Control of Hyalomma lusitanicum (Acari: Ixodidade) Ticks Infesting Oryctolagus cuniculus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) Using the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyocreales: Clavicipitaceae) in Field Conditions.

Entomopathogenic fungi are widely used to control arthropods not just in agricultural settings but also in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health. These products have been employed to control tick populations and tick-borne diseases. The effectiveness of these control measures not only depends on the fungi, but also on the tick species and environmental conditions. In Mesomediterranean areas, tick species are adapted to extreme climatic conditions and it is therefore especially important to develop suitable tick control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of tick control which entails the application of a commercial strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo, Vuillemin) on wild rabbit burrows under field conditions. Aqueous solutions of the product were applied using a mist blower sprayer into 1,717 burrows. Two trials were performed, one in spring and the other in summer. The parasitic index (PI) was calculated for 10 rabbits per treatment per time point on day +30, +60, and +90 posttreatment and efficiency was calculated by comparing the PI for ticks in treated and untreated rabbits. A total of 20,234 ixodid ticks were collected. Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch, 1844 was the most abundant tick feeding on rabbits. Treatment significantly reduced the PI in spring (by 78.63% and 63.28% on day +30 and +60, respectively; P < 0.05), but appeared to be less effective in summer, with a marginally significant tick reduction of 35.72% on day +30 (P = 0.05). Results suggest that the efficacy of applications inside burrows could be temperature-dependent and that such applications could be an economic alternative to rabbit tick control during at least two months using a diluted solution of B. bassiana conidia.

Control of Tick Infestations in Oryctolagus cuniculus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) With Spinosad Under Laboratory and Field Conditions.

Because of great economic loss in the world's livestock industry, and the serious risks to human health, the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases is one of the most important health management issues today. Current methodology involves integrated tick control for preventing the development of resistance. Rabbits are hosts for immature stages of the three-host tick Hyalomma lusitanicum Koch; so, we focus on this host as a strategy to interrupt the tick life cycle. Spinosad is an insecticide-acaricide, produced by the fermentation of metabolites of the actinomycete bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. We administered spinosad orally by force-feeding naturally and artificially infested rabbits, and under field conditions by administering treated food via a hopper during the period of peak infestation and reinfestation risk for rabbits. No living larvae were recovered from treated laboratory rabbits. In naturally infested rabbits, the number of live ticks collected from treated rabbits (mean = 0.62 ticks per ear) was significantly lower than those recovered from untreated rabbits (mean = 7.27; P < 0.001), whereas the number of dead ticks collected from untreated rabbits (mean = 6.53) was significantly lower than those recovered from treated rabbits (mean = 18.62; P < 0.001). In addition, free and continually reinfested rabbits freely ingested low doses of spinosad, reducing the tick burden from 48.00 (Day 0) to 26.09 ticks per ear in treated rabbits (Day 16), whereas controls maintained the infection (46.64). This strategy could be useful as an alternative or supplement to traditional acaricides in tick control programs.

Skin and subcutaneous mycoses in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) caused by Fusarium oxysporum in coinfection with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Subcutaneous mycoses in freshwater fish are rare infections usually caused by oomycetes of the genus Saprolegnia and some filamentous fungi. To date, Fusarium infections in farmed fish have only been described in marine fish. Here, we report the presence of Fusarium oxysporum in subcutaneous lesions of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Histopathologic evaluation revealed granuloma formation with fungal structures, and the identity of the etiological agent was demonstrated by morphological and molecular analyses. Some of the animals died as a result of systemic coinfection with Aeromonas hydrophila.

Lactococcus garvieae carries a chromosomally encoded pentapeptide repeat protein that confers reduced susceptibility to quinolones in Escherichia coli producing a cytotoxic effect.

