Induction of apoptosis by iridovirus virion protein extract.

Chilo iridescent virus (CIV; IIV-6) is the type member of the genus Iridovirus (family Iridoviridae, large icosahedral cytoplasmic DNA viruses). CIV induces death and deformity in the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, replicates productively in larvae of the cotton boll weevil, and significantly reduces laboratory populations of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii. CIV virion protein extract (CVPE) shuts down host protein synthesis in several insect cell lines and induces mortality in neonate boll weevil larvae. We report here that CVPE induces apoptosis in spruce budworm and boll weevil cell lines, as detected by blebbing, DNA fragmentation, and TUNEL assay. Tissue culture toxicity dose assays (TCTD(50)) showed that spruce budworm cells were eight times more sensitive to CVPE than boll weevil cells. Pancaspase inhibitor suppressed apoptosis but had marginal effect on inhibition of host protein synthesis. Moreover, the CVPE dose for apoptosis was 1000-fold lower than the dose for shutdown of host synthesis. We also detected protein kinase activity in CVPE. Heating CVPE at 60 degrees C for 30 min destroyed all three activities. Our results suggest that one or more polypeptides in CIV induce apoptosis. This is the first study demonstrating apoptosis induction by a member of the genus Iridovirus and by virion extracts of a member of the family Iridoviridae.

Where is group practice headed?

A CRAHCA educational program was held recently to determine the changes in the health service environment that are most likely to occur in the near future, and how these changes will affect medical group practice.

Replication of Chilo iridescent virus in the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, and development of an infectivity assay.

The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, is a devastating pest of cotton. Chemical pesticides are problematic due to relative lack of target specificity and resistance. Microbial pesticides may provide viable alternatives because of their narrow host range. Chilo iridescent virus (CIV) is the type species for genus Iridovirus, family Iridoviridae: large, icosahedral cytoplasmic viruses containing a double-stranded DNA genome. Earlier work suggested that CIV replicated in the boll weevil; however, efficiency or production of infectious virus was not established. We showed that CIV undergoes a productive cycle in A. grandis. CIV DNA levels in boll weevil pupae increased significantly from 0 to 3 days post infection. Moreover, virogenic stromata and complete virus particles were observed in the cytoplasm by 7 days. An endpoint dilution assay using viral DNA replication as indicator suggested a 10(5)-fold increase in infectious virus titer over 7 days. This is the first such demonstration in larval infections with genus Iridovirus. Our study establishes that CIV undergoes a productive cycle in the boll weevil and provides an important and useful model system for replication at the organismal level. These results have important implications for the potential of CIV and its components in boll weevil control.

Myeloproliferative disease with megakaryocytic predominance in a dog with occult dirofilariasis.

A 7-year-old male German Shepherd dog with a history of lethargy, weight loss and severe anemia was referred to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for examination. Abnormal laboratory findings included a normocytic and normochromic anemia, thrombocytosis, eosinophilia, basophilia and hyperproteinemia. An increased pulmonary density in the caudal lung lobes was observed on thoracic radiographs. Bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy revealed a hypercellular bone marrow with increased numbers of unidentified blast cells and bizarre megakaryocyte proliferation. Circulating microfilariae were not present in the blood, but serum examined by immunofluorescence was strongly positive for antibodies against Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae. A diagnosis of myeloproliferative disease with megakaryocytic predominance and occult dirofilariasis was made.

Evaluation of the barrier system, an infection control system for the dental laboratory.

An experimental system of laboratory infection control was tested, using 76 dentures from 40 volunteer patients. The dentures were cleansed on entering and again on leaving the laboratory. To evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection, the dentures were cultured as they were received from the patient, after the first cleansing, after polishing, and after the second cleansing. The disinfection of the prostheses involved scrubbing them with Hibiclens skin cleanser, rinsing, disinfection in one of three disinfectants (1:16 Sporicidin solution, full-strength Sporicidin solution, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite [undiluted Clorox]), and finally rinsing. Full-strength Sporicidin solution was significantly more effective than diluted Sporicidin solution, but no statistically significant difference was found between full-strength Sporicidin solution and sodium hypochlorite, or between sodium hypochlorite and 1:16 Sporicidin solution. All three solutions were effective in reducing or eliminating culturable aerobic bacteria.

Neuron-specific enolase is increased after single seizures during inpatient video/EEG monitoring.

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a marker of brain injury after acute neurologic insults. We report changes in serum NSE (s-NSE) in 25 patients (15 with epilepsy and 10 patients with nonepileptic events) during continuous inpatient video/EEG monitoring. s-NSE was significantly increased as compared with baseline and normal controls after the first ictal event in the epileptic group, especially in patients with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures (p = 0.01), but s-NSE was not increased in patients with nonepileptic events. These preliminary data indicate that s-NSE may be increased after complex partial seizures--and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS).

Caribbean AIDS Explosion examined

Examines the factors causing the spread of AIDS in the Caribbean. Other issues raised at a conference on February 25, 2000; Estimated number of infected women; Statistics presented at the conference.(AU)

Ignorance, Fear, Apathy, Shame contribute to Caribbean AIDS spread

Discusses the impact of HIV infection on people in Trinidad and Tobago. Status of its stigma of AIDS; Amount of funds needed by AIDS advocacy groups in the Caribbean.(AU)