Virus contaminations of cell cultures – A biotechnological view

In contrast to contamination by microbes and mycoplasma, which can be relatively easily detected, viral contamination present a serious threat because of the difficulty in detecting some viruses and the lack of effective methods of treating infected cell cultures. While some viruses are capable of causing morphological changes to infected cells (e.g. cytopathic effect)which are detectable by microscopy some viral contaminations result in the integration of the viral genome as provirus, this causes no visual evidence, by means of modification of the cellular morphology. Virus production from such cell lines, are potentially dangerous for other cell cultures (in research labs)by cross contaminations, or for operators and patients (in the case of the production of injectable biologicals) because of potential infection. The only way to keep cell cultures for research, development, and the biotech industry virus-free is the prevention of such contaminations. Cell cultures can become contaminated by the following means: firstly, they may already be contaminated as primary cultures (because the source of the cells was already infected), secondly, they were contaminated due to the use of contaminated raw materials, or thirdly, they were contaminated via an animal passage. This overview describes the problems and risks associated with viral contaminations in animal cell culture, describes the origins of these contaminations as well as the most important virsuses associated with viral contaminations in cell culture. In addition, ways to prevent viral contaminations as well as measures undertaken to avoid and assess risks for viral contaminations as performed in the biotech industry are briefly described.
REFERENCE:
Merten, O.-W. “Virus Contaminations of Cell Cultures – A Biotechnological View.” Cytotechnology 39.2 (2002): 91–116. PMC. Web. 3 Apr. 2017.

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Material Transfer Agreements: A University Perspective

Fragment:
Scientists have traditionally shared research materials freely, and indeed an important criterion for scientific publication has been the unfettered ability of other researchers to experimentally reproduce and thereby test published results. That ability to replicate results will often rely on access to the underlying biological materials or information, but that access is not assured today. So what has changed? Probably the most significant factor has been the narrowing of the gap between fundamental research and commercial developments, particularly in the biomedical arena, but it is also evident in agricultural biology (Rai and Eisenberg, 2001). Materials that at one time would have been useful almost exclusively for fundamental research purposes are increasingly seen as having direct commercial value, and this has generated a new breed of company that focuses on leveraging novel research tools to discover new commercially valuable traits, genes, or compounds. Naturally, these companies are reluctant to share their “crown jewels” without making sure that their business interests are protected. Also of significance has been the changing role of universities, which are today actively using the patent system as a means of transferring its research results into the private sector and often conduct research that is sponsored by private companies.

REFERENCE:
Streitz, Wendy D., and Alan B. Bennett. “Material Transfer Agreements: A University Perspective.” Plant Physiology 133.1 (2003): 10–13. PMC. Web. 30 Mar. 2017.
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Infección de felinos con influenza H5N1

Existen varios reportes de infecciones de felinos con influenza H5N1. Este virus fué capaz de infectar gatos domésticos, tigres, leopardos, y leones. En todos los casos los felinos se cree que se infectaron por el consumo de carne de aves crudas, y que estaban contaminadas con influenza, ingresando a través de la tráquea. En todos los casos, los felinos tuvieron problemas respiratorios, fiebre y murieron poco después. La confirmación de la infección se realizó mediante pruebas moleculares que identificaron la cepa de influenza con el que enfermaron. Los casos reportados de infección por influenza en gatos domésticos son mas comunes, pero los casos documentados de felinos en vida salvaje son raros.

REFERENCIAS:
Kuiken T, et al. Avian H5N1 influenza in cats. Science. 2004 Oct 8;306(5694):241.
Keawcharoen, Juthatip et al. “Avian Influenza H5N1 in Tigers and Leopards.” Emerging Infectious Diseases 10.12 (2004): 2189–2191.
Chen, Quanjiao et al. “First Documented Case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus Infection in a Lion.” Emerging Microbes & Infections 5.12 (2016): e125–.
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9º Simposio Internacional de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia 2017

VER PDF  /  INFORMES:  https://amexbio.wildapricot.org/SIBB

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Convocatoria Trabajos Libres #SIBB17

Ya se encuentra abierta la convocatoria para el envío de resúmenes para el 9º Simposio de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia, que se llevará a cabo en el Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública de Michoacán (LESPM), de Junio 7 al 10, 2017 en la ciudad de Morelia, Michoacán. Para más detalles en relación al formato y forma de envío, revisar la siguiente página electrónica: https://amexbio.wildapricot.org/TrabajosLibres

