[Postoperative disease].

Post-operative disease, which is well known clinically, is characterised in the laboratory and metabolically by a succession of two stages=an initial short stage, lasting a few days, marked by intensive catabolism and, after a change, there is a second phase, much longer, lasting several weeks, anabolic in nature, during which are reconstituted the reserves lost during the first phase. The mechanism of post-operative disease enters into the general field of post-aggressive reaction bringing into play an adrenocorticoid process. But a whole series of factors, included in the agression without neuro-endocrine background, cause diffuse metabolic disturbances in the organism with their own appearance of severity. Occurring at the same time as the operation, they may also occur in the pre and postoperative periods. In order to minimise and shorten the post-operative disease, it is important to combat as far as possible, these different specific factors by good preparation, correct anesthetic and surgical techniques and the prevention and treatment of complications. One should also pay attention to nutritional problems. When, before operation, patients are particularly under-nourished, or when, after operation, muscle wasting lasts abnormally owing to the temporary incapacity of the digestive tract to fulfil its role, or when catabolism takes on a dangerous appearance owing to the magnitude of the surgical aggression, or the onset of a complication, such as suppuration, it is essential to administer a high calory diet, either by venous catheter in a large vein, or, by continuous administration through a gastric catheter and using the nutripump.


[Bladder tumors. Diagnosis and therapeutic indications].

These originate from the vesical mucosa in 90p. 100 of cases. Hematuria was the first symptom in 3 cases out of 4. Intravenous urography and urinary cytology examined by Papanicolaou's method, are routine examinations for detection, but cystoscopy alone permits precise inventory of the lesions. Endoscopic resection and pathological examination of the fragments, will show the degree of malignancy of the tumour, its penetration in depth within the wall of the bladder, its degree of dedifferentation, all factors which with the site, the size, effects on the upper urinary apparatus and the existence of lymph node involvement on lymphography, may modify the indications for treatment. Benign or border line tumours which do not infiltrate the muscularis mucosae will be treated mainly by resection or endoscopic coagulation. Frankly malignant tumours should be treated by the association of cobalt and surgery. Partial cystectomy is sufficient for tumours of the mobile parts; total cystectomy is necessary for tumours of the trigone of the bladder with pass-by of the urine into the skin, by direct or transileal means, into the sigmoid or into an intestinal substitution bladder anastomosed to the membranous urethra. Treatment with radiotherapy alone should be reserved for patients in poor general condition and strongly dedifferentiated tumours.


[Supra-selective vagotomy in the rat. A new experimental model. Preliminary results].

An original experimental model of highly selective vagotomy in the rat is proposed. The operative technique by microsurgery is described. The mechanical consequences of vagotomy are studied immediately and some time after the operation. Radio-cinematographic and E.M.G. studies, carried out, confirm the selective character of this vagotomy. The mildness of the symptoms observed at some time after the operation and the prevention of restraint ulcers by highly selective vagotomy are emphasized.


[Simplification of the orthotopic hepatic transplantation in the dog. 20 cases without decompression of the sub-hepatic cave system].

Although the human orthotopic transplantation technique is settled, the animal transplantation is still useful as it can be a helpful training for the human transplant and allows to test the hepatic parenchyma means of preservation value, as well as the immuno-depressing treatments qualities. Up to now, the orthotopic hepatic canine transplantation was complicated by the necessity of decompressing the splanchnic and cava regions of the recipient dog during the hepatectomy and the graft. During this experimentation, the 20 dogs orthotopic hepatic transplantations were done by decompressing only the splanchnic veinous system with a porto-jugular by-pass and by letting the inferior vena cava clamped during the hepatectomy and the transplant settlement. All the dogs survived this operation. The haemodynamic studies showed that the porto-jugular bypass was efficient to decompress the veinous splanchnic system and principally that the systemic arterial pressure gave a slight drop when the bypass was opened, the infra hepatic vena cava being clamped. It is therefore proved that the dog orthotopic hepatic transplantation may be done only be decompressing the veinous splanchnic system which is a technical simplification, avoiding particularly the temporary porto-cava anastomosis or the settlement of a second femoro-jugular shunt.


[Splenohepatoplasty in the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis].

The authors review the patho-physiologic arguments that have determined Bénichoux to recommend spleno-hepatoplasty in the treatment of hepatic cirrhosis, and present a group of 7 personal observations in which they have tested this type of intervention. The technique employed is described, as well as the follow-up of the cases that had a favourable evolution. In one of the observations differences between the samples obtained by bioptic puncture before the intervention and those obtained at one and two years after surgery, have demonstrated a marked reduction in the intensity of inflammatory reactions, as well as evident reparation processes in the hepatocytes. The authors consider the intervention as a new type of therapy, allowing for re-vascularization of the ischaemic hepatic tissue, as well as for a slow porto-caval derivation with remarkable results for the cirrhotic patients.


[Clinical aspects and surgical treatment of traumatic lesions of the colon].

In a group of 71 patients with traumatic lesions of the colon 14 deaths were recorded, representing 19.7% of the total. In 27 patients with isolated colon lesions surgery successfully solved all the cases without any death. Death-rates increased when traumatic lesions of the colon were associated with those of other abdominal organs. From the etiological viewpoint the lesions of the colon were due in 45 cases to pointed weapons, in 4 cases to firearms and in 22 cases to abdominal contusion. Three patients died during surgery, in whom attempts were made far the repair of associated visceral lesions far more severe than the colon lesion. In 68 patients the following surgical interventions were made: 51 primary sutures with peritoneal drainage; 10 colectomies followed by immediate recovery of the transit (4 right hemicolectomies, 4 sigmoidectomies, 2 colectomies of the tranverse); 4 interventions of the Hartman type; one exteriorisation of the sigmoid; one suture associated with transverse caecostomy and exteriorization of the ends.


