A neurocisticercose é a forma mais severa relacionada ao complexo teníase-cisticercose, causada pela Taenia solium. Diversas medidas de controle já foram propostas, ressaltando a profilaxia via hospedeiro intermediário com o desenvolvimento de vacinas contra a cisticercose suína, que podem ser previamente avaliadas em um modelo experimental intraperitoneal com cisticercos de Taenia crassiceps, em camundongos Balb/c, constituindo a cisticercose murina. No presente trabalho foram avaliados: a resposta imune humoral pela pesquisa de anticorpos IgG anti-T. crassiceps por teste ELISA e Imunoblot, relação IgG1/IgG2a e, análise dos índices de avidez; a resposta imune celular, de acordo com os resultados de proliferação celular, dosagem de citocinas e teste de hipersensibilidade tardia (HTT) e; o índice de proteção (IP) induzido por antígeno bruto (LV-total) e purificado (18/14) de T. crassiceps, com ou sem o auxílio de adjuvantes, sob protocolos de imunização ativa por via subcutânea e oral. Paralelamente à análise de imunização ativa, houve avaliação do protocolo de imunização passiva com anticorpos monoclonais (AcMo) anti-T. crassiceps. Foram analisados 19 grupos experimentais divididos em três protocolos de imunização ativa por via subcutânea. No protocolo I foram avaliados três grupos experimentais imunizados com 10&#181;g de 18/14, uma dose, e auxílio dos adjuvantes PSS/DDA, Al(OH)3 ou sem o auxílio destes. Os grupos apresentaram IP entre 24,9% e 51,8%. No protocolo II foram analisados nove grupos imunizados com 5, 10 ou 20&#181;g de 18/14 e diferentes esquemas de adjuvantes: DODAB (IP entre 90,3% e 100,0%), PSS/DDA (IP entre 63,6% e 70,1%) ou Al(OH)3 (IP entre 60,7% e 100,0%). Comparando as concentrações antigênicas, os grupos apresentaram maiores IP quando imunizados com 5 ou 10&#181;g de 18/14. No protocolo III foram analisados sete grupos imunizados com 20, 40 e/ou 60&#181;g de 18/14, com duas ou três doses, em diferentes esquemas de adjuvantes: PSS/DDA e Al(OH)3 ou sem adjuvantes, com IP entre 63,5% e 100,0%. A avaliação da resposta imune humoral dos grupos imunizados por via subcutânea demonstraram a presença de anticorpos IgG por teste ELISA em todos os grupos imunizados, sem correlação dos índices de reatividade (IR) com os IP. Por imunoblot, foram reconhecidas, pelo menos, as proteínas de 14 e 18 kDa após 15 (T15), 30 (T30) e/ou 60 (T60) dias contados a partir da 1ª dose de imunização. Os grupos imunizados por via subcutânea que apresentaram IP> 90,0% tiveram relação IgG1/IgG2a >1,0 no T30 e <1,0 no T60. Quanto à avaliação da resposta imune celular, 10 dos 12 grupos avaliados por ensaios de proliferação de células obtidas de linfonodos induzidas por 18/14 apresentaram índices de estimulação (IE) positivos, enquanto que o antígeno L-Vtotal demonstrou-se imunossupressor nestes experimentos. A análise de dois grupos imunizados de forma ativa, por via subcutânea, com IP=100%, mostrou o predomínio de citocinas com polarização Th1 (IFN-&#947;) no T60 e Th2 (IL-4) no T120. Não houve correlação dos IP com os resultados obtidos com HTT, porém, os resultados foram variáveis de acordo com o perfil antigênico e o adjuvante utilizado pela via subcutânea. Sequencialmente foram analisados seis grupos imunizados de forma ativa, por via oral, com 10, 20 ou 30&#181;g de LV-total, uma ou duas doses, com o auxílio de Al(OH)3 que apresentaram IP entre 48,3% e 100,0%, sem diferença significativa entre os grupos, exceto com o grupo imunizado com duas doses de 30&#181;g, o qual apresentou 100,0% de IP. No T15 e T30 os IR obtidos em teste ELISA para pesquisa de anticorpos IgG anti-T. crassiceps foram entre 0,9 e 2,4, enquanto que no T60 entre 2,6 e 5,1. Por Imunoblot, foram reconhecidas as proteínas de 14, 18, 30 e >40kDa no T60. A relação IgG1/IgG2a foi <1,0 no T30 e no T60, enquanto que HTT foi apresentado <40,0% no T30 e T60. Adicionalmente aos ensaios de imunização ativa, seis grupos de camundongos Balb/c imunizados de forma passiva com anticorpos monoclonais anti-T. crassiceps apresentaram IP até 93,0%. