| Virus-Like Particles Exhibit Potential as a Pan-Filovirus Vaccine for Both Ebola and Marburg Viral Infections |
12 JAN 2005 |
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| Authors:
Dana L. Swenson; Kelly L. Warfield; Diane L. Negley; Alan Schmaljohn; M. J. Aman; Sina Bavari; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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 | A safe and effective pan-filovirus vaccine is highly desirable since the filoviruses Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) cause highly lethal disease typified by unimpeded viral replication and severe hemorrhagic fever. Previously, we showed that expression of the homologous glycoprotein (GP) and matrix protein VP40 from a single filovirus, either EBOV or MARV, resulted in formation of wild-type virus-like particles (VLPs) in mammalian cells. When used as a vaccine, ... |
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| A Comprehensive Survey of the Plasmodium Life Cycle by Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Proteomic Analyses |
07 JAN 2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Neil Hall; Marianna Karras; J. D. Raine; Jane M. Carlton; Taco W. Kooij; Matthew Berriman; Laurence Florens; Christoph S. Janssen; Arnab Pain; Georges K. Christophides; THE WELLCOME TRUST SANGER INST GENOME CAMPUS CAMBRIDGE (UNITED KINGDOM)
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 | Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium chabaudi are widely used model malaria species. Comparison of their genomes, integrated with proteomic and microarray data, with the genomes of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium yoelii revealed a conserved core of 4500 Plasmodium genes in the central regions of the 14 chromosomes and highlighted genes evolving rapidly because of stage-specific selective pressures. Four strategies for gene expression are apparent during the parasites life cycle: (i) housekeeping; ... |
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| Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype F: Identification of Substrate Recognition Requirements and Development of Inhibitors with Low Nanomolar Affinity |
06 JAN 2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
James J. Schmidt; R. G. Stafford; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD DIV OF TOXINOLOGY AND AEROBIOLOGY
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| Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs A-G) are zinc metalloendoproteases that exhibit extraordinary specificities for proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. In view of the extreme toxicities of these molecules, their applications in human medicine, and potential for misuse, it is of considerable importance to elucidate the mechanisms underlying substrate recognition and to develop inhibitors, with the ultimate goal of obtaining anti-botulinum drugs. We synthesized peptides based on vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) to investigate ... |
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| Lactobacilli Activate Human Dendritic Cells that Skew T Cells Toward T Helper 1 Polarization |
06 JAN 2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Mansour Mohamadzadeh; Scott Olson; Warren V. Kalina; Gordon Ruthel; Gretchen L. Demmin; Kelly L. Warfield; Sina Bavari; Todd R. Klaenhammer; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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| Professional antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) are critical in regulating T cell immune responses at both systemic and mucosal sites. Many Lactobacillus species are normal members of the human gut microflora and most are regarded as safe when administered as probiotics. Because DCs can naturally or therapeutically encounter lactobacilli, we investigated the effects of several well defined strains, representing three species of Lactobacillus on human myeloid DCs (MDCs) and found that ... |
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| Interferon Alfacon1 is an Inhibitor of SARS-Corona Virus in Cell-Based Models, Antiviral Research |
04 JAN 2005 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Jason Paragas; Lawrence M. Blatt; Chris Hartmann; John W. Huggins; Tim P. Endy; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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| Preliminary data examining interferon alfacon1 treatment of SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome - corona virus)-infected patients suggests this therapy is well tolerated and of therapeutic benefit. We report herein that interferon alfacon1, has potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV. In a cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, interferon alfacon1 inhibited the generation of CPE in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0,001 g/ml, a clinically achievable level. Furthermore, interferon alfacon1 ... |
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| Interferon Alfacon1 is a Potent Inhibitor of SARS-Corona Virus in Cell- Based Models |
04 JAN 2005 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Jason Paragas; Lawrence M. Blatt; Chris Hartmann; John W. Huggins; Tim P. Endy; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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| Preliminary data examining interferon alphacon1 treatment of SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus)-infected patients suggest this therapy is well tolerated and of therapeutic benefit. We report herein that interferon alfacon1, has potent in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV. In a cytopathic effect protection (CPE) assay, interferon alfacon1 inhibited the generation of CPE in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.001 g/ml, a clinically achievable level. Furthermore, interferon alphacon1 also ... |
