Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

About: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is a government organization based out in Salisbury, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Burkholderia pseudomallei & Francisella tularensis. The organization has 926 authors who have published 1242 publications receiving 30091 citations. The organization is also known as: Dstl & [dstl].

Development of a model of hookworm infection exhibiting salient characteristics of human infection.

Abstract: Patent and pathologic infections of the human hookworm Necator americanus were established in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). In a pilot study, a laboratory strain of N. americanus was compared with a fresh field isolate. Pathology was more severe in animals infected with a fresh isolate. In all animals, infection was associated with increased total plasma IgE and production of IgG specific to adult worm excretory/secretory (ES) products. Histamine was released by basophils in response to IgE, ES products, and a recombinant hookworm allergen, calreticulin. The pilot study indicated the potential of this animal model of hookworm infection and led us to investigate the consequences of infecting a further cohort with the fresh field isolate. This second study confirmed our initial findings, that it is possible to investigate the human hookworm N. americanus in a model exhibiting many of the characteristics of the immunology of hookworm infection in its definitive host.

Characterization of the Mechanical Behavior of a Polymer-Based Laminate and Constituent Fibers at Various Quasi-Static Strain Rates

Abstract: Predictive computational modeling of the response of armor systems to dynamic threats such as blast and impact requires understanding and quantification of the behavior of the armor materials. This paper describes the mechanical characterization of Dyneema HB26. The in-plane tensile, compressive, and shear stress-strain behavior and strength of the laminate at low rates has been determined experimentally. The tensile behavior of the Dyneema SK76 fibers, which comprise 83% of the laminate has been determined, including the effect of temperature and rate.

Furosemide in the Treatment of Phosgene Induced Acute Lung Injury

Abstract: Method Using previously validated methods, 16 anaesthetised large white pigs were exposed to phosgene (target inhaled dose 0.3 mg kg-1), established on mechanical ventilation and randomised to treatment with either nebulised furosemide (4 ml of 10 mg.ml-1 solution) or saline control. Treatments were given at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16 and 20 hours post phosgene exposure; the animals were monitored to 24 hours following phosgene exposure. Results Furosemide treatment had no effect on survival, and had a deleterious effect on PaO2: FiO2 ratio between 19 and 24 hours. All other measures investigated were unaffected by treatment. Conclusion Nebulised furosemide treatment following phosgene induced acute lung injury does not improve survival and worsens PaO2: FiO2 ratio. Nebulised furosemide should be avoided following phosgene exposure.