Search

This advanced practicum project describes a pilot project for teen mothers and their preschool children, developed from the principles of Theraplay®, a play-based, attachment-focused intervention. Specifically, the objective of this project was to explore the applicability and value of using this type of intervention among adolescent mothers in a limited service region in Sudbury, Ontario. My experience showed that using the Theraplay model was useful in improving the relationship between adolescent mothers and their children by promoting positive interactions. The findings indicate play-based interventions have value with this at-risk population.

This advanced practicum project describes a pilot project for teen mothers and their preschool children, developed from the principles of Theraplay®, a play-based, attachment-focused intervention. Specifically, the objective of this project was to explore the applicability and value of using this type of intervention among adolescent mothers in a limited service region in Sudbury, Ontario. My experience showed that using the Theraplay model was useful in improving the relationship between adolescent mothers and their children by promoting positive interactions. The findings indicate play-based interventions have value with this at-risk population.

Previously, the complete genome of western equine encephalitis virus had been cloned and sequenced. This paper describes mammalian expression vectors pCXH-3 and pVHX-6, in which expression of the structural genes of western equine encephalitis virus have been placed under the control of the mammalian CMV promoter. When pCXH-3 or pVHX-6 is expressed using a cell-free transcription/translation system, in vitro, authentic structural proteins of western equine encephalitis virus are produced as verified by reactivity with monoclonal antibodies developed to western equine encephalitis virus. These vectors can also be complexed with liposomes and administered to mammalian cell culture. The viral envelope proteins were functionally expressed, as determined by histochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies which recognize WEE antigens. In addition, when pCXH-3 or pVHX-6 is administered intraepidermally and intramuscularly% to mice, a protective immune response is induced. Immunized mice had a significantly reduced risk of infection, against a subsequent intranasal challenge with western equine encephalitis virus. Development of a DNA vaccine to western equine encephalitis virus is promising. In a similar manner, DNA vaccines to related alphaviruses (Venezuelan and eastern equine encephalitis viruses) could also be developed.

Drugs externally applied to human skin were shown to bind readily. Drugs deposited on the skin of drug-free volunteers several days prior to application of the sweat patch were not completely removed by normal hygiene or the cleaning procedures recommended commercially before application of the sweat patch. These externally applied drugs cause false positives for drug-free volunteers did not use drugs. We term this mode of contamination-Contamination From Within (CFWI). A number of different cleaning procedures were used to remove externally applied drugs. Orange Pumice hand cleaner followed by water and then isopropanol substantially reduced CFWI. However, even with these extensive cleaning procedures, some drugs remained, which could cause false positives. We propose saving the ispropanol cleaning swabs and testing the retained swabs for drugs, if the wearer of the patch denied drug use. We also propose that a ratio >10% of the drugs in the cleaning pads to that found in the patch is indicative of CFWI. A lower ratio or drug-free cleaning pads would indicate drug use by the individual. Heavy sweating facilitates drug transfer. However, not all drugs placed on the skin arc transferred to the patch. The presence of glycerol in the absorptive pad increases transfer 3-6 fold.