This study characterises a chromosomal gene of Lactococcus garvieae encoding a pentapeptide repeat protein designated as LgaQnr. This gene has been implicated in reduced susceptibility to quinolones in this bacterium, which is of relevance to both veterinary and human medicine. All of the L. garvieae isolates analysed were positive for the lgaqnr gene. The expression of lgaqnr in Escherichia coli reduced the susceptibility to quinolones, producing an adverse effect. The reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was 16-fold in E. coli ATCC 25922 and 32-fold in E. coli DH10B, compared to the control strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration of nalidixic acid was also increased 4 or 5-fold. The effect of the expression of lgaqnr in E. coli was investigated by electron microscopy and was observed to affect the structure of the cell and the inner membrane of the recombinant cells.

Estudio antropológico sobre la experiencia de las personas trans en el sistema de salud / Trans people experiences within the health care system: an anthropological insight

INTRODUCCIÓN El 9 de mayo de 2012 se aprobó en el Congreso Nacional la Ley de Identidad de Género. Entre otras cosas, esta Ley incorpora al Plan Médico Obligatorio el acceso a intervenciones quirúrgicas totales y parciales, y/o tratamientos integrales hormonales para adecuar el cuerpo ­incluida la genitalidad­ a la identidad de género autopercibida por las personas trans. OBJETIVOS A partir de la sanción de la Ley de Identidad de Género, estudiar en profundidad la experiencia en el sistema de salud de las personas trans como población socialmente vulnerable, estigmatizada y con un precario acceso al sistema sanitario en Argentina. MÉTODOS Se realizó un análisis de narrativas en base a entrevistas en profundidad con 12 personas trans (mujeres y varones) residentes en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Las personas fueron contactadas mediante redes establecidas a partir de los vínculos alcanzados en un trabajo de campo previo. RESULTADOS Las y los entrevistadas/os destacaron experiencias de discriminación y/o de desconocimiento y prejuicio en relación con el acceso y la atención en el sistema de salud. La incorporación al Plan Médico Obligatorio de las intervenciones quirúrgicas totales y parciales, y/o tratamientos integrales hormonales para adecuar el cuerpo -incluida la genitalidad- a la identidad de género autopercibida, garantizadas por la ley de Identidad de Género, abrió para estas personas la posibilidad formal de mitigar sus condiciones de vulnerabilidad, dando un marco normativo para la demanda de atención y cuidados relativos a las modificaciones corporales requeridas. DISCUSIÓN El nuevo marco normativo se ha incorporado a la vida de las personas trans en tensión con sus prácticas y saberes previos sobre las estrategias de intervención corporal, así como de acceso y atención en el sistema de salud. La apropiación de este derecho resulta diferencial en función de variables de género, clase y experiencias de activismo.

Characterization of plasmids in a human clinical strain of Lactococcus garvieae.

The present work describes the molecular characterization of five circular plasmids found in the human clinical strain Lactococcus garvieae 21881. The plasmids were designated pGL1-pGL5, with molecular sizes of 4,536 bp, 4,572 bp, 12,948 bp, 14,006 bp and 68,798 bp, respectively. Based on detailed sequence analysis, some of these plasmids appear to be mosaics composed of DNA obtained by modular exchange between different species of lactic acid bacteria. Based on sequence data and the derived presence of certain genes and proteins, the plasmid pGL2 appears to replicate via a rolling-circle mechanism, while the other four plasmids appear to belong to the group of lactococcal theta-type replicons. The plasmids pGL1, pGL2 and pGL5 encode putative proteins related with bacteriocin synthesis and bacteriocin secretion and immunity. The plasmid pGL5 harbors genes (txn, orf5 and orf25) encoding proteins that could be considered putative virulence factors. The gene txn encodes a protein with an enzymatic domain corresponding to the family actin-ADP-ribosyltransferases toxins, which are known to play a key role in pathogenesis of a variety of bacterial pathogens. The genes orf5 and orf25 encode two putative surface proteins containing the cell wall-sorting motif LPXTG, with mucin-binding and collagen-binding protein domains, respectively. These proteins could be involved in the adherence of L. garvieae to mucus from the intestine, facilitating further interaction with intestinal epithelial cells and to collagenous tissues such as the collagen-rich heart valves. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the characterization of plasmids in a human clinical strain of this pathogen.

