APHL E-Update October 3, 2002
News:
HHS Announces Contracts for Developing a New Anthrax Vaccine
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded two companies contracts designed to spur development of a new anthrax vaccine. The two contracts total $22.5 million through fiscal year 2003.
"There is an urgent need to devise more effective measures to protect U.S. citizens from the harmful effects of anthrax spores used as instruments of terror," said Secretary Thompson. "These awards represent the first step toward our goal of securing an initial 25 million doses of an improved anthrax vaccine for our emergency stockpile." For more information, see www.hhs.gov/news
Parasite, Mosquito Genomes Complete Malaria Picture
Genome sequences of "Plasmodium falciparum," the most lethal malaria-causing parasite, and "Anopheles gambiae," a mosquito that transmits the parasite to humans, are now complete, two international research teams announced this week.
"The sequencing of both "P. falciparum" and its insect vector heralds a new era in the fight against malaria. When joined with information we have about the human genome, a much fuller understanding of this disease and its transmission is now possible," says Anthony S. Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "NIAID is proud to have contributed to this extraordinary scientific achievement, which will speed efforts to investigate and develop control strategies for this devastating disease." For more information, see www.niaid.nih.gov/dmid/malaria
Gene's Role in Malaria Drug Resistance Proved
In research supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), David A. Fidock, Ph.D., has proved conclusively that the malaria-causing parasite "Plasmodium falciparum" became resistant to the anti- malarial drug chloroquine through mutations in a single parasite gene. Paradoxically, this gene acts as both a shield and a chink in the armor of "P. falciparum" by making the parasite less susceptible to chloroquine, but more susceptible to some other anti-malarials. Dr. Fidock and members of his laboratory at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine published their findings in this week's edition of the journal "Science" as part of a special issue that also includes publication of the genetic sequence of "Anopheles gambiae," a mosquito that transmits malaria. See www.niaid.nih.gov for more information.
Gene Therapy Promising for Preventing Restenosis
An experimental gene transfer technique shut down cell re-growth in the arteries' interior lining and reduced the inflammatory response - two main causes of re-narrowing of newly opened blood vessels, researchers report in a rapid access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. For more information, see www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2002-09/aha-gtp091302.php
Genome-Wide Scanning Unravels Complex Birth Defect
Researchers from the McKusick-Nathans Institute for Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins have successfully used genome-scanning technology to search through thousands of DNA bits, from every chromosome, to identify two genes that cause an inherited intestinal disorder by working together. For more information, please see www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/September/020925B.htm
Clinic to Collect DNA, Match to Medicines
Researchers at a central Wisconsin clinic plan to collect DNA from 40,000 volunteers to help create a database that will be used to match genetic profiles, medical histories and other data to medications to treat disease. For more information, see www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20020920-034247-4662r
New Drugs Protect Nerve Cells in Parkinson Mice
Two experimental drugs appear to prevent Parkinson's disease-like brain damage and motor dysfunction in mice, according to investigators at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Gerontology Research Center. The finding identifies a new approach for slowing or halting the progression of Parkinson's disease that may one day help treat people who have it.
"Although one must be cautiously optimistic when moving drugs from animals to humans, as the results are not always the same, these new drugs are remarkably effective in the animal studies, and appear to be well-tolerated", says Mark Mattson, PhD, chief of the NIA's Laboratory of Neurosciences. For more information, visit www.nia.nih.gov
Scientists Discover Genetic Defect Responsible for Devastating Brain Disorder among Amish Babies
An international team, led by researchers from the National Human Genome Research
Institute (NHGRI), has discovered the genetic cause for a rare form of microcephaly, a devastating brain disorder that has stricken infants among the Older Order Amish for nine generations.