[Mechanism of production of porcelain gallbladder].

An observation is presented, of a case, of particular demonstrative value, of "porcelain gall-bladder", in which the authors were able to evidence the intervention of three local pathogenic factors: chronic inclavation of a stone in the bladder neck and obliteration of the cystic duct (which eliminated from the physiological viewpoint the gall-bladder); a chronic inflammation of the wall and ischaemia of the entire organ following the previous obliteration of the cystic artery. These factors are only in exceptional circumstances met in the same patient and this explains the rarity of this complication of biliary lithiasis.


[Ulcer recurrence after vagotomy].

In the author's statistics concerning vagotomy with simple gastric draining, performed for gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers (a number of 556 total abdominal vagotomies, 196 selective gastric vagotomies, 179 selective high vagotomies), ulcerous recidives occured 23 times (2,4%). The authors conclude on the following aspects: -- ulcerous recidives occur more frequently following classical, selective gastric vagotomy; -- the diagnosis of ulcerous recidive is difficult and it should be based on clinical and para-clinical explorations, as well as on "test-therapy"; -- the efficiency of iterative vagotomy raises the problem of the incomplete vagotomy in the etiology of the recidivating ulcers.


[Incomplete chronic duodenal stenosis caused by compression by the aorta and mesenteric artery].

In the light of data from the literature, as well as on the personal observations made in 5 cases of chronic, imcomplete duodenal stenosis through aortic-mesenteric pincers that have been hospitalized and operated, the authors stress: the complexity of the syndrome, the difficulties encountered in the establishment of the diagnosis, the severe consequences of the evolution, the necessity to apply surgical treatment as soon as possible.


[Total hypertrophy of 1 lower limb associated with/banded osteosclerosis, vascular flat nevus and acrocyanosis].

Forty years have gone by since the first case of total hypertrophy of the lower limb, associated with plane vascular naevus and partial "banded" osteosclerosis, was published, in 1935 by Al Rădulescu. No similar case was found in this time. The authors present now two cases of Rădulescu syndrome, identical with the first case, demonstrated with clinical, radiological and morphopathologic elements. A detailed differential diagnosis is made, which confirms the Rădulescu syndrome, a separate, well-defined morbid entity.


[Current management of anesthesia and intensive therapy of expansive processes with intracranial hypertension].

The transitive cerebral distension which is necessary for the neuro-surgeon during interventions is obtained by moderate controlled hyperventilation, deliberate arterial hypotension, application of the anti-sludge therapy for the cerebral microcirculation. Only the initial mannitol dose applied is useful for the subject with intra-cranial hypertension. Mannitol is not active in cases with cerebral oedema due to severe cerebral contusion. In such cases corticoids are the major therapeutic indication. The anti-sludge effects of mega-doses of thiamine in cases with severe disturbances in the microcirculation of basal nuclei and profound comatose conditions, makes possible to apply therapeutic dehydration and is associated with an increase in the resistance of the cerebral tissue to hypoxia. Volatile anesthetic agents increase the intra-cranial pressure in patients with expanding intra-cranial processes. Thiamine neuroleptanalgesia and synaptanalgesia, with or without xylocaine potentiation, have resulted in a satisfactory cerebral distension. Controlled hypotension and increased pressure are, for the time being, just a prospective field.


[Prognostic value of the chromosome pattern in tumors of the urinary bladder].

Cytodiagnostic and histopathological studies were made in 42 cases of epithelial urinary bladder tumours. The correlation was investigated between the modal chromosomal number, the frequency of the structural chromosomal aberrations and the degree of histologic malignancy (cellular anaplasy and invasion of the bladder wall). The proliferative rate was also determined of the analized tumours. In all the epithelial tumours that have been studied it was noted that the more malignant the tumour, the higher was the value of the modal chromosomal number, and the more frequent the chromosomal abnormalities. The proliferative rate of polyploid tumours was significantly higher as compared with that of the diploid ones. The presence of a polyploid mitotic population, as well as of structural chromosomal disturbances in a tumour with a low degree of malignancy, as demonstrated histologically, may have a prognostic significance.


[Problems of occupational paedagogy in rehabilitation (author's transl)].

Within the framework of a work science focusing on the disabled, occupational paedagogy (Arbeitspädagogik) offers- from its methods and objectives- useful approaches to the industrial resettlement of the disabled. The different models of occupational paedagogy and the experience gained from then (Taylor, Münsterberg, Moede, Baumgarten, Twi-methode, Riedel) can be easily adapted to and integrated with special requirements of vocational rehabilitation. In the light of human work valuation as an existential dimension of "Being-in-the-world", resettlement in open industry with the help of occupational paedagogy and the related measures for a job organisation suitable for the disabled, are discussed from a human ecological viewpoint. Possibilities of on-the-job-training are formulated in recommendations which are in accordance with the Johannes Riedel model of occupational paedagogy. The influence that inadequacies of general vocational training have on an invalidism before retirement emphasises the necessity of obviating the danger of excessive work demand caused by modern industrial conditions, by preventive measures of occupational paedagogy.


[Suitable dwellings also for the disabled (author's transl)].

