The Influence of Comorbidities, General Health Status, and Self-Care Self-Efficacy on COVID-19 Symptoms During the Omicron Wave.

Background The emergence of the less virulent COVID-19 strains such as Omicron and its subvariants shifted the paradigm of COVID-19 treatment from inpatient treatment to regular outpatient care. The individual health determinants affecting COVID-19 disease severity among vulnerable adults treated in outpatient settings are an under-researched area. Methods This study conducted in an outpatient COVID-19 antibody infusion center employed a cross-sectional survey design to explore the impact of comorbidities, general health status, and self-care self-efficacy on COVID-19 symptom severity. We recruited 120 COVID-19-positive participants over 40 years of age, of which 117 completed the study with 87 providing complete data. After the screening and consenting process, the participants completed the following surveys in a secure REDCap survey software (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA) on an iPad (Apple Inc., Cupertino, USA): 1) sociodemographic questionnaire, 2) Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to capture comorbidities, 3) Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form (SF-12) to assess general health including physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health subscales, 4) Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) to measure self-care self-efficacy, and 5) the COVID-19 Symptom rating scale (COVID-19 SRS). Statistical analysis used were Chi-square and Pearson correlations.  Results As evidenced by CCI, the top five comorbidities were hypertension (42%), diabetes mellitus (31%), pulmonary disease (19%), depression (14%), and solid tumors (11%). Age was statistically significantly correlated to comorbidity burden (p<0.0001). Severe COVID-19 symptoms reported were fatigue, myalgia, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. The general health status measure (SF-12) subscales showed that the patient's mental component summary (MCS) was more statistically significant to COVID-19 symptom severity than the physical component summary (PCS). The MCS demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with fatigue and myalgia (p<0.0001), headache and breathing difficulties (p<0.001), nausea/vomiting (p<0.01), and abdominal pain/diarrhea (p<0.05). The PCS showed a lesser statistically significant correlation with fatigue, myalgia, headaches (p<0.01), fever/chills, cough, congestion/runny nose, night sweats, breathing difficulties, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain/diarrhea (p<0.05). Interestingly, the 'loss of smell' which is the hallmark symptom of COVID-19 was the only symptom that showed a statically significant correlation with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p<0.05), and it did not show any association with either mental (SF-12 MCS) or physical (SF-12 PCS) health status. The SF-12 MCS also showed a statistically significant correlation with a diagnosis of depression (p< 0.01), validating it as a true measure of mental health among vulnerable adults. The SCSES was not correlated with any of the COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions The patient's general health status, especially mental health was more statistically significant to COVID-19 symptoms. The COVID-19 hallmark symptom of 'loss of smell' was the only symptom that showed statistical significance with comorbidities. Within the limitations of a cross-sectional survey design and convenient sampling methods, this study calls to tailor general health status, especially mental health, and cumulative comorbidity burden to risk assessment/risk stratification of COVID-19 care.

Health determinants and risk factors for coronary artery disease among older Filipinos in rural communities.

AIMS: Lifestyle modifications and healthy behavioural regimens are critical in preventing coronary artery disease (CAD) and other important health conditions. Little is known about the risk for CAD and health behaviour among older adults (>60 years) living in rural areas in the Philippines. Compare risk profiles and health behaviours of Filipinos at low- vs. moderate-to-high-risk for CAD and examine the association between demographic variables, risk profiles, and health behaviours. METHODS AND RESULTS: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample of 427 Filipinos (≥60 years old). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, risk profiles, and health behaviours (e.g. diet, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol use) were collected. Ten-year CAD risk was estimated using the non-laboratory-based Framingham algorithm. Of the 427 participants [mean age was 69.2 ± 6.7 years, primarily women (65%), married (52.8%)], 319 (75%) were at low risk, and 108 (25%) were at moderate-to-high-risk for CAD. Filipinos at moderate to high risk were more likely to have cardiometabolic diseases (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and obesity, all P's < 0.001). Health behaviours did not differ between the two groups except for the consumption of ≥5 servings of fruit, higher in the low-risk group. CONCLUSION: Data showed highly consistent and convergent evidence among older Filipinos living in rural areas at high risk for CAD and other health conditions. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive guidance to improve CAD outcomes for moderate to high-risk older adults living in rural areas, including education and counselling on risk and risk-reducing strategies.

