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INTRODUCTION High-dose erythropoietin (EPO) administration to hemodialysis (HD) patients with EPO hyporesponsiveness, due to iron deficiency, hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition, inflammation, and inadequate HD, results in increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events. We investigated the relationship of the EPO dose requirement with 4-, 5-, and 6-hour HD treatment times. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 300 HD patients, including those on 4-hour HD (n = 78), 5-hour HD (n = 106), and 6-hour HD (n = 116). We studied the following parameters: weekly EPO dose, hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, Kt/V, membrane surface area, quantity of blood flow, quantity of dialysate flow, age, HD vintage, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and β2-microglobulin. These parameters were analyzed with JMP9TM statistical software. FINDINGS The EPO requirement (units per week) of the 6-hour HD group (4,035 ± 269) was significantly lower than that of the 5-hour HD group (6,628 ± 630), which was significantly lower than that of the 4-hour HD group (8,567 ± 684). The Hb level, mean corpuscular volume, quantity of blood flow, quantity of dialysate flow, age, gender, ratio of diabetic patients, body mass index, dry weight, CRP, iPTH, use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants were not significantly different among the three groups. Multiple regression analysis with the weekly EPO requirement as the dependent variable showed HD treatment time (p < 0.0001) and CRP level (p < 0.001) as the significant independent variables. DISCUSSION The EPO dose can be reduced by ~ 2,000 U/week by extending the HD treatment time for 1 hour; annual cost savings were calculated to be USD 570 per patient.

Historical masonry structures are generally vulnerable to unsettlement and earthquake ground motion. It is desirable to evaluate their static and dynamic mechanisms by a numerical method to preserve and reinforce them. We studied a reduced-scale corbel arch model of the part of the Bayon temple in Angkor, Cambodia. Two dimensional DEM (Discrete Element Method) was used to simulate the experimental displacement at the top due to the enforced unsettlement. Friction angle and contact parameters estimated in preliminary experiments were adapted in DEM simulation. For the static unsettlement simulation DEM worked well; however, the simulation for the fundamental frequency and the mode shape in micro-tremor simulation with the same parameters depicted the much higher fundamental frequency. We reassessed a friction angle, joint normal and joint shear stiffness and found that the constraint on joint stiffness imposed by the static experiment was not sensitive enough for the dynamic case and search of the parameters in broad extents were necessary. The reevaluated contact parameters for the static experiment were effective for the dynamic experiment as well.

We have proposed a simple evaluation technique for environmental vibration based on soil-structure interaction. In this article, this technique was extended to cover an embedded foundation by applying averaging method with extrapolated displacements at Gauss points in depth. The method was verified by axisymmetric FEM simulation and applicability was depicted with real traffic acceleration data.

In this paper, we study on the applicability of Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) to dry-masonry structures such as Angkor. Many parameters are needed for DDA and we used contact force as a precision index to set guidelines for some parameters, i.e. close-line setting inside of a block, penalty spring constant, and time step increment. We also measured predominant frequency of block systems composed of different number of blocks and simulated them by DDA. We found that a system of different number of blocks requires different penalty spring constant. With these fundamental studies, we are elucidating collapse mechanism of dry-masonry structures.

Prior to construction of facilities which should not be exposed to intense environmental vibration, it is advisable to measure in-situ vibration and verify design merit to meet the environmental criteria. We have constructed simple response evaluation technique with soil-structure interaction incorporated. This technique comprises dynamic spring evaluated for simple soil layers identified by micro-tremor array observation and foundation input motion by spatial integration of measured accelerations. An application to the real site reveals similar results to that of FEM with energy transmitting boundary.

This paper presents the techniques applied to stabilize a progressively toppling steep rock slope (waterfall) situated about 20m downstream from an intake dam. First, using a distinct element analytical model of the slope a suitable rock reinforcement system is designed and analyzed so as to prevent the instabilities of the slope. In addition, a rigorous process of construction works is followed while installing the rock reinforcement elements in order to protect and enhance the geoenvironment of the site. Completion of the construction works has convincingly resulted the original aesthetic of the waterfall assuring its stability during flooding, the commonest natural event of the area, with reasonable cost.