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| Smallpox Antiviral Drug |
JAN 2005 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Dennis E. Hruby; Tove C. Bolken; SIGA TECHNOLOGIES INC CORVALLIS OR
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| Smallpox virus is considered one of the most significant threats for use as a biowarfare agent. Due to complications from vaccination, mass immunization of the populace is contra-indicated. Our current research seeks to develop effective anti-poxvirus drug(s). Using vaccinia virus (VV) as a model system, the goal of our currently funded work is to determine whether the 17L cysteine proteinase or the 17L metalloproteinase encoded by VV is the pox ... |
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| Cost and Performance Report of Dissolved Hydrogen Analyzer |
JAN 2005 |
33 pages |
| Authors:
Carmen A. Lebron; Barbara Sugiyama; Patrick J. Evans; Mary Trute; Roger Olsen; NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SERVICE CENTER PORT HUENEME CA
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| Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is a cost-effective remediation approach that is applicable to many sites and has been embraced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Monitored natural attenuation can be used to mitigate petroleum hydrocarbon, chlorinated hydrocarbon, and metal-contaminated sites as an alternative to groundwater pump and treat methods. Determination of MNA's technical applicability for a given site is based on sampling and analysis, data evaluation and modeling, and ... |
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| Population Based Assessment of MHC Class I Antigens Down Regulation as Markers of Increased Risk for Development and Progression of Breast Cancer from Benign Breast Lesions |
JAN 2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Maria J. Worsham; Usha Raju; Judith Abrams; HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM DETROIT MI
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| Despite advances in chemotherapy and radiation therapies, advanced breast cancer still carries a high mortality rate. The need for effective therapies is urgent. The overall aim of this research proposal is to recognize early markers of disease and their interaction with other epidemiological risk factors that can serve as risk indicators for subsequent development of breast cancer from precancerous lesions, and as prognostic markers for progression from primary to metastatic ... |
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| Smallpox Vaccine and Adverse Reproductive Health Outcomes in Military Service Members |
JAN 2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Margaret A. Ryan; NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA
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| In response to threats of bioterrorism, US military personnel began receiving smallpox vaccinations in 2003. Although some adverse health effects associated with smallpox vaccination are well described, much less has been documented about reproductive health outcomes. Smallpox vaccine, as a live-virus product, has caused fetal vaccinia in rare cases when given in pregnancy. The potential for the product to cause pregnancy loss, birth defects, or other birth problems has not ... |
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| Use of an Electronic Monitoring System for Self-Reporting Smallpox Vaccine Reactions |
Jan-2005 |
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| Authors:
Nicole Lurie; Stuart S Olmsted; John D Grabenstein; Arvind K Jain; William Comerford; Pamela Giambo; Pamela Johnson; Judie Mopsik; S R Zimmerman; RAND CORP PITTSBURGH PA
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| Tracking vaccine reactions and adverse events during a large-scale vaccination program such as the recent smallpox program or a pandemic flu outbreak will be a challenge. We report on vaccine reaction data collected using a novel telephone- and web-based electronic reporting system. The system was used to monitor vaccinees during the U.S. Army's smallpox vaccination campaign, which was part of the national program to prepare against biological attack. In addition, ... |
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| Relative Abundance of Tree Hole-Breeding Mosquitos in Boone County, Missouri, USA, with Emphasis on the Vector Potential of Aedes Triseriatus for Canine Heartworm, Dirofilaria Immitis (Spirurida: Filariidae) |
Jan-2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Leopoldo M Rueda; Mustapha Debboun; Theodore J Green; Robert D Hall; WALTER REED ARMY INST OF RESEARCH SILVER SPRING MD DEPT OF ENTOMOLOGY
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| Aedes (Protomacleaya) triseriatus currently shares its habitat in the USA with the introduced species Aedes (Finlaya) japonicus and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus. In the late 1980s. before the introduction of these 2 species. Ae. triseriatus was the dominant tree hole- and artificial container-breeding mosquito in central Missouri. Aedes triseriatus represented 89% of the mosquito immatures collected from water-filled tree holes and artificial containers at 3 forested field sites in central Missouri. ... |