High-protein vs. standard-protein diets in overweight and obese patients with heart failure and diabetes mellitus: findings of the Pro-HEART trial.

AIMS: The intermediate-term effects of dietary protein on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients with heart failure and diabetes mellitus are unknown. We compared the effect of two calorie-restricted diets on cardiometabolic risk factors in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this randomized controlled study, 76 overweight and obese (mean weight, 107.8 ± 20.8 kg) patients aged 57.7 ± 9.7 years, 72.4% male, were randomized to a high-protein (30% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) or standard-protein diet (15% protein, 55% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) for 3 months. Reductions in weight and cardiometabolic risks were evaluated at 3 months. Both diets were equally effective in reducing weight (3.6 vs. 2.9 kg) and waist circumference (1.9 vs. 1.3 cm), but the high-protein diet decreased to a greater extent glycosylated haemoglobin levels (0.7% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.002), cholesterol (16.8 vs. 0.9 mg/dL, P = 0.031), and triglyceride (25.7 vs. 5.7 mg/dL, P = 0.032), when compared with the standard-protein diet. The high-protein diet also significantly improved both systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the standard-protein diet (P < 0.001 and P = 0.040, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both energy-restricted diets reduced weight and visceral fat. However, the high-protein diet resulted in greater reductions in cardiometabolic risks relative to a standard-protein diet. These results suggest that a high-protein diet may be more effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk in this population, but further trials of longer duration are needed.

Detection and molecular characterization of rotavirus of pigs in Kerala, India.

Group A rotaviruses (GAR) are an important cause of diarrhoea in infants and newborn animals especially pigs. In this paper, we report the detection, G and P typing and phylogenetic analysis of GAR of pigs in Kerala. A total of 100 fecal samples from diarrhoeic piglets were collected from organized farms in Wayanad, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts of Kerala. The samples were tested for the presence of GAR employing reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting VP6 gene. Positive samples were tested by G and P genotyping primers and representative amplicons were sequenced. Of the 100 samples, 12 were positive for GAR. The G and P types detected were G2, G4, G5, G6, G9, P[6] and P[19]. An untypable P type (P21-5 like) was also detected. In some of the samples more than one G type was detected. The nucleotide sequences of G2, G4 and G5 types were similar to those seen in pigs and that of G6 was similar to bovine sequences. G9, P[6] and P[19] sequences showed similarity to human rotavirus sequences. The findings of this study provide the first information on the G and P genotypes of GAR of pigs in Kerala.

Utility of recombinant LipL41 based IgM and IgG ELISA in diagnosis of canine leptospirosis in an endemic area - a study from Kerala, India.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the relevance of detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in diagnosis of canine leptospirosis in Kerala, a southern state of India, which is endemic for the disease. A total of 205 blood (35 from healthy vaccinated, 30 from healthy unvaccinated and 140 from diseased dogs) and 151 urine samples (11 from healthy vaccinated and 140 from diseased dogs) were collected from three districts of Kerala, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kozhikode with high incidence of leptospirosis. Recombinant LipL41 protein was used as antigen and IgG and IgM based ELISAs were standardized. The results were compared with the gold standard test, microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The MAT positive samples (146 samples) were divided into those having titre >1:800 and those between 1:100 and 1:400 in view that the former constituted the acute cases. It was found that IgM ELISA was more specific and sensitive in detecting acute cases (MAT >1:800) whereas IgG ELISA was less specific. In case of seroprevalence studies (MAT titre 1:100 to 1: 400), IgG ELISA was found to be more sensitive and specific than IgM ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic curves when plotted, revealed the accuracy of IgM ELISA in acute leptospirosis. Many samples were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting lipl41 gene was standardized and urine and blood samples from the same dogs were tested. PCR was found to be the specific test for the early detection of leptospires in blood even before seroconversion. However, PCR analysis of the urine samples was found to be insensitive. Hence, it can be concluded that the diagnostic strategies should be modified, and a combination of serological and molecular tests is recommended in endemic areas rather than simple detection of IgM or IgG antibodies, for the early detection of acute clinical cases of leptospirosis.

