Analysis of internal proteins of influenza A (H2N2) viruses isolated from birds in East Germany in 1983

Proteins and RNAs of influenza A (H2N2) viruses isolated from birds in 1983 in East Germany were compared antigenically with those of H2N2 human strains. The electrophoretic mobility of the viral proteins and of the S1-treated double-stranded RNAs from two human and six avian strains, as well as the results of EIA-tests using monoclonal antibodies to their matrix protein and nucleoproteins indicate an antigenic relationship between the avian isolates and human strains of H2N2 subtype. One of the avian strains had a reduced amount of matrix protein.

Blood mononuclear cells from patients with severe congenital neutropenia are capable of producing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a disorder of myelopoiesis characterized by severe neutropenia or absence of blood neutrophils secondary to a maturational arrest at the level of promyelocytes. We examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of SCN patients who demonstrated normalization of their blood neutrophil counts in a phase II clinical study with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). When stimulated in vitro with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), PBMC of those SCN patients produced G-CSF activity, as judged by proliferation induction of the murine leukemia cell line, NFS-60. Western and Northern blot analysis showed G-CSF protein and G-CSF-mRNA indistinguishable in size from those of normal controls. We conclude that PBMC of the SCN patients tested are capable of synthesizing and secreting biologically active G-CSF in vitro.

Studies of some biological and molecular characteristics of avian influenza A/H7 (Hav1) subtypes

Current isolates of the subtypes H7N3 and H7N7 from 1979 to 1981 were examined and compared with the reference strains with regard to their antigenic variability and to their pathogenicity for birds and mammals in order to establish the potentiality of influenza A/H7 virus (Hav1) transmission from birds to mammals. The analysis of the electrophoretic mobility of virus-induced polypeptides and of the double-stranded RNA segments after hybridization revealed equal, similar and deviating patterns. A substantial drift was determined in the surface antigens, especially in the neuraminidase. The avian strains replicated also in mammalian cells and were pathogenic for mammals. All strains examined were reisolated from the infected mammals; they caused more pronounced inflammatory changes in the trachea and lungs of infected mammals than in those of birds.

Behavioral treatment of self-stimulation in the developmentally disabled. A methodological review

Thirty-eight studies on the behavioral treatment of self-stimulation in the developmentally disabled were reviewed and evaluated across 17 methodological variables. Factors including the techniques employed, measurement of collateral behaviors, and generalization of treatment gains were examined for each study, and a summary of clinical knowledge to data is presented. Results indicated that while behavioral treatment of stereotypy appears to be an effective treatment modality, methodological shortcomings in the majority of studies prevents definitive conclusions. Guides for improving research in this area are provided.