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Biomedical subjects

J Eberle

Publications and source records attributed to J Eberle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A new method for measuring reverse transcriptase activity by ELISA.

A new and sensitive assay of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity of retroviruses measures the incorporation of digoxigenin-labelled dUTP in newly synthesized DNA instead of radioactively labelled (3H- or 32P-)dTTP. To avoid difficulties associated with separation of non-incorporated nucleotides from the newly synthesized DNA, biotin-labelled dUTP is added to the reaction mixture in very low concentrations. After reverse transcription, the newly synthesized, doubly labelled DNA is immobilized on streptavidin-coated ELISA wells and evaluated photometrically by binding of peroxidase-conjugated anti-digoxigenin-antibodies (sheep) and subsequent colour development with 2,2'-azino-di[3-ethylbenzthiazolin-sulfonate(6)] (ABTSR) as substrate. For better standardization, it is suggested that RT activity is given in units (one unit of RT is the amount of enzyme incorporating one nanomole of labelled dNTP in 10 min at 37 degrees C into an acid precipitable DNA) rather than in cpm (counts per minute). The method is specific and easy to perform.

Avian Myeloblastosis Virus

The monoclonal CD4 antibody M-T413 inhibits cellular infection with human immunodeficiency virus after viral attachment to the cell membrane: an approach to postexposure prophylaxis.

Infectious cellular uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is initiated by a complex sequence of interactions between the viral envelope gp120/gp41 complex and the cellular CD4 receptor resulting in the exposure of a hydrophobic region of gp41 that mediates the irreversible fusion of the virus with the cell membrane. Here we show that viral penetration into a susceptible cell can be inhibited by the high-affinity monoclonal CD4 antibody (CD4 mAb) M-T413 even when it is added as late as 30-120 min after the initial contact of virus with the cell membrane. Inhibition of infection was assessed by monitoring cultures for 34 days after exposure to virus using four different methods simultaneously, including detection of viral DNA by PCR. The interval during which HIV remains sensitive to postbinding neutralization by CD4 mAb depends on strain of virus and type of target cell. Preparations of recombinant soluble CD4 (and the immunoadhesin CD4-IgG1) were much less efficient when compared with mAb M-T413, particularly in blocking infection by fresh HIV-1 isolates. Also cellular transmission of HIV, as determined by syncytia formation within 24 hr, was prevented by mAb M-T413 when added within 45 min of contact of infected H9 cells with uninfected C8166 cells. Together with the favorable clinical experience obtained with CD4 mAbs as immunomodulatory drugs, these data suggest that infusion of CD4 mAb M-T413 may be a therapeutic modus for immediate prophylactic intervention after occupational exposure to HIV and for prevention of intrapartum mother-to-infant HIV transmission.

Animals

Impact of separation capacity on the isotachophoretic analysis of organic acids in human seminal plasma and prostatic fluid.

In the present study, the impact of pH of both the leading electrolyte and the sample on the separation capacity of an isotachophoretic system, used for the analysis of organic acids in human seminal plasma and prostatic fluid, was assessed. Generally, maximum separable amounts of eleven equimolar pairs of anions decreased within a pH range of 2.90-4.25 of the leading electrolyte due to increasing net mobilities of the analytes with rising pH. The values obtained under equimolar conditions were also valid for nonequimolar mixtures as long as the buffer capacity of the leading electrolyte was sufficient to maintain constant mobilities of the ionic species to be separated throughout the capillary. However, when the sample injected has a buffer capacity of its own and a pH higher than that of the leading electrolyte, separation capacity will vary. For that reason, the maximum separable amount of an aqueous solution of phosphate and citrate was higher than that obtained for seminal plasma. Hence, the injection volume had to be reduced in order to ensure complete resolution. Besides phosphate and citrate, which was the prime component of prostatic fluid, lactate, aspartate and glutamate could be quantitatively determined in seminal plasma with a precision of +/- 1.5%.

Acids

[Differences in detectability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in tears and blood lymphocytes].

Reported data on the isolation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) from tears are controversial. The purpose of the study was to try to isolate HIV-1 from tears in a large sample of HIV-1-positive patients at different stages of infection. 53 tear samples were obtained from 50 patients. Additionally isolation of HIV-1 from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was attempted. HIV-1 was isolated from none (= 0%) of the 53 tear samples. Isolation from PBL was successful depending on absolute CD4+ lymphocyte count and Walter Reed staging (Walter Reed stage 6: 83%; stage 2 to 5: 11%; p less than 0.0001). Treatment with zidovudine was not related to the frequency of HIV-1 isolation. These results suggest that tears of patients infected with HIV-1 contain low or no quantities of tissue-culture-infectious units of HIV-1. Nosocomial infection with HIV-1 from tears appears to be unlikely. The known precautions for the prevention of spread of viral disease in ophthalmological practice are sufficient and should be strictly followed.

