Medicine. The need for a global HIV vaccine enterprise

A new collaborative model of research is needed to increase resources, to prioritize the R (ii) to increase the pace, reduce the overlap, and more systematically explore the elements of and delivery systems for vaccines; (iii) to use common standards for the prompt comparative testing of vaccine candidates; (iv) to expand resources for manufacturing vaccine candidates to speed their use in human trials; and (v) to increase the capacity for international clinical trials and to focus this effort toward quickly measuring the effectiveness of vaccine protection as prototype vaccine candidates are identified.     

Group 1 and 2 Dermatophagoides house dust mite allergens in the microenvironment of cats

House dust mite allergens (HDMAs) are some of the most common allergens associated with allergic diseases in humans and dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HDMAs could be detected in cat‐associated household microenvironments. From 50 cat‐only households with 95 cats, dust samples were collected by vacuuming for 2 min m^?2 from three areas where cats slept or rested regularly from September to October 2006. Relative humidity and temperature were measured in each household using a data logger. Each owner completed a questionnaire on potential factors that might influence the prevalence of house dust mites (HDMs). Dust samples were analysed utilizing an ELISA for Der p 1, Der f 1 and HDM group 2 allergens. In 38 of 50 households there was greater than 2 μg g^?1 of dust for at least one HDMA. Using stepwise logistic regression, factors associated with increased HDMA levels included: free‐standing houses, number of humans in household, longhaired cats and age of the cat. Factors associated with decreased HDMA concentrations included: forced air heating and central air conditioning, less than 50% carpeting of the home, use of flea control, cats suffering from dermatological disease and the average temperature of the household. Many sleeping/resting areas utilized by cats contain sufficiently high levels of HDMAs to be potential sources of sensitization. This finding should lead to further determination of the role of HDMs in cats suffering from putative allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.     

The duration and quality of positive direct immunofluorescence in skin biopsies using michel's fixative on a case of equine pemphigus foliaceus

A special buffered ammonium sulfate fixative (Michel's fixative) designed for use as a liquid media capable of preserving in vivo tissue fixed immunoglobulins and complement was evaluated. The preservative ability of this fixative was studied by using skin biopsies from a confirmed case of spontaneously occurring equine pemphigus foliaceus. Once obtained, 16 skin biopsies were placed in Michel's fixative. Eight samples were stored at ambient temperature (21°C) and 8 samples were stored in a conventional refrigerator at 4°C. Over an 8 month time period, direct immunofluorescence was performed on these skin biopsies looking for the abnormal presence of IgG, IgM (when done) and C³ deposition within the intercellular spaces of the epidermis. The results of this study indicated that Michel's fixative was capable of preserving in vivo tissue fixed immunoglobulin and complement for 8 months. This was demonstrated by positive direct immunofluoresence spaces of the epidermis in all of the skin biopsies examined. In addition, it was shown that refrigerated and non-refrigerated skin biopsies in Michel's fixative both yielded a diagnostic quality of direct immunofluorescence. This will allow the mailing of skin biopsies without requiring refrigeration and specimens mailed in the winter should demonstrate reliable results on fluorescent antibody testing when performed.     

Causes of otitis externa.

Dogs with long-standing, chronic, recurrent otitis externa often represent one of the most frustrating types of problems in daily clinical practice. The important aspect of this discussion is that the clinician may be presented with a patient in which the primary chief complaint is otitis externa but a wide variety of disease processes may be causing the problem, including various combinations of the primary, predisposing, and perpetuating causes as discussed previously. The use of a thorough history and general and dermatologic physical examinations often leads the clinician to establish a systematic approach to identify the specific underlying problems. Until this is accomplished, the recurrent nature of the otitis externa will remain as a persistent problem.