ABSTRACT
We have completely sequenced the genomes of two Nipah virus (NiV) isolates, one from the throat secretion and the other from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the sole surviving encephalitic patient with positive CSF virus isolation in Malaysia. The two genomes have 18246 nucleotides each and differ by only 4 nucleotides. The NiV genome is 12 nucleotides longer than the Hendra virus (HeV) genome and both genomes have identical leader and trailer sequence lengths and hexamer-phasing positions for all their genes. Both NiV and HeV are also very closely related with respect to their genomic end sequences, gene start and stop signals, P gene-editing signals and deduced amino acid sequences of nucleocapsid protein, phosphoprotein, matrix protein, fusion protein, glycoprotein and RNA polymerase. The existing evidence demonstrates a clear need for the creation of a new genus within the subfamily Paramyxovirinae to accommodate the close similarities between NiV and HeV and their significant differences from other members of the subfamily.
Subject(s)
Nucleotides/chemistry , Paramyxovirinae/classification , Base Sequence , Codon , Genome, Viral , Humans , Paramyxovirinae/genetics , Paramyxovirinae/ultrastructure , PhylogenyABSTRACT
Numerous studies have revealed an association between nutritional status, adiposity, and reproductive maturity. The role of leptin, a hormone secreted from adipose tissue, in the onset of reproductive function was investigated. Normal prepubertal female mice injected with leptin grew at a slower rate than controls as a result of the hormone's thinning effects, but they reproduced up to 9 days earlier than controls and showed earlier maturation of the reproductive tract. These results suggest that leptin acts as a signal triggering puberty, thus supporting the hypothesis that fat accumulation enhances maturation of the reproductive tract.
Subject(s)
Estrus/drug effects , Genitalia, Female/drug effects , Proteins/pharmacology , Reproduction/drug effects , Sexual Maturation/drug effects , Animals , Body Weight/drug effects , Eating/drug effects , Estradiol/blood , Female , Leptin , Luteinizing Hormone/blood , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Organ Size/drug effects , Proteins/analysis , Recombinant Proteins/pharmacologyABSTRACT
The D1S80 allele frequencies in 124 unrelated Malays from the Malaysian population were determined and 51 genotypes and 19 alleles were encountered. The D1S80 frequency distribution met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The observed heterozygosity was 0.80 and the power of discrimination was 0.96.
Subject(s)
Alleles , Ethnicity/genetics , Gene Frequency/genetics , Genetic Markers/genetics , Chromosome Mapping , Genetics, Population , Humans , Malaysia , Minisatellite Repeats/genetics , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
The sterility of male and female homozygous ob/ob mice is a recognized feature of the ob mutation (1). Whereas ob/ob males can occasionally reproduce if maintained on a restricted diet, ob/ob females are always sterile (2). Thinning of the ob/ob females to normal weight by diet-restriction failed to correct their sterility. Early sexual development is normal in ob/ob females; however, ovulation never follows and the mice remain prepuberal indefinitely with no occurrence of oestrus cycles. Reproductive hormones are reduced in ob/ob females (3) demonstrating a functional defect from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (4-6). The ovaries of ob/ob females are capable of producing viable eggs when transplanted into lean female recipients (7). Reconstitution of reproductive functions in the ob/ob female necessitates delivery of hypothalamic extracts to the third ventricle (8) and administration of pituitary extract (9), gonadotropic hormones (10), progesterone (11) and relaxin (12). These previous findings demonstrate that the sterility of ob/ob females is caused by an insufficiency of hormones at the hypothalamic-pituitary level rather than physical hindrance of copulatory activity, pregnancy and parturition caused by excess adipose tissue. We show here that repeated administration of only the recombinant human ob protein, leptin, into homozygous female ob/ob mice can correct their sterility, thus resulting in ovulation, pregnancy and parturition.
Subject(s)
Infertility, Female/drug therapy , Proteins/therapeutic use , Animals , Base Sequence , DNA Primers , Female , Homozygote , Humans , Infertility, Female/complications , Leptin , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Obese , Molecular Sequence Data , Obesity/complications , Obesity/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Pregnancy , Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic useABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in ambulatory settings can be effective only if patients who need this intervention are willing to participate in the evaluation and follow the indicated therapy. METHODS: To learn whether older persons' health beliefs and perceptions influence participation in ambulatory-based CGA, we studied subjects who failed a screening assessment offered through a community-based outreach program and were deemed appropriate for CGA. All subjects were interviewed in person following a structured sequence including questions from the RAND Current Health (CH) and Health Worry/Concern (HWC) scales, the Health Locus of Control Scale (HLC), and scales developed to measure health risks and perceived benefits of geriatric assessment. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the following variables were associated with refusal to participate in CGA status at the p < .05 level: increased worry on HWC and higher scores on three new scales constructed to measure Global Health Risk (GHR), Perceived Global Health Benefits (PGHB), and Perceived Specific Health Benefits (PSHB). For GHR, higher scores indicate greater risk; for PGHB and PSHB, higher scores indicate greater perceived benefit. In multivariate analysis, only educational level, GHR, PGHB, and PSHB scores were independently predictive of refuser status. Correlations with other established health perceptions scales provided support that global health risk and perceived global and specific health benefits are unique constructs. Furthermore, high scores on these scales predicted participation in health improvement programs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' beliefs about perceived risk and benefit can be measured and predict willingness to participate in ambulatory-based CGA.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care , Geriatric Assessment , Treatment Refusal , Aged , Female , Health Status , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Regression Analysis , Self Concept , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The University of British Columbia Child and Family Psychiatry Outpatient Department has, since 1974, conducted intensive child psychiatry assessments of patients referred from outlying areas. The marathon assessment, as we have called it, requires up to three days during which clinic staff conduct interviews with the referred patient and family, and perform specific investigations as necessary. By the end of the third day, the clinic team presents its findings and recommendations to the family, and by phone and letter to the referral source with arrangement for follow-up by physicians and/or mental health clinics in the patient's geographic region. The marathon evaluation has proven a worthy alternative to outreach visits by a travelling child psychiatrist and to inpatient hospital evaluations. The reasons for the advantages are enumerated.
Subject(s)
Affective Symptoms/therapy , Child Behavior Disorders/therapy , Medically Underserved Area , Referral and Consultation/trends , Affective Symptoms/diagnosis , British Columbia , Child , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Combined Modality Therapy , Family Therapy , Female , Humans , Psychological TestsABSTRACT
Six independent isolates of Klebsiella from hospital environmental sources in Malaysia were found to be resistant to at least ampicillin, carbenicillin, cefoperazone, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline. On the basis of their antibiograms, they were divided into four antibiogroups. They transferred all or part of their multiple antibiotic resistance traits to E. coli by conjugation. The results suggest that these Klebsiella strains harbour self-transmissible R plasmids. The significance of these findings are discussed.