HIV/AIDS in Europe: trends and EU-wide priorities.
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AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
Biomedical subjects
A Nardone
Publications and source records attributed to A Nardone.
Ongoing HIV and viral hepatitis infections in IDUs across the EU, 2001-2005.
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Baltic States↗
Heat stress elicits different responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Brown Swiss and Holstein cows.
This study was undertaken to assess whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from Brown Swiss (Br) and Holstein (Ho) cows and stimulated with concanavalin A differ in response to chronic exposure to incubation temperatures simulating conditions of hyperthermia. Five multiparous Br and 5 Ho cows were utilized as blood donors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were subjected for 65 h to each of 5 treatments (T). Cells were exposed to 39 degrees C continuously (T39) and three 13-h cycles at 40 (T40), 41 (T41), 42 (T42) or 43 degrees C (T43), respectively, which were interspersed with two 13-h cycles at 39 degrees C. Treatment T39 was adopted to mimic normothermia; T40, T41, T42, and T43 mimicked conditions of more severe hyperthermia alternating with normothermia. Measures evaluated at the end of the incubation period were proliferative response (DNA synthesis), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and mRNA abundance of the 72-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp72). In Br cows, DNA synthesis began to decline when PBMC were repeatedly exposed to 41 degrees C (-22%), whereas DNA synthesis in cells isolated from Ho cows did not begin to decline until 42 degrees C (-40%). Furthermore, under T41 and T42, DNA synthesis from Br cows was lower than in Ho(-24 and -54%, respectively). In both breeds, increased incubation temperatures caused a reduction of intracellular ROS (from -39.6 and -69.7%). Increase in incubation temperatures enhanced Hsp72 mRNA levels only in PBMC isolated from Br cows. The Hsp72 mRNA in Br cows increased significantly under T41 and T43 compared with T39. In both breeds, DNA synthesis was positively and negatively correlated with intracellular ROS and Hsp72 mRNA abundance, respectively (r = 0.85 and r = -0.70, respectively). Results indicated that PBMC from Br cows are less tolerant to chronic heat exposure than those from Ho cows, and that the lower tolerance is associated with higher expression of Hsp72, suggesting that the same level of hyperthermia may be associated with a differential decline of immune function in the 2 breeds.
Animals↗
Photoperiod affects gene expression of leptin and leptin receptors in adipose tissue from lactating dairy cows.
Leptin is mainly secreted by adipocytes and is implicated in the regulation of metabolic status, feed intake, and body condition. Day length (DL) can affect leptin gene expression and secretion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of DL on gene expression of leptin and leptin receptors in adipose tissue (AT). Four lactating and pregnant Holstein cows were housed in a climate-controlled chamber for 51 d. The first 30 d were used to adapt animals to the new housing conditions. During that period the DL adopted was 12 h light:12 h dark (12:12). The experimental period included 3 different and consecutive phases: 7 d of neutral DL (12:12); 7 d of long DL (18 h light:6 h dark); and 7 d of short DL (6 h light:18 h dark). Subcutaneous AT biopsies were performed at the end of each phase. Prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, leptin, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, beta-OH-butyrate, and cholesterol were determined in plasma samples. Abundance of leptin mRNA, and Ob-Ra and Ob-Rb leptin receptor mRNA were determined in AT samples by ribonuclease protection assay. Day length did not affect feed intake or body condition score. Exposure to short DL significantly reduced milk yield (13.1 +/- 2.2 vs. 15.8 +/- 1.7 and 16.0 +/- 2.0 kg/d for short vs. neutral and long DL, respectively). Plasma leptin, growth hormone, cortisol, nonesterified fatty acids, beta-OH-butyrate, and glucose were not affected by DL; cholesterol was lowest under short DL (3.93 +/- 0.38 vs. 4.36 +/- 0.39 and 4.07 +/- 0.38 mmol/L for short vs. neutral and long DL, respectively). Prolactin increased under long DL (134.82 +/- 16.94 vs. 81.98 +/- 20.25 and 96.16 +/- 0.38 ng/mL for long vs. neutral and short DL, respectively). Gene expression of leptin and its receptors was affected by DL. Leptin mRNA increased under long DL (11.91 +/- 0.84 vs. 7.82 +/- 0.84 and 7.56 +/- 0.84 pg of mRNA/microg of total RNA for long vs. neutral and short DL, respectively). Leptin receptors Ob-Ra and Ob-Rb mRNA were higher under long DL, whereas Ob-Ra and Ob-Rb mRNA were lower under short DL (Ob-Ra: 1.91 +/- 0.41, 2.49 +/- 0.41, and 0.65 +/- 0.41 pg of mRNA/microg of total RNA for neutral, long, and short DL, respectively; Ob-Rb: 5.29 +/- 0.79, 5.98 +/- 0.68, and 2.02 +/- 0.70 pg of mRNA/microg of total RNA for neutral, long, and short DL, respectively). Results of the present study appear to exclude an effect of feed intake and metabolic status on leptin gene expression. A prolactin-mediated effect of photoperiod on AT leptin modulation may be proposed in lactating dairy cows.
