| Iron and Prochlorococcus |
Jun-2009 |
254 pages |
| Authors:
Anne W Thompson; WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION MA
|
 | Iron and primary productivity in the oceans are linked through photosynthesis. At the global scale iron induces phytoplankton blooms during addition experiments. At the atomic scale, iron is involved in photosystem I, the most efficient light-harvesting complex in nature. Yet, we know little of how iron influences microbial diversity and distribution. Here, we assess the influence of iron on the ecology of Prochlorococcus. With its minimal genome and ubiquity in ... |
|
| Iron Limitation and the Role of Siderophores in Marine Synechococcus |
Jun-2009 |
105 pages |
| Authors:
Adam R Rivers; WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION MA
|
| Marine cyanobacteria in the genus Synechococcus are widely distributed and contribute significantly to global primary productivity. In many parts of the ocean their growth is limited by a lack of iron, an essential nutrient that is virtually insoluble in seawater. To overcome this, Synechococcus have evolved a number of strategies to acquire iron. Gene distribution, metagenomics and a novel immunological flow cytometry assay in the Costa Rica Upwelling Dome were ... |
|
| The 2009 Influenza A(H1N1) Outbreak: Selected Legal Issues |
21-May-2009 |
36 pages |
| Authors:
Kathleen S Swendiman; Nancy L Jones; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| Recent human cases of infection with a novel influenza A(H1N1) virus have been identified both internationally and in the United States. Since there has been human to human transmission and the new virus has the potential to become pandemic, it is timely to examine the legal issues surrounding this emerging public health threat. This report provides a brief overview of selected legal issues including emergency measures, civil rights, liability issues, ... |
|
| Department of Defense Biological Safety and Security Program |
May-2009 |
94 pages |
| Authors:
DEFENSE SCIENCE BOARD WASHINGTON DC
|
| This report examines the biological safety, security, and personnel reliability programs of Department of Defense's (DoD's) biological labs, compares these labs with other similar operations in academia, industry and the federal government. The report offers recommendations for improvements in the DoD program based on this comparison. The task force found that safety and security of the DoD facilities that they assessed are as good or better than those in comparably ... |
|
| The 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu Outbreak: An Overview |
30-Apr-2009 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
Sarah A Lister; C S Redhead; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
|
| On April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its influenza (flu) pandemic alert level to Phase 5, one level below declaring that a global influenza pandemic was underway. According to WHO, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short. The WHO has increased the ... |
|
| Characterization of Reaerosolization From Impingers in an Effort to Improve Airborne Virus Sampling |
Apr-2009 |
35 pages |
| Authors:
Jin-Hwa Lee; Chang-Yu Wu; Lindsey M Riemenschnelder; Dale A Lundgren; Hsing-Wang Li; Joseph D Wander; Brian K Heimbuch; FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES
|
| An AGI-30 impinger containing particles (MS2 bacteriophage or 30-nm polystyrene latex (PSL)) of known concentration was operated with sterile air. Reaerosolized particles as a function of sampling flow rate and impinge collection liquid concentration were characterized using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. Reaerosolization from the impinge was also compared to that from a BioSampler. Results show that the reaerosolization increases as flow rate increases. While the increased particle concentration in ... |
|
| Inactivating Influenza Viruses on Surfaces Using Hydrogen Peroxide or Triethylene Glycol at Low Vapor Concentrations |
Apr-2009 |
18 pages |
| Authors:
Stephen N Rudnick; James J McDevitt; Melvin W First; John D Spengler; HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH BOSTON MA AIR TRANSPORTATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR AIRLINER CABIN ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH
|
| Any of the exposed surfaces in airplanes can become contaminated with infectious viruses, such as influenza, and facilitate transmission of disease. In this study, we disinfected surfaces contaminated with influenza viruses. Selection of the specific decontamination agents used in this study was based on three criteria: 1) no harm would be caused to the mechanical components or avionics of the airplane, 2) no potentially harmful residue would be left behind, ... |