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| An Evaluation of an Inline Sensor for Detection of Microbial Activity |
2005 |
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| Authors:
Jason S. Lee; Richard I. Ray; Brenda J. Little; Daniel R. DeMarco; Michael H. Dorsey; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS
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| Laboratory experiments were designed to determine the influence of polarization (+175 mV vs. saturated calomel electrode) in natural fresh water and in dilute microbiological media (1:100 Luria-Bertani broth) on biofllm formation on 316L stainless steel. Biofllms formed on all polarized and unpolarization surfaces within 120 hours. Variability among the surfaces was detected with environmental scanning electron microscopy. Polarization influenced microbial formed in the absence of polarization. |
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| Chloroform-Treated Filamentous Phage as a Bioreceptor for Piezoelectric Sensors |
2005 |
52 pages |
| Authors:
Eric V. Olsen; Jennifer C. Sykora; Iryna B. Sorokulova; Valery A. Petrenko; I-Hsuan Chen; James M. Barbaree; Vitaly J. Vodyanoy; AUBURN UNIV AL
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| Affinity-selected filamentous bacteriophage was induced to spherical forms ("spheroids") by chloroform treatment and deposited to piezoelectric transducers by Langmuir-Blodgett to prepare biosensors for the detection of streptavidin and S. typhimurium. ELISA confirmed affinity-selected phage specificity for streptavidin. Spheroid induction was optimized to achieve greatest conversion yields as a function of solvent exposure time and concentration. Results from whole-virion agarose gel electrophoresis indicated 27-fold phage aqueous dilutions mixed with equal volumes ... |
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| Decreased Migration of Langerhans Precursor-Like Cells in Response to Human Keratinocytes Expressing HPV-16 E6/E7 is Related to Reduced Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-3Alpha Production |
2005 |
48 pages |
| Authors:
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| Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, particularly type 16 and 18, contributes to 90% of cervical cancer cases. HPV infects cutaneous or mucosal epithelium, tissue that is monitored for microbial infection or damage by Langerhans cells. In lesions produced by HPV type 16, there is a reduction in immune cells, especially Langerhans cells. Langerhans precursor cells selectively express CCR6, the receptor for macrophage inflammatory protein 3alpha (MI-P3alpha), and function ... |
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| Examination of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Opacity Protein Expression During Experimental Murine Genital Tract Infection |
2005 |
193 pages |
| Authors:
Amy N. Simms; UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD F EDWARD HEBERT SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
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| The opacity (Opa) proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are a family of phasevariable outer membrane proteins that bind to host cells. Phase variable expression occurs via a reversible frameshift mechanism within each opa gene. Opa protein expression is selected for, or induced during experimental genital tract infection of female mice, similar to that which was reported in male volunteers. Using a genetically marked strain of FA1090 to follow recovery of a ... |
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| Antimicrobials in the Management of Post-Irradiation Infection |
2005 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
I. Brook; T. B. Elliott; M. O. Shoemaker; G. D. Ledney; ARMED FORCES RADIOBIOLOGY RESEARCH INSTBETHESDA MD
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| Ionizing radiation depresses host defenses and enhances susceptibility to local and systemic infection due to endogenous or exogenous microorganisms. Giving mice a lethal dose of ionizing 60Co-gamma radiation induces a dose-related reduction in the number of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from 1010-12 to 104-6 per gram of stool within four days. Although the number of anaerobic bacteria remains low, measured by per gram of stool bacteria increases significantly, up ... |
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| Early Events Leading to the Host Protective Th2 Immune Response to an Intestinal Nematode Parasite |
2005 |
120 pages |
| Authors:
John T. Pesce; William C. Gause; UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD
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| Events necessary in the development of Th2 immune responses are poorly understood. A popular model used to study the development of these responses involves intracutaneous inoculation with the intestinal nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Using B7-1/B7-2-/- mice infected with N. brasiliensis, we have shown that Th2 effector cells are capable of developing in the absence of B7 signaling interactions, although a substantial decrease in B cell Ag-specific Ab production was observed. ... |
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| A Spatial, Multivariable Approach for Identifying Proximate Sources of Escherichia coli to Maumee Bay, Lake Erie, Ohio |
2005 |
27 pages |
| Authors:
Donna S. Francy; Pamela Struffolino; Amie M. G. Brady; Daryl F. Dwyer; GEOLOGICAL SURVEY RESTON VA
