Mutational analysis of the genome-linked protein of cowpea mosaic virus

In this study we have performed a mutational analysis of the cowpea mosaic comovirus (CPMV) genome-linked protein VPg to discern the structural requirements necessary for proper functioning of VPg. Either changing the serine residue linking VPg to RNA at a tyrosine or a threonine or changing the position of the serine from the N-terminal end to position 2 or 3 abolished virus infectivity. Some of the mutations affected the cleavage between the VPg and the 58K ATP-binding protein in vitro, which might have contributed to the lethal phenotype. RNA replication of some of the mutants designed to replace VPg with the related cowpea severe mosaic comovirus was completely abolished, whereas replication of others was not affected or only mildly affected, showing that amino acids that are not conserved between the comoviruses can be critical for the function of VPg. The replicative proteins of one of the mutants failed to accumulate in typical cytopathic structures and this might reflect the involvement of VPg in protein-protein interactions with the other replicative proteins.

[The course of pregnancy and delivery among women with thrombocytopenia]

Between January 1987 and December 1997 in The Ludwik Rydygier Medical University in Bydgoszcz 10 pregnant woman with autoimmune or "gestational" thrombocytopenia and preeclampsia--associated thrombocytopenia were evaluated. All of the patients delivered naturally and one delivered by caesarean section for obstetric indications. Severe neonatal thrombocytopenia was observed in one of newborns.

[Pregnancy and labor in patients with myopathy]

25 years old pregnant women with dysrtophia musculorum progresiva was observed in The Ludwik Rydygier Medical University in Bydgoszcz (Poland). Pre-term activity of uterus and diabetes gravidarum were complicated pregnancy. In 36 week of pregnancy forceps operation was make of obstetric indications and maternal myopathy.

Nucleotide sequence of RNA of a Polish isolate of potato leafroll luteovirus

The nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of a Polish isolate of a potato leafroll virus was determined. Some variations between the determined sequences were observed. A comparison of the frequency of sequence variants in particular regions of the genome is presented.