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Biomedical subjects

E Balázs

Publications and source records attributed to E Balázs.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Initial experience with transpalpebral orbital lipectomy].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of transpalpebral orbital lipectomy. METHOD: Using a transpalpebral approach, 2.0-6.5 ml connective tissue was removed from 50 orbits of 33 patients with mild to severe Graves' orbitopathy (25 females, 8 males) over a 5-year period. Indications for surgery comprised cosmetic correction of exophthalmos (27/33 patients), corneal damage (5/33), and rapid bilateral deterioration of visual acuity in 1 patient. RESULTS: In 27 patients undergoing correction for aesthetic purposes no change in visual acuity ensued; in 4 of 5 keratopathy patients an improvement in visual acuity was detected. Diplopia ceased in 4 of 13 patients, diminished in 3 of 13 cases, and constantly increased in 2 of 13 cases. The high intraocular pressure returned to normal in 8 of 13 patients. The proptosis was reduced at 3.2+/-1.3 mm. CONCLUSION: Transpalpebral orbital lipectomy is a low-risk, highly effective technique for orbital decompression in both acute and chronic cases of Graves' orbitopathy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Binary transformation systems based on 'shooter' mutants of Agrobacterium tumefaciens: a simple, efficient and universal gene transfer technology that permits marker gene elimination.

A simple transformation procedure with a positive selection scheme using the expression of the isopentenyl transferase ( ipt) gene of transfer DNA (T-DNA) 'shooter' mutants of Agrobacterium tumefaciens was elaborated. After comparing several 'shooter' mutants we found that particular strains frequently produced phenotypically normal shoots after co-culturing with tobacco leaf explants. Shoots selected for normal phenotype showed apical dominance and could be rooted with the same efficiency as non-transformed shoots. When binary vectors were introduced into these strains, stably integrated binary vector T-DNA sequences were found in some regenerants, which were produced under non-selective conditions on growth-regulator-free medium. Such phenotypically normal transformants typically lacked a stably integrated ipt gene. Normal looking shoots could also be produced in tomato, muskmelon and sweet pepper.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens↗
PubMed2001

Replacement of the coat protein gene of plum pox potyvirus with that of zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus: characterization of the hybrid potyvirus.

Infectious hybrid virus was generated by replacing part of the coat protein gene of plum pox potyvirus with that of the zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus. This viable hybrid contains 84.5% of zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus coat protein gene while the rest of the sequence was derived from plum pox potyvirus. Changing the coat protein gene between these two viruses had no effect on the experimental host range. Pathogenicity, stability and replication capacity of the hybrid virus were nearly identical to the parent viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Cytogenetic profile of primary pituitary germinoma.

We present a case of a germinoma in the sellar region of a 10-year-old female patient who presented with a history of polydipsia, polyuria and visual disturbances. The tumor was resected and histologically analyzed. Interphase cytogenetics was performed using chromosome specific (peri)-centromeric DNA probes for all the somatic and X chromosomes on fresh frozen tissues. Fluorescent in situ cell hybridization demonstrated accumulated cytogenetic abnormalities involving significant alterations of chromosome 1, 4, 5/19 and 15. The child was treated postoperatively by radiation and now appears well with only minor neurological deficits. At 3-year follow-up no recurrent tumor mass could be demonstrated.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Synthesis of (-)-strand RNA from the 3' untranslated region of plant viral genomes expressed in transgenic plants upon infection with related viruses.

When expressed in transgenic tobacco plants, transgene mRNA that includes the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of Lettuce mosaic virus served as template for synthesis of complementary (-)-strand RNA following an infection by Tobacco etch virus, Tobacco vein mottle virus or Pepper mottle virus, but not when infected with Cucumber mosaic virus. Deletion of the 3' UTR from the transgene abolished the synthesis of (-)-strand transcripts. Similar results were obtained in transgenic tobacco plants expressing mRNA that includes the RNA3 3' UTR of Cucumber mosaic virus when infected with Tomato aspermy virus. These results show that the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of several potyviruses and Tomato aspermy virus have the ability to recognize heterologous 3' UTRs when included in transgene mRNAs, and to use them as transcription promoters.

3' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2000

[Examination of silane ceramic systems by differential thermoanalysis].

In the present study two silane adhesive agents (Silicoup, Heraeus/Kulzer, and Monobond-S, Vivadent) and one type ceramic (VITA VKM 68) and their interface reactions were tested by thermo-analysis. The ceramic powder is thermally inactive. Using the two different silane solutions with the same ceramic type different thermical characteristics were found despite the same base material (gamma-methacryloxi-propyl-trimethoxi-silane). This can probably be attributed to the different configurations of the polycondensates.

Dental Bonding↗
PubMed1999

Immunohistochemical detection of betaIG-H3 in scarring human corneas.