|
| Assessment of Iodine-treated Filter Media for Removal and Inactivation of MS2 Bacteriophase Aerosols |
Apr-2009 |
40 pages |
| Authors:
Samuel Farrah; Jin-Hwa Lee; Chang-Yu Wu; Dale A Lundgren; Joseph D Wander; Brian K Heimbuch; Christiana N Lee; Diandra Anwar; Katherine M Wysocki; FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES
|
| The filter's physical (PRE) and viable removal efficiencies (VRE) were investigated with challenges of MS2 bacteriophage aerosols, and the infectivity of MS2 collected on the filter was analyzed. To test a proposed inactivation mechanism, media containing thiosulfate or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were put in impingers to quench and consume I2 released from the filter. In direct plating experiments, treated filters presented significantly higher VREs than did untreated filters; however, ... |
|
| Biofilm Formation by a Metabolically Versatile Bacterium |
19-Mar-2009 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Caroline S Harwood; WASHINGTON UNIV SEATTLE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS
|
| Rhodopseudomonas palustris is a photosynthetic bacterium that has good potential as a biocatalyst for the production of hydrogen gas, a biofuel. With this award we conducted basic studies to facilitate the development of a process where R. palustris cells grown on surfaces as biofilms, produce hydrogen gas using energy from the sun and electrons from agricultural waste. We characterized five new Rhodopseudomonas genome sequences and isolated and described R. palustris ... |
|
| Study of Xanthorhodopsin, the Retinal-Protein Proton Pump of Salinibacter ruber with Light-Harvesting Carotenoid Antenna |
19-Mar-2009 |
20 pages |
| Authors:
S P Balashov; J K Lanyi; CALIFORNIA UNIV IRVINE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION
|
| The project produced initial characterization of xanthorhodopsin, a novel carotenoid/retinal protein complex from the extremely halophilic eubacterium Salinibacter ruber, which functions as a light-driven proton pump. Its unique feature is a light-harvesting antenna, not found in any other retinal-based pumps. Fluorescence studies showed that 45% of light quanta absorbed by the carotenoid salinixanthin is transferred to retinal and used for transmembrane proton transport to energize ATP synthesis in the cells. ... |
|
| Modeling Thermal Inactivation of Bacillus Spores |
Mar-2009 |
94 pages |
| Authors:
Emily A Knight; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| This research models and analyzes methods to damage Bacillus anthracis spores through heat treatment. AFIT researchers have developed methods to characterize the effects of heating spores to high temperatures and for short durations similar to the thermal pulse of conventional weapon detonation. This research models the current experiment and evaluates the rate of thermal diffusion throughout the spores. A micro-model of the effects of dry and wet heating on a ... |
|
| Development and Production of a Leishmania Skin Test |
Mar-2009 |
183 pages |
| Authors:
Neilsen; Harry S Jr; ALLERMED LABS INC SAN DIEGO CA
|
| Further refinement of the manufacturing process of Leishmania tropica Skin Test Antigen (LtSTA) was made during this contract period to increase the yield and robustness of the parasite during culture. Identity and potency tests for LtSTA were developed and the procedures are being validated. The analysis of dose-response, safety and efficacy data from a phase II clinical trial conducted in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia in 2007 were compiled and analyzed, and ... |
|
| Integrated Semiconductor-based Diagnostics System for Multiplexed Genomic Amplification and Electrochemical Detection of Biothreat Agents |
Jan-2009 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
Kia Peyvan; David L Danley; COMBIMATRIX CORP MUKILTEO WA
|
| This contract effort focused on the development of an automated, cartridge-based genotyping system that integrates a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with a semiconductor microarray that uses electrochemical detection to identify biothreat agents. The DX-100 Genotyping Cartridge System has three subcomponents: a disposable cartridge, the cartridge processing instrument, and a personal computer. The alpha prototype is compact and solid state (no optics) and has a simple three step operation: ... |
|
| A Probabilistic Risk Assessment for Deployed Military Personnel After the Implementation of the Leishmaniasis Control Program at Tallil Air Base, Iraq |
Jan-2009 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Schleier; Jerome J III; Robert K Peterson; Paula A Macedo; Ryan S Davis; Loren M Barber; MONTANA STATE UNIV BOZEMAN DEPT OF LAND RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