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, antígenos bruto e purificado de T. crassiceps foram considerados promissores para imunização murina, principalmente o 18/14 quando utilizado com DODAB ou hidróxido de alumínio pela via subcutânea. Os mecanismos protetores não foram totalmente elucidados, porém, demonstram polarização para resposta Th1 e proteção parcial dependente de IgG, demonstrada pelos ensaios de imunização passiva. / Neurocysticercosis is the most severe form of infection related to the complex taeniasis-cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium. Several control measures have been proposed, emphasizing the prophylaxis via intermediate host through the development of vaccines against porcine cysticercosis, which may be previously evaluated in an intraperitoneal experimental model using cysticercus of Taenia crassiceps, in Balb/c mice, constituting the murine cysticercosis. In this study were evaluated: the humoral immune response by search of anti-T. crassiceps IgG antibody by ELISA and Immunoblot assays, IgG1/IgG2a ratio and, analysis of avidity indices; the cellular immune response by proliferation assay, cytokine maeasurements and delayed hypersensitivity assay (DHA) and; protection index (PI) induced by crude antigen (total-VF) and purified (18/14) of T. crassiceps, with or without adjuvants, through active immunization protocols by subcutaneous and oral administration. In parallel to the active immunization was performed the evaluation of passive immunization protocol with anti-T. crassiceps monoclonal antibodies (AcMo). Were analyzed 19 experimental groups, divided into three active immunization protocols by subcutaneous via. In I Protocol were evaluated three experimental groups which were immunized with 10&#181;g of 18/14 antigen, one dose, with or without PSS/DDA, Al(OH)3 adjuvants. These groups showed PI between 24,9% and 51,8%. In II Protocol were evaluated nine experimental groups which were immunized with 5, 10 or 20&#181;g of 18/14 antigen, using different schemes of adjuvants: DODAB (PI between 90,3% and 100,0%), PSS/DDA (PI between 63,6% and 70,1%) or Al(OH)3 (PI between 60,7% and 100,0%). Comparing the concentrations antigenic, groups had higher IP when immunized with 5 or 10&#181;g of 18/14 antigen. In III Protocol were evaluated seven groups immunized with 20, 40 and/or 60&#181;g of 18/14 antigen, with two or three doses, using also different schemes of adjuvants: PSS/DDA and Al(OH)3 adjuvants or without them, showing PI between 63,5% and 100,0%. The evaluation of humoral immune response of all subcutaneous immunizated groups demonstrated the presence of IgG antibodies by ELISA in all immunized groups, without correlation between reactivity indices (RI) and PI. By immunoblot, were recognized at least the 14 and 18 kDa proteins after 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and/or 60 (T60) days from the first dose immunization. The groups immunized subcutaneously that showed PI > 90,0% had IgG1/IgG2a ratio >1,0 in T30 and <1,0 at T60. About the cellular immune response evaluation, 10 among 12 groups evaluated by proliferation assays using lymphonodes stimulated with 18/14 antigen showed indices of stimulation (IS) positive, while the VF-total antigen was shown immunosuppressive in these experiments. The analysis of two groups actively immunized subcutaneously with PI equal to 100%, showed predominance of cytokines tending to Th1 (IFN-&#947;) in T60 time and Th2 (IL-4) in T120 time. There was no correlation between PI indices and the results obtained from the DHA, however, the results varied according to the antigenic profile and the adjuvant subcutaneously used. Sequentially were analyzed six groups actively immunized by oral via, with 10, 20 or 30&#181;g of LV-total, one or two doses, supported by Al(OH)3 adjuvant which showed PI between 48,3% and 100,0%, with no significant difference between the groups, except the group immunized with two doses of 30&#181;g, which had PI of 100,0%. In T15 and T30 times the reactivity indices obtained by ELISA test for the detection of IgG anti-T. crassiceps antibodies were between 0,9 and 2,4, while in T60 time they were between 2,6 and 5,1. By Immunoblot, were recognized the 14, 18, 30 and > 40kDa proteins in T60 time. The IgG1/IgG2a ratio was <1,0 in T30 and T60 time, while DHA was presented <40,0% in T30 and T60. In addition to the active immunization assays, groups of six Balb/c mice were passively immunized with anti-T. crassiceps monoclonal antibodies and they showed PI up to 93,0%. According to the obtained results, crude and purified antigens of T. crassiceps were considered promising for murine immunization, especially when 18/14 antigen was used together with DODAB or aluminum hydroxide subcutaneously. The protective mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, however, showed trend towards Th1 response and dependent partial protection of IgG, as demonstrated by passive immunization assays.

