DNAs of simian virus 40 and polyoma direct the synthesis of viral tumor antigens and capsid proteins in Xenopus oocytes.

Purified simian virus 40 and polyoma DNAs injected into nuclei of Xenopus oocytes were transcribed and subsequently translated into virus-specific tumor antigens and capsid proteins. Simian virus 40 large and small tumor antigens synthesized in the oocytes were indistinguishable, by gel electrophoresis and [35S]methionine-labeled tryptic peptide mapping, from the corresponding polypeptides synthesized in CV-1 African green monkey cells. The synthesis of large simian virus 40 tumor antigen implies the correct splicing of its mRNA, which is complementary to nonadjacent nucleotide sequences in the early region of the viral genome. Polyoma DNA directed synthesis of two polyoma tumor antigen polypeptides, 57,000 Mr and small tumor antigen, and of the main capsid protein.     

An investigation into the effect of formulation variables and process parameters on characteristics of granules obtained by in situ fluidized hot melt granulation

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of binder content, binder particle size, granulation time and inlet air flow rate on granule size and size distribution, granule shape and flowability, as well as on drug release rate. Hydrophilic (polyetilenglycol 2000) and hydrophobic meltable binder (glyceryl palmitostearate) were used for in situ fluidized hot melt granulation. Granule size was mainly influenced by binder particle size. Binder content was shown to be important for narrow size distribution and good flow properties. The results obtained indicate that conventional fluid bed granulator may be suitable for production of highly spherical agglomerates, particularly when immersion and layering is dominant agglomeration mechanism. Granule shape was affected by interplay of binder content, binder particle size and granulation time. Solid state analysis confirmed unaltered physical state of the granulate components and the absence of interactions between the active and excipients. Besides the nature and amount of binder, the mechanism of agglomerate formation seems to have an impact on drug dissolution rate. The results of the present study indicate that fluidized hot melt granulation is a promising powder agglomeration technique for spherical granules production.     

Attenuation of classical swine fever virus by deletion of the viral N(pro) gene

We have reported earlier that replacement of the N(pro) gene of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) by the murine ubiquitin gene only slightly affects the characteristics of virus replication in the porcine kidney cell line SK-6 [J. Virol. 72 (1998) 7681]. Here, for the moderately virulent CSFV strain Alfort/187 as well as for the highly virulent strain Eystrup we show that the respective N(pro)-deleted viruses are attenuated. Vaccination of pigs with either of the two deletion mutants resulted in the induction of a strong antibody response. Animals were protected against challenge with a lethal dose of highly virulent CSFV indicating that N(pro) deletion mutants are excellent candidates for a modified live virus vaccine. A chimeric virus obtained by replacement of the N(pro) gene in the Eystrup virus by the corresponding sequence of the avirulent CSFV vaccine strain Riems resulted in a virus that was highly virulent. This indicates that the virulence of CSFV correlates with the presence of N(pro) and also suggests that N(pro) is not responsible for the varying virulence observed between individual strains of CSFV.     

Discoloration of gingiva in the presence of fixed dental restorations

AIM: To investigate the frequency of discoloration of gingiva in the presence of fixed dental restorations, regarding the type of alloy of which restorations were made, and to show histopathological changes of discolored gingiva. METHODS: One hundred and eighty four patients of both sexes were examined. The average age of the examinees was 52. They were divided into four groups according to the alloys from which their restorations were made. Standardized history questionnaires and clinical examination procedures were developed for this study. In ten examinees, whose teeth were indicated for extraction and who had a discoloration of gingiva, the samples of tissue were taken from the discolored gingiva for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Our results showed the presence of discolored gingiva in all four groups. It was most frequent in the examinees with fixed restorations made of Ni-Cr alloy (43,5%) and less frequent in those with fixed dental restorations made of gold alloy (26,5%). Histopathological examination showed the presence of tissue foreign body granulomas with giant cells in which the metal particles were found, partially as small and partially as large particles. CONCLUSION: Results suggested that grayish discoloration of gingiva was present in all four groups of examinees. The highest number of examinees with discolored gingiva was in the group with restorations made of Ni-Cr alloy. Grayish discoloration of gingiva was a consequence of incorporation of metal particles into gingival tissue.     

Reliability of the individual age assessment at the time of death based on sternal rib end morphology in Balkan population

This paper analyzes the reliability of the Iscan's sternal rib-ends phase method for the assessment of individual age at the time of death in the Balkan population. The method is based on the morphological age changes of the sternal rib ends. The tested samples consisted of 65 ribs from autopsy cases in the Institute for Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade, during 1999-2002 (23 females, and 42 males of various ages, ranged from 17-91 years), according to the forensic documents. Significant differences between the real chronological age of the individuals and the values established by the Iscan's method was found, especially in the older categories (phases 6 and 7), in both males and females. The results of the discriminative analysis showed the values of the highest diagnostic relevance for the assessment of age in our population: the change of the depth of the articular fossa, the thickness of its walls, and the quality of the bones.     

The immature athlete

The skeletally immature athlete poses unique problems in diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the extensor mechanism of the knee. An accurate and detailed history and physical examination of the knee are essential for making a specific diagnosis and formulating an appropriate treatment plan. This article presents an overview of acute and chronic injuries of the extensor mechanism of the knee that are unique to skeletally immature athletes. The subjects of femoral trochlear dysplasia and medial subluxation of the patella are briefly discussed. The etiopathology, clinical evaluation, and management (non-operative and operative) of sleeve fractures of the patella and avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle in children and adolescents are discussed. The pathoanatomy, clinical features, and management of synovial plica syndrome, Hoffa's syndrome, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease are presented.