(1) The construction and adaptation of dwelling which are supposed to provide a permanent focal point in the lives of the disabled are approved in purely residential areas. (2) Von den verschiedenen Möglichkeiten trägerschaftlicher Zuordnung einer Wohnstätte für Behinderte erscheint der eingetragene Verein als die geeignetste Rechtsform. (3) Wohnstätten mit mindestens sechs Behinderten unterliegen den Bestimmungen des Heimgesetzes (Heimvertrag, Mitwirkung). (4) Wünschenswert wäre es, dass die Bundesanstalt für Arbeit Zuwendungen wenigstens in dem Umfange gewährt, dass auf dem Gebiet des Wohnstättenbaues für Behinderte ausreichende Erfahrungen gesammelt werden können. (5) Die Toleranzbreite des Gesetzgebers in bezug auf sexuelles Verhalten in Wohnstätten etwa für geistig Behinderte ist grösser als vielfach angenommen. (2) Of the various bodies which come in question as a responsible agency for running these dwellings, the registered association seems to have the most appropriate legal form. (3) Dwellings providing accommodation for six and more disabled persons are goverened by the regulations of the Residential Homes Law (home contract, participation). (4) It would be welcome if the Federal Employment Offices were to grant allowances sufficient to permit, at least, the gaining of the necessary experience in this field of building construction. (5) The legislative degree of tolerance with regard to sexual behaviour in dwellings, for instance, as far as the mentally handicapped are concerned, is larger than often thought.


Audiogenic seizures in mice: influence of agents affecting brain serotonin.

Brain serotonin levels and susceptibility to audiogenic seizures were examined in a strain of inbred audiosusceptible mice and in control mice at intervals from two hours to one week after treatment with several agents known to modify serotonin metabolism. Although p-chlorophenylalanine produced a gradual decrease in brain serotonin there appeared to be no temporal correlation between this effect and the rapid reduction in seizure susceptibility. 5-Hydroxytryptophan and tranylcypromine led to significant increases in serotonin, but only the former caused a proportinal reduction in seizure activity. Reserpine and alpha-propyldopacetamide decreased serotonin levels but only reserpine caused an intensification of seizure activity proportional to serotonin changes. On the basis of our data, effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan and reserpine on seizure susceptibility appear to be linked to observed brain serotonin levels; further studies are needed to elucidate the mode of action of p-chlorophenylalanine.


Effects of exercise training and exhaustion on 45Ca uptake by rat skeletal muscle mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic reticular 45Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activity were determined in skeletal muscle from exercise trained and non-trained rats at rest or following short-term exhaustive exercise. In trained rats exercised to exhaustion, mitochondrial 45Ca2+ uptake was significantly depressed when compared to non-trained rats at rest. Ca2+-ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum from trained rats exercised to exhaustion was significantly increased as compared to trained rats at rest. These data suggest that the disruptive influence of Ca2+ accumulation in mitochondria isolated following exhaustive exercise may be diminished as a result of training.


[Structural aspects at the individual level in the epidemiological process in human toxoplasmosis].

Intradermoreaction with toxoplasmin in apparently healthy subjects gave positive reactions in 13% of the cases. The mothers of children with neuropsychical diseases and congenital malformations were positive to toxoplasmin in 62-63% of the cases and with the Sabin-Feldman reaction in 9.6-13.8%. High proportions of positive results. (29.1-30%) were obtained with both tests in the children with neuropsychical diseases and congenital malformations. Host-parasite relationships in the early period of embryonic development deeply affects the normal evolution of the embryo and foetus. The individual structural level of the epidemiologic human toxoplasmosis process is conditioned by the moment at which the host-parasite relationships are established.


[Intense blood hyperosinophilia in Hymenolepis nana infestation. Considerations on 2 cases].

Two cases of infestation with Hymenolepis nana are reported in which evidence was found of intense blood hypereosinophilia (in average 50%); this is not in keeping with the classical data on parasitic hyperosinophilia, thus confirming the strictly individual character of the eosinophilic reactions in parasitoses, as also sustained by other authors.


[Bacteriocins and their ecological position].

The author discusses the position of bacteriocins in ecology on the basis of the data accumulated to date in the speciality literature, referring to: (a)the great and varied number of bacteriocinogenic bacterial strains; (b)the classification of bacteriocins in terms of their structure, chemical composition and physico-chemical properties; (c)spectrum of activity; (d)elements of differentiation and similarity with other ecologic systems (virsuses, the genetic entities of other microorganisms, interrelations, bacteriocinogeny and certain genetic recombination phenomena). Bacteriocinogeny is regarded as a biologic process, the result of natural selection. Stress is laid on the importance of the bacteriocinogenic and bacteriocinosensitive properties, next to the lysogeny of bacteria, for the classification of microorganisms. It is foreseen that in the future purified bacteriocins may perhaps be used in therapy, at least in certain cases.


[Staphylococcal infections in the Cluj-Napoca Clinic of Infectious Diseases during the years 1967-1972].

Over a six year period, in the Clinic of Communicable Diseases of Cluj Napoca, 2301 patients with staphylococcal infections were admitted to the Clinic, representing 8% of the total number of patients admitted, and 3513 staphylococcal strains were isolated. A number of 43 of the 2301 patients died (1.8%), but staphylococcal infection was actually the cause of death in only 35 cases (1.5%) (septicemia, staphylococcal meningitis and pulmonary infections). Eight of the patients died from the basic disease (hepatitis, tetanus, paratyphoid C fever etc.). A number of 2246 Staphylococcus hemolyticus aureus, 80 non-hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus and 162 Staphylococcus albus strains were isolated; most of the strains were resistant to antibiotics in different proportions.


[Diagnostic value of serum conjugated bile acids in viral hepatitis].

