified by Social Services: Implications for Assessment and Treatment
Harnett, P. H., Dawe, S. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Improving the functioning of families at high risk of child maltreatment poses considerable challenges. One issue is the dilemma of how and when it is appropriate to provide an intervention designed to improve family functioning when the level of risk of the family to the child has not been fully established. A recently reported proposal is to assess the family's capacity to change by assessing the family's response to a brief intervention. This proposed model for assessing capacity to change rests on the assumption that brief interventions can achieve meaningful short-term change in high risk families. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a home-based intensive treatment program in families referred by child protection services. The program, Parents Under Pressure, was designed for multiproblem families and addresses problems across ecological domains, including problem child behavior, parental stress, family relationships, social isolation, and coping with life demands. Ten families completed the program. Statistically significant improvement was found between the pre- and postassessment measures on measures of parent functioning, child functioning, parent–child relationships, and social contextual measures. The majority of families showed clinically significant improvement, although a small proportion of the families showed no change or deteriorated. The presenting problems and pattern of change varied between families. The study adds to the increasing body of evidence that intensive, ecologically informed interventions can achieve short-term change in some but not all multiproblem families. Implications of the results for assessing parental capacity to change are discussed.

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