Spliced RNA of woodchuck hepatitis virus.

Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate RNA splicing in liver of woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). Two spliced species were detected, and the splice junctions were sequenced. The larger spliced RNA has an intron of 1300 nucleotides, and the smaller spliced sequence shows an additional downstream intron of 1104 nucleotides.

Structure and expression of the woodchuck herpesvirus genome.

This report describes the genome structure and location from which immediate-early transcription originates in the recently characterized woodchuck herpesvirus (herpesvirus marmota: HVM). Cross-hybridization of restriction fragments indicates that the HVM genome contains a tandem array of 1.5-kb repeat units.

Extrahepatic replication of woodchuck hepatitis virus in chronic infection.

We describe studies of woodchuck hepatitis virus nucleic acids in liver and other tissues of chronically infected woodchucks, using Southern and Northern blot hybridization techniques. Single-stranded and covalently closed circular replicative DNA molecules were distinguished from partly double-stranded virus genomes. In most animals the liver contained more virus than any other organ, but all extrahepatic organs studied (spleen, thymus, pancreas, and kidney) contained viral DNA and significant amounts of viral RNA.

Characterization of a herpesvirus isolated from woodchuck hepatocytes.

A DNA virus with the characteristics of a herpesvirus has been isolated from woodchuck hepatocytes cultured in vitro. We refer to this virus as herpesvirus of marmots (HVM). Electron microscopy of thin sections of HVM-infected cells showed nucleocapsids with a hexagonal outline and a diameter of 80 nm.

Instability of v-src sequences in nonhuman primate tumors cultured in vitro.

We have analyzed the DNA of marmoset tumors induced and marmoset cells transformed by Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and derivative viruses of various types. Southern blot hybridization was used to determine the presence of v-src gene sequences. We failed to detect v-src DNA in high-passage cells derived from marmoset tumors induced in vivo or from marmoset cell lines transformed in vitro.

Cloning and structural analysis of integrated woodchuck hepatitis virus sequences from hepatocellular carcinomas of woodchucks.

Woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), like the related hepatitis B virus, induces in its natural host hepatocellular carcinomas that contain integrated viral sequences. As a first step in determining whether and how the integrated sequences contribute to formation of the tumors in which they are found, we have cloned two such integrations of WHV and have determined their structure by restriction mapping and heteroduplex electron microscopy. The identity of the cloned sequences was confirmed by comparison of restriction sites in the clones with those located by Southern blot analysis of tumor DNA.

Persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the bedbug Cimex hemipterus (Fabr.).

The fate of hepatitis B virus in the bedbug was investigated to assess this insect's potential as a vector. Colony-reared Cimex hemipterus (Fabr.) were fed once on blood positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).

The fibrinolytic enzyme system in hepatic cirrhosis and malignant metastases.

Components of the blood fibrinolytic system were measured in 18 patients with hepatic cirrhosis, in two patients with acute hepatic necrosis, and in 10 patients with hepatic metastases. The frequency of an elevation of plasminogen activator and a reduction in plasminogen in hepatic cirrhosis has been confirmed. Patients with compensated cirrhosis had low levels of the serum inhibitor of plasminogen activation while those with severe hepatic insufficiency or coma due to cirrhosis or hepatic necrosis had elevated levels.

Origin and employment of the medical graduates of the University of Aberdeen 1931-69.

A survey was made of the medical graduates of the University of Aberdeen, 1931-69. The recent increase of graduates of non-British origin, the continuing high intake of women and their subsequent attrition, and the high rate of emigration, have combined to reduce substantially the number of these graduates working in Britain.

Studies on a complex mechanism for the activation of plasminogen by kaolin and by chloroform: the participation of Hageman factor and additional cofactors.

As demonstrated by others, fibrinolytic activity was generated in diluted, acidified normal plasma exposed to kaolin, a process requiring Hageman factor (Factor XII). Generation was impaired by adsorbing plasma with glass or similar agents under conditions which did not deplete its content of Hageman factor or plasminogen. The defect could be repaired by addition of a noneuglobulin fraction of plasma or an agent or agents eluted from diatomaceous earth which had been exposed to normal plasma.

The effect of prolonged exercise on the components of the blood fibrinolytic enzyme system.

1. The levels of the blood components of the fibrinolytic enzyme system were measured before, during and after a 4 hr period of exercise in eight subjects.2.

Fibrinolysis in leukaemia.

Components of the blood fibrinolytic system were measured in 43 patients with leukaemia. Increased fibrinolytic activity, indicated by a reduced plasma plasminogen level, was found in 14 patients. The combination of severe thrombocytopenia and increased fibrinolysis appeared to be a determinant in the production of a haemorrhagic tendency in leukaemia.