Local and global cooperativity in the human alpha-lactalbumin molten globule.

NMR spectroscopy has been used to follow the urea-induced unfolding of the low pH molten globule states of a single-disulfide variant of human alpha-lactalbumin ([28-111] alpha-LA) and of two mutants, each with a single proline substitution in a helix. [28-111] alpha-LA forms a molten globule very similar to that formed by the wild-type four-disulfide protein, and this variant has been used as a model for the alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) molten globule in a number of studies. The urea-induced unfolding behavior of [28-111] alpha-LA is similar to that of the four-disulfide form of the protein, except that [28-111] alpha-LA is less stable and has greater cooperativity in the loss of different elements of structure.

Prevention and control of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in a teaching eye institute.

Purpose: To determine if an ongoing infection control program is associated with a reduction in rates of nosocomial outbreaks of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and outbreak morbidity from nosocomial EKC in a large teaching eye institute.

Methods: The number of nosocomial EKC outbreaks, the number of affected patients, and the total number of patient visits were collected for each year between 1984 and 1997. An infection control program was implemented in 1992.

Characterization and control of intraamniotic infection in an urban teaching hospital.

Objectives: Our purpose was to determine (1) whether risk factors for intraamniotic infection were similar in women delivered of preterm infants versus term infants and (2) whether infection control techniques could decrease the incidence of intrapartum fever on a labor and delivery unit.

Study Design: A total of 5409 consecutive patients (group 1) admitted to the Medical College of Virginia's labor and delivery unit were followed up prospectively to determine the development of intraamniotic infection. Demographic and intrapartum data were collected by use of a standard data form by infection control practitioners.

Antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics are commonly viewed as the most important advance in the history of medicine. During the six decades that followed the introduction of sulfonamides there has been a continuous supply of new agents responsive to evolving resistance of prior pathogens and emerging new pathogens. It now appears that the microbes confronting clinicians in the 1990s pose challenges that are unprecedented in the recent past.

Efficacy of a disinfectant wipe method for the removal of adenovirus 8 from tonometer tips.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a disinfectant wipe method in eliminating adenovirus 8 from both Goldmann tonometer and pneumotonometer tips, and to determine the efficacy of 5-minute disinfectant soaks in removing the virus from Goldmann tonometer tips.

Method: Quantification of adenovirus 8 in the ocular secretions of six infected patients was performed. Clinically relevant inocula of adenovirus 8 were then prepared in a serum suspension which was used to contaminate Goldmann tonometer and pneumotonometer tips.