Production of transgenic calves expressing an shRNA targeting myostatin.

Myostatin (MSTN) is a well-known negative regulator of muscle growth. Animals that possess mutations within this gene display an enhanced muscling phenotype, a desirable agricultural trait. Increased neonatal morbidity is common, however, resulting from complications arising from the birth of offspring with increased fetal muscle mass. The objective of the current research was to generate an attenuated MSTN-null phenotype in a large-animal model using RNA interference to enhance muscle development without the detrimental consequences of an inactivating mutation. To this end, we identified a series of short interfering RNAs that demonstrated effective suppression of MSTN mRNA and protein levels. To produce transgenic offspring capable of stable MSTN suppression in vivo, a recombinant lentiviral vector expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting MSTN for silencing was introduced into bovine fetal fibroblasts. These cells were used as nucleus donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Twenty blastocysts were transferred into seven recipient cows resulting in five pregnancies. One transgenic calf developed to term, but died following delivery by Caesarean-section. As an alternative strategy, microinjection of recombinant lentiviral particles into the perivitelline space of in vitro-produced bovine zygotes was utilized to produce 40 transgenic blastocysts that were transferred into 14 recipient cows, resulting in 7 pregnancies. Five transgenic calves were produced, of which three expressed the transgene. This is the first report of transgenic livestock produced by direct injection of a recombinant lentivirus, and expressing transgenes encoding shRNAs targeting an endogenous gene (myostatin) for silencing.

Evaluation of the effects of the North Carolina Improved Pregnancy Outcome Project: implications for state-level decision-making.

This study was designed to assess the effects of the North Carolina Improved Pregnancy Outcome (IPO) Project on use of prenatal care and incidence of low birthweight among its primarily Black registrants . Weighted least squares and stratified analysis procedures were used to scrutinize vital statistics data for subpopulation effects. IPO services were received by 51.7 per cent of Black women in the counties served by the project. For all Black registrants , the risk of receiving less than adequate prenatal care was 55.1 per cent of that of the comparison group. For Black teenage registrants , the risk was even less: 37.2 per cent of that of the comparison group. Nevertheless, no corresponding effects on the incidence of low birthweight could be detected. The evaluation methods used in this study can be applied to programs for mothers and infants in other locales to generate useful and practical information for state-level decision-making.

Measuring the impact of programs for mothers and infants on prenatal care and low birth weight: the value of refined analyses.

During the past two decades, intervention strategies designed to improve the health status of mothers and infants have been widely disseminated, yet relatively few have been evaluated for effectiveness. Moreover, most reported investigations have involved straightforward comparisons of aggregate data, employing various degrees of methodological control. In this study, vital statistics data were used to assess the effects of the North Carolina Maternity and Infant Care (MIC) Project on use of prenatal care and low birth weight. A weighted least squares procedure was used to control for selected maternal characteristics and identify significant interactions. Analyses of total population data indicated only minor MIC effects. However, more careful scrutiny of subpopulation data suggests that MIC impacts differed across categories of maternal risk status, with the greatest influence observed among mothers and infants at greatest risk. These findings raise several questions regarding the genesis of differential effects and suggest areas of special concern in conducting, interpreting, and using evaluations of programs for mothers and infants.

Monitoring and assessment in maternal and child health: recommendations for action at the state level.

Recent administration-sponsored changes in federal health policy and funding may harbor adverse effects for the health of mothers and children, and for the capabilities of state-level programs to serve them appropriately. Careful monitoring is required to assess the nature, extent, and impact of those changes. This paper examines several monitoring efforts in maternal and child health and recommends additional action at the state level to meet urgent information requirements.

PIP: The Reagan administration's health policy is designed to reduce federal involvement in health care by reducing both the quantity and quality of direct services and by decreasing the resources available to pay for services to the poor. The policy assumes that the country's economic security assures the well-being of its citizens, but evidence suggests that health status is not necessarily linked to economic well-being. Large segments of the maternal and child population may be at increased risk. 3 long term monitoring methods which demonstrate the impact of policy on health status are: 1) surveys; 2) tracking health conditions for which data are routinely collected over long periods; and 3) replications of MCH program evaluations. Short term effects can be measured by noting reductions in human resources, reorganization, changes in modes of decision making, and reduced capability for oversight and consultation. Changes in service availability, accessibility, comprehensiveness and quality can be monitored at the local level. Data bases already existing in some form in every state can be useful for making assessments. Notable data sources include a 1980 Dept. of Health and Human Services report, and activities of the National Center for Health Statistics. New monitoring efforts include those of the MCH Block Data Committee, the National Public Health Reporting System, the National MCH Resource Center, the Foundation for Child Development, the Children's Defense Fund, the Univ. of North Carolina Child Health Outcomes Project, and the American Public Health Association Survey and the Ambulatory Pediatric Association. Urgently needed data depend upon action at the state level by official state agencies, advocacy groups, colleges and universities, professional organizations, and other concerned parties.

A model for the delivery of health care to pregnant adolescents. Part I: assessment and planning.

The development and implementation of a health care delivery system for pregnant adolescents is described. The setting was an already functioning urban obstetrical outpatient facility for maternal and infant care. The successes and failures that were experienced are shared with the reader. In Part I the specifics involved in planning and putting into operation an adolescent clinic session are enumerated. In Part II the actual implementation, evaluation, and replanning are discussed. Both parts are based on the nursing process and the manner in which it was utilized in planning and development.