An aggressive multimodality approach to locally advanced carcinoma of the breast.

In a series of patients who were not candidates for mastectomy because of locally advanced disease or distant metastases, or both, excellent local control was obtained by radiation therapy and systemic therapy in the form of oophorectomy-adrenalectomy and chemotherapy. Local control was obtained in 12 of 15 patients with metastatic disease by systemic therapy without radiation. The median disease-free survival time for patients with advanced Stage III carcinoma of the breast was significantly prolonged from 9.5 to 15 months by oophorectomy-adrenalectomy with chemotherapy, although there was no definable difference in the over-all survival period for the two groups.


[Oesophageal diverticulum in a pony (author's transl)].

A case of oesophageal diverticulum in a pony is reported. The diagnosis was established by clinical and X-ray examination (following administration of a contrast agent) and verified by post-mortem studies. The cause and pathogenesis are discussed.


Sialogluciduria in lysosomal diseases: quantitative and qualitative analysis of urinary low molecular sialoglucides from patients with mucopolysaccharidosis and with mucolipidosis.

Low molecular sialoglucides were isolated from the urines of normal human male and two patients with lysosomal disease (mucopolysaccharidosis type II and a new type of mucolipidosis) by charcoal adsorption method. Urinary sialoglucides were fractionated into two fractions (SG-1 and SG-2) by Sephadex G-25 gel filtration and considerable increase in excretion of SG-1 was observed in the patients with lysosomal diseases: two- to three-fold increase in mucopolysaccharidosis type II and seven- to eight-fold increase in mucolipidosis. SG-1 was further fractionated into 18 to 19 fractions by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. Comparison of the amounts and the chemical compositions of these fractions suggested that the increase in SG-1 was dependent upon the increase in excretion of low molecular sialoglucides rich in mannose and N-acetylglucosamine.


Chelation in metal intoxication. VI. Influence of PAS and CDTA on the excretion of manganese in rabbits given MnO2.

The success of p-aminosalicyclic acid (PAS) and 1,2-cyclohexylene dinitrilotetraacetic acid (CDTA) in the mobilization of manganese from some vital organs and their subcellular fractions of manganese-intoxicated rats, led to the two compounds beng further investigated individually and in combination for their efficacy in influencing excretion of manganese in rabbits given MnO2. These chelating agents led to a higher excretion of manganese through faeces than urine. Whereas CDTA was able to enhance the excretion of manganese significantly through both routes, PAS could do so through faeces only. However, the combination did not improve upon the effect of the individual compounds.


[Dose distribution of photons and neutrons outside of the irradiation field of a 8-mev linear accelerator (author's transl)].

During the irradiation with a continuous radiation of 8 MeV by the linear accelerator LINAC SL 75/10, the dose distribution of photons and neutrons was measured outside of the irradiation field. The dose distribution of photons was mostly determined by thermoluminescence dose meters. There was a significant maximum of leak radiation on the back of the emitter head which showed a dose rate amounting to 7,5% of the dose rate of the central ray. Whereas the leak radiation on the patients' table was less than 0,1% of the dose of the central ray, the dose of scattered radiation emitted by the patient still amounts to 2% of the central ray dose in a distance of 15 cm from the field edge. The isodoses measured in the room demonstrate above all the importance of the lock for a sufficient radioprotection.--The dose rate of the neutrons formed in the shielding material by photonuclear reactions were measured mostly with uranium fission-track dosimeters. The highest equivalent dose rate was found on the back of the emitter head; it is about 17 rem/h. The maximum value of the equivalent dose rate of neutrons on the patient's table amounts to 1,4 rem/h and is almost independent of the size of the diaphragm. The isodoses in the room depend largely on the shape of the irradiation room; they confirm the existence of a sufficient radioprotection.


[A simple formula for determination of the mean electron energy in a body irradiated by fast electrons (author's transl)].

A simple formula for calculation of the mean electron energy from primary energy and depth of irradiation is derived. The formula has been verified for substances with low atomic numbers (Z less than or equal to 6) and by experiments using primary electron energies from 5 to 15 MeV and irradiation depths up to 80% of the practical range, which corresponds to mean electron energies from 2.2 to 15 MeV. For this purpose, the relative mass stopping-power ratios water/air which have been obtained using the formula together with valid standard tables (ICRU, DIN) and literature were compared with those found by absolute dosimetry by means of a graphite double extrapolation chamber (primary standard). An optimal accordance with the standard values for non-restricted mass collision stopping-power, as indicated by Berger and Seltzer, was the result (better than +0.6 to -0.05%). The verification of a formula known from literature (Harder) revealed similar results (+0.4 to -0.8%).


Radiation effects of iodine-125 and iodine-131 on the overactive rat thyroid.

The effects of graded doses of iodine-125 and iodine-131 on rat thyroid glands under prolonged stimulation with oral thyrotropin-releasing hormone were assessed by histological and autoradiographic studies. No evidence for a difference in effect between iodine-125 and iodine-131 was found. The reason for this is suggested.


Autoagglutination dispersal utilizing sulphydryl compounds.

Autoagglutination caused by powerful IgM cold autoagglutinins can be dispersed by sulphydryl compounds to provide an unagglutinated red blood cell suspension suitable for immunohematologic testing. For this 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol is added to twice washed red blood cells. Following agitation for 10 minutes at 37 C an unagglutinated red blood cell suspension is obtained without adverse effect to red blood cell antigens and without removal of in vivo bound IgG or complement. Dithiothreital may be substituted for 2-mercaptoethanol if the incubation time is increased to 15 minutes.


Hemolysis induced by cefazolin and cephalothin in a patient with penicillin sensitivity.

A patient with penicillin sensitivity, who had never received a cephalosporin antibiotic previously, developed anemia and spherocytosis following the administration of cefazolin. Hemolysis abated when the drug was discontinued on the fourth day, and recurred on day six when cephalothin therapy was begun. IgG and complement components were present on the patient's erythrocytes, and IgG antibodies in her serum reacted with normal red blood cells which had been coated with benzylpenicillin, cefazolin or cephalothin. Antibodies to cephalothin-coated red blood cells were removed partially by incubating her serum with either benzylpenicillin or cefazolin. Complement-fixing IgG antibodies which reacted with red blood cells coated by cefazolin, cephalothin, and benzylpenicillin were considered to be responsible for hemolysis during the administration of cefazolin and, subsequently, cephalothin. The patient recovered completely following discontinuation of antibiotics, transfusion of red blood cells, and treatment with glucocorticoids. It is concluded that hemolysis may occur during therapy with cefazolin, as well as cephalothin, and may develop rapidly in a patient with penicillin sensitivity.


Seminal vesicles as organs of sperm storage.

This study was done to determine whether or not the seminal vesicles store spermatozoa. Half of the nonhuman primates' vesicles had sperm at autopsy as did one of the men dying a traumatic death. Seminal vesicle sperm storage may be the reason for continued spermatozoa in the ejaculates of men after vasectomy.


[Studies of DNP protein dissociation in the presence of norepinephrine].

Calf thymus DNP dissociation was studied by sepharose 2B gel-chromatography as well as by oxyapatite ion-exchange chromatography. The degree of dissociation was estimated by protein content in the chromatography peaks. Intact DNP and DNP incubated with norepinephrine were filtered simultaneously through two identical columns. In the presence of norepinephrine a partial deproteinization was observed. This effect  has some specificity, namely, it was considerably lower in the presence of tyrosine, and was absent when the norepinephrine structure was changed. On the basis of the available data on the norepinephrine ability to form chelatic complexes with polyvalent metals and comparing the deproteinizing effect of norepinephrine and EDTA it was assumed that the norepinephrine dissociating effect was due to its binding with cations incorporated into the DNP complex structure.


[Induction of components of the natural precipitation system (GANS) and another antibody after alloimmunization with serum or egg yolk in fowl].

Detailed analysis was performed in 17 selected serums obtained through alloimmunization of 64 receptors (cocks and hens, WP X RIR hybrids) of type 0 in the GANS system. The serum or egg yolk from hens of type A or B in the GANS system, used for immunization, was applied in five intramuscular injections with or without using Freund's complete adjuvant. It was found out that substance A GANS was present in 16 serums of the total number of those which were examined, so that in the receptors the application of serum or yolk changed the type of the GANS system from original 0 into type A, irrespective of the type of donor. Further, seven serums were found to contain another antibody, reacting in precipitation with the serum fraction which is only present in laying hens and probably has not the character of an allotype.


[Induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes in chickens effected by various persistent foreign materials].

Changes in the levels of microsomal proteins, in the activity of microsomal aniline hydroxylase, and in the effectivity of Thiopental were studied in chickens given the Czechoslovak-produced type of polychlorinated biphenyls - Delor 103. The increased activity of aniline hydroxylase and the decrease of Thiopental sleeping time in chickens exposed to the action of Delor 103 indicate that this preparation is able to induce liver microsomal enzymes in doses as low as 5 mg per kg of feed. The induction of liver microsomal enzymes appears to be an important factor, able to exercise a direct influence on the biotransformation of various biologically important substances in the organism of chickens.


[The effect of proteins from tannery wastes on body proteins in birds].

The effect of 7.0% and 3.5% proportion of lime protein, produced according to the patent CSP 133.077, in the diet was studied under laboratory conditions, as exerted on the growth rate of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and on the level of serum proteins and keratins in the feathers of these birds. The second generation of quail fed this diet showed an improvement of growth at the final stage and significant internal changes in the protein spectrum of the blood serum. Electrophoresis on paper and on polyacrylamide gel revealed a relative drop of albumins and gamma globulins, and a rise of alpha and beta globulins in the blood serum. Keratins showed no changes in feathers.


[Occurence of an outbreak of horse dermatophytosis caused by the fungus Trichophyton equinum].