Background: Though inadequate dialysis is a known risk factor for resistance to erythropoietin (EPO) therapy, there is no consensus about the relationship between hemodialysis (HD) time and EPO requirement. Our study sought to explore the relationship between EPO dosage and dialysis time in HD patients with diabetes. Methods: We report a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between EPO dosage and dialysis time in HD patients with diabetes. A total of 77 patients with diabetes receiving maintenance HD at three outpatient HD facilities in Japan were included. At one such facility, HD time was 6 hours (n=37), and at the other facilities, HD time was 4 hours (n=40). In 6-hour HD patients and 4-hour HD patients, we studied parameters of weekly EPO requirement, Kt/V, hemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein and intact parathyroid hormone. These parameters were analyzed with JMP9TM statistical software (SAS Institute). Results: Means for hemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein and intact parathyroid hormone were not significantly different between the 6-hour and 4-hour HD patient groups. The EPO requirement was significantly lower among 6-hour HD patients (3111.8 ± 2360.8 versus 5682.9 ± 3863.3 U/week. P=0.0007). Kt/V was not significantly different between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis with EPO requirement as the dependent variable showed that dialysis time was the only significant independent variable (P=0.0001). Conclusions: Six-hour HD without a significant increase in dialysis dose, as judged by Kt/V, can reduce the dose of EPO in HD patients with diabetes.

Studies on the TCR repertoire of T cells in several inflamed lesions of SS patients have shown that there exist no unique TCR V family genes, although TCR V gene usage is relatively restricted. Analysis of the clonality of infiltrating T cells shows that some T cells expand clonally in lesions, suggesting that these cells were induced by antigen-driven rather than superantigen-driven stimulation. The restricted usage of the TCRJ beta, V alpha and J alpha genes also supports the notion that all expanded T cells do not accumulate due to superantigen. Junctional sequence analysis has revealed some conserved amino acid sequence motifs in the TCR CDR3 region, which is the antigen-binding site on T cells. These observations strongly suggest that pathogenic T cells in lesions recognize limited epitopes on autoantigens in the context of HLA. These findings are similar to TCR on T cells in rheumatoid synovium, as described elsewhere [51]. Intriguingly, T cells in lacrimal and labial salivary glands recognize common epitopes, but T cells in the kidney react with different autoantigens from those in minor salivary glands. In the future, the peptides recognized by pathogenic autoreactive T cells should be clarified to elucidate the mechanism for the progression of SS. Moreover, we predict that a vaccination with analogue peptides, to induce autoreactive T cells to anergy, might provide a new strategy for the specific treatment of SS.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers a wide range of cellular responses in mammalian cells. Several proteins, including CD14, have been reported to possess LPS binding capacity. However, the signal transduction molecule(s) and pathway(s) through which LPS induces cellular responses have not been identified. A rabbit antiserum (5299), which had been made against the N-terminal 20-amino-acid sequence of the cytokine, soluble immune response suppressor, unexpectedly activated the human monocyte cell line THP-1 as assessed by tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) production. Normal rabbit serum or IgG caused no TNF production, while antiserum 5299 induced TNF at a 1:10(4) dilution. The activity of antiserum 5299 was not due to endotoxin contamination, since antiserum 5299 contained less endotoxin than required for activation of THP-1 and the TNF-inducing activity disappeared when the antiserum was boiled. Moreover, the activity was recovered in purified immunoglobulin G fraction from the antiserum (5299 IgG). These results suggest that antiserum 5299 contains an antibody which recognizes a signal-transducing molecule. THP-1 desensitized by incubation with LPS for 24 hr could not respond to LPS or antiserum 5299 while responsiveness to phorbol ester remained, suggesting that the signals induced by the antiserum 5299 and LPS are transduced through at least a partially common pathway. Western blotting with antiserum 5299 showed a 69-kDa protein which rapidly appeared in Triton X-100-insoluble fraction after stimulation with LPS or 5299 IgG, suggesting an association of 69-kDa protein with the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, two mutant cell lines were isolated (T-15 and T-25) from gamma-irradiated THP-1 which lack responsiveness to LPS. In these mutant cell lines, the 69-kDa protein was not observed in Triton X-100-insoluble fraction after stimulation with LPS. It is proposed that this protein may play an important role in LPS-stimulated signal transduction.