Castration of male lambs is performed in all major sheep producing counties as a standard management practice. The reasons to castrate may be different and will depend on the size and type of the farm. Castration gives more control over genetics of the flock, stops inbreeding, unwanted pregnancies and behaviours. It also gives improved carcass characteristics. However, it has been shown that castration is painful and distressing to the animals. Different techniques are used to castrate sheep at the present time such as rubber ring, Burdizzo, combined, short scrotum, and surgical castration. Due to changing attitudes towards animal pain and unnecessary suffering there is a need for further development and implementation of new castration methods, efficient pain assessment techniques, animal welfare codes of practice and legislative requirements to improve lamb well-being. Recent increase of public concern regarding animal welfare is putting pressure on many government bodies to strengthen research in this area and increase attempts to regulate by law unnecessary suffering during standard livestock management practices. Immunocastration with an anti-GnRF vaccine has the potential to be an alternative to common physical castration methods. Nonetheless there is little or no information about the impact of vaccination against GnRF on the physiology of lambs (rams’ reproductive tract, endocrine regulation), emotionality (possible changes to normal behavioural patterns like increased aggression, anxiety) and health (is the vaccine safe to be used and if there are any adverse effects of vaccination like tissue damage, swelling, lesions etc.). There is also little or no information on how the vaccine affects sheep at the time of injection. This study investigates three main questions: Is Immunocastration a pain free alternative to traditional physical methods of castration? Is Immunocastration safe and practical to use? Does Immunocastration influence the male reproductive system in a way to achieve sterility without any negative impact on the ram natural behaviours, wellbeing and health?

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-12-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:41:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 takahashi_jdb_dr_jabo.pdf: 1029595 bytes, checksum: 5dcfa84983a9d8cd96a2b6949bdbf51e (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O aparecimento de doenças em peixes de criação intensiva é um problema enfrentado no Brasil e no mundo. Algumas substâncias podem influenciar as respostas do sistema imune de peixes, como o levamisol, através da modulação de parâmetros imunes, aumentando a resistência contra diversos agentes. Foram avaliados os efeitos do levamisol na dieta em dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento avaliou a suplementação com 0, 125, 250 e 500 mg kg-1 do imunoestimulante administrado por sete e 15 dias, no qual foram avaliados os parâmetros da imunidade inata, hematológicos e bioquímicos. A administração do levamisol por sete e 15 dias promoveu alterações em parâmetros imunológicos e hematológicos. A administração do levamisol pode promover imunomodulação, entretanto a determinação do efeito não ficou claro devido às respostas contraditórias em cada parâmetro avaliado. O segundo experimento consistiu em suplementação com 0, 125, 250 e 500 mg kg-1 do imunoestimulante administrada por sete dias conjuntamente com a imunização com bactérias Aeromonas hydrophila. A imunização e a administração de levamisol promoveram aumento do título de anticorpos, atividade bactericida do soro, hematócrito, número de eritrócitos, leucócitos totais e trombócitos nos pacus. A administração de levamisol por sete dias e a imunização de pacus promoveu melhora de alguns parâmetros da imunidade adquirida e inata de defesa. Entretanto outros protocolos devem ser estudados para avaliar o efeito do levamisol sobre o sistema imune de pacu / The emergence of diseases in fish farming is a problem faced in Brazil and worldwide. Some substances can influence the immune system responses of fish, like levamisole, increasing resistance against various etiological agents. Were evaluated the effects of levamisole in diet in two experiments. The first experiment evaluated supplementation with 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 imunoestimulante administered by seven and 15 days in which have been assessed the parameters of innate immunity, haematological and biochemists. The administration of levamisole by seven and 15 days promoted changes in haematological and immunological parameters. The administration of levamisole can promote immunodulation, however the determination of the effect not clear due to contradictory answers evaluated in each parameter. The second experiment consisted of supplementation with 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 imunoestimulante administered by seven days together with immunization with inactivated Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria with formaldehyde. Immunization and administration of levamisole promoted increase antibody titre, serum bactericidal activity, hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, leucocytes and thrombocytes in pacus totals. Administration of levamisole for seven days and immunization pacus promoted improves some parameters of innate and acquired immunity defense. However other protocols must be studied to assess the effect of levamisole on the immune system of pacu

