Infectious Agents and Cancer Blog
Happy Holiday Season and Great 2010
The Holiday Season is very close by and in few days the new year 2010 will replace the ending 2009. I did not write yet any Greetings card, but I received quite few of them.
Among them the one sent from the Corti Foundation has been very particular and I would like to share it with you.
Happy New Year 2010
by the Piero Corti Foundation
50th Anniversary of St. Mary's Hospital, Lacor - Uganda
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 20:30 Comments (0)
1st Joint Meeting on HEREDITARY BREAST & OVARIAN CANCER, Bari Sept 10-12
The 1st Joint Meeting on HEREDITARY BREAST & OVARIAN CANCER: RISKS AND CHALLENGES has been held at the Medical School of Bari-Italy on September 10-12, 2009. The conference has gathered several scientists and young students. Three presentations of the students have been awarded. Discussions and interactions between the faculty and the participants have been strongly favored. The 2nd Meeting will be held at the New York University, NY – USA on March 24-26, 2011 The 3rd Meeting at the National Cancer Institute “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari – Italy on September 12-14, 2013 
The Joint Meeting “Hereditary breast & ovarian cancer: risks and challenges” represents a continuation of conferences independently held on this topic in the two Institution since 2003: 2nd International Workshop on Familial Breast Cancer at the National Cancer Institute of Bari and V Lynne Cohen Foundation Meeting at the 
University of New York. The co-organizers believe that a close dialogue on scientific, ethical, and clinical issues by participants on both sides of the Atlantic may contribute to a better formulation of future questions. This meeting will be held biennially and will alternate between European and U.S. locations.
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 20:49 Comments (0)
9th National Congress of the Italian Society of Virology (SIV) - Orvieto 2009
The 9th NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE ITALIAN SOCIETY OF VIROLOGY (SIV)
has been held in Orvieto (TR) - ITALY on September 7-9, 2009. Most of the oral presentation have been given by young scientists in all fields of virology (basic, medical, veterinary, plant virology). 10 presentations have been awarded with a free registration grant for the next year 4th EUROPEAN CONGRESS OF VIROLOGY to be held in Cernobbio (CO) on April 7-10, 2010.
The Pioneer lecture in Human Virology has b
een given Monday evening by Robert C. Gallo (Baltimore, USA) on Viruses, epidemics and their control with emphasis on HIV. Bob's lecture has been an inspiring excursus on the virology field and his own accomplishments in the last 40 years.
A relevant Key Note Lecture has been given by A. Papa (Thessaloniki) on Epidemiology and genetic diversity of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus.
Giovanni Martelli (Bari) held a Pioneer in Plant Virology lecture on Specific cell responses to plant virus infections: an ultrastructural overview, showing the relevance of his group 
since late '70s particularly on electron Microscopy studies.
Moreover, G. Gerna (Pavia) had the GB Rossi Lecture on Molecular basis and clinical implications of the human cytomegalovirus tropism for endothelial/epithelial cells, showing the relevance of the proper cell culture system for the optimal expression of all envelope proteins and the production of a more effective HCMV vaccine.
Furthermore, anti-H1N1 strategies (including vaccination schedule, particularly in relationship to the seasonal flu vaccine) have been elaborated by Giorgio Palù and discussed in the assembly.
Finally the participants expressed their interest and support to the coming European Conference.
All pictures are available for dowload at http://picasaweb.google.it/FMBuonaguro/OrvietoSIV2009?feat=directlink
The Conference Abstract Book is available at http://www.siv-virologia.it/files/eventi2009/SIV_2009_abstract.pdf
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 16:37 Comments (0)
The summary message from the Malmö IPV Conference
We have just received the summary message from the 25th IPV Conference Organizing Committee.
Dear Colleagues......
With this “last announcement” we would like to summarize the 25th International Papillomavirus (IPV) Conference in Malmö, Sweden and thank all those who contributed to making the conference such an extraordinarily successful event.
