Brachypodium distachyon as a model for defining the allergen potential of non-prolamin proteins

Epitope databases and the protein sequences of published plant genomes are suitable to identify some of the proteins causing food allergies and sensitivities. Brachypodium distachyon, a diploid wild grass with a sequenced genome and low prolamin content, is the closest relative of the allergen cereals, such as wheat or barley. Using the Brachypodium genome sequence, a workflow has been developed to identify potentially harmful proteins which may cause either celiac disease or wheat allergy-related symptoms. Seed tissue-specific expression of the potential allergens has been determined, and intact epitopes following an in silico digestion with several endopeptidases have been identified. Molecular function of allergen proteins has been evaluated using Gene Ontology terms. Biologically overrepresented proteins and potentially allergen protein families have been identified.

From crop domestication to super-domestication

Research related to crop domestication has been transformed by technologies and discoveries in the genome sciences as well as information-related sciences that are providing new tools for bioinformatics and systems' biology. Rapid progress in archaeobotany and ethnobotany are also contributing new knowledge to understanding crop domestication. This sense of rapid progress is encapsulated in this Special Issue, which contains 18 papers by scientists in botanical, crop sciences and related disciplines on the topic of crop domestication. One paper focuses on current themes in the genetics of crop domestication across crops, whereas other papers have a crop or geographic focus. One feature of progress in the sciences related to crop domestication is the availability of well-characterized germplasm resources in the global network of genetic resources centres (genebanks). Germplasm in genebanks is providing research materials for understanding domestication as well as for plant breeding. In this review, we highlight current genetic themes related to crop domestication. Impressive progress in this field in recent years is transforming plant breeding into crop engineering to meet the human need for increased crop yield with the minimum environmental impact - we consider this to be 'super-domestication'. While the time scale of domestication of 10 000 years or less is a very short evolutionary time span, the details emerging of what has happened and what is happening provide a window to see where domestication might - and can - advance in the future.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Antiauxin enhanced microshoot initiation and plant regeneration from epicotyl-originated thin-layer explants of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)

An in vitro method was developed for microshoot initiation from thin-layer explants prepared from the elongated epicotyls of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.). Intact epicotyls of 14-day-old seedlings were excised from the hypocotyls above the cotyledons and allowed to elongate on De Greef and Jacobs (1979) medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l 6-benzyladenine, 0.2 mg/l gibberellic acid and 0.1 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid in darkness. After a 21-day-incubation, the elongated epicotyls were halved to obtain apical and basal segments prior to removing the leaves and lateral buds. Subsequently, 5-8 mm long, 2-3 mm wide and 0.8-1.0 mm thick tangential sections were prepared longitudinally from the exterior parts of the halved epicotyls. These thin-layer explants were incubated on microshoot initiating media containing various growth regulators. The combination of 1.0 mg/l 6-benzyladenine and the antiauxin 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (1.0 mg/l) resulted in maximum microshoot development (6.3±0.2 microshoots/thin-layer explant). The final efficiency of our tissue culture system was significantly increased by the NaCl (100 mg/l) initiated in vitro rooting of microshoot originated plantlets.

Sensitive non-radioactive nucleic acid hybridization assay for plum pox virus detection

A new non-radioactive sandwich hybridization assay was designed to simplify the analysis of a large number of plant samples. Plant material was homogenized in 0.5% SDS and added directly to the hybridization reaction, in which a pair of identifying probes were used. One of the probes was biotinylated capture RNA specific for plum pox virus (PPV) strain SK-68; the other RNA probe was synthesized from a plasmid bearing the adjacent sequence of this strain and was labelled with digoxigenin (DIG). Both purified viral RNA and crude extracts from PPV-infected plants were used as target for sandwich hybridization. The hybridization reaction was carried out in a streptavidin-coated ELISA plate. After extensive washing, the viral RNA was detected by conventional colour reaction using anti-DIG/alkaline phosphatase conjugate. In comparative experiments, we have shown that this non-radioactive detection system is more sensitive than conventional ELISA techniques and we were able to detect virus-specific RNA in more than 50% of the ELISA-negative samples.

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.

[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.

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.

Comparative sequence analysis of four complete primary structures of plum pox virus strains

The complete nucleotide sequence of plum pox virus (PPV) strain SK 68 was determined from a series of overlapping cDNA clones. The exact 5' terminus was determined by direct RNA sequencing. The RNA sequence was 9786 nucleotides in length, excluding a 3' terminal poly(A) sequence. The large open reading frame starts at nucleotide position 147 and is terminated at position 9568. Comparison of cistrons from other plum pox virus strains with those predicted for the SK 68 strain indicated the same genomic organizations. Comparison of sequences leads to the following conclusions: (1) The genetic organization of all four PPV strains is identical, containing one large polyprotein gene and two noncoding regions at the 5' and 3' ends; (2) pairwise comparison of the genomic sequence of PPV SK 68 with other PPV strains shows 11% alteration. Sequence differences among strains are spread in a uniform manner upon the genome, except for the P1, HC-pro, and two noncoding regions, which are more conserved (with a 4% and 6.6% change). The stability of the noncoding regions is probably linked to their role in replication. The sequence variation has little effect on the amino acid sequence of the corresponding polypeptides, as changes occur preferentially in the third position of the reading frame triplets, except in the case of the 5' end of the coat protein gene (2.7% average difference in amino acid level, while in the case of coat protein it is 7.7%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Consequences of gene transfer between distantly related tombusviruses

