Amino-acid sequence comparison of nepovirus coat proteins.

The amino acid sequence of the coat proteins of several nepoviruses was determined by a combination of peptide and nucleic acid sequencing (grapevine fanleaf virus, arabis mosaic virus, tomato blackring virus, grapevine chrome mosaic virus). These sequences were compared and showed homologies ranging from 10% to 69%, and 96.7% for the two arabis mosaic virus strains. 10% homology does not reflect any relationship between viruses, and our results implicate, that nepoviruses, considering the homology of the coat protein sequences of viruses as a parameter for virus taxonomy, may be divided into several subgroups.

A PCR membrane spot assay for the detection of plum pox virus RNA in bark of infected trees.

A procedure for sensitive detection of plum pox virus RNA in infected bark of trees is described. The method is based on the extraction of bark material with buffer containing proteinase K followed by partial purification of RNA using QUIAGEN anion exchange resin. The RNA is then reverse transcribed, the single stranded cDNA is amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using biotinylated deoxynucleotides as label. The amplified cDNA can subsequently be detected by spotting the reaction mixture onto a nitrocellulose membrane. After fixation and washing the incorporated label is detected enzymatically using streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase. It was shown that this non-radioactive detection system is more sensitive than ELISA and a DNA/RNA hybridization test using 32P-labelled probes. It is also possible to detect plum pox virus infection with this assay in trees in the non-vegetative period.

[Comparison of urodynamic findings before and after loop operations for recurrent incontinence]. / Vergleich urodynamischer Befunde vor und nach Schlingenoperationen wegen Rezidivinkontinenz.

30 patients with a recurrent stress incontinence were undergoing a dura-sling operation. The mean period of incontinence complaints up to the second surgery was 2.6 years. In the follow-up investigation the urodynamic parameters showed a significant improvement of the UCP, the urethral functional length and the DepQ. One year after surgery 86% of the women showed both a clinical and a urodynamic continence. A short term of urination disorders has to be considered in a part of the cases.

[Afterloading short-term irradiation of the vagina following radical surgery of uterine cancer]. / Die Afterloading-Kurzzeitbestrahlung der Scheide nach Radikaloperation des Korpuskarzinoms.

A report is given of results and complications following postoperative irradiation in endometrial carcinoma via monitored high-dose afterloading therapy (iridium 192). Intravaginal irradiation was performed in all operated cases. In advanced cases or in cases with poor prognosis (deep infiltration of the myometrium, tumour grading 1-2) percutaneous irradiation (cobalt 60) was employed additionally. 327 patients with endometrial carcinoma were treated by postoperative irradiation between 1981 to 1985 and could then be followed up for at least 12 months to 5 years. Evaluation was done with regard to recurrence-free survival rate and side effects. With the postoperative afterloading iridium 192 technique, the 3-year recurrence-free rates were 91% in stage I and 78% in advanced stages. All of the patients in stage I with a control time of 5 years survived. The incidence of radiation side effects in the overall group was: cystitis 4%, proctitis 7% and fistulas 0.6%. No further severe complications occurred with the optimal intravaginal fraction dose of 700 cGy (twice). The afterloading therapy with high dose rates and remote control monitoring reduces the risk of radiation exposure of the medical staff and also places less strain on the patients because of the short-term irradiation. Intravaginal applications were performed without anaesthesia or any drugs, and treatment on an outpatient basis was possible in almost all of the cases.

[Afterloading short-term irradiation of inoperable uterine cancer]. / Die Afterloading-Kurzzeitbestrahlung des inoperblen Korpuskarzinomas.

Irradiation using the afterloading therapy equipment enabling monitored short-term high-dose radiation, not only reduces exposure of the medical staff to radiation, but also places less strain on the patients. 94 patients with endometrial carcinoma were treated by irradiation alone between 1980-1985 and could be followed up for at least 12 months up to 5 years. Evaluation was performed with regard to a recurrence-free survival rate and radiation side effects. The 5-year survival rates with radiation alone are compared with a previously recorded control group. Before the afterloading technique had become available, the 5-year survival for endometrial carcinoma treated by intracavitary radium-226 was 50%. Using the afterloading iridium-192 technique, the 3-year recurrence-free rate was 81% and the 5-year survival rate 70%. There was no difference between younger (50-69 years of age) and older (70-85 years of age) patients, nor was there any difference between highly and less differentiated tumours. Incidence of severe damage caused by radiation in the overall group: 2 cases of ileus, 1 case of rectovaginal fistula, 3 cases of rectal ulcers and 1 case of severe vaginal necrosis. Severe complications did not occur with the optimal intrauterine fraction dose of 850 cGy (4 times) and 700 cGy intravaginal (once), nor could any complications be observed when the total rectal dose did not exceed 500 cGy. In only 5% of the patients the treatment was combined with percutaneous telecobalt irradiation (stage II). Intrauterine and intravaginal applications were performed without anaesthesia or sedation, and outpatient treatment was possible in almost all cases.