Organophosphate (OP) compounds, including paraoxon (POX), are similar to nerve agents such as sarin. There is a growing concern that OP agents could be weaponized to cause mass civilian causalities. We have developed a rodent survival model of POX toxicity that is being used to evaluate chronic morbidity and to screen for medical countermeasures against severe OP exposure. It is well known that...

Sheeppox virus from an outbreak of sheeppox that occurred in Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir, India) in 2000 was isolated by inoculation of susceptible sheep and further re-isolated in cell culture. The field virus, adapted to grow in lamb testes culture, was evaluated for its potential use as challenge virus in potency testing of sheeppox vaccine currently in use. The virus (passage 6) produced se...

In comparison to single infections, co-infection of Nicotiana benthamiana with Potato virus X (PVX) and Potato virus Y (PVY) or Plum pox virus (PPV), resulted in increased systemic symptoms (synergism in pathology). Previous studies have shown that virus infections affected the accumulation of various microRNAs (miRNAs) and miRNA target genes. Our studies revealed that double infection by PVX a...

Paraoxon (POX) is an active metabolite of organophosphate (OP) pesticide parathion that has been weaponized and used against civilian populations. Exposure to POX produces high mortality. OP poisoning is often associated with chronic neurological disorders. In this study, we optimize a rat survival model of lethal POX exposures in order to mimic both acute and long-term effects of POX intoxicat...

In spite of the ignorance regarding the etiological agents concerned in the contagious diseases of children, it has been possible, through the careful clinical observations of such men as Sydenham, to differentiate one from the other. Notwithstanding this wide clinical knowledge, it is still impossible to control the spread of these diseases, or to arrest their course once they have established...

Introduction Sharka or plum pox disease is considered one of the most devastating diseases of stone fruits in terms of agricultural impact and economic importance (Dunez and Sutic, 1988; Nemeth, 1994). The disease is detrimental to apricot, peach and plum trees as it results in reduced quality and premature dropping of fruits. The causal agent is plum pox virus (PPV), a member of the Potyvirus ...