The study, published in the September issue of "Nature Genetics," describes the gene mutation that underlies Amish microcephaly (MCPHA), a birth defect marked by a profoundly small head and brain size. Over the past 40 years, 61 babies with MCPHA have been born to 23 nuclear families in the Old Order Amish community in Lancaster County, Pa. None of the children has lived beyond the age of 14 months, and most die between 4-6 months. For more information, see genome.gov/
Scientists Identify Key Gene Involved in Cleft Lip and Palate
Scientists report in this month's "Nature Genetics" they have discovered the gene that causes Van der Woude syndrome, the most common of the syndromic forms of cleft lip and palate. The term "syndromic" means babies are born with cleft lip and palate, in addition to other birth defects.
According to the scientists, the discovery could very possibly direct them to genes involved in "non syndromic" cleft lip and palate, one of the most common birth defects in the world. For further information, visit www.nidr.nih.gov/
HHS Awards $11.4 Million for Community Research into Effective Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced 25 grants totaling $11.4 million to fund community-based research into local disease prevention and health promotion needs. The grants will support coordinated efforts between academic centers and state and local health departments to identify the research needs of their communities.
"These grants will help researchers identify critical health research needs in local communities so that they can better target efforts to promote good health and prevent illness," Secretary Thompson said. "These research efforts ultimately will translate into effective local strategies to improve the health of residents." For more information, see www.hhs.gov/news
Announcements:
APHL Minute Survey
Have you noticed? Our bimonthly publication, the APHL Minute, has been growing and changing over the past year. We would like you to help us guide this process. Please share your opinions by taking a few moments to fill out a brief survey, located at www.aphl.org/docs/ACF1547.htm.
Public Health Laboratory
Collaborative for Laboratory Information Management
Systems
A
new and important initiative is being undertaken through an APHL
partnership with a newly formed Public Health Informatics Institute to address
public health laboratories' urgent need to update or acquire new laboratory
information management (LIM) systems. The first outcome of the
initiative will be a complete and comprehensive set of system requirements
unique to public health laboratories that conforms to all applicable and
published data and systems standards, such as those for the National Electronic
Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS). The target date for completion is May
2003.
The LIM system requirement definition will then be used to assess available commercial and governmental software. As a second outcome, a software assessment will analyze options available that can be used for decision-making (target completion date August 2003). It is anticipated that this project will provide the tools for PHLs to make well-informed decisions for the enhancement or replacement of their LIM system that best fits their needs.
The project will begin with an October 23-25 kickoff meeting in Atlanta with PHL Project Partners desiring to participate. Up to 10 local or state PHLs are sought to actively participate in this initiative by completing and submitting a Response Form to APHL by close of business, Friday, October 4, 2002 . The Response Form can be obtained from Helen Regnery (hregnery@aphl.org) or Doug Drabkowski (ddrabkowski@aphl.org) ddrabkowski@aphl.org). All public health laboratories are requested to minimally participate in this initiative by sharing your current LIM system requirements for confidential review by the Institute to collect ideas for developing a common definition for all laboratories. If you have questions or comments about this initiative, please contact Doug Drabkowski at 202.822.5227 x206 or Helen Regnery at 770.491.0693.
US National Wild Poliovirus Inventory
The US national wild poliovirus inventory of all biomedical laboratories begins in October 2002. Inventory forms will be mailed to academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and clinical, hospital and government facilities. Even if no wild poliovirus materials are retained, all institutions/laboratories must respond by December 31, 2002. Laboratories that retain poliovirus materials will be placed on the national inventory to be informed of global eradication progress and when to implement biosafety measures appropriate for the materials stored and procedures performed. Additional information can be accessed at the Poliovirus Laboratory Containment Preparedness website at www.cdc.gov/od/nvpo/polio.