Objective. To address the question of whether the human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) gene is associated with the etiology of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Methods. RNA expression of HTLV-I gag, pol, env, and tax genes in labial salivary glands (LSGs) from SS patients who were seronegative for antibodies to HTLV-I was examined using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction techniques. Results. The HTLV-I tax gene, but not the HTLV-I gag, pol, or env genes, was detected in LSG samples from 4 of 14 patients (29%). The nucleotide sequences of the HTLV-I pXIV region in these 4 patients' LSGs showed 100% homology to the HTLV-I pXIV gene from the MT-2 cell line. Conclusion. These findings suggest that products encoding sequences homologous to the HTLV-I pXIV gene in SS patients' LSGs might be candidates for self-antigen and/or lead to activation of autoreactive T lymphocytes through trans-acting transcriptional activation.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clonality of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta 2- and V beta 13-positive T cells, which are predominantly expressed in the lips of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). METHODS The junctional sequences of complementary DNA clones encoding TCR V beta 2 and V beta 13 genes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Forty-one V beta 2 and 45 V beta 13 clones established from the lips of 3 SS patients were sequenced. RESULTS The V beta 2/J beta 2.3 pair was enriched in 2 of the 3 patients (44% and 46% of the clones, respectively), and the V beta 13/J beta 2.1 sequence was dominant in 2 of the 3 (23% and 45%). These pairs were not used preferentially in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the same patients. CONCLUSION Infiltrating V beta 2- and V beta 13-positive T cells from the lips of all 3 patients with SS were polyclonal, but the junctional usage of cells from 2 lip samples was restricted, compared with cells from peripheral blood. This suggests that not all expanded cells from the lips of SS patients are stimulated by superantigens.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the T cell receptor V beta gene on double-negative (DN) alpha/beta T cells, which are increased in number, on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS The DN alpha/beta T cells were sorted by flow cytometry from PBL obtained from 3 patients with SSc. The V beta repertoire was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Only 1 or 2 V beta genes (V beta 5/7, 5, or 17) were predominantly expressed on DN alpha/beta T cells from these 3 patients. CONCLUSION The V beta repertoire on DN alpha/beta T cells in PBL from patients with SSc is rather restricted.

This study analyzed T-lymphocyte-receptor V beta genes of infiltrating lymphocytes into the pancreases of 12- to 16-wk-old NOD mice with severe insulitis and 5-wk-old mice with mild insulitis by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. The V beta transcripts on infiltrating T lymphocytes into pancreases with severe insulitis in older NOD mice were diverse. In contrast, the V beta 11 gene transcript was predominantly expressed on T lymphocytes in the pancreas in younger NOD mice with mild insulitis, suggesting the possible role of V beta 11+ T lymphocytes in triggering insulitis in this species.

The modeling with discrete methods of elastic media of infinite extent that are subjected to dynamic loads normally calls for the use of special transmitting (or nonreflecting) boundaries. One such discrete method is the thin layer method, which allows efficient computation of the Green's functions for layered soils of finite depth; its application to elastic half-spaces, however, requires that the infinite medium be represented by means of approximations that are analogous to transmitting boundaries. In this article, we explore the accuracy of two of these approximations in the context of the Green's functions for antiplane (or SH) line loads. We find that the paraxial approximation of Engquist - Majda gives good results, provided that a “buffer layer” with the same material properties as the half-space separates the computational domain from the transmitting boundary. While these results were studied from the point of view of the thin layer method, they apply equally well to models with finite elements or finite differences.