Total and conjugated biliary acids were determined in a lot of 105 subjects, including 15 healthy persons, 60 with acute viral hepatitis, 10 with chronic evolutive hepatitis, 10 with cholecystophaties and dyskinesia and 10 with obstructive jaundice. A marked diminution in the proportion of conjugated biliary acids was found in acute hepatitis and cholecystopathies. Chenodioxycholic and dioxycholic acid increase in acute diseases of the liver, whereas cholic acid increases in obstructive jaundice and chronic hepatitis, with a consecutive almost threefold reduction of th ratio of trihydroxycholanic to dihydroxycholanic acids in acute lesions of the liver cells. The ratio of glycoconjugated acids to taurocholic acids is smaller inchronic hepatitis and diseases of the gallbladder than in acute hepatitis and obstructive jaudice. Study of these ratios may represent an element of differential diagnosis in diseases of the liver and viral hepatitis. Determination of the biliary acids may have a prognostic value since an increase in these acids persists with the hepatic lesions. Determination of the biliary acids is technically difficult and may be used for diagnostic purposes only within the context of other hepatic explorations.


[Evaluation of the etiopathogenic significance of E. coli serotypes 0 1--0 25].

A study was carried out on the incidence of E. coli serogroups 01--025, under different clinical and epidemiologic conditions, with a view to evaluating their etiopathogenic significance and the efficiency of immunofluoresence as a rapid laboratory method of diagnosis. A total number of 1542 samples were collected from humans (1075 feces samples and 467 urine samples from cases of urinary infection), and 387 from animals. The samples were collected from cases of enteritis and from healthy children and adults: 285 samples from infantile enteritis cases; 200 samples from adults with enteritis; 31 samples from healthy children: and 559 samples from healthy adults. These E. coli serogroups were found in humans, in both pathologic and normal conditions. The proportion of isolations of E. coli serogroups 01--025 was greater in the feces samples from healthy subjects than in the samples from enternal or urinary infections (48.80% as against 23.21%), demonstrating the opportunist character of these germs. Positive results were obtained in 30.23% of the products of animal origin (monkeys, dogs, chickens), pointing to the wide spread of these serogroups in nature. Serogroups 04 and 025 were predominant in both the human and animal products. The rapid immunofluorescence diagnosis cannot be applied to these serogroups owing to the multiple and varied antigenic fractions. The laboratory diagnosis can only be established in pure cultures by identification of the groups, by biochemical and serolgic methods, by agglutination reactions on slides and in test tubes.


[Lumbar discography (author's transl)].

Discography appears to be the only means to give radiological, strictly anatomical and clear visual data on the nucleus of a disc. It is a comparatively simple and technically easy technique as long as one has the right tools and personnel. While it is disagreeable for the patient, it is not dangerous if strict asepsis can be applied. Discography gives an uncomplicated and unequivocal interpretation with sufficiently precise discometric and sensory signs which enable us to identify the lesion reliably. Tolerance and harmlessness of the technique are by now established. The indications refer to disc pathology and are indispensable before any arthrodesis carried out for pain in the lumbar spine or spondylolisthesis. These indications are now being extended to all problems of reports or difficult diagnosis of vertebral pathology. Discography also has a special and essential place with sciatica, particularly when radiculography is negative.


[Observations on a trichinellosis focus].

Following the consumption of porc infested with Trichinella spiralis, there were 21 cases of trichinellosis, of which 15 clinical forms and 6 subclinical cases. The clinical picture was polymorphous, characteristic. In one case of an expectant mother, the pregnancy evolved up to term and the child was born normally. Histologic examination of the maternal placenta revealed the presence oe encapsulated parasites. Eosinophilia, increasing up to 50%, was found in all the cases, as well as a slight increase in transaminases, alpha2-globulins, leukocytes and erythrocytic sedimeatation rate. The diagnosis was established on the basis of the epidemiologic and immunologic data, clinical picture, eosinophilia and especially the positive trichinoscopic examination of the infested meat and muscle biopsy puncture performed in two of the patients. In 7 cases Mintezol combined with Prednison was administered. Thrombophlebitic complications developed in 4 cases and corticotherapy was interrupted since it was considered to contribute to the complications.


Restoration of defective cellular immunity by levamisole in a patient with immunoblastic lymphadenopathy.

A 71-year-old woman presented with acutely developed symptoms of generalized lymphadenopathy, intermittent maculo-papular skin rash, pruritus, weight loss, hepato-splenomegaly, pleural exsudate and alternating breast swellings. The histopathological picture of biopsies from a lymph node and from the skin was diagnostic for immunoblastic lymphadenopathy, and the serum concentrations of IgG and IgA were increased. Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to various antigens were totally extinguished and the number of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was consistently very low. The number of both T- and B-lymphocytes further decreased during cytostatic treatment and the patient contracted numerous infections. During intermittent treatment with Levamisole the infectious episodes ceased, the cellular immune response was reestablished and the pathological hyperimmuneglobulinaemia suppressed. It is suggested that the primary immunological defect in this disease could be a failing cellular immunity, and that the hyperplasia and hyper-reactivity of the B-cell system are a secondary phenomenon.


[Fuctional-metabolic disorders in typhoid infection].

The complex biologic investigation of thyphoid fever is dictated by the necessity of instituting a pathogenetic therapy, especially in the toxic and complex forms. Performing 178 fuctional-metabolic tests in 50 cases of typhoid fever (of which 10 severe and complicated forms), the authors established the prognostic value energy deficiency (approximately P), lactate, alkaline reserve and GPT. Azotemia is only characteristic in the forms with renal involvement, and the other transaminases may be positive even whe the liver is not enlarged. In one case of repeated digestive hemorrhage no evidence could be found of the mechanism of consumption coagulopathy.


[Haloperidol, reserpine, l-dopa and amantidine in the treatment of Huntington chorea (author's transl)].

Two drugs that should reduce striatal dopamine activity (haloperidol and reserpine) and two other drugs that should increase it (L-Dopa and amantadine) have been successively adminstered to six patients suffering from Huntington's Chorea. The most effective treatment in reducing hyperkinesis was haloperidol, followed by reserpine. Treatment with L-Dopa did not have appreciable effect, on this type of involuntary movements. Against some theoretical expectations administration of amantadine was followed by a slight improvement in the control of involuntary activity.


