Evaluation of bioaerosol samplers for the detection and quantification of influenza virus from artificial aerosols and influenza virus-infected ferrets.

Background: Bioaerosol sampling devices are necessary for the characterization of infectious bioaerosols emitted by naturally-infected hosts with acute respiratory virus infections. Assessment of these devices under multiple experimental conditions will provide insight for device use.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare bioaerosol sampling devices using a) an in vitro, environmentally-controlled artificial bioaerosol system at a range of different RH conditions and b) an in vivo bioaerosol system of influenza virus-infected ferrets under controlled environmental conditions.

Bioaerosols and Transmission, a Diverse and Growing Community of Practice.

The transmission of infectious microbes via bioaerosols is of significant concern for both human and animal health. However, gaps in our understanding of respiratory pathogen transmission and methodological heterogeneity persist. New developments have enabled progress in this domain, and one of the major turning points has been the recognition that cross-disciplinary collaborations across spheres of human and animal health, microbiology, biophysics, engineering, aerobiology, infection control, public health, occupational health, and industrial hygiene are essential.

The Pollution Particulate Concentrator (PoPCon): A platform to investigate the effects of particulate air pollutants on viral infectivity.

Anthropogenic air pollution is ubiquitous in urban areas worldwide. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in addition to other biological matter like endotoxins and spores comingle with particulate matter (PM) air pollutants but have rarely been considered in air pollution research. Microorganisms may be influenced by interactions with ambient particles in matrices such as soil and dust leading to the inhibition or enhancement of viability and environmental stability (e.

Positional mapping and candidate gene analysis of the mouse Ccs3 locus that regulates differential susceptibility to carcinogen-induced colorectal cancer.

The Ccs3 locus on mouse chromosome 3 regulates differential susceptibility of A/J (A, susceptible) and C57BL/6J (B6, resistant) mouse strains to chemically-induced colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we report the high-resolution positional mapping of the gene underlying the Ccs3 effect. Using phenotype/genotype correlation in a series of 33 AcB/BcA recombinant congenic mouse strains, as well as in groups of backcross populations bearing unique recombinant chromosomes for the interval, and in subcongenic strains, we have delineated the maximum size of the Ccs3 physical interval to a ∼2.

Single molecule fluorescence study of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cry1Aa reveals tetramerization.

Pore-forming toxins constitute a class of potent virulence factors that attack their host membrane in a two- or three-step mechanism. After binding to the membrane, often aided by specific receptors, they form pores in the membrane. Pore formation either unfolds a cytolytic activity in itself or provides a pathway to introduce enzymes into the cells that act upon intracellular proteins.