Jubilee and Nobel Prize Celebration
A major theme of the 25th IPV was celebration, which was underlined at the Opening Ceremony at the Malmö Opera. It was a 25th jubilee for a successful conference series that has brought the interdisciplinary HPV field together and hosted the original public presentations of many seminal discoveries, including the discovery of the cervical cancer-causing papillomaviruses, their mechanisms of transformation, the preventive HPV vaccines and the HPV-based cervical screening tests. Another major reason for the celebration was the fact that the discovery of the cervical cancer-causing papillomaviruses was also awarded the 2008 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Larger than ever before – ample opportunity for global networking
With 2225 participants, out of which >2000 were foreign delegates from 80 different countries, the 25th IPV was one of the largest international conferences ever held in Southern Sweden.
Webcasting of Lectures – A Lasting Educational Resource
For the first time, the reviews were peer-reviewed to ensure accuracy and clarity. Furthermore, the review lectures were broadcast on the web such that everyone in the entire world will for free be able to listen to these lectures and study the slides at their convenience. Just click on hpv2009.org/webcasts.htm and select the review lecture of your choice.
Abstracts & Scientific Presentations
With the amazing amount of high quality abstracts submitted, the IPV has consolidated its position as the leading conference encompassing all areas of HPV research, from clinical vaccinology to molecular biology. About 3300 authors submitted 966 abstracts, which were presented as 887 posters and 237 oral presentations. The amount of printed matter would have sufficed to build a skyscraper!
Peer-Reviewed Educational Review Lectures
The conference started with an Educational Pre-conference that provided updated reviews by distinguished experts on the essential facts on HPV that underpin the cancer-preventive efforts targeting HPV.
Favourable evaluation
The conference received very high marks in the evaluation by participants. E.g., 94% thought the conference was well organised and 95% thought the content and speakers were good. 97% strongly agree or agree that they have learned something fr
om this event.
One participant stated: “The workshop was the best organised ever from all previous HPV conferences. Outstanding! I will use the materials on the web during my entire year with my students! Thanks for organising such a wonderful resource.”
We are looking forward to see you in Montreal at the 26th International Papillomavirus Conference with Clinical and Public Health Workshops July 3-8, 2010, www.hpv2010.org
Please also see the attachment that also contains pictures from the conference.
The 25th IPV ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Joakim Dillner, Peter Bistoletti, Lena Dillner, Kristina Elfgren, Ola Forslund, Bengt-Göran Hansson,Geo von Krogh (deceased), Bodil Norrild, Stefan Schwartz, Marc Steben, Thomas Zheng
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 21:26 Comments (0)
Satellite Epidemiology
Satellite epidemiology is becoming relevant and with major impact on Public Health strategies. 
Dr Dale Griffin at the 42nd session of Erice International Seminars presented his results on Climate influences atmospheric dispersion of desert dust: Implications for human health.
An article from Dale is available at Clinical Microbiology Reviews
Further studies are showing the need for Scientific Integration.
Dust Storms
and .......
Dust composition
An interview to Dr William Sprigg
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 00:27 Comments (0)
Dust Storms at 42nd Session on International Seminars - Erice 19-24 August 2009
At the 42nd Session of the International Seminars on Planetary Emerge
ncies held in Erice 19-24 August, within the Climate and Health Session Dr Mark B. Lyles presented his studies on Windblow Dust and Human Health and Dr Dale Griffin on Climate influences atmospheric dispersion of desert dust: Implications for human health.
The relevance of dust storm as infectious agents' transmission system has been emphasized in both presentations and some data are available at a slide show on Pathological effects of inhaled mineral dust, as well as an article on The Scientist
A clear example of the size and health risk of such dust storm is shown in some movie present on Internet.
via videosift.com
Data on dust storm events and distribution is available at Nasa website on Visible Earth
The two monitoring panels (PMP) of the World Federation of Scientists (WFS) on Climate and Infectious Diseaeses are planning a Network of monitoring units to verify and confirm the relevance of dust storm in Health, particularly long-distance transmission of pathogens. Scientists interested in such study are invited to contact IAC editorial team.
