Titration of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and quantitative analysis of virus expression in vitro using liquid RNA-RNA hybridization.

An assay is described for titration of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and for quantitative analysis of virus expression in vitro. The assay utilizes a liquid RNA-RNA hybridization method coupled with reversible target capture (RTC) on oligo(dT) derivatized magnetic particles. The assay provides a rapid, specific, and sensitive method for quantitation of HIV-1 RNA molecules present either in cells or in viral particles from cell-free culture media.

Alteration of the mutagenicity of human fecal extracts by hepatic microsomal enzymes.

Human fecal extracts obtain substances mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA 100. The mutagenicity of these extracts can be reduced enzymatically by inducible mammalian microsomal enzymes. Liver homogenates from rats administered the polychlorinated biphenyl mixture of Aroclor 1254 and corn oil were both effective, relative to the quantity of microsomal protein available in the enzyme preparation.

Mutagens in the feces of 3 South-African populations at different levels of risk for colon cancer.

The incidence of mutagens in the feces of 3 South-African populations at different risk levels for colon cancer has been determined. Lyophilized fecal samples were extracted with ether and the mutagenicity of the extracts determined using the Salmonella/mammalian microsome mutagenicity test. 19% of the samples from urban white South-Africans, a population at a high risk for colon cancer, were mutagenic using Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100.

Antiviral activity of arabinosylthymine in herpesviral replication: mechanism of action in vivo and in vitro.

1-beta-d-Arabinofuranosylthymine (ara-T), a metabolite of the sponge Tethya crypta, has shown selective activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) replication (G. A. Gentry and J.