ObjectiveThis evaluated the long-term outcome after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) from below Dl to D4, using a single-site access technique for primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs. Summary Background DataPrimary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs is a distressing and often socially disabling condition. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered the treatment of choice, causing minimal morbidity and high initial success rates. However, data regarding long-term results are scarce. MethodsTwo hundred seventy of 323 patients (83.7%), in whom 480 sympathectomies were performed, answered a questionnaire after a mean of 14.6 years postoperatively regarding the early postoperative result, side effects, and complications caused by the operation and long-term results with particular emphasis on patient satisfaction. ResultsThere was no postoperative mortality and no major complications requiring surgical reintervention. A majority of the patients (98.1 %) were relieved, and 95.5% were satisfied initially. Permanent side effects included compensatory sweating in 67.4%, gustatory sweating in 50.7% and Horner's trias in 2.5%. However, patient satisfaction declined over time, although only 1.5% recurred. This left only 66.7% satisfied, and a 26.7% partially satisfied. Compensatory and gustatory sweating were the most frequently stated reasons for dissatisfaction. Individuals operated for axillary hyperhidrosis without palmar involvement were significantly less satisfied (33.3% and 46.2%, respectively).

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A restriction map of hepatitis B virion DNA was established after cloning of the whole viral genome in Escherichia coli. By use of EcoRI, Xho I, Bgl II, Xba I, BamHI, HincII, and Hae III endonucleases, a total of 28 restriction sites were mapped. The single-stranded region was localized on the restriction map and the 5' end of the short strand was mapped at a fixed position. Hepatitis B is a frequent and sometimes severe disease. In some areas of Asia and tropical Africa, 10% of the population carry the viral surface antigen (1). The Dane particle (2), found in the sera of patients, is considered to be the etiological agent (3). It contains a circular DNA molecule, hepatitis B virion (HBV) DNA, with a nick (or a short gap) and a single-stranded region (4-6). HBV DNA is the smallest known mammalian viral genome. These unique characteristics of the genome, the frequency of hepatitis B, and the likely relationship between this virus and primary liver carcinoma (7,8) justify an accurate investigation of the structure of the HBV genome.In this article we present a physical map of the HBV genome. Twenty eight restriction sites are located, and new information concerning the physical structure of HBV DNA is also established. In particular, the single-stranded region is localized on the restriction map. The position of the nick is discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODSDNA Preparations and Cloning. HBV were purified as described by Summers et al. (4) and their DNA was labeled with the endogenous DNA polymerase (6), with [32P]dTTP (22 Ci/mmol, 1 Ci = 3.7 X 1010 becquerels) as the radioactive precursor. After purification of the HBV DNA (4), it appeared from electron microscope observation that, under the action of the endogenous DNA polymerase, the single-stranded region of about 10% of the DNA molecules was totally repaired.The purified HBV DNA was used for cloning. The circular HBV genome was cleaved by EcoRI endonuclease at its unique restriction site (J. Summers, personal communication) and inserted in vitro into the DNA of bacteriophage Xgt WES. XB as described (9). After transfection of C600 recBC bacteria with the hybrid DNA, recombinant phage clones were purified three times. For each recombinant clone a first phage stock was made and, in order to avoid any genetic drift, all subsequent stocks were made from this initial sample. The cloned EcoRI DNA fragment will be referred to as Eco HBV DNA.After digestion of the DNA of a recombinant clone with EcoRI endonuclease, Eco HBV DNA was purified from the two vector arms by zone centrifugation in a 5-30% sucrose gradient.Enzymatic Digestions and Chemicals. Digestions by the following restriction nucleases (New England BioLabs), EcoRI, BamHI, Sma I,Xho I, Pst I, Xba I, Bgl II, Sst I, Sal I, Kpn I, HincII, and Hae III, were performed in the buffers recommended by New England BioLabs. Alkaline phosphatase (P-L Biochemicals) was used in 10 mM Tris-HCI, pH 8.5/10 mM MgCl2. The 5' ends were labeled by means of [y-32P]ATP (New England Nuclear, 3000 Ci/mmol) and polynucleoti...

A method requiring minute amounts of DNA and protein is proposed for the detection of DNA bending in solution. Local bending, induced by the binding of a protein at its stereospecific site, must increase the probability of circularization of short DNA fragments and hence the rate of formation of the corresponding minicircles. This effect should be highly sensitive to the location of the protein‐binding site on the DNA fragment. Simple controls allow other possible interpretations to be ruled out. The deformation due to the cyclic AMP receptor protein when it interacts with its stereospecific site at the lactose control region is studied by this method. It is shown in this case that untwisting is negligible and bending significant. Further measurements are required to assess the actual value of the radius of curvature of the DNA double helix in this complex.

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