[Group B vitamins in some typical Italian cheese: Parmigiano-reggiano, Pecorino romano and Gorgonzola (author's transl)].

The levels of Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, PP and Calcium pantothenate were determined in typical italian cheese: Parmigiano-reggiano, Pecorino romano and Gorgonzola. The authors avaluated vitamin contents different from product; to product these differences being possibly due to both similar quantitative diversities of the milk, used and to particular variations associated with the processing techniques.


Pulmonary edema of acute overdose reaction and near-drowning: some radiographic and physiologic comparisons.

Both acute overdose reaction and near-drowning may present as pulmonary edema. With both, the heart is usually not enlarged and clearing occurs within 48 hours, unless complicated by infection or aspiration. In near-drowning there is metabolic acidosis, whereas in acute overdose reaction there is combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis.


A study of 3891 cases of mycoses in the tropics.

4103 cases suspected of mycoses were analysed as to sex, age and site of disease and 3891 were proved cases. This group formed 50% of total mycoses or 13-93% of all dermatoses recorded in the Government General Hospital, Madras, during the period of study. There were 66-26% adult female, 27-6% adult male and 6-14% were below 13 years. Dermatophytoses were found in 73-5%; the other common diseases were tinea versicolor (17-68%) and candidiasis (12-43%). Multiple sites of involvement or more than 1 disease in the same individual were mostly observed. The incidence of piedra (0-1%) and deep mycoses (0-156%) was very low. Mycetoma was the common disease (5/6) in deep mycoses. In dermatophytoses, tinea corporis (49-71%) and tinea cruris (47-85%) commonest; tinea axillaris (3-42%), tinea capitis (1-72%) and tinea barbae (1-29%) were less common. The incidence of tinea manuum, tinea pedis and tinea unguium was similar (4-97%-6-38%). High temperature and humidity were related to the higher incidence of tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea versicolor. Mainly children suffered from tinea capitis. All other mycoses were commonly found in adults between 2nd and 3rd decades. In all mycoses but candidiasis, female predominated. Cutaneous candidiasis was mainly a problem of housewives. Among the dermatophytes Trichophyton violaceum was predominant (33-7%) followed by T. rubrum (32-6%). Trichophyton schoenleinii and M. gypseum were rarely isolated. From mycetoma, Madurella mycetomii, Nocardia braziliensis, N. asteroides and Actinomadura spp. were isolated. Demonstration of Cryptococcus laurentii in 1 case is reported in this area for the first time.


The technique of primary arterial ligation for cancer of the colon as suggested by venous and lymphatic outflow studies.

Because veins and lymphatics constitute the major pathways for metastatic spread of cancer of the colon, the dynamics of venous and lymphatic outflow from the intestine were studied in dogs with use of electromagnetic flowmeter for the veins and cannulation and gravimetric measurement for the lymph. Venour ligation produced sixfold increases in lymph flow. Venous outflow doubled when adjacent veins were occluded but dropped when marginal vessels were ligated. Simultaneous ligation of arteries and veins caused significant decreases in lymph outflow (to 26% of control), but if arterial collaterals remained intact, lymph flow rose more than twofold. Venous outflow doubled after simultaneous occulusion of adjacent arteries and veins, but dropped as marginal vessels were ligated. Arterial ligation alone was most satisfactory, resulting in significant rapid decreases in lymph flow (to 32% of control) and venous flow (to 5% of control. As suggested by these studies, primary arterial ligation, followed by marginal vessel ligation, is being used as a modification of the "no touch" technique for cancer of the colon.


Down syndrome in British Columbia, 1952-73: incidence and mean maternal age.

Records of children with Down syndrome (DS) at the BC Health Surveillance Registry were linked to their Birth Registrations to derive maternal ages. Incidence and maternal-age specific rates were calculated for 1952-73. Mean maternal age has declined both for normal and DS children, the latter to a marked degree, so that in 1972-73 80% were born to women under 35 years. Using maternal age of 40 and over as an indication for amniocentesis would only detect 10% of DS children. The crude incidence rate (mean 1.28/1000 livebirths) has not changed appreciably over the study period except for 1969 in which a statistically significant peak occurred. The standarized rate showed an increasing trend but it is not clear whether this was a true biological increase or resulted from better ascertainment.


HLA antigens and susceptibility to psoriasis vulgaris in a non-Caucasian population.

Fifty-four unrelated Japanese patients with psoriasis vulgaris were tissue typed using the Sixth International Histocompatibility Workshop antisera. Two control groups were included in this study: Thirty-one pustulosis palmaris et plantaris and 17 seborrheic dermatitis as a disease control and 66 normal, healthy, unrelated Japanses as a reference. HLA-Al (P = 0.0065) from the A locus and HLA-BW37 (P = 0.0164) from the B locus were found to occur with increased frequency in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. No significant difference in antigen frequencies in pustulosis palmaris et plantaris was found, however, HLA-AW30 and/or AW31 and HLA-B12 occurred with increased frequency in seborrheic dermatitis. No linkage between psoriasis and HLA was observed in eight families. Therefore our findings in Japanese do not confirm the previous observation made in Caucasians of an association between psoriasis vulgaris and HLA-B13 or BW17.


Left ventricular stiffness and chamber geometry in the pressure-overloaded hypertrophied heart.

