Probing interlayer van der Waals strengths of two-dimensional surfaces and defects, through STM tip-induced elastic deformations.

A methodology to test the interlayer bonding strength of two-dimensional (2D) surfaces and associated one (1D)- and two (2D)- dimensional surface defects using scanning tunneling microscope tip-induced deformation, is demonstrated. Surface elastic deformation characteristics of soft 2D monatomic sheets of graphene and graphite in contrast to NbSe2indicates related association with the underlying local bonding configurations. Surface deformation of 2D graphitic moiré patterns reveal the inter-layer van der Waals strength varying across its domains. These results help in the understanding of the comparable interlayer bonding strength of 1D grain boundary as well as the grains. Anomalous phenomena related to probing 2D materials at small gap distances as a function of strain is discussed.

The value of a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging protocol in Myocardial Infarction with Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) - a case-control study using historical controls from a previous study with similar inclusion criteria.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) is common with a prevalence of 6% of all patients fulfilling the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. MINOCA should be considered a working diagnosis. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging has recently been suggested to be of great value to determine the cause behind MINOCA. The objectives of this paper are to describe the rationale behind the second Stockholm Myocardial Infarction with Normal Coronaries (SMINC-2) study and to discuss the protocol for investigation of MINOCA patients in the light of the recently published position paper from the European Society of Cardiology. METHODS: The SMINC-2 study is an open non-randomised study using historical controls for comparison. The primary aim is to prove that MINOCA patients investigated with the latest CMR imaging technique can achieve a diagnosis in 70% of all cases entirely by imaging. By including 150 patients we will have >80% chance to prove that the diagnostic accuracy can be improved by 20 absolute % with a p-value of less than 0.05 when compared with CMR imaging in the SMINC-1 study. Furthermore, in addition to invasive coronary angiography, coronary arteries are evaluated by computed tomography angiography to investigate coronary causes and questionnaires are used to describe Quality-of-Life (QoL). By January 1st 2017, 75 patients have been included. DISCUSSION: Whether CMR imaging can provide a diagnosis to an adequate proportion of MINOCA patients is unknown. Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to compare a MINOCA cohort from the population with an appropriate control group. Positive results are likely to influence future guidelines of the management of MINOCA. Furthermore, the study will give mechanistic insights into MINOCA in particular in patients with "true" myocardial infarction and describe QoL in this vulnerable group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02318498 .

Long-chain alkanes and fatty acids from Ludwigia octovalvis weed leaf surface waxes as short-range attractant and ovipositional stimulant to Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

The importance of leaf surface wax compounds from the rice-field weed Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven (Onagraceae) was determined in the flea beetle Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Extraction, thin layer chromatography and GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of surface waxes of young, mature and senescent leaves revealed 20, 19 and 19 n-alkanes between n-C15 and n-C35, respectively; whereas 14, 14 and 12 free fatty acids between C12:0 and C22:0 fatty acids were identified in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. Tricosane was predominant n-alkane in young and mature leaves, whilst eicosane predominated in senescent leaves. Heneicosanoic acid, palmitic acid and docosanoic acid were the most abundant free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. A. cyanea females showed attraction to 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes compared with young or senescent leaves in a short glass Y-tube olfactometer bioassay. The insects were attracted to a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively, comparable with the proportions as present in 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes. A. cyanea also laid eggs on a filter paper moistened with 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes or a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively. This finding could provide a basis for monitoring of the potential biocontrol agent in the field.

Expression of microRNA-155 correlates positively with the expression of Toll-like receptor 7 and modulates hepatitis B virus via C/EBP-ß in hepatocytes.

