The majority of cells infected with the defective murine AIDS virus belong to the B-cell lineage.

Murine AIDS (MAIDS) is caused by a defective retrovirus which encodes a gag fusion protein (Pr60gag). We previously reported that this virus induced an oligoclonal proliferation of infected cells and suggested that this cell expansion was an important event in the pathogenesis of MAIDS. To identify these target cells, we constructed novel defective viruses whose genomes could be detected with specific probes.

Seroprevalence of maedi-visna in Canadian sheep.

A serological survey of Canadian sheep over one year of age was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of maedi-visna. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used. An analysis of 14,047 sera from 286 randomly selected flocks provided an estimate of the seroprevalence of 19% and a mean flock prevalence of 12%.

Characterization of a cDNA encoding a PSII-associated chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (CAB) from Chlamydomonas moewusii fitting into neither type I nor type II.

A full-length 1010-bp cDNA clone from Chlamydomonas moewusii coding for the precursor of a chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (CAB) was characterized. Northern analysis shows hybridization to a single 1150-base light-stimulated mRNA. Complementary hybrid-selected mRNAs were translated in vitro; SDS-PAGE indicates the synthesis of three polypeptides of 25, 27 and 28 kDa.

The effect of anti-neoplastic drugs on murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) is associated with proliferation of target cells that have been infected by a defective retrovirus. To control the growth of this primary neoplasia, virus-inoculated mice were treated with anti-neoplastic drugs. Paradoxically, cyclophosphamide, which is also immunosuppressive, was very effective in preventing the appearance and progression of the disease, in restoring a normal T cell function, and in depleting the number of infected target cells.

Synthetic peptides corresponding to the F protein of RSV stimulate murine B and T cells but fail to confer protection.

We have previously located a major neutralization site of the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the polypeptide region extending from amino acids Ile221 to Glu232. In this report, 8 peptides corresponding to the six major hydrophilic regions of the F1 subunit were selected to analyse their immunogenic and protective capacities as well as their ability to block the high neutralization activities of 4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Only 5 of the 8 peptides tested induced specific antibodies while all induced an in vitro interleukin-2 response of splenocytes from immunized mice.

Genomic heterogeneities in bovine herpesvirus type 1 viral isolates: a major variant selected from a field isolate.

We have analyzed viral DNA patterns, obtained following digestion of six different infectious bovine rhinotracheitis isolates, using a panel of restriction enzymes. Several differences in profiles were observed, particularly for a Canadian viral strain which presumably contained a genome that was larger than the other five infectious bovine rhinotracheitis genomes. Also, an insertion/deletion of a HindIII restriction site was found in the DNA of a Danish strain; this additional HindIII site was localized precisely within the original HindIII E fragment of the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to maedi-visna virus in sheep. II. Comparison to conventional agar gel immunodiffusion test.

A study was conducted to compare the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay (i-ELISA) test using antigen prepared by a simple technique using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment to the conventional agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). Ten specific-pathogen-free (SPF) sheep were inoculated with maedi-visna virus (MVV) and serum antibody titers compared over a period of 14 weeks. All the sheep seroconverted by the i-ELISA compared to 90% by the AGID.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to maedi-visna virus in sheep. I. A simple technique for production of antigen using sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment.

We report the efficacy of an anionic detergent, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for preparing maedi-visna antigens for an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). Ovine maedi-visna virus (MVV) pelleted by differential centrifugation followed by liquid chromatography was treated with SDS or one of three lipid solvents: ethyl ether, chloroform or fluorocarbon. The SDS-treated antigen resulted in higher optical density values with positive serum and better discrimination between positive and negative serum samples from specific-pathogen-free (SPF) sheep experimentally inoculated with the virus.

[Exercise test before prosthesis fitting in amputees with vascular insufficiency].

93 subjects (age = 65 +/- 10 years) with lower limb amputation ensuing from peripheral vascular disease performed a graded exercise test on arm cranking ergometer with an electromagnetic braking to assess their physical fitness and cardiac condition before starting a prosthetic training programme. The protocol was continuous with a workload increment of 10 watts every two minutes. Heart rate, blood pressure and ECG were recorded at each stage.

Gene mapping of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viral DNA genome.

A bovine herpesvirus I (BHV-I) HindIII genomic bank spanning 89% of the entire genome was constructed and individual fragments analyzed for their capacity to select specific mRNAs which were then expressed by in vitro translation assays. This procedure allowed the mapping of more than 20 viral polypeptides to discrete regions of the DNA genome. Some polypeptides map in neighboring HindIII fragments while most seem encoded in single fragments.

Effects of electrical stimulation on the activity of hexokinase in the medial gastrocnemius muscle of aged rats after hindlimb suspension.

