In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of a Pigeon Paramyxovirus Type 1 Isolated from Domestic Pigeons in Victoria, Australia 2011

Significant mortalities of racing pigeons occurred in Australia in late 2011 associated with a pigeon paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PPMV-1) infection. The causative agent, designated APMV-1/pigeon/Australia/3/2011 (P/Aus/3/11), was isolated from diagnostic specimens in specific pathogen free (SPF) embryonated eggs and was identified by a Newcastle Disease virus (NDV)-specific RT-PCR and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test using reference polyclonal antiserum specific for NDV. The P/Aus/3/11 strain was further classified as PPMV-1 using the HI test and monoclonal antibody 617/161 by HI and phylogenetic analysis of the fusion gene sequence. The isolate P/Aus/3/11 had a slow haemagglutin-elution rate and was inactivated within 45 min at 56 °C. Cross HI tests generated an R value of 0.25, indicating a significant antigenic difference between P/Aus/3/11 and NDV V4 isolates. The mean death time (MDT) of SPF eggs infected with the P/Aus/3/11 isolate was 89.2 hr, characteristic of a mesogenic pathotype, consistent with other PPMV-1 strains. The plaque size of the P/Aus/3/11 isolate on chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells was smaller than those of mesogenic and velogenic NDV reference strains, indicating a lower virulence phenotype in vitro and challenge of six-week-old SPF chickens did not induce clinical signs. However, sequence analysis of the fusion protein cleavage site demonstrated an ¹¹²RRQKRF¹¹⁷ motif, which is typical of a velogenic NDV pathotype. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the P/Aus/3/11 isolate belongs to a distinct subgenotype within class II genotype VI of avian paramyxovirus type 1. This is the first time this genotype has been detected in Australia causing disease in domestic pigeons and is the first time since 2002 that an NDV with potential for virulence has been detected in Australia.

Updated unified phylogenetic classification system and revised nomenclature for Newcastle disease virus

Several Avian paramyxoviruses 1 (synonymous with Newcastle disease virus or NDV, used hereafter) classification systems have been proposed for strain identification and differentiation. These systems pioneered classification efforts; however, they were based on different approaches and lacked objective criteria for the differentiation of isolates. These differences have created discrepancies among systems, rendering discussions and comparisons across studies difficult. Although a system that used objective classification criteria was proposed by Diel and co-workers in 2012, the ample worldwide circulation and constant evolution of NDV, and utilization of only some of the criteria, led to identical naming and/or incorrect assigning of new sub/genotypes. To address these issues, an international consortium of experts was convened to undertake in-depth analyses of NDV genetic diversity. This consortium generated curated, up-to-date, complete fusion gene class I and class II datasets of all known NDV for public use, performed comprehensive phylogenetic neighbor-Joining, maximum-likelihood, Bayesian and nucleotide distance analyses, and compared these inference methods. An updated NDV classification and nomenclature system that incorporates phylogenetic topology, genetic distances, branch support, and epidemiological independence was developed. This new consensus system maintains two NDV classes and existing genotypes, identifies three new class II genotypes, and reduces the number of sub-genotypes. In order to track the ancestry of viruses, a dichotomous naming system for designating sub-genotypes was introduced. In addition, a pilot dataset and sub-trees rooting guidelines for rapid preliminary genotype identification of new isolates are provided. Guidelines for sequence dataset curation and phylogenetic inference, and a detailed comparison between the updated and previous systems are included. To increase the speed of phylogenetic inference and ensure consistency between laboratories, detailed guidelines for the use of a supercomputer are also provided. The proposed unified classification system will facilitate future studies of NDV evolution and epidemiology, and comparison of results obtained across the world.

