EBV early lytic protein BFRF1 alters emerin distribution and post-translational modification.

The nuclear envelope (NE), a structural element of fundamental importance for the cell, is the first barrier that meets a virus in the early stages of viral maturation. Therefore, in order to allow the passage of nucleocapsids, viruses are known to modulate the architecture of the nuclear membrane to permit a proficient viral infection. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a pathogen from Herpesvirus family, possesses two well conserved proteins, BFRF1 and BFLF2, which together form the heterodimeric nuclear egress complex (NEC) that is involved in the early steps of nuclear egress. Here we show that EBV replication causes the delocalization of emerin, a cellular LEM-domain protein normally distributed on the nuclear rim. We also demonstrate that the early lytic protein BFRF1 is responsible for emerin delocalization. Expression of BFRF1 alone or in combination with BFLF2 induces emerin hyperphosphorylation. Altogether, these results suggest a novel mechanism by which EBV exploits the cellular machinery for nucleocapsid egress.

Histological ex vivo evaluation of peri-incisional thermal effect created by a new-generation CO2 superpulsed laser.

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the histological effects of a new-generation superpulsed CO2 laser through an "ex vivo" study. A CO2 ( λ = 10,600 nm) ultra-speed laser (SmartUS20D, DEKA, Florence, Italy) has been used at different parameters from 2 to 4 watt in Continuous Wave (CW) and Pulsed Wave (PW, 50 Hz) to obtain 30 samples from pig cadaver tongues. All the specimens have been subdivided into 6 groups (from A to F) and each group consisted of 5 samples. A final specimen has been taken by scalpel and used as control group. Histological analysis has been performed using an optical microscope (Leica DM 2000) at a magnification of × 40. Results showed that histological readability was optimal in all the samples. The thermal damage has been negligible in all the groups. Furthermore, the average of thermal damage was 0,095 mm in the epithelial, while it was 0.245 mm in the connective tissue. Statistical analysis using Graphpad Prism 5 software showed no significant differences among the groups. CO2 laser demonstrated a good surgical effectiveness provoking little peripheral damage onto the cut edges and allowing a safe histological diagnosis.

Survival of patients with radiation enteritis of the small and the large intestine.

We reviewed the clinical and survival data of 108 consecutive patients who presented with radiation enteritis between 1965 and 1981. One hundred and two (94%) had been irradiated for carcinoma of the cervix uteri. The median follow-up was of 11 years. The median time of occurrence of severe radiation-induced lesions (obstruction, perforation) after radiotherapy was of 18 months, against 10.5 months for mild symptoms (e.g., tenesmus) and 9 months for rectal bleeding (p < 0.001). Cox survival analysis taking into account the stage of the cancer and the age at diagnosis showed that rectal bleeding is a factor with a prognosis significantly poorer than the mild symptoms (p = 0.05), equivalent to that of the severe complications. We conclude that in the evaluation of patients who underwent radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic tumours, rectal bleeding should be considered as a sign of serious radiation-induced complication.

[Long-term venous access]. / Les accès veineux de longue durée.

The authors summarize the technique of placement of long term venous access systems. The complications encountered are described. As an example, the experience of the Institut Jules Bordet in this field is presented.