Effective recognition of viral infection and successive activation of antiviral innate immune responses are vital for host antiviral defence, which largely depends on multiple regulators, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and microRNAs. Several early reports suggest that specific TLR-mediated immune responses can control hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and express differentially with disease outcome. Considering the versatile function of miR-155 in the TLR-mediated innate immune response, we aimed to study the association between miR-155 and TLRs and their subsequent impact on HBV replication using both a HBV-replicating stable cell line (HepG2.2.15) and HBV-infected liver biopsy and serum samples. Our results showed that miR-155 was suppressed during HBV infection and a subsequent positive correlation of miR-155 with TLR7 activation was noted. Further, ectopic expression of miR-155 in vitro reduced HBV load as evidenced from reduced viral DNA, mRNA and subsequently reduced level of secreted viral antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg). Our results further suggested that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-ß (C/EBP-ß), a positive regulator of HBV transcription, was inhibited by miR-155. Taken together, our study established a correlation between miR-155 and TLR7 during HBV infection and also demonstrated in vitro that increased miR-155 level could help to reduce HBV viral load by targeting C/EBP-ß.

The cause and consequence of domestic violence on pregnant women in India.

The objective of this study is to evaluate and elucidate the impact of domestic violence on the health and pregnancy outcomes of women. Data were extracted from literature through the MEDLINE database for years 2000-2011. Domestic violence occurs in every society, irrespective of class, creed, religion and country. Women attending antenatal clinics in Delhi reported experience of 26.9% physical, 29% mental and 6.2% sexual abuse, irrespective of their age. The spouse was the perpetrator of abuse in 47% cases and his family members were responsible for 31%. Pregnant women were hit by their husbands on the back and abdomen, sometimes repeatedly, besides psychological abuse. Incidence of domestic violence was more when the male spouse was less educated or in the habit of consuming alcohol, opium or tobacco. Illiteracy, poverty, family status and uncaring attitude of community about spousal violence were the causes of domestic violence. Women having experience of violence were less likely to receive antenatal care or home visits by health workers and had a risk of perinatal and neonatal mortality of 2.59 and 2.37 times higher, respectively, than women having no violence during pregnancy. The survey indicated that 4.5% of abused women required hospitalisation and 3.8% needed medical care. Women's education, economic autonomy and empowerment may reduce the incidence of domestic violence among Indian women.

Non pitting edema, arthritis and ichthyosis; presenting manifestation of leprosy.

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Predominantly involving skin and nerves and having classic clinical description, the diagnosis may be clear-cut in majority of patients but may be challenging in others. Non-pitting edema, ichthyosis and arthritis are uncommon in leprosy and very rare in tuberculoid type where the diagnosis may be challenging unlike relatively clear-cut clinical picture in lepromatous type. Musculoskeletal manifestation is seen in 1-5% of cases and usually associated with reactional states where again the diagnosis sometimes becomes evident. High index of suspicion is therefore recommended in patients with unexplained systemic illness especially in endemic areas. Herein we report a young male with non pitting edema and symmetric peripheral arthritis involving all four limbs, and ichthyosis as presenting manifestation of borderline leprosy where the neuro-cutaneous manifestation developed two months after the said presenting features and in absence of a reactional state.

Instabilities and diffusion in a hydrodynamic model of a fluid membrane coupled to a thin active fluid layer.

We construct a coarse-grained effective two-dimensional (2d hydrodynamic theory as a theoretical model for a coupled system of a fluid membrane and a thin layer of a polar active fluid in its ordered state that is anchored to the membrane. We show that such a system is prone to generic instabilities through the interplay of nonequilibrium drive, polar order and membrane fluctuation. We use our model equations to calculate diffusion coefficients of an inclusion in the membrane and show that their values depend strongly on the system size, in contrast to their equilibrium values. Our work extends the work of S. Sankararaman and S. Ramaswamy (Phys. Rev. Lett., 102, 118107 (2009)) to a coupled system of a fluid membrane and an ordered active fluid layer. Our model is broadly inspired by and should be useful as a starting point for theoretical descriptions of the coupled dynamics of a cell membrane and a cortical actin layer anchored to it.

Fluctuations and symmetries in two-dimensional active gels.