Hybrid cDNA clones were constructed by fusing the coat protein-encoding gene and/or the 3'-terminal region (including the 22- and 19-kDa protein-encoding genes) derived from a clone of artichoke mottled crinkle tombusvirus to the 5'-terminal region of a full-length clone of cymbidium ringspot tombusvirus. In vitro transcripts from recombinant clones were infectious when inoculated into Nicotiana clevelandii plants. Inoculated plants showed symptoms different from those induced by parent viruses. In particular, systemic invasion depended very much, although not exclusively, on the type of protein that coated progeny viral RNA, suggesting a role of the capsid protein in the long-distance movement of tombusvirus infections.

Cloning and sequencing of potato virus Y (Hungarian isolate) genomic RNA

A sequence of 9703 nucleotides (nt) is reported for the genomic RNA of potato virus Y (Hungarian isolate, PVY-H), which causes necrotic rings around the buds on the tubers and mottling of leaves. The sequence contains one large open reading frame of 3061 amino acids (aa), a noncoding region of 189 nt at the 5' end and a 330-nt 3' nontranslated region. The nt sequence and the predicted aa sequence of the polyprotein of PVY-H were analysed pairwise with the only available complete sequence of PVY strain N (PVYn) and with the partial sequences of different PVY strains, as well as with other potyviruses and potyvirus-related plant viruses. The overall relationship between PVY-H and PVYn shows a nt sequence identity of 88.5% and an aa sequence identity of 94.2%. The lowest degree of homology was detected at the 5' terminus of the genome, including the 5' noncoding region (70.3%) and the 275-aa P1 protein (78%). A fivefold sequence repeat block of 5'-UUUCA was found in the 5' noncoding region of PVY-H, which seems to be characteristic of PVY strains.

Efficient pathogen-derived resistance induced by integrated potato virus Y coat protein gene in tobacco

The coat protein (CP) gene from potato virus Y (Hungarian isolate, PVY-H) was engineered into Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary vector for expression in different tobacco lines. Three different Nicotiana tabacum breeding lines were transformed and the integration of the CP gene was confirmed by PCR technique using genomic DNA preparations. The transcription and expression of the integrated CP gene was detected by Northern and Western blots. Pathogen-derived resistance was demonstrated by inoculation of the R1 progeny of the transformed lines with purified PVY-H. The efficiency of protection varied between different transgenic plants ranging from almost complete to no protection. Five CP expressing tobacco lines were resistant to challenge infection with PVY-H as indicated by attenuation or absence of symptom development associated with reduction or lack of detectable virus accumulation. Data from Western blots showed that there is no correlation between the level of the expressed CP and the extent of protection. This suggests that the mechanism of the observed resistance is independent of the level of CP accumulation in the transgenic tobacco plants.

Expression of PVX coat protein gene under the control of extensin-gene promoter confers virus resistance on transgenic potato plants

Tuber discs of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Desirée and Gracia were infected by Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying a binary vector with the coat protein gene of potato virus X controlled by the carrot extensin gene long-transcript promoter. Several transgenic potato plants have been obtained by direct regeneration of shoots on culture medium with kanamycin used for selection. The presence of the coat protein gene was proved by Southern hybridization in several transformants. Its low but detectable expression level was shown by Northern and Western analysis. Ethephon treatment resulted in a five-fold increase in the amounts of the coat protein mRNA. The majority of transformants exhibited reduced accumulation of virus RNA in inoculated leaves. Potentials in the use of an ethylene-inducible promoter in the production of virus-resistant transgenic plants will be discussed.

[Intracranial pressure increase and changes in cerebrovascular circulation, associated with brain death, studied by transcranial Doppler sonography]

Blood flow velocity of 24 patients in state of the brain death were examined by transcranial Doppler sonography. Authors expound the characteristic velocity-pulse graphs recorded in progressively increasing intracranial pressure and their chronology as well. The different forms of the oscillating flow and their successive development are described. The oscillating flow, the systolic spikes and the so called "zero Flow" are the transcranial Doppler signs of the ceased cerebral blood flow, and these signs can be used as one of the evidence of the brain death.