1. The activity of the enzyme Hexokinase (E.C.

Immunodeficiency and clonal growth of target cells induced by helper-free defective retrovirus.

The murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is induced by a defective retrovirus. To study the role of virus replication in this disease, helper-free stocks of defective Duplan virus were produced. These stocks were highly pathogenic in absence of detectable replicating murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) other than xenotropic MuLV.

Evaluation of two management procedures for the control of maedi-visna.

Two control programs were evaluated for their efficiency in eradicating the maedi-visna (M-V) virus from a single sheep flock. In both programs, the agar gel immunodiffusion test was used for the detection of M-V infected animals at regular intervals. In program 1, the test and remove program, ewes that were serologically positive for M-V were immediately removed along with their offspring.

Maturation and subcellular compartmentation of potato starch phosphorylase.

The subcellular localization and maturation of starch phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.

Experimental polyvalent ISCOMs subunit vaccine induces antibodies that neutralize human and bovine respiratory syncytial virus.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate experimentally, in guinea-pigs, the immunogenicity of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus subunit vaccines. Immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs), made from the surface proteins of both human (Long) and bovine (A-51908) RS strains adsorbed to the adjuvant Quil A, were assayed for their capacity to induce neutralizing antibodies, in comparison to experimental live virus vaccines. Serums from animals vaccinated with either the human or bovine RS subunit vaccines were equally efficient in neutralizing human or bovine RS virus.

Comparison of caprine, human and bovine strains of respiratory syncytial virus.

A new continuous ovine kidney cell line allowing the growth of caprine, human and bovine respiratory syncytial virus was used to minimize host cell related variations for the direct comparison of the viral ultrastructures, serological relationships and structural protein profiles. Results show that all three strains are closely related although a closer relationship was found between bovine and caprine RS.

Effect of the androgenic status on the phenotype of the plantaris muscle of the rat.

1. The early demonstration of specific androgen binding sites in skeletal muscle suggested that androgen might be involved in the homeostasis of the tissue in adult mammals. 2.

Cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding the small subunit precursor of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase from Chlamydomonas moewusii. Evolution of RUBISCO SS polypeptide.

We have isolated and characterized a full-length cDNA clone encoding the precursor of the small subunit (pSU) of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO) from the green alga, Chlamydomonas moewusii. Comparison with the C. reinhardtii rbcS1 gene sequence reveals that both small subunit (SS) coding regions are 75% homologous and that their predicted mature polypeptide chains are each composed of 140 amino acids.

[Aortic sarcoma. A rare pathology].

In the light of a case of endotheliosarcoma of the thoracic aorta, the authors found in the literature 33 cases of aortic sarcomas and 13 of sarcomas of peripheral arteries. The clinical diagnosis of this rare tumor is difficult. The diagnosis can be made before surgery only on the basis of angiographic and CT scan findings, whilst in most instances common arterial lesions are suspected whether of atheromatous or embolic origin.

Contractile and histochemical properties of young and old medial gastrocnemius muscle after suspension hypokinesia/hypodynamia.

In order to determine if the atrophic process was different in the young and in the aged fast twitch medial gastrocnemius muscle, in which the aging process is clearly apparent, hindlimb hypokinesia/hypodynamia (H/H) was induced on rats. After 3 weeks, we measured speed-related indices, tension indices and tension producing capacities. Fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area were also determined.

[Primary aortoduodenal fistula of tuberculous origin].

This case of aorto-duodenal fistula was due to fistulization of a tuberculous lymph node between an atheromatous aneurysm of the infra-renal aorta and the third part of the duodenum. CAT scan provided the diagnosis of an aorto-duodenal fistula. The tuberculous origin of the fistula was confirmed by bacteriological and histological examinations.

Effects of hypokinesia/hypodynamia on contractile and histochemical properties of young and old rat soleus muscle.

To determine if the atrophic process was different in the young and in the aged slow-twitch soleus muscle, in which the aging process is clearly apparent, hind limb hypokinesia/hypodynamia was induced. After 3 weeks, we measured speed-related indices, tension indices, and tension producing capacities. Fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area were also investigated.

[The mirror broke : Oedipe has aged, Beginning of a reflection on aging and otherness.].

The "mirror phase" is characterized by a child's recognition of his own image in the mirror and simultaneous perception of approval by the adult, whose reflection is equally discovered. In contrast to this phase, we identify an experience that takes place in old age: the experience referred to in this article as the <>, which occurs when the image reflected by the mirror no longer matches the expectations of the subject. This experience raises doubts concerning non only the relation of the subject with himself, but also with the other, who, ever since the "mirror phase", has supported the subject's identity.