Utility of recombinant LipL41 based IgM and IgG ELISA in diagnosis of canine leptospirosis in an endemic area – a study from Kerala, India

@#A study was undertaken to evaluate the relevance of detecting IgM and IgG antibodies in diagnosis of canine leptospirosis in Kerala, a southern state of India, which is endemic for the disease. A total of 205 blood (35 from healthy vaccinated, 30 from healthy unvaccinated and 140 from diseased dogs) and 151 urine samples (11 from healthy vaccinated and 140 from diseased dogs) were collected from three districts of Kerala, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kozhikode with high incidence of leptospirosis. Recombinant LipL41 protein was used as antigen and IgG and IgM based ELISAs were standardized. The results were compared with the gold standard test, microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The MAT positive samples (146 samples) were divided into those having titre >1:800 and those between 1:100 and 1:400 in view that the former constituted the acute cases. It was found that IgM ELISA was more specific and sensitive in detecting acute cases (MAT >1:800) whereas IgG ELISA was less specific. In case of seroprevalence studies (MAT titre 1:100 to 1: 400), IgG ELISA was found to be more sensitive and specific than IgM ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic curves when plotted, revealed the accuracy of IgM ELISA in acute leptospirosis. Many samples were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting lipl41 gene was standardized and urine and blood samples from the same dogs were tested. PCR was found to be the specific test for the early detection of leptospires in blood even before seroconversion. However, PCR analysis of the urine samples was found to be insensitive. Hence, it can be concluded that the diagnostic strategies should be modified, and a combination of serological and molecular tests is recommended in endemic areas rather than simple detection of IgM or IgG antibodies, for the early detection of acute clinical cases of leptospirosis.

Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) gene molecular characterization and SNP detection in prolific and low prolific goat breeds.

Sirtuin3 (SIRT3) is a member of the Sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent deacetylase. They have evolved as a vital protein in preventing the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes. A novel study on caprine SIRT3 was conducted, to characterize caprine SIRT3, to detect potential polymorphisms in SIRT3 and to analyze their association with litter size in the two indigenous goat breeds of India viz., the prolific Malabari and low prolific Attappady Black goats. A 1070 bp mRNA sequence of SIRT3 cDNA comprised of an ORF of 1002 bp encoding 333 amino acids, having 96% identity with bovine SIRT3. The genomic DNAs from the goats (n = 222) were subjected to PCR and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of exon 5 fragment (213 bp) of caprine SIRT3. On analysis, two genotypes viz., DD and DE were observed with frequencies of 0.63 and 0.37 respectively. Further sequencing of the PCR products of the respective genotypes revealed a novel synonymous SNP (MF176159:c.691C > T). Genotypes of this fragment had a significant influence on number of kids born (P < 0.05) with DD genotype being superior to DE genotype. These results highlight the role of SIRT3 in reproduction traits and the detected novel SNP would aid in the Marker Assisted Selection programmes and thus SIRT3 can considered as a potential candidate gene for reproduction traits in goats.

Relative abundance of tissue mRNA and association of the single nucleotide polymorphism of the goat NGF gene with prolificacy.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) promotes the development of pre-antral ovarian follicles through ovarian innervations and regulation of ovarian response to gonadotropins. The present study was conducted to study the tissue gene expression profile, to characterize the genetic variants, find associations of the NGF gene with prolificacy in the prolific Malabari and less prolific Attappady Black goats because NGF has an important role in reproduction by augmenting ovarian folliculogenesis. Relative abundance of NGF mRNA was greatest in reproductive tissues signifying its role in reproduction. The PCR-SSCP analysis of a 251bp fragment of Exon 3 of the NGF gene from the 277 goats revealed four diplotypes (EE, EF, FF and EG) with respective frequencies of 0.76, 0.22, 0.01 and 0.01. Sequencing of the representative samples revealed one synonymous and one novel non synonymous mutations (g.705G>A and g.715C>T). Statistical analysis indicated that the SNP g.705G>A was associated with litter size in Attappady Black goats (P<0.05) and a PCR-RFLP was designed using the restriction enzyme, BpiI, for rapid screening of the SNP. The results of the present study suggest that the NGF gene is a primary candidate gene affecting prolificacy in goats and may be used for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) in goats, especially in lowly prolific Attappady Black goats.