Motivated by the unique physical properties of biological active matter, e.g., cytoskeletal dynamics in eukaryotic cells, we set up effective two-dimensional (2d) coarse-grained hydrodynamic equations for the dynamics of thin active gels with polar or nematic symmetries. We use the well-known three-dimensional (3d) descriptions (K. Kruse et al., Eur. Phys. J. E 16, 5 (2005); A. Basu et al., Eur. Phys. J. E 27, 149 (2008)) for thin active-gel samples confined between parallel plates with appropriate boundary conditions to derive the effective 2d constitutive relations between appropriate thermodynamic fluxes and generalised forces for small deviations from equilibrium. We consider three distinct cases, characterised by spatial symmetries and boundary conditions, and show how such considerations dictate the structure of the constitutive relations. We use these to study the linear instabilities, calculate the correlation functions and the diffusion constant of a small tagged particle, and elucidate their dependences on the activity or nonequilibrium drive.

The emergency contraceptive drug, levonorgestrel: a review of post-coital oral and peri-coital vaginal administration for prevention of pregnancy.

The objective of our study was the evaluation and elucidation of levonorgestrel (LNG) as emergency contraception (EC) administered through oral and vaginal routes. Data regarding post-coital oral and peri-coital vaginal application of LNG were extracted from the literature through MEDLINE database service for years 2001-2010. It was found that a single dose of 1.5 mg LNG or two doses of 0.75 mg LNG 12 h apart were used for EC. Currently, LNG is also on trial for vaginal application as EC in Carraguard gel for 'dual protection'. The oral or vaginal dose of 1.5 mg LNG resulted in peak plasma concentration, C(max) 19.2 or 3.21 ng/ml, with shorter time, T(max) 1.4 or 6.6 h, and greater AUC, 152.7 or 52.5 ng.h/ml, with shorter half-life, 25 or 32 h, respectively. LNG EC inhibited mid-cycle LH surge and delayed or prevented ovulation when administered before ovulation. Mechanism of action of LNG EC appeared to inhibit or delay ovulation. The risk of pregnancy was 4.12%. A single dose of 1.5 mg LNG could reduce the pregnancy rate to 0.7%. Occurrence of ectopic pregnancy following failure of LNG EC was reported. This EC caused no serious adverse effects but was associated with menstrual disturbance. Although widely acceptable, the cost and short-supply to rural areas pose a barrier to access EC for the poor and rural-dwellers, respectively. It was concluded that unlike post-coital oral administration, peri-coital vaginal application of 1.5 mg LNG needs further study to be an alternative option for women to use it for prevention of pregnancy.

New mutant and congenic mouse stocks expressing the murine leukemia virus-associated thymocyte surface antigen GIX.

For several reasons the G(IX) antigen (1) has a prominent place in current work on murine leukemia virus (MuLV): In the prototype G(IX+) mouse strain 129, the G(IX) trait is mendelian, and is expressed selectively (though not exclusively) on thymocytes. Thus, expression of this cell surface component is under the control of cellular genes and is subject to the controls governing the differentiation of T lymphocytes (2). Although the 129 mouse produces no demonstrable leukemia virus such as that found in the AKR strain, it was soon realized that G(IX) antigen must in some way be related to MuLV, because productive infection with MuLV is frequently associated with appearance of G(IX) antigen on cells that are genotypically G(IX-), most notably on MuLV-infected rat cells, or cells that belong to other differentiation pathways (1). The basis of this connection between G(IX) and MuLV has recently become clear from the demonstration that G(IX) is one of MuLV envelope. Therefore, our working hypothesis is that the presence of G(IX) is one of the antigens present on gp69/71 (3,4), the major glycoprotein component of the MuLV envelope. Therefore, our working hypothesis is that the presence of G(IX) antigen always denotes the presence of gp69/71 (though not all variants of gp69/71 need necessarily carry G(IX)). Study of the circumstances under which G(IX) is expressed on the cell surface is thus potentially a powerful approach to understanding how the expression of C-type viral genomes is controlled. Such studies are greatly facilitated by the availability of mutant and congenic strains of inbred mice which differ from the nonmutant or partner strains only with respect to one or another manifestation of the viral genome. It is for this reason that we record here (Table I) some details of two G(IX) mutant and two G(IX) congenic stocks derived in our colonies at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). In addition, to these four strains, Table I includes data for the three relevant partner strains, and for strain AKR, for comparison. These eight strains all differ from one another with respect to one or more MuLV-related traits.