皮膚筋炎・多発性筋炎の患者では他の膠原病に比して急性間質性肺炎がとくに多数みられた.自験例の71例の皮膚筋炎のうち, 18例に急性問質性肺炎がみられ,このうち10例が治療に抵抗し予後不良であった.こうした予後不良群は男性に多く,皮膚症状を有し, CPKなどの筋原性酵素の上昇がなく,炎症反応に乏しい症例で,筋炎に対するステロイド剤の投与後に発症することが多かった.予後不良群では剖検5例のうち4例はUIPであったが, 1例はサイトメガロウイルス性肺炎であり,また抗ウイルス抗体価の変動がみられた症例もあり,皮膚筋炎・多発性筋炎に伴う急性間質性肺疾患の原因の一つとしてウイルスの関与の可能性が考えられた.胸部X線写真からの予後判定は難しかった.また特定の自己抗体と急性間質性肺炎の予後には相関がなかった.

Blood-borne type non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis-associated microtubular aggregates protein was isolated and partially sequenced. The microtubular aggregates were isolated from the hepatocytes of NANB-infected chimpanzees and were found to have a buoyant density in sucrose solution of 1.21 to 1.23 g/ml. A single protein, recognized by our anti-microtubular aggregates monoclonal antibodies, was found to have an Mr of 44,000 (p44). This p44 protein was not found in uninfected chimpanzees. We determined a partial amino acid sequence for p44, and showed that it has no homology to any known proteins.

We have produced hematopoietic chimeric mice from an embryonic stem (ES) cell line earring Ly-1 cDNA under the control of IgH promoter and enhancer. Various amounts of serum IgM (5–86% of total IgM) in chimeric mice were of ES origin and 30–60% of IgM-positive B cells from the chimeric mice analyzed were reconstituted from ES cells. Using these chimeric mice, the expression of the Ly-1 transgene on lymphoid tissues was examined by polymerase chain reaction assay with primers specific for the transgene, and by cell sorter analysis. Transcription of the Ly-1 transgene was detected in spleen cells, thymocytes and lymph node cells; however, the expression of the Ly-1 molecule was observed only on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated splenic IgM-positive B cells but not on resting splenic B cells. There was no significantly increased expression of Ly-1 on splenic T cells and thymocytes. Thus, our findings demonstrate that conventional splenic B cells could express the Ly-1 transgene on their surface in vivo after LPS stimulation. Also discussed is the ES-derived chimeric hematopoietic system.

We have studied vibration characteristics of the main tower and the sub-towers in the Bayon temple since 2003 and have found that the continuum equivalent Young’s modulus for these tower-like dry-masonry structures is 1/10 to 1/20 of the typical value for the constituent rock blocks. In 2006, we measured microtremors at the Northern Library and the Southern Library in the Bayon temple. They are relatively small structures compared to the towers. Unlike those towers, they look like frame structures composed of columns, beams, and walls made of sandstone. Simulating their predominant frequencies by FEM, we found that the equivalent Young’s modulus was similar to that for the towers and thus concluded that the reduced modulus 1/10 to 1/20 uniformly holds for the different types of dry-masonry structures in the Bayon temple. The Northern Library had been completely restored by 2004 and the Southern Library was to be restored. These libraries have similar predominant frequencies and there must not have been large influence of restoration on the vibration characteristics. The FEM model for the main tower in 2003 was based on photos and figures with speculation of the interior of the tower. In 2006 we had a chance to refer to the three-dimensional topographic data of the exterior and interior of the main tower obtained by laser type equipment. We refined the FEM model and simulated predominant frequencies again to find that the reduced equivalent modulus is still valid.

We operated on three patients with entrapment of the suprascapular nerve by a ganglion, but there was a recurrence in a first case after one year. We represent surgical techniques to allow neurolysis and complete removal of the ganglion in the spinoglenoid notch, reporting our surgical experience with the other two cases.«A case report» Case 3. A 42-year-old worker gave a 7-month history of pain in his right (dominant) shoulder. He had difficulty in elevating his arm. On examination there was marked wasting of infraspinatus. EMG confirmed denervation of only infraspinatus. MRI showed a ganglion straddling the base of the spine of the scapula. At surgery, the spine of the scapula was cut to allow adequate exposure. Coloring matter was injected into the ganglion to find out its origin. It arose from the anterior superior capsule of the glenohumeral joint and its neck was ligated. We performed complete removal of the ganglion and neurolysis. SLAP lesion was found using arthroscopy of the shoulder. After the operation, pain was relieved. Fourteen months later the power of external rotation had improved and ultrasound examination confirmed no recurrence.