There is a description of equine dermatophytosis enzootic, caused by the microscopic fungus Trichophyton equinum. The disease affected 32 horses, mostly young, all in the same herd (74.4%). The diseased horses were successfully treated with the preparation Fenoform forte, applied superficially at the concentration of 0.5% of the active substance. The authors made an attempt to determine the criteria for clinical differentiation of fully developed trichophytosis and microsporosis of horses. Trichophytosis (T. equinum) is characterized as typical numerous small and round patches, covered by small, bran-like, asbestos-coloured scales. Microsporosis (M. equinum) is adequately characterized by irregularly limited patches, often overlapping (15 X 20 cm), by pronounced desquammation, and accumulation of large, lime-white scales, firmly adhering to the base. It is recommended for an exact testing of the etiology of the infection to examine the lesions microscopically and by cultivation.


[Diagnosis of Bacillus larvae --the causative agent of American foulbrood].

The authoress studied the growth of Bacillus larvae on different nutrient media and its ability of decomposing hydrogen peroxide and reducing nitrates. There are also instructions for rapid cultivation and biochemical diagnosis of Bacillus larvae. It can be performed in any microbiological laboratory, the culture medium can be prepared from available commercially produced preparations, and B. larvae can be detected in suspected material even out of the season, if the method of selective cultivation and repeated pasteurizing is used. Catalase test is proposed to be added to the examination; the result of this test was negative in all 96 strains studied. Photographic documentation of different developmental stages of B. larvae can serve as an aid in microbiological examination.


[Observation on the antigenic affinity of Leptospira and Brucella in the serological examination of cattle].

36,9% bovine serums which showed a non-specific reaction in examination for brucellosis had titre greater than or equal to 1:400 leptospirosis agglutinins. 15.1% of the serums showed a positive reaction (greater than 1:800), mostly those against L. sejroe and L. grippotyphosa. The cross reactions, found in individual cases within up to 39 days since the first reaction to brucellosis in cattle may signalize early Leptospira infections.


[Developmental stages of Taenia krabbei Moniez, 1879 (Cysticercus tarandi) in deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in Czechoslovakia].

The breast and shoulder-blade muscles of a roe (Caprelous capreolus L.), shot in a hunting district in western Bohemia, were found to contain cysticerci with morphological characters and size corresponding to those of Cysticercus tarandi, which is a developmental stage of the tapeworm Taenia krabbei Moniez, 1879. The surface as well as deeper layers of muscle contained one to two cysticerci per 100 cm2 of area. The authors describe the larvocysts and histological changes in the site where the micro-organisms were found. The cysticerci are discussed as to the species to which they belong.


[Effect of the diet containing rendering fats on the milk yield and vitamin E content in the milk of dairy cows].

In three groups of first-calvers with 15 animals each, with an identical basal diet, we followed for six months the effect of the DOB mixture additive without fat, the DOB mixture with 5% of rendering-plant fat obtained mechanically and DOB with 5% of rendering-plant fat after perchlorethylene extraction (0.90% perchlorethylene residuum). This additive of rendering-plant fats in concentrate mixtures as a substitute for grain in our experiment increased milk efficiency and the production of milk fat parallelled by a saving of concentrated feeds. An addition of rendering-plant fats which were often of low quality resulted in a decrease in vitamin E content in the blood serum and milk.


[Diagnosis of vibriosis in bulls at breeding stations through lavages of the artificial vagina].

The objective of the study was to test the suitability of lavages of artificial vaginas which are used for collecting ejaculate for diagnosing the Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus germs. According to the results of the investigation this method may be considered equal to the method of lavages of the prepuce. However, it is important to point out the advantages: it eliminates the danger of an accident, it enables quality lavage in the laboratory. To caputure the Campylobacter fetus the filtration through diaphragm filters is used together with the culture medium Fluid Thioglycollate medium (Difco) with an additive of agar, 10% ram blood and antibiotics (bacitracin, novobiocin). The catch rate in the prepuce lavages is 26.9%, in lavages of the artificial vagina 26.1%. The insignificant difference between the errors of the methods, i.e. the number of negative findings by employing one method and positive results with the other method, is 24.4% in lavages of the artificial vagina and 22.0% in lavages of the prepuce.


[Comparison of the effectivity of 2 quantitative ovoscopic technics].

A comparison of efficiency of a quantitative proof of the eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes in the faeces of sheep by methods after Breza and Svarc (1968) and Wetzel (1951) modified for the recalculation of eggs by McMaster's chamber showed a 95 to 99% capture rate of eggs within the limits of reliability. The efficiency of both methods depends on the infection intensity, ovulation activity of the nematodes in the particular season of the year and, last but not least, on the age of the host. More accurate results are obtained in experimental in infections by a known dose of larvae than in natural infections influenced by ecological factors. From the number of eggs it is possible to estimate the intensity of infection in relation to the season of the year, the age of the animal and grazing conditions.


[Effectiveness of antigens from various developmental stages of Ascaris suum in the deomonstration of the migratory phase of experimental ascariasis in pigs].

Tests of the efficiency of antigens prepared from different developmental stages of Ascaris suum in indirect haemagglutination test in the course of proving the migration phase of experimental ascariasis in pigs show that the antigens prepared by ultrasound from the invasive larval stage of A. suum in comparison with antigens of sexually mature stages have higher serological activity. By using this antigen it is possible to prove specific antibodies in experimentally invaded pigs from 6 to 120 days after invasion as opposed to the other tested antigens (the detectability of antibodies from the 7th-8th day to the 64th day after invasion).


[Study of the spiral and spindle-shaped formations in cultures of Bacillus larvae (White 1906) causing foulbrood in bees].

The authors have been studying the bacterial diseases of the brood for a fairly long time. American and European foul brood has been studied with the highest attention. Cultures of Bacillus larvae (White, 1906) were examined both in freshly isolated strains and in collection strains of this micro-organism. In cases of foul brood, the pathological material was found to contain not only the typical rods of B. larvae but also immobile spiral forms which are usually referred to in literature as fragments or developmental forms of B. larvae. These spiral forms were found to constitute spindle-shaped formations in the culture of B. larvae; the multiplication of these spindles depends on the presence of the rods of B. larvae and their development and reproduction can be observed on wet gelatine agar in a Petri dish turned upside down under a normal microscope (10 X 10 magnification). In the combined liquid medium, used in the experiments, these formations disintegrate into immobile spirals; if re-cultivated on a solid medium they re-assume their spindle shape with transverse meridian arrangement (in different amounts). Staining for proving the presence of nucleic acids does not eliminate the possibility of these formations being separate micro-organisms which cannot be stained by current staining methods but can be represented by the contrast method according to Burri, or by silvering according to Klein. The authors succeeded to separate these micro-organisms, but without the rods of B. larvae the colonies of these formations are feeble.


[The technic of arterial blood-specimen collection in cattle].

A simple method of collecting arterial blood in cattle by puncture of the arteria iliaca externa per rectum is described. Individual collections do not induce any local reaction nor do they impair the overall condition and milk yield of the animals.


A sarcocystis-like protozoon in a sheep with lymphadenopathy and myocarditis.

A generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes was found in an emaciated adult ewe. Additional autopsy findings included tiny grey-white necrotic foci in the heart muscle, aspiration pneumonia and diffuse pleuritis. Light microscopy showed a generalized lymphadenopathy with perilymphadenitis, depletion of lymphocytes and histiocytosis of the lymph node. In histiocytes and vascular endothelial cells of lymph nodes, septal capillary endothelium of lungs and capillary endothelium of myocardium, early stages of a protozoan parasite were found. In the myocardium, there were many foci of necrosis, some of which contained young cysts in the periphery. These cysts were morphogically similar tho those of Sarcocystis. Electron microscopy of the early protozoan stages yielded evidence of schizogony and formation of merozoites.


Detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium johnei by counterimmunoelectrophoresis.

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) was applied in the detection of antibodies to Mycobacterium johnei in 110 sheep, 11 goat and 31 cattle sera and compared to immunodiffusion (ID) test. One per cent Noble agar, 7 ml per slide of 5 cm x 10 cm; barbitone-tris buffer, mu = 0.03, pH 8.6; a constant current of 5 mA per slide and M johnei protoplasmic antigen at 4 mg per ml were found to impart high sensitivity to CIE and give rapid results. CIE detected 97 sheep, 11 goat and 31 cattle positive sera, a total of 139, as compared to 44, 11, 28 and 83 respectively, detected by ID. Strongly positive sera could be demonstrated within 30 minutes by CIE and the test was run for only 90 minutes while earliest reactions were not observed before 18 hours and some reactions took 144 hours to develop in ID test.


The organization, composition and matrix of hepatocyte nuclei exposed to alpha-amanitin.

Alterations in the structure and molecular composition of avian hepatocyte nuclei were compared following administration in vivo of lethal and sub-lethal doses of alpha-amanitin. This toxin interferes with extranucleolar transcription by direct inhibition of RNA polymerase II activity. the resultant effects include: extensive condensation of chromatin, displacement of nucleoplasmic contents and fragmentation of nucleoli. Changes in nuclear morphology were quantitated by stereometry and related to variations in RNA and residual, non-histone proteins (NHP). Gross alterations in nuclear structure and depletion of RNA and NHP levels were of similar magnitude with both doses of amanitin. The effects were fully reversible, however, with a minimal dose but terminal with a lethal dose. DNA and histone protein levels remained unchanged at all stages. These results imply that the process of transciption may itself keep and/or maintain chromatin in a dispersed state, and that in the absence of transcription chromatin naturally condenses. Modification of nuclear proteins may be necessary only to maintain chromatin compacted permanently or for extended periods of time. A model of nuclear organization is proposed to incorporate these considerations and to identify the probable location of the nuclear matrix in situ.


Regenerative proliferation of mouse epidermal cells following application of a carcinogenic skin irritant (MCA). Micro-flow fluorometric DNA measurements and 3H-TdR incorporation studies of isolated basal cells.