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Responsible life sciences research for global health security

Advances in life sciences research are inextricably linked to improvements in human, plant and animal health. Promotion of excellent, high-quality life sciences research that is conducted responsibly, safely and securely can foster global health security and contribute to economic development, evidence-informed policy making, public trust and confidence in science. Yet opportunities may also be accompanied by risks that need to be acknowledged and addressed. The risks under consideration in this guidance are those associated with accidents, with research that may pose unexpected risks and with the potential deliberate misuse of life sciences research. The opportunities offered by the life sciences are too important for governments and the scientific community (including individual researchers, laboratory managers, research institutions, professional associations, etc.) to leave the attendant risks unaddressed.
The purpose of this guidance is to inform about the risks posed by accidents or the potential deliberate misuse of life sciences research and to propose measures to minimize these risks within the context of promoting and harnessing the power of the life sciences to improve health for all people. Although the issues addressed in this document can potentially interest a quite large audience, the proposed measures and the selfassessment questionnaire are of a public health nature. Health researchers, laboratory managers and research institutions are therefore the primary audience of this guidance.

REFERENCE:
Responsible life sciences researchfor global health security. A guidance document
Publication details
Publication date: 2010
Languages: English
WHO reference number: WHO/HSE/GAR/BDP/2010.2
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Synthetic biology approaches to biological containment: pre-emptively tackling potential risks

Routes to biological containment

Biocontainment comprises any strategy applied to ensure that harmful organisms are confined to controlled laboratory conditions and not allowed to escape into the environment. Genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs), regardless of the nature of the modification and how it was established, have potential human or ecological impact if accidentally leaked or voluntarily released into a natural setting. Although all evidence to date is that GEMs are unable to compete in the environment, the power of synthetic biology to rewrite life requires a pre-emptive strategy to tackle possible unknown risks. Physical containment barriers have proven effective but a number of strategies have been developed to further strengthen biocontainment. Research on complex genetic circuits, lethal genes, alternative nucleic acids, genome recoding and synthetic auxotrophies aim to design more effective routes towards biocontainment. Here, we describe recent advances in synthetic biology that contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop new and improved genetic, semantic, metabolic and mechanistic plans for the containment of GEMs.

REFERENCE:
Torres, Leticia et al. “Synthetic Biology Approaches to Biological Containment: Pre-Emptively Tackling Potential Risks.” Ed. Vitor B. Pinheiro. Essays in Biochemistry 60.4 (2016): 393–410. PMC. Web. 8 Feb. 2017.
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Does Zika virus infection affect mosquito response to repellents?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people travelling to or living in areas with Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks or epidemics adopt prophylactic measures to reduce or eliminate mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellents. It is, however, unknown whether repellents are effective against ZIKV-infected mosquitoes, in part because of the ethical concerns related to exposing a human subject’s arm to infected mosquitoes in the standard arm-in-cage assay. We used a previously developed, human subject-free behavioural assay, which mimics a human subject to evaluate the top two recommended insect repellents. Our measurements showed that DEET provided significantly higher protection than picaridin provided against noninfected, host-seeking females of the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. When tested at lower doses, we observed a significant reduction in DEET-elicited protection against ZIKV-infected yellow fever mosquitoes from old and recent laboratory colonies. The reduction in protection is more likely associated with aging than the virus infection and could be compensated by applying a 5x higher dose of DEET. A substantial protection against ZIKV-infected and old noninfected mosquitoes was achieved with 5% DEET, which corresponds approximately to a 30% dose in the conventional arm-in-cage assays.
REFERENCE:
Leal WS, et al. Does Zika virus infection affect mosquito response to repellents? Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 16;7:42826.

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Guía NOM-010-STPS-2014, Agentes químicos contaminantes del ambiente laboral

La Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social, en ejercicio de sus atribuciones de normalización, publicó en el Diario Oficial de la Federación de fecha 28 de abril de 2014, la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-010-STPS-2014, Agentes químicos contaminantes del ambiente laboral - Reconocimiento, evaluación y control, misma que tiene por objeto establecer los procesos y las medidas para la prevención de riesgos a la salud del personal ocupacionalmente expuesto a agentes químicos contaminantes del ambiente laboral.
Dicha Norma rige en todo el territorio nacional y aplica a todos los centros de trabajo donde existan agentes químicos contaminantes del ambiente laboral, es decir, sustancias o mezclas capaces de modificar las condiciones ambientales del centro de trabajo y que, por sus propiedades, concentración, nivel y tiempo de exposición o acción, pueden alterar la salud de los trabajadores.