Analyses of T cell receptors (TCR) on T cells infiltrating labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) indicate that the cells expand by antigen stimulation in context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC). To elucidate the autoantigens recognized by T cells infiltrating in labial salivary glands from patients with SS, proteins derived from human salivary gland cDNA libraries were screened by West-Western method using TCR-CDR3 probe, which is antigen recognition region of TCR on T cells. 13 cDNA clones were detected as proteins binding to TCR-CDR3 region. One was a human alpha-amylase salivary precursor (AA54-407), suggesting that alpha-amylase might be a salivary gland-specific autoantigen. To examine whether alpha-amylase acts as an antigen in labial salivary glands, PBL from 11 patients with SS were incubated with 9 different synthetic amino acids of alpha-amylase or salivary alpha-amylase. SSCP analysis on TCR clearly showed that alpha-amylase reactive T cells were observed in labial salivary glands from 3 of 11 patients with SS (27%). These findings support the possibility that alpha-amylase functions as a salivary gland-specific T cell epitope and induces autoimmunity in SS.

The P8.6 gene is encoded upstream of the mouse TCR Valpha1 gene in the anti-sense strand and its gene product contains the proline-rich region and tyrosine-isoleucine (Y-I) motif, which are consensus sequences for the SH2 and SH3 binding motifs respectively. It was found that this protein is highly homologous to Igbeta. We also found that the P8.6 protein associates with a 170 kDa phosphorylated protein in vivo. To examine the polymorphism of the P8.6 gene, we carried out a single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and found that the P8.6 gene comprises a family of at least 13 independent genes arising from single or multiple mutations. The mutated P8.6 gene with the Y-L motif was deleted, especially in NZW and BXSB mice, whereas normal BALB/c mice have a P8.6 gene bearing both the Y-I and Y-L motifs, suggesting a dysregulation in signaling through the B cell receptor or TCR in these two autoimmune mice. Functional analysis using transfectant cells carrying P8.6-1 (Y-I motif) and P8.6-3 (Y-L motif) clearly demonstrated that P8.6-3 gene inhibited the signal transduction upon the stimulation of ionomycin and cell growth. The TANYSNI sequence has been proposed as the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, this motif is replaced by AANYSNI in the NZW mice. In conclusion, some P8.6 are deleted in particular autoimmune-prone mice.