Future Burden of Cancer Attributable to Current Modifiable Behaviours: A Pooled Study of Seven Australian Cohorts

Background: The Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) quantifies the fraction of cancer cases attributable to specific exposures. PAF estimates for the future burden of cancer preventable through modifications to current exposure distributions are lacking. Previous PAF studies have also not compared population subgroup differences. Aim: To apply a novel PAF method and i) assess the future burden of cancer in Australia preventable through modifications to current behaviors, and ii) compare the distribution of the preventable cancer burden between population subgroups. Methods: We harmonized and pooled data from seven Australian cohort studies (N=367058) and linked them to national registries to identify cancers and deaths. We estimated the strength of the associations between behaviors and cancer incidence and death using a proportional hazards model, adjusting for age, sex, study and other risk factors. Exposure prevalence was estimated from contemporary national health surveys. We then combined these estimates to calculate PAFs and their 95% confidence intervals for both individual and joint behavior modifications using a novel method accounting for competing risk of death and risk factor interdependence. We also compared PAFs between population subgroups by calculating the 95% confidence interval of the difference in PAF estimates. Results: During the first 10 years of follow-up, there were 22078 deaths and 27483 incident cancers, including 2025 lung, 3471 colorectal, 640 premenopausal and 2632 postmenopausal breast cancers. The leading preventable cause for lung cancer is current smoking (PAF = 53.7%), for colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancer body fatness or BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (PAF = 11.1% and 10.9% respectively), and for premenopausal breast cancer regular alcohol intake (PAF = 12.3%). Three in five lung cancers, but only one in five colorectal and breast cancers, are jointly attributable to potentially modifiable exposures, which also included physical inactivity and inadequate fruit intake for lung, excessive alcohol intake and current smoking for colorectal, regular alcohol intake and current menopausal hormone therapy for 1 year or more for postmenopausal breast and current oral contraceptive use for 5 years or more for premenopausal breast cancer. The cancer burden attributable to modifiable factors is markedly higher in certain population subgroups, including men (lung, colorectal), people with risk factor clustering (lung, colorectal, breast), and individuals with low educational attainment (lung, breast). Conclusion: We provided up-to-date estimates of the future Australian cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, and identified population subgroups that experience the highest preventable burden. Application of the novel PAF method can inform timely public health action to improve health and health equity, by identifying those with the most to gain from programs that support behavior change and early detection.

A network approach for provisional assay recognition of a Hendra virus antibody ELISA: test validation with low sample numbers from infected horses

Obtaining statistically sound numbers of sera from Hendra virus (HeV)-infected horses is problematic because affected individuals usually die or are euthanized before developing a serum antibody response. As a consequence, test validation becomes a challenge. Our approach is an extension of OIE principles for provisional recognition and included 7 validation panels tested across multiple laboratories that provided estimates for test performance characteristics. At a 0.4 S/P cutoff, 16 of 19 sera from HeV-infected horses gave positive results in the HeV soluble G, indirect ELISA (HeVsG iELISA; DSe 84.2% [95% CI: 60.4-96.6%]); 463 of 477 non-infected horse sera tested negative (DSp 97.1% [95% CI: 95.1-98.4%]). The HeVsG iELISA eliminated almost all false-positive results from the previously used HeV iELISA, with marginally decreased relative sensitivity. Assay robustness was evaluated in inter-laboratory and proficiency testing panels. The HeVsG iELISA is considered to be fit for purpose for serosurveillance and international movement of horses when virus neutralization is used for follow-up testing of positive or inconclusive serum samples.

Dual-role FilmArray® diagnostics for high-impact viral diseases

In this study, we explored the potential utility of the human-focused FilmArray® Respiratory Panel for the diagnosis of a broad range of influenza viruses of veterinary concern as compared with the standard portfolio of recommended TaqMan®-based diagnostic tests. In addition, we discuss some potential operational advantages associated with the use of such integrated sample extraction, amplification and analysis devices in the context of a future long-term, dual-role strategy for the detection of emergency diseases of both human and veterinary concern.

Outbreak of henipavirus infection, Philippines, 2014

During 2014, henipavirus infection caused severe illness among humans and horses in southern Philippines; fatality rates among humans were high. Horse-to-human and human-to-human transmission occurred. The most likely source of horse infection was fruit bats. Ongoing surveillance is needed for rapid diagnosis, risk factor investigation, control measure implementation, and further virus characterization.