Nerve Growth Factor gene ovarian expression, polymorphism identification, and association with litter size in goats.

The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays an important role in reproduction by augmenting folliculogenesis. In this study, the coding regions of caprine NGF gene were analyzed to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their association with litter size, and the relative ovarian expression of NGF gene in the two indigenous goat breeds of South India viz., the prolific Malabari and less-prolific Attappady Black. The sequence analysis of the third exon containing the entire open reading frame of NGF gene was observed to be of 808 bp with one nonsynonymous mutation at 217th position. Later, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify a region of 188 bp covering the region carrying the detected mutation. The genomic DNAs from the goats under study (n = 277) were subjected to PCR and single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). On analysis, four diplotypes viz., AA, AB, AC, and AD were observed with respective frequencies of 0.50, 0.22, 0.27, and 0.01. Sequencing of the representative samples revealed an additional synonymous mutation, i.e., g.291C>A. Statistical analysis indicated that NGF diplotypes and the SNP g.217G>A were associated with litter size in goats (P < 0.05). Relative expression of NGF gene was significantly higher in the ovaries of goats with history of multiple than single births (P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest the significant effect of the NGF gene on litter size in goats and identified SNPs would benefit the selection of prolific animals in future marker-assisted breeding programs. The two novel PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms designed, based on the detected SNPs, would help in the rapid screening of large number of animals in a breeding population for identifying individual animals with desired genetic characteristics.

First report of detection and molecular characterization of porcine parvovirus in domestic and wild pigs in Kerala, India.

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a DNA virus of the genus Parvovirus of family Parvoviridae. It is the causative agent of many disease problems in pigs such as maternal reproductive failure, stillbirth, mummification, embryonic or fetal death, infertility, abortion and neonatal death. A study was conducted to assess the incidence of the virus in pigs in Kerala State in South India. A total of 38 samples were collected from domestic and wild pigs from different districts of the State. Polymerase chain reaction targeting a 265 bp fragment of the NS1 gene of the virus was carried out. Of the samples tested, 2 (5.26 %) were found to be positive for PPV virus genome, one of which was from a wild pig. One of the positive samples was sequenced and the nucleotide sequence obtained was compared with other sequences of PPV from India and abroad. The results revealed that the sequence had very close similarity to PPV sequences previously reported from India and to that of Chinese isolates. This is the first report of the existence of PPV in domestic and wild pigs in Kerala, India. The study highlights the need to test for the presence of PPV in addition to other infectious agents in diagnosis of cases of reproductive disorders in pigs.

Molecular typing and phylogenetic analysis of classical swine fever virus isolates from Kerala, India.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an economically important disease of pigs caused by CSF virus (CSFV) belonging to the genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. The disease is endemic in many countries including India. A comprehensive study was carried out to assess the type of CSFV circulating in the South Indian state of Kerala. During the period 2013-2014, clinical samples were collected from 19 suspected CSF outbreaks of domestic pigs in different districts of Kerala. The samples were tested using nested reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the E2 gene and RT-PCR for 5'UTR of the virus. Partial 5' UTR and E2 gene regions of six CSFV isolates were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the CSFV isolates belonged to subgroup 2.2. The isolates showed close resemblance to the other CSFV isolates circulating in India. It was also observed that the CSFV viruses from Kannur district were distinct from those circulating in the other districts as evidenced by their divergence from other Kerala isolates in the phylogenetic tree. Close relationship was seen to the CSFV isolates from South East Asian countries.

Identification of Dermatophilus congolensis from lower leg dermatitis of cattle in Kerala, India.

