Contamination of chicken carcasses and the abattoir environment with Listeria monocytogenes in Taiwan.

1. The following study provides the first data on the detection and types of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from broiler chickens during processing and from six Taiwanese abattoir environments.2. Listeria monocytogenes was not detected in any cloacal (n = 120) or environmental (n = 256) samples collected before and during processing, indicating that faecal material and the environment of abattoirs were not important sources of L. monocytogenes for poultry carcases. However, 28 of 246 (11.4%; 95% CI: 7.7-16.0) rinse samples collected from carcases post-evisceration from three abattoirs were positive for L. monocytogenes.3. The only serotypes detected were 1/2a (82.1%; 95% CI: 63.1-93.9) and 1/2b (14.3%; 95% CI: 4.0-32.7), with 3.6% (95% CI: 0.1-18.3) non-typable isolates.4. Characterisation by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) identified five PFGE types, confirming cross-contamination with L. monocytogenes during evisceration, chilling and post-chilling.5. These findings highlight the potential for cross-contamination to occur through direct contact between carcases, especially whilst in chilling tanks.

Using autoethnography to reclaim the 'place of healing' in mental health care.

Geographies of mental health in the era of deinstitutionalisation have examined a range of places, policy processes and people's experiences associated with community care. However, such assessments have tended, given their community focus, to necessarily be silent on the character of inpatient spaces of care. There is silence too on the potential of such spaces to assist in the healing journey. While there have been a few investigations of hospital design, there has been little consideration of users' experiences of hospital spaces as critical sites and spaces of transition on the illness journey. In this paper, we critically reflect on a project that seeks, two decades after the closure of the last major institution in New Zealand, to investigate the acute care environment with an emphasis on its capacity for healing. The vehicle facilitating this investigation is a novel approach to understanding the inpatient journey: autoethnography. This methodology allows the first author (JL) to critically reflect on her multiple roles as compassionate observer, service-user and mental health professional, and developing transdisciplinary insights that, in conversation with the other authors' geographical (RK) and psychological (PA) vantage points, assist in the reconsideration of the place of the inpatient unit as a place of healing. The paper reveals how voice, experience and theory become mutually entwined concerns in an investigation which potentially stretches the therapeutic landscape idea through critical attention to the redemptive qualities of place by means of attentiveness to both the world within and the world without.

Gastrointestinal parasites of feral cats from Christmas Island.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gastrointestinal parasites present in feral cats on Christmas Island, with particular interest in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PROCEDURE: Faecal and serum samples were collected from 28 and 25 cats respectively that were trapped as part of an ongoing eradication program being run on Christmas Island by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Faecal samples were screened microscopically for helminth and protozoan parasites. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T gondii using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and a latex agglutination test (LAT). RESULTS: The most common helminth parasites detected were Toxocara cati (present in 15 of 28 faecal samples), Strongyloides sp (13/28), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, (7/28), an unidentified capillarid (6/28) and Ancylostoma sp (4/28). Based on serology, T gondii was the most common parasite detected (protozoan or otherwise) with antibodies detected in 24 serum samples by IFA and 23 serum samples by LAT. CONCLUSION: Cats on Christmas Island harbour many of the helminth and protozoan parasites reported from feral cats elsewhere in Australia. The high seroprevalence of T gondii in these cats indicates a high level of exposure to the parasite in this environment.

A case of mistaken identity--reappraisal of the species of canid and felid hookworms (Ancylostoma) present in Australia and India.

This study serves to clarify the current status of canid and felid Ancylostoma species present in Australia. The morphological identification of A. ceylanicum from cats for the first time in Townsville, Australia, appears to be in error, together with the genetic markers provided for the species. Morphological and genetic data presented herein provide strong evidence that the hookworms from cats in Towsville are not A. ceylanicum as previously identified (i.e. the first report of this species in Australia), but are A. braziliense. Therefore the subsequent genetic markers established for A. ceylanicum in subsequent molecular studies based on these Townsville specimens should also be attributed to A. braziliense. Based on this information, a study of canine hookworm species present in northern India is also in error and it is apparent that the hookworms found in this region are those of A. ceylanicum. The distribution of A. braziliense and A. ceylanicum in the Americas and Asia Pacific region is discussed together with the importance of combining parasite morphology with genetic data for parasite diagnosis in epidemiological studies.

