Composition and Methods of Using the \u3cem\u3eMirabilis Mosaic\u3c/em\u3e Caulimovirus Sub-Genomic Transcript (SGT) Promoter for Plant Genetic Engineering

The isolation of and methods of using a sub-genomic transcript (Sgt) promoter from Mirabilis mosaic virus (MMV) are described. A 333 bp MMV Sgt promoter fragment (sequence−306 to +27 from the transcription start site, TSS) was found to be sufficient for strongest promoter activity. This MMV Sgt promoter fragment shows comparable promoter activity to the MMV FLt promoter both in transgenic plants and in protoplasts. The MMV Sgt promoter also demonstrates much greater activity compared to Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 19S promoter and 35S promoter. The MMV Sgt promoter fragment and any chimeric gene to which it may be linked are usefull for plant geneic engineering to obtain transgenic plants, plant cells and seeds

Unique Nucleic Acid Promoter Formed from Two or More Promoter Sequences

Non-naturally occurring DNA promoters, include MSGT-PFlt, PFlt-UAS-2X and FSgt-PFlt. The MSGT-PFlt was developed and has expression shown to be equivalent to that of CaMV35S promoter. DNA promoters PFlt-UAS-2X and FSgt-PFlt were developed and tested in transient and transgenic system and found to be stronger than the CaMV35S promoter

Promotor (FLT) for the Full-Length Transcript of Peanut Chlorotic Streak Caulimovirus (PCLSV) and Expression of Chimeric Genes in Plants

The isolation, modification and use of wild-type and modified viral FLt promoters of peanut chlorotic streak caulimovirus (PClSV) in the expression of chimeric genes in plant cells. The FLt promoter from PClSV has been modified to have duplicated enhancer domains

Full Length Transcript Promotor from Figwort Mosaic Caulimovirus (FMV) and Use to Express Chimeric Genes in Plant Cells

Use of wild type and modified viral FLt promoters of FMV in the expression of chimeric genes in plant cells. The FLt promoter from FMV is modified with duplicated enhancer domains. The FLt promoter with its single or double enhancer domains is linked to heterologous coding sequences to form chimeric gene constructs. These genes have been shown to be expressed well in plant cells

Telematics and the Political Process

Recent advances in communications technology are revolutionizing the speed with which information of all kinds reaches the home and workplace. These advances, which include developments in the computer industry, interactive communication systems, laser and fiber optic based communication, and geostationary space platforms, are also affecting the extent and content of the information which is now accessible, with trends suggesting even greater impacts in the near future. Given the premise in a democratic society that the availability of information is critical to a responsible citizenry, such trends would seem to spell good times ahead for mass politics. A closer inspection of recent trends suggests reasons for concern, however. Patterns of the control of and sources of information; the content, quality and extent of information, and access to and use of information which is becoming available through the new technology show evidence of little change from the previous state of affairs. In addition, what change does exist demonstrates as much potential for adding to social, economic, and political inequities which already exist as for helping to reduce these inequities, leading to a society of the information rich and the information poor. The solution as to whether technological change in communications is a positive or negative addition to democratic politics depends ultimately on our willingness to learn from past mistakes and see this technology as a resource which needs to be carefully integrated into the larger social, economic, and political environment

pSiM24 is a Novel Versatile Gene Expression Vector for Transient Assays as Well as Stable Expression of Foreign Genes in Plants

We have constructed a small and highly efficient binary Ti vector pSiM24 for plant transformation with maximum efficacy. In the pSiM24 vector, the size of the backbone of the early binary vector pKYLXM24 (GenBank Accession No. HM036220; a derivative of pKYLX71) was reduced from 12.8 kb to 7.1 kb. The binary vector pSiM24 is composed of the following genetic elements: left and right T-DNA borders, a modified full-length transcript promoter (M24) of Mirabilis mosaic virus with duplicated enhancer domains, three multiple cloning sites, a 3\u27rbcsE9 terminator, replication functions for Escherichia coli (ColE1) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (pRK2-OriV) and the replicase trfA gene, selectable marker genes for kanamycin resistance (nptII) and ampicillin resistance (bla). The pSiM24 plasmid offers a wide selection of cloning sites, high copy numbers in E. coli and a high cloning capacity for easily manipulating different genetic elements. It has been fully tested in transferring transgenes such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) both transiently (agro-infiltration, protoplast electroporation and biolistic) and stably in plant systems (Arabidopsis and tobacco) using both agrobacterium-mediated transformation and biolistic procedures. Not only reporter genes, several other introduced genes were also effectively expressed using pSiM24 expression vector. Hence, the pSiM24 vector would be useful for various plant biotechnological applications. In addition, the pSiM24 plasmid can act as a platform for other applications, such as gene expression studies and different promoter expressional analyses

Use of the Full Length Transcript (FLT) from Mirabilis Mosaic Caulimovirus to Express Chimeric Genes in Plants

A full-length transcript promoter from mirabilis mosaic caulimovirus (MMV) is identified and its DNA sequence given. The promoter functions as a strong and uniform promoter for chimeric genes inserted into plant cells. This strong promoter function is exhibited by histochemical assay in seeds and floral organs and by reproductive scores of transgenic plants including the promoter. The promoter preferably includes a 3′ untranslated region that may be from the MMV itself or from a heterologous source with respect to the promoter. The promoter is used in a chimeric gene and in methods for transforming plant cells to obtain transgenic plants, plant tissues, plant cells and seeds incorporating the MMV promoter. The MMV FLT promoter shows greater activity (14 to 24 fold) than the CaMV 35S promoter. A modified MMV FLt promoter with duplicated enhancer domains shows greater activity (3 fold) than with a single enhancer domain

Does prophylactic tranexamic acid reduce blood loss in Indian women following vaginal delivery?

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for 25% to 33% of obstetric deaths every year. Anemia is a cause and consequence of PPH. Despite intense efforts to prevent anemia, many Indian women labour with low hemoglobin levels. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic, have been demonstrated to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in various surgeries including cesarean section. Objectives were to study the efficacy of TXA in effectively reducing blood loss in Indian women following vaginal delivery.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 200 patients scheduled for vaginal delivery. In addition to oxytocin 10 units, group T received TXA 15 mg/kg and group P received normal saline administered over 5 minutes. Estimated blood loss, Hemoglobin deficit, need for additional uterotonics, need for blood transfusion, incidence of PPH and adverse events were noted.Results: The fall in hemoglobin was significantly higher in group P (p<0.00001). Estimated 24 hour blood loss was significantly higher by a mean blood volume of 86.99 ml in group P compared to group T (p<0.00001). The incidence of PPH was lower in group T (2.8% versus 11.3%). There were no significant difference in the need for supplementary uterotonics (9.9% versus 15.5%) and the incidence of blood transfusion (2.8% versus 8.5%). No adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were noted.Conclusions: To reduce blood loss following vaginal delivery, TXA may be safely recommended as standard adjunct to Oxytocin for regular management of third stage of labour, especially in developing countries like India