0.025 ml of a 1% solution of the complete skin carcinogen 20-methylcholanthrene (MCA) dissolved in benzene was applied to the back skin of hairless mice. At different time intervals up to 3 days after the carcinogen application groups of animals were injected i.p. with 30 muCi 3H-TdR 30 min before they were killed. Single cell suspensions of epidermal basal cells were prepared by a combined enzymatic and mechanical separation method, and the DNA frequency distribution pattern from each cell suspension was measured by means of micro-flow fluorometry. Smears for autoradiography were made from each cell suspension and the labeling index and mean grain count assessed. After a short initial delay, MCA induced an increase in the labeling index similar to that observed after non-specific cell injury and cell loss. Thereafter, the cells were considerably delayed in their progression through the S phase, with a low exit from S resulting in a transient emptying of the G2 compartment, without indications of any significant delay of the passage through G2 phase. The cells that had been injured by the MCA application in or just before S phase proceeded into the G2 phase and mitosis more than 24 h after the initiation of DNA synthesis. The cell kinetic reaction of epidermis to a single application of MCA is thus very different from that caused by a nonspecific cell damage, e.g. application of the vesicant agent cantharidin or removal of surface cells by cellophane tape stripping.


Acute eosinophilic leukemia. An ultrastructural study.

Observations on a 32 year old male are described. Hematological examination demonstrated leukocytosis with circulating blastosis and dystrophic hypereosinophilia of the blood and bone marrow, with cells at various stages of maturation. Cytotoxic chemotherapy led to complete remission for 5 months followed by a terminal relapse. No features in favor of an "eosinophilic collagenosis" were revealed at autopsy. Repetitive ultrastructural studies performed during evolution of the illness demonstrated considerable anomalies of the eosinophil line. The present observation thus shows the clinical, evolutional, cytological and autopsy criteria of an acute eosinophilic leukemia.


The regeneration of the cells of the macula densa after subtotal nephrectomy in the rat.

An autoradiographic study of the proliferative response of the cells of the Macula Densa days or months after the removal of 5/6 of the rat's kidney has shown that these cells are capable of division. The index of labelling of these cells is considerably lower than that of the other cells of the distal tubules. This applies of the kidney of normal controls and to the remnant after partial nephrectomy, shortly after operation as well as several months later. The cells of the Macula Densa therefore seem to represent a more stable population in the nephron. They therefore differ from the other cells of the distal tubules not only in appearance and function, but also in the pattern of cell proliferation.


Elastic fibers in the tunica propria of the seminiferous tubules. Light and electron microscopic investigations.

Histological examination of numerous biopsies from mature testes, repeatedly showed irregularities of the elastin staining in the tunica propria of the seminiferous tubules. Even when abundant elastic fibers were visible by light microscopy, no elastic fibers were demonstrable in the electron microscope in ultrathin sections of testicular tubules embedded in Epon and contrasted with phosphotungstic acid (PTA). In 43 biopsies from 22 men aged 17-39 years (19 investigations of sterility and three patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) we therefore checked for the occurrence of elastic fibers in the wall of the seminiferous tubules. Matrix loci of elastic fibers could indeed by demonstrated by electron microscopy using PTA and potassium permanganate (KMnO4), but only after embedding in araldite. Under these conditions, light and electron microscopic findings agreed with each other. The appearances of moderate and severe testicular tubular atrophy differed slightly from one another with regard to the amount of elastin. In the "Sertoli cells only syndrome", elastic fibers were demonstrable only outside the hyalinized inner layer. In the Klinefelter syndrome, only "uncertain" elastin loci were present, but greatly increased microfibrils were to be seen using the electron microscope. No elastic elements and only very sparse microfibrils were present in the tunica propria of the tubules of young men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.


[Changes in biogenic amines and connective tissue in the process of chemical carcinogenesis].

On two models of chemically induced tumors (cancer of the mammary gland and subcutaneous sarcoma) in rats the author has demonstrated the kinetics of biogenic amines transformations in the organism and their association with the developed structural-functional disorders in the connective tissue elements. It was found that the activity of connective tissue cells determined by the presence in them of such enzymes as nonspecific esterase, lipase and monoaminoxidase is directly dependent on the status of the intestinal enterochromaffin apparatus and the adrenal medulla and also on the presence of serotonin in connective tissue cells. The appearance of di-and polyamines in the pretumor period and their increase in the tumor period in conncective tissue noncellular structures indicate the enhancement of degeneration of these structures, while the presence of these substances in connective tissue cells evidences the suppression of their specific functions. It is believed that the source of production of di-and polyamines in the organism under tumor development is protein formations of noncellular structures of the connective tissue subjected to deorganization and destruction.


Studies on blood from the original Rhnull proposita and relatives.

A relative of the original Rh proposita, of group R1R2, shows weak expression of his Rh antigens, and is thought to be an Rhnull heterozygote. His wife and 3 of their 4 children show normal Rh antigen expression, but one daughter showed weak Rh antigen expression, as determined by quantitative haemagglutination. The observations support the proposition that the father is heterozygous for an unlinked modifier of Rh antigen expression. Stomatocytosis, observed in the Rhnull proposita and other Rhnull individuals, was also observed, but to a lesser degree, in the blood of an other individual thought to be an Rhnull heterozygote. This observation also supports the earlier conclusion that the Rhnull phenotype of the proposita is due to homozygosity for inactive alleles at a locus which controls the biosynthesis of precursor for Rh and LW antigens. Osmotic fragility tests showed that the Rhnull cells were more fragile than cells with normal Rh antigen expression, and cells from Rhnull heterozygotes had intermediate fragility. This is consistent with the proposition that Rh antigens are normal structural components of the red cell membrane, and the Rhnull heterozygotes show a deficiency of the Rh antigenic structures.


[Microsomal oxygenase enzyme system during chronic administration of 2-acetylaminofluorene].

Alteration in content of enzymatic components was studied in microsomal oxygenases system of rats administered with 2-acetyl aminofluorene. Content of cytochrome R-450 was decreased beginning from the fourth week of the experiment. Activity of NADP cytochrome c reductase was higher in animals, treated with the drug as compared with controls. Inductors of the I and II type were capable to induce the enzymatic system up to the end of the experiment - within 16 weeks as far as liver tumors developed.


Antenatal blood group serology in Sudanese women.

2,140 pregnant Sudanese women attending the antenatal clinic in Omdurman Maternity Hospital during the period November 1975 to December 1976 had ABO and Rh typing performed. Their sera were also screened by a modified papain enzyme technique for the presence of atypical antibodies. The rate of Rhesus immunization, the frequency distribution of blood groups, the atypical antibodies encountered, and the advantages of the method used for screening the sera in a developing country are discussed.


[Isolation of cationic proteins from rabbit thrombocytes and study of their bacteriostatic activity].

Cation-containing proteins, which possessed the bacteriostatic activity against Grampositive microorganism Bacillus subtilis SHGW, were isolated from rabbit thrombocytes by means of selective extraction. These substances were of heterogenous nature (as shown by polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis), including two groups of proteins with molecular weight about 8=10-10(3) and 20=30-10(3) daltons. The bacteriostatic activity of each group of these proteins was studied after gel filtration of the total preparation on Sephadex G=75. The group of proteins with molecular weight 8=10-10(3) daltons was responsible for bacteriostatic activity of the total cation-containing protein from thrombocytes.


[Nitrogen-containing fractions of Soviet hydrolysates for parenteral feeding].

The content of free amino acids, non-precipitable and precipitable trichloro-acetic acid peptides in Soviet-made hydrolysates for parenteral alimentation was determined. As shown, it is aminopeptide and aminosol that contain the greatest amounts of amino acids, fibrinosol and caseine hydrolysate carrying their least quantities, with aminocrovine and hydrolysine occupying an intermediate place in this respect. The quality of hydrolysates was assessed according to their biological value and to do so chemical numbers of essential amino acids were calculated and limiting factors determined. Fibrinosol and aminosol and to a somewhat lesser degree--casein hydrolysate were found to be best balanced as concerns their amino acids composition. Aminopeptide, hydrolysine and especially aminocrovine were manifestly inadequate by their biological value, since they contain limiting amino acids (isoleucine, cystine and methionine).


Anti-D immunoglobulin preparations: the stability of anti-D concentrations and the error of the assay of anti-D.

An analysis of the assay of 28 preparations of anti-D immunoglobulin using a radioisotope method carried out at 6-montly intervals for 2--4.5 years showed an average fall in anti-D concentration of 10.6% each year, with 99% confidence limits of 6.8--14.7%. The fall in anti-D concentration after storage at 37 degrees C for 1 month was less than 8%, the minimum change that could be detected. No significant change in physical characteristics of the immunoglobulin were detected. The error of a single estimate of anti-D by the radioisotope method (125I-labelled anti-IgG) used here was calculated to be such that the true value probably (p = 0.95) lay between 66 and 150% of the estimated value.


Delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions due to anti-C.

In 5 patients of phenotype ccDEe or ccDEE, the transfusion of 2--14 U of C-positive blood was folloued 5--9 days later by haemoglobinuria lasting 2--4 days. Anti-C was the only antibody present in all 5 cases but was always of low titre; with CC cells the maximum titre recorded with the indirect antiglobulin test was 8 and with the agglutination of enzyme-treated cells, 128. The discordance between the weakness of the antibody in vivo and the amount of haemoglobin released intravascularly is surprising but may be related to the type of IgG molecule of which anti-C is composed.


[Properties of the tick-borne encephalitis virus persisting for a long time in a chronically infected cell culture].

The biological properties of tick-borne encephalitis virus (Sof K) produced by chronically infected HEp-2-Sof cells at late stages of the cultivation were studied. The Sof K virus was infective for mice of different ages upon intracerebral and subcutaneous inoculation, had high immunogenicity and was completely neutralized by antiserum to the parental strain. The Sof K virus had the small-plaque phenotype and replicated with similar intensity in pig embryo cell cultures (SPEC) at 36 degrees, 42 degrees and 31 degrees C.


The metabolism of S-carboxymethylcysteine in rodents, marmosets and humans.

1. The metabolism of S-carboxymethylcysteine (Mucodyne) has been studied in the rat, rabbit, guinea-pig, marmoset and human. All species studied, except the rabbit, excrete large amounts of the parent compound. 2. Rabbits and humans give S-carboxymethylcysteine sulphoxide, rats form N-acetyl-S-carboxymethylcysteine while marmosets excrete methylmercapturic acid as other major metabolites. Traces of methylmercapturic acid sulphoxide, methylcysteine, methylcysteine sulphoxide and 3-(S-carboxymethylthio)lactic acid were also found.


Disposition and metabolism of atenolol in animals.