Polyisocyanides derived from tripeptides of alanine.

Helical polymers of isocyanotripeptides derived from alanine have been synthesized and their architectures studied in detail. The helical conformation of the polyisocyanotripeptides is stabilized by internal hydrogen-bonding arrays between the tripeptide side chains. The possibility of extending the well-defined hydrogen-bonded array, from dipeptide to tripeptide side chains, depends strongly on the stereochemistry of the constituent alanine amino acids, as has been shown by circular dichroism and IR studies. In polymers containing a weaker hydrogen-bonding array adjacent to the polymer backbone, due to steric interactions between the alanine methyl groups, a stronger second hydrogen-bonding array was present between the peptide bonds furthest away from the main chain, which is probably a result of stretching/compression of the helical-polymer conformation.

Calcium channelopathies: voltage-gated calcium channels.

Since the initial identification of native calcium currents, significant progress has been made towards our understanding of the molecular and cellular contributions of voltage-gated calcium channels in multiple physiological processes. Moreover, we are beginning to comprehend their pathophysiological roles through both naturally occurring channelopathies in humans and mice and through targeted gene deletions. The data illustrate that small perturbations in voltage-gated calcium channel function induced by genetic alterations can affect a wide variety of mammalian developmental, physiological and behavioral functions. At least in those instances wherein the channelopathies can be attributed to gain-of-function mechanisms, the data point towards new therapeutic strategies for developing highly selective calcium channel antagonists.

Genetic heterogeneity in paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia.

Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) is characterized by attacks of dystonia or chorea lasting minutes to hours. Recently, mutations in the myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 gene (MR-1) have been identified in 10 unrelated PNKD kindreds. The authors describe a Canadian PNKD family who does not have mutations in the MR-1 gene and links to a separate locus at 2q31. This indicates that there are at least two different genes responsible for PNKD.

Non-covalent stabilization of a beta-hairpin peptide into liposomes.

An oligopeptide modified on both the N- and C-termini with hydrophobic moieties was prepared on a solid phase and anchored into a liposome, stabilizing the fold of the peptide into a beta-hairpin, which would otherwise be a random coil.

Molecular and morphological characterization of Echinococcus granulosus of human and animal origin in Iran.

Iran is an important endemic focus of cystic hydatid disease (CHD) where several species of intermediate host are commonly infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Isolates of E. granulosus were collected from humans and other animals from different geographical areas of Iran and characterized using both DNA (PCR-RFLP of ITS1) and morphological criteria (metacestode rostellar hook dimensions). The sheep and camel strains/genotypes were shown to occur in Iran. The sheep strain was shown to be the most common genotype of E. granulosus affecting sheep, cattle, goats and occasionally camels. The majority of camels were infected with the camel genotype as were 3 of 33 human cases. This is the first time that cases of CHD in humans have been identified in an area where a transmission cycle for the camel genotype exists. In addition, the camel genotype was found to cause infection in both sheep and cattle. Results also demonstrated that both sheep and camel strains can be readily differentiated on the basis of hook morphology alone.

Incentives for general practitioners to provide brief interventions for alcohol problems.

AIMS: To assess current practices and attitudes of general practitioners towards prevention and intervention with problem drinkers. METHODS: GPs randomly selected in the Central and Southern Health Regions answered a 134 item questionnaire on their involvement with patients with alcohol related problems. RESULTS: In all, 136 general practitioners responded representing 85% of those approached. When asked how often they provided interventions with alcohol problems, 86% reported managing under 13 patients per year, indicating an intervention rate of less than 1% of the mean practice size. In terms of disease prevention, 86% rated 'drinking moderately' as important but this endorsement ranked fifth behind other lifestyle behaviours such as 'not smoking' at 99%. When asked about their perceived role, they indicated higher role legitimacy but lower work satisfaction with alcohol problems. In terms of training, three-quarters stated they had received less than eleven hours of postgraduate alcohol education. They also rated their current effectiveness with alcohol problems as substantially less than potential effectiveness. They indicated the main obstacles to be: government funding policies, lack of adequate training and a need for improved resources and support services. CONCLUSIONS: With research having established the effectiveness of interventions for harmful alcohol consumption, attention has shifted to ways of engaging general practitioners in providing interventions. This study highlighted how changes to government health policy and improved competency and skilled based training could lead to a greater acceptance by general practitioners of the role they could play in reducing alcohol related problems.