[HIV seropositivity in promiscuous heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual men and patients voluntarily reporting for screening in Hungary between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 1989]

The cumulative seroprevalence was 5.21% among the homo/bisexual men in the four years. As well as in Budapest, we experienced the increase of seroprevalence in the country, too, after a decrease in 1988. The cumulative seroprevalence was 0.44% with men and 0.04% with women in the group of the voluntary reporters in the mentioned period. The same indexes were 0.07% for men and 0.019% for women in the group of the STD patients. Seroprevalence with men increased significantly in the last year. Hungary belongs to the low-incidence area among the European countries, even though the group of homosexuals can be considered moderately infected, seroprevalence is increasing in Budapest as well as in the country and heterosexuals are also affected.

Disease symptoms in transgenic tobacco induced by integrated gene VI of cauliflower mosaic virus

A chimeric vector (pKR 612B1) containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (APH) gene from the Tn5 transposon under the control of the gene VI promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and the cloned gene VI region (SalI-BstEII) of the same virus were used to cotransform tobacco protoplasts. Using the polyethylene glycol transformation procedure, a large number of protoplasts were transformed and proved to be resistant to kanamycin (Km). Whole Km-resistant plants were regenerated and shown to contain the integrated foreign genes. DNA from transformed clones was analyzed by Southern blot hybridization, showing the presence of the Tn5-derived gene and the viral gene. Transgenic plants containing the viral gene show mild mosaic patterns and fasciation. The expression of the gene VI product was detected by immunoblots.

Hemodynamic changes after ruthenium irradiation of Hippel's angiomatosis

The authors report a case of Hippel's angiomatosis successfully treated with contact beta irradiation. The area of the multiplex retinal angioma and the accompanying retinal detachment was irradiated with a 106Ru/106Rh radioactive applicator. Hemodynamic changes due to irradiation were followed up in the ipsilateral ophthalmic artery with transcranial Doppler sonography. Scarring was also demonstrated by fluorescein angiography and A- and B-scan ultrasonography. Irradiation caused the narrowing and later the occlusion of the precapillaries and capillaries (i.e. the resistance vessels) and that of the shunts inside the angioma; consequently, vascular resistance increased. Transcranial Doppler sonographic recordings showed a decrease in blood flow velocity as compared to pathologically increased blood flow velocity in angiomas, and a gradual increase in vascular resistance which was lower before treatment.

[Transcranial Doppler sonography, a new non-invasive method for the study of cerebrovascular circulation]

Transcranial Doppler Sonography. Authors publish the experiences gained by 2300 examinations with Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TDS) which is a new, noninvasive ultrasound method to examine cerebral blood flow velocity in the basal arteries. The theoretical ground and the technique of the investigation is detailed. Mean values of blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery of 88 healthy volunteers in different age groups are reported. Authors stress on the numerous advantages of the utilization of this technique. Different pathological alterations of blood flow velocity and characteristic types of velocity-pulse figure are accounted. At last illustrative case reports proving the importance of TDS in different pathological states are presented.

[Isolated leukemic iritis in childhood]

Case report on a child with acute lymphogenous leukemia. Although there was constant hematological remission she developed an isolated leukemic iritis and secondary glaucoma. The clinical picture showed a characteristic stratification of the hyphema. After the patient had remained seated for a prolonged period of time the leukemic cells settled above the erythrocytes, forming a so-called pseudohypopyon, which diagnostically important. Cytologic examination after anterior chamber paracentesis is indispensable in order to establish the etiology of the disease. Isolated leukemic iritis may be the first sign of a relapse and therefore indicate a need to reinstitute induction therapy.

Splicing of an intervening sequence from hybrid cauliflower mosaic viral RNA

A DNA sequence encompassing intervening sequence 2 of the soybean leghemoglobin gene was inserted into the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) genome. Upon passage through host plants progeny virus slowly accumulated that had lost the intron, apparently by exact splicing of the RNA form of the genome at the exon/intron borders. These findings suggest that reverse transcription from (spliced) RNA to DNA is a normal step in CaMV replication. S1 nuclease mapping revealed a mixed population of unspliced and spliced viral RNAs. The inefficiency of the splicing process is discussed.

Chimeric vector construction for higher-plant transformation

A chimeric vector pKR612B1 was developed containing the neomycin phosphotransferase (APH) gene from the Tn5 transposon under the control of the gene VI promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), and was used to transform higher plant protoplasts. Plasmid pDOB612, the parental vector of pKR612B1, has two unique restriction sites, SmaI and BamHI, positioned just downstream of the CaMV gene VI promoter sequence. These unique cloning sites can be used for any kind of gene insertion into this vector. Using the polyethylene glycol transformation procedure, a large number of turnip and tobacco protoplasts were transformed and proved to be resistant to kanamycin (Km). From tobacco protoplasts whole Km-resistant plants were regenerated and shown to contain the integrated foreign gene. APH activity was detected in both transformed calli and in regenerated plants. DNA from transformed clones was analysed by Southern blot hybridization, showing the presence of the Tn5-derived gene.