Occupational skin diseases: actual state analysis of patient management pathways in 28 European countries.

BACKGROUND: Work-related skin diseases (WSD) are caused or worsened by a professional activity. Occupational skin diseases (OSD) need to fulfil additional legal criteria which differ from country to country. OSD range amongst the five most frequently notified occupational diseases (musculoskeletal diseases, neurologic diseases, lung diseases, diseases of the sensory organs, skin diseases) in Europe. OBJECTIVE: To retrieve information and compare the current state of national frameworks and pathways to manage patients with occupational skin disease with regard to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in different European countries. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey of the current situation regarding OSD patient management pathways was carried out with experts on occupational dermatology and/or occupational medicine from 28 European countries contributing to the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action TD 1206 (StanDerm) (www.standerm.eu). RESULTS: Besides a national health service or a statutory health insurance, most European member states implemented a second insurance scheme specifically geared at occupational diseases [insurance against occupational risks (synonyms: insurance against work accidents and occupational injuries; statutory social accident insurance)]. Legal standards for the assessment of occupationally triggered diseases with a genetic background differ between different countries, however, in most European member states recognition as OSD is possible. In one-third of the countries UV light-induced tumours can be recognized as OSD under specific conditions. CONCLUSION: OSD definitions vary between European countries and are not directly comparable, which hampers comparisons between statistics collected in different countries. Awareness of this fact and further efforts for standardization are necessary.

Application of Next Generation Sequencing for Diagnostic Testing of Tree Fruit Viruses and Viroids.

Conventional detection of viruses and virus-like diseases of plants is accomplished using a combination of molecular, serological, and biological indexing. These are the primary tools used by plant virologists to monitor and ensure trees are free of known viral pathogens. The biological indexing assay, or bioassay, is considered to be the "gold standard" as it is the only method of the three that can detect new, uncharacterized, or poorly characterized viral disease agents. Unfortunately, this method is also the most labor intensive and can take up to three years to complete. Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a technology with rapidly expanding possibilities including potential applications for the detection of plant viruses. In this study, comparisons are made between tree fruit testing by conventional and NGS methods, to demonstrate the efficacy of NGS. A comparison of 178 infected trees, many infected with several viral pathogens, demonstrated that conventional and NGS were equally capable of detecting known viruses and viroids. Comparable results were obtained for 170 of 178 of the specimens. Of the remaining eight specimens, some discrepancies were observed between viruses detected by the two methods, representing less than 5% of the specimens. NGS was further demonstrated to be equal or superior for the detection of new or poorly characterized viruses when compared with a conventional bioassay. These results validated both the effectiveness of conventional virus testing methods and the use of NGS as an additional or alternative method for plant virus detection.

[Assessment of the suitability of workers based on the Swiss Law on Accident Insurance--declaration of unsuitability / declaration of conditional suitability]. / Beurteilung der Eignung im Rahmen des UVG--Nichteignungsverfügung / bedingte Eignungsverfügung.

In order to prevent the development or aggravation of an occupational disease or an occupational accident risk lying in an individual employee the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva) based on the Swiss Law on Accident Insurance is entitled to prohibit certain activities that have proven to be hazardous to the individual (declaration of "unsuitability" (DOU) or rarely declaration of conditional suitability). Occupational skin and respiratory diseases are the most frequent disorders, and flour; cement, isocyanates and hairdressing substances the most important occupational factors requiring a DOU. This measure also provides financial security to the employee for up to 4 years by the accident insurer in cooperation with the unemployment insurance. For retraining and occupational rehabilitation a special state insurance, the Invalidity insurance is responsible.

Molecular Characterization, Phylogenetic Relationships, and Specific Detection of Peach mosaic virus.

ABSTRACT Peach mosaic virus (PcMV) and Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) are serologically related viruses that cause distinct diseases, have a different host range, and are vectored by different eriophyid mites. Sequence analysis of the genome of PcMV indicates that it is closely related genetically to CMLV but distinct, with similar genome organization and a member of the genus Trichovirus. The genome of PcMV consists of 7,988 nucleotides, excluding a poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the genome. Four putative open reading frames (ORF1 to 4) were identified coding for proteins of 216.3, 47.2, 21.7, and 15.7 kDa, respectively. Also, three noncoding regions were identified, including an intergenic region separating ORF3 and ORF4. The complete nucleotide sequence of PcMV shares 73% identity with CMLV. The CP amino acid sequence identity between isolates of PcMV ranged from 97 to 99% versus 83% identity when compared with the CP of CMLV. In vitro expression and subsequent western blot analysis confirmed ORF3 as encoding the CP gene of PcMV. Phylogenetic analysis supports classification of PcMV and CMLV as members of the genus Trichovirus. They are unique members of this genus with an extra ORF (ORF4). PcMV ORF4 appears to code for a putative nucleic acid-binding (NB) protein which has identity with the NB protein of CMLV and members of the genera Allexivirus, Carlavirus, and Vitivirus. PcMV and CMLV appear to be the products of recombination between members of the genus Trichovirus and a virus group containing the putative NB protein. Alternatively, PcMV and CMLV may represent the intact genome, with a deletion event producing members that lack ORF4. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction procedure was developed for reliable and specific detection of PcMV. This will be an asset for stone fruit virus certification.