Pressure-overloaded hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV) was produced by coarctation of the ascending aorta in 7 dogs. The overall mean weight of the left ventricle (LVW) was 7.86 +/- 1.49 (S.D.) g/kg body weight; (normal, 5.99 +/- 0.70 g/kg: p less than 0.05). After potassium arrest, pressure-volume (P-V) relationships were examined with the left ventricles isolated from the normals and from the dogs of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH-dogs). In both groups, the P-V relationships could be expressed by an equation deltaV=a-be-cP throughout the range of filling pressure of 2.5 to 35 cmH2O, where deltav was the actual volume change of LV, P intraventricular pressure, and a, b and c constants. A sensitive index of LV stiffness, the half-inflation pressure (h), was defined as 1n (2b/a)/c. In hypertrophied hearts, h was 10.5 +/- 0.7 cmH2O; (normal 8.0 +/- 0.4 cmH2O; P less than 0.001). The ratio of LVW to LVVp=h (the left ventricular volume at h) in hypertrophy, which was related to the LV chamber geometry, was 3.1 +/- 0.6 in contrast with the normal value of 2.0 +/- 0.3. The development of concentric hypertrophy was thus demonstrated. Moreover, h was closely correlated with LVW/LVVp=h in both the normals and the LVH-dogs (r=0.83; p less than 0.01). On the other hand, an index of LV wall stiffness h/LVW/LVVP=h was relatively constant. Therefore, the increase of LV stiffness in the LVH-dogs was attributed to the change in chamber geometry.


The effect of oxisuran on differential inhibition of cell-mediated immunity.

Oxisuran, 2-[(methylsulfinyl) acetyl] pyridine suppressed allogeneic skin graft rejection in rats. In PHA responses and one way mixed lymphocyte culture, suppression of cell-mediated immunity was indicated. However, little inhibition of PFCs was observed with Oxisuran, and unlike Azathioprine or Neocarzinostatin, Oxisuran did not concomitantly suppress antibody-producing system in rats. These data suggest that selective suppression of cell-mediated immunological responses by Oxisuran is possible in rats, and Oxisuran may be a better immunosuppressant for clinical organ transplantation.


Exocrine pancreas of streptozotocin-diabetes rats treated with insulin.

The effect of insulin treatment on the exocrine pancreas of streptozotocin-diabetes rats was investigated by light and electron microscopy. In the diabetic rats treated with daily lente insulin injection for four weeks, the islets became hyperplastic and proliferative, although degenerative and atrophic islets caused by streptozotocin remained if diabetic rats were not treated with insulin. Fibrosis and degeneration of the acinar cells were not found in all the diabetic rats by light microscopic examinations. Electron microscopic examinations showed that acinar cells of the exocrine pancreas of the diabetic rats without insulin treatment were characterized by irregular dilatation and prominent lamellar arrangement of rough endoplasmic reticulum and by nuclear pyknosis. After one hour of a single injection of regular insulin, rough endoplasmic reticulum of the acinar cells of the diabetic rats was rapidly activated and many intracisternal granules appeared. When the daily injection of insulin was continued, the acinar cells became to show regular arrangement of rough endoplasmic reticulum, much less vacuolarizations and less immature zymogen granules in comparison with those of the untreated diabetic rats. Exocrine pancreas of the insulin-treated rats revealed a lot of autophagic vacuoles which were supposed to derive from lysosomes. These results suggested that insulin had a repairing effect on the damaged acinar cells in diabetic state.


Synthesis of new steroid haptens for radioimmunoassay. Part II. 15beta-Carboxyethylmercaptodehydroepiandrosterone bovine serum albumin conjugate. Specific antiserum for solid-phase radioimmunoassay of dehydroepiandrosterone.

Antiserum for radioimmunoassay (RIA) of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) was raised in rabbits with the conjugate obtained by coupling 15beta-carboxyethylmercapto-dehydroepiandrosterone with bovine serum albumin. The antiserum proved to have high affinity and specificity for DHA and showed only minor cross-reaction to androst-5-ene-3beta, 17beta-diol (3.5%). The Rivanol-treated antiserum was covalently coupled to Enzacryl Polyacetal to evaluate its utility in solid-phase RIA.


[Therapeutic problems in the infraposition of deciduous molars and molars].

Reflections on the nomenclature, aetiology and genesis are followed by seven case reports. Apart from the description of a new aspect of genesis and apart from therapeutical discussions of the single case, the authors draw some conclusions. The infraposition of deciduous molars requires orthodontic therapy, whereas that of permanent molars necessitates treatment at a special clinic. Suggestions for desirable further studies mark the end of the paper.


Adverse reactions to short-course regimens containing streptomycin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin in Hong Kong.

Three studies of drug toxicity were made in Chinese adults with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted concurrently to short-course antituberculosis regimens. The first was of streptomycin plus isoniazid plus pyrazinamide given daily (SHZ regimen), three times a week (S3H3Z3 regimen) or twice a week (S2H2Z2 regimen). The second was of pyrazinamide in the SHZ regimen and PAS in the standard daily combination of streptomycin plus isoniazid plus PAS (SPH regimen). The third was of the SHZ regimen and these 3 drugs plus rifampicin daily (SHRZ regimen). In study 1 (174 SHZ, 185 S3H3Z3, 182 S2H2Z2 patients), the incidence of arthralgia was associated with the number of doses per week (P less than 0.001). The incidence of other reactions, most of which were cutaneous or vestibular, or symptomless increases in the serum alanine transaminase (AIT) concentration, was similar on all 3 regimens. In study 2 (142 SHZ, 137 SPH patients), hepatic reactions occurred on the SHZ but not on the SPH regimen (P less than 0.002), serum AIT concentrations were distributed over a higher range on the SHZ regimen, and 2 patients had jaundice. Gastrointestinal reactions were more frequent on the SPH regimen (P = 0.06). Arthralgia was commoner on the SHZ regimen (P less than 0.05). In study 3 (38 SHZ, 41 SHRZ patients), the incidence of hepatic reactions, jaundice and arthralgia was similar in the 2 regimens. On the pyrazinamide regimens combined, hepatic reactions were marginally more frequent in patients with Australia antigen or antibody either before or during chemotherapy (P = 0.09). Serum uric acid concentrations were higher in patients on daily than on intermittent pyrazinamide (P less than 0.005), and in patients with arthralgia on the daily pyrazinamide regimen than in matched controls (P = 0.07).