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 13:48 Comments (0)
11th ICMAOI Conference - Proceedings
Proceedings from the 11th ICMAOI Conference have been published as a supplement in the IAC journal. The published abstracts show the vast range of subjects covered during the 
ICMAOI Conference and the high quality of presentations.
The next Conference will be held in the Spring of 2010 on the NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Information regarding the upcoming Conference can be found at http://oham.cancer.gov/oham_research/programs/ICMAOI/
where also previous Conferences programs and abstract books are available.
At the Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancies (OHAM) 
website additional information is available on Conferences activities as well as Research Grant Opportunities and International activities (for example the India Conference shown below).
The OHAM is a very active NCI office, directed by Dr Robert Yarchoan since December 2007.
A special thank also to the Program Director Dr Geraldina Dominguez.
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 14:46 Comments (0)
Asbestos in the pathogenesis of Mesothelioma
A special message from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center
Throughout the 20th century, a naturally occurring mineral known as asbestos as used extensively in a number of military and industrial applications. The most common uses of 
asbestos were for insulation, flooring, piping and brake lining. Asbestos was valued so much because of its durability and resistance to heat and fire. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of rare and deadly cancer known as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lining of organs. It occurs most often in the lining of the lungs (pleura), but has also been observed in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium). This type of cancer has an unusually long latency period and symptoms do not begin to show until anywhere from 25 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Because of the long latency period, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed it is usually in its advanced stages and is more difficult to treat effectively. A typical mesothelioma survival rate is about one year after diagnosis.
Asbestos is harmless if left undisturbed, but if it becomes damaged or deteriorated in any way, microscopic asbestos fibers are released into the air where they can easily be inhaled or ingested. If you live in a home that was built before 1980, the odds are pretty good that you have asbestos insulation in your walls.
Make sure to consult a professional home inspector and/or asbestos abatement company before making any major renovations to your home.
Richard Moyle
National Awareness Coordinator
Mesothelioma Cancer Center
Asbestos.com
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 22:27 Comments (0)
Carcinogenic Classification of HPVs
There is still turmoil on the classification of HPV carcinogenicity, particularly for the weakly carcinogenic types. 
The subject has been discussed at the IARC Meeting B on biological carcinogenic agents, and Mark Schiffman is reporting in the current IAC Editorial the scientific approach used for the re-classification.
Not all scientists, neither all IARC participants, fully agree on this subject and Mark is again stressing this concept starting with a clear sentence "We do not agree on everything" his presentation (that will likely become a renowned presentation) at Malmo 25th IPV Conference, 
available at the Conference WebCast:
HPV: natural history of the infection from the epidemiological and clinical perspective
(by M. Schiffman)
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 12:53 Comments (0)
2009 Dan David Prize Awarded for Significant Contribution
The Dan David Prize award ceremony took place om May 18th at Tel Aviv University, in the presence of Mr. Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, Mr. Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Education, Prof. Zvi Galil, President of Tel Aviv University and Chairman of the Board Dan David Prize, Mr. Gianni Alemanno, the Mayor of Rome, Mr. Dan David, Founder of the Dan David Prize, the 2009 Dan David Prize laureates, foreign ambassadors, and prominent academic and business figures from Israel and abroad.
The 2009 Dan David Prize for Significant Contributions to Humanities Past, Present and Future was awarded to
Professor Paolo de Bernardis, Professor Andrew Lange and Professor Paul Richards for their contribution for the Past Time Dimension in the field of Astrophysics – History of the Universe
The Rt Hon Tony Blair for his contribution in the Present Time Dimension in the field of Leadership
Professor Robert Gallo for his contribution in the Future Time Dimension in the field of Global Public Health
For further information visit Multimedia News Release and the Dan David HomePage
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 15:28 Comments (0)
IPV Conference - Malmo 2009
The 25th IPV Conference has been held in Malmo-Sweden. More than 2000 participants convened to this beautiful town with a peculiar mixing of middle age and ultra-modern pioneer architecture.
Conference halls, poster areas and Company stands have all been well distributed at MaloMassan Conference Hall.
Technological support has been the key of success of the Conference with Wi-Fi connection in all rooms, spaces for computers, and particularly interesting is the availability of most presentation on the Conference WebCast site.