Banking Newborn Blood Spots for Public Health
The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention, in collaboration with the Newborn Screening Branch in the National Center for Environmental Health and the Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, hosted a meeting to discuss developing a strategic plan to assess the feasibility, utility, and practical implementation of establishing a national/multi-state bank of leftover newborn dried blood spots. The purpose of the meeting was to 1) Bring together individual states that have already developed policies to varying degrees for the use of state-based spot banks for public health applications, 2) Discuss state experiences, and 3) Develop a collaborative, strategic plan for the future. For further information on this meeting, please contact Jelili Ojodu, APHL's program manager for newborn screening and genetics at 202.822.5227 x235 or at jojodu@aphl.org
Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellowships
This program provides an opportunity for mid-career health professionals and behavioral and social scientists with an interest in health to take part in and better understand the health policy processes at the federal level. Up to eight fellows will be selected for the 2003 program. Each Fellowship entails a traditional one-year residential experience in Washington (which can be augmented by extending the Washington stay through the legislative session) and continuing health policy activities for two years after the Washington placement ends. Total support available to each Fellow is $155,000. The deadline is November 15, 2002. For the complete program announcements and application guidelines, see www.rwjf.org/applyForGrant/openCalls.jsp
EPA Seeks Water Program Advisory Committee Nominees
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations of individuals to serve on the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, which is intended to provide practical and independent advice, consultation, and recommendations to the Agency on the activities, functions, and policies related to the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Council consists of 15 members, including a Chairperson, appointed by the Deputy Administrator. Nominations are due to EPA by October 15, 2002. Contact Brenda Johnson, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, 202.564.3791 or Johnson.BrendaP@epa.gov
US Geological Survey Releases Water Report
The Water Resources Investigations Report by Mike Moran, Wayne Lapham, Barbara Rowe and John Zogorski titled "Occurrence and Status of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water from Rural, Untreated, Self-Supplied Domestic Wells in the United States, 1986-99," characterizes the occurrence and status of VOCs in domestic well water samples collected as part of the NAWQA program, as well as existing sample data from local, State, and other Federal agencies. Major topics related to the occurrence and status of VOCs in these samples include detections of individual as well as mixtures of VOCs, detections of VOCs by predominant use group, and status of VOC concentrations compared to federal maximum contaminant levels and health advisories. Potential sources of VOCs are also discussed. Contact Mike Moran at 605.355.4560 ext. 244, jmoran@usgs.gov. For further information, see sd.water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pubs/wrir/wrir02_4085.pdf
Transportation of Hazardous Substances
The DoT Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) issued a final rule to correct editorial errors, make minor regulatory changes, and, in response to requests for clarification, improve the clarity of certain provisions in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The amendments contained in this rule are minor editorial changes and do not impose new requirements. Contact: Eileen Edmonson, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards at 202.366.8553.
Unpublished Data on Mixtures of Hazardous Substances Sought
The HHS Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) seeks public comments by November 30 on the following three draft interaction toxicity profiles prepared by ATSDR for hazardous substances at Department of Energy (DOE) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) waste sites: Document 1: "Interaction profile for cesium, cobalt, polychlorinated biphenyls, strontium, and trichloroethylene;" Document 2: "Interaction profile for arsenic, hydrazines, jet fuels, strontium, trichloroethylene;" and Document 3: "Interaction profile for cyanide, fluoride, nitrate, and uranium."
ATSDR seeks to solicit any additional studies, particularly unpublished data and ongoing studies, which will be evaluated for possible addition to the profiles now or in the future. Paper copies of the draft interaction profiles are available by writing to Franchetta Stephens, Division of Toxicology, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Mailstop E-29, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Atlanta, Georgia 30333, 888.422.8737 or 404.498.0720; FCS5@CDC.gov For further information, visit www.atsdr.cdc.gov
CDC Seeks Comments on Cyanobacteria Drinking Water Study
The CDC National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) seeks public comments by November 26 on extending an existing information collection request, "Human Exposure to Cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) Toxins in Drinking Water: Risk of Exposure to Microcystin from Public Water Systems," OMB. No. 0920-0527. CDC will conduct an epidemiological study. Blood samples will be analyzed using a newly developed molecular assay for levels of microcystins, the hepatotoxin produced by Micocystis aeruginosa. They will analyze blood samples for levels of liver enzymes (a biological marker of hepatotoxicity) and for a number of clinical parameters including hepatitis infection (a potential confounder in our study). They will evaluate whether they can (1) detect low levels of microcystins (<10 ng/ml of blood), in the blood of people who are exposed to very low levels of this toxin in their drinking water, (2) utilize clinical endpoints such as blood liver enzyme levels as biomarkers of exposure and biological effect, and (3) compare the analytical results for the exposed population with the results from the referent population. Contact Seleda Perryman the CDC Reports Clearance Officer 404.498.1210.