REFERENCIAS:

1. Guía Informativa de la Norma Oficial MexicanaNOM-010-STPS-2014, Agentes químicoscontaminantes del ambiente laboral -Reconocimiento, evaluación y control
2. NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-010-STPS-2014, Agentes químicos contaminantes del ambiente laboral-Reconocimiento, evaluación y control.

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Control strategies against Campylobacter at the poultry production level

Campylobacteriosis is the most prevalent bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis affecting humans in the European Union, and ranks second in the United States only behind salmonellosis. In Europe, there are about nine million cases of campylobacteriosis every year, making the disease a major public health issue. Human cases are mainly caused by the zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. The main source of contamination is handling or consumption of poultry meat. Poultry constitutes the main reservoir of Campylobacter, substantial quantities of which are found in the intestines following rapid, intense colonization. Reducing Campylobacter levels in the poultry chain would decrease the incidence of human campylobacteriosis. As primary production is a crucial step in Campylobacter poultry contamination, controlling the infection at this level could impact the following links along the food chain (slaughter, retail and consumption). This review describes the control strategies implemented during the past few decades in primary poultry production, including the most recent studies. In fact, the implementation of biosecurity and hygiene measures is described, as well as the immune strategy with passive immunization and vaccination trials and the nutritional strategy with the administration of organic and fatty acids, essential oil and plant-derived compound, probiotics, bacteriocins and bacteriophages.

REFERENCIA:
Meunier M, et al. Control strategies against Campylobacter at the poultry production level: biosecurity measures, feed additives and vaccination. J Appl Microbiol. 2016 May;120(5):1139-73.
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Permeation of limonene through disposable nitrile gloves

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the permeation of the low-volatile solvent limonene through different disposable, unlined, unsupported, nitrile exam whole gloves (blue, purple, sterling, and lavender, from Kimberly-Clark).
METHODS: This study utilized a moving and static dextrous robot hand as part of a novel dynamic permeation system that allowed sampling at specific times. Quantitation of limonene in samples was based on capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the internal standard method (4-bromophenol).
RESULTS: The average post-permeation thicknesses (before reconditioning) for all gloves for both the moving and static hand were more than 10% of the pre-permeation ones (P ≤ 0.05), although this was not so on reconditioning. The standardized breakthrough times and steady-state permeation periods were similar for the blue, purple, and sterling gloves. Both methods had similar sensitivity. The lavender glove showed a higher permeation rate (0.490 ± 0.031 μg/cm2/min) for the moving robotic hand compared to the non-moving hand (P ≤ 0.05), this being ascribed to a thickness threshold.
CONCLUSIONS: Permeation parameters for the static and dynamic robot hand models indicate that both methods have similar sensitivity in detecting the analyte during permeation and the blue, purple, and sterling gloves behave similarly during the permeation process whether moving or non-moving.

REFERENCE:
Banaee S, Que Hee SS. PERMEATION OF LIMONENE THROUGH DISPOSABLE NITRILE GLOVES USING A DEXTROUS ROBOT HAND. J Occup Health. 2017 Jan 21.

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EBSA upcoming events on #Biosafety

22 MAR 2017

7th “Annual International Symposium on Biosafety and Biosecurity: Future Trends and Solutions”

Milán, Italy.

When: 22 March 2017 - 13:00 to 24 March 2017 - 14:00

http://www.ebsaweb.eu/event/7th-annual-international-symposium-biosafety-and-biosecurity-future-trends-and-solutions

25 APR 2017

20th Annual meeting - EBSA conference

Madrid, Spain

When: 25 April 2017 - 09:00 to 28 April 2017 - 17:00

http://www.ebsaweb.eu/event/20th-annual-meeting-ebsa-conference

12 JUN 2017

IVBW18- International Veterinary Biosafety Workgroup

When: 12 June 2017 - 10:00 to 15 June 2017

Brazil.