This study was conducted to identify the aetiological agents associated with a particular type of lower leg dermatitis, locally called pododermatitis, among dairy cattle in Kerala. Skin scabs and scrapings were collected aseptically from 82 naturally occurring cases of lower leg dermatitis in cattle and were subjected to direct microscopical examination and bacterial and fungal culture. Microscopical examination of the skin scrapings with 10% potassium hydroxide revealed fungal spores in hair shafts from only two samples and did not reveal the presence of mites or other parasites. Fungal culture yielded dermatophytes from only five samples; these were identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes in two cases, T verrucosum in one case, Epidermophyton floccosum in one case and Microsporum nanum in one case. Microscopical examination of Giemsa- and Gram-stained smears of the scab material from the lesions from 72 cases revealed characteristic Gram-positive septate branching filaments with multiple rows of spherical to ovoid cocci, with a typical 'tram-track' appearance suggestive of Dermatophilus congolensis. Culture of the scab materials on sheep blood agar in the presence of 10% carbon dioxide yielded typical beta haemolytic colonies of D. congolensis from 75 samples. The isolates were further confirmed by the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the colonies, and biochemical test results. This study confirmed the presence of dermatophilosis caused by D. congolensis in cattle in Kerala.

Seroprevalence of bluetongue among domestic ruminants in Northern Kerala, India.

The objective of the present study is to assess the seroprevalence of bluetongue (BT) among domestic ruminants of Northern Kerala. Sera samples from cattle (82), goat (40) and sheep (50) collected from districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode and Palakkad respectively were tested using competitive enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (cELISA). Out of the 172 samples tested, the overall BT seroprevalence was 9.3%. There is an increase in prevalence from previous reports which may indicate possible outbreaks in future.

Educational competencies and technologies for disaster preparedness in undergraduate nursing education: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: This integrative review of literature was conducted to determine (1) what are the suitable disaster preparedness competencies for undergraduate nursing curriculum? and (2) what are the suitable methods of instruction to deliver disaster preparedness content? DATA SOURCES AND REVIEW METHOD: A literature search was conducted on three major electronic databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) using the keywords; Disaster Preparedness, Disaster and nursing education; disaster response and nursing education. Limiters used were published within the last 10 years and in nursing field. Out of the 190 articles retrieved, eight were research articles that met the inclusion criteria. These articles were carefully reviewed and the results are summarized in two sections to answer the research questions. RESULTS AND FINDINGS: There was no uniformity of intended competencies among the studies, though all studies used resources from reputed national and international organizations. All the studies reviewed adhered to a systematic approach in delivering content and used eclectic methods including multiple technologies to enhance the educational outcomes. Most of the studies had incorporated simulation in different ways involving low to high fidelity simulators, virtual simulation and live actors. Content and length of the programs were greatly varied but stayed focused on the general principles of disaster management and appropriate for the level of the students within the programs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: More rigorous research is needed in this area since all published articles had deficiencies in the methodologies, especially in data collection and analysis. Disaster preparedness education was found to be a suitable activity for interprofessional education.

Cultural, ethical, and spiritual competencies of health care providers responding to a catastrophic event.

Compassion is a language that is understood across cultures, religions, and nations. Being compassionate and empathetic is a basic responsibility of health care providers responding to disasters. Compassion and empathy cannot be operationalized unless providers show culturally competent, ethically right, and spiritually caring behavior. In addition to being accepting of cultures other than their own, providers must read literature and familiarize themselves with the predominant cultures of the affected population. Ethically right decision making is essentially an act of balancing the risks and benefits to the entire society. Spiritual care is an important dimension of total health, and therefore recognition and resolution of the spiritual needs of disaster victims is an essential role of health care providers. Disaster management is teamwork and therefore requires that health care providers draw on the expertise and support of other team members; coordinating efforts with local religious, social governmental organizations, and NGOs to deal with the intangible effects of the cultural and spiritual impact of a disaster and to prevent further demoralization of the affected community is imperative. Disasters occur, and the only thing that can ameliorate their devastating effects is to improve disaster preparedness and respond collectively and courageously to every catastrophic event.

Summary of the causative and treatment factors of diarrhea and the use of a diarrhea assessment and treatment tool to improve patient outcomes.

This article is a review of the causative factors and pharmacologic treatments of diarrhea. This information was incorporated into a Diarrhea Assessment and Treatment Tool (DATT) to guide clinicians on comprehensive diarrhea assessment and current treatment recommendations. The tool was utilized at a university-affiliated oncology institution by a clinical nurse specialist on 26 patients as a performance improvement project. Ease of use and efficacy of DATT were tested. Eighty-one percent of patients were assessed using DATT in 30 minutes or less. Seventy-nine percent of the 57 identified diarrhea classifications were not being treated upon initial assessment. Diarrhea control was achieved in 73% of the patients within 7 days or fewer when DATT was utilized. The premise of diarrhea management is that if all the causative factors are not treated, diarrhea will persist. The conclusions are that this tool will aid the clinician in a comprehensive assessment of diarrhea and provide a systematic approach to diarrhea treatment. The need for research on best practice for management of the various causative factors of diarrhea is needed.