nÃo hà / A vacinaÃÃo representa um dos mais belos e bem sucedidos avanÃos da medicina. à importante destacar que os princÃpios e as normas de conservaÃÃo das vacinas sÃo fatores determinantes na eficÃcia das mesmas, sem os quais as vacinas nÃo teriam nenhum efeito. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o processo de conservaÃÃo dos imunobiolÃgicos do Programa Nacional de ImunizaÃÃo (PNI) nas salas de vacina da zona urbana de Teresina-PI. Tratou-se de um estudo epidemiolÃgico realizado em 53 salas de vacina, distribuÃdas por Regional de SaÃde da seguinte forma: 20 na zona centro-norte, 19 na zona sul e 14 na zona leste, no perÃodo de setembro de 2008 a fevereiro de 2009. Os resultados mostraram que nas salas de vacina da zona Centro-Norte apenas 60% possuÃam tamanho adequado e bancada de inox; somente 35% dispunham de macas; 30% nÃo estavam distantes de calor e incidÃncia de luz solar; 95% nÃo funcionavam em horÃrio integral e quanto à capacitaÃÃo dos funcionÃrios, 10% destes nÃo possuÃam capacitaÃÃo em sala de vacina, 40% em BCG, 95% em rede de frio e 80% em efeitos adversos. Nas salas de vacina da zona Sul somente 26,3% possuÃa bancada de inox; 36,8% tinham tamanho adequado; 32% dispunham de macas, 21,1% nÃo estavam distantes de calor e incidÃncia de luz solar; a lavagem do refrigerador nÃo era realizada conforme preconizado pelo PNI em 26,3% das salas; em 31,6% nÃo era feito a organizaÃÃo adequada de imunos na caixa tÃrmica; 85,9% nÃo funcionavam em horÃrio integral e quanto a capacitaÃÃo dos funcionÃrios, 21,1% nÃo possuÃam capacitaÃÃo em sala de vacina, 57,9% em BCG, 100% em rede de frio e 89,5% em efeitos adversos. Nas salas de vacina da zona Leste foi visto que todas possuÃam tamanho adequado; 50% tinham bancada de inox; 43% dispunham de macas; 71,4% nÃo monitoravam a temperatura das caixas tÃrmicas; 64% nÃo funcionavam em horÃrio integral e quanto a capacitaÃÃo dos funcionÃrios, todos tinham mais de 2 anos que haviam sido capacitados em sala de vacina, 36% nÃo possuÃam capacitaÃÃo em BCG, 93% em rede de frio e em efeitos adversos. Pode-se concluir com este estudo que para que as atividades de vacinaÃÃo atinjam resultados coerentes com o desejado, faz-se necessÃrio alÃm das altas coberturas, uma capacitaÃÃo dos profissionais que atuam em sala de vacina, como tambÃm, o monitoramento dos processos que envolvem a manipulaÃÃo dessas substÃncias. / Vaccination represents one of the most beautiful and successful advances in medicine. Importantly, the principles and standards for vaccine storage are decisive factors in the effectiveness of the same, without which the vaccine would have no effect. This study aimed to evaluate the conservation of biological process of the National Immunization Program (NIP) in rooms of vaccine from the urban area of Teresina-PI. This was an epidemiological study conducted in 53 rooms of vaccine distributed by the Regional Health as follows: 20 in the central-north zone, 19 in the south zona and 14 in the east zone, considering the period between September 2008 and February 2009 . The results showed that in the halls of vaccine from noth central zone, only 60% had adequate size and stainless steel bench, only 35% had gurneys, 30% were not far from heat and sunlight, 95% did not work on schedule full and on the training employees, 10% of these had no training in vaccine, BCG 40%, 95% in the cold chain and 80% in adverse effects. In the halls of vaccine from the South zone only 26.3% had a stainless steel countertop, 36.8% had adequate size, 32% had gurneys, 21.1% were not far from heat and sunlight, washing cooler was not performed as recommended by the NIP in 26.3% of the rooms, at 31.6% was not done the proper organization of immunosuppressive in the insulated box, 85.9% were not working full time and the training of officials, 21, 1% had no training in vaccine, 57.9% in BCG, 100% in the cold chain and 89.5% in adverse effects. In the halls of vaccine from the East zone was seen that all had adequate size, 50% were stainless steel countertop, 43% had gurneys, 71.4% were not monitored the temperature of the coolers and 64% did not work full time and about training of officials, all had more than 2 years who had been trained in vaccine, 36% had no training in BCG, 93% in the cold chain and adverse effects. This study concludes that for vaccination activities to achieve results consistent with the desired, it is necessary beyond vaccination campaigns, a capacitation (empowering training) of health workers in vaccine, but also the monitoring of processes that involve handling these substances.