Genome sequence of Lactococcus garvieae 8831, isolated from rainbow trout lactococcosis outbreaks in Spain.

Lactococcus garvieae is the etiological agent of lactococcosis, one of the most important disease threats to the sustainability of the rainbow trout farming industry. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Lactococcus garvieae strain 8831, isolated from diseased rainbow trout, which is composed of 2,087,276 bp with a G+C content of 38%.

Genome sequence of Lactococcus garvieae 21881, isolated in a case of human septicemia.

Lactococcus garvieae is a Gram-positive bacterium considered an important opportunistic emerging human pathogen and also a well-recognized fish pathogen. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Lactococcus garvieae strain 21881 (2,164,557 bp, with a G+C content of 37.9%), which represents the first report of a genome sequence on Lactococcus garvieae.

Utilization of lactose and presence of the phospho-β-galactosidase (lacG) genein Lactococcus garvieae isolatesfrom different sources

This study evaluates the utilization of lactose (Lac) and the presence of the phospho-β-galactosidase (lacG) gene as markers for distinguishing between fish (Lac-/lacG-) and dairy isolates (Lac+/lacG+) of Lactococcus garvieae, using a panel of L. garvieae isolates from different sources. None of the fish isolates produced acid from lactose (Lac-), however Lac-/lacG- isolates were observed in pigs, cows, birds and humans. Most of the dairy isolates (77.8%) were Lac+/lacG+, but some dairy isolates did not produce acid from this sugar. Data in the present study show that the ability to metabolize lactose and the presence of the lacG gene are heterogeneously scattered among L. garvieae isolates of different sources. Therefore, the use of these criteria as markers to differentiate between L. garvieae isolates of dairy and fish origin should be considered with caution (AU)

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Effect of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) added to fenoldopam or dopamine on end-tidal carbon dioxide and mean arterial pressure at time of renal artery declamping during cadaveric kidney transplantation.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is known to be a powerful antioxidant used to prevent renal damage. Our deceased-donor kidney transplantation protocol administered an NAC bolus at the time of declamping of the renal artery to reduce the potential oxidative damage with ischemia-reperfusion. The aim of injury this study was to compare the effects of NAC added to a continuous infusion of either fenoldopam or dopamine during kidney recipient anesthesia on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ECO(2)), which were assumed to be expressions of oxidative and acid-base status. One hundred forty patients undergoing deceased donor kidney transplantation were enrolled in the study. Using a standardized perioperative anesthesia protocol, the patients were divided into 4 groups: group N, receiving an NAC (50 mg/kg) bolus just before renal artery declamping (n = 40); group C, not receiving any NAC or other infusion (n = 20); group NF, same treatment as group N plus fenoldopam (0.1 microg/kg/min) continuous infusion (n = 40); and group ND, same treatment as group N plus dopamine (3 microg/kg/min) continuous infusion (n = 40). We recorded the duration of kidney cold and warm ischemia and EtCO(2) and MAP values before and after arterial declamping, as well as subjective evaluations of graft perfusion and the incidence of early or delayed graft function and adverse events. EtCO(2) was higher and MAP lower in group C compared with group N; comparing groups N, ND, and NF, the NF regimen resulted in lower EtCO(2) and higher MAP values and a greater incidence of early graft function. Subjective evaluation of graft perfusion was more favorable for groups N, ND, and NC, particularly for NF. No significant periprocedural adverse events were recorded in the groups. In our experience, the association of an NAC bolus at the time of renal artery declamping and continuous infusion of fenoldopam resulted in a minor, though non-significant, increase in EtCO(2) values, higher MAP, and greater incidence of early graft function during deceased-donor kidney transplantation compared with no NAC or NAC plus renal-dose dopamine. Further studies are necessary to better define the potential role of oxidative damage in renal ischemia- reperfusion injury, including implications for outcome, as well as the potential role of the combination of NAC plus fenoldopam as a nephroprotective and outcome-modulating regimen.