|
| Leishmaniasis has been of concern to the U.S. military and has re-emerged in importance because of recent deployments to the Middle East. We conducted a retrospective probabilistic risk assessment for military personnel potentially exposed to insecticides during the Leishmaniasis Control Plan (LCP) undertaken in 2003 at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. We estimated acute and subchronic risks from resmethrin, malathion, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and pyrethrins applied using a truckmounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) ... |
|
| Uncoupling GP1 and GP2 Expression in the Lassa Virus Glycoprotein Complex: Implications for GPI Ectodomain Shedding |
23-Dec-2008 |
18 pages |
| Authors:
Luis M Branco; Alex Matschiner; Joseph N Fair; Megan M Illick; Kerry A Illick; Randal Schoepp; Robert F Garry; Mary C Guttieri; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) was characterized in plasma from infected African Green monkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs. In all cases, during the terminal phase of infection only the protease-activated 63-kDa form of protective antigen (PA63) and the residual 20-kDa fragment (PA20) were detected in the plasma. No uncut PA with a molecular mass of 83 kDa was detected in plasma from toxemic animals during the terminal stage of infection. ... |
|
| Identification of Molecular Receptors for Therapeutic Targeting in Prostate Cancer |
Dec-2008 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Paul J Mintz; IMPERIAL COLL LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM)
|
| Prostate cancer is a difficult disease to treat due to its molecular heterogeneity and diverse clinical outcomes. Current therapies for treating and diagnosing prostate cancer are unsatisfactory, suggesting that new strategies and molecular markers are greatly needed. Tumor cells express specific cell surface receptor complexes for rapid growth and survival. Specific receptor-ligand complexes have profound biological functions such as cell signaling and growth. For example, androgen receptor complex plays a ... |
|
| Carbon Dioxide Corrosion and Acetate: A Hypothesis on the Influence of Microorganisms |
Nov-2008 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Brenda J Little; Joseph M Suflita; Tommy J Phelps; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS OCEANOGRAPHY DIV
|
| It is our hypothesis that fermentative acetogenic, and sulfate-reducing bacteria residing in pipeline facilities can influence corrosion through the production of carbon dioxide and acetate under the prevailing anaerobic conditions. The exacerbation of carbon dioxide corrosion of carbon steel in the presence of acetic acid is a well-known phenomenon in the oil industry. Both chemical compounds can be produced and consumed by microorganisms during the anaerobic biodegradation of organic matter-- ... |
|
| Proteomic Study of Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Vivax Liver Stages for Development of Vaccines and Drugs |
02-Oct-2008 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
Jetsumon Prachumsri; GENEVA FOUNDATION LAKEWOOD WA
|
| GFP plasmids were constructed and used for transfection of blood and sporozoite stages of P. vivax. GFP transformed parasites were observed when transfection was performed using blood stage parasites. Transfection of GFP plasmids into liver cells could enhance plasmid uptake of the sporozoites after invasion of the liver cells. Optimization of transfection for the GFP plasmids to blood and sporozoite stages need to be further optimized. Partial proteomic of sporozoite ... |
|
| The Evaluation of Novel Bioactive Ingredients for Combat Ration Intermediate Moisture (IM) Products to Assure the Microbiological Safety |
01-Oct-2008 |
22 pages |
| Authors:
Anthony Sikes; CLAIRE LEE; Wayne S Muller; Michelle Richardson; ARMY NATICK RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER MA
|
| Military intermediate moisture (IM) sandwiches have a shelf life requirement of two years at 80 degrees F. The stability of IM sandwiches is maintained using Hurdle technology, which typically provides a pH below 5.5 and a water activity below 0.89. These levels are effective for microbial stability; however, they can have an effect on the sensory quality of the product and can limit the development of new products. This report ... |
|
| Low-Dose Priming Before Vaccination with the Phase I Chloroform-Methanol Residue Vaccine Against Q Fever Enhances Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to Coxiella Burnetii |
Oct-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
David M Waag; Marilyn J England; Christopher R Bolt; Jim C Williams; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD BACTERIOLOGY DIV