Gradient of reduced glutathione in the tail of Hemidactylus leschenaultii (Sauria: Gekkonidae).

A proximo-distal gradient of reduced glutathione (GSH), a non enzymatic antioxidant was observed in the original tails of the lizard, H. leschenaultii. In the regenerating tails, a gradual increase in the level of GSH was noted with tail elongation. In the newly regenerated tails also the level of GSH remained higher in the proximal part than the corresponding distal parts.

Association of Serum Vitamin D (25OHD) Level with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Acute exacerbations of COPD is characterized by a change in the patients baseline dyspnoea, cough and/or sputum that is beyond normal day to day differences and guides to a change in standard medications in a patient with COPD. Vitamin D influences the innate & adaptive immune system, and exerts pleiotropic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory responses. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent among COPD patients but its contributory role in disease exacerbations is widely debated. This study was aimed to assess relationship between reduced serum vitamin D (25-OHD) level with COPD severity and acute exacerbation. This observational cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Respiratory Medicine, NIDCH, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2016 to September 2017. Consecutive 80 hospital admitted patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosed on the basis of clinical history & pulmonary function tests and 78 age & sex matched controls were investigated for serum vitamin D (25-OHD) level. Among the COPD patients, 37% had Vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/ml) and 28.75% had Vitamin D insufficiency (20-29ng/ml). Mean vitamin D (25-OHD) level of COPD patients (25.82±10.62ngm/ml) was found to be significantly lower than healthy controls (32.57±11.32ngm/ml). Vitamin D deficiency was found, by Pearson correlation test, to be significantly associated with severity of COPD. Multivariate analysis showed that age (in years), FEV1 (percent predicted), frequent exacerbators (≥2 in the last year), and smoking (>40 pack year) were significantly associated with Vitamin D deficiency. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was found to have vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with severity of COPD. Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with frequent disease exacerbation.

Barriers to emergency contraception (EC): does promoting EC increase risk for contacting sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to focus on barriers, controversy and perceived risk associated with use of emergency contraception (EC) after unprotected sexual intercourse. DESIGN AND METHOD: Data were extracted from the literature of the MEDLINE database service. Original articles, surveys, clinical trials and investigations are considered for this review. RESULTS: After the introduction of over-the-counter and advance prescription provisions for easy access to EC, the rural-urban disparity in availability of EC poses a barrier to use of EC for rural dwellers. The socio-economically weaker section of the population is unable to purchase EC because of low or no income, although there is mounting pressure by the State for prevention of unintended pregnancy by use of EC. Some healthcare providers have objected to provide EC to the patient on the grounds of their conscience and morality. Some providers and users have also expressed concerns about the possibility of increase in irresponsible sexual behaviour because of easy access to EC. There may be some truth in their apprehension because nearly 3.2 million unintended pregnancies occur annually despite various contraceptive options available in USA and the extensive use of EC is directly proportional to the volume of unprotected sexual intercourse, which is too directly proportional to the quantum of risk for contacting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency contraception is a one-off postcoital procedure and not to be opted after every sexual intercourse. Controversy about EC may be resolved if it is used within this limit. Extensive use of EC may increase risk for contacting STIs/AIDS.

The impact of intimate partner violence on women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and elucidate the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes taking into account data from various countries. The search of the literature was made in MEDLINE database service for the years 2002-2008. Original articles, reviews, surveys, clinical trials and investigations pertinent to the theme were considered for this review. The lifetime physical or sexual IPV or both varied from 15% to 71% in many countries. Adolescent violence, negative emotionality and quality of the relationship with the intimate partner were associated with genesis of IPV, besides demographic, social and structural difference in attitudes. IPV affected woman's physical and mental health, reduced sexual autonomy, increased risk for unintended pregnancy and multiple abortions. Risk for sexual assault decreased by 59% or 70% for women contacting the police or applying for a protection order, respectively. Quality of life of IPV victims was found significantly impaired. Women battered by IPV reported high levels of anxiety and depression that often led to alcohol and drug abuse. Violence on pregnant women significantly increased risk for low birth weight infants, pre-term delivery and neonatal death and also affected breast-feeding postpartum. Women preferred an active role to be played by healthcare providers in response to IPV disclosure. Gynaecologists reported interventions for the patient disclosing IPV and provided treatment for their physical and emotional complaints. Educating and empowering women and upgrading their socioeconomic status may abate the incidence of IPV. Women should also seek protection against IPV.