Adipose Tissue↗
The seroepidemiology of Bordetella pertussis infection in Western Europe.
High titres of pertussis toxin (PT) antibody have been shown to be predictive of recent infection with Bordetella pertussis. The seroprevalence of standardized anti-PT antibody was determined in six Western European countries between 1994 and 1998 and related to historical surveillance and vaccine programme data. Standardized anti-PT titres were calculated for a series of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccine trials. For the serological surveys, high-titre sera (> 125 units/ml) were distributed throughout all age groups in both high- (> 90%) and low-coverage (< 90%) countries. High-titre sera were more likely in infants in countries using high-titre-producing vaccines in their primary programme (Italy, 11.5%; Western Germany, 13.3%; France, 4.3%; Eastern Germany, 4.0%) compared to other countries (The Netherlands, 0.5%; Finland, 0%). Recent infection was significantly more likely in adolescents (10-19 years old) and adults in high-coverage countries (Finland, The Netherlands, France, East Germany), whereas infection was more likely in children (3-9 years old) than adolescents in low-coverage (< 90%; Italy, West Germany, United Kingdom) countries. The impact and role of programmatic changes introduced after these surveys aimed at protecting infants from severe disease by accelerating the primary schedule or vaccinating older children and adolescents with booster doses can be evaluated with this approach.
Adolescent↗
Lymphocyte functions in overconditioned cows around parturition.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationships between body condition and lymphocyte functions in periparturient dairy cows. Thirty days before expected calving, 21 Holstein cows were categorized as thin (n = 6), medium (n = 8), or overconditioned (n = 7) based on body condition score (BCS). Blood samples were collected on 21, 14, 7, and 3 d before calving and on d 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after parturition. An aliquot of blood was used to determine plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose. At 14 and 7 d before, and 14 and 35 d after calving, a second aliquot of blood was used to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) functions: DNA synthesis, immunoglobulin (Ig) M, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion after mitogen stimulation. During the experiment, all 21 cows showed a decline in BCS. Overconditioned cows lost significantly more BCS than thin cows. After calving, overconditioned cows had higher plasma NEFA compared with thin and medium cows. Conversely, plasma glucose never differed between the 3 categories of cows. Regardless of BCS, DNA synthesis and IgM secretions were significantly lower in PBMC isolated on 7 d before calving compared with those recorded 14 and 35 d after parturition. Conversely, PBMC from the 21 cows did not show any change of IFN-gamma secretion during the experimental period. Taking into consideration the BCS categories, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows presented lower IgM secretion compared with thin cows on d 14 and 35 after calving. Furthermore, PBMC isolated from overconditioned cows secreted less IFN-gamma compared with thin and medium cows on d 7 before calving. The DNA synthesis of PBMC stimulated with the 3 mitogens did not differ between the 3 categories of cows. In conclusion, immunodepression occurring in cows around calving would be particularly evident in overconditioned cows.
Animals↗
Influence of body condition score on relationships between metabolic status and oxidative stress in periparturient dairy cows.
