Risk factors for coliform bacteria in backcountry lakes and streams in the Sierra Nevada mountains: a 5-year study.

Objective: To provide a 5-year longitudinal assessment of risk of acquiring disease from Sierra Nevada Wilderness area lakes and streams. This study examines the relative risk factors for harmful water microorganisms, using coliforms as an indicator.

Methods: Streams and lakes in the backcountry of Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks and neighboring wilderness areas were selected and water was analyzed each year over a 5-year period.

Coliform bacteria in Sierra Nevada wilderness lakes and streams: what is the impact of backpackers, pack animals, and cattle?

Objective: The presence of coliform bacteria indicates a watershed risk for harboring microbes capable of causing human disease. We hypothesized that water from watersheds that have different human- or animal-use patterns would have differing risks for the presence of coliform bacteria. METHODS; Water was collected in wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada range in California.

Solid-phase synthesis and antibacterial evaluations of N-demethylvancomycin derivatives.

Twenty-five N-demethylvancomycin derivatives were synthesized on solid-support and their structures were determined by LC-MS/MS. Biological evaluation of these compounds indicated that bulky hydrophobic substituent on vancosamine of N-demethylvancomycin can increase antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis.

Rhesus brain microvascular endothelial cells are permissive for rhesus cytomegalovirus infection.

Endothelial cells (EC) are an important cell type for human cytomegalovirus (CMV) pathogenesis. To characterize better the role of EC in primate CMV natural history, rhesus macaque microvascular EC (MVEC) were purified from fetal brain and analysed for infectivity by rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV). Rhesus brain MVEC (BrMVEC) in culture were positive for von Willebrand factor and CD105 expression, uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein, and formation of capillary-like tubules on Matrigel, all phenotypic hallmarks of EC.

Coliform and pathologic bacteria in Sierra Nevada national forest wilderness area lakes and streams.

Objective: To analyze backcountry-area water quality in US Department of Agriculture Forest Service-designated wilderness areas for the presence of coliform and potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Methods: Thirty-one backcountry lakes and streams were selected that would stratify the risk based on use by backpackers, pack animals, commercial grazing animals, or natural unaffected wilderness areas. Sites included Desolation Wilderness (10 sites), Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (4 sites), Emigrant Wilderness (3 sites), Hoover Wilderness (6 sites), John Muir Wilderness (3 sites), and Golden Trout Wilderness (5 sites).

An analysis of wilderness water in Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite national parks for coliform and pathologic bacteria.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of coliform and potentially pathogenic bacteria in remote backcountry alpine lakes and streams of national parks in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Methods: Water was sampled at 55 predetermined lakes and streams that would stratify the risk, based on sites used by backpackers, sites used by pack animals, and uncontaminated wild areas. Sites were distributed among Kings Canyon (15), Sequoia (17), and Yosemite (23).

Disseminated microsporidiosis in a pancreas/kidney transplant recipient.

Human microsporidiosis has been described most commonly in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and only rarely in those with other forms of immunosuppression. Only 11 cases of microsporidiosis have been reported previously in solid transplant recipients. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe a case of microsporidiosis in a pancreas/kidney transplant recipient in whom multi-organ system dissemination was observed.

An analysis of human pathogens found in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail in Kings Canyon and Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic for humans in horse/mule manure along the John Muir Trail (JMT).

Methods: Random samples of horse/mule manure were collected along sections of the JMT in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia national parks (NP), as well as in portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and selected JMT/PCT access trails. Convenience samples of wild animal scat found within I mile of trails were also collected.