Adolescent

Uretero-iliac fistula--a rare cause of hematuria. Case report.

Fistulation between the ureter and iliac artery is a rare cause of hematuria. Like our case, most of the cases reported so far, originate from traumatic or iatrogenic lesions. This condition should be considered in patients with massive hematuria and underlying predisposing factors.

Aged

Neurospora crassa blue-light-inducible gene bli-7 encodes a short hydrophobic protein.

Blue light induces a number of physiological reactions in Neurospora crassa. We have cloned and sequenced the gene bli-7, which is inducible by blue light, and both glucose and nitrogen starvation. This gene is strongly expressed at the RNA-level and contributes up to 0.2% of N. crassa total RNA when fully induced. The deduced amino acid sequence reveals a short (108 amino acids), hydrophobic protein which has homology to the protein SC-3, encoded by a gene of Schizophyllum commune which was isolated as a gene abundantly expressed at the time of fruiting. The amino-terminus of BLI-7 protein shows resemblance to a number of transit peptides. The comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the promoter region with various N. crassa promoters reveals a striking similarity to the promoter of grg-1, a glucose repressible gene.

Amino Acid Sequence

[Fibroepithelial polyp of the ureter].

We report on a woman with a long ureteral fibroepithelial polyp prolapsing into the bladder. After endoscopic excision, in a second stage enbloc resection of the tumor-bearing segment and ureteral end-to-end-anastomosis was performed. Optimum management of these lesions includes precise diagnostic work-up followed by conservative surgical approaches.

Cystoscopy

Point mutation in the DNA binding domain of the androgen receptor in two families with Reifenstein syndrome.

Inadequate androgen action in genetic and gonadal males causes an intersex phenotype. We have analyzed the androgen receptor (AR) gene in male pseudohermaphrodites with normal specific binding of dihydrotestosterone in their genital skin fibroblasts. In five patients with Reifenstein syndrome we have detected a point mutation in the DNA binding domain. They are from two unrelated families and presented with perineoscrotal hypospadias and undescended testes. After puberty they showed small testes, no palpable prostate, micropenis, azoospermia, and gynecomastia. The mutation was discovered when cDNA fragments from three brothers were sequenced. For rapid detection of the mutation in heterozygous and hemizygous carriers, allele-specific PCRs and restriction-analysis techniques have been developed. Relatives of the patients, a group of normal blood donors, and other patients were screened with these methods. Among 41 intersex patients with incomplete virilization, another two brothers presenting with this mutation were identified. The mutation is a guanine-to-adenine transition at nucleotide 2314, which changes the alanine codon (GCC) immediately after the first cysteine of the second zinc finger motif of the AR into a threonine codon (ACC). The mutation was recreated in an AR expression vector, and wild-type as well as mutant ARs were expressed in COS-7 cells. Cotransfection experiments were made using a mouse mammary tumor virus-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. The ability of the mutant receptor to stimulate transcription of the reporter gene was reduced by about two-thirds, as compared with the wild-type receptor.

Alleles

[Azidothymidine and the nervous system].

By December 1988 reports on 525 ARC- (AIDS-Related Complex) and AIDS-patients with neurological or neuropsychological signs treated with Zidovudine (AZT = 3'-Azido-2,3'Dideoxythymidine) had been published in literature. In 204 (38.8%) cases of HIV infection a temporary improvement in the neurological deficits was reported. Peripheral and central neurological side-effects were observed in 124 (23.6%) patients.

AIDS Dementia Complex

Megalourethra.

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Humans

[Seroprevalence of antibodies to human herpesvirus 6 (exanthema subitum; critical 3-day fever-exanthema in young children) in the population of Northern Germany].

We tested 989 sera of all age groups (patients and blood donors) from north eastern Germany (West Pomerania and Mecklenburg) and found 820 cases (82.9%) of specific human herpes virus type 6 (HHV 6) antibodies (IgG) gy indirect immunofluorescent assay. The seroprevalence rose to 83.6% when the 7 HHV 6-IgM positive results (0.7%) were included; moreover a further 23 sera (2.3%) showed specific HHV 6 antibodies of both classes (IgM and IgG). The antibody prevalence was constantly high at 90% from the age of 8 months up to the 71-80 years group, and it only decreased in the age group over 80. 93.2% of the newborn infants showed HHV 6-IgG antibodies (of maternal origin) in the cord blood; this prevalence is identical with that for females of reproductive age (92.7% in the 3rd decade, 93.7% in the 4th decade). No sex differences in seroprevalence were observed. The main immunization occurs in the first year of life but infection with HHV 6 at a later age is also well documented. We found the lowest seroprevalence in the 3rd and 4th postnatal months (when maternal immunity had disappeared); later the seroprevalence of specific antibodies rose very rapidly and by the 8th month the rate was the same as for the adult group. The theoretical possibility of prenatal infection due to HHV 6 exists, but the real risk of a first infection during pregnancy is very low, because only 7-8% are susceptible in this group.