Sharing Environmental Data Between EPA and States
The EPA Office of Environmental Information seeks public comments by November 12 on a draft standard, "Contact Information Data Standard," which consists of a list of data elements, definitions for these elements, notes, and explanatory preamble language. It was developed by the partnership efforts of States, Tribes, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency participating in the Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC). Data standards are documented agreements on formats and definitions of data elements. Standards are developed only when there is an environmental management business reason. Contact: Linda Spencer, 202.566.1651; Spencer.Linda@EPA.gov.
Water Bodies Fail to Meet Established Water Quality Standards
EPA reports on the findings of an Agency study, "National Water Quality Inventory: 2000 Report," the Agency's biennial national summary of water quality, based on water monitoring findings reported by the states, territories, jurisdictions and tribes in 2000 under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act. EPA reports that 39 percent of assessed river and stream miles, 45 percent of assessed lake acres, and 51 percent of assessed estuary square miles in the nation were found to be impaired for one or more uses. EPA is developing a national monitoring strategy to improve water quality assessment and reporting and ensure that state water quality findings are comprehensive and comparable among states and over time. Under the Clean Water Act, states have primary responsibility for water quality monitoring. To read the report, visit www.epa.gov/305b/2000report
Courses:
Foot and Mouth Disease: United Kingdom, 2001
The National Laboratory Training Network, in cooperation with state public health laboratories, will present this teleconference on October 8, 2002 from 1-2 PM (EDT). The speaker will be Michelle Kahn, MS, DVM of the North Atlanta Animal Medical Center in Atlanta, GA; the moderator will be Mary Celotti, Laboratory Administrator Director of the Vermont Public Health Laboratory. The teleconference will explore the epidemiology, the clinical signs, the laboratory diagnostic methods and correct specimen handling, and the methods of controlling the spread of Foot and Mouth disease. For more information, see www.nltn.org.
October 12, 2002. Training Program for Health Professionals: In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN. Contact Kathleen Schuler at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 612.870.3468, kschuler@iatp.org.
Asthma Workshop
In collaboration with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the State of Alaska, ASTHO will be sponsoring the fourth workshop in the series "Toward an Action Agenda: Strategies to Reduce Environmental Factors that Affect Asthma in Children." The upcoming workshop will be held October 16-17, 2002 in Sacramento, CA, and will focus on outdoor environmental asthma triggers. Contact Becky Smullin at 202.371.9090 or bsmullin@astho.org. Visit www.astho.org for more information.
Translating Tandem Mass Spectrometry Results from Laboratory to Follow-up
This five-day course, sponsored by NNSGRC, will be an intensive training for non-laboratory personnel. The course will be held twice: on October 21-25, at the Biochemical Laboratory of Duke University Medical Center in Research Triangle Park, NC and again on November 18-22, at the Institute of Metabolic Disease at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
For a course description, please go to www.aphl.org/docs/msms%20non-lab1.doc. For further information, please contact Jelili Ojodu, APHL's program manager for newborn screening and genetics, at 202.822.5227 x235 or at jojodu@aphl.org.
Newborn Screening by Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Course in Understanding Laboratory Issues & Interpreting Test Results
This intensive five-day course is co-sponsored by APHL, NLTN, HRSA and CDC. It will be held twice: first on November 11-15 at the Biochemical Laboratory of the Duke University Medical Center in Research Triangle Park, NC and again on December 9-13 at the Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
For a course description, please go to www.aphl.org/docs/ACF180A.doc. For more information, please contact Jelili Ojodu, APHL's program manager for newborn screening and genetics, at 202.822.5227 x235 or at jojodu@aphl.org.