Comparing levels of social capital in three northern post-industrial UK cities

OBJECTIVES

A high level of 'excess' mortality (i.e. that seemingly not explained by deprivation) has been shown for Scotland compared to England & Wales and, in particular, for its largest city, Glasgow, compared to the similarly deprived postindustrial English cities of Liverpool and Manchester. The excess has been observed across all social classes, but, for premature mortality, has been shown to be highest in comparison of those of lowest socio-economic status (SES). Many theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. One such suggestion relates to potential differences in social capital between the cities, given the previously evidenced links between social capital and mortality. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether any aspects of social capital differed between the cities and whether, therefore, this might be a plausible explanation for some of the excess mortality observed in Glasgow.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A representative survey of Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester was undertaken in 2011. Social capital was measured using an expanded version of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) core 'Social Capital Harmonised Question Set'. Differences between the cities in five sets of social capital topics (views about the local area, civic participation, social networks and support, social participation, and reciprocity and trust) were explored by means of a series of multivariate regression models, while controlling for differences in the characteristics (age, gender, SES, ethnicity etc.) of the samples.

RESULTS

Some, but not all, aspects of social capital were lower among the Glasgow sample compared to those in Liverpool and Manchester. A number of these differences were greatest among those of higher, rather than lower, SES. Levels of social participation, trust and (some measures of) reciprocity were lower in Glasgow, particularly in comparison with Liverpool. However, assessment of any potential impact of these differences is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data.

CONCLUSIONS

The analyses suggest it is at least possible that differences in some aspects of social capital could play some part in explaining Glasgow's excess mortality, especially among particular sections of its population (e.g. those of higher SES). However, in the absence of more detailed longitudinal data, this remains speculative.

Novel phlebovirus with zoonotic potential isolated from ticks, Australia

Recently discovered tick-borne phleboviruses have been associated with severe disease and death among persons in Asia and the United States. We report the discovery of a novel tick phlebovirus in Tasmania State, Australia, that is closely related to those zoonotic viruses found in Asia and North America.

7q11.23 Microduplication: a recognizable phenotype

Williams-Beuren syndrome is a well-known microdeletion syndrome with a recognizable clinical phenotype. The subtle phenotype of the reciprocal microduplication of the Williams-Beuren critical region has been described recently. We report seven further patients, and a transmitting parent, with 7q11.23 microduplication. All our patients had speech delay, autistic features and facial dysmorphism consistent with the published literature. We conclude that the presence of specific dysmorphic features, including straight, neat eyebrows, thin lips and a short philtrum, in our patients with speech delay and autistic features provides further evidence that the children with 7q11.23 microduplication have a recognizable phenotype.

Lingual sucrose reduces the pain response to nasogastric tube insertion: a randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether lingual sucrose modifies the pain response to nasogastric tube insertion in preterm infants.

DESIGN

Randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Special care baby unit.

PATIENTS

20 stable preterm infants who required nasogastric tube insertion for feeding, randomised on 51 occasions.

INTERVENTION

Lingual 24% sucrose or water placebo (0.5-2 ml varying with body weight) administered 2 min before nasogastric tube insertion.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Heart rate, oxygen saturation (SaO2), Neonatal Facial Coding Score and presence or absence of cry.

RESULTS

Infants who received sucrose demonstrated a significantly lower Neonatal Facial Coding Score during nasogastric tube passage compared with the placebo group (median 1 (range 0-4) vs 3 (0-4), p = 0.004). There was a trend for sucrose-treated infants to have little change in heart rate during nasogastric tube passage compared with the placebo group (mean (SD) -0.73 (23) vs +11 (17), p = 0.055). Mean SaO2 did not change significantly. Pain response measurements quickly returned to baseline after nasogastric tube insertion. Adverse effects, such as apnoea or oxygen desaturation, were few and occurred equally in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasogastric tube insertion induces a pain response comparable with previously reported responses to heel lance in neonates. Single-dose lingual 24% sucrose is effective in reducing the behavioural and physiological pain response to nasogastric tube insertion in preterm infants and it appears to be safe.