1. The disposition of [14C]atenolol (1-[4-carbamoylmethyl[U-14C]phenoxy]-3-isopropylaminopropan-2-ol, Tenormin) has been studied in five species. 2. In the dog, absorption of oral doses of atenolol was virtually complete, and elimination occurred largely via the kidney. In all other species absorption even from aq. soln. was incomplete. 3. Biliary excretion in the rat and dog was minimal. 4. In all species, the major 14C component of 0-24 h urine was atenolol. The pattern of metabolites was similar, showing quantitative rather than qualitative differences. 5. The one significant minor metabolite detected in microsomal preparations and in urine arises by hydroxylation at the methylene carbon of the carbamoylmethyl group. This metabolite has only one tenth of the activity of the parent compound as a beta-adrenergic blocking agent in the rat. 6. The pharmacological activity of the drug appears to be due to the parent compound alone.


The physiological disposition of the anti-tussive agent, 1,2,3,4a,9b-hexahydro-8,9b-dimethyl-4-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propionamido]dibenzofuran-3-one dihydrochloride Azipranone, in man, rat, dog and baboon.

1. The absorption, tissue distrigution, elimination and biotransformation of the anti-tussive agent Azipranone labelled with 14C have been investigated after oral dosing to rat, dog, baboon and man and parenteral administration to rat and baboon. 2. Levels of radioactivity in plasma were maximal within 20 min of dosing in the rat and after 1-2 h in the remaining species. The concn. declined thereafter with a half-life estimated at 1, 3-4 and 18-24 h for rat, dog, and baboon and man respectively. 3. Three human volunteers excreted 53, 62 and 70% of the radioactivity in the urine in 96 h while the remaining species excreted 50-70% of the dose in the faeces in the same period. 4. Radioactivity was rapidly and extensively eliminated in the bile of both rat and baboon after administration of [14C]Azipranone. 5. The 24 h urine samples from all species contained ten major and a similar number of minor radioactive components. 6. In hepatic microsomal preparations, biotransformations of Azipranone are catalysed by enzymes requiring both NADPH2 and cytochrome-P450.


Isolation of a sulphate reductase-less mutant of the blue-green alga Nostoc muscorum.

The wild type Nostoc muscorum (UW strain) has yielded various physiological mutants altered in utilization of sulphate, following mutagenic treatments with N-methyl, N'-nitro N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG). One of the mutant strains designated as Sat-20 failed to grow in a medium containing sulphate (MgSO4.7 H2O). However, the mutant strain could grow when supplemented with thiosulphate (Na2S2O3.5 H2O), while methionine could fulfil the sulphur requirement only partially. On comparative reasons, the wild type as well as the mutant showed preference for thiosulphate over other sulphur sources employed.


Evaluation of yield and maintenance coefficients, expressed in carbon units, for Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. aeruginosa.

The maximum cell yield (YMc - g biomass carbon per gram substrate carbon) and the rate of maintenance metabolism (mc - g substrate carbon/g biomass carbon per hour) have been determined for substrate limited continuous cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. aeruginosa. The metabolism of the organic substrates was monitored by measuring the COD-removal1) rates at different dilution rates. The advantages of expressing yield and maintenance coefficients in carbon units is discussed.


Experimental protein malnutrition as a causative factor in the histological and histochemical disruption of the ependymal cells of the third ventricla and cervical central canal of squirrel monkeys.

The histologic disturbances of the cuboidal and columnar ependymal cells of the neonates under the extrinsic influence of maternal protein deprivation during most of the gestation period have been demonstrated in the central canal of the cervical spinal cord and III ventricle of the squirrel monkey brain. The control animals whose mothers were maintained on high protein diets showed an unbroken ependymal layer with an intact glial fiber layer and the subependymal cell plate. Taking birth-weight as an indication of the degree of malnutrition, maximum disruption of the ependymal layer was observed in those animals born around 80 g birth-weight. In the latter, most of the ependymal cells lost their characteristic arrangement and columnar shapes. The ependymal cells of the manourished animals show a marked reduction of oxidative enzyme content and relatively active glycogen metabolism as compared to the healthy controls. The significance of these changes has been discussed in the light of parallels in the embryological development and, to some extent, functions between the orinary neurons, ependymal cells of the choroid plexus, other ependymal cells and the glial cells. In this context, the changes observed in the present studies under the effect of protein malnutrition must be taken as part of overall changes experienced by various kinds of cells comprising the nervous system.


Serologic studies of the maize stalk rot pathogen Erwinia carotovora f. sp. zeae.

With the help of serological techniques, namely microprecipitin, agglutination, and gel diffusion, sixteen isolates of maize stalk rot pathogen were proved to be identical. Serological techniques have thus been utilized as an additional tool for identifying the pathogen Erwinia carotovora f. sp. zea. It was also established that the pathogen does not perpetuate in the seed, either externally of internally. It could, however, be found through serological tests that infected ears carried the pathogen and transmitted it as a contaminant to the healthy seeds.


[Resistance to infection with Listeria monocytogenes in normal and thymusless mice treated with ampicillin (author's transl)].

NMRI mice were infected intravenously with a sublethal dose of Listeria monocytogenes and divided into four groups. One group served as the control and the other three were treated with ampicillin beginning 4, 8 or 24 hours after infection. The animals were injected in the morning and in the evening each time with 4 mg ampicillin subcutaneously until a total dose of 48 mg was reached. As demonstrated by counting of the bacteria in the spleen, Listeria could multiply in the ampicillin treated mice in comparison to the control group at best delayed but the infection continued to persist for some days at a level of 10(3)-10(4) Listeriae per spleen independent from the starting point of the treatment. Eight days after the first infection all animals received a challenge dose of 10(4) Listeriae. Compared with the control animals the ampicillin treated mice had a clearly reduced immunity, even in the group in which ampicillin application had been started 24 hours after the primary infection. If the challenge infection was given at first after an intervall of six weeks between primary and secondary infection, only a reduced immunity was found. Furthermore, whereas spleen cells of mice 7 days after infection were able to transfer immunity to untreated recipients, spleen cells of ampicillin treated mice were unable to do so. Finally, an attempt was made to cure chronic listeric infection in thymusless nude mice by the application of high doses of ampicillin. The observation of a continuous infection in these animals showed that the T-cells played a primary importance in the elimination of the bacteria.


[Bactericidal antibody micro-assay for detection of antibodies against meningococci (author's transl)].

The best way to detect protective antibodies against meningococci in human serum seems to prove its bactericidal activity. For this a bactericidal antibody assay was described by WHO. For this test, however, a high amount of baby rabbit-serum is required. Therefore a modification was introduced by reducing the test volumes, performing the test in microtiterplates and using TTC (triphenyl tetracolium chloride), as a growth indicator that changes from colourless to purple red in the presence of growing meningococci. The end point of serum titration is the last well containing colourless medium.


[Study of the antigenic relationship between animal and human immunoglobulins using antisera to human immunoglobulins].

Cross-reactivity of monospecific antisera to human immunoglobulins with animal sera of 10 species was studied by immunoelectrophoresis and radial immunodiffusion. Antisera to IgG were shown to reveal IgG of all the species studied, antisera to IgM and especially to IgA cross reacted less extensively. The greatest number of cross reactions were given by the antisera obtained as a result of hyperimmunization. Hyperimmune monospecific antisera to human IgG, IgA, and IgM can be used for the identification of animal immunoglobulins during their isolation from the sera and for their quantitation by radial immunodiffusion.


[Hyaluronidase in meningococcus].

A total of 204 meningococcus strains were tested for the presence of hyaluronidase, and 45.5% of the strains were found to contain it. Strains penetrating into the cerebrospinal fluid were the ones which largely produced the enzyme (in 83% of the cases). The enzyme was revealed only in 25.5% of the strains habituating on the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Hyaluronidase was mostly found in the meningococcus strains referred to the serological group A; strains of other serological groups and ungrouped strains produced the enzyme in 23.7% of the case only. There was no correlation between the capacity to form hyaluronidase and the virulence determinable in intraperitoneal infection of mice.


[Nonspecific brain structures and specialization in the central nervous system].

It has been demonstrated that corticofugal influences may exert selective control of single sensory signals which converge on the neurons of the striatum and other non-specific structures of the brain. This finding suggests that complex sensory image may be formed not by assembling separate elementary signals, but rather by a selective control of these signals into a total sensory inflow within the network brain structures. This conclusion is confirmed by comparative anatomical data. In the phylogenesis of vertebrates, brain structures differentiate presumably into both the specific ones which perform the analysis of only the given kind of information, and those (conventionally described as non-specific) which are specialized on sensory integration and exhibit functional polymodality.


[Immunologic study of the cellular components of bacillus pyocyaneus. III. Immunochemical analysis, toxicity and protective properties of water-soluble antigenic complexes].

Aqueous extracts of two Ps. aeruginosa strains killed with acetone were subjected to fractionation by preparative ultracentrifugation and gel-chromatography. Toxic activity of the extract was found to be connected with the high-molecular, possibly glycoprotein components reacting with the corresponding antiserum in the immunoprecipitation test, and protecting 30--40% of rats against the generalized infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This protective activity is apparently connected with the protein components (molecular weight--20000--60000 dalton), nontoxic for mice, not reacting with the corresponding antiserum in the immunoprecipitation test, and protecting 60 to 80% of rats against Ps. aeruginosa infecsion. Thus, as a result of preparative ultracentrifugation and gel-chromatography it was postible to divide the toxic and the nontoxic protective components of Ps. aeruginosa.


[Specific antibodies bound to secretory IgA in the sera of patients with intestinal infections].

Specific IgA and sIgA antibodies were studied in the sera of patients suffering from various intestinal diseases (dysentery, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, chronic typhoid carrier state) and in the sera of healthy persons immunized by parenteral route with typhoid alcohol vaccine. The nature of antibodies was identified in Coombs' test, using monospecific antisera to alpha-chain and to the secretory component. IgA and sIgA antibodies were revealed most frequently in the sera of dysentery patients and of chronic typhoid carriers. No sIgA antibodies were found in the sera of subcutaneously immunized persons. The presence of specific sIgA antibodies in the serum reflects the participation of local immune mechanisms in the formation of systemic immunity in the intestinal infections.


