Epidemiological and molecular characterization of a novel adenovirus of squirrel monkeys after fatal infection during immunosuppression.

Adenoviruses are a frequent cause of acute upper respiratory tract infections that can also cause disseminated disease in immunosuppressed patients. We identified a novel adenovirus, squirrel monkey adenovirus 1 (SqMAdV-1), as the cause of fatal infection in an immunocompromised squirrel monkey () at the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research (KCCMR). Sequencing of SqMAdV-1 revealed that it is most closely related (80.

Experimental Zika Virus Infection of Neotropical Primates.

The establishment of a sylvatic reservoir of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas is dependent on the susceptibility of primates of sufficient population density, the duration and magnitude of viremia, and their exposure to the human mosquito-borne transmission cycle. To assess the susceptibility of squirrel ( sp.) and owl monkeys ( sp.

Endemic Viruses of Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri spp.).

Nonhuman primates are the experimental animals of choice for the study of many human diseases. As such, it is important to understand that endemic viruses of primates can potentially affect the design, methods, and results of biomedical studies designed to model human disease. Here we review the viruses known to be endemic in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.

Supporting a role for the GTPase Rab7 in prostate cancer progression.

Invasion and subsequent metastasis is the major cause of death from most cancers including prostate cancer. Herein we report on the potential tumor suppressive properties of Rab7, a GTPase that regulates trafficking of lysosomes. The movement of lysosomes to the cell surface in response to environmental cues increases the secretion of proteinases and cell invasion.

Dendritic cell based PSMA immunotherapy for prostate cancer using a CD40-targeted adenovirus vector.

Human prostate tumor vaccine and gene therapy trials using ex vivo methods to prime dendritic cells (DCs) with prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have been somewhat successful, but to date the lengthy ex vivo manipulation of DCs has limited the widespread clinical utility of this approach. Our goal was to improve upon cancer vaccination with tumor antigens by delivering PSMA via a CD40-targeted adenovirus vector directly to DCs as an efficient means for activation and antigen presentation to T-cells. To test this approach, we developed a mouse model of prostate cancer by generating clonal derivatives of the mouse RM-1 prostate cancer cell line expressing human PSMA (RM-1-PSMA cells).

Guided visualization interventions on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms in highly stressed couples.

This study focused on the effect of a brief CBT-based relaxation/guided visualization intervention on perceived stress, dyadic satisfaction and psychological symptoms. This study also tested the hypothesis that indicators of global orientation including Sense of Coherence and Differentiation of Self would mediate between perceived stress and symptoms of physical, psychological and relational distress. A three session intervention used guided visualization scripts which incorporated relaxation and controlled breathing techniques as well as a CBT approach that focused on stress management and internal locus of control.

Rapamycin inhibits lymphatic endothelial cell tube formation by downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 protein expression.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls lymphangiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Here we show that rapamycin suppressed insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)- or fetal bovine serum (FBS)-stimulated lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) tube formation, an in vitro model of lymphangiogenesis.

Association of core-binding factor β with the malignant phenotype of prostate and ovarian cancer cells.

Core binding factor (CBF) is a transcription factor complex that plays roles in development, stem-cell homeostasis, and human disease. CBF is a heterodimer composed of one of three DNA-binding RUNX proteins plus the non-DNA-binding protein, CBFβ. Recent studies have showed that the RUNX factors exhibit complex expression patterns in prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, and CBF has been implicated in the control of cancer-related genes.

Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 retention on solid surfaces and peroxide resistance is enhanced by dual-strain biofilm formation.

In a previous study we showed that an Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain that was unable to form biofilm was retained in large numbers in dual-strain biofilms formed with an E. coli O-:H4 companion strain. In this study we tested additional companion strains for their ability to retain E.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-thiophen-5-yl-3H-quinazolin-4-one analogues as inhibitors of transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcriptional activation: Their possible utilization as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents.

In an attempt to discover novel inhibitors of NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcriptional activation utilizing the concept of chemical lead based medicinal chemistry and bioisosterism a series of 2-(2,3-disubstituted-thiophen-5-yl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one analogs was designed. A facile and simple route for the synthesis of the designed molecules was developed. Synthesized molecules were evaluated for their activity as inhibitors towards NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcriptional activation in a cell line report-based assay.

Design, synthesis and characterization of novel 2-(2,4-disubstituted-thiazole-5-yl)-3-aryl-3H-quinazoline-4-one derivatives as inhibitors of NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcription activation and as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

A series of 2-(2,4-disubstituted-thiazole-5-yl)-3-aryl-3H-quinazoline-4-one derivatives were designed and synthesized. Synthesized molecules were further evaluated for their inhibitory activity towards transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcriptional activation in a cell line based in vitro assay as well as for their anti-inflammatory activity in in vivo model of acute inflammation. This series provides us with selective and dual inhibitors of NF-kappaB and AP-1 mediated transcriptional activation which also exhibit significant efficacy in in vivo model of inflammation.

High-efficiency particulate air filter test stand and aerosol generator for particle loading studies.

This manuscript describes the design, characterization, and operational range of a test stand and high-output aerosol generator developed to evaluate the performance of 30 x 30 x 29 cm(3) nuclear grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters under variable, highly controlled conditions. The test stand system is operable at volumetric flow rates ranging from 1.5 to 12 standard m(3)/min.

Evaluation of a multi-component approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using guided visualizations, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, and vibroacoustic sound.

This pilot study examines the use of guided visualizations that incorporate both cognitive and behavioral techniques with vibroacoustic therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation to form a multi-component therapeutic approach. This multi-component approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was used to treat patients presenting with a range of symptoms including anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Clients completed a pre- and post-session symptom severity scale and CBT skills practice survey.

Bovine alveolar macrophage neurokinin-1 and response to substance P.

In this study bovine alveolar macrophage neurokinin-1 (NK-1) and the in vitro response to substance P (SP) exposure were investigated. Bovine alveolar macrophage membrane extracts separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotted using anti-NK-1 antiserum demonstrated the presence of an approximately 60kDa band. Phagocytosis of fluorescent bioparticles by SP-exposed macrophages was 39% greater than that of non-exposed macrophages (P=0.