Antigens and antibodies cross-reactive to the murine mammary tumor virus in human breast cyst fluids.

Human breast cyst fluids were shown to contain low concentrations of IgA (15-78 micrograms/ml) and IgG (33-145 micrograms/ml). The IgA:IgG ratios in individual breast cyst fluids ranged from 1:0.6 to 1:4. These levels are considerably higher than their ratio in serum (1:7). IgA from 33% of the 40 fluids examined, and IgG from 10% of the fluids, reacted with the murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV). The reactivity was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that measures antibody binding to both the envelope glycoprotein and core protein of the virus. In a second series of experiments. IgA from 28% of 40 breast cyst fluids reacted only with MuMTV while IgA from 30% of the fluids was reactive with both MuMTV and the Rauscher murine leukemia virus. Antigen reactive with antiserum to the 28,000-dalton MuMTV core protein (p28), was also identified in a 165,000-g pellet fraction from breast cyst fluids. In individual fluids, the extent of IgA binding to MuMTV was positively correlated (P less than or equal to 0.01) with the binding of anti-p28 antibody to the pellet of the breast cyst fluid. Fractions with the buoyant density of retroviruses (1.16-1.18 g/ml) or their cores (1.21-1.25 g/ml) were isolated from breast cyst fluids. These fractions contained a DNA polymerase capable of utilizing the reverse transcriptase-specific template, dG12-18 x poly rCm. In addition, they reacted with antiserum to MuMTV p 28 but not with antiserum to the 30,000-dalton Rauscher murine leukemia virus core protein.

Temporal order of gene replication in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

To investigate the molecular basis of the regulatory mechanisms responsible for the orderly replication of the mammalian genome, we have developed an experimental system by which the replication order of various genes can be defined with relative ease and precision. Exponentially growing CHO-K1 cells were separated into populations representing various stages of the cell cycle by centrifugal elutriation and analyzed for cell cycle status flow cytometry. The replication of specific genes in each elutriated fraction was measured by labeling with 5-mercuri-dCTP and [3H]dTPP under conditions of optimal DNA synthesis after cell permeabilization with lysolecithin. Newly synthesized mercurated DNA from each elutriated fraction was purified by affinity chromatography on thiol-agarose and replicated with the large fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I by using [alpha-32P]dATP and random primers. The 32P-labeled DNA representative of various stages of the cell cycle was then hybridized with dot blots of plasmid DNA containing specific cloned genes. From these results, it was possible to deduce the nuclear DNA content at the time each specific gene replicated during S phase (C value). The C values of 29 genes, which included single-copy genes, multifamily genes, oncogenes, and repetitive sequences, were determined and found to be distributed over the entire S phase. Of the 28 genes studied, 19 had been examined by others using in vivo labeling techniques, with results which agreed with the replication pattern observed in this study. The replication times of nine other genes are described here for the first time. Our method of analysis is sensitive enough to determine the replication time of single-copy genes. The replication times of various genes and their levels of expression in exponentially growing CHO cells were compared. Although there was a general correlation between transcriptional activity and replication in the first half of S phase, examination of specific genes revealed a number of exceptions. Approximately 25% of total poly(A) RNA was transcribed from the late-replicating DNA.

Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm presenting as left sided hemorrhagic pleural effusion.

Aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta, in majority of cases is diagnosed either by chance in routine chest imaging for some other reasons or rarely due to it's symptomatic presentation like chest pain and other mediastinal compression symptoms. In this case report we present a case of 69 year old smoker who presented with cough, hemoptysis and left sided massive painless hemorrhagic pleural effusion. Further investigation revealed a large aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta which infiltrated the left lung. We suggest descending thoracic aneurysm be included in the differential diagnosis of this sort of clinical presentation which otherwise imperative with the clinical scenario of bronchogenic carcinoma.

