Analysis of mutations in the ninR region of bacteriophage lambda that bypass a requirement for lambda N antitermination.

Two mutations in the ninR region of bacteriophage lambda that bypass a requirement for antitermination have been studied. One mutation, byp, has been cloned and mapped by marker rescue to a 417-base-pair segment in the ninR region of the genome. Analysis of the byp mutation by using promoter detection vectors, DNA sequencing, and S1 nuclease analysis showed that the byp mutation created a new promoter that transcribed gene Q.

[Transesophageal echocardiography].

Transesophageal echocardiography is a new, semi-invasive technique for the examination of the heart and the aorta. Within 10-15 minutes it is possible to obtain good pictures of the anatomy and function of the heart. Diagnostic indications are native and prosthetic valvular heart disease; the method is particularly suitable for visualization of endocarditic vegetations, evaluation of embolic events or congenital heart disease and assessment of aortic dissection.

[Emergency diagnosis of cecal volvulus].

Twelve cases of coecal volvulus have been analysed. Given typical signs, plain radiography of the abdomen should assure diagnosis. Chronic volvulus requires a colon contrast enema for confirmation of diagnosis.

[Technique of bile duct revision].

In view of the progress of endoscopic treatment of common bile duct pathologies the management of retained common duct stones following simple cholecystectomy has become a minor problem. Nevertheless duct stones should be recognized and removed during the cholecystectomy procedure. High risk patients or extreme forms of acute inflammation are an exception.

Expression of alcohol-soluble endosperm proteins in maize single and double mutants.

Many maize (Zea mays L.) mutant genes exist. Some affect protein content or composition, while others modify carbohydrates or kernel phenotype.

[Cerebellar atrophies].

Cerebellar atrophy is often discovered at computerized tomography or MRI of the brain, but its exact cause is frequently difficult to determine. Alcoholism is the predominant factor, but numerous other diseases may also be considered. The diseases fall into two main categories: primary cerebellar degeneration with, in particular, olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy, and acquired atrophy which may be of paraneoplastic or endocrine origin or caused by toxic agents other than alcohol.

Solid-phase anti-CD3 antibody activation of murine tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Seventeen consecutive s.c. murine tumors, derived from a sarcoma and a colon adenocarcinoma, were cultured in the presence of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) for growth of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL).

Bacterially produced HIV-2 env polypeptides specific for distinguishing HIV-2 from HIV-1 infections.

Five unique recombinant polypeptides, each encoded by a DNA segment representing a different region of the HIV-2 (NIH-Z strain) env gene, were produced at relatively high levels (greater than or equal to 5%) as cII-fusion products in Escherichia coli. These recombinant polypeptides were characterized serologically by the Western blot assay against a panel of HIV-2 and HIV-1 antibody-positive sera, and with normal human sera (HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody negative). Only those polypeptides that are encoded by a segment of the env gene from the N-terminal region of the transmembrane protein gp35 (amino acids 537 to 707) were immunoreactive.

Cloning and Characterization of the Rat Gene Encoding GAP-43.

GAP-43 is a gene expressed only in the nervous system. The protein product is believed to be important to neuronal growth and plasticity. Most, and likely all, neurons express high levels of GAP-43 during periods of neurite elongation.

Use of flumazenil in intoxicated patients with coma. A double-blind placebo-controlled study in ICU.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial we studied the efficacy and safety of the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil. In 23 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with coma due to overdose with benzodiazepines or other sedatives, flumazenil i.v.

Peripheral neuropathy, coagulopathy and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver in a patient with multiple serologic auto-antibody activities and IgM B-cell lymphoma.

A patient with IgM-secreting B-cell lymphoma developed demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, coagulopathy, and terminal miliary lymphomatous spreading. Serologic auto-antibody activities directed against myelin associated glycoprotein, prothrombinase complex (i.e.

A membrane-targeting signal in the amino terminus of the neuronal protein GAP-43.

Neurons and other cells, such as those of epithelia, accumulate particular proteins in spatially discrete domains of the plasma membrane. This enrichment is probably important for localization of function, but it is not clear how it is accomplished. One proposal for epithelial cells is that proteins contain targeting signals which guide preferential accumulation in basal or apical membranes.

[Proliferative myositis with compression of the sciatic nerve].

A case of proliferative myositis, an unusual inflammatory pseudotumour of skeletal muscle, is reported. This case was particular in that the lesion was located in the popliteal fossa, developed over a long period and above all, was revealed by compression of the sciatic nerve. The diagnosis was confirmed by peripheral biopsy of the mass which showed normal muscular tissue associated with numerous fibroblasts and with characteristic basophilic giant cells.

[Emergency coronary dilatation in acute myocardial infarct with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy: salvage of the myocardium by early intervention].

In 1986/87, emergency-PTCA in acute myocardial infarction was performed in 13 patients in whom thrombolysis was contraindicated. All infarct-related arteries could be opened with PTCA. Patency rate after one week was 94%.

The neuronal growth-associated protein GAP-43 induces filopodia in non-neuronal cells.

The neuron-specific protein GAP-43 is associated with the membrane of the nerve growth cone and thus may be important to the activity of this distinctive neuronal structure. Transient transfection of COS and NIH 3T3 cells with appropriate vectors resulted in expression of GAP-43 in these non-neuronal cells; as in neurons, transfected GAP-43 associated with the membrane. In addition, many long fine filopodial processes extended from the periphery of such transfected cells.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in colon surgery: cefazolin (Kefzol- ornidazole (Tiberal) versus cephazolin-placebo].

A prospective, randomized, double-blind and controlled clinical trial of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis with Cefazolin and Ornidazol (CO) versus Cefazolin and Placebo (CP) was carried out consecutively in 100 patients undergoing elective, colorectal surgery. The incidence of wound infection in the CP-group was 20% (n = 10) and in the CO-group 8% (n = 4) (p less than 0.10 ns).

Quantitation and subcellular localization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA/cyclin) in oocytes and eggs of Xenopus laevis.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA/cyclin) is a 36-kDa polypeptide present in the nuclei of mitotically active cells. It is known to be involved in DNA replication through an association with DNA polymerase delta. We examined the total content as well as the subcellular distribution of PCNA in the oocyte and the egg of Xenopus laevis by employing immunocytological staining and immunoblot analysis.

Structural characterization of the bovine CYP17 (17 alpha-hydroxylase) gene.

The complete exonic and partial intronic sequence of the bovine CYP17 (P45017 alpha) gene has been determined. The gene contains eight exons with exon/intron boundaries which are identical to those determined previously for the human CYP17 gene. The site of initiation of transcription of this gene is located within a 6-base sequence 52 bp from the initiation of translation.

[Implantable catheter systems. Experience with 205 patients].

In a five-year period (1983-1988) catheters were implanted in 205 patients (118 venous, 31 peritoneal, 29 arterial, 25 epidural and 2 pleural), using the same system (Port-a-Cath). Total implant duration was 88,345 patient days (242 patient years). On average there was one catheter complication per 2000 patients days.