Critical dependence of acetate thermal mattress on gel activation temperature

BACKGROUND

Sodium acetate gel mattresses provide an active method of warming patients through release of latent heat of crystallisation. They can be used as an adjunct to incubator care or as an exclusive heat source.

OBJECTIVE

To determine activation temperatures of the Transwarmer mattress needed to achieve plateau temperatures of 38-42 degrees C.

DESIGN AND SETTING

In vitro testing of mattress temperature.

METHODS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Transwarmer mattresses were activated at initial temperatures ranging from 5 to 40 degrees C. Mattress temperature was recorded up to 4 h to determine peak and plateau temperatures. Peak and plateau temperatures achieved by the mattress were related to the initial starting temperature.

RESULTS

The starting temperature of the mattress was strongly correlated with peak and plateau temperature (r = 0.99, p<0.001). To achieve the target temperature of 38-42 degrees C, the Transwarmer mattress requires activation between 19.2 degrees C and 28.3 degrees C. A temperature of 37 degrees C could be generated by activation at 17 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

Safe use of this device is critically dependent on gel temperature at the point of activation. To ensure warming of a hypothermic neonatal patient without running any risk of burns, the mattress should be activated with a gel temperature between 19 degrees C and 28 degrees C.

Epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in Northern Ireland between 1990 and 2000

Between 1990 and 2000, 317 herds of cattle in Northern Ireland were identified as being seropositive to Brucella abortus, and 68 per cent of them were attributed to transmission from neighbouring herds or to local spread. Of particular significance were three primary outbreaks in 1997, which resulted in significant secondary and tertiary spread. Three spatial clusters were identified, corresponding to two of the primary outbreaks, and the herd density and within-herd spread were highest in the largest cluster. Abortions in an infected herd and the disease-risk status of the disclosure test were positively associated with an increased within-herd prevalence.

Endotracheal tube position in neonates requiring emergency interhospital transfer

A malpositioned endotracheal tube (ETT) is common following initial intubation. This study assessed ETT position in 53 orotracheally intubated neonates referred for interhospital transfer during a 3-month period. Position of the ETT on first chest radiograph (CXR) after intubation was assessed and related to radiographic lung expansion, with documentation that the final ETT length had achieved a satisfactory position. At the time of first CXR, median ETT length at the lips was 7.0 cm (range, 5 to 12 cm) with median tip position at T3.0 (range, C7 to T6). The ETT required repositioning in 58% of patients. Most malpositioned tubes were too low (26 were withdrawn and only four were advanced; p < 0.001), with lung expansion more closely related to vertebral than clavicular position of the ETT. Final ETT length correlated well with corrected gestation ( r = 0.83; p < 0.01) and marginally less well with weight ( r = 0.79; p < 0.01). From the regression analysis, we provide a table of recommended tube lengths by gestation.

Effects of vasectomy on spermatogenesis and fertility outcome after testicular sperm extraction combined with ICSI

BACKGROUND

Each year 40,000 men have a vasectomy in the UK whilst another 2400 request a reversal to begin a second family. Sperm can now be obtained by testicular biopsy and subsequently used in assisted conception with ICSI. The study aims were to compare sperm yields of men post-vasectomy or with obstructive azoospermia (OA) of unknown aetiology with yields of fertile men and to assess any alteration in the clinical pregnancy rates after ICSI.

METHODS

Testicular tissue was obtained by Trucut needle from men who had undergone a vasectomy >5 years previously or had OA from other causes and from fertile men during vasectomy. Seminiferous tubules were milked to measure sperm yields. Numbers of Sertoli cells and spermatids and thickness of the seminiferous tubule walls were assessed using quantitative computerized analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Sperm yields/g testis were significantly decreased in men post-vasectomy and in men with OA, relative to fertile men. Significant reductions were also observed in early (40%) and mature (29%) spermatid numbers and an increase of 31% was seen in the seminiferous tubule wall (basal membrane and collagen thickness) of vasectomized men compared with fertile men. Clinical pregnancy rates in couples who had had a vasectomy were also significantly reduced.

