Most isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contain a 90-kb virulence plasmid. This plasmid is reported to be mobilizable but nonconjugative. However, we have determined that the virulence plasmid of strains LT2, 14028, and SR-11 is indeed self-transmissible. The plasmid of strain SL1344 is not. Optimal conjugation frequency requires filter matings on M9 minimal glucose plates with a recipient strain lacking the virulence plasmid. These conditions result in a frequency of 2.9 × 10−4transconjugants/donor. Matings on Luria-Bertani plates, liquid matings, or matings with a recipient strain carrying the virulence plasmid reduce the efficiency by up to 400-fold. Homologs of the F plasmid conjugation genes are physically located on the virulence plasmid and are required for the conjugative phenotype.

Background Although Treatment-as-Prevention (TasP) efforts are a new cornerstone of efforts to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, their effects among people who use drugs (PWUD) have not been fully evaluated. This study characterizes temporal trends in CD4 cell count at ART initiation and rates of virologic response among HIV-positive PWUD during a TasP initiative. Methods We used data on individuals initiating ART within a prospective cohort of PWUD linked to comprehensive clinical records. Using multivariable linear regression, we evaluated the relationship between CD4 count prior to ART initiation and year of initiation and time to HIV-1 RNA viral load < 50 copies/mL following initiation using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Among 355 individuals, CD4 count at initiation rose from 130 to 330 cells/mL from 2005 to 2013. In multivariable regression, initiation year was significantly associated with higher CD4 count (β = 29.5 cells per year, 95% CI: 21.0–37.9). Initiating ART at higher CD4 counts was significantly associated with optimal viral response (Adjusted Hazard Ratio = 1.13 per 100 cells/mL increase, 95% CI: 1.05–1.22). Discussion Increases in CD4 cell count at initiation over time was associated with superior virologic response, consistent with the aims of the TasP initiative.

This is the first Canadian study to investigate the association between organ transplantation and melanoma. Our study did not identify an increased risk of developing a de novo melanoma post-transplant.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by deficiencies in specific enzymes involved in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These deficiencies cause excessive metabolites to accumulate in multiple organs. There are eight different MPS disorders, contributing to the wide variation in clinical presentation. Depending on the severity and subtype of the disease, some children live normal life spans, while others have a more grim prognosis. Children with MPS can present with neurologic, behavioral, skeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or respiratory abnormalities. Cutaneous manifestations are mostly nonspecific and can include coarse facial features, thickened skin, and excessive hair growth. More specific skin findings include ivory-colored "pebbly" papules found in Hunter syndrome and extensive dermal melanocytosis found in Hurler and Hunter syndromes. Early diagnosis of MPS disorders is extremely important to minimize the progression of the disease and for early initiation of appropriate treatment.