Adolescent

[The blood picture in exanthema subitum (Zahorsky)/ critical 3-day fever-exanthema in young children].

Exanthema subitum was described in 1910 by John Zahorsky/USA; in 1986 and 1988 the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV 6) was discovered as the causative agent of the disease and serologic tests were established for diagnostics (specific IgM and IgG antibodies). Up to this time the diagnosis was based on the typical clinical course: the prodromal febrile stage (3 days) followed by the onset of a (more or less characteristic) rash closely connected with the normalisation of the body temperature. Usually a typical white blood cell count was described for diagnostics on the first day of exanthema: leukocytopenia with eosino- and granulocytopenia associated with consequent lymphocytosis. We analysed the hematologic data for children with a serologically documented HHV6 infection including exanthema (group 1: n = 9), without exanthema (group 2: n = 11) or with a serologically unexplained febrile rash (group 3: n = 13). In children with exanthematous HHV6 infection (exanthema subitum) granulocytopenia and a decreased thrombocyte count (mean values) is the rule. But the total white blood cell count and the mean values for eosinophils did not differ between the groups studied.

Agranulocytosis

[Approach to radical cystoprostatectomy].

A new possibility of using a standardized surgical approach is demonstrated by specific topographic-anatomical paintings. The operation, in this case radical cystoprostatectomy and lymphadenectomy in the man is demonstrated in the cadaver, from the incision of the skin to the excision of prostate and bladder. The significant surgical steps are documented in paintings, which allow exact documentation of the anatomical approach.

Cystectomy

The tL structure within the leader region of Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA operons has post-transcriptional functions.

We have investigated a series of mutations within a plasmid encoded E. coli ribosomal RNA leader region. The mutations are localized within a structure known as tL, which has been shown to mediate RNA polymerase pausing in vitro, and which is assumed to have a control function in rRNA transcription antitermination. The effects of the mutated plasmids were analyzed by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Some of the base change mutations led to severely reduced cell growth. As opposed to previous results obtained with mutants where the tL structure has been deleted in part or totally, the tL base change mutations did not result in polar transcription in vivo, rather they revealed a general reduction in the amount of the promoter proximal 16S versus the distal 23S RNA. The deficiency of the 16S RNA, which was most pronounced for some of the slowly growing transformants, can only be explained by a post-transcriptional degradation. In addition, many mutants showed a defective processing after the initial RNase III cut. In line with these results a quantitative analysis of the ratio of ribosomal subunits and 70S tight couple ribosomes showed a reduced capacity to form stable 70S particles for the slowly growing mutants. Together, these findings indicate an important function of the tL structure in post-transcriptional events like processing of rRNA precursors and correct assembly of 30S subunits.

Escherichia coli

Expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gag gene using genetically engineered herpes simplex virus type 1 recombinants.

Infectious herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recombinants were constructed by inserting the cDNA sequence of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gag gene (from nucleotide position 675 [SacI] to 3859 [Asp718] of the cDNA sequences of HIV-1 strain BH-10) within the DNA sequences of the BamHI DNA fragment B of the genome of an apathogenic HSV-1 strain HFEM. This HSV-1 strain possesses a 4.1-kbp deletion within the BamHI DNA fragment B between 0.762 and 0.789 map units of the viral genome, which allows the insertion of at least 4 kbp of foreign genetic material into this particular region. The DNA sequences of the immediate early promoter (IE4) of HSV-1 that were inserted upstream from the gag gene were used as a promoter. The screening of 205 virus stocks derived from individual plaques revealed that 46 recombinant viruses harbor HIV-1 gag-specific DNA sequences. However, it was found that only six of the recombinant viruses are able to express the gag gene product of HIV-1. This indicates that the ratio of the positive recombination events is about 2.9%.

Cloning, Molecular

Results after organ-preserving surgery for renal cell carcinoma. An Austrian multicenter study.

Data from 120 patients diagnosed as having renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and treated in an organ-preserving surgical manner were analyzed from 11 participating Austrian urological centers. The male to female ratio was 66:54. The subjects age ranged from 27 to 75 years with mean age of 59 years. The indication for conservative tissue-saving surgery was a solitary kidney in 48 instances, a bilateral RCC in 18 cases and, in 2 patients, a horseshoe kidney tumor. In 52 cases the indication for conservative surgery was a peripheral, easily resectable, low-stage tumor (elective indication). Results were comparable to radical nephrectomy of low-stage tumors especially relating to survival rates. Ninety-nine patients survived and were tumor free at the point of check up (December 1988). Thirteen patients had either local tumor recurrence and/or metastases and 5 patients died from the disease. The operative mortality and the morbidity rate was very low.

Adult