Legionella Seminar
The Legionella Prevention Training Course will be offered December 5-6, 2002 in the Washington, DC area by HC Information Resources Inc. and the Virginia Department of Mental Health. The instructor will give an overview of risk reduction strategies and then provide detailed recommendations for plumbing systems, cooling towers, and other aerosolizing devices. Environmental sampling methodology will be outlined, including interpretation of results. Risk assessment checklists, domestic water disinfection methods, and outbreak investigation procedures will also be covered. To register or get more information, visit www.hcinfo.com, telephone 800.801.8050, or email seminars@hcinfo.com.
2002 Newborn Screening & Genetic Testing Symposium
November 4-7, 2002, Phoenix, AZ. For more information, link to www.aphl.org/National_Conferences/2002newborn.cfm.
4th National Conference on Laboratory Aspects of Tuberculosis
This conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway in San Francisco, CA from December 10-13, 2002. For more information, link to www.aphl.org/National_Conferences/4thTBConf.cfm
2003 Infectious Disease Conference
"Molecular Diagnostics, Impact on Public Health Practice, From BT to STDs" will be held on March 5-7 in Denver, CO.
Other Meetings:
Environmental Issues along the US Mexico Border
The EPA Good Neighbor Environmental Board, a federal advisory committee that reports to the President and Congress on environmental and infrastructure projects along the U.S. border with Mexico, will meet October 9-10 in Nogales, Arizona. Speakers will address two border-region environmental infrastructure topics: conservation and health. The Board will host a two-hour special session on the potential effects of homeland security activities on border-region environmental infrastructure. EPA Contact: Elaine Koerner, 202.233.0069; Koerner.Elaine@EPA.gov. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/ocem/gneb-page.htm
Environmental Hormone 2002 Conference (Endocrine Disruptors)
October 17-19, 2002, Environmental Hormone 2002 Conference (endocrine disruptors). New Orleans, LA. Visit e.hormone.tulane.edu for further information.
On October 18-20, 2002 the Association of the Physicians for the Environment of Turkey. Istanbul will host the International Symposium on Children's Health and Environment. Contact: Umit Sahin, cevhek@superonline.com, Phone: +90.212.244.56.68
American Biological Safety Association Meeting
The American Biological Safety Association meeting will be held in San Francisco, Oct 20-23. For those upgrading their labs to BSL-3 or more, this might be a good opportunity to learn more about design and use of such facilities. For more information, visit www.absa.org/
Rapid Methods for Food Microbiology
The "Rapid Methods for Food Microbiology" workshop will be held October 24-26, 2002 at York College, The City University of New York in Jamaica, New York. The workshop is sponsored by York College, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Northeast Regional Laboratory, the Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT), and AOAC INTERNATIONAL. For more information, visit: www.york.cuny.edu/~rapidm.
20th International Neurotoxicology Conference
November 18 - 21, 20th International Neurotoxicology Conference, "Emerging Issues in Neurotoxicology," Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact: Joan Cranmer, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 501.320.2986; CranmerJoanM@uams.edu
National Toxicology Program Board of Scientific Counselors to Meet
The HHS Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program (NTP) Board of Scientific Counselors will meet November 19-20 in Maryland to review draft toxicity reports of substances for possible inclusion in the HHS "Report on Carcinogens (RoC)." Electronic copies of the summary documents for each of the substances is posted at ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/ (select Report on Carcinogens), specifically at ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/NewHomeRoc/roc11Bkgrnd.html Contact NTP's Dr. C.W. Jameson at 919.541.4096; Jameson@niehs.nih.gov
3rd National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment
The 3rd National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment, Education for a Sustainable and Secure Future, will be held January 30-31, 2003 in Washington, DC at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. For more information, see NCSEonline.org/