Seroprevalence of bluetongue virus antibodies in sheep and goats in Kerala State, India.

The results presented here record the first confirmation of bluetongue virus (BTV) antibody in sheep and goats in Kerala State. A total of 1,010 sera collected from the 14 districts within the state were screened for the presence of group-specific BTV antibodies by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot ELISA). Positive samples were obtained from 12 of the 14 districts. The overall BTV antibody prevalence was 5.1 +/- 1.9% (at 95% confidence level) although the prevalence levels were consistently higher in organised farms than in the field population. Comparative tests carried out using the dot ELISA and competitive ELISA (C ELISA) showed a good agreement for all the positive sera. The dot ELISA was simple to perform, economic and rapid, and is therefore ideally suited for routine screening for BTV antibody at the farm level.

Multiplexed wavelet transform technique for detection of microcalcification in digitized mammograms.

Wavelet transform (WT) is a potential tool for the detection of microcalcifications, an early sign of breast cancer. This article describes the implementation and evaluates the performance of two novel WT-based schemes for the automatic detection of clustered microcalcifications in digitized mammograms. Employing a one-dimensional WT technique that utilizes the pseudo-periodicity property of image sequences, the proposed algorithms achieve high detection efficiency and low processing memory requirements. The detection is achieved from the parent-child relationship between the zero-crossings [Marr-Hildreth (M-H) detector] /local extrema (Canny detector) of the WT coefficients at different levels of decomposition. The detected pixels are weighted before the inverse transform is computed, and they are segmented by simple global gray level thresholding. Both detectors produce 95% detection sensitivity, even though there are more false positives for the M-H detector. The M-H detector preserves the shape information and provides better detection sensitivity for mammograms containing widely distributed calcifications.

HLA-DRB1*1501 and response to copolymer-1 therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Copolymer 1 (Cop-1) is a random synthetic amino acid copolymer, effective in the treatment of the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS). In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the mechanism of Cop-1 involves its binding to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules as an initial step. OBJECTIVE: To assess a possible relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and response to Cop-1 therapy. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with RRMS, 44 treated with Cop-1 and 39 with interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) for 2 years, were typed by molecular methods for HLA class II genes and subgrouped according to clinical outcome. RESULTS: Data have shown a possible positive correlation between presence of DRB1*1501 and response to Cop-1 therapy (p = 0.008). No relationship between HLA alleles and therapy has been found in IFNbeta-1a treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that DRB1*1501 might be relevant for the clinical outcome in Cop-1 treated patients and, if confirmed in larger studies, it could be helpful in the selection of RRMS patients for different therapeutic options.

HTLV tax-rex DNA and antibodies in idiopathic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In an attempt to verify the possible role of retrovirus in idiopathic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the sera of 21 ALS patients admitted to the Neurological Unit of the Don Gnocchi Foundation in Milan, Italy, and of 9 ALS patients from Ulm University in Germany have been evaluated for the presence of antibodies to the human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-I and HTLV-II). The sera of 30 healthy individuals and 20 HIV-infected but HTLV-negative subjects have been also studied as control. Moreover, the HTLV tax-rex and pol DNA sequence have been searched in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 15 ALS patients and 15 HIV-positive HTLV-negative subjects using a nested PCR currently employed in our laboratory for the study of HTLV infections. Antibodies to one or more HTLV proteins have been found by using a Western blot (WB) kit in the sera of 10 Italian and 7 German ALS cases, while all the healthy controls were negative and only one HIV-positive subject had antibodies to HTLV gp21. HTLV tax-rex sequences have been found in the PBMCs of 6 ALS patients while all the controls were negative. All 15 ALS cases and controls were negative for HTLV pol DNA indicating that only the most conserved region of the HTLV genome could be detected. On the whole our data indicate that some ALS patients have antibodies to HTLV proteins and that the tax-rex region of the HTLV genome can be found in their PBMCs.