|
| Although the phase I Coxiella burnetii cellular vaccine is completely efficacious in humans, adverse local and systemic reactions may develop if immune individuals are inadvertently vaccinated. The phase I chloroform-methanol residue (CMRI) vaccine was developed as a potentially safer alternative. Human volunteers with no evidence of previous exposure to C. burnetii received a subcutaneous vaccination with the CMRI vaccine in phase I studies under protocol IND 3516 to evaluate the ... |
|
| Desalination Technology Waste Streams: Impact of pH and Brine on Bacterial Metabolism Among Natural Marine Assemblages |
10-Sep-2008 |
16 pages |
| Authors:
M T Montgomery; T J Boyd; C L Osburn; R E Plummer; R B Coffin; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC CHEMICAL DYNAMICS AND DIAGNOSTICS BRANCH
|
| Hydrate formation-based techniques have been proposed as desalination technologies for transforming seawater into potable water. Marine Desalination Systems (MDS) is currently developing new technology in gas hydrate formation to supply potable water using hydrocarbon gas-based hydrate crystals (Kubota et al. 1984). The MDS technology might change the natural bacterial assemblage in primarily two ways: metabolic rate (secondary production) and assemblage composition. This influence on the microbial assemblage can affect ecosystem ... |
|
| An Alternative Approach to Combination Vaccines: Intradermal Administration of Isolated Components for Control of Anthrax, Botulism, Plague and Staphylococcal Toxic Shock |
03-Sep-2008 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Jennifer Chapman; Garry L Morefield; Ralph F Tammariello; Bret K Purcell; Patricia L Worsham; Leonard A Smith; Jason B Alarcon; John A Mikszta; Robert G Ulrich; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| As the number of investigational and approved vaccines continues to increase, the frequency of vaccinations will soon reach a practical limit. Though combination vaccines ultimately lead to a reduction in the required number of vaccinations, incompatibilities between individual components often limit development of these mixtures. Our results suggest the feasibility of protective vaccination against multiple diseases by intradermal administration of each antigen to physically isolated sites, thus avoiding potentially incompatible ... |
|
| Fowlpox as Decontamination Simulant for Variola Major |
01-Sep-2008 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Amanda E Chambers; Steven P Harvey; Melissa M Dixon; EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DIR
|
| Variola major, the causative agent of the disease smallpox, is the most deadly member of the poxvirus family. Although eradicated from nature, stocks of variola major still exist; thus, there is a need for relevant decontamination studies. However, studies with variola major must be performed under Biosafety Level 4 conditions. Previous studies have shown a similarity in the response of vaccinia virus and variola major to various decontaminants. This study ... |
|
| The Influence of Acidity on Microbial Fuel Cells Containing Shewanella Oneidensis (PREPRINT) |
01-Sep-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Glenn R Johnson; Justin C Biffinger; Jeremy Pietron; Orianna Bretschger; Lloyd J Nadeau; Cynthia C Williams; Kenneth H Nealson; Bradley R Ringeisen; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC CHEMISTRY DIV
|
| Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) traditionally operate at pH values between 6 and 8. However, the effect of pH on the growth and electron transfer abilities of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 (wild-type) and DSP10 (spontaneous mutant), bacteria commonly used in MFCs, has not been characterized. Miniature MFCs using bare graphite felt electrodes and nanoporous polycarbonate membranes with MR-1 or DSP10 cultures generated > 8 W/cu m and ~ 400 microA between pH ... |
|
| Hantavirus Prevention: Cleanup of Rodent Contamination |
01-Sep-2008 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
ARMY CENTER FOR HEALTH PROMOTION AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
|
| Hantaviruses in the Americas may cause human disease involving the lungs, hence the name hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Since May 1993, a total of 416 HPS cases (as of 1 February 2006) have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in residents of 32 states, with 39 of these cases identified retrospectively with onset of illness prior to May 1993. One hundred and six (38%) of ... |
|
| The Structural Basis of Pathogen Recognition by TLR Receptors of the Innate Immune System |
Aug-2008 |
21 pages |
| Authors:
Yorgo Modis; YALE UNIV NEW HAVEN CT