http://www.ebsaweb.eu/event/ivbw18-international-veterinary-biosafety-workgroup

24 AUG 2017

SBNet - 11th Applied Biosafety Meeting

When: 24 August 2017 - 13:00 to 25 August 2017 - 17:00

Basel, Switzerland,

http://www.swissbiosafety.ch/event-2362416

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Aerosol Generation During Bone-Sawing Procedures in Veterinary Autopsies

elpais.com; NatGeo

Bone-sawing procedures are routinely performed during veterinary and human autopsies and represent an important source for infectious aerosols. Here we investigate the generation of aerosols during bone-sawing procedures using 5 different saws regularly used in veterinary and human pathology. In particular, the electrical bone band saw produced vast amounts of aerosolized particles less than 5 µm in diameter, which spread rapidly throughout the entire autopsy hall, leading to an exposure of all personnel. Other sawing devices tested were a diamond-coated cut grinder, an oscillating saw, a reciprocating saw, and a hand bone saw. Although these saws, especially the handsaw, generated fewer aerosolized particles than the band saw, the level of exposure of the saw operator would still be of concern in cases where infectious material would require sawing. Contamination of the entire autopsy area was successfully prevented by the construction of a separately ventilated sawing cabin inside the existing autopsy room. Saw operators in this cabin, however, were exposed to even higher aerosol concentrations. Protection of saw operators was achieved by using a powered air-purifying respirator. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that all bone-sawing procedures applied in veterinary and human pathology can generate aerosols that are of concern for the health of autopsy personnel. To reduce the risk of aerosol infections from bone-sawing procedures, efficient and properly designed ventilation systems to limit the spread of aerosols and appropriate personal protective equipment against aerosols for exposed personnel should be implemented.

REFERENCES:
Wenner L, et al. Aerosol Generation During Bone-Sawing Procedures in Veterinary Autopsies. Vet Pathol. 2017 Jan 1:300985816688744. doi: 10.1177/0300985816688744.

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Universal and reusable virus deactivation system for respiratory protection

Aerosolized pathogens are a leading cause of respiratory infection and transmission. Currently used protective measures pose potential risk of primary/secondary infection and transmission. Here, we report the development of a universal, reusable virus deactivation system by functionalization of the main fibrous filtration unit of surgical mask with sodium chloride salt. The salt coating on the fiber surface dissolves upon exposure to virus aerosols and recrystallizes during drying, destroying the pathogens. When tested with tightly sealed sides, salt-coated filters showed remarkably higher filtration efficiency than conventional mask filtration layer, and 100% survival rate was observed in mice infected with virus penetrated through salt-coated filters. Viruses captured on salt-coated filters exhibited rapid infectivity loss compared to gradual decrease on bare filters. Salt-coated filters proved highly effective in deactivating influenza viruses regardless of subtypes and following storage in harsh environmental conditions. Our results can be applied in obtaining a broad-spectrum, airborne pathogen prevention device in preparation for epidemic and pandemic of respiratory diseases.

REFERENCE:
Quan, Fu-Shi et al. “Universal and Reusable Virus Deactivation System for Respiratory Protection.” Scientific Reports 7 (2017): 39956. PMC. Web. 8 Jan. 2017.

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How to improve influenza vaccine coverage of healthcare personnel

Influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide each year. Healthcare-associated influenza is a frequent event. Health care personnel (HCP) may be the source for infecting patients and may propagate nosocomial outbreaks. All HCP should receive a dose of influenza vaccine each year to protect themselves and others. This commentary will discuss the study recently published in the IJHPR by Nutman and Yoeli which assessed the beliefs and attitudes of HCP in an Israel hospital regarding influenza and the influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, as noted by Nutman and Yoeli in this issue many HCP in Israel choose not to receive influenza immunization and many harbor misconceptions regarding their risk for influenza as well as the benefits of influenza vaccine. We also discuss proven methods to increase acceptance by HCP for receiving an annual influenza vaccine.

REFERENCE:
Weber, David J., Orenstein W, and Rutala WA. “How to Improve Influenza Vaccine Coverage of Healthcare Personnel.” Israel Journal of Health Policy Research 5 (2016): 61. PMC. Web. 8 Jan. 2017.

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Occupational HIV infection in a research laboratory

A lab-worker was infected with HIV-1 in a biosafety level-2 of containment, without any apparent breach. Through full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we could identify the source of infection in a replication-competent clone, unknowingly contaminating a safe experiment. Mode of transmission remains unclear. Caution is warranted when handling HIV-derived constructs.