Lymphatic filariasis in the coastal areas of Digha, West Bengal, India.

The state of West Bengal, India, has a long coastline with the Bay of Bengal. No information exists regarding filarial epidemiology and its vector in these coastal areas. The present study was designed to assess the epidemiology of lymphatic filariasis and the role of available mosquitoes as its vector in eight coastal villages around Digha, West Bengal. Night blood samples of 4016 individuals were collected and each of them was examined clinically for any manifestations of the disease. Overall, microfilaria rate, mean microfilarial density and disease rate were 9.06%, 8.63% and 7.72%, respectively. The causative parasite was identified as Wuchereria bancrofti and Culex quinquefasciatus was incriminated as the vector responsible. Vector infection and infectivity rates were assessed to be 12.5% and 0.73%, respectively. The human blood index of human-house-frequenting vector population was 70%. Vector density, vector infection, infectivity rates and human blood index were higher in the rainy season in the study area. Overall, the filarial situation was bad and, as a measure, single-dose diethylcarbamazine citrate (6 mg/kg body weight) treatment was given to all the microfilariaemic patients. Night blood samples of the treated individuals were tested for microfilariae on days 10 and 365, which revealed interesting results.

Design of a Virtual Reality System for Affect Analysis in Facial Expressions (VR-SAAFE); Application to Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a life-long, debilitating psychotic disorder with poor outcome that affects about 1% of the population. Although pharmacotherapy can alleviate some of the acute psychotic symptoms, residual social impairments present a significant barrier that prevents successful rehabilitation. With limited resources and access to social skills training opportunities, innovative technology has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for intervention. In this paper, we present a novel virtual reality (VR)-based system for understanding facial emotion processing impairments that may lead to poor social outcome in schizophrenia. We henceforth call it a VR System for Affect Analysis in Facial Expressions (VR-SAAFE). This system integrates a VR-based task presentation platform that can minutely control facial expressions of an avatar with or without accompanying verbal interaction, with an eye-tracker to quantitatively measure a participants real-time gaze and a set of physiological sensors to infer his/her affective states to allow in-depth understanding of the emotion recognition mechanism of patients with schizophrenia based on quantitative metrics. A usability study with 12 patients with schizophrenia and 12 healthy controls was conducted to examine processing of the emotional faces. Preliminary results indicated that there were significant differences in the way patients with schizophrenia processed and responded towards the emotional faces presented in the VR environment compared with healthy control participants. The preliminary results underscore the utility of such a VR-based system that enables precise and quantitative assessment of social skill deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Leukocyte migration inhibition among breast cancer patients in response to various oncogenic viruses.

The direct leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test was done with leukocytes from healthy women and from patients with primary operable breast cancer, benign breast disease, or head and neck cancer. Purified preparations of murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV), Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV), and murine leukemia virus (MuLV) were used. For each virus, the lowest 10th percentile of the LMI responses of controls was used to discriminate positive from negative responses. Leukocytes from 46 of 94 (49%) breast cancer patients responded to MuMTV, which was significantly different from each of the other test groups: Positive reactions were observed in only 9 of 67 (13%) healthy persons, 2 of 32 (6%) patients with benign breast tumors, and 2 of 20 (10%) patients with head and neck cancer. Although leukocytes from 29% of the breast cancer patients responded to MPMV, this response did not significantly differ from that observed in healthy women (14%), in patients with benign disease (20%), or in patients with head and neck cancer (20%). The leukocytes from the breast cancer patients were not reactive to MuLV. LMI tests to both MuMTV and extracts of MCF-7 cultured breast cancer cells were done in 36 breast cancer patients and 40 healthy women simultaneously. Of the breast cancer patients, 75% responded to MuMTV and/or MCF-7 antigen as compared to 18% of the controls (P less than 0.005). These data suggest that leukocytes from breast cancer patients are presensitized to MuMTV and antigen(s) present in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, but not to MPMV or MuLV.