|
| The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. The overall goal of this project is to understand how a key family of innate immune receptors, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), recognize their microbial ligands, and how this recognition is translated into an immune response. This report covers an initial one-year contract in a three-year project. In our first year, we developed methods to purify milligram quantities ... |
|
| A Novel Approach to Managing Invasive Termite Species Using Genetically Engineered Bacteria |
Aug-2008 |
54 pages |
| Authors:
Claudia Husseneder; Rachael E Collier; Jennifer R Delatte; LOUISIANA STATE UNIV BATON ROUGE AGRICULTURAL CENTER
|
| The hind gut of the Fonnosan subterranean tennite (FST) is a refuge for an array of protozoa and bacteria that fulfill important functions in the survival of their hosts. Due to their importance for FST survival these symbionts are excellent tools or targets for the control of FST. Lytic peptides were tested as protozoicides. Lytic peptides were shown to kill the tennite symbiotic protozoa and this defaunation was associated with ... |
|
| Phononics and Micromechanics of Bio-Colloidal Wiseana Iridovirus |
Aug-2008 |
3 pages |
| Authors:
Sangwook Sihn; Huiming Xiong; Ryan D Hartschuh; Stephen P Wargacki; Johnathan Neiswinger; Alexander Kisliuk; Vernon K Ward; Richard A Vaia; Alexei P Sokolov; AKRON UNIV OH INST OF POLYMER SCIENCE
|
| By using Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS), we have investigated phononic properties of Wiseana iridovirus (WIV) assemblies and dispersed individual viruses at hypersonic frequency window. Propagating modes in virus assemblies and localized vibrational eigenmodes of individual virus have been identified. Based on phonon spectra, Young's modulus of the virus has been estimated to be 7 GPa, suggesting that the WIV virions are mechanically more similar to their DNA cores than to ... |
|
| Inlaid Carbon Nanofiber Nanoelectrode Array as Highly Efficient Dielectrophoresis Device for Bacteria Trapping |
Aug-2008 |
3 pages |
| Authors:
Jun Li; HUA CHEN; Prabhu U Arumugam; Alan Cassell; KANSAS STATE UNIV MANHATTAN DEPT OF CHEMISTRY
|
| Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an effective microelectronic technique for trapping and manipulating biological particles in a microfluidic environment, which relies on the highly asymmetric electric field gradient created by the microelectrodes. Here we demonstrate an AC DEP technique for single-bacteria trapping using nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) in a points-and-lid configuration. The NEA is based on vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (CNFs) embedded in SiO2 matrix. The miniaturization of the electrode size provides a ... |
|
| Efficacy of Oritavancin in a Murine Model of Bacillus anthracis Spore Inhalation Anthrax |
21-Jun-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
H S> Heine; T R Jr; Parr; F F Arhin; D Lehous; B E Ivins; A Bassett; L Miller; J Bassett; G Moeck; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| The inhaled form of Bacillus anthracis infection may be fatal to humans. The current standard of care for inhalational anthrax postexposure prophylaxis is ciprofloxacin therapy twice daily for 60 days. The potent in vitro activity of oritavancin, a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide, against B. anthracis (MIC against Ames strain, 0.015 microg/ml) prompted us to test its efficacy in a mouse aerosol-anthrax model. In postexposure prophylaxis dose-ranging studies, a single intravenous (i.v.) dose ... |
|
| Bacterial-based Systems for Expression and Purification of Recombinant Lassa Virus Proteins of Immunological Relevance |
06-Jun-2008 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Luis M Branco; Robert B Tesh; Randal J Schoepp; Kathleen A Cashman; Philip J Ferro; Darryl B Sampey; Augustine Goba; Joseph N Fair; Alex Matschiner; Daniel G Bausch; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| BACKGROUND: There is a significant requirement for the development and acquisition of reagents that will facilitate effective diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lassa fever. In this regard, recombinant Lassa virus (LASV) proteins may serve as valuable tools in diverse antiviral applications. Bacterial-based systems were engineered for expression and purification of recombinant LASV nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein 1 (GP1), and glycoprotein 2 (GP2). RESULTS: Full-length NP and the ectodomains of GP1 and ... |
|
| A Disruption of ctpA Encoding Carboxy-Terminal Protease Attenuates Burkholderia mallei and Induces Partial Protection in CD1 Mice |
03-Jun-2008 |
11 pages |
| Authors:
David DeShazer; Aloka B Bandara; Thomas J Inzana; Nammalwar Sriranganathan; Gerhardt G Schurig; Stephen M Boyle; VIRGINIA-MARYLAND REGIONAL COLL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE BLACKSBURG VA
|
| Burkholderia mallei is the etiologic agent of glanders in solipeds (horses, mules and donkeys), and incidentally in carnivores and humans. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of B. mallei pathogenesis. The putative carboxy-terminal processing protease (CtpA) of B. mallei is a member of a novel family of endoproteases involved in the maturation of proteins destined for the cell envelope. All species and isolates of Burkholderia carry a highly conserved ... |
|
| Prion Transport to Secondary Lymphoreticular Tissues |
01-Jun-2008 |
15 pages |
| Authors:
Jason C Bartz; CREIGHTON UNIV OMAHA NE
|
| The long-term objective of this proposal is to identify mechanisms of prion transport to secondary lymphoreticular system (LRS) tissues. The hypothesis to be tested is that following peripheral exposure to prions; host proteins (e.g. complement) bind prions allowing for trapping by cells in the spleen and enhancing uptake by macrophages which are cells that are responsible for destruction of foreign proteins. To investigate this hypothesis we will examine the disease ... |
|
| Molecular Basis of Essential Thrombocytosis |
Jun-2008 |
90 pages |
| Authors:
Wadie F Bahou; STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK RESEARCH FOUNDATION
|
| Human blood platelets play critical roles in normal hemostatic processes and pathologic conditions such as thrombosis (i.e. cardiovascular disease and stroke), vascular remodeling, inflammation, and wound repair. Despite the biological importance of platelets and their intact protein synthetic capabilities, remarkably little is known about platelet mRNAs. The pathogenesis of essential thrombocytosis (ET), a disease of platelet number and function, is poorly understood at the molecular level. The main goal of ... |
|
| Predicting the Interplay of Epitope Recognition and Evolution in RNA Viruses Under Immune Pressure |
30-Apr-2008 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Bjoern Peters; Alesandro Sette; Martin Blythe; LA JOLLA INST FOR ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY LA JOLLA CA DIVISION OF VACCINE DISCOVERY
|
| RNA viruses can rapidly mutate, causing therapeutics and vaccines to loose their effectiveness. The long-term goal of this project is to predict such mutations, in order to anticipate their effect and design better therapeutics and vaccines. In the funding period reported here, the specific goal was to build a predictive model of viral escape from immune pressure exerted by monospecific T cells in vitro. This goal was achieved: a general ... |
|
| Targeting the Vaccinia Virus L1 Protein to the Cell Surface Enhances Production of Neutralizing Antibodies |
28-Apr-2008 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph W Golden; Jay W Hooper; Matthew D Josleyn; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD VIROLOGY DIV
|
| The current live-orthopoxvirus vaccine is associated with minor to serious adverse affects, and is contra-indicated for use in a significant portion of the population. As an alternative vaccine, we have previously shown that a DNA sub-unit vaccine (4pox) based on four orthopoxvirus immunogens (L1R, B5R, A27L and A33R) can produce protective immunity against lethal orthopoxvirus challenges in mice and nonhuman primates. Because antibodies are critical for protection against secondary orthopoxvirus ... |
|
| Characterization of Reaerosolization in an Effort to Improve Sampling of Airborne Viruses |
01-Apr-2008 |
107 pages |
| Authors:
Lindsey Riemenschneider; FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES
|
| Airborne virus outbreaks, including the influenza pandemic of 1918, the recent SARS pandemic and the anticipated H5N1 outbreak, plus the perceived threat of bioterrorism warrant concern about the prevalence and potential effects of airborne viruses. However, current bioaerosol sampling methods do not effectively sample airborne viruses (typically 20 - 300 nm). To address this problem, a novel Bioaerosol Amplification Unit (BAU) has been designed and constructed to increase the size ... |
|
| Characterization of Clinically Attenuated Burkholderia mallei by Whole-Genome Sequencing: Candidate Strain for Exclusion from Select Agent Lists |
01-Apr-2008 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
David DeShazer; Jacques Ravel; Steven E Schutzer; Linda R Schiater; Catherine M Ronning; Benjamin J Luft; John J Dunn; Claire M Fraser-Liggett; William C Nierman; UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY OF NEW JERSEY NEWARK
|