A special congratulation to Joachim Dillner, for the conference scientific organization, his warm hospitality and .... the goliardic tour to the Copenhagen Tivoli park (the cold Nordic people, probably, are not very cold).
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 19:04 Comments (0)
Baltimore 4 May 2009: 25th Anniversary of HIV Discovery
Celebrating a Visionary’s Quest for Discovery
Monday, May 4, 2009 is the 25th Anniversary of the publishing of Dr. Robert C. Gallo's findings identifying the AIDS virus, which he named HTLV-III, in Science magazine. His co-discovery, shared with Luc Montagnier of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, stated that the HIV virus was the cause of AIDS. This co-discovery has been internationally recognized as one of the greatest scientific discoveries in the history of the world.
To commemorate this historic discovery, the University of Maryland School of Medicine will host "Celebrating a Visionary's Quest for Discovery," a three-day celebration consisting of a scientific symposium and gala. The celebration will be held May 9-11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland.
External link: Maryland Morning
"T
he Danger now is Complacency": Dr. Gallo's Discovery at 25
(09:14)
There are 33 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS; the disease is estimated to have killed 25 million people since 1981. This month marks the 25th anniversary of research that established HIV as the cause of AIDS--research done in part by Dr. Robert Gallo, founder and director of the Institute of Human Virology, part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Dr. Gallo joins us to talk about making the connection between HIV and AIDS, the state of research now, and where U.S. HIV/AIDS policy should be going.
Web extra:
Dr. Gallo on why infection rates stay high in PEPFAR countries even as morbidity declines.
External links:
"25 Years After Discovering HIV as the Cause of AIDS"
Kaiser Family Foundation Global HIV/AIDS Timeline
"Combating AIDS At Home" op-ed by Dr. Gallo (pdf)
The B-roll of Dr Robert Gallo from the Institute of Human Virology at http://www.ihv.org/
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 19:31 Comments (0)
The DREAM project event
Photo Album of the Social Event and AIDS Meeting with Robert Gallo organized for promotion and support of the DREAM Program developed by the Comunità of Sant'Egidio in Sub-Saharan Countries to prevent, by ART treatment, children born from HIV-positive mothers.
The event in Naples represented the launch of the promotion process which took place during the 20-26 April TV program Trenta Ore Per la Vita [30 hrs for life].
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 17:11 Comments (0)
Inaugural Meeting of the European Society of Virology
On April 24th the European Society of Virology has been officially inaugurated at the City Hall (Campidoglio) in Rome.
Over 150 virologists from several European countries convened for the 
event which has been hosted by the the Italian Society of Virology, whose President, Giorgio Palù, addressed an introductory welcome.
The new ESV Society, whose main objective is to foster Virology Research in Europe, has been well accepted and supported by other European Microbiology Society (including FEMS), American and European Virology Society (ASV, ESCV, ESVV, etc..) and European Institutional entities (ECDC, WHO, EEC, etc..).
Otto Haller has been ratified as first President of the newly established society, whose first meeting will be held at Cernobbio (Como-Italy) on 2010. The Executive Board includes Giorgio Palù (first Vice-President), Ben Berkhout (second Vice-President), Gabriella Campadelli-Fiume (Treasurer), Bernhard Fleckenstein (Secretary General).
The Inaugural Meeting has been highlighted by Robin Weiss, Albert Osterhaus and Ronald C. Desrosiers lectures. Photos of the event are available at ESV Picasa Album.
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 17:36 Comments (0)
Science Video Publications
SciVee has launched in the last few years Science video publications in collaboration with several partners, among which The California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2), The Public Library of Science (PLoS), The National Science Foundation (NSF). One of the first pubcasts has been produced by Eric D Scheeff, Philip E Bourne on Structural Evolution of the Protein Kinase–Like Superfamily and is related to a previous article published in PLoS Comput Biol. 2005 Oct 21; 1(5):e49.
This example shows the high potentiality of the system and suggests that other online journals could explore such possibility.
Posted by Franco Buonaguro at 15:22 Comments (0)