The effect of chloramphenicol and cycloheximide on the activity of enzyme "markers" of mitochondrial substructures of the rat liver.

Chloramphenicol and cycloheximide exert in vivo inhibitory effects on the synthesis of mitochondrial enzymes. Choloramphenicol action results in a significant decrease of the activity of enzymes being the "markers" of all submitochondrial structures including that of the outer membrane. This suggests that chloramphenicol affects biosynthesis of of "assembly protein" on mitochondrial ribosomes and thus affects incorporation of proteins, wherever they are synthesized, into the structure of the mitochondrion as a functional entity. The effect of cycloheximide depends markedly on the concentration of the inhibitor and on the time of its administration. The differences in sensitivity of examined enzymes to the drug are probably related to their differential turnover.


[Absorption and metabolism of glycerin in the neonatal period. I. Speed of turnover of glycerin during continuous intravenous infusions in newborn infants of various gestational ages and in older infants].

Glycerol was infused intravenously over 2 hours in preterm and term appropriate-for-date and in term small-for-date infants at the age of 12 to 72 hours and 10 to 14 days and in infants at the age of 3 to 8 months. The dosage was 0.25.kg-1.h-1 and 0.5.kg-1.h-1, respectively. Less than 6 per cent of the glycerol injused were recovered in the urine irrespective of the dosage. The total clearance was 9.1 to 14.6 ml.kg-1. min-1 during the first weeks of life with 0.25 g.kg-1.h-1 glycerol irrespective of gestational age and intra-uterine growth retardation; and it rose to 31.8 ml.kg-1.min-1 in older infants. With 0.5.kg-1.h-1 glycerol the total clearance values were lower in all groups. The glucose blood level and the blood lactate concentration as well as the parameters of the acid-base-balance were not significantly influenced by glycerol.


Pituitary-adrenal response to stimulation of the limbic system and lateral hypothalamus in the rhesus monkey (Macacca mulatta).

Various sites within the limbic system, frontal lobe and lateral hypothalamus of the rhesus monkey brain were electrically stimulated using chronically implanted electrodes. Increases in plasma cortisol was observed after stimulation of the lateral hypothalamic area, basolateral amygdala, pyriform cortex, hippocampus, certain sites in the cingulate gyrus and orbital part of the frontal lobe. Inactive sites included the caudate nucleus, putamen and white matter in the frontal lobe.


Prolactin and TSH responses to TRH, chlorpromazine and L-dopa in children with human growth hormone deficiency.

Prolactin (PRL) and TSH responses to TRH, chlorpromazine (CPZ) and L-DOPA were studied in 23 children (15 male and 8 female) with human growth hormone (HGH) deficiency. Eight patients (group I) showed normal PRL response to TRH and CPZ but TSH response to TRH was delayed in 4 of this group. Twelve patients (group II) had normal (4 patients) or higher (8 patients) baseline PRL level and showed lower PRL response to CPZ than that to TRH. TSH response to TRH was normal in 3, blunted in 1, and delayed in 8 patients. Three patients (group III) had no PRL response to either TRH or CPZ. TSH response to TRH was normal in 1 but blunted in 2 patients. Of 8 patients with a higher baseline PRL level (group II and III), L-DOPA suppressed PRL secretion to less than 50% of the initial value in 7 patients, but not in 1 patient, in whom the diagnosis of hypothalamic tumour was established on brain surgery following these examinations. These results suggest that hypothalamic disorders are involved in more than half of 23 children with HGH deficiency.


Electron-microscopic studies on primate neurons: microtubule-pigment associations.

The relationship between microtubules and the lipoprotein pigment found in senile Cynomolgus brain and senile human brain biopsy material was investigated. Numerous microtubules were present in all parts of the cytoplasm and within the pigment areas, running parallel or obliquely to the pigment bodies and being associated with its lateral aspects. Microtubules also occurred in the periphery of neurons or appearing to enter the perineuronal oligodendrocytes. These observations indicate a possible role of microtubules in the transport of pigment bodies. The oligodendrocyte from human brain biopsy material has definitely taken the role of a phagocyte in ingesting pigment bodies. Its numerous microtubules may offer a fasting moving system for disposing off pigment residures to the capillary endothelium.


Cerebral asymmetry in Old World monkeys.

A photogrammetric computer analysis of 88 endocasts, representing 8 genera of Old World monkeys, reveals cortical asymmetry in lengths of the Sylvian fissure, superior temporal sulcus, lateral edge of the orbit and distance separating rectus and arcuate sulci. Hypothetical expansion of left prefrontal and parietal integration cortices explains these asymmetries.


Diagnostic value of determinations of lysosomal hydrolases in CSF of patients with neurological diseases.

The activities of four lysosomal acid hydrolases, beta-galactosidase, alpha-mannosidase at pH 4.5 and 5.5, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase, have been measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from 179 patients with different neurological diseases and from 20 healthy controls. In patients with tumours, decreased activity of beta-galactosidase was found in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and in patients with multiple sclerosis and collagen diseases, decreased activities of beta-galactosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were found in cerebrospinal fluid. The variations of enzyme activities were great between the individual patients even with these groups and analysis of lysosomal enzymes seems to have a very poor clinical value.


[Light chains of warm autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Long-term observation].

In 18 patients with autoimmunohaemolytic anaemia presence of light chains of IgG autoantibodies was south for by the method of direct antiglobulin reaction. In 11 patients variability was observed in the detection of light chains. The authors discuss the possible causes of this observation: variable participation of different cell lines in the production of autoantibodies and changes in the conformation of immunoglobulin molecule in the erythrocyte.


[Monoclonal origin of autoantibodies of the warm type in hemolytic autoimmune anemia].

In 59 patients with warm-type autoimmunohaemolytic anaemia classes and types of immunoglobulins, presence of complement, serological specificity of autoantibodies, and in 14 selected cases also IgG subclasses were determined. It was found that warm autoantibodies differed from anti-Rh alloantibodies. In 27 patients only one type of L chain was found but, in the light of complex investigations, the authors reached the conclusion that this result cannot be sufficient for accepting autoantibodies as monoclonal immunoglobulins, since in some of them 2 or 3 IgG subclasses and more than one serologic specificity were demonstrated. These observations indicate the need for more precise investigation methods for explaining the problem of monoclonal origin of warm autoantibodies.


Actin filaments in trabecular endothelial cells in eyes of the vervet monkey. (Cercopithecus aethiops).

An electron microscopic study was performed on the trabecular meshwork of two monkeys (cercopithecus aethiops). Specimens from one animal revealed numerous cytoplasmic filaments of 45-65 A thickness in endothelial cells both on the trabeculae in the wall of Schlemm's canal after conventional glutaraldehyde and osmium fixation. Using a histochemical technique it was shown in specimens from the other animal that these filaments consist of actin material. This evidence of intracellular actin filaments in the trabecular endothelium indicates that these cells have contractile properties, and the possible significance of this finding for the regulation of outflow facility of aqueous humour is suggested.


The double flash ERG during adaptation to the dark.

Electroretinogram (ERG) of albino rabbits and rheusus monkeys were recorded in a dark room applying the double flash stimuli after a sufficient adaptation to light. The stimulus intervals of the flashes were varied. The per cent amplitudes of the ERGs for the first flashes (B1) and those of the second flashes (B2) were plotted against time, as was (B1-B2)/B1 (=K). 1. B1 was independent of the stimulus interval in both species, and increased with lapse of time to reach a plateau. 2. B2 was quite dependent on the stimulus interval, and the ERG dark adaptation curves of the two species were quite different. 3. The time course of (B1-B2)/B1 was specific for the two species. In the rabbit, Ks were almonst equal for three stimulus intervals during states of adaptation to complete darkness, and in the monkey, Ks were different for the three intervals under all conditions.


Serum non-esterified fatty acid in undernourished children during recovery.

Seventy-one children from five to sixty months of age with protein-energy malnutrition were classified into compensated and incompensated groups. Serum non-esterified fatty acid concentration was determined in every child at admission and in a control group of thirty-one well-nourished children. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the three groups. Twenty of the undernourished patients were subjected to follow-up study at weekly intervals. Ten out of the twenty recovered immediately, showing signficantly decreasing serum non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in the weekly intervals. The other ten did not present any definite pattern of behaviour.


The effect of nalidixic acid, rifampicin and chloramphenicol on the synthesis of phospholipase C in Bacillus cereus.

The effect of nalidixic acid, rifampicin and chloramphenicol on the synthesis of phospholipase C (EC 3.1.4.3) has been studied in washed Bacillus cereus cells resuspended in nutrient broth. In the absence of inhibitors, the synthesis showed a biphasic pattern. No synthesis of release of enzyme was found in the presence of chloramphenicol. When rifampicin was added, phospholipase C synthesis continued for 10-15 min. Nalidixic acid, at concentrations which inhibited DNA synthesis completely, permitted the synthesis of phospholipase C at the same rate and for a similar length of time as rifampicin.


Optokinetic afternystagmus and postrotatory nystagmus in squirrel monkeys.

Regardless of whether the direction of optokinetic stimulus matches or conflicts with that of vestibular stimulus, if the squirrel monkey subject has a good target pursuing ability, the enhancement or inhibition of post-stimulatory nystagmus occurs. The nature of the stimuli to provoke optokinetic afternystagmus and post-rotatory nystagmus are not the same, but the similarity of response characteristics and cross-interaction strongly suggest the existence of a common neural linkage between the stimulus receptor and reactor.


Diagnosis of the sphingolipidoses with labelled natural substrates.

The genetic heterogeneity of sphingolipidoses is underlined and the desirability of using natural labelled substrates for the diagnoses of each new index case strongly emphasized. Recent studies of our Scandinavian Krabbe families (more than 50) have repeatedly shown that there is no method developed which can be used for the detection of carriers of the mutant gene in leukocytes or lymphocytes. Also described are enzymic studies in two forms of Gaucher disease which further demonstrate the importance of natural substrates for the diagnoses of the disease in leukocytes and cultivated amniotic fluid cells.


Calcium-dependent regulation of brain adenylate cyclase.

