Expression of the gene coding for the major outer capsid protein of SA-11 rotavirus in a baculovirus system.

The gene coding for the major outer capsid protein (VP7) of simian rotavirus SA-11 has been expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell system. The resulting protein is 35 kDa and is primarily associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Neutralizing SA-11 polyclonal antiserum and VP7 monospecific antiserum reacted specifically with the expressed gene product.

Clinical experience with immediate breast reconstruction using tissue expansion or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps.

We retrospectively reviewed our experience with immediate breast reconstruction in 103 consecutive patients with stage 0 or I breast carcinoma between May 1983 and April 1988. Two reconstructive techniques were used, that is, either tissue expansion with secondary prosthesis implantation (60%) or transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap (40%). Chemotherapy was administered in 22% of patients without delay or compromise.

Mammographic features of intracystic papillary lesions.

In this article, the mammographic findings of ten patients with intracystic papillary lesions are reported. Two of these patients also had sonograms, which confirmed the presence of intracystic papillary fronds. Although not all intracystic lesions can be differentiated from gross cysts, there are several helpful roentgenologic and clinical clues.

Stage I and II breast carcinoma: treatment with limited surgery and radiation therapy versus mastectomy.

Between 1980 and 1986, 2,140 patients with surgical stage I or II breast carcinoma were treated including 1,179 patients with T1-2N0 disease and 961 patients with T1-2N1 disease. Among the 1,179 patients without node involvement, 215 underwent limited surgery (complete excision and axillary node dissection) and radiation therapy; 964 patients underwent modified radical mastectomy only. Of the 961 patients with node involvement, 106 were treated by means of limited surgery and radiation therapy; of these, 48 also received chemotherapy.

Cloning and expression of the major inner capsid protein of SA-11 simian rotavirus in Escherichia coli.

The major inner capsid protein (VP6) of SA-11 simian rotavirus has been expressed in Escherichia coli using a cloned cDNA derived from SA-11 double-stranded RNA segment 6. The cloned gene was fused to the N-terminal coding sequence of lacZ resulting in the synthesis of a 44-kDa protein. Several smaller polypeptides were also observed, resulting predominantly from transcription and translation within the gene 6 coding sequence.

Structure and organization of the gene encoding human pulmonary surfactant proteolipid SP-B.

Human pulmonary surfactant proteolipid SP-B arises by proteolytic processing of a 42,000-dalton precursor. The active proteolipid SP-B is one of two small hydrophobic proteins identified in surfactant that impart surface-active properties to surfactant phospholipids. We report the isolation and characterization of complete SP-B cDNA from a human lung cDNA library.

Two SP-C genes encoding human pulmonary surfactant proteolipid.

Human pulmonary surfactant proteolipid of Mr = 5,000, now termed surfactant protein C (SP-C), is produced by proteolytic processing of an Mr = 22,000 precursor. The active hydrophobic peptide imparts surface active properties to pulmonary surfactant phospholipids. We have determined the entire nucleotide sequence of two distinct genes encoding SP-C from a genomic library prepared from human leukocytes.

Tumor to fascia margin as a factor in local recurrence after modified radical mastectomy.

A new problem has arisen for surgeons now that the pectoralis major muscle is routinely left in place after mastectomy. When the pathologist reports a tumor close to the fascial margin, there has been uncertainty regarding the significance of this finding. In the present study, the histories of 346 women with negative nodes who underwent modified radical mastectomy and had an uninvolved plane under the breast were reviewed.

The extent and distribution of cancer in breasts with palpable primary tumors.

The term multicentricity has been employed to describe cancer cells beyond the borders of the primary tumor. However, it is not clear if there are multiple independent sites of origin or if the process simply represents spread of the cancer. The present study was designed to examine the distribution and extent of cancer in the breast and identify factors that bear on these events.

Non-human primate (baboon) anti-gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 antibody infusion in four women with metastatic breast carcinoma.

Four women with metastatic breast carcinoma and elevated plasma levels of human breast gross cystic disease fluid protein of 15,000 dalton monomer size (GCDFP-15) were treated IV with non-human primate (baboon) anti-GCDFP-15 antibody. Three patients were given a single IV infusion of antibody, while the fourth patient received four sequential IV infusions. Antibody dosage patients, after antibody infusion the plasma level of GCDFP-15 decreased to 0 ng/ml and remained there as long as "free" circulating anti-GCDFP-15 antibody was present.

The psychological impact of immediate breast reconstruction for women with early breast cancer.

Twenty-five patients were evaluated, 13 who had immediate breast reconstruction and 12 who had delayed breast reconstruction for early breast cancer. Data were elicited about the psychological impact of the cancer, the mastectomy, and the reconstruction. Our results support the conclusion that immediate breast reconstruction is accompanied by a lower incidence of psychological morbidity postoperatively, and we recommend that immediate breast reconstruction be offered as an alternative to women with early breast cancer.

Breast gross cystic disease fluid analysis. I. Isolation and radioimmunoassay for a major component protein.

Human breast gross cystic disease (GCD) fluid was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis, and four major proteins (GCDFP-70), GCDFP-44, GCDFP-24, and GCDFP-15) were identified. By fractionation techniques, these proteins were separated from one another. The GCDFP-70 was immunologically identical to human albumin and was present in GCD fluid at approximately a 100-fold lower concentration than in plasma.

Comparative evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen and gross cystic disease fluid protein as plasma markers for human breast carcinoma.

A comparative evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP) as plasma markers for human breast carcinoma has been performed. Both assays appear to be useful in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma. Of 216 patients under treatment for metastatic disease, 111 (51%) had abnormal plasma levels of CEA and/or GCDFP.

Evaluation of carcinoembryonic antigen as a plasma monitor for human breast carcinoma.

Plasma CEA levels have been determined in 92 normal women and 768 women with benign or malignant breast diseases. Only one of 92 normal women had a CEA level above 5 ng/ml. Of 253 women with benign breast diseases (gross cystic disease, adenofibroma, fibrosis, etc.

Evaluation of a breast cyst fluid protein detectable in the plasma of breast carcinoma patients.

A radioimmunoassay has been developed for one of the major proteins isolated from human breast cyst fluid. Immunologically this protein is identical to a protein present in both human milk and saliva. Ninety-two normal women had plasma levels of this protein below 100 ng/ml (range 7-81 ng/ml; mean 31 ng/ml), and 85% had plasma levels below 50 ng/ml.

In vitro stimulation of human breast tissue by human prolactin.

Normal human breast tissue was cultured with defined media plus hormones. The epithelium survived at least 4 days in culture but did not grow in the absence of hormones. Both insulin and human prolactin stimulated growth, but ovine prolactin did not.