An exploration of the nursing diagnosis terminal syndrome.

As a result of the limitations of a single nursing diagnosis, NANDA has encouraged the development of "syndromes." A study was undertaken using an investigator-developed tool to identify the cluster of defining characteristics, nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions for terminally ill patients, regardless of disease origin. The sample consisted of completed medical records of 15 randomly selected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and 15 randomly selected cancer patients. For all three areas there were commonalities, specifically 10 defining characteristics, seven nursing diagnosis and a 27%-48% agreement on the nursing interventions selected. A clustering of data has been documented to support the establishment of the nursing diagnosis, terminal syndrome.

The challenge of practice based research: a group approach.

Social work research has long been an area overlooked by direct practice clinicians for several reasons. Some clinicians are uncomfortable with research and tend to avoid it, while others feel they do not have time to generate quality research material and still serve clients adequately. The Social Work Services Department in a university teaching hospital accepted the challenge of combining direct practice and research. By drawing on internal levels of expertise, while collaborating with other area professionals, the Research Committee has adopted a group approach of individuals conducting practice-based research. This method of generating research has yielded many positive results.

Optical properties of CsDNA films as a function of hydration.

The refractive indices of wet-spun films of CsDNA have been measured for light polarized parallel and perpendicular to the helical axis as a function of relative humidity (RH). These data have been combined with previously published data (Biopolymers 30 (1990) 877-887) for the volume per base pair and water content as a function of RH in order to extract the optical polarizabilities. This work was motivated by the study of Weidlich et al. (Biopolymers 26 (1987) 439-453) who reported a approximately 35% increase at the A-to-B transition in the parallel and perpendicular polarizabilities of NaDNA. In contrast, a much smaller increase in the polarizabilities of CsDNA is found near the A-to-B transition: approximately 12% for the perpendicular direction and < or = 4% for the parallel direction.

Are emergency department patients more likely to answer alcohol questions in a masked health questionnaire?

The development of approaches to screening of hospital patients for harmful drinking frequently encounters resistance from both patients and hospital staff. A contributing factor could be the discomfort both feel about talking specifically about drinking. One approach to reducing this discomfort has been to mask concern about alcohol consumption into a general focus on other health and lifestyle issues. One-hundred and eighty-two patients admitted to an emergency department were presented randomly with either a straight alcohol screening questionnaire or a general health and lifestyle questionnaire with alcohol questions embedded amongst items on smoking exercise and diet. The number of returns was equal for both questionnaires which suggests the masked questionnaire does not improve the acceptability of alcohol screening in hospital environments.

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ornithine decarboxylase.

In order to develop a method for the immunocytochemical detection of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), EC 4.1.1.17, we have prepared and characterized monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against ODC. The primary structure of rat ODC (Rattus Norvegicus) was used for the selection of an epitope by computer calculations. The epitope (P16), a hexadecapeptide representing ODC-(345-360), was synthesized by means of solid phase peptide synthesis and coupled to a carrier protein. A bovine serum albumin conjugate of the P16 peptide was used as the immunogen for the production of MAbs in mice. Hybridoma clones were screened and the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies was tested in an ELISA utilizing a thyroglobulin conjugate of the hexadecapeptide. Two hybridoma cell lines were developed, i.e., MP16-2 and MP16-3. The epitope specificity of the MAbs produced by these cell lines was characterized in an ELISA using a set of small peptides representing parts of the P16 hexadecapeptide chain. MP16-2 recognized the ODC-(355-360) portion whereas MP16-3 reacted with the ODC-(345-350) part of the hexadecapeptide. Further studies showed that both MAbs also recognized native ODC but not the inhibited (i.e., ODC labelled with 3H-DFMO) enzyme indicating that the selected epitope was associated with the active site of ODC or a locus in its direct vicinity.

