A Viral-Encoded Homologue of IPS-1 Modulates Innate Immune Signaling During KSHV Lytic Replication.

Modulation of innate immunity is critical for virus persistence in a host. In particular, viral-encoded disruption of type I interferon, a major antiviral cytokine induced to fight viral infection, is a key component in the repertoire of viral pathogenicity genes. We have identified a previously undescribed open reading frame within the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genome that encodes a homologue of the human IPS-1 (also referred to as MAVS) protein that we have termed viral-IPS-1 (v-IPS-1).

Disruption of Type I Interferon Induction by HIV Infection of T Cells.

Our main objective of this study was to determine how Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) avoids induction of the antiviral Type I Interferon (IFN) system. To limit viral infection, the innate immune system produces important antiviral cytokines such as the IFN. IFN set up a critical roadblock to virus infection by limiting further replication of a virus.

Value of occupational medicine board certification.

Objective: To assess the impact of occupational medicine board certification and career stage on practice characteristics.

Methods: Two hundred sixty occupational medicine physicians completed a questionnaire and 25 activity log descriptions about 72 items in 9 major domains. For each item, the percentage of activities involving the item and the percentage of physicians conducting the item at least once were calculated.

Career paths in occupational medicine.

Objective: To describe career path patterns for occupational medicine (OM) physicians.

Methods: A convenience sample of 129 occupational physicians described work activities and locations at several career points up to 20 years ago, first OM position, and 10 years after expectations.

Results: Clinical activities were important throughout (eg, 41% and 46% of occupational physicians reported frequently treating patients 20 years ago and currently).

Occupational medicine practice: activities and skills of a national sample.

Objective: To characterize activities and skills of occupational physicians using work diaries.

Methods: A total of 260 occupational physicians from a national sample provided task/skill descriptions at approximately 25 specific times. The average percentage of activity samples using a skill and the interquartile range expressed results.

Occupational medicine practice: one specialty or three?

Objective: To characterize education, practice, and skills of occupational physicians and to evaluate subgroups within the profession.

Methods: The data for the baseline surveys of the occupational medicine practice research project were collected for a national sample of occupational physicians using paper or on-line instruments. Three subgroups were defined a priori-injury care, clinical specialist, and management/population.