Background: In Utah, all major hospital facilities have employee vaccination policies. However, the presence of health care worker vaccination policies in the Utah outpatient oncology setting was unknown. Objectives: The objectives were to identify Utah oncology outpatient employee vaccination policies and to identify what consequences, if any, were present for unvaccinated employees. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study design in which clinic managers from outpatient oncology clinics in Utah were asked, via questionnaire, to describe the clinic's employee vaccination policy and the consequences for refusing the policy. Findings: Most vaccination policies applied to employees primarily assigned to work in the back office area. Most commonly, influenza and Hepatitis B vaccines were required as part of the vaccination policy. Most managers offered free vaccinations to employees, although most managers also allowed employees to refuse to follow the vaccination policy for medical, religious, or personal reasons.

In the United States, children must be vaccinated in order to attend school, although parents also have the right to request a vaccine exemption. The type of vaccine exemption varies by state but can include exemption for religious, philosophical, medical, and temporary medical reasons. The purpose of this research was to identify the use of provider signature requirements and fees in states during the vaccine exemption process. A questionnaire was sent to immunization managers in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, the United States Indian Health Service, and eight United States territories. The managers were asked if their states required a provider, or other individual, to sign the exemption form prior to granting a vaccine exemption. If a provider signature was required to validate the vaccine exemption form, immunization managers were then asked to identify what type of provider was allowed to sign the form. Immunization managers also reported on whether parents needed to pay a fee in order to obtain a vaccine exemption. A provider signature was most frequently required on medical vaccine exemption forms. For religious exemptions, only two states required a signature from a religious leader. Three states allowed a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and naturopath to sign philosophical vaccine exemption forms. For medical and temporary medical vaccine exemption forms, the majority of states allowed a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to sign the form. Only one state, Utah, confirmed that a fee was required to obtain religious or philosophical vaccine exemptions. With the hope of reducing vaccine exemption rates, some states employ various obstacles to obtaining and validating a vaccine exemption form, such as requiring a provider signature or charging a fee to process the exemption form. Surprisingly, only a few states required a provider signature on religious and philosophical exemption forms and only one state reported charging a fee to obtain a vaccine exemption form. Identifying these data provides opportunities to further study the effectiveness of various vaccine exemption obstacles.

Due to the growing burden of malignancy and chronic infections, manipulating CD8+ T cell responses for clinical use has become an important goal for immunologists. CD8+ T cells have the unique capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells and intracellular pathogens. Thus far, failed or only minimally effective T cell vaccines against chronic pathogen infections and tumors have highlighted basic knowledge gaps for eliciting memory CD8+ T cell protection. Defining the immunological mechanisms that determine protective capacity and longevity in T cells will be critical to both therapeutic and prohylactic vaccine efficacy. My studies focus on strategies to manipulate effector and memory CD8+ T cell responses, including their mechanisms of action. Specifically, I show that dendritic cell (DC) immunization coupled with relatively early (days 1-3) or late (days 4-6) administration of enhanced IL-2 signals drive either effector or memory programs. DC + IL-2c administered 4-6 days post-DC transfer is shown to enhance Ag-specific effector CD8+ T cell responses; this approach is further explored in the context of a cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating effective control of tumor burden in multiple murine models of cancer. Temporal alterations of IL-2 signaling from day 4-6 to day 1-3 post-DC immunization is shown to increase memory potential and memory CD8+ T cell numbers long-term. Additional studies reveal CTLA-4-mediated down-regulation of B7-ligands on DCs after IL-2c treatment, demonstrating that weaker or more transient signaling through the CD28-B7 axis may favor memory CD8+ T cell programs. My work contributes valuable concepts in memory CD8 T cell generation to develop T cell vaccines that are both safe and predictable.