Co-culture of human keratinocytes on post-mitotic human dermal fibroblast feeder cells: production of large amounts of interleukin 6.

A large synthesis of human IL-6 was demonstrated in co-cultures of human keratinocytes on post-mitotic human dermal fibroblast (HDF) feeder layers. Immunoreactive IL-1 beta could be detected in the co-cultures and the addition of rabbit anti-IL-1 beta antibodies to the co-cultures considerably reduced the IL-6 synthesis, suggesting that it was induced by endogenous IL-1 beta. Addition of saturating concentrations of IL-1 beta to HDF feeder layers as well as to subcultures of keratinocytes induced in both similar but moderate IL-6 production. Conditioned medium from keratinocyte cultures induced IL-6 secretion in HDF feeder cells, whereas the conditioned medium from HDF feeder layers led to only minimal increase of keratinocyte IL-6 production. The co-cultures of keratinocytes on HDF feeder layers produced much larger amounts of IL-6 than the sum of the IL-6 produced by the feeder cell and keratinocyte cultures after the addition of IL-1 beta. The co-cultures of keratinocytes with HDF feeder layers separated by a permeable membrane in a two-chamber system produced significantly lower amounts of IL-6 than the unseparated co-cultures. These findings indicate that a direct cell contact between keratinocytes and feeder cells is involved in the overproportioned increase of IL-6 production and secretion into the medium.

Enrichment of dibenzofuran utilizing bacteria with high co-metabolic potential towards dibenzodioxin and other anellated aromatics.

Dibenzofuran degrading bacteria were enriched from various environmental sources. A mutualistic mixed culture of strain DPO 220 and strain DPO 230 was characterized. Strain DPO 220 alone showed limited growth with dibenzofuran as sole source of carbon and energy (td greater than or equal to 4.5 h). A labile degradation product, C12H10O5, and salicylate were isolated from the culture fluid. Salicylate was found to be a central intermediate of DBF-degradation. Strain DPO 220 co-metabolized a wide range of anellated aromatics as well as heteroaromatics. High rates of co-oxidation of dibenzodioxin demonstrate analogue-enrichment to be a powerful technique for selecting enzymatic activities for otherwise non-degradable substrates.

Dioxygenolytic cleavage of aryl ether bonds: 1,10-dihydro-1,10-dihydroxyfluoren-9-one, a novel arene dihydrodiol as evidence for angular dioxygenation of dibenzofuran.

Two dibenzofuran degrading bacteria, Brevibacterium strain DPO 1361 and strain DPO 220, were found to utilize fluorene as sole source of carbon and energy. Cells which were grown on dibenzofuran, transformed fluorene into a number of products. For five of the seven metabolites isolated, the structure could be established unequivocally. Accumulation of one metabolite, 1,10-dihydroxy-1,10-dihydrofluoren-9-one, indicated the presence of a novel type of dioxygenase, attacking polynuclear aromatic systems in the unusual angular position. Debenzofuran degradation is proposed to likewise proceed via initial angular dioxygenation. One aryl oxygen ether bond, which normally is extremely stable, is thus transformed to a hemiacetal. After spontaneous cleavage and subsequent rearomatization by dehydration, 2,2',3-trihydroxybiphenyl [3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-catechol] thus results as the immediate product of the first enzymatic reaction in the degradation sequence.

Utilization of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid as source of phosphorus by environmental bacterial isolates.

Six bacterial strains able to degrade aerobically 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) were isolated. The bacteria used PBTC as sole source of phosphorus in the presence of an alternative source of carbon. The microorganisms were taken from various ecosystems, e.g. river water, river sediment and activated sludge. PBTC up to a concentration of 1 mM (270 mg/l) was completely degraded by a defined mixed culture.

Outcome of job change in patients with occupational chromate dermatitis.