The adenylate cyclase activity of a particulate preparation of rat cerebral cortex is comprised of two contributing components, only one of which requires a CDR for activity. The CDR-dependent component was inhibited by high ratios of Mg2+ to Ca2+, responded in a biphasic manner (activation then inhibition) to increasing free Ca2+ concentrations, was inhibited by 0.1 to 0.4 mM chlorpromazine, and was activated by 1 to 100 micrometer cocaine. This enzyme form, which represented approximately 80% of tge basal activity of a cortex homogenate, was stable during pretreatment of homogenates at 45 degrees C but was completely deactivated by the removal of CDR during the preparation of the particulate fraction. Adenylate cyclase activity that did not depend on CDR was unaffected by the removal of CDR during the preparation of the particulate fraction, had elevated activity at high ratios of Mg2+ to Ca2+, was inhibited by Ca2+, was unaffected by 0.1 to 0.4 mM chlorpromazine and was slightly inhibited by 1 to 100 micrometer cocaine, and was not stable during pretreatment of homogenates at 45 degrees. The CDR-dependent component of adenylate cyclase activity was activated by 5 mM NaF to varying degrees depending on the concentration of CDR present in the assay. NaF decreased the concentration of CDR required to produce half-maximal velocity obtained at optimal concentrations of CDR. Activation by NaF required the presence of Ca2+ and was immediately and completely reversed by EGTA. In contrast, the component that did not respond to CDR was activated four- to fivefold by NaF. This activation was not influenced by Ca2+ or CDR and was not reversed by EGTA. The observed effects of effects of divalent cations on the CDR-dependent enzyme are discussed in relation to the cation-binding properties of CDR. The relationship of the CDR-dependent form of adenylate cyclase to other forms of this enzyme remains to be determined.


Glomerular changes in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

Deposits with IgA as the main component frequently are found in the glomeruli of patients with cirrhosis of the liver. These deposits usually are latent. In some cases, however, they may be associated with proliferative changes and clinical manifestations of glomerular involvement.


[Congenital glaucoma in Hurler's syndrome and in Lowe's syndrome. Clinical and electron microscopy findings].

2 cases of congenital glaucoma combined with a general metabolic disease are described. 1 patient displayed the symptoms of a mucopolysaccharidosis (Hurler's syndrome), the other patient showed the characteristics of Lowe's oculo-cerebrorenal syndrome. In both patients a surgical trabeculectomy was performed. The excised tissues were analysed by electron microscopy. Distinct vacuolar or fibrillar deposits were observed in both cases in the trabecular region and in Schlemm's canal. Possibly, these alterations could have contributed to the raised intraocular pressure in both patients.


Structural changes in glutaraldehyde-treated porcine heterografts used as substitute cardiac valves. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations in 12 patients.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies were made of (1) 12 glutaraldehyde-treated porcine valvular heterografts that had been implanted in patients for 2 days to 76 months; (2) 3 unimplanted commercially processed porcine aortic valves; and (3) 1 unprocessed porcine aortic valve. Comparison of unprocessed porcine valves and unimplanted commercially processed valves showed loss of endothelium and acid mucopolysaccharides during preimplantation processing. Short-term (less than 2 months) changes after implantation consisted of insudation of plasma proteins, penetration of erythrocytes into surface crevices, formation of a thin surface layer of fibrin, and deposition of macrophages, giant cells and a few platelets. Longer-term (more than 2 months) changes were proportional to the time interval after implantation and consisted of progressive disruption of collagen, erosion of the valve surfaces, formation of aggregates of platelets and accumulation of lipid. The surfaces of the leaflets did not become covered with endothelium or with a fibrous sheath. Calcific deposits were found in one valve and bacterial organisms in another. Thus, progressive breakdown of collagen appears to be a critical factor in determining the long-term durability of glutaraldehyde-treated porcine valvular heterografts.


Structural alterations of the porcine heterograft after various durations of implantation.

Morphologic changes in six glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine heterografts recovered from five patients were studied with light and scanning electron microscopy. Light microscopy showed minimal changes in the valves recovered after 2 months of implantation. Fibrin deposits, red blood cell trapping, disruption of the valve matrix and interstitial edema were noted in heterografts 2 months and 2 years after implantation. In valves examined with scanning electron microscopy, 6 hours after implantation the surface changes varied from normal to patchy disruptions. Two months after inplantation, subendothelial fibers were conspicuous and the geometry of endothelial cells was changed. In valves examined after 6 months in place, many nuclei were burst and fibrin strands were seen over the surfaces. Bacterial infection was observed in two cases. The endothelial cells in the valve implanted for 2 years were completely obscured and some areas were densely covered with fibrillar material where blood cells were trapped in the mesh.


Hemodynamic findings during treatment of protein-calorie malnutrition.

Several hemodynamic parameters were sequentially determined at rest in 19 African children recovering from marasmic kwashiorkor. Before treatment, the red cell volume averaged 160 ml, the circulation time: 6.6 sec, the cardiac output: 1.00 liter/min, the stroke volume: 9.7 ml/beat, the systemic vascular resistances: 79 units and the arteriovenous differences in blood oxygen content 5.1 volume %. On the 20th realimentation day, red cell volume averaged 169 ml, the circulation time: 5.8 sec, the cardiac output: 1.38 liter/min, the stroke volume: 11.4 ml/beat, systemic vascular resistances: 62 units and arteriovenous difference: 4.2 volume %. On the 60th realimentation day, red cell volume averaged 208 ml, circulation time: 5.6 sec, cardiac output: 1.53 liter/min, stroke volume: 11.8 ml/beat, systemic vascular resistances: 56 units and arteriovenous differences: 4.1 volume%; both red cell volume and stroke volume were still significantly lower than in the control group. The children recovering from marasmic kwashiorkor showed a rapid transition from a hypocirculatory state into a near normal circulatory state with delayed increase in both red cell volume and stroke volume.


Sodium iron NaFeEDTA as an iron fortification compound in Central America. Absorption studies.

Studies were performed in seven children and 98 adults to compare the proportion of iron absorbed when administered as ferric sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3), NaFeEDTA, hemoglobin (Hb), and ferrous ascorbate. Studies in children (mostly iron deficient) showed that when the compounds were given with a milk-rice-sugar formula totalling 5 mg Fe, iron from hemoglobin was absorbed best, followed by NaFeEDTA and by Fe2(SO4)3 (mean percent absorption +/-SD = 34.5 +/- 1.5, 8.6 +/- 1.9 and 3.3 +/- 1.5, respectively). Studies in normal or iron deficient adults also demonstrated a better absorption of iron from NaFeEDTA than from Fe2(SO4)3 whether these compounds were given in an aqueous solution (5 mg Fe) or with a standard meal consisting of beans, tortillas, bread, and coffee providing also a total of 5 mg Fe. Hb iron under the same conditions was absorbed in the same proportion to the reference iron ascorbate, always being higher than iron absorbed from the other compounds. Fe2(SO4)3 and NaFeEDTA mixed in the same meal were absorbed in the same proportion as when NaFeEDTA alone was added to the meal and 2 to 3 times better than when Fe2(SO4)3 alone was added to the meal. Addition of desferrioxamine depressed iron absorption from Fe2(SO4)3 and NaFeEDTA, the latter being less affected. Addition of ascorbic acid increased absorption from both. When the compounds were added to the meal to provide 50 mg of iron, percent absorption was depressed in relation to the smaller iron dose in the case of Fe2(SO4)3 and Hb but remained unaltered in the case of NaFeEDTA. Addition of 45 mg Fe as Fe2(SO4)3 or NaFeEDTA to 0.4 mg Fe from the Hb in the meal did not change Hb iron absorption. Addition of 45 mg Fe as Hb or NaFeEDTA to 0.4 mg Fe from Fe2(SO4)3 in the meal enhanced iron absorption from the latter in the same proportions. Addition of 45 mg Fe as Fe2(SO4)3 and Hb to 0.4 mg Fe as NaFeEDTA in the meal respectively depressed and enhanced iron absorption from NaFeEDTA. These studies indicate that NaFeEDTA, Fe2(SO4)3 and nonheme food iron from a common pool different from the heme pool but which is changed in its characteristics by the presence of NaFeEDTA, resulting in a better absorption of iron.


Urinary chromium excretion, diurnal changes, and relationship to creatinine excretion in healthy and sick individuals of different ages.

Since urine is the main excretory pathway for chromium, this study was conducted to compare in normal individuals the daily urinary chromium excretion with a 4 hr sample, to investigate diurnal fluctuations of urinary chromium and age-dependent relationship between urinary chromium and creatinine excretion. The results can be summarized as 1) there was no significant difference between the observed 24 hr chromium excretion and 24 hr excretion calculated from the one 4 hr samples, 2) a diurnal variation was observed when urinary excretion was expressed as chromium per minute, but no time-related variation could be established when chromium/creatinine (Cr/Cre) ratios in samples from three different periods of the same day were compared, although a significant positive correlation existed between urinary chromium and creatinine concentration, 3) the Cr/Cre ratio was found to be age-dependent, 4) in malnourished children the Cr/Cre ratio was very high and significantly different from that of normal infants, 5) This ratio for the eight diabetics was found to be significantly higher when compared with normal adults. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that morning 4 hr urinary chromium reflects the daily chromium excretion and that the Cr/Cre ratio of single urine samples obtained during this period is a reliable criterion in the evaluation of chromium nutrition of individuals in different conditions, provided that the influence of age is taken into consideration.


Hair zinc levels in healthy and malnourished children.

In this study the hair zinc levels of 115 healthy subjects, 50 girls and 65 boys, between the age groups 0 to 15 years were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The hair zinc levels obtained generally agree with those reported in the literature. The hair zinc levels of the subjects were studied as a function of age, sex and color of hair. It was found that the levels of hair zinc increased as a function of age, whereas no statistically significant differences with respect to sex and color of hair were observed. In a protein-calorie malnourished group of 11 girls and six boys between the ages 0 to 3 years, it was found that the hair zinc levels were significantly higher than a group of healthy subjects of the same age range. In a protein-calorie malnourished group of seven subjects no correlation was found between hair zinc and serum levels.