Objective. To examine the expression of genes of the HOX D cluster in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) influences the expression and transcriptional regulation of the gene. Methods. The expression of genes of the HOX D cluster, including HOX4C, HOX4D, HOX4H, and HOX4I, was determined in the synovium of 4 patients with RA and 4 with osteoarthritis (OA) by in situ reverse transcription (RT) and RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The induction of HOX4C messenger RNA (mRNA) by bFGF was determined by RT-PCR. The binding activity of a transcriptional regulator of the HOX4C gene, C2, was analyzed by the mobility shift assay. NIH-3T3 cells transfected with a construct containing C2 binding sequence were incubated with bFGF, and the activity of the reporter was measured by luciferase assay. Results. Using an in situ RT assay, specific expression of HOX4C mRNA was detected in 3 of 4 RA synovial samples, whereas none of the OA synovia expressed HOX4C. HOX4D, HOX4H, and HOX4I genes were expressed in all synovial samples from RA and OA patients. The presence of HOX4C mRNA was also confirmed by RT-PCR and Southern blotting. Treatment with bFGF increased the expression of HOX4C mRNA in RA fibroblasts. The mobility shift assay and luciferase assay showed that bFGF enhanced C2 binding activity and significantly increased the transcriptional activity on RA fibroblasts. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that HOX4C is involved in synovial hyperplasia, and that the transcriptional regulation of HOX4C genes by bFGF may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Objective. To investigate the possible activation of transcription factor AP-1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of RA. Methods. Synovial tissues and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 25 patients with RA and 5 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) during arthroplasty and synovectomy. The synovial tissue was digested with collagenase and separated into adherent and nonadherent cells by plastic-adhesion methods. Nuclear extracts obtained from each sample were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay to determine the DNA binding activity of AP-1. The expression of c-fos and c-jun messenger RNA (mRNA) was examined by in situ reverse transcription assay. Results. A markedly high DNA binding activity of AP-1 was detected in the synovial tissues of RA patients, while virtually no activity or only a little activity was observed in OA patients. Following separation of adherent and nonadherent cells, the AP-1 activity was mainly detected in adherent cells, which consisted of synovial cells and macrophages. However, the activity was significantly higher in the mononuclear cells infiltrating into RA synovium than in RA peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The high DNA binding activity of AP-1 in RA correlated with the expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNA in situ. Furthermore, AP-1 binding activity also correlated with disease activity. Conclusion. In RA synovium, AP-1 DNA binding activity was constitutively up-regulated. These findings suggest that AP-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of RA, including synovial hyperplasia and abnormal immune responses.

beta 2-Microglobulin (beta 2m)-deficient non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were established by crossing beta 2m-deficient 129/Sv mice with NOD mice, and used to examine the possible involvement of MHC class I molecules and CD8+ T cells in the development of insulitis and diabetes. In these mice, MHC class I molecules were not expressed, resulting in no generation of CD8+ T cells. None of eight lines of beta 2m-deficient NOD mice (-/-) established developed overt diabetes by 32 weeks, while control littermates (+/+) became diabetic by 22 weeks. histological studies showed no significant lymphocyte infiltration of the islets (insulitis score: 0.03 +/- 0.03) in any of the beta 2m-deficient NOD mice (-/-) compared with littermate NOD mice (+/+) with overt insulitis (1.42 +/- 0.28). These findings support the notion that the expression of MHC class I molecules and/or CD8+ T cells plays an essential role in the infiltration of CD4+ T cells in islets as well as the development of diabetes in NOD mice.

To identify genetic factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of patients with SS over-representing V beta 2 and V beta 13 genes in the lips, HLA-DR and -DQ alleles of 10 primary SS patients with predominant expression of V beta 2 and V beta 13 genes in the lips were analysed, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence specific oligonucleotide probes. The CDR3 amino acid sequences of cDNA clones encoding V beta 2 and V beta 13 genes were also determined by PCR. The results showed that the DRB4*0101 allele was significantly increased (80%) and that the frequency of DRB3 allele was decreased (0%) when compared to findings in healthy subjects (35.6 and 26%, respectively). Sequencing analyses demonstrated that 75% of V beta 2 cDNA clones and 87% of V beta 13 cDNA clones had a glutamine residue at position 106, in the CDR13 region. Moreover, the conserved sequences (Y*TLRNEQ) in the CDR3 of V beta 13-positive T cell were detected in two different clones (27%) from the two individual SS patients. These findings suggest that the decreased DRB3 and increased DRB4*0101 alleles may be associated with the antigens recognized by V beta 2- and V beta 13-positive T cells.

A 1.7 kb cDNA encoding a novel antigen (p44; apparent M r 44K) associated with non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis, was isolated from the hepatic cDNA library of a chimpanzee infected with NANB hepatitis. The library was screened with a monoclonal antibody against this antigen. The cDNA cloned contained an open reading frame encoding a 444 amino acid protein with an M r calculated to be 50468. The cDNA hybridized to a 1.9 kb mRNA obtained from chimpanzee hepatocytes infected with either the NANB or hepatitis delta viruses. It hybridized weakly to mRNA from hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocytes, and not at all to mRNA from normal chimpanzee hepatocytes. Southern blot analysis revealed that p44 is a host protein in chimpanzees, and that an identical gene exists in the human genome.