Twenty-four dairy cows were monitored during the transition period. We observed changes of oxidative status and relationships between oxidative and metabolic status. Body condition score (BCS) of the 24 animals at the beginning of the trial (30.4 +/- 2 d before expected calving) was between 2.0 and 3.6. The BCS was recorded and blood samples were collected weekly during the last 30 d of pregnancy and the first 30 DIM. Plasma samples were analyzed to determine indices of oxidative status: reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM); thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS); thiol groups (SH); glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and indices of energy metabolism: glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. In erythrocytes we determined indices of oxidative status: GSH-Px, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and intracellular SH. Before calving, cows showed an increase of plasma SH, SOD, and GSH-Px, a decrease of erythrocyte GSH-Px and plasma ROM, and no changes in erythrocyte SH. After calving, cows showed a decrease of plasma and erythrocyte SH and SOD, and an increase of ROM, TBARS, and plasma GSH-Px. Cows with higher BCS at the beginning of the trial and greater loss of BCS after calving, had higher plasma ROM, TBARS, and SH, and lower SOD and erythrocyte SH in the postpartum period. Oxidative status of dairy cows was related to energy status. Cows with higher BHBA and NEFA showed higher ROM and TBARS and lower levels of antioxidants. Results of the present study demonstrated that cows can experience oxidative stress during the peripartum period, and cows with higher BCS and greater BCS losses are more sensitive to oxidative stress.
3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
Varicella zoster virus vaccination policies and surveillance strategies in Europe.
The incorporation of varicella zoster virus (ZVV) vaccination in childhood immunisation schedules is becoming an increasingly common option in Europe. The current study forms part of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2) organisational analysis for VZV and describes current passive immunisation policies, as well as current and proposed active immunisation strategies, and existing surveillance systems for diseases caused by the varicella zoster virus in ESEN countries. A questionnaire was compiled and distributed to 23 participating countries. A VZV vaccine is currently licensed in 14 of the 20 participating ESEN countries. Germany is the only country to have incorporated VZV vaccination into its routine childhood immunisation programme. Three further countries currently recommend vaccination of children against VZV and five countries are also considering introducing routine immunisation against VZV for children. However, of the eight countries with or considering introducing childhood VZV immunisation, only six have case-based mandatory notification of varicella, and only two countries have primary care surveillance data available for herpes zoster.
Chickenpox↗
Sylvian subarachnoid and extra-pial cavernous angioma.
Cavernous angiomas are one of the four types of vascular malformations of the central nervous system. Lesions situated subarachnoidally are rare although some cases with an infratentorial localization have been reported. Our case represents an unusual localization of a subarachnoid cavernous angioma. A 35- year-old patient was admitted to our department with signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 1 cm hyperdense lesion placed at the right Sylvian fissure was distinguished by CT-scan examination and no arterial supply was revealed on cerebral angiography. Surgical intervention showed a lesion placed extra-pial and totally encased in the subarachnoid space in the superficial part of the Sylvian cistern. This case represents a radiologically visible supratentorial extra-pial subarachnoidal cavernous angioma. This case provides confirmation of one of the supposed causes of subarachnoid hemorrahage ''sine materia''.
Adult↗
Sero-epidemiology of Bordetella pertussis in England and Wales.
The incidence of pertussis infection can be estimated in the population by defining a single high titre of anti pertussis toxin (PT) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody predictive of recent infection. Sera samples collected in 1986, 1996 or annually between 1987 and 1998 were tested for anti-PT IgG antibody. In 1996, the age-adjusted prevalence of pertussis infection was 1.2% and was higher in children than in adults. Amongst samples collected annually, older age and female sex, but none of the temporal variables, were associated with a serologically defined pertussis infection. There is an important incidence of infection in the population, which is greater amongst children than adults, but there is only limited evidence of a correlation with epidemic cycles.
Age Factors↗
Solitary brain metastases from uterus carcinoma: report of three cases.
Solitary brain metastases from uterine carcinoma are uncommon. Intracranial metastases from uterus usually occur in widely disseminated disease. We report three cases of solitary brain metastasis from uterine cancer. In one of these patients metastasis was detected prior to diagnosis of primitive cancer. In a review of the literature only seven cases of solitary brain metastasis preceding the diagnosis of uterine cancer have been documented.
Brain Neoplasms↗
Serological surveillance of rubella in Europe: European Sero-Epidemiology Network (ESEN2).