BACKGROUND: BetaIG-H3 is a recently described extracellular matrix protein that is present in various organs. In rabbit corneas, increased betaIG (the rabbit form of betaIG-H3) mRNA levels were shown during corneal development and wound healing. In this study, we investigated the localization of betaIG-H3 protein in scarring human corneas. METHODS: Corneal buttons obtained during keratoplasty were examined. Immunohistological detection using a polyclonal antipeptide antibody against the betaIG-H3 protein was performed on 24 pathological corneas (9 ulcerations, 8 alkali burns, 2 perforating injuries, 5 bullous keratopathy) and 2 normal corneas. RESULTS: In normal corneas, strong staining was present in the basal layer of the epithelium and in the endothelium; the stromal fibers showed faint, uniform immunoreactivity. In all scarring corneas, the epithelium was usually thickened and all of its layers were reactive with the betaIG-H3 antibody. The cytoplasm of the stromal fibroblasts, as well as the stromal fibers around them also showed staining with the antibody. These changes were present in all scarring corneas, irrespective of the pathological process leading to scar formation. CONCLUSION: These results prove, at the protein level, the presence of increased amounts of betaIG-H3 at the sites of scarring in human corneas.

Alkalies↗
PubMed1999

Molecular evidence for the existence of two distinct subgroups in cucumber mosaic cucumovirus.

Infectious full-length cDNA clones from the genomic RNAs of a subgroup II cucumber mosaic cucumovirus strain (Trk7) were obtained. Sequence analysis of the whole genome revealed strong homology (99%) to the genome of Q-CMV, the only subgroup II strain whose entire genomic nucleotide sequence had been available in the database, and an overall 75% homology to those of subgroup I strains. We provide sequence comparisons of different parts of 1a, 2a and 2b proteins of Cucumovirus species, and propose phylogenetic trees based on these protein sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Stunting induced by cucumber mosaic cucumovirus-infected Nicotiana glutinosa is determined by a single amino acid residue in the coat protein.

R-CMV, a subgroup II strain of cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) induces a very strong stunting response in Nicotiana glutinosa plants, while Trk7-CMV causes green mosaic in this host. The genetic determinant of this phenotype was mapped to a 534-nucleotide region at the 3' end of RNA3 with biologically active, full-length cDNA clones of R-CMV and Trk7-CMV and RNA3 chimeras of the two strains. Within this region, R-CMV differs from Trk7-CMV by a single amino acid at position 193 in the coat protein. Changing the codon for Lys at this position to Asn or Ser, by site-directed mutagenesis, also changed the phenotype of the viruses from green mosaic to induction of stunting. Profound differences in both the spread and the accumulation of the viruses causing stunting and green mosaic were observed, although these did not correlate with the host specificity of stunting. Since expression of R-CMV coat protein with the PVX vector did not cause stunting, the data suggest that the presence of other CMV components is necessary for the induction of this symptom.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Expression of betaig-h3 is lower than normal in keratoconus corneas but increases with scarring.

PURPOSE: Keratoconus is a progressive ectatic disease of the cornea. Despite extensive clinical and laboratory investigations, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we examined the localization of betaig-h3, a recently described extracellular matrix protein in keratoconus corneas both in the absence and presence of subepithelial scarring. METHODS: Two normal corneas and central corneal buttons of 10 patients with keratoconus were excised during perforating keratoplasty and examined, including one case with acute corneal hydrops. In one case, keratoconus was associated with Down syndrome. Immunodetection was done with an antipeptide antibody reacting with the N-terminal part of betaig-h3. RESULTS: We found decreased betaig-h3 levels in the basal epithelial layer and keratocytes of keratoconus corneas. In the scarred corneas, however, betaig-h3 levels were increased in the basal epithelial layers and in activated keratocytes at the places of scarring. In the cornea of the patient with Down syndrome, we found an additional betaig-h3-positive zone in the anterior stroma. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased levels of betaig-h3 corneas seem to be specific for keratoconus. Considering the putative role of betaig-h3 as a cellular-attachment protein, paucity of betaig-h3 in the corneal stroma may lead to decreased mechanical stability and contribute to the development of keratoconus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Corneal transplantation in children.

Authors discuss the special problems related to childhood keratoplasties. They evaluate the results of the keratoplasties carried out in children during the past 10 years in their service. They review the concerning literature and summarize their opinion on the corneal transplantations of this age group.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Nicotiana benthamiana plants transformed with the plum pox virus helicase gene are resistant to virus infection.

