The N-terminal domain of the vaccinia virus E3L-protein is required for neurovirulence, but not induction of a protective immune response

Encephalitis is a rare, but serious complication from vaccination against smallpox using replication competent strains of vaccinia virus. In this report we describe mutants of vaccinia virus, containing N-terminal deletions of the vaccinia virus interferon resistance gene, E3L, that are attenuated for neuropathogenesis in a mouse model system. These recombinant viruses replicated to high titers in the nasal mucosa after intra-nasal infection of C57BL/6 mice but failed to spread to the lungs or brain. These viruses demonstrated reduced pathogenicity after intra-cranial infection as well, indicating a decrease in neurovirulence. Intra-nasal inoculation or inoculation by scarification with a low dose of recombinant virus containing a deletion of the entire N-terminal domain of E3L protected against challenge with a high dose of wild-type vaccinia virus, suggesting that this replication competent, but attenuated strain of vaccinia virus may have promise as an improved vaccine for protecting against smallpox, and as a vector for inducing mucosal immunity to heterologous pathogenic organisms.     

Identification of 26 new constitutional RB1 gene mutations in Spanish, Colombian, and Cuban retinoblastoma patients

Constitutional mutations in the RB1 gene predispose to retinoblastoma development. Hence genetic screening of retinoblastoma patients and relatives is important for genetic counseling purposes. In addition, RB1 gene mutation studies may help decipher the molecular mechanisms leading to tumors with different degrees of penetrance or expressivity. In the course of genetically screening of 107 hereditary and non-hereditary retinoblastoma patients (11 familiar bilateral, 4 familiar unilateral, 49 sporadic bilateral and 43 sporadic unilateral) and kindred from Spain, Colombia and Cuba, using direct PCR sequencing, we observed 45 distinct mutations and four RB1 deletions in 53 patients (9 familiar bilateral, 2 familiar unilateral, 31 sporadic bilateral and 11 sporadic unilateral). Most of these mutations (26/45, 57%) have not been reported before. In 32 patients, the predisposing mutations correspond to nonsense (mainly CpG transitions) and small insertions or deletions whose expected outcome is a truncated Rb protein that lacks the functional pockets and tail. Five single aminoacid replacements and seventeen mutations affecting splicing sites were also observed in retinoblastoma patients. Two of these sixteen mutations are of unclear pathogenic nature.     

Investigation of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors genes and migraine susceptibility

Background  

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of severe headache, affecting around 12% of Caucasian populations. It is well known that migraine has a strong genetic component, although the number and type of genes involved is still unclear. Prior linkage studies have reported mapping of a migraine gene to chromosome Xq 24–28, a region containing a cluster of genes for GABA A receptors (GABRE, GABRA3, GABRQ), which are potential candidate genes for migraine. The GABA neurotransmitter has been implicated in migraine pathophysiology previously; however its exact role has not yet been established, although GABA receptors agonists have been the target of therapeutic developments. The aim of the present research is to investigate the role of the potential candidate genes reported on chromosome Xq 24–28 region in migraine susceptibility. In this study, we have focused on the subunit GABA A receptors type ε (GABRE) and type θ (GABRQ) genes and their involvement in migraine.     

“Mind control” and the battering of women

This paper describes one variation in the battering phenomenon which was initially observed among low-income women. The strategies of coercion and deception utilized by the abusive male in these relationships are described and compared with similar strategies of mind control utilized in more traditional cultic systems. The debilitating effects of these techniques on the battered female are described, as is the battering male's own separation reaction, and the probable dynamics of the men and women involved in this pathological family system. Some preliminary assessment and treatment guidelines are offered.Dr. Boulette is a registered nurse, marriage, family, and child counselor, and licensed psychologist. She is currently employed at Santa Barbara County Mental Health Services as senior clinical psychologist. Of her 20 years clinical experience, 15 have been primarily with low-income and Chicano/Mexicano adult populations. She has designed and tested diagnostic, individual, and group therapy, as well as health promotion models for this population and is the author of articles and papers in the field.She has published on such topics as self-definition, sex role behaviors, psychopathology, and the nature and functioning of religious cults. She is also affiliated on a part-time basis with Santa Barbara County Mental Health Services in a clinical capacity.     

