Investigation of risk factors for Salmonella on fattening-turkey farms.

A cross-sectional study into risk factors for Salmonella was undertaken using data gathered from 252 fattening turkey flocks in the UK. The data was derived from the EU baseline survey conducted during 2006 and 2007, in addition to a voluntary questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models identified significant risk factors for Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Typhimurium. A decreased risk of Salmonella spp. infection was associated with a history of intestinal illness in the sampled flock (OR 0.17), the use of wood shavings as litter (OR 0.21), use of disinfectant in the cleaning process (OR 0.25), incineration of dead birds on farm (OR 0.29), seasonal production (OR 0.31), farm staff also working with cattle (OR 0.31), and the presence of pigs on neighbouring farms (OR 0.38). The risk of isolating Salmonella spp. varied according to the company from which the poults were sourced. A reduced risk of S. Typhimurium infection was associated with the use of wax blocks to control rodents (OR 0.09), using mains water (OR 0.19) and having a Salmonella test programme (OR 0.23). An increased risk of S. Typhimurium infection was associated with storage of items around the turkey house (OR 5.20), evidence of mice (OR 4.71) and a soil surface surrounding the turkey house (OR 2.70). This study therefore identifies a number of important practical measures which can be implemented by farmers and veterinarians within the turkey industry to assist in the control of salmonellosis at the farm level.

E1A transcription induction: enhanced binding of a factor to upstream promoter sequences.

The adenovirus E1A gene product trans-activates a number of viral and cellular promoters. The mechanism for this transcriptional induction was investigated with an in vivo exoIII mapping technique to assay for proteins that interact with an E1A-inducible promoter. A protein bound to the early E2 promoter was detected in wild-type infected cells. In the absence of E1A induction, specific interactions at the promoter could not be detected, as indicated by the absence of an exoIII-protected fragment. However, if conditions were established that allowed transcription of the E2 gene in the absence of E1A, the same exoIII protection was observed as was found in the presence of E1A. These results suggest a model in which the efficient utilization of the E2 promoter is mediated by a cellular transcription factor. In the absence of E1A, the interaction can take place, but slowly and inefficiently in comparison with the interaction in the presence of E1A.

Characterisation of Escherichia fergusonii isolates from farm animals using an Escherichia coli virulence gene array and tissue culture adherence assays.

Escherichia fergusonii has been associated with a wide variety of intestinal and extra-intestinal infections in both humans and animals but, despite strong circumstantial evidence, the degree to which the organism is responsible for the pathologies identified remains uncertain. Thirty isolates of E. fergusonii collected between 2003 and 2004 were screened using an Escherichia coli virulence gene array to test for the presence of homologous virulence genes in E. fergusonii. The iss (increased serum survival) gene was present in 13/30 (43%) of the test strains and the prfB (P-related fimbriae regulatory) and ireA (siderophore receptor IreA) genes were also detected jointly in 3/30 (10%) strains. No known virulence genes were detected in 14/30 (47%) of strains. Following confirmatory PCR and sequence analysis, the E. fergusoniiprfB, iss and ireA genes shared a high degree of sequence similarity to their counterparts in E. coli, and a particular resemblance was noted with the E. coli strain APEC O1 pathogenicity island. In tissue culture adherence assays, nine E. fergusonii isolates associated with HEp-2 cells with a 'localised adherence' or 'diffuse adherence' phenotype, and they proved to be moderately invasive. The E. fergusonii isolates in this study possess both some phenotypic and genotypic features linked to known pathotypes of E. coli, and support existing evidence that strains of E. fergusonii may act as an opportunistic pathogens, although their specific virulence factors may need to be explored.

Experimental and simulational study of the operation conditions for a high transmission mass filter.

The operation conditions of a double pulsed field mass filter were studied using both experiment and simulation. The mass filter consists of two pairs of parallel plates and operates on the time-of-flight principle. The study showed that the ions' beam deflection angle is a critical factor in optimizing the mass filter transmission efficiency. This angle is dependent on the accelerating voltage, ion mass, and horizontal velocity of the ions. The optimum operating conditions for the mass filter were found and used to study the mass distribution of palladium ions produced by a magnetron sputtering source. The study shows that this mass filter is suitable for technological applications because of its high transmission and wide mass range.