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| Sources of E. coli at U.S. beaches are often unknown. Determining the spatial distribution of E. coli and identifying factors that can affect concentrations may provide insight into the sources of fecal contamination. This approach was used to investigate a popular bathing beach in northwest Ohio-Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP). In 2003 synoptic studies, water and bed-sediment samples were collected and analyzed for E. coli at 24 sites within Maumee ... |
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| The Modulation of Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Function by Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor Type 1 - Expressing Uropathogenic Escherichia coli |
2005 |
167 pages |
| Authors:
Jon M. Davis; UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD DEPT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
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| Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause more than 85% of all urinary tract infections (UTI). These infections primarily affect women, and over half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Animal models of UTI pathogenesis have provided some insight into the role of various UPEC virulence factors. In these animal studies, the toxin Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor type 1 (CNF1) has been shown to have a significant ... |
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| Primary Cell Culture for Evaluation of Botulinum Neurotoxin Antagonists |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Robert E. Sheridan; Theresa J. Smith; Michael Adler; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF CHEMICAL DEFENSE ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
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| The actions of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) were studied on evoked release of the neurotransmitter glycine in primary mouse spinal cord cells. 3[H]-glycine was taken up by cells in physiological solution and released by depolarization with 56 mM K + in the presence of 2 mM Ca2+. Release of 3 [H]-glycine was found to be inhibited by BoNT serotypes A, B and E with similar potency ratios to those observed in ... |
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| Expert Consensus on MIC - Prevention and Monitoring, Part 1 |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
P. J. Scott; CARIAD CONSULTANTS TORONTO (ONTARIO)
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| Originally produced by NACE Task Group 304 as a report on industrial practice currently recommended by experts in the field of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), this article discusses the best available techniques and strategies for handling MIC problems. It summarizes prevention and monitoring, and provides references where detailed descriptions of useful techniques may be found. Failure analysis and control will be outlined in part two of this article, which will ... |
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| The Effect of Microbial FE(III) Reduction on Smectite Flocculation |
2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Jin-Wook Kim; Yoko Furukawa; Hailiang Dong; Steve W. Newell; NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC
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| This study was undertaken to investigate the changes in flocculation properties of Fe-rich smectite (nontronite, NAu-1) suspensions, including settling velocity, aggregate size and floc architecture associated with microbial Fe(III)-reduction in the smectite structure. The dissimilatory Fe-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was incubated with lactate as the electron donor and structural Fe(III) as the sole electron acceptor for 3, 12, 24 and 48 h in an aerobic chamber. Two controls were ... |
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| Role of Superoxide in the Germination of Bacillus Anthracis Endospores |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Les Baillie; Stephen Hibbs; Pei Tsai; Guan-Liang Cao; Gerald M. Rosen; MARYLAND UNIV BALTIMORE
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| The spore forming Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, has achieved notoriety due to its use as a bioterror agent. In the environment, B. anthracis exists as a dormant endospore. Germination of endospores during their internalization within the myeloid phagocyte, and the ability of those endospores to survive exposure to antibacterial killing mechanisms such as superoxide, (O,2-), is a key initial event in the infective process. We ... |
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| Efficacy and Tolerability of Artesunate Plus Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Alone for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparium Malaria in Peru |
2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Wilmer Marquino; Laura Ylquimiche; Ygor Hermenegildo; Ana M. Palacios; Eduwardo Falconi; Cesar Cabezas; Nancy Arrospide; Sonia Gutierrez; II Ruebush Trenton K.; INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD LIMA (PERU)
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| Abstract. To assist the Peruvian Ministry of Health in modifying the malaria treatment policy for their north Pacific coastal region, we conducted an in vivo efficacy trial of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and SP plus artesunate (SP-AS) for the treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections. A total of 197 patients were randomized to therapy with either SP (25 mg/kg of the sulfadoxine component in a single dose on day 0) or a ... |
