Genetic characterization of 2008 reassortant influenza A virus (H5N1), Thailand

In January and November 2008, outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in 4 provinces of Thailand. Eight Influenza A H5N1 viruses were recovered from these 2008 AI outbreaks and comprehensively characterized and analyzed for nucleotide identity, genetic relatedness, virulence determinants, and possible sites of reassortment. The results show that the 2008 H5N1 viruses displayed genetic drift characteristics (less than 3% genetic differences), as commonly found in influenza A viruses. Based on phylogenetic analysis, clade 1 viruses in Thailand were divided into 3 distinct branches (subclades 1, 1.1 and 1.2). Six out of 8 H5N1 isolates have been identified as reassorted H5N1 viruses, while other isolates belong to an original H5N1 clade. These viruses have undergone inter-lineage reassortment between subclades 1.1 and 1.2 and thus represent new reassorted 2008 H5N1 viruses. The reassorted viruses have acquired gene segments from H5N1, subclade 1.1 (PA, HA, NP and M) and subclade 1.2 (PB2, PB1, NA and NS) in Thailand. Bootscan analysis of concatenated whole genome sequences of the 2008 H5N1 viruses supported the reassortment sites between subclade 1.1 and 1.2 viruses. Based on estimating of the time of the most recent common ancestors of the 2008 H5N1 viruses, the potential point of genetic reassortment of the viruses could be traced back to 2006. Genetic analysis of the 2008 H5N1 viruses has shown that most virulence determinants in all 8 genes of the viruses have remained unchanged. In summary, two predominant H5N1 lineages were circulating in 2008. The original CUK2-like lineage mainly circulated in central Thailand and the reassorted lineage (subclades 1.1 and 1.2) predominantly circulated in lower-north Thailand. To prevent new reassortment, emphasis should be put on prevention of H5N1 viruses circulating in high risk areas. In addition, surveillance and whole genome sequencing of H5N1 viruses should be routinely performed for monitoring the genetic drift of the virus and new reassorted strains, especially in light of potential reassortment between avian and mammalian H5N1 viruses

Mediation Effects of Premarital Sexual Permissiveness on the Relationship Between Expectations for Marriage and Marital Intention of Vietnamese Undergraduate Students

Thuy-Trinh Ngo-Thi,1 Van-Son Huynh,1 Nhu-Thuyen Dang-Thi,1 Bao-Tran Nguyen-Duong,1 Thuy-Tien Vu-Nguyen,1 Gallayaporn Nantachai,2 Nguyen Nguyen Trong,1 Vinh-Long Tran-Chi1 1Faculty of Psychology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 2Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, ThailandCorrespondence: Nguyen Nguyen Trong, Faculty of Psychology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam, Tel/Fax +84 387 149 100, Email [email protected]: The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of expectations for marital relationships and premarital sexual permissiveness on intent to marry of Vietnamese emerging adults.Patients and Methods: Our cross-sectional study was focused on emerging adults including 344 participants, undergraduate students from universities in Viet Nam. This study was assessed by using the PLS-SEM approach.Results: The main findings demonstrated that (i) sexual orientation have a significant effect on marital intention; (ii) individuals’ expectations for marital relationship have a direct effect on marital intention; and (iii) premarital sexuality permissiveness mediates the relationship between expectations for marital relationship and marital intention.Conclusion: Our results contribute important documents and clearer understanding of emerging adults’ expectations and requirements in a relationship for the marriage decision-making process.Keywords: premarital sexual permissiveness, expectations for marriage, marital intention, marriage, sexual orientation

Hydration and Cooling Strategies for Paralympic Athletes

Purpose of Review Effective thermoregulation is paramount for optimizing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of heat illness when exercising, especially in hot conditions. Para-athletes can face unique challenges in regard to thermoregulation and hydration, especially when travel is involved. Recent Findings For example, athletes with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have an impaired ability to thermoregulate due to a decreased sweat rate and ability to dissipate heat, thus making vigorous activity in the heat a challenge. These factors may put the athlete at risk for the following: dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and stroke, an inability to complete training sessions or competition, cramping, and impaired cognitive function/decision-making, which can lead to increased risk for injury. Summary Therefore, fluid and cooling needs should be periodized and individualized according to the athlete’s needs and impairment type. Strategies for cooling, and developing hydration plans for para-athletes will be reviewed