Amish communities have persistently low childhood immunization rates. Prior to this study, reasons for low rates had not been clearly identified. Researchers have speculated that access to health care, religious factors, and fear might be reasons that Amish parents refuse childhood immunizations, but more empirical evidence was warranted.The purpose of this study was to gather that empirical evidence regarding the knowledge, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of Amish parents residing in Ashtabula County Ohio, an additional purpose was to examine how these factors influence timely immunizations of Amish children. The theoretical framework was the PEN-3-Cultural Model, focusing on cultural influences, beliefs, and experiences in health behavior of individuals in a community. The development of a 20 question survey was guided by 4 research questions designed to evaluate any differences in Amish parents' decision to defer recommended childhood immunizations. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to evaluate the 4 research questions based on the 84 individual surveys received. Results revealed a significant link between knowledge, beliefs, and opinions toward immunization and immunization adherence. Results also revealed that age and gender had no effect on the relationship between knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and opinions toward immunization adherence. This study contributes to positive social change by educating parents of Amish children as to why it is important to receive timely childhood immunizations; thereby, keeping their children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Alzheimers disease (AD) is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually destroys a persons memory and ability to learn. There are three pathological hallmarks of the disease which are necessary for diagnosis of AD, these are; extracellular amyloid plaques composed of [beta]-amyloid (A[beta]) protein, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal loss. Amyloid plaques exist as both compact deposits which stain with Congo red and more numerous diffuse deposits. Active immunization against A[beta] 1-42 or passive immunization with monoclonal anti-A[beta] antibodies reduces amyloid deposition and improves cognition in APP transgenic mice. Over several studies of active immunization in APP+PS1 transgenic mice we showed a strong correlation between reduction of compact amyloid deposits and the degree of microglial activation suggesting a potential role of microglia in the removal of A[beta]. Injection of anti-A[beta] antibodies into the frontal cortex and hippocampus of aged APP transgenic mice revealed an early phase of A[beta] removal which was removal of only diffuse amyloid deposits with no associated activation of microglia. A later phase was the removal of compact amyloid deposits. This was associated with significant activation of microglia. Prevention of this microglial activation by anti-A[beta] F(ab)2 fragments or its inhibition by dexamethasone also precluded the removal of compact amyloid deposits but did not affect the removal of the diffuse deposits. Systemic injection of anti-A[beta] antibodies weekly over a period of 1, 2, 3 and 5 months transiently activated microglia associated with the removal of compact amyloid deposits and elevated plasma A[beta], suggesting a peripheral mechanism contributes to removal of brain A[beta]. This systemic administration also dramatically improved cognitive performance in the Y-maze and in the radial-arm water maze. These studies also showed a significant increase in vascular amyloid dependent on the number of antibody injections the mice received. Associated with this increase in vascular amyloid was a dramatic increase in the numbers of microhemorrhages in the brain. Despite this pathology the mice showed cognitive improvement with the treatment. These effects could have major ramifications in humans and should be further investigated prior to any human clinical trials.

The purpose of this study was to collect information regarding healthcare worker (HCW) vaccination policies in Utah family practice clinics. Data sources: The study was conducted in Utah family practice clinics in the most densely populated counties in the state and was a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data were collected from 155 family practice clinic managers. Analyses included frequencies and percentages for quantitative items and a content analysis for open-ended items. Conclusions: HCWs are employed in environments where infectious diseases can be easily spread from person to person, thus, vaccinations can be instrumental in protecting the health of HCWs and patients alike. In Utah, 56.8% of family practice clinics had either no vaccination policy for HCWs or had a policy with no consequences for noncompliance. Utah family practice clinics need to implement changes to create and maintain HCW vaccination policies. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners can be leaders and change agents by working with their county and state health departments to create state-wide policies that mirror the position statements from the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.