[Mucopolysaccharide content in the wool of sheep of different breeds].

The content of acid mucopolysaccharides was studied in wool from sheep of different species. In particular it was shown that the wool of fine fleece sheep is notable for the highest content of mucopolysaccharides. A comparatively lower quantity of mucopolysaccharides was found in the woold of hair sheep. The content of mucopolysaccharides in wool is closely connected with it structure; i.e. with the ratio of individual keratoses in it.


[Effect of myosin and its fragments on some creatine kinase properties].

Some properties of creatine kinase were investigated in a two-enzyme system, myosin ATPase-creatine kinase. A rise in the creatine activity in the presence of native myosin was demonstrated. The addition of proteolytic fragments of myosin caused a similar effect. Thermostability of creatine kinase in the presence of native myosin increased. Blocking of amino groups of myosin by TNBS had no effect on its activating capacity, but decreased its influence on thermostability of creatine kinase. Localization of the binding sites of creatine kinase on the myosin molecule is discussed in the present work.


[Comparative study of the effect of some psychotropic substancces on the activity of brain Na+, K+-ATPase in vitro].

The activity of Na+, K+-ATPase from bovine brain in vitro was studied as affected by some neuroleptics (levomepromazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine and haloperidol), antidepressants (imipramine and iproniazid) and psychostimulants (amphetamine) as well as by benactyzine and procaine. The degree of the enzyme inhibition by these drugs estimated by means of I 50 and apparent inhibitor constants (Ki) or rate constants (k) was different. Sensitivity of the brain Na+, K+-ATPase to the drugs decreased in the following order: levomepromazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, haloperidol, imipramine, iproniazid, benactyzine, procaine and amphetamine. Competition for the enzyme was revealed between sodium and some of the drugs investigated (levomepromazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine and impramine) as well as between potassium and other drugs (haloperidol, genactyzine and amphetamine). It is suggested that the inhibition of the brain Na+, K+-ATPase by psychotropic drugs may be a part in the biochemical mechanism of their sedative-tranquilizing activity.


[Study of the fibrinogen splitting products in the blood plasma in hyperfibrinolysis].

Dependence between the content of fibrinogen splitting products, rate of their formation and activation degree of the fibrinolytic system was studied in human and rabbit blood under conditions of hyperfibrinolysis in the experiments in vitro and in vivo. The effect of proteinases inhibitors on fibrinolysis and fibrinogen splitting products activation with streptokinase was also examined in the in vitro and in vivo experiments.


Rehabilitation of patients with low back disorders in the County of Uppsala.

Low back pain is a common cause of inability to work. At the Rehabilitation Centre of the Uppsala County Council an annual number of more than 100 patients with this condition undergo an investigation aimed at evaluating their capacity for work and their need for rehabilitation. By compiling and analysing the information recorded in the case journals of the patients with low back disorders during the years 1969 to 1971, it was hoped that more knowledge would be gained about the factors constituting a hindrance to rehabilitation. The present paper is a preliminary report on an analysis of 47 case journals unsystematically selected from the entire material. The study verifies a number of previously reported observations, e.g. the low frequency of roentgenological changes. It is also noted that in a remarkably large number of patients no or only slight abnormalities were found  on physical examination. Compared with the results of other investigations, there was a very low frequency of concurrent psychiatric disorders and abuse of alcohol. It was considered from this analysis that the information in the case journal material in question is adequate for elucidating the relevant problems in the planned larger investigation; further, it provides motivation for a future follow-up study.


[Kinetic properties of the Ca2+--ATPase in the skeletal muscle sarcolemma of the rabbit normally and in E-avitaminotic dystrophy].

The article deals with values of seeming Michaelis' constants (for ATP) obtained at different temperatures and Michaelis' constants (for Ca ATP) obtained at 30degrees C with pathology and in norm for sarcolemma Ca2+-ATPase. It follows from the analysis of the Ca2+ total concentration effect (the ATP total concentration being constant) on the activation energy of ATP hydrolysis reactions that with pathology sarcolemma possesses, evidently, a greater adsorption affinity to Ca2+ (the enzyme activator) than in norm. The thermoinactivation properties of the enzyme are studied. It is shown that the inactivation coefficient with pathology increases more rapidly with a temperature rise than in norm. It indicates to the fact that the enzyme from the dystrophic muscles is more labile to the heat effect than from the normal ones.


Uptake and distribution of 3H testosterone in tissues of male Praomys (Mastomys) Natalensis: an in vivo and in vitro study on the prostate.

Following the administration of labelled testosterone into 4-6 month old intact, or 24 h orchiectomized Praomys (Mastomys) Natalensis, the uptake of radioactivity by the prostate and other tissues was measured at different intervals. Two hours after the injection of the hormone, the concentration of radioactivity in the prostate was significantly higher than in most of the other organs, but less than that of the liver and kidney. Most of the radioactivity taken up by the liver and kidney disappeared 8-16 h after the administration of the hormone. Orchiectomy enhanced the uptake of the radioactivity by the prostate. Administration of unlabelled testosterone prior to the injection of labelled hormone or the addition of unlabelled testosterone in the incubation media significantly reduced the uptake of radioactivity by the prostate. These changes did not occur in the non target tissues. In an in vitro system prostatic tissue took up significantly more radioactivity than the diaphragm. These findings have been compared with the results of the similar experiments reported on the prostate of the male rat and the female Mastomys.