Utilization of lactose and presence of the phospho-ß-galactosidase (lacG) gene in Lactococcus garvieae isolates from different sources.

This study evaluates the utilization of lactose (Lac) and the presence of the phospho-ß-galactosidase (lacG) gene as markers for distinguishing between fish (Lac-/lacG-) and dairy isolates (Lac+/lacG+) of Lactococcus garvieae, using a panel of L. garvieae isolates from different sources. None of the fish isolates produced acid from lactose (Lac-), however Lac-/lacG- isolates were observed in pigs, cows, birds and humans. Most of the dairy isolates (77.8%) were Lac+/lacG+, but some dairy isolates did not produce acid from this sugar. Data in the present study show that the ability to metabolize lactose and the presence of the lacG gene are heterogeneously scattered among L. garvieae isolates of different sources. Therefore, the use of these criteria as markers to differentiate between L. garvieae isolates of dairy and fish origin should be considered with caution.

Fenoldopam vs dopamine as a nephroprotective strategy during living donor kidney transplantation: preliminary data.

UNLABELLED: Fenoldopam is a selective DA1 agonist with potential nephroprotective capabilities. The aim of this study was to compare the nephroprotective effect of fenoldopam and dopamine during general anesthesia for living donor kidney transplantation. METHODS: Forty donors enrolled in the study received a similar anesthetic and fluid protocol. The patients were randomly divided into group F (receiving 0.1 mg*kg-1*min-1 fenoldopam) versus group D (receiving "renal dose" 3 mg*kg-1*min-1 dopamine). The mean volume of infused fluids, diuresis, and urinary electrolytes (Na, K, Cl) at infusion start and 120 minutes later were studied. RESULTS: Anthropometric parameters, administered anesthetics, mean infused volume, and urine outputs, did not show significant differences between the groups. Statistically significant differences were observed for urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride after 120 minutes of continuous fenoldopam infusion, with significant variations within groups for sodium only. CONCLUSIONS: Fenoldopam compared with dopamine resulted in better nephroprotective effects. No adverse events were recorded, and side effects were minimal. Further studies are necessary to evaluate these data.

Monolateral dual kidney transplantation from marginal donors.

BACKGROUND: Dual kidney transplantation (DKT) offers a safe way to face the organ shortage with good short-term and medium-term renal function. However, its application is limited by the longer operating time and the risk of surgical complication. This study reviews our results with DKT performed with an ipsilateral technique in terms of graft loss, graft and patient survival rates, and surgical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2006, 23 patients underwent DKT through a monolateral Gibson incision with placement of both kidneys. RESULTS: One primary nonfunction occurred (4%). Delayed graft function was observed in 3 DKT (13.3%). Acute rejection rate was 4.3% (1 patient). All patients are alive at a mean follow-up of 28 months. One-year and 2-year graft survival rates were 100% and 96%, respectively. Mean serum creatinine level at 1-year posttransplantation was 1.3 mg/dL (range, 0.8-2.1 mg/dL). One DKG recipient lost 1 graft, retaining the second normal functioning graft due to ureteral necrosis. The mean hospital stay after transplantation was 15 days (range, 12-34 days). CONCLUSIONS: Monolateral placement in DKT offers the advantage of a single incision, minimizing the surgical risk. Tailored immunosuppression and careful selection of potential recipients, by excluding those with severe cardiopulmonary pathologies, could significantly improve both patient and graft survival in this group of patients.

Voriconazole in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillosis and other invasive mold infections are severe complications in immunosuppressed patients, and in renal transplant patients it is the most common cause of systemic fungal disease with an incidence ranging from 0.4% to 2.4% with a high mortality of 56% to 100%. We present our experience with voriconazole in a population of kidney transplant recipients with invasive aspergillosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2005, 245 kidney transplantations were performed. RESULTS: Four patients (1.6%) presented with clinical and laboratory findings of invasive aspergillosis. Three patients presented with pulmonary aspergillosis, while one patient presented with pulmonary and ocular aspergillosis. All patients underwent a therapy with voriconazole 200 mg twice a day, in combination with caspofungin in one patient. All patients are alive, with no clinical recurrence of aspergillosis at a median follow-up of 13 months. One patient lost her graft due to discontinuation of immunosuppression. CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole is a potent and well-tolerated antifungal drug that is extremely efficacious in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in kidney transplant recipients. A careful monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs should be considered to avoid nephrotoxicity.