Serological surveillance is an important resource to evaluate vaccine programmes, especially for diseases such as rubella, where a sub-optimal programme can lead to an increase in morbidity. A coordinated vaccine policy in Europe is needed and the aim of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network (ESEN2) is to standardise serological surveillance in 22 countries for eight diseases, including rubella.
Europe↗
Short communication: effects of nonesterified fatty acids on lymphocyte function in dairy heifers.
This in vitro study was performed to assess the effects of various concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on lymphocyte function of heifers. Nine Holstein heifers were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with various concentrations of NEFA (0, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mmol/L). The mixture of NEFA was represented by C16:0 (30%), C16:1 (5%), C18:0 (15%), C18:1 (45%), and C18:2 (5%). The DNA synthesis was diminished at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, and 0.5 mmol/L. The IgM secretion was inhibited at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mmol/L. Secretion of IFN-gamma was depressed at concentrations of NEFA of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mmol/L. Increases of plasma NEFA might contribute to explain the higher incidence of infections observed in cows suffering from energy deficit.
Animals↗
Abundance of mRNA of apolipoprotein b100, apolipoprotein e, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein in liver from periparturient dairy cows.
Limited secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in dairy cows is strongly related to fatty liver and other metabolic disorders in the early postpartum. Currently, there is limited information on which roles apolipoprotein B(100) (ApoB(100)), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) play in that VLDL limitation. To our knowledge, no studies have simultaneously measured ApoB(100), ApoE, and MTP mRNA in periparturient dairy cows. Therefore, a trial was conducted to assess liver gene expression of these proteins in transition dairy cows and to evaluate the relationships between their expression and metabolic status. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were monitored during the transition period. To evaluate metabolic and nutritional status, body condition score was registered, and plasma indexes of energy metabolism and VLDL were determined from 35 d before to 35 d after calving. Liver biopsies were performed on d -35, 3, and 35 relative to day of calving, and gene expression of ApoB(100), ApoE, and MTP were determined on liver tissue. Body condition, plasma glucose and VLDL decreased, and plasma NEFA and BHBA increased after calving. Compared with values of d -35, on d 3 after calving the ApoB(100) mRNA synthesis was lower, whereas MTP and ApoE mRNA abundance were higher. Negative correlation (r = -0.57) between plasma NEFA concentration and ApoB(100) mRNA abundance, and positive correlation between ApoB(100) mRNA abundance and plasma cholesterol (r = 0.65) and plasma albumins (r = 0.52) were detected at 3 d postpartum. Data on changes of gene expression of the 3 main proteins involved in the regulation of synthesis and secretion of VLDL in the liver suggest that decreased mRNA for ApoB(100) may be consistent with decreased synthesis and/or secretion of VLDL from liver during the periparturient period.
3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
Neck muscle fatigue affects postural control in man.
We hypothesised that, since anomalous neck proprioceptive input can produce perturbing effects on posture, neck muscle fatigue could alter body balance control through a mechanism connected to fatigue-induced afferent inflow. Eighteen normal subjects underwent fatiguing contractions of head extensor muscles. Sway during quiet stance was recorded by a dynamometric platform, both prior to and after fatigue and recovery, with eyes open and eyes closed. After each trial, subjects were asked to rate their postural control. Fatigue was induced by having subjects stand upright and exert a force corresponding to about 35% of maximal voluntary effort against a device exerting a head-flexor torque. The first fatiguing period lasted 5 min (F1). After a 5-min recovery period (R1), a second period of fatiguing contraction (F2) and a second period of recovery (R2) followed. Surface EMG activity from dorsal neck muscles was recorded during the contractions and quiet stance trials. EMG median frequency progressively decreased and EMG amplitude progressively increased during fatiguing contractions, demonstrating that muscle fatigue occurred. After F1, subjects swayed to a larger extent compared with control conditions, recovering after R1. Similar findings were obtained after F2 and after R2. Although such behaviour was detectable under both visual conditions, the effects of fatigue reached significance only without vision. Subjective scores of postural control diminished when sway increased, but diminished more, for equal body sway, after fatigue and recovery. Contractions of the same duration, but not inducing EMG signs of fatigue, had much less influence on body sway or subjective scoring. We argue that neck muscle fatigue affects mechanisms of postural control by producing abnormal sensory input to the CNS and a lasting sense of instability. Vision is able to overcome the disturbing effects connected with neck muscle fatigue.
