Membrane association and RNA binding of recombinant hepatitis A virus protein 2C

The direct function of hepatitis A virus (HAV) protein 2C, a putative NTPase, is not known, yet genetic evidence obtained from chimeric viruses carrying the 2C genomic region of different HAV variants indicates that it plays a pivotal role in viral replication. In a first assessment of its potential function(s), membrane and RNA binding properties of HAV 2C were studied after expressing the protein in various recombinant systems. In contrast to poliovirus 2C, expression of HAV 2C was inhibitory to the growth and protein synthesis of bacteria. Deletion of the N-terminal amphipathic helix of 2C abrogated this effect and the ability of 2C to associate with eukaryotic membranes. Both, purified 2C and the N-terminally truncated protein were shown to bind RNA in vitro. Our data taken together suggest that HAV 2C is a multifunctional protein.     

Prolonged fasting in pediatric outpatients does not cause hypoglycemia

The long-term results after the manipulation and strapping in flexion of selected extension supracondylar fractures of the humerus were evaluated in 43 children. Reduced fractures that were stable when immobilized in approximately 110 degrees of flexion, without producing circulatory obstruction, were treated in this manner. After a minimum review of 4 years, 95 per cent of the children had an excellent or good range of elbow motion and 88 per cent had excellent or good elbow alignment. No child had Volkmann's ischaemic contracture. Five children had cubitus varus which was due to malunion in three, but was unrelated to the treatment of the supracondylar fracture in two children. If these two latter children were excluded then excellent or good alignment was observed in all children who had a Baumann (humerocapitellar) angle of 80 degrees or less at the time of reduction and 84 degrees or less 10 days after the fracture. We concluded that manipulation and strapping in flexion was suitable for approximately 60 per cent of children with isolated displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus.     

Effect of preoperative transdermal ketoprofen on post-hysterectomy pain

OBJECTIVES: To find the incidence of brucellosis, and analyse its epidemiological characteristics and the evolution of the cases recorded in the Sierra de Cádiz Primary Care (PC) Area during 1992. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal incidence analysis, with a nested study of cases and controls. SETTING: Sierra de Cádiz PC Area. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Cases: members of the cohort who developed the disease. Controls: sample of members of the cohort free of Brucellosis paired for age, gender and town of origin. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Incidence was 52.39 per 100,000, 66.27 and 38.20 per 100,000 in men and women, respectively. Highest incidence was at between 15 and 49 years of age (67.70 per 100,000). Cases in the Spring predominated (chi 2 = 16.77, gl = 3, p < 0.05). The most affected professional group was farmers/herders (RR = 4.59, CI 95%, 2.05-10.26). CONCLUSIONS: The Sierra de Cádiz is an area with endemic brucellosis, especially in the districts of Olvera and Ubrique. Its work-related character is clear, in spite of the digestive tract being the main transmission path.