Effect of whole and demucilaged linseed in broiler chicken diets on digesta viscosity, nutrient utilisation and intestinal microflora.

1. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of linseed or demucilaged linseed in the diet on the performance, fat and fatty acid digestibilities, metabolisability of gross energy and intestinal microflora. 2. The dietary inclusions were 80 and 160 g/kg for linseed and 160 g/kg for demucilaged linseed. Diets were given to chickens from 1 to 23 d of age. 3. Incorporation of linseed in the diet, particularly at 160 g/kg, depressed weight gain and food utilisation. Digestibility of fat and single fatty acids and dietary metabolisable energy were reduced. 4. Inclusion of linseed in the diet markedly increased the viscosity of ileal digesta. Microbial activity in the ileum and caeca was not greatly affected, but there was a significant increase in the number of lactobacilli. 5. The antinutritional effects caused by feeding linseed were partially overcome by substituting demucilaged linseed for linseed in the diet. 6. Results from the current study suggest that the viscous properties of mucilage are a major factor in the observed antinutritional effects of linseed through increasing intestinal viscosity. Such effects might also be mediated by the gut microflora.

Plasma concentrations of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone are elevated in patients on chronic haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and/or laboratory signs of systemic inflammation occur frequently in patients undergoing long-term haemodialysis. It is likely, therefore, that a compensatory release of endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules occurs to limit host reactions. The aim of the present research was to determine if the potent anti-inflammatory peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a pro-opiomelanocortin derivative, is increased in plasma of haemodialysis patients. Because endotoxin and cytokines induce alpha-MSH in vivo and in vitro, we also measured plasma concentrations of endotoxin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and the two circulating products of activated monocytes, nitric oxide (NO) and neopterin. METHODS: Thirty-five chronic haemodialysis patients, 20 patients with chronic renal failure not yet on dialysis, and 35 normal controls were included in the study. In the haemodialysis group, blood samples were obtained before and at the end of a dialysis session. Plasma alpha-MSH was measured using a double antibody radioimmunoassay, and IL-6, TNF-alpha, and neopterin using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Plasma nitrites were determined by a colorimetric method, and endotoxin with the quantitative chromogenic LAL (limulus amoebocyte lysate) method. RESULTS: Mean plasma alpha-MSH was higher in haemodialysis patients than in control subjects, with the peptide concentrations being particularly elevated in dialysed patients with detectable endotoxin. High alpha-MSH concentrations were observed in the pre-dialysis samples, with no substantial change at the end of the dialysis session. Plasma concentrations of IL-6, TNF-alpha, neopterin, and NO were generally elevated in chronic haemodialysis patients and there was a negative correlation between circulating alpha-MSH and IL-6. In patients with renal failure not yet on dialysis, mean plasma alpha-MSH was similar to that of normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: alpha-MSH is increased in the circulation of chronic haemodialysis patients and particularly so in case of detectable endotoxaemia. Reduction of renal clearance is unlikely to contribute to the observed rise of the peptide because alpha-MSH concentration is not increased in patients with chronic renal failure who are not yet on dialysis. It is likely that dialysis-associated endotoxaemia, directly and/or through cytokine release, enhances the production of the anti-inflammatory mediator alpha-MSH that limits host reactions.

