Sequence Analysis of the RNA Polymerase Gene of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype Asia1

The complete nucleotide (nt.) sequence of the RNA polymerase (3D) gene and 81 nt. in the 3-untranslated region of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 (IND63/72) was determined and compared with the sequence of other FMDV serotypes. The 3D genomic region was 1410 nt. long encoding 470 amino acids with an inframe stop codon (TAA) at nt. position 1411–1413. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein showed 8 conserved motifs as reported in other picornaviruses, 2 of which are 100% identical across the serotypes. Antigenic regions in the polymerase protein were predicted and found to be located at the N-terminus of the protein. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the FMD viruses were segregated into different clusters based on geographical origin; the Asia1 virus did not cluster tightly with any of the geographical groups.     

Cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia secondary to Epstein Barr virus infection presenting with peripheral gangrene; case report

Hump-nosed pit viper (Genus Hypnale) is a medically important venomous snake in Sri Lanka and Southwestern India which causes significant morbidity and mortality. Envenoming of this snake results in hemostastic dysfunction, thrombotic microangiopathy, acute kidney injury and death. This case describes an authenticated first case of ischemic stroke in a 65?year old male following envenoming by H.hypnale in Sri Lanka.     

Facial soft tissue response to anterior segmental osteotomies: A systematic review

Bimaxillary protrusion is prevalent among Asians and anterior segmental osteotomies are commonly used for its surgical correction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the soft tissue changes resulting from anterior segmental osteotomies. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of knowledge were searched for potentially eligible studies using a set of predetermined keywords. Full texts meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved and their references were manually searched for additional relevant articles. The study details and outcome data of these reports were extracted using spreadsheets for comparison. The methodological quality of each study was assessed. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Lateral cephalometry was used in all studies. A reduction of the labial prominence with an increase in the nasolabial angle was noted subsequent to anterior segmental osteotomies. The magnitude of the reported soft tissue changes and their ratios corresponding to the osseous movements varied among studies. Long-term, prospective, methodologically sound clinical trials with larger samples and three-dimensional quantification are required to provide sufficient information for predicting the soft tissue response to anterior segmental osteotomies.     

Fitting fitness into women’s lives: effects of a gender-tailored physical activity intervention

Although regular exercise has important health benefits, women’s physical activity participation remains low. Addressing the gender- and generation-specific barriers in an intervention may help women become more physically active. Fifty women (mean AGE = 45 years) participated in a six-session cognitive-behavioral intervention. Baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up data were collected. Total physical activity levels increased from baseline to post-intervention and were maintained at long-term follow-up. This research suggests that participation in a comprehensive, cognitive-behavioral, and empowerment-based physical activity intervention, tailored to address women’s distinct constraints and pressures due to sociopsychological experiences, can facilitate increased physical activity among white, middle-aged women.     

Microscopic Agglutination Test Analysis Identifies Prevalence of Intermediate Species Serovars in Ruminants in Endemic States of India

Serological survey was carried out in order to investigate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in ruminants in coastal regions (flood prone areas) of endemic states (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu) of India using non-purposive samples collected during the year 2011 and 2012. A total of 553 serum samples (Cattle-332; Buffaloes-85; Goats-107 and Sheep-29) collected randomly from twenty one coastal districts of five states were tested at 1:100 dilution in microscopic agglutination test using 14 reference leptospira serovars. The overall seroprevalence of 24.96 % (138/553) with 20.48 % in cattle, 20 % in buffaloes, 58.62 % in sheep and 38.3 % in goats was observed. The results of χ² tests revealed that the seroprevalance in cattle across different districts (regions) in each of the surveyed states are not associated except in Kerala (χ² = 33.98, p < 0.05). In other species (buffalo, sheep and goat) also there is no association of seroprevalance across different districts in each of the states. Among the targeted endemic states, high prevalence was observed in Maharashtra (19/53 = 35.85 %) followed by Kerala (52/165 = 31.51 %), Andhra Pradesh (16/50 = 32 %), Gujarat (48/212 = 22.64 %) and Tamil Nadu (3/72 = 4.17 %). Out of 138 reacted sera, 37 samples showed multiple reactivities with 26.81 % prevalence. The predominant leptospiral antibodies were determined against frequency of distribution of the serovars Hardjo (28.99 %) followed by Kaup (18.12 %), Pomona (15.94 %), Bankinang (14.49 %). This study supports that ruminants may have a role in maintaining intermediate species serovar Kaup apart from being a well-known reservoir for Hardjo serovar in endemic states of India.     

Job satisfaction, burnout, and turnover in health care social workers

The findings of two consecutive surveys of job satisfaction and burnout in national samples of health care social workers are presented. Between 1979 and 1989, there were significant increases in the proportion of social workers employed in private versus public agencies, in quantitative workload, and in social workers' perceptions of the challenges presented by their jobs. Role conflict and role ambiguity, lack of comfort, and dissatisfaction with financial rewards emerged as significant predictors of depersonalization and burnout. However, a significant increase in social workers' feelings of personal accomplishment also occurred, and high challenge emerged as a significant predictor of sense of effectiveness.