Isolation and characterization of subgenomic DNAs encapsidated in "single" T = 1 isometric particles of Maize streak virus

"Single" T = 1 isometric particles of Maize streak virus (MSV) have been isolated from infected maize leaves. Biochemical and genetic characterizations show that these particles contain subgenomic (sg) MSV DNA encapsidated by the MSV coat protein. The largest sg DNA is 1.56 kb, slightly larger than half genome size, although sg DNAs as small as 0.2 kb were also cloned. The sg DNAs are not infectious, and they do not appear to play a role in the pathogenicity of MSV. This is the first report of sg DNAs for MSV and, to our knowledge, the first time that encapsidated sg DNAs have been characterized at the sequence level for any geminivirus. These data will assist in our investigations into the role of genomic DNA in the formation of the unique geminate capsid architecture of the Geminiviridae.     

PSYCHOSOCIAL PROFILE OF PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS IN A LARGE AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL AREA

A psychosocial profile was developed of 122 pregnant adolescents attending a public hospital antenatal clinic in a large regional Australian area. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Support Behaviours Inventory and were interviewed to obtain psychosocial and demographic information. Results revealed that those who were most likely to have either or a combination of poor self-esteem, lack of social support, be unemployed or smoke, were more likely to be living alone or with friends, not have a partner or have a partner for a shorter period, have a partner who was older, have previous children, have not planned their pregnancy and have less education. The degree of social support was significantly associated with self-esteem. Over half of the sample smoked, and over half were unemployed. These results underscore the importance of addressing psychosocial factors in the implementation of care for the pregnant adolescent.     

Chemical Constituents from Stems of Cistanches deserticola

Objective To study the chemical constituents in the stems of Cistanches deserticola. Methods The compounds were purified by various column chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic(1D, 2D NMR, IR, [?]D, and MS) and chemical analyses. Results Seven compounds were isolated and identified as kankanoside D1(1), ajugol(2), cistanin(3), uridine(4), adenosine(5), 6-deoxycatalpol(6), and kankanoside D(7). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound.     

Immunomodulatory and anti-SARS activities of Houttuynia cordata

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a life-threatening form of pneumonia caused by SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). From late 2002 to mid 2003, it infected more than 8000 people worldwide, of which a majority of cases were found in China. Owing to the absence of definitive therapeutic Western medicines, Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae)(HC) was shortlisted by Chinese scientists to tackle SARS problem as it is conventionally used to treat pneumonia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to explore the SARS-preventing mechanisms of HC in the immunological and anti-viral aspects. RESULTS: Results showed that HC water extract could stimulate the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes significantly and dose-dependently. By flow cytometry, it was revealed that HC increased the proportion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Moreover, it caused a significant increase in the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10 by mouse splenic lymphocytes. In the anti-viral aspect, HC exhibited significant inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV 3C-like protease (3CL(pro)) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). On the other hand, oral acute toxicity test demonstrated that HC was non-toxic to laboratory animals following oral administration at 16 g/kg. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provided scientific data to support the efficient and safe use of HC to combat SARS.     

Midwives' practices and beliefs about discharging clients from their practice

Discharging a client from a practice is a choice clinicians may need to make when conflicts arise that cannot be resolved. The legal and ethical considerations before discharging a client are presented. This preliminary survey of 111 certified nurse-midwives was conducted to determine their practices and beliefs about discharging clients. Most (83.7%) participants had discharged five or fewer clients from their practice throughout their careers, including 36.9% who had never discharged a client from their practice. In contrast, 77.5% of participants said that midwives should definitely discharge clients from their practice under some circumstances. Antepartum care was the most frequent period during which clients were discharged, and 59% of those discharged were for noncompliance with the therapeutic regimen, obnoxious or abusive behavior as subjectively identified by the midwife and her colleagues, or failure to keep appointments. When asked why they might not discharge a client from their practice, 60% identified empathy or sympathy for the client as the reason. When asked why they did not discharge clients in the past, 23 (21%) respondents selected "colleagues disagreed" as the reason.     

Comparison of speech outcomes using type 2b intravelar veloplasty or furlow double-opposing Z plasty for soft palate repair of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to compare speech outcomes, fistula rates, and rates of secondary speech surgeries after palatoplasty using Furlow palatoplasty or type 2b intravelar veloplasty for soft palate repair.Patients and methodsPatients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who had either Furlow palatoplasty or intravelar veloplasty for soft palate repair were retrospectively evaluated for demographic and perioperative variables and speech outcomes. Fistula rate, secondary surgical intervention for improved speech results, and findings of speech assessment were further reviewed for the patients who met the inclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 76 patients, 36 in the Furlow palatoplasty group and 40 in the intravelar veloplasty group, were included in the study. In the speech assessment, nasalance values were statistically similar between the two groups. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in velopharyngeal motility (p = 0.103). The total rates of secondary surgeries and fistula were statistically similar between the groups (p = 0.347 and 0.105, respectively).ConclusionThe similar outcomes of speech and surgical evaluation between the two groups make the surgeon's preference determinant in the selection of the surgical technique for soft palate repair.