| Background: Burkholderia mallei is an understudied biothreat agent responsible for glanders which can be lethal in humans and animals. Research with this pathogen has been hampered in part by constraints of Select Agent regulations for safety reasons. Whole genomic sequencing (WGS) is an apt approach to characterize newly discovered or poorly understood microbial pathogens. Methodology/Principal Findings: We performed WGS on a strain of B. mallei, SAVP1, previously pathogenic, that was ... |
|
| Enhancing Natural Attenuation Through Bioaugmentation with Aerobic Bacteria that Degrade Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene |
01-Apr-2008 |
126 pages |
| Authors:
David W Major; GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS ATLANTA GA
|
| Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) and enhanced in situ bioremediation (EISB) remedies hold the promise of reducing the costs associated with cleanup of Department of Defense (DoD) sites impacted by chlorinated solvents. However, there are many DoD sites where tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are only undergoing partial dechlorination to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), even when sufficient electron donor is present or added. As a result, there are a significant number of plumes ... |
|
| Nano-Mechanical Properties of Heat Inactivated Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus thuringiensis Spores |
01-Mar-2008 |
85 pages |
| Authors:
Jessica L Poindexter; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| B. thuringiensis spores must have similar properties to B. anthracis spores to be a good simulant in counter-proliferation studies. In particular, they must behave in a similar way when exposed to high temperatures for short periods of time as would be caused by an explosion. This research project compares surface elasticities for four different spore sample types, B. anthracis spores, heat inactivated B. anthracis spores, B. thuringiensis spores, and heat ... |
|
| Micro-Etched Platforms for Thermal Inactivation of Bacillus Anthracis and Bacillus Thuringiensis Spores |
01-Mar-2008 |
86 pages |
| Authors:
Leslie S Hawkins; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
|
| This research developed and applied microlithography techniques using a microscope slide platform in order to measure thermal inactivation of B.t. and B.a. spores, two closely related bacillus species. B.t. is widely used as a substitution for B.a. in response studies and as a B.a. surrogate in some field studies. This work addressed the previously identified problem of measuring both spore growth and spore thermal kill threshold using the traditional method ... |
|
| Molecular Identification of Human Fungal Pathogens |
01-Mar-2008 |
17 pages |
| Authors:
Brian L Wickes; TEXAS UNIV HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SAN ANTONIO
|
| The focus of the work during this funding period mainly centered around Task 2, which consisted of developing standardized protocols for PCR and sequencing template preparation. The two major subtasks, development of a universal DNA extraction strategy and development of a universal PCR reaction, were initiated during the first funding period and have been completed. These accomplishments now allow us to utilize a standard DNA extraction method and a standard ... |
|
| Investigation of Viability of Pantoea agglomerans (Formerly Erwinia herbicola) After Aerosolization From Media Containing Enriching and Coating Chemicals |
01-Feb-2008 |
22 pages |
| Authors:
Burt V Bronk; Jana Rule; Ana M /Kesavan; JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE MD BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
|
| Percent viability of the sensitive bacteria Pantoea agglomerans (ATCC_33243, formerly Erwinia herbicola or Eh), is an important issue in aerosol testing of vegetative cells, which might be found in the environment. The viability of this bacterial strain has usually been poor during aerosol testing. However, we have found a number of examples in the literature where outdoor testing with various strains of this bacterium apparently was improved with certain additives ... |
|
| Structural Studies on Toxins and Virulence Factors of Yersinia pestis |
Feb-2008 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Subramanyan Swaminathan; BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB UPTON NY
|
| In this final report we present our efforts on two or three fronts. We were working on the expression purification and crystallization of complexes of YopB and YopD with other proteins like their chaperones. We have made progress in purifying YopB:YopD:SycD complex. However this is a challenging process and the amount of homologous protein is a problem. Since the expression levels of different components of the complex are different the ... |