Goserelin (Zoladex) depot in the treatment of endometriosis. Zoladex Endometriosis Study Group.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Goserelin (Zoladex depot; ICI Pharmaceuticals, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom) in the treatment of endometriosis. DESIGN: Open study. SETTING: Eleven centers in Germany and 1 center in Austria. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-six patients with pelvic endometriosis. INTERVENTION: Goserelin (Zoladex depot) therapy, one depot (3.6 mg) subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 6 months. RESULTS: Total subjective score and total pelvic symptom score showed a reduction by 86% and 93%, respectively, at the end of the treatment and did not exceed one fifth of the pretreatment value throughout the follow-up period of 48 weeks. One hundred seven women underwent a second laparoscopy at the end of the therapy for determination of objective efficacy: 54% of the patients showed a reduction of implants and adhesions by at least 50% or more, and 31.5% had a complete resolution of visible deposits. The mean reduction of implants and adhesions was 50%, and the mean reduction of implants 72%. Twenty of 64 (31.3%) previously infertile patients successfully conceived within 12 months after discontinuation of the therapy. Goserelin led to a down regulation of the pituitary ovarian axis and as a pharmacological effect of this hypoestrogenism most patients had hot flushes and vaginal dryness. CONCLUSIONS: Zoladex depot therapy proved to be safe and effective in the medical treatment of endometriosis.

Regulation of E2F/cyclin A-containing complex upon retinoic acid-induced differentiation of teratocarcinoma cells.

Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of mouse P19 teratocarcinoma cells is accompanied by alterations in the level of E2F transcription factor. P19 stem cells contain free, uncomplexed E2F and an E2F complex termed E2F/stem. This stem cell complex is a heterotrimeric protein aggregate consisting of E2F transcription factor, E2F-binding protein (E2F/bp1), and cyclin A. Retinoic acid treatment converts P19 stem cells into differentiated neurons, glial cells, and fibroblasts. The presented experiments clearly show that the level of uncomplexed E2F gradually decreases upon differentiation, and fully differentiated cells do not contain free E2F. In addition, the stem cell-specific E2F aggregate is converted into a smaller complex, termed E2F/diff. This smaller complex, which is specific for differentiated cells, does not contain cyclin A and consists of E2F transcription factor associated with E2F/bp1. Finally, the role of E2F complexes in the cessation of cell proliferation, which accompanies P19 cell differentiation, is discussed.

Adenovirus-mediated increase of HNF-3 levels stimulates expression of transthyretin and sonic hedgehog, which is associated with F9 cell differentiation toward the visceral endoderm lineage.

Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of mouse F9 embryonal carcinoma cells toward the visceral endoderm lineage is accompanied by increased expression of the Forkhead Box (Fox) transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factor 3a (HNF-3alpha) and HNF-3beta, suggesting that they play a crucial role in visceral endoderm development. Retinoic acid stimulation results in a cascade of HNF-3 induction in which HNF-3alpha is a primary target for retinoic acid action and its increase is required for subsequent induction of HNF-3beta expression. Increased expression of HNF-3beta precedes activation of its known target genes, including transthyretin (TTR), Sonic hedgehog (Shh), HNF-1alpha, HNF-1beta, and HNF-4alpha. In order to examine whether increased HNF-3 expression is sufficient to induce expression of its downstream target genes without retinoic acid stimulation, we have used adenovirus-based expression vectors to increase HNF-3 protein levels in F9 cells. We demonstrate that adenovirus-mediated increase of HNF-3alpha levels in F9 cells is sufficient to induce activation of endogenous HNF-3beta levels followed by increased TTR and Shh expression. Furthermore, we show that elevated HNF-3beta levels stimulate expression of endogenous TTR and Shh without retinoic acid stimulation. Moreover, ectopic HNF-3 levels in undifferentiated F9 cells are insufficient to induce HNF-3alpha, HNF-1alpha, HNF-1beta, and HNF-4alpha expression, suggesting that their transcriptional activation required other regulatory proteins induced by the retinoic acid differentiation program. Finally, our studies demonstrate the utility of cell infections with adenovirus expressing distinct transcription factors to identify endogenous target genes, which are assembled with the appropriate nucleosome structure.

