Previous results suggested that the U(L)31 gene of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is required for envelopment of nucleocapsids at the inner nuclear membrane and optimal viral DNA synthesis and DNA packaging. In the current study, viral gene expression and NF-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation of a herpes simplex virus mutant lacking the U(L)31 gene, designated ΔU(L)31, and its gene...

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules are an important cell surface component that enables adhesion to surfaces and cell motility, amongst other functions. In Escherichia coli, there are multiple Heptosyltransferase enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the core region of LPS. Here we describe the first ever cloning, expression, purification and characterization of Heptosyltransferase ...

The clinical presentation of scleroderma in childhood is even more varied than in adult life. This study of 19 children shows that antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detected on the HEp2 cell substrate are just as common as in the adult disorders. All seven children with diffuse scleroderma or acrosclerosis were ANA positive, as were eight of the 12 with more localised disease. Antinucleolar antibodi...

AIMS Medicinal plants are increasingly being projected as suitable alternative sources of antiviral agents. The development of a suitable in vitro pharmacodynamic screening technique could contribute to rapid identification of potential bioactive plants and also to the standardization and/or pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiling of the bioactive components. METHODS AND RESULTS Recombinant...

AIMS There is a considerable discrepancy between data from the detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic lesions obtained by means of immunocytochemistry and data obtained using the polymerase chain reaction. This study evaluated methods for the in situ detection and assessment of the viability of C pneumoniae bacteria. METHODS Chlamydia pneumoniae membrane protein, heat shock prot...