Nicotiana benthamiana Domin. plants were transformed with the cytoplasmic inclusion protein (CI) gene of plum pox potyvirus (PPV) to investigate, whether this non-structural protein would be able to confer resistance. The CI protein is an RNA helicase, which contains a conserved nucleotide binding motif (NTBM) and plays an important role in viral replication. Two gene constructions were developed for plant transformation. The first contains the original coding sequence of the CI gene under the control of 35S-promoter and nos terminator signal, the second is mutated in the NTBM region. Several transgenic plant lines were obtained following Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The integration of the viral genes into the plant genome was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction and the transgene derived mRNAs were detected by Northern blot hybridization. The CI protein in the transgenic plants could not be detected by Western blot analyses. One transgenic line containing the mutated CI gene remained completely symptomless after PPV infection, indicating that the putative defective helicase gene was capable of eliciting virus resistance.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed1997

Biological properties of pseudorecombinant and recombinant strains created with cucumber mosaic virus and tomato aspermy virus.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and tomato aspermy virus (TAV) are closely related cucumoviruses. We have made pseudorecombinant viruses in which the RNAs 3 of these two viruses have been exchanged and recombinant viruses containing chimeric RNA 3 molecules, in which the coat proteins and the 3'-end regions of CMV and TAV have been exchanged, giving rise to recombinants designated RT3 and TR3. The replication properties and the cell-to-cell and long-distance movement patterns of these pseudorecombinant and recombinant viruses were examined in different hosts. All the viruses were able to replicate and accumulate RNA 4 in protoplasts. The pseudorecombinants and the R1R2RT3 recombinant infected tobacco systemically, but the R1R2TR3 recombinant was not detectable, even in the inoculated leaves. Comparison of the abilities of the viruses to replicate in protoplasts and intact cucumber plants suggests that cell-to-cell movement factors are also encoded by RNAs 1 and/or 2. Major determinants of symptom severity in Nicotiana glutinosa are localized on the 3' part of RNA 3, and in Nicotiana benthamiana, more severe symptoms were observed with the T1T2R3 strain than with the others tested.

Cucumis sativus↗
PubMed1997

Penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Corneal decompensation after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has become the leading indication for penetrating keratoplasty during the past decade. We reviewed the clinical course and the surgical management of 212 patients with penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy treated at our Department during the last 15 years. Corneal transplantation for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was successful in 76%. One third of the patients achieved a long-term visual acuity of 0.5 and more. At keratoplasty the original IOL was left in place in 129 eyes. We removed from and not replaced the IOL in 37 eyes and we performed IOL exchange in 46 eyes. The secondary IOL was an angle-supported flexible anterior chamber lens in 40 cases, and a suture fixated posterior chamber lens in 8 cases. During the penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy the most important question is how to manage the previously implanted intraocular lens. We have to decide whether the intraocular lens should be removed or replaced at the time of surgery. The choice of removing, retaining or replacing the intraocular lens at keratoplasty depends on the variable intraocular pathological conditions and each case requires individual evaluation.

Anterior Chamber↗
PubMed1994

[Autoantibodies or immune defense against cholesterol?].

Serological study was made on the lues aspecific positive sera (BAP); The serum reactivity was demonstrated by Kolmer and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests. The specificity was verified by treponema immobilization est (TPIT), fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) and treponema haemagglutination (TPHA) tests. The BAP sera were studied by enzyme labelled immunoassay (ELISA) with the isolated antigen components of Kolmer and RPR tests. The previously supposed "cardio-BAP" appeared only about 50 per cent of the sera. Anti-cholesterol antibody was demonstrated in 38 sera of 112 (33.9%) and only one of 50 negative control sera (2%). To the author's knowledge anti-cholesterol antibodies have never been demonstrated before. The authors suppose it is an autoantibody and their new result will give new possibilities to understand and explain the role of cholesterol in the so called "cholesterol diseases". Additional research have to be made to specify the pathological importance and role in the disorders.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1994

Complete nucleotide sequence of the RNA 3 from subgroup II of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) strain: Trk7.

The complete nucleotide sequence (2209 nucleotides) of the RNA 3 of the cucumber mosaic virus strain Trk7 was determined. Trk7-CMV possesses two open reading frames which encode the 3a protein (279 amino acids) and the coat protein (218 amino acids). Sequence analysis proved the earlier biological and serological classification of the RNA 3 molecule of Trk7-CMV in subgroup II. A high degree of homology was found in the strains Q and Kin of CMV, while the average similarity between the two different subgroups is much lower.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Nucleotide sequence and infectious in vitro transcripts of RNA 3 of tomato aspermy virus pepper isolate.

The nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone corresponding to the entire RNA 3 of a pepper isolate of tomato aspermy cucumovirus (P-TAV) was determined. The 2222 nucleotides (nt) long RNA 3 is dicistronic and codes a 3a (280 amino acids) and a coat protein (cp, 218 amino acids). The nucleotide sequence of P-TAV RNA 3 shows a high sequence identity (99%) with that of C-TAV RNA 3 and the amino acid sequences of the 3a and the coat proteins between these two TAV strains are also very similar. The transcription start site of the subgenomic RNA 4 was mapped to the G at the position of 1148 of RNA 3. A full-length cDNA copy of P-TAV RNA-3 was cloned downstream of the phage T7 promoter. Transcripts synthesized in vitro had no extra nucleotides at the 5' end, but there were nine non-viral nucleotides at the 3' terminus. The transcripts of TAV RNA 3 were infectious when coinoculated into test plants in the presence of purified RNA 1 and 2 of P-TAV or Trk7-CMV respectively. Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from inoculated plants showed the expected genomic and subgenomic RNAs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