Plasma concentrations and anti-L-cytokine effects of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone in septic patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to investigate endogenous concentrations and anti-cytokine effects of the antiinflammatory peptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in patients with systemic inflammation. The objectives were to determine the following: changes over time of plasma alpha-MSH and relationship with patient outcome, correlation between plasma alpha-MSH and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plasma concentration and production in whole blood samples, and influences of alpha-MSH on production of TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta in whole blood samples stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, clinical study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 21 patients with sepsis syndrome/septic shock and an equal number of healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Circulating alpha-MSH and TNF-alpha concentrations and TNF-alpha production in supernatants of LPS (1 ng/mL)-stimulated whole blood were measured repeatedly. To determine whether alpha-MSH can modulate production of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, these cytokines were measured in whole blood samples stimulated with LPS (1 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of concentrations of the peptide. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma alpha-MSH was low in early samples and gradually increased in patients who recovered but not in those who died. There was a negative correlation between plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH and TNF-alpha. In blood samples taken at early phases of sepsis syndrome, production of TNF-alpha was reduced relative to control values; such production increased in patients who recovered but not in those who died. Addition of alpha-MSH to LPS-stimulated whole blood samples inhibited production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with systemic inflammation, there are substantial changes over time in plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH that are reduced in early phases of the disease. Reduction of this endogenous modulator of inflammation could be detrimental to the host. Addition of alpha-MSH to LPS-stimulated blood samples reduces production of cytokines involved in development of septic syndrome. This inhibition by alpha-MSH, a peptide that is beneficial in treatment of experimental models of sepsis, might therefore be useful to treat sepsis syndrome in humans.

Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides.

The presence of the ancient anti-inflammatory peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone [alpha-MSH (1-13), SYSMEHFRWGKPV] in barrier organs such as gut and skin suggests a role in the nonspecific (innate) host defense. alpha-MSH and and its carboxy-terminal tripeptide (11-13, KPV) were determined to have antimicrobial influences against two major and representative pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. alpha-MSH peptides significantly inhibited S. aureus colony formation and reversed the enhancing effect of urokinase on colony formation. Antimicrobial effects occurred over a broad range of concentrations including the physiological (picomolar) range. Small concentrations of alpha-MSH peptides likewise reduced viability and germ tube formation of the yeast C. albicans. Antimicrobial influences of alpha-MSH peptides could be mediated by their capacity to increase cellular cAMP. Indeed, this messenger was significantly augmented in peptide-treated yeast and the potent adenylyl cyclase inhibitor dideoxyadenosine (ddAdo) partly reversed the killing activity of alpha-MSH peptides. Reduced killing of pathogens is a detrimental consequence of therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs. Because alpha-MSH has potent anti-inflammatory effects we determined influences of alpha-MSH on C. albicans and S. aureus killing by human neutrophils. alpha-MSH peptides did not reduce killing but rather enhanced it, likely as a consequence of the direct antimicrobial activity. alpha-MSH peptides that combine antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects could be useful in treatment of disorders in which infection and inflammation coexist.

The neuropeptide alpha-MSH in host defense.

The presence of the ancient peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in barrier organs such as gut and skin suggests that this potent anti-inflammatory molecule may be a component of the innate host defense. In tests of antimicrobial activities, alpha-MSH and its fragment KPV showed inhibitory influences against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the yeast Candida albicans. Anti-tumor necrosis factor and antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH suggest that the peptide might likewise reduce replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Treatment with alpha-MSH reduced HIV replication in chronically and acutely infected human monocytes. At the molecular level, alpha-MSH inhibited activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B known to enhance HIV expression. alpha-MSH that combines antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects could be useful in the treatment of disorders in which infection and inflammation coexist.

Development of a PCR assay for detection of Yersinia ruckeri in tissues of inoculated and naturally infected trout.

A PCR-based method was developed for the specific detection of Yersinia ruckeri in tissues of inoculated trout and naturally infected trout. No amplification products were obtained with other yersiniae, bacterial fish pathogens, or phylogenetically related bacteria (n = 34). The sensitivity of PCR detection was 60 to 65 bacterial cells per PCR tube, which was decreased to 10 to 20 cells by hybridization with a nonradioactive probe. The PCR assay proved to be as reliable as and faster than the conventional culture method for the detection of Y. ruckeri in infected trout tissues.