Abstract: A recombinant neurotropic HSV-1 vector carrying the gene for human HPRT under the direction of the viral TK promoter expresses a high level of human enzyme in host neuronal cells, yet has reduced cytopathicity. The virulence of the HSV-1 vector is further reduced by rendering it replication-defective through UV-irradiation or the use of a replication-defective HSV-1 deletion mutant in its construction. The recombinant vector is also provided with a non-viral site of initiation of DNA synthesis, which permits the HPRT gene to replicate independently of the viral genome, thus providing means for amplification of the gene in the host. The recombinant HSV-1 vector's high level of expression of HPRT coupled with decreased virulence allows treatment of HPRT deficieny by direct infection of the host organism.

Abstract: A generally flat holder for clipping to a user's trousers and holding a towel or other fabric object. The holder has a body including an upper section forming a C-shaped hook forming a first gap between opposing ends of the C, and a lower section comprising a frame forming a central opening encircling an upwardly projecting tab. A U-shaped second gap is defined between the tab and the surrounding portion of the frame. The body is generally rigid, but is sufficiently flexible so that the hook and tab may be deflected to increase their respective gaps. Deflection enables the hook to be slipped over the belt or edge of the trousers of a user, and enables the tab to admit passage of a towel or the like into the central opening of the lower section of the body. The tab is configured to maintain engagement with the towel, but readily releases the towel when deflected by manual pressure such that its respective gap is widened. All edges of the body are beveled.

Abstract: A recombinant neurotropic HSV-1 vector carrying the gene for human HPRT under the direction of the viral TK promoter expresses a high level of human enzyme in host neuronal cells, yet has reduced cytopathicity. The virulence of the HSV-1 vector is further reduced by rendering it replication-defective through UV-irradiation or the use of a replication-defective HSV-1 deletion mutant in its construction. The recombinant vector is also provided with a non-vital site of initiation of DNA synthesis, which permits the HPRT gene to replicate independently of the viral genome, thus providing means for amplification of the gene in the host. The recombinant HSV-1 vector's high level of expression of HPRT coupled with decreased virulence allows treatment of HPRT deficieny by direct infection of the host organism.