MLL amplification in acute leukaemia: a United Kingdom Cancer Cytogenetics Group (UKCCG) study

The MLL gene, located at 11q23, is frequently rearranged in acute leukaemia as either chimaeric fusion genes or partial tandem duplications. We report a series of 12 acute leukaemia cases with apparent amplification of the MLL gene ascertained using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Seven cases showed intrachromosomal amplification of MLL, four cases showed extrachromosomal amplification as double minute chromosomes (dmin) and one case had separate subclones with dmin and homogenously staining region (hsr). Southern blot analysis of the MLL gene showed MLL gene rearrangement in three of the 10 successful cases. These cases do not naturally fall into either of the two recognised categories of MLL rearrangement and may represent a third variety of MLL gene abnormalities.

Sensitivity of FISH in detection of MLL translocations

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) detection of MLL translocations is now commonplace in cytogenetics laboratories. One of the most widely used probes is the Oncor MLL probe (Oncor, Gaithersburg, MD) that theoretically demonstrates the presence of an MLL rearrangement by a splitting of the FISH signal between the two derivative chromosomes generated by a translocation. Recently, another commercial probe has been made available from Vysis (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL) that uses a dual colour system. We examined material from 29 patients and 4 cell lines, all with recognised MLL translocations by G-banding, that were confirmed using Southern blot analysis of the MLL breakpoint cluster region. Both Oncor and Vysis MLL FISH probes were applied to these cases to compare their performance in detection of the MLL translocations. Thirty of the 33 cases demonstrated a clear splitting of Oncor MLL FISH signal in concordance with the Southern blot analysis and cytogenetics. Three cases failed to demonstrate a split MLL FISH signal. Therefore, we conclude that the Oncor MLL FISH probe has a 9.1% false negative rate, i.e., 90.9% sensitivity in detection of classic MLL translocations. Vysis MLL FISH detected the rearrangement in all 33 cases.

Collection and interpretation of respiratory cytology

Advances in pulmonary cytological sampling have helped establish a more accurate diagnosis and better therapeutic choices for the respiratory patient. Choosing the appropriate test is necessary to maximize the potential diagnostic yield and should be based on the clinical presentation of the patient as well as the minimum database. This article describes several methods of collection of cytological samples for the canine and feline upper and lower respiratory tracts, defines normal respiratory cytology, and discusses normal cytological characterization of various respiratory diseases. Categorization of cytological findings may aid the clinician in narrowing the potential etiologies for the pulmonary disorder. The authors focus on cytological recovery and analysis from transtracheal wash (TTW), bronchial brushing, transthoracic lung aspiration (TTLA), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and open chest biopsy. Indications, complications, and contraindications for each procedure are discussed. Variation in expected findings among BAL, TTW, TTLA, and bronchial brushings are described. Appropriate sampling technique, transport, and processing are also emphasized.

Jumping translocation at 11q23 with MLL gene rearrangement and interstitial telomeric sequences

myeloid leukemia of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M5a showing a jumping translocation with a breakpoint at 11q23. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated triplication of the MLL gene and the presence of interstitial telomeric sequences, supporting the role of repetitive sequences in the mechanism of jumping translocations. Southern blot analysis of the MLL breakpoint cluster region showed the presence of an MLL gene rearrangement. Jumping translocation with MLL gene rearrangement is a previously unreported phenomenon in leukemia cytogenetics.

Face processing by deaf ASL signers: evidence for expertise in distinguished local features

Several previous studies have shown that ASL signers are 'experts' on at least one test of face processing: the Benton Test of Face Recognition, a discrimination task that requires subjects to select a target face from a set of faces shown in profile and/or in shadow. The experiments reported here were designed to discover why ASL signers have superior skill as measured by this test and to investigate whether enhanced performance extends to other aspects of face processing. Experiment 1 indicated that the enhancement in face-processing skills does not extend to recognition of faces from memory. Experiment 2 revealed that deaf and hearing subjects do not differ in their gestalt face-processing ability; they perform similarly on a closure test of face perception. Finally, experiment 3 suggested that ASL signers do exhibit a superior ability to detect subtle differences in facial features. This superior performance may be linked both to experience discriminating ASL grammatical facial expression and to experience with lipreading. We conclude that only specific aspects of face processing are enhanced in deaf signers: those skills relevant to detecting local feature configurations that must be generalized over individual faces.