REFERENCE:
Soria A, Alteri C, Scarlatti G, et al. Occupational HIV infection in a research laboratory with unknown mode of transmission: a case report. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Dec 28.
(ACCESO SOLO CON SUBSCRIPCIÓN)
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Entra en vigor la prohibición de la #FDA de usar guantes con talco

A partir de hoy, Enero 18 de 2017, entra en vigor la prohibición del uso de guantes con talco, tanto en instalaciones de atención a la salud como en áreas veterinarias, en virtud de que plantean peligros para la salud humana. El talco utilizado en todos los tipos de guantes se ha relacionado con muchos efectos adversos potencialmente graves, como inflamación grave de las vías respiratorias, reacciones de hipersensibilidad, reacciones alérgicas (incluida el asma), inflamación y daño pulmonar, granuloma y adherencias peritoneales. Las reacciones alérgicas respiratorias también pueden deberse a proteínas en el talco de guantes pulverizado, señala la FDA.
De acuerdo con el organismo oficial, se cuenta con alternativas sin talco para guantes, tanto de cirujanos como para la exploración de pacientes, y proporcionan protección similar, destreza y desempeño, pero sin ninguno de los riesgos asociados a los guantes con talco. "Por consiguiente, una transición a las alternativas disponibles en el comercio no debiera ir en detrimento de la salud pública". Las alternativas a este tipo de guantes, son el uso de guantes SIN TALCO. La prohibición incluye la fabricación, distribución, venta y uso de guantes con talco como producto final, por lo que es de esperarse que los fabricantes de Estados Unidos dejen de distribuir a otros países.
Con información de Medscape y FDA.gov

REFERENCIAS:

1. FDA: Banned Devices; Ban Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves,Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, andAbsorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’sGlove
2. FDA Ban on Powdered Medical Gloves Applies to Veterinary Use
3. Decisión final: La FDA prohíbe los guantes con talco en las intervenciones quirúrgicas y en la práctica clínica

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#Zika virus in asymptomatic blood donors in Martinique

Many aspects of Zika fever natural history remain unknown (eg, the proportion of asymptomatic cases and the duration of viremia). Estimating the prevalence of Zika infections is difficult because a large proportion of infected individuals do not seek medical attention, and seroprevalence studies are hampered by antigenic cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses (eg, dengue virus).11 Here, we present a study of ZIKV infection in blood donors from Martinique island (French West Indies, Caribbean region), with novel epidemiological, biological, and clinical information that refines the picture of Zika fever in adults.

REFERENCE:
Gallian P, et al. Zika virus in asymptomatic blood donors in Martinique. Blood. 2017 Jan 12;129(2):263-266.
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NOM-051-SCT2-2011, Clasificación de substancias infecciosas y embalaje

CONSIDERANDO:
Que es necesario establecer las disposiciones generales que se deben cumplir para el transporte de los envases y embalajes de las substancias peligrosas de la división 6.2 agentes infecciosos.
Que dada la importancia de la utilización de envases y embalajes de las substancias peligrosas de la división 6.2, es menester que se realice bajo condiciones que garanticen la seguridad en la prestación de los servicios de transporte, y que esto no represente un riesgo para la población y el medio ambiente.
Se publicó la:
NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-051-SCT2/2011, Especificaciones para la clasificación de las substancias infecciosas y especificaciones especiales y adicionales para la construcción y ensayo (prueba) de los envases y/o embalajes que transporten substancias infecciosas de la división 6.2, Categoría A.

Guidance on regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances 2015–2016 (Se actualizará en los próximos meses para el periodo 2017-2018.)

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European agreement: International carriage of dangerous goods by road

This authoritative Agreement is intended to increase the safety of international transport of dangerous goods by road. Its Annexes A and B contain the technical requirements for road transport, i.e. the conditions under which dangerous goods, when authorized for transport, may be carried internationally, as well as uniform provisions concerning the construction and operation of vehicles carrying dangerous goods. They also establish international requirements and procedures for training and safety obligations of participants. The Agreement has been regularly amended and updated since its entry into force. This version has been prepared on the basis of amendments applicable as from 1 January 2017.

REFERENCE:
European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road.
United Nations 2016.
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