Clinical study with recombinant interferon gamma versus interferon alpha-2c in patients with condylomata acuminata.

A multi-centre, randomized, open-label trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of recombinant interferon (rIFN) alpha-2c versus rIFN gamma in patients with recurrent or persistent condylomata acuminata (CA). Thirty-three such patients were treated either with 6 micrograms rIFN alpha-2c or with 0.1 mg rIFN gamma (both equivalent to 2 x 10E6 IU), single dose, subcutaneously 3 times a week for 6 weeks. In case of no complete clearance at week 10, a second course of treatment with the other type of rIFN was given. There was no significant difference in the complete clearance proportions at week 10 between the two treatment groups (3/16 vs 6/17). No relapses occurred in these patients during the 16 weeks' follow-up. Further clearances during the follow-up resulted in a total complete clearance proportion of 14/33 at the end of study. The treatment was well tolerated. Repeated interferon therapy has its place in treating persistent or recurrent condylomas.

[Clomiphene citrate ointment in the local treatment of condylomata acuminata]. / Clomiphenzitratsalbe zur Lokalbehandlung von Condylomata acuminata.

The hypothesis underlying local treatment of Condylomata acuminata with clomiphene citrate is based on the assumption that susceptibility to this disease in women depends on the relative amount of oestrogen receptors in the affected, as opposed to the unaffected areas. We postulate blockade of these skin receptors after local application of clomiphene citrate ointment. A pilot study was conducted in 15 patients aged 20-33 with Condylomata acuminata. After only 2 months a complete remission was recorded in 12 patients (= 80%).

[Resorption of prostaglandin E2 following various methods of local administration for ripening of the cervix and end the induction of labor]. / Untersuchungen zur Resorption von Prostaglandin E2 nach unterschiedlicher lokaler Applikation zur Zervixreifung und zur Geburtseinleitung.

PGEM concentration was determined radioimmunologically in a non-pregnant woman in whom PGE2 was infused intravenously at increasing dosage and in women in whom labour was induced by various methods for local application of PGE2. There was excellent correlation between the amount of PGE2 infused intravenously and the levels of PGEM determined in the peripheral plasma. The following methods of local application of PGE2 were included in the study: 0.4 mg PGE2 gel placed retroamnially by means of a balloon catheter; 0.4 and 0.5 mg PGE2 gel applied endocervically; 1.5 mg PGE2 given pericervically through a portio adapter and 3 mg PGE2 placed intravaginally in form of a single vaginal tablet; also included was a control group where only vaginal examination was performed. Blood was withdrawn before, and then 30 minutes, 1, 2 and 3 hours after PGE2 administration. Mean levels of PGEM in the maternal peripheral plasma showed no change within or between the various groups, with the exception of one patient in the portio adapter group where hyperstimulation occurred. After removal of the adapter PGEM levels dropped to baseline values. It is concluded from the present study that local application of doses currently used to soften the cervix and/or induce labour at term does not give rise to PGEM concentrations in the maternal blood of the same magnitude as achieved by intravenous PGE2 administration.

Brucella melitensis biotype 1 outbreak in goats in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Brucella melitensis biotype 1 was confirmed in indigenous, outbred goats in three northern districts of the KwaZulu-Natal province following the diagnosis of human Malta fever in the same area. Six foci of infection were found during an extensive serological survey involving 6266 goats carried out in most of the districts of the KwaZulu-Natal province. The prevalence in the positive herds varied between 17% and 100%. The diagnosis was confirmed by culturing milk samples from serologically positive animals. Infected goats were found in only three districts (Ubombo, Ingwavuma and Pongola) and all infected herds fell within a 50-km radius.