Enhanced facial discrimination: effects of experience with American sign language

On-line comprehension of American Sign Language (ASL) requires rapid discrimination of linguistic facial expressions. We hypothesized that ASL signers' experience discriminating linguistic facial expressions might lead to enhanced performance for discriminating among different faces. Five experiments are reported that investigate signers' and non-signers' ability to discriminate human faces photographed under different conditions of orientation and lighting (the Benton Test of Facial Recognition). The results showed that deaf signers performed significantly better than hearing non-signers. Hearing native signers (born to deaf parents) also performed better than hearing nonsigners, suggesting that the enhanced performance of deaf signers is linked to experience with ASL rather than to auditory deprivation. Deaf signers who acquired ASL in early adulthood did not differ from native signers, which suggests that there is no 'critical period' during which signers must be exposed to ASL in order to exhibit enhanced face discrimination abilities. When the faces were inverted, signing and nonsigning groups did not differ in performance. This pattern of results suggests that experience with sign language affects mechanisms specific to face processing and does not produce a general enhancement of visual discrimination. Finally, a similar pattern of results was found with signing and nonsigning children, 6-9 years old. Overall, the results suggest that the brain mechanisms responsible for face processing are somewhat plastic and can be affected by experience. We discuss implications of these results for the relation between language and cognition.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in different ethnic groups in New Zealand children and adults

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. A study of patients with dyspepsia attending for gastroscopy showed significant differences in H. pylori seropositivity between ethnic groups.

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of H. pylori in children and adults in the community in different ethnic groups and to identify risk factors for infection.

METHODS

Serum samples (324) were randomly selected from a cross-sectional survey of 11-12 year old school children with a high proportion of Maori and Pacific Island groups. Serum samples (579) were randomly selected from a cross-sectional workforce survey of 5677 participants aged 40-64 years. Serum samples were tested for H.pylori IgG.

RESULTS

The percentage seropositivity in 11-12 year old children was European 7%, Maori/part Maori 21%, all Pacific Island groups 48% and for the workforce survey 35.8%, 57.4% and 73.2% respectively. Compared with Europeans the increased relative risk of seropositivity for H.pylori in Maori and Pacific Island participants was significant after adjusting for age and socio-economic status (1.43 [1.13, 1.80] and 1.76 [1.43, 2.18]) respectively. The relative risk of H.pylori infection significantly increased with age, lower socio-economic status and lower household income, but was not significantly associated with gender, alcohol or cigarette use.

CONCLUSIONS

The high seroprevalence of H.pylori in Maori and Pacific Island groups is consistent with the differences in incidence of gastric cancer. H.pylori continues to be a common infection in Maori and Pacific Island school children. Ethnicity appears to be a risk factor for H.pylori independent of socio-economic status.

Diagnostic tests for Helicobacter pylori--can they help select patients for endoscopy?

AIM

Dyspepsia is a common symptom and some selection process for endoscopy is required. This study seeks to determine if noninvasive tests for Helicobacter pylori could be useful as a screening test to help select patients for endoscopy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients attending for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were interviewed prior to endoscopy and the endoscopic diagnoses was recorded. The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection was assessed by serology. Some patients also had a 13C urea breath test or rapid urease test (CLO test).

RESULTS

436 consecutive patients were evaluated. The endoscopy findings were normal in 44%, 29% had reflux oesophagitis, 18% had duodenal ulcer, duodenitis or gastric ulcer and 9% had other diagnoses. 54.8% of patients were positive for Helicobacter serology. Using either the CLO test or 13C urea breath test as the confirmatory test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori, the sensitivity of the serology test was 96% and 91% respectively and the specificity was 66.6 and 82%. Patients with negative serology and no history of recent NSAID or aspirin use comprised 34% of the total with dyspepsia or reflux symptoms. There were no gastric or duodenal ulcers in this group.

CONCLUSION

The serology test may have some potential or the initial evaluation of dyspepsia. These tests need to be prospectively evaluated in general practice.

Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion treated without premolar extraction

The treatment of an Angle Class II, Division I malocclusion without the extraction of premolars is described. Treatment was accomplished with the standard edgewise appliance using Merrifield directional forces systems.

Diagnostic imagings for primary cardiac fibrosarcoma

Primary tumors of the heart are rare; primary cardiac fibrosarcoma is even rarer. We report a patient with primary cardiac fibrosarcoma widespread metastases presenting with pulmonary metastases initially. The cardiac lesion was identified by bone-imaging localization on bone scan, by hypodense areas in the cardiac chambers of contrast computed tomography of the chest, and by protruding masses in ventricular cavities causing aortic valve outflow-tract obstruction by echocardiogram. At autopsy, a large tumor invaded the interventricular septum and both ventricular cavities of the heart (880 g in weight), and accounted for these imaging findings. While bone-agent localization in the heart does not differentiate malignant from benign conditions, computed tomography and echocardiography of the interatrial and interventricular septal, and right atrial and biventricular cavitary involvement may differentiate fibrosarcoma from myxoma.

Isolation of swine infertility and respiratory syndrome virus (isolate ATCC VR-2332) in North America and experimental reproduction of the disease in gnotobiotic pigs

A recent epizootic of swine infertility and respiratory syndrome (SIRS) in a Minnesota swine herd was investigated. Examination of a sow, neonatal piglets, and stillborn fetuses obtained during the epizootic from the affected herd revealed interstitial pneumonitis, lymphomononuclear encephalitis, and lymphomononuclear myocarditis in the piglets and focal vasculitis in the brain of the sow. Fetuses did not have microscopic lesions. No cause for the infertility and respiratory syndrome was determined. Therefore, attempts were made to experimentally reproduce the disease. Eleven 3-day-old gnotobiotic piglets exposed intranasally to tissue homogenates of piglets from the epizootic became inappetent and febrile by 2-4 days postexposure and had interstitial pneumonitis and encephalitis similar to that seen in the field outbreak. After 2 blind passages in gnotobiotic piglets, tissue homogenates were cultured on continuous cell line CL2621, and a cytopathic virus (ATCC VR-2332), provisionally named SIRS virus, was isolated. Gnotobiotic piglets exposed intranasally to the SIRS virus developed clinical signs and microscopic lesions that were the same as those in piglets exposed to the tissue homogenates, and the virus was reisolated from their lungs. This is the first isolate of SIRS virus in the United States that fulfills Koch's postulates in producing the respiratory form of the disease in gnotobiotic piglets and the first report of isolation and propagation of the virus on a continuous cell line (CL2621). The virus is designated as American Type Culture Collection VR-2332.

Catecholamine content of the preovulatory follicles of the domestic hen

The role of catecholamines in ovarian function of the domestic hen has not been examined extensively. The aim of this study was first to determine the location of catecholamines in the preovulatory follicle of the domestic hen. Second, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI) and dopamine (DA) were measured in the isolated theca layer of the five largest preovulatory follicles at specific times during the ovulatory cycle and changes in catecholamine content were correlated with ovarian events. The five largest preovulatory follicles were removed from chickens at 24, 18, 12, 6 and 2 h before ovulation of the largest (F1) follicle. Theca and granulosa layers were isolated, frozen, weighed and prepared for measurements of catecholamines by the double isotope radio-enzymatic assay. Catecholamines were localized primarily in the theca layer with only small amounts present in the granulosa layer. Norepinephrine was present in the theca layer in concentrations 6- and 30-fold those of EPI and DA, respectively. The content of NE and EPI in the theca layer of the F1 follicle was significantly (p less than 0.01) higher at 6 h before ovulation than at other times for the F1 follicle. In contrast, NE and EPI content of the theca layer of second (F2) and third (F3) largest follicles did not change during the ovulatory cycle. The content of DA was elevated (p less than 0.05) at 12 h before ovulation in F1 and F2 follicles. There was a significant reduction in NE in the theca layer of the fifth largest (F5) follicle between 24 and 18 h before ovulation of the F1 follicle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)