Laboratory diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by immunofluorescent demonstration of Rickettsia in Cutaneous lesions.

Direct immunofluorescent staining for Rickettsia rickettsii was performed on cryostat sections of skin biopsies from 27 patients suspected of having Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In nine of the 17 patients whose final diagnosis was Rocky Mountain spotted fever, coccobacillary forms of R. rickettsii were identified in endothelium and vascular walls within the dermis. Facotrs recognized as contributing to false-negative results were prior treatment with tetracycline or chloramphenicol for 24--48 hours or longer and failure to obtain a section through the focus of vasculitis. No false-positive result was obtained in the ten patients whose final diagnoses were not Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The laboratory test offers an immediate, positive laboratory diagnosis for this treatable, life-threatening disease.


Lipoprotein immunogenetics and atherosclerosis.

The discovery of the first human lipoprotein polymorphism by Allison and Blumberg [Lancet i:634-637, 1961] and the availability of alloimmune sera stimulated us to begin immunogenetic studies on swine in search of lipoprotein diversity and its relationship to biological functions. We found considerable lipoprotein polymorphism, complexity, and heterogeneity in this species. These results and the correlation between immunogenetically defined lipoprotein type and arterial lipidosis in swine, fed a high fat diet, are discussed. Immunogenetic studies of lipoproteins, initiated more recently in rhesus monkeys, will be reviewed also. Preliminary data show similarities between these two species with regard to polymorphism, complexity, phenotypic expression of lipoprotein genes and, most importantly, their serological relationship to human lipoproteins. We also note immunogenetic studies on lipoproteins done by other investigators, or in other species. Brief remarks on implications of the lipoproteins in atherosclerosis, their general classification, immunological properties, and immunological methods used in their study precede the immunogenetic presentation.


Modification of vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II in pregnant women by intravenously infused 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone.

In gravid women who are destined to develop pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), normal pregnancy-associated refractoriness to the pressor effects of administered angiotensin II (A-II) is lost several weeks before the onset of hypertension. From a study of the determinants of A-II pressor responsiveness in normal gravid women, it appears likely that the loss of resistance to A-II is principally unrelated to plasma renin activity or to plasma A-II levels. However, it recently has been shown that the vascular refractoriness to A-II in normal women can be reduced significantly by the administration of the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, indomethacin or aspirin. In seven women who had developed PIH and who had lost their refractoriness to A-II, the infusion of 5alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (5alpha-DHP) was associated with restoration of refractoriness to the pressor effects of A-II. Moreover, in five normotensive gravid women beyond 28 weeks' gestation in whom the refractoriness to A-II was reduced by the administration of indomethacin, the intravenous infusion of 5alpha-DPH was associated with restoration of refractoriness to the pressor effects of A-II. These observations are consistent with the view that a progesterone metabolite(s) may be important in the maintenance of normal blood pressure during human pregnancy.


Florisbad and human population succession in Southern Africa.

The human cranium recovered at Florisbad in 1932 is compared with other Sub-Saharan African hominid remains from Broken Hill, the Omo and Klasies River Mouth. The Florisbad frontal is very broad, but despite this breadth and differences in zygomatic form, there is a definite resemblance to archaic Homo sapiens from Broken Hill. There is also some similarity to both Omo I and Omo II, while fragmentary remains from Klasies River are more lightly built and hence more modern in appearance. These impressions are strengthened by measurement and statistical analysis, which demonstrates that Florisbad and Broken Hill are distant from recent African populations. Even if Florisbad is less archaic than the earlier (Middle Pleistocene?) hominid, it is not noticeably Bushman-like. New dates suggestive of early Upper Pleistocene antiquity also place Florisbad securely in a lineage containing Broken Hill, and there is no evidence to support special ties with any one group of living Africans.


Factors associated with acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to gentamicin.

Concern over the increased occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to gentamicin colonizing and/or causing disease in patients prompted our review of the years 1974 and 1975 for all P aeruginosa isolates, both gentamicin-resistant and gentamicin-sensitive. In this period, 39 patients had gentamicin-resistant P aeruginosa recovered from clinical specimens while 683 patients had gentamicin-sensitive strains. Compared to both matched and/or randomly selected controls with gentamicin-sensitive infections, patients with gentamicin-resistant infections had a higher incidence of (1) prior antibiotic therapy (p less than 0.01), (2) prior therapy with gentamicin (p less than 0.005), and (3) exposure to multiple antibiotics.


Evolutionary significance of the mandibular foramen area in Neandertals.

An unusual morphology of the mandibular foramen area is described, and its incidence determined for several fossil and modern hominid skeletal samples. This morphology, designated the horizontal-oval type mandibular foramen, is found in 46.2% of the 26 Neandertal foramina examined and in 23.1% of a European Upper Paleolithic sample of 13 foramina. In a total of 747 foramina from five modern skeletal samples, the highest incidence is 3.72%. Possible explanations for the presence of the H-0 trait and its unusually high incidence in Neandertals are examined. It is concluded that this feature is probably a genetic trait which either (1) might be selected for in Neandertals as a part of a massive masticatory apparatus, or (2) represents a discrete cranial trait without functional significance that simply reflects the high incidence of certain genes in Neandertal gene pools.


Animal-human correlates of narcotic dependence: a brief review.

Knowledge of opiate action in laboratory animals can be of great value in developing a rational clinical approach to the treatment of narcotic dependence. Physiological alterations experimentally produced by narcotics have been confirmed in human subjects, and classical laboratory effects of conditioning and operant behavior also have clinical counterparts. Realization of animal-human correlates of narcotic dependence allows a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of existing therapeutic modalities.


Incremental intravenous nitroglycerin for control of afterload during anesthesia in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization.

In 25 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting hemodynamic measurements (including values obtained with Swan-Ganz catheterization in 21 of the patients) were made before and after administering a bolus injection of 64 or 96 mcg of nitroglycerin to relieve intraoperative hypertension. This pharmacological agent reduced afterload and preload without raising heart rate. The effect was apparent within 1-3 min and lasted 5-10 min. Untoward hypotension was not encountered in any instance. This intervention appears to be a safe approach to the treatment of intraoperative hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease.


Nitroglycerin as a hypotensive drug during general anesthesia.

Circulatory variables and arterial partial pressure for oxygen (PaO2) were compared in 91 anesthetized patients who received infusions of either nitroglycerin (TNG) or nitroprusside (SNP) to induce hypotension for the purpose of decreasing intraoperative blood loss. At comparable systolic arterial blood pressures, the mean and diastolic arterial blood pressures were significantly higher with TNG. Electrocardiographic changes suggestive of ischemia occurred in 18 patients who received SNP, whereas none were detected in patients given TNG. Both drugs significantly decreased PaO2 and rate-pressure product, an indirect index of myocardial oxygen consumption. No untoward response to TNG occurred. No clinical evidence of myocardial infarction, renal damage, or cerebral vascular complication was encountered in the postoperative period in any patient. Thus, TNG is an effective hypotensive drug that may prove superior to currently available agents.


Contrasting effects of living in heterosexual pairs and mixed groups on the structure of social attraction in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri).

The structure of social attraction was assessed in pair- and group-living squirrel monkeys (Saimiri) using paired-comparison and single-stimulus preference tests. Effects of the social environment were most prominent in females. Females housed with a single male showed sharply increased attraction to like-sex strangers and less pronounced increase in attraction to opposite-sex strangers, as compared to group-living females. Differences between pair- and group-living males were in the same direction found with females, but less extreme. Most group-living monkeys strongly preferred familiar animals to strangers regardless of sex, and like-sex to opposite-sex familiars. Change in the structure of social attractions in response to variations in the composition of the social environment appears to be an important factor in the maintenance of the species-typical grouping pattern in the squirrel monkey.


[Vascular lesions of Fabry's disease. Optical, histochemical and ultrastructural studies].

On the basis of a new case of Fabry's disease and the various cases published in the literature, the authors analyse the vascular lesions of this angiodysplasia related to an error in lipid metabolism. They emphasise the involvement of lymph vessels (in particular those of the small bowel), and the ultrastructural characteristics and the mode of formation of deposits within the endothelial cells of the vascular walls.


Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for quantitation by subclass for bovine antibodies.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated for use in the quantitative measurement of bovine immunoglobulin IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies. A method for standardization was devised in which IgG1 or IgG2 was directly adsorbed to polystyrene tubes and the actual degree of binding was calculated by using different input amounts of 125I-labeled IgG1 or IgG2. Values for quantity of IgG1 antibodies to human serum albumin were only slightly higher when measured by the ELISA than when measured by quantitative precipitation although the value measured by the ELISA for IgG2 antibodies was twice that determined by quantitative precipitation. This discrepancy could result from conjugate cross reactivity, differences in affinity between antibodies of the 2 subclasses, or the occurrence of IgG2 nonprecipitating antibodies. The danger of overlooking subclass anti-globulin cross reactivity because of the failure to detect it by immunoprecipitation, also is illustrated. In addition, only enzyme-antibody conjugates prepared with specifically purified antibodies were effective, and reproducibility of individual data points required that 4 replicate determinations be performed. Advantages, pitfalls, and limitations of the ELISA are discussed.


Antigenic relationships of various mycobacterial species with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Antigen cross reactivity of various mycobacterial sonicates with Mycobacterium tuberculosis was studied by fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis using 2 Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference antisera. A considerable degree of cross reactivity was noted with both antisera, and each anti-serum revealed different information about the antigenic complexities between mycobacteria.


Management of colon ischemia following colon interposition for esophageal substitution.

During the past four years three patients have been seen with ischemia of the colon segment following colon interposition. Colon interposition was done for esophageal cancer in two patients and for esophageal stricture following ingestion of lye. Colon ischemia was manifested as early as two weeks in one patient and as late as eight weeks in the others. Colon ischemia presented a frank gangrene with cervical fistula or as dysphagia due to stricture formation. Dysphagia in two patients prompted mechanical dilatation of the colon segment which led to perforation in both cases. All three patients had empyemas. The management of these patients includes proper diagnosis, drainage of abscesses and antibiotic treatment, hyperalimentation and visceral arteriography to delineate the residual colon for reinterposition. Two of the three patients in the series are long-term survivors and are well.