[Carbon-fiber implants for knee ligament reconstruction. 10-year results]. / Kohlefaserimplantate zur Kniebandrekonstruktion. 10-Jahres-Ergebnisse.

The retrospective results of carbon prostheses for knee ligament reconstruction in 120 patients, as established by questionnaire, are reported at 10 +/- 2 years follow-up. Eighty patients could also be reviewed clinically. Some 60% of the patients showed good subjective function at reduced activity level. Complications were seen in 72.5% of the patients with rupture of the carbon prosthesis and in 68% of those with synovitis. X-ray showed osteoarthritis in up to 59% of the patients. Carbon prostheses for collateral ligament reconstruction (85% medial, 5.8% lateral) were successful in 75% of cases. Activity and time seem to be less responsible for failure of the carbon prostheses than the features of growing in. Destruction of the knee joint over time is due to reactive synovitis and catabolic enzyme reaction and correlates with joint effusion and pain. If these problems appear, (arthroscopic) resection of the synovia is indicated to interrupt the circulus vitiosus.

[Management of recurrent genital herpes virus infections in gynecology and obstetrics]. / Management rezidivierender genitaler Herpesinfektionen in Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe.

Continuous oral therapy with acyclovir (200 mg four times a day or 400 mg twice daily) has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing recurrence of genital herpes by 74-93%. Continuing therapy appears to be safe, even when used for up to 4 years. When an episode of genital herpes is diagnosed in term pregnancy, cesarean section should be considered, even if intrauterine infection is possible until the rupture of membranes. The efficacy of suppressive therapy in term pregnancy to reduce the cesarean section rate is the objective of ongoing studies.

[How can early detection programs become a men's health topic? Survey of urology practices]. / Wie wird die Früherkennung zu einem Männerthema? : Eine Befragung in urologischen Praxen.

BACKGROUND: Various statistics demonstrate the importance of medical prevention in men. METHOD: As one example, overall survival is increased with the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this article information from 212 consecutive patients with an appointment in a urology practice is presented and discussed. Of special interest are factors that motivate men to participate in early detection programs for prostate cancer. The data give an insight into reasoning and motivation for men to participate in such programs and criteria to select a specific urology practice. RESULTS: The results, which also include diagnostic methods that are not covered by the general German health insurance and have to be paid by the patient himself, can help the urologist promote diagnostic tools and identify areas of deficit. A key role is played by the family physician. Our results show that he is the primary source for health-related questions. He has the best opportunity to draw the attention of the mature and critical patient to measures of precaution and emphasize their importance. This is especially true for the large group of men who so far have not participated in early detection programs since they apparently are not aware of their own personal health risk.

Salmonella serovars and antimicrobial resistance patterns on a sample of high seroprevalence pig farms in England and Wales (2003-2008).

Following the introduction of a national abattoir-based monitoring programme for Salmonella in pigs, advisory visits were made to pig farms in England and Wales with high Salmonella seroprevalence assessed by muscle tissue fluid (meat juice) ELISA. Samples (n = 15 790), including pooled pen floor faeces (n = 12 136), were collected for Salmonella culture from 296 farms, between October 2003 and February 2008. Salmonella was isolated from 4489 (28%) of all samples collected, including 3301 (27%) of pooled pen floor faecal samples, from 270 (91%) of farms visited. Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Derby were the most prevalent serovars, representing 64% and 16% of isolates serotyped, respectively. The main phage types of S. Typhimurium identified were U288 and DT193. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was seen in 92% of isolates tested, with the highest frequencies of resistance occurring to tetracyclines (T), sulphonamide compounds (SU), ampicillin (AM), sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SXT), streptomycin (S) and chloramphenicol (C). Fifty-nine AMR patterns were observed, the most frequent of these being T, AM, SXT, C, S, SU, seen in 35% of isolates tested. Multi-drug resistance was commonly found, with 67% of isolates submitted for AMR testing showing resistance to between four and nine antimicrobials.