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| Human Platelets Exhibit Chemotaxis using Functional N-Formyl Peptide Receptors |
2005 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
Meggan Czapiga; Ji-Liang Gao; Allen Kirk; Julie Lekstrom-Himes; NATIONAL INST OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES BETHESDA MD
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| Activated platelets participate in inflammatory and microbicidal processes by upregulation of surface selectins, shedding of CD40 ligand, and release of platelet microbicidal proteins and microparticles. Given their myeloid lineage, we hypothesized that platelets express functional N-formyl peptide receptors and respond to the bacterially derived chemotactic peptide N-formyl peptide with gradient-driven chemotaxis. Methods and Results. Here we show specific binding of N-formyl peptides to the surface of activated platelets. Platelet expression ... |
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| Comparison of Meglumine Antimoniate and Pentamidine for Peruvian Cutaneous Leishmaniasis |
2005 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Ellen M. Andersen; Maria Cruz-Saldarriaga; Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas; Maria Luz-Cjuno; Juan Echevarria; Cesar Maranda-Verastegui; Olga Colina; Jonathan D. Berman; NAVY ENVIRONMENTAL AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE UNIT NO. 5 SAN DIEGO CA
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| Pentamidine was compared with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) for 80 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis in Peru. Of the 40 patients administered Glucantime (20 mg of antimony [Sb]/kg/day intravenously for 20 days), 31 cured (78%), 6 failed (15%), of which 5 were due to relapse, and 3 were lost to follow-up (7%). Of the 40 patients administered pentamidine (2 mg/kg every other day for seven injections), 14 were ... |
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| Seroincidence and Phylogeny of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in a Cohort of Commercial Sex Workers in Montevideo, Uruguay |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Jose Vinoles; Margarita Serra; Jose C. Russ; Dora Ruchansky; Sergio Sosa-Estani; Silvia M. Montano; Gladys Carrion; Lindsay M. Eyzaguirre; Jean K. Carr; James G. Olson; MINISTRY OF HEALTH MONTEVIDO (URUGUAY) HIV/AIDS NATIONAL CONTROL PROGRAM AND DEPT LAB OR PUBLIC HEALTH
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| A cohort study involving 60 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative male transvestite commercial sex workers (CSWs) was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1999 2001. Serum samples were tested for HIV by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening with immunoblot confirmation. Six participants seroconverted for an incidence-density rate of 6.03 (95% confidence interval 2.21 13.12) per 100 person-years. Inconsistent condom use during client sex (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 6.7), during oral sex ... |
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| Proteomic Analysis of Rickettsia prowazekii |
2005 |
4 pages |
| Authors:
C. C. Chao; D. Chelius; T. Zhang; E. Mutumanje; W. M. Ching; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| Rickettsia prowazekii is an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium. Comparative proteomics study of a virulent strain (Breinl) versus an avirulent strain (Madrid E) was performed using an integrated liquid chromatography and mass spectrometer. About 30% of predicted proteins were detected and identified. Among the detected proteins, more than 30 proteins were of unknown function in both strains. Although several proteins were detected in only one strain, the overall distribution of detected ... |
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| Production of Recombinant Protein Pap31 and Its Application for the Diagnosis of Bartonella bacilliformis Infection |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
A. Taye; H. Chen; K. Duncan; Z. Zhang; L. Hendrix; J. Gonzalez; W. Ching; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| Tropical bartonellosis is a highly fatal epidemic and endemic infectious disease that occurs throughout the communities of the Andes Mountains in South America. The disease is caused by the facultative intracellular bacteria, Bartonella bacilliformis. The emergence of bartonellosis in new geographic areas and an increase in the number of reported cases suggest the need for a rapid test for epidemiologic study and investigation of the disease burden. The objective of ... |
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| Cloning and Sequence Analysis of the 22-kDa Antigen Genes of Orientia tsutsugamushi Strains Kato, TA763, AFSC 7, 18-032460, TH1814, and MAK 119 |
2005 |
9 pages |
| Authors:
Hong Ge; Min Tong; Andrew Li; Rajan Mehta; Wei-Mei Ching; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| The 22-kDa protein antigen is one of several antigens recognized by sera from scrub typhus patients infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi. The 22-kDa protein genes from six O. tsutsugamushi strains (Kato, TA763, AFSC 7, 18-032460, TH1814, MAK119) were cloned and their sequences were determined and compared to each other and to the Karp strain sequence listed in GenBank. The sequence alignment revealed that the promoter regions of these seven strains were ... |