|
| Vaccination with F1-V Fusion Protein Protects Black-Footed Ferrets (Mustela Nigripes) Against Plague Upon Oral Challenge with Yersinia Pestis |
01-Jan-2008 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Susan Smith; Paul Marinari; Julie Kreeger; Tonie E Rocke; Jeffrey T Enama; Bradford S Powell; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| Earlier studies established that vaccination of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) with F1-V fusion protein by subcutaneous (SC) injection protected animals against plague upon injection of the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This study demonstrates that the F1-V antigen can also protect ferrets against plague contracted via ingestion of a Y. pestis-infected mouse, a probable route for natural infection. Eight black-footed ferret kits were vaccinated with F1-V protein by SC injection at approximately ... |
|
| Vector Competence of Selected African Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Species for Rift Valley Fever Virus |
01-Jan-2008 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Michael J Turell; Kenneth J Linthicum; Lisa A Patrican; F G Davies; Alladin Kairo; Charles L Bailey; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD VIROLOGY DIV
|
| Outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Egypt, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia have indicated the potential for this disease to spread from its enzootic areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Because little is known about the potential for most African mosquito species to transmit RVF virus (RVFV), we conducted studies to determine the vector competence of selected African species of mosquitoes for this virus. All eight species tested (Aedes palpalis (Newstead), Aedes ... |
|
| Heterogeneity in the A33 Protein Impacts the Cross-Protective Efficacy of a Candidate Smallpox DNA Vaccine |
01-Jan-2008 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph W Golden; Jay W Hooper; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD VIROLOGY DIV
|
| We previously developed a gene-based vaccine, termed 4 pox, which targets four orthopoxvirus proteins (A33, L1, B5, and A27). Because any subunit orthopoxvirus vaccine must protect against multiple species of orthopoxviruses, we are interested in understanding the cross-protective potential of our 4 pox vaccine target immunogens. In our current studies, we focused on the A33 immunogen. We found one monoclonal antibody against A33, MAb-1G10, which could not bind the monkeypox ... |
|
| Bacteroides Fragilis OmpA: Utility as a Live Vaccine Vector for Biodefense Agents |
01-Jan-2008 |
38 pages |
| Authors:
Hannah M Wexler; BRENTWOOD BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INST LOS ANGELES CA
|
| We are studying the utility of using B.fragilis OmpA as a vehicle on which to put antigenic epitopes of organisms that can be used in bioterror, with the aim of eventually constructing a vaccine vehicle vector. OmpA is the major outer membrane protein of B. fragilis, a gram negative anaerobe that normally resides in the gut. There are four homologs for ompA in the genome. The purpose of this study ... |
|
| Identification of Bacterial Plant Pathogens Using Multilocus Polymerase Chain Reaction/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry |
01-Jan-2008 |
10 pages |
| Authors:
E Postnikova; S Hofstadler; J Drader; L Blyn; R Melton; F Li; V Harpin; R Sampath; N W Schaad; A Sechler; C A Whitehouse; C Baldwin; W L Schneider; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS, previously known as "TIGER") utilizes PCR with broad-range primers to amplify products from a wide array of organisms within a taxonomic group, followed by analysis of PCR amplicons using mass spectrometry. Computer analysis of precise masses allows for calculations of base compositions for the broad-range PCR products, which can then be compared to a database for identification. PCR/ESI-MS has the benefits of PCR in ... |
|
| Nosocomial Infection of Serratia marcescens May Induce a Protective Effect of Monkeys Exposed to Bacillus anthracis |
01-Jan-2008 |
4 pages |
| Authors:
Elizabeth K Leffel; Nancy A Twenhafel; Chris A Whitehouse; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| This study was originally designed to collect data on the natural history of inhalational anthrax in a new nonhuman primate model. An uncontrollable event created a new experimental condition which allowed us to retrospectively evaluate the power of the innate immune system to protect from an aerosol exposure of B. anthracis. Five African green monkeys (AGMs) had intravenous catheters implanted. One catheter was accidentally pulled out, leaving four AGMs with ... |
|
Microbiology
