RBF-2 is a factor comprised of a USF1/2 heterodimer, whose association with a highly conserved upstream element (RBEIII) on the HIV-1 LTR requires a co-factor TFII-I. We have identified specific nucleotides, immediately 3 0 of RBEIII that are required for stable association of TFII-I with this region of the LTR. Mutations that inhibit interaction of TFII-I with DNA also prevent stimulation of USF binding to RBEIII, and render the integrated LTR unresponsive to T cell signaling. These results demonstrate an essential role of TFII-I bound at an upstream LTR element for viral replication.

Rotavirus double-layered particles (DLPs) are formed immediately following entry of virions into a host cell. To study the structural dynamics of actively transcribing rotavirus DLPs, we implemented high resolution imaging procedures along with automated computing routines to visualize mRNA synthesis at the nanoscale. Our combined technologies demonstrate a new approach to monitor dynamic structural processes, such as capsid rearrangements, that may be applied to the study of other viruses.

Aspirin (group I, 20 mg/kg, 0.5 hour preoperatively, ip, xylocaine (group II, topical administration of 1 ml of a 2% solution), and ZK 36,374 (Iloprost) either pre- or per- or postoperatively (group III, 10 micrograms/kg 0.5 hour peroperatively iv; group IV, topical administration of 1 ml of a solution containing 25 micrograms/ml peroperatively; and group V, 10 micrograms/kg 0.5 hour postoperatively iv) were given to groups of BN female rats in order to improve the patency rate of small artery (less than 0.5 mm) anastomoses. The rats in group VI received saline peroperatively by topical application, this group served as a control. The patency was established by means of arteriography and macroscopical examination. Neither aspirin nor xylocaine improved the number of successful anastomoses. However, Iloprost administered topically, while performing the anastomosis, substantially improved the patency rate when compared with group VI, the control group. In the control group only five out of 21 animals showed patent anastomoses, whereas in group IV (Iloprost, topical administration) seven out of ten operations were successful. The results suggest that Iloprost applied locally could be helpful in clinical microsurgery for elective operations as well as in replantation surgery.

No abstract