Complex Acetylenes from the Roots of Ferula communis

The benzene extract from the roots of FERULA COMMUNIS afforded the coumarin ferulenol ( 1) and the structurally related acetylenes named ferulinolone [3-(1,2-dihydrofalcarinolonyl)-ferulenol] ( 4) and decarboxyferulinolone [2-nor-3-(1,2-dihydrofal-carinolonyl-ferulenol] ( 7). The structures of these substances were deduced from their spectral data and those of their derivatives, mainly from the (1)H- and (13)C-NMR 1D and 2D spectra (one bond and long-range correlations). Methoxylatifolone ( 10) was also isolated from this extract.     

Establishing the minimal clinically important difference of the EQ-5D-3L in older adults with a history of falls

Quality of Life Research - Establish the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure—the EuroQol EQ-5 Dimensions-3 Level...     

Improving Postpartum Care: Identifying Opportunities to Reduce Postpartum Emergency Room Visits Among Publicly-Insured Women of Color

Maternal and Child Health Journal - The purpose of this study was to explore the postpartum experiences of publicly-insured women of color, and identify how postpartum care can be improved to...     

Asking About Childhood Adversity in the Prenatal Care Setting: Cross-Sectional Associations with Maternal Health and Mental Health Outcomes

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes in pregnancy, prompting many care agencies to ask about ACEs as...     

Musculoskeletal injury survivors’ resiliency: A systematic review

BackgroundMusculoskeletal traumas are on the rise in the United States; however, limited studies are available to help trauma providers assess and treat concerns beyond the physical impact. Little is understood about the psychological, social, and spiritual factors that protect patients from adverse effects after a physical trauma or their experiences with each factor afterward.ObjectiveThis systematic review was conducted to investigate and review advancements in research related to risk and resiliency factors experienced by survivors of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. The use of biopsychosocial-spiritual (BPS–S) framework and resiliency theory guided the analysis.MethodsResearchers reviewed 1003 articles, but only seven met the search criteria. Due to the complexity and uniqueness of traumatic brain injuries, studies on that target population were excluded.ResultsOf the seven articles reviewed, three identified psychological protective factors that protect against negative health outcomes; three identified negative psychological, social, or spiritual outcomes; and none investigated social or spiritual health.ConclusionsThere are significant gaps in the literature surrounding risk and resiliency factors related to the BPS-S health of musculoskeletal injury survivors.     

Beneficial Effects of a Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils on the Age-Induced Alterations of Rodent Skeletal Muscle: Role of HDAC-4

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function (sarcopenia). We have investigated whether a mixture of algae oil (25%) and extra virgin olive oil (75%) could exert beneficial effects on sarcopenia. Young (3 months) and old (24 months) male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or with the oil mixture (OM) (2.5 mL/kg) for 21 days. Aging decreased gastrocnemius weight, total protein, and myosin heavy chain mRNA. Treatment with the OM prevented these effects. Concomitantly, OM administration decreased the inflammatory state in muscle; it prevented the increase of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the decrease in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) in aged rats. The OM was not able to prevent aging-induced alterations in either the insulin-like growth factor I/protein kinase B (IGF-I/Akt) pathway or in the increased expression of atrogenes in the gastrocnemius. However, the OM prevented decreased autophagy activity (ratio protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3b) II/I) induced by aging and increased expression of factors related with muscle senescence such as histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC-4), myogenin, and IGF-I binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5). These data suggest that the beneficial effects of the OM on muscle can be secondary to its anti-inflammatory effect and to the normalization of HDAC-4 and myogenin levels, making this treatment an alternative therapeutic tool for sarcopenia.