Adult↗
Repeat capture-recapture studies as part of the evaluation of the surveillance of Legionnaires' disease in France.
We evaluated improvements made to the mandatory notification surveillance system for Legionnaires' disease in France by estimating its sensitivity in 1995 and 1998 using a repeat capture-recapture method. A case of Legionnaires' disease was defined as a person treated for pneumonia in whom legionella had been detected. Patient details were collected from (1) mandatory notifications; (2) the National Reference Centre for Legionella; (3) a postal survey of all hospital laboratories. The three sources were cross-matched and 715 individual cases were identified. A log-linear model, which included an interaction term between mandatory notifications and both the National Reference Centre and Laboratory sources, provided an estimated total of 1124 cases (95% CI 973-1275) in 1998, a twofold increase compared with 1995. The sensitivity of the surveillance system improved from 10% in 1995 to 33% (95% CI 29-38%) in 1998. Capture-recapture methods are important tools in the evaluation of surveillance systems.
Data Collection↗
Sero-epidemiology of mumps in western Europe.
Six countries (Denmark, England and Wales, France, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands) conducted large serological surveys for mumps, in the mid-1990s, as part of the European Sero-Epidemiology Network (ESEN). The assay results were standardized and related to the schedules and coverage of the immunization programmes and the reported incidence of mumps. Low incidence of disease and few susceptibles amongst adolescents and young adults was observed in countries with high mumps vaccine coverage (e.g. The Netherlands). High disease incidence and large proportions of mumps virus antibody negative samples in adolescent and young adult age groups was noted in countries with poor vaccine coverage (e.g. Italy). The build-up of susceptibles in older children and adolescents in England and Wales, France, the former West Germany and Italy indicate the possibility of further mumps outbreaks in secondary school environments. To control mumps in western Europe, current MMR immunization programmes will need to be strengthened in a number of countries. Sero-surveillance of mumps is an important component of disease control and its usefulness will be enhanced by the development of an international mumps standard.
Adolescent↗
Impact of BSE on livestock production system.
The small number of BSE cases diagnosed in Italy from January 2001 to 12 September 2001 (a total of 28, one every 9000 head) does not allow for a statistical analysis of the relationship between this disease and the livestock systems. However, some indications can be noted: (a) only dairy cattle, which represent three-quarters of the cattle raised in Italy, are involved; (b) 58% of the cases belong to medium-large farms that breed 27% of all head; (c) 13 out of 28 cases are 5-year-old animals and 26 out of 28 are between 5 and 7 years of age; (d) 15 of 28 cases come from Lombardia, where 27% of Italian dairy cattle are raised. The following factors may have affected the livestock system: (1) trends of beef meat consumption; (2) changes in livestock management; (3) changes in animal feeding; (4) possible effects on selection. A strong decline in beef meat consumption (4 kg/year) has been observed in the UK and other European countries since 1996 (the year of the discovery of the relationship between BSE and nvCJD). In Italy, from January 2001 the consumption of beef meat has declined as well as slaughter: a drop of 31% in the total slaughtered head in the period January-February, a drop of 14% in January-May. A fall in the price of calves has promoted, in some dairy farms, the start of the production of light beef less than one year old (advantages in the marketing of meat favour this initiative), a phenomenon which is not yet well established. Traceability and certification of meat have improved, thanks to breeders' associations and interprofessional agreements. The breeders associations have also started insurance initiatives against BSE risks. In Italy the employment of plant protein meals would increase the total feedstuff consumption by about 7%. Direct effects of BSE could slow down the genetic progress (GP) of cattle populations within breed and country. Indirect effects on GP may also happen as a consequence of an increase in the replacement rate (rr). This increase in rr reduced the generation interval and will therefore proportionally increase GP. Some important questions for the livestock production system are: Does the vertical transmission of BSE exist? Is there a genetic basis favouring the disease and is it inheritable? Are in vivo diagnostic tests possible? Are vaccination schemes against BSE possible and useful or is it better to pursue eradication?
Animals↗