The relative biological effectiveness of fractionated doses of fast neutrons (42 MeVd----Be) for normal tissues. III. Effects on lung function.

The effect of single and fractionated doses of fast neutrons (42 MeVd----Be) on the early and late radiation responses of the pig lung have been assessed by the measurement of changes in lung function using a 133Xe washout technique. The results obtained for irradiation schedules with fast neutrons have been compared with those after photon irradiation. There was no statistically significant difference between the values for the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for the early and late radiation response of the lung. The RBE of the neutron beam increased with decreasing size of dose/fraction with an upper limit value of 4.39 +/- 0.94 for infinitely small X-ray doses per fraction.

Structural requirements of fibrinogen A alpha-(148-160) for the enhancement of the rate of plasminogen activation by tPA.

Fibrin, not fibrinogen, enhances the rate of tPA catalysed plasminogen activation. In earlier studies we have shown that a site involved in this rate enhancement is located in a tridecapeptide, i.e. fibrinogen A alpha-(148-160). This sequence comprises a special charge distribution in which a stretch with alternating neutral and acidic amino acids is embraced by basic amino acids. In this study we found that the disruption of charge distribution as caused by replacing valine 152 by other (charged and/or polar) amino acids leads to loss of rate-enhancing capacity. Also lysine at position A alpha-157 was replaced by lysine derivatives and other amino acids. We found that the side chain of the amino acid at position A alpha-157 must contain no (as in glycine) or one carbon atom without substitution (alanine). When the side chain contains two or more carbon atoms, there should also be a polar group in the side chain. We also synthesized a series of hexapeptides covering the sequence of A alpha-(148-160), and found that only A alpha-(154-159) is stimulatory, notwithstanding the fact that the peptides A alpha-(152-157), A alpha-(153-158) and A alpha-(155-160) also contain lysine A alpha-157. We conclude that the shortest peptide with stimulation activity is A alpha-(154-159); that the charge distribution in A alpha-(148-160) is important; that it is not lysine A alpha-157 per se that is crucial, but rather the properties and orientation of the side chain of A alpha-157.

Semisynthesis of horse heart cytochrome c analogues from two or three fragments.

Horse heart cytochrome c was cleaved with cyanogen bromide. The largest fragment, [Hse65]cytochrome c-(1-65)-pentahexacontapeptide lactone, was used in condensations involving four analogues of the complementary cytochrome c-(66-104)-nonatriacontapeptide. Two of the latter compounds were obtained from a semisynthesis starting with a partially protected fragment N epsilon 86-88,99,100-penta(methylsulfonylethyloxycarbonyl)cytochrome c-(81-104)-tetracosapeptide (also arising from a cyanogen bromide-mediated degradation) and analogues of the middle part, cytochrome c-(66-80)-pentadecapeptide, which were prepared by organochemical synthesis. Two other analogues of the cytochrome c-(66-104)-nonatriacontapeptide were prepared entirely by organochemical synthesis. Each of the covalently recombined analogous cytochromes c could retain an electron in the presence of oxygen and transfer it to cytochrome c oxidase, although with different reaction rates and Michaelis constants. Their redox potentials varied over a broad range. The exchanges Tyr67----Phe(F) and Thr78----Val gave rise to analogues with a lower redox potential than native cytochrome c, while the exchange Phe82----Leu or Tyr97----Leu led to analogues with the same and a higher redox potential, respectively.

Reproducibility of gel-chromatography.

We think it worthwhile to other experimenters to mention the following observations. Recently it was noted that gel chromatographic separations of the five fragments resulting from the degradation of cytochrome c by bromocyanogen became dependent on the batch number of the gel. This dependency concerns only separations of unprotected fragments, using 7% (v/v) formic acid as the eluent. The elution profile of protected compounds, which in turn run in 50% (v/v) formic acid, was unaffected.