The interrelationship between cytotoxin-associated gene A, vacuolating cytotoxin, and Helicobacter pylori-related diseases.

The interrelationship between cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA), and Helicobacter pylori-related diseases was investigated in 155 H. pylori-infected patients. Four (7%) of 60 subjects had mixed cagA+ and cagA- H.

Response of a human megakaryocytic cell line to thrombin: increase in intracellular free calcium and mitogen release.

The CHRF-288-11 cell line has been previously shown to exhibit properties consistent with a megakaryocytic origin. The response of these cells to thrombin has now been investigated. Thrombin treatment of CHRF-288-11 cells results in both an increase in intracellular free calcium levels and secretion of mitogenic activity and beta-thromboglobulin.

Structural basis for the low affinities of yeast cAMP-dependent and mammalian cGMP-dependent protein kinases for protein kinase inhibitor peptides.

Affinities of the catalytic subunit (C1) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cAMP-dependent protein kinase and of mammalian cGMP-dependent protein kinase were determined for the protein kinase inhibitor (PKI) peptide PKI(6-22)amide and seven analogues. These analogues contained structural alterations in the N-terminal alpha-helix, the C-terminal pseudosubstrate portion, or the central connecting region of the PKI peptide. In all cases, the PKI peptides were appreciably less active as inhibitors of yeast C1 than of mammalian C alpha subunit.

In vitro virucidal effectiveness of a 0.12%-chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse.

The purpose of this work was to assess the in vitro antiviral effectiveness of a mouthrinse (Peridex) containing 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CH) on several viruses that are associated with the oral cavity. These included herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza A, parainfluenza, polio, and hepatitis B (HBV).

Transformation of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes with human papillomavirus type 16 DNA.

Human keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from foreskin were transformed by transfection with recombinant human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA. The transformed cells exhibited an extended (fibroblasts) or indefinite (keratinocytes) life-span compared with that of normal controls. In addition, HS27, a human fibroblast cell line previously transfected with origin-defective simian virus 40, was successfully transfected.

Genetic variability of proteins from plasma membranes and cytosols of mouse organs.

The genetic variability of membrane proteins (structure-bound proteins) and cytosol proteins (water-soluble proteins) was investigated in two inbred strains of the mouse, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. Membrane proteins and cytosol were isolated from the brain and liver of the mouse. The proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Hyperthyroidism due to excess thyrotropin secretion: follow-up studies.

Follow-up studies of a woman with hyperthyroidism due to excessive TSH secretion, previously reported (1), are described. For most of the ensuing years, she has been treated with methimazole. On several occasions, methimazole was discontinued; each time elevations of serum TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations, similar in magnitude to those originally present, occurred.