Patients with allergic contact dermatitis due to dichromate are reputed to have a bad prognosis. Based on the Swiss Law on Accidents Insurance, the Swiss National Accidents Insurance Organization (SNAIO) may issue a declaration of medical inability (DMI) in cases of severe occupational dichromate dermatitis. With such a DMI, an employee is not allowed to perform any further work in contact with dichromate or cement. In this study, we reviewed medical records from 88 construction workers with DMI due to occupational dichromate dermatitis, between 1986 and 1989. Follow-up was performed by standardized questionnaire. 63 patients (72%) healed in the first few years after DMI. These patients mostly changed industry and strictly avoided all contact with cement or chromium salts. A few retired early. The outcome of our study is favorable in comparison to studies from other countries without the DMI mechanism. We conclude that strict allergen avoidance enforced by authorities, and financial support in the case of job change, are important factors in improving the prognosis in occupational dichromate dermatitis.

[Kala-azar imported from Yugoslavia]. / Kala-Azar aus Jugoslawien.

Two months after a vacation in Bosnia and at the Dalmatian coast, a 52-year-old Jugoslav male resident in Switzerland developed slowly progressive fever with arthralgia. Two months later his temperature became septic and his general condition deteriorated. After many wrong diagnostic tracks, six months after onset of the illness kala-azar was finally diagnosed. Treatment with Pentostam cured the disease completely.

Degradation of naphthalene-2,6- and naphthalene-1,6-disulfonic acid by a Moraxella sp.

A naphthalene-2,6-disulfonic acid (2,6NDS)-degrading Moraxella strain was isolated from an industrial sewage plant. This culture could also be adapted to naphthalene-1,6-disulfonic acid as growth substrate. Regioselective 1,2-dioxygenation effected desulfonation and catabolism to 5-sulfosalicylic acid (5SS), which also could be used as the sole carbon source. 5SS-grown cells exhibited high gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase activity. Neither 5SS- nor gentisate-grown cells oxidized 2,6NDS; therefore, 2,6NDS or an early metabolite must serve as an inducer of the initial catabolic enzyme(s).

Bacterial metabolism of substituted phenols. Oxidation of 4-(methylmercapto)-and 4-(methylsulfinyl)-phenol by Nocardia spec. DSM 43251.

4-(Methylmercapto)-phenol (MMP) and 4-(methylsulfinyl)-phenol (MSP) are oxidized by the soil isolate Nocardia spec. DSM 43251, which is closely related to Nocardia calcarea. The rate of degradation depends on the capability of a substrate to support growth and is strongly enhanced in the presence of a second carbon source under the conditions of cooxidation. MMP and MSP are cometabolized by hydroxylation of the benzene ring with the formation of the substituted catechol following by ring cleavage between carbon atoms 2 and 3 ("meta" fission) to give 2-hydroxy-5-methylmercapto-or-2-hydroxy-5-methylsulfinylmuconic semialdehyde. Oxidation of MMP to MSP represents a bypath of MMP-oxidation. The intermediates were identified on the basis of their physical properties. The enzymes responsible for the metabolism of MMP and MSP are induced by growth with MMP or MSP, but not with glucose. MMP-and MSP-induced cells catalyze the oxidation of a variety of substituted phenols. This indicates a rather low substrate specificity of the enzymes induced by MMP and MSP.

Bacterial communities degrading amino- and hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonates.

A 6-aminonaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (6A2NS)-degrading mixed bacterial community was isolated from a sample of river Elbe water. The complete degradation of this xenobiotic compound may be described by a mutualistic interaction of two Pseudomonas strains isolated from this culture. One strain, BN6, could also grow on 6A2NS in monoculture, however, with accumulation of black polymers. This organism effected the initial conversion of 6A2NS into 5-aminosalicylate (5AS) through regioselective attack of the naphthalene skeleton in the 1,2-position. 5AS was totally degraded by another member of the community, strain BN9. After prolonged adaptation of strain BN6 to growth on 6A2NS, this organism readily converted all naphthalene-2-sulfonates with OH- or NH2-substituents in the 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-position. The corresponding hydroxy- or aminosalicylates were excreted in stoichiometric amounts, with the exception that the metabolite from 5A2NS oxidation was not identical with 6AS.

Construction of a highly bioluminescent Nitrosomonas as a probe for nitrification conditions.

Cloned luciferase-encoding operons were transferred by conjugation to a natural isolate of the ammonia-oxidizing bacterial strain Nitrosomonas sp. RST41-3, thereby establishing conjugation as a tool for gene transfer into Nitrosomonas strains. Luminescence was dependent on the pH of the medium and the concentration of the substrate ammonium chloride. Moreover, the luminescence of the transconjugants was reduced immediately by micromolar concentrations of nitrapyrin and allylthiourea, which are specific inhibitors of nitrification. Our results indicate that luminescent Nitrosomonas strains may be useful as a probe to detect nitrification conditions in the natural environment as well as in sewage plants.