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| Short- and Long-Term Immune Responses of CD-1 Outbred Mice to the Scrub Typhus DNA Vaccine Candidate: p47Kp |
2005 |
5 pages |
| Authors:
Guang Xu; Schismita Chattopadhyay; Ju Jiang; Teik-Chye Chan; Chien-Chung Chao; Wei-Mei Ching; Allen L. Richards; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| Orientia tsutsugamushi is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is the causative agent of scrub typhus. To develop an effective vaccine to prevent or ameliorate scrub typhus, knowledge of the protective immune response to O. tsutsugamushi needs to be ascertained. Our laboratory has demonstrated that the DNA vaccine vector pVR1012 carrying the O. tsutsugamushi Karp strain 47-kDa protein gene (p47Kp) consistently provides outbred mice protection against homologous challenge. |
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| Phylogenetic Analysis of a Novel Molecular Isolate of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae from Northern Peru |
2005 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Ju Jiang; Patrick J. Blair; Vidal Felices; Cecilia Moron; Manuel Cespedes; Elizabeth Anaya; George B. Schoeler; John W. Sumner; James G. Olson; Allen L. Richards; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| Phylogenetic analysis of five rickettsial genes (17-kDa gene, gltA, ompB, ompA, and sca4) from two molecular isolates of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae from two ticks (Amblyomma maculatum and Ixodes boliviensis) collected from two domestic horses living in two separate locations in northern Peru (Coletas and Naranjo) was conducted to more clearly characterize this recently reported novel spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia. Following nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 17-kDa ... |
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| Real-Time Salmonella Detection Using Lead Zirconate Titanate-Titanium Microcantilevers |
2005 |
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| Authors:
John-Paul McGovern; Wan Y. Shih; Wei-Heng Shih; Mauro Sergi; Irwin Chaiken; DREXEL UNIV PHILADELPHIA PA
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| Current methods for analysis of unknown powders in suspicious packages involve sending samples to laboratory facilities where a variety of time-consuming tests are performed. We have developed and investigated the use of a lead zirconate titanate - titanium (PZT-Ti) microcantilever for in situ detection of the common food- and water-born pathogen, Salmonella typhimurium. Using a bifunctional liking molecule to immobilize antibody on the titanium surface of the microcantilever, we can ... |
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| Novel Electroporation System for both Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria Assisted by Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes |
2005 |
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| Authors:
M. Giersig; I. Firkowska; J. Trosczcynska; M. A. Correa Duarte; J. A. Rojas-Chapana; CENTER OF ADVANCED EUROPEAN STUDIES ANDRESEARCH (CAESAR) BONN (GERMANY) DIVISION NANOPARTICLE TECHNOLOGY
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| Gram positive (Lactoccocus lactis) and Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) were used to study the interaction of water-dispersible multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with the bacterial cell envelope during microwave (MW) energy exposure. It was observed that the addition of a tiny amount of CNTs to a medium containing bacteria and subsequent exposure of the samples to MW, leads to an intimate contact between the CNT tips and the cell envelope. ... |
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| Microevolution and History of the Plague Bacillus, Yersinia pestis |
21 DEC 2004 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Mark Achtman; Giovanna Morelli; Peixuan Zhu; Thierry Wirth; Ines Diehl; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
|
| The association of historical plague pandemics with Yersinia pestis remains controversial, partly because the evolutionary history of this largely monomorphic bacterium was unknown. The microevolution of Y. pestis was therefore investigated by three different multilocus molecular methods, targeting genomewide synonymous SNPs, variation in number of tandem repeats, and insertion of IS100 insertion elements. Eight populations were recognized by the three methods, and we propose an evolutionary tree for these populations, ... |
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| Microarray-based Resequencing of Multiple Bacillus anthracis Isolates |
17 DEC 2004 |
14 pages |
| Authors:
Michael E. Zwick; Farrell Mcafee; David J. Cutler; Timothy D. Read; Jacques Ravel; Gregory R. Bowman; Darrell R. Galloway; Alfred Mateczun; NAVAL MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTER SILVER SPRING MD
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| We used custom-designed resequencing arrays to generate 3.1 Mb of genomic sequence from a panel of 56 Bacillus anthracis strains. Sequence quality was shown to be very high by replication (discrepancy rate of 7.4 x 10(exp -7)) and by comparison to independently generated shotgun sequence (discrepancy rate < 2.5 x 10(exp -6)). Population genomics studies of microbial pathogens using rapid resequencing technologies such as resequencing arrays are critical for recognizing ... |