[Protracted diarrhea. Etiopathogenia and management (author's transl)].

For the purpose of twelve cases on protracted diarrhea, the etiopathogenia from this illness is reviewed and the tolerance and inconvenients of treatment with intravenous feeding is assessed, being the authors addicted of employing antibiotics, cholestyramine, diets free of disaccharides and fundamental diets; in such a manner that parenteral nutrition for its inconvenients and complications should only be used in case of failing the rest of therapeutic methods.


[Treatment of lennox syndrome with medium chain triglycerides (author's transl)].

Twelve cases of Lennox syndrome were treated with a ketogenic diet with medium chain triglycerides during an average period of five months. All the cases were resistant to drug treatment. In five cases seizures disappeared, in five the frequency decreased and two remained without changes. The alertness improved in seven cases. Electroencephalographic records did not show any important improvement. The diet was generally well tolerated and it only had to be discontinued in one case.


[Epilepsy with centro-temporal E.E.G. foci (author's transl)].

Authors have studied 79 children with epilepsy with centro-temporal E.E.G. foci, taking into consideration the clinical seizure type, age at first seizure, relation and sleeping-waking cycle, personal and family history and electroencephalographic findings. Its' physiopathology is questioned suggesting the denomination of benign partial epilepsy of children.


[Malnutrition in congenital deficiency of enterokynase (author's transl)].

A case of Congenital deficiency of Enterokynase is presented. The main clinical findings are: Chronic diarrhea, malnutrition and edema. Diagnosis was made by determination of tripsine activity in duodenal juice before and later to confront it to Enterokynase. The patient was treated with pancreatic supplements and protein hidrolysate with favourable results.


Isolation, purification and characterization of a pyocin.

Seventeen strains of P. aeruginosa were tested for pyocin production using the broth method. Mitomycin C was used for the induction of pyocin in TSB shaked cultures incubated at 32 degrees. The highest pyocin activity was produced by strain 14. TSB shaked cultures in fluting flasks were found to be superior to Erlenmeyer flasks for pyocin production. Pyocin 14 was purified by chemical and chromatographic methods. It was found to be protein in nature and free from carbohydrates. It is stable between pH 5 and 9 and is partially inactivated when kept for one month at 4 degrees. Freezing and thawing, lyophilization and heating at 65 degrees for 5 min completely destroyed its activity. The addition of 4 mg/ml bovine albumin or 2 mg/ml gelatin caused about 60% increase in activity. However, treatment with 10 mM EDTA caused a 98% drop in its activity.


Tonic retinal influences in primates.

A type of unit discharge, termed "luxotonic," has been found in the striate cortex of unanesthetized squirrel monkeys and macaques.6, 21 The firing frequency of these units shows relatively little adaptation, continues indefinitely (hours), and reflects the level of diffuse illumination of the eye. The more numerous "photergic" units discharge more rapidly in the light, whereas "scotergic" units fire fastest in the dark (or at luminance levels below threshold for cones). Luxotonic activity is abolished by anesthesia and has not been described for striate cortex of other species. Primates also display a profound alteration in the EEG of striate cortex following elimination of all retinal input.32 Since this change is far more drastic than that produced by blindness in other species, it is natural to inquire whether it is related to the loss of the normally prominent luxotonic activity. When the blind monkey sleeps, the bizarre EEG is replaced by patterns wholly normal in appearance,32 indicating that some nonvisual system has extensive access to striate cortex in this state.


Clinical variation in 2 related children with neuronopathic Gaucher disease.

The clinical features in 2 second cousins with neuronopathic Gaucher disease include slowly progressive ataxia, spasticity, myoclonus, and seizures with relative preservation of intellectual function. Organomegaly was noted only in Patient 1. Both patients had diffuse slowing with paroxysmal features in electroencephalograms and a deficiency of beta-glucosidase activity in leukocytes and skin fibroblast cultures. The parents of Patient 1 and the related father of Patient 2 had levels of beta-glucosidase activity consistent with the carrier state for Gaucher disease. The value of beta-glucosidase activity in the mother of Patient 2 suggests a different mutation, the result being a defective enzyme component not detectable by measuring total activity.


Activity of azlocillin and mezlocillin against gram-negative organisms: comparison with other penicillins.

The activities of azlocillin and mezlocillin were compared with those of carbenicillin, ticarcillin, and pirbenicillin against a wide range of gram-negative organisms. The two new drugs were considerably more active than carbenicillin against Klebsiella species and Escherichia coli. Carbenicillin was twice as active against Proteus mirabilis as mezlocillin and four times as active as azlocillin. Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, azlocillin was eight times as active as carbenicillin. Azlocillin and mezlocillin were twice as active as carbenicillin against Bacteroides fragilis, and these drugs showed a high degree of activity against Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.


Differential binding of penicillin by membrane fractions from penicillin-susceptible and -resistant gonococci.

An inverse relationship between binding of [(14)C]penicillin to cells of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the minimal inhibitory concentration of penicillin was recently reported by us. Herein we report a similar relationship in binding by cytoplasmic membranes derived from 10 strains of gonococci. Membranes were extracted after Braun homogenization and differential centrifugation of the resulting extracts. Membranes derived from penicillin-susceptible cells bound 140 to 200 nmol of [(14)C]penicillin per g of enzyme, whereas relatively nonsusceptible strains bound 18 to 59 nmol. Binding by cell walls was only a small fraction of the total binding and probably represents contamination of the walls by membrane. Pretreatment of cell membranes with either unlabeled penicillin or cephalothin prior to [(14)C]penicillin exposure markedly decreased (14)C binding. Slab gel electrophoresis of membranes revealed 13 protein bands, 8 of which were labeled.


Contribution of a TEM-1-like beta-lactamase to penicillin resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Two beta-lactamase-producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were studied. The substrate profile, molecular weight, and isoelectric point of their beta-lactamases were similar to those of the TEM-1 enzyme produced by many gram-negative bacilli. The gonococcal beta-lactamase was cell bound during exponential growth and was most likely located in the periplasm. Penicillin hydrolysis was efficient in intact cells, suggesting that the cell-bound beta-lactamase was freely accessible to benzylpenicillin. Both beta-lactamase-producing strains of N. gonorrhoeae contained an additional multicopy plasmid with a mass of 3.3 megadaltons (Mdal). A spontaneous penicillin-susceptible revertant lacked both beta-lactamase activity and the 3.3-Mdal plasmid, providing evidence for plasmid-mediated penicillin resistance. During a shift from GC medium to rich MOPS medium, growth of the penicillin-susceptible revertant in contrast to that of the plasmid-carrying strain was markedly impaired, suggesting a physiological effect due to the presence of the 3.3-Mdal plasmid.


Plasmid-determined resistance to hexachlorophene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Plasmid-containing strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were screened for resistance to disinfectants. Two plasmids, pMG1 and pMG2, were found to determine hexachlorophene resistance.


Plasmid-determined resistance to boron and chromium compounds in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Plasmids determining resistance to arsenic, mercury, silver, and tellurium compounds in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested for resistance to 40 other metal compounds. Resistance to trivalent boron and hexavalent chromium compounds was a property of certain P. aeruginosa plasmids.


Beta-lactamases: determination of their isoelectric points.

Important discrepancies in isoelectric points (pI) of beta-lactamases were observed depending on the experimental procedure used for their determination: isoelectric focusing (IEF) in sucrose density gradients or analytical IEF in thin-layer polyacrylamide gels (PA). The variations, negligable in the case of TEM-like beta-lactamases, appeared to be important in the case of cephalosporinases and are related to an artifact which appears in PA-IEF. This has been clearly shown with beta-lactamase preparations from the following bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 8203 (pI = 8.7), P. aeruginosa NCTC 10701 (pI = 9.4), and Proteus morganii NCTC 235 (pI = 8.3). The data previously obtained by PA-IEF were much lower.


Plasmid-mediated mechanisms of resistance to aminoglycoside-aminocyclitol antibiotics and to chloramphenicol in group D streptococci.

Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycoside-aminocyclitol antibiotics in three group D streptococcal strains, Streptococcus faecalis JH1 and JH6 and S. faecium JH7, and to chloramphenicol in JH6 are carried by plasmids that can transfer to other S. faecalis cells. The aminoglycoside resistance is mediated by constitutively synthesized phosphotransferase enzymes that have substrate profiles very similar to those of aminoglycoside phosphotransferases found in gram-negative bacteria. Phosphorylation probably occurs at the aminoglycoside 3'-hydroxyl group. Plasmid-borne streptomycin resistance is due to production of the enzyme streptomycin adenylyltransferase, which, as in staphylococci and in contrast to that detected in gram-negative bacteria, is less effective against spectinomycin as substrate. Resistance to chloramphenicol is by enzymatic acetylation. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase is inducible and bears a close resemblance to the type D chloramphenicol acetyltransferase variant from staphylococci.


Tryptophan uptake by Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv: effect of rifampin and ethambutol.

Uptake of radioactive tryptophan by Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv grown in vitro and in vivo was investigated. K(m) values indicated low affinity, and sodium azide inhibited uptake. Rifampin at the minimal inhibitory concentration had no effect, whereas ethambutol inhibited uptake only in the bacilli grown under in vitro conditions. The significance of these results is discussed.


SK&F 75073, new parenteral broad-spectrum cephalosporin with high and prolonged serum levels.

SK&F 75073, a new parenteral cephalosporin, was found to have broad in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity including isolates usually resistant to cephalothin and cefazolin. This activity included indole-positive Proteus and Enterobacter species and some Serratia isolates. Proteus mirabilis strains were particularly susceptible, as were Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria species. The activity of SK&F 75073 against gram-positive bacteria was poorer than that of the control cephalosporins. This cephalosporin is highly bound to serum proteins, and a loss in in vitro activity was observed in the presence of serum. Parenteral administration of SK&F 75073 to experimental animals (mice, dogs, squirrel monkeys) resulted in high and prolonged serum levels when compared with cefazolin and other injectable cephalosporins. This favorable serum profile was reflected in the excellent protection observed in mice infected with pathogenic bacteria.