[Cancer of the gallbladder].

The problems of diagnosis and treatment of the disease are analysed basing on the experience with 26 observations of gallbladder cancer. According to the authors' opinion the progress could be achieved only in the complex exploration, including roentgenocontrast examination of biliary passages, duodenography under conditions of artificial hypotension, ultrasonic biolocation of the gallbladder, hepatoscanning, dynamic scannography, selective angiography and combined laparoscopy. As a result of the performed combined laparoscopy cancer of the gallbladder was diagnosed in 11 of 15 examined patients. Recommendations for surgical therapy are given.


[Postoperative cicatrical hernias of the Spigelian line].

Among 640 patients operated upon due to multiple recurrences of ventral hernias Spigelian hernia was revealed in 11 cases, and primary surgery for Spigelian hernia was performed only in one case. The diagnosis of Spigelian hernias in this category of patients presents considerable difficulties. It is the authors' opinion that operative treatment of Spigelian hernias after repeat operations on abdominal organs should be performed with application of allomaterials. As an alloprosthesis the authors recommend to use a specially manufactured material from Lavsan threads No 200 with 2-3 mm mesh. An examination of patients 10-12 years following herniotomy indicated that neither recurrent hernia nor complications related with the utilization of Lavsan alloprosthesis were noted in any case.


Experimental study on the closure of large defects of the oral cavity using a free island flap with microvascular anastomosis.

The present study demonstrates that a free island flap with microvascular anastomosis may be used for the closure of a large defect in the oral cavity of the pig. In control cases, when a similar flap was transferred without microvascular anastomosis, a total and rapid slough occurred. Technical details are important in this kind of surgery. The island flap should be sized appropriately, cautiously defatted, and sutured into the defect before doing the microvascular anastomosis. Tension, torsion, or kinking of the vessels to be anastomosed must be meticulously avoided. In suturing these small vessels, microvascular techniques must be strictly adhered to. No anticoagulation is needed. The free island flap does not need to be perfused. Close observation of the flap's capillary refill, tissue turgor, and color is essential in the early postoperative period. More recently, Doppler technique has enabled us to monitor blood flow in the flap more accurately. If initial signs of venous congestion or arterial insufficiency are noted, examination of the anastomotic site can and should be done. Revision, if indicated, may result in rescue of the flap (as it was described in pig No. 8). The results of this experimental study allowed us recently to use this method successfully in two patients. Both had oral cavity carcinomas. In the first, the flap measured 5x7x2 cm and in the second 9x10x1.5 cm. They are now nine weeks and five weeks respectively, without any signs of failure. The details will be given when we have a series of patients adequate for a definitive report.


Adaptation of mice to carbon monoxide and the effect of splenectomy.

The adaptation of normal and splenectomized mice to increasing concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in air, and their subsequent long-term survival in it were studied. From the 10th day onwards the concentration of CO was maintained at 0.24%, which produced a carboxyhaemoglobin level of about 74% in the blood, and which was normally lethal within 24 h. However, the non-splenectomized mice survived in this envirment for an average of 47 days, but splenectomized moce survived for 101 days. During adaptation to CO there were marked increases in the haematocrit level and the concentration haemoglobin, a massive release of reticulocytes into the circulation, and increases in blood volume, spleen and heart weight. However, changes in the above haematological parameters were significantly less in splenectomized than in normal animals. These differences were attributed to the loss of the erythropoietic reservees of the spleen. In splenctomized mice which survived for over 90 days in CO there was histological evidence for the development of extramedullary erythropoiesis, as well as increased erythropoietic activity in the marrow of the tail vertebrae, which occurred earlier. Deaths were most frequently associated with massive internal haemorrhages in both groups of animals. This is discussed in relations to histological and haematological findings. Also in both groups, there was evidence that both hypertrophy and hyperplasia of heart muscle fibres occurred during adaptation to breathing CO.


Ultrastructural studies on the growth of filaments and sarcomeres in mechanically overloaded human hearts.

The ultrastructure of myocardial cells was studied in four patients with left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy due to aortic and/or mitral valvular disease. Signs of cellular lysis and synthesis were present in juxtanuclear, interfibrillar, and subsarcolemmal areas. Subsarcolemmal areas contained a granular matrix with foci of polyribosomes, mitochondria, well preserved membranes, a proliferating sarcoplasmic reticulum, and thick and thin filaments and Z-band formations at different stages of development. Z-band substance and thin filaments appeared in the cytoplasm in close proximity to free polyribosomes and endoplasmic membranes and were seemingly not associated with the sarcolemma. These findings were interpreted as evidence for a proteosynthetic activity leading to the formation of new myofibrils and sarcomeres during the chronic stage of hypertrophy. Comparative studies showed that this process has much in common with the genesis of contractile cardiac units in the mammalian embryo. Anomalous Z-band accumulations were studied in normal myocardial cells of various vertebrates and in cells of the overloaded human heart. No evidence of a proteosynthetic activity was detected in the expanded Z-bands.


A simplified technique for postmortem evaluation of coronary arteries.

The growth of complex diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases has mandated a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of cases which reach the pathology laboratory. This report describes in detail the relatively simple techniques and protocol which we have employed for postmortem evaluation of the coronary vascular bed and myocardium. The key elements include the use of a pigmented gelatin mass containing radiopaque material (Barosperse), proper injection technique with simultaneous filling of the main coronary vessels at identical pressures, postmortem arteriography, cardiac dissection, and histologic confirmation of coronary and myocardial lesions. Three cases with sharply differing cardiac diseases are presented to illustrate the kind of information which may be obtained with this approach. Our experience in terms of frequency and distribution of occlusive coronary vascular disease and the relationship to age and sex has been summarized. Significant disease (> 75