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| Serotype Distribution of Respiratory Adenoviruses in Egypt Determined By Serial Multiplex PCR |
16 DEC 2004 |
29 pages |
| Authors:
David Metzgar; Miguel Osuna; Samuel Yingst; Magda Rakha; Kenneth Earhart; NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA
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| Eighty-eight adenovirus (Ad) isolates and associated clinical data were collected from walk-in patients with influenza-like illness in Egypt (13 from Cairo, 75 from Alexandria) during routine influenza surveillance from 1999 through 2002. Ad diversity has not been well characterized in this region, and this sample set offered the opportunity to begin to define the locally important serotypes. Ad distributions are geographically variable, and serotype is clinically relevant because it determines ... |
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| The Structure of the Neurotoxin- Associated Protein HA33/A from Clostridium botulinum Suggests a Reoccurring Beta-Trefoil Fold in the Progenitor Toxin Complex |
16 DEC 2004 |
12 pages |
| Authors:
Joseph W. Arndt; Jenny Gu; Lukasz Jaroszewski; Robert Schwarzenbacher; Michael A. Hanson; Frank L. Lebeda; Raymond C. Stevens; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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| The hemagglutinating protein HA33 from Clostridium botulinum is associated with the large botulinum neurotoxin secreted complexes and is critical in toxin protection, internalization, and possibly activation. We report the crystal structure of serotype A HA33 (HA33/A) at 1.5 A resolution that contains a unique domain organization and a carbohydrate recognition site. In addition, sequence alignments of the other toxin complex components, including the neurotoxin BoNT/A, hemagglutinating protein HA17/A, and non-toxic ... |
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| Protective Immunization Against Inhalational Anthrax: A Comparison of Minimally Invasive Delivery Platforms |
15 DEC 2004 |
13 pages |
| Authors:
John A. Mikszta; Vincent J. Sullivan; Cheryl Dean; Andrea M. Waterston; Jason B. Alarcon; III Dekker John P.; John M. Brittingham; Juan Huang; C. R. Hwang; Matthew Ferriter; BECTON DICKINSON TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC
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| A new anthrax vaccine under clinical investigation is based on recombinant Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (rPA). Here, we investigated microneedle-based cutaneous and nasal mucosal delivery of rPA in mice and rabbits. In mice, intradermal (id) delivery achieved up to 90% seroconversion after a single dose, compared with 20% after intramuscular (im) injection. Intranasal (inl) delivery of a liquid formulation required 3 doses to achieve responses that were comparable with those ... |
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| Molecular Database Construction and Mining: A General Approach to Unconventional Pathogen Countermeasures |
14 DEC 2004 |
4 pages |
| Authors:
Yuan-Ping Pang; MAYO FOUNDATION ROCHESTER MN
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| One general approach to unconventional pathogen countermeasures is to use specific inhibitors to cripple enzymes such as proteases that are pivotal to pathogen invasions. For example, botulinum toxins can be detoxified by inhibitors targeting the zinc endopeptidase located in the light-chain region of botulinum toxins, and anthrax can be detoxified by inhibitors targeting anthrax's lethal factor which is a zinc protease. The generality of this approach rests on the fact ... |
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| Phage Landscape Libraries as a Source of Substitute Antibodies for Detection Platforms |
06 DEC 2004 |
25 pages |
| Authors:
Velery A. Petrenko; AUBURN UNIV AL COLL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
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| The authors introduced new formats of phage display -- landscape phage and mosaic landscape phage, in which all 4,000 copies of the major coat protein in the phage bear one or two foreign peptides. Libraries of landscape and mosaic landscape phages contain billions of clones with different peptides. This work demonstrated the great potential of the landscape phage probes as elements of biosensors and threat agent detectors. The authors learned ... |
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| Real-Time PCR Assay for a Unique Chromosomal Sequence of Bacillus anthracis |
DEC 2004 |
8 pages |
| Authors:
Elizabeth Bode; William Hurtle; David Norwood; ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
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| Real-time PCR has become an important method for the rapid identification of Bacillus anthracis since the 2001 anthrax mailings. Most real- time PCR assays for B. anthracis have been developed to detect virulence genes located on the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids. In contrast, only two published chromosomal targets exist, the rpoB gene and the gyrA gene. In the present study, subtraction-hybridization with a plasmid-cured B. anthracis tester strain and a ... |
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| Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assays for Identification of Biological Agents in Sample Unknowns: NATO SIBCA. Exercise 5 |
DEC 2004 |
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| Authors:
H. G. Thompson; R. E. Fulton; DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUFFIELD (ALBERTA)
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| In March 2004, the NATO Panel VII Subgroup on Sampling and Identification of Biological and Chemical Agents (SIB CA) conducted the fifth international training exercise on identification of biological agents. Seventeen NATO/PfP national laboratories participated: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany (2 laboratories), Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The designated laboratory for Canada was Defence R&D Canada - Suffield ... |
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| Intracellular Delivery of Proteins and Nucleic Acids to Mammalian Cells With Invaplex Isolated From Shigella flexneri |
DEC 2004 |
7 pages |
| Authors:
Robert W. Kaminski; K. R. Turbyfill; Edwin V. Oaks; WALTER REED ARMY INST OF RESEARCH SILVER SPRING MD
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| The invasion plasmid antigens (Ipa) of Shigella spp, are effector molecules necessary for the invasion of colonic epithelial cells. Recently, we have isolated an invasin protein-LPS complex from intact, virulent Shigella (Invaplex). In vitro observations suggest that Invaplex interacts with host-cell membranes, is internalized, and is released into the cytoplasm via a process similar to the activity expressed by virulent shigellae. It was therefore hypothesized that if heterologous molecules (DNA ... |
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| Method for Optically Monitoring Anthrax Infection Events in Real Time Using Luciferase Tagged Bacteria and in Vivo Imaging Techniques |
DEC 2004 |
3 pages |
| Authors:
Rina Das; Maria Mayda; Sachin Mani; Marti Jett; WALTER REED ARMY INST OF RESEARCH SILVER SPRING MD
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| The recent exposures to Bacillus anthracis have highlighted certain issues that are unclear, especially the time frame for which spores could reside in the lungs, the dose, and their potential to subsequently cause a lethal outcome. It is important to find a technique that will allow for visual monitoring of the entire infection process of anthrax in real time to get a better understanding of the sequence of events and ... |
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| Native and Engineered Simulants for DNA Virus Threat Agent |
DEC 2004 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Kevin P. O'Connell; Patricia E. Anderson; Michael S. Horsmon; James J. Valdes; EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
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| The ability to test BW detection gear in all stages of development (lab bench, test chamber, and field) and to train using the gear in realistic situations is a cornerstone of biological defense research and operations. Better simulants will allow higher quality and more reproducible testing, as well as more realism in testing and training. There is currently only one virus widely accepted for low-level containment or field release in ... |
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| Analysis of the Physical Behavior of Viruses Using the Integrated Virus Detection System (IVDS) |
DEC 2004 |
3 pages |
| Authors:
Charles H. Wick; EDGEWOOD CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
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| A new method for virus analysis has been indicated for years. This situation has reached a new and emerging viruses that tax present detection methods. Adding the cost of current methods to analyze large numbers of samples and a clear and urgent situation has developed. Fortunately, a new means for detecting the present or absence of viruses has been developed that capitalizes on the fundamental physical properties associated with these ... |
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| Effect of Fatty Acid Conjugation on Antimicrobial Peptide Activity |
DEC 2004 |
6 pages |
| Authors:
Alexander F. Chu-Kung; Kristen N. Bozzelli; Rose Nguyen; Matthew V. Tirrell; CALIFORNIA UNIV SANTA BARBARA
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| Two peptides, YGAAKKAAKAA2 (AKK), and YGAKAKAAKA2 (KAK) were conjugated to fatty acids and tested for the effect on their structure, antibacterial activity, and eukaryotic cell toxicity. In the presence of bacteria-mimicking phospholipid vesicles fatty acid conjugates of the amphipathic peptide, AKK, show a larger change in helical structure than either of the unmodified peptides or the conjugate of the nonamphipathic peptide, KAK. The induction of helicity corresponds to a significant ... |
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| A 52 Kilodalton Protein Vaccine Candidate for Francisella tularensis |
DEC 2004 |
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| Authors:
C. A. Sikora; B. J. Berger; John W. Cherwonogrodsky; DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUFFIELD (ALBERTA)
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| For identifying Francisella tularensis vaccine candidates, mice were first vaccinated with Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide (OPS) vaccine. These animals were then given 10 LD(sub 50S) of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Sixty percent (60%) of the vaccinated mice survived the multiple lethal dose while all the unvaccinated control mice perished. Sera were collected from these surviving mice and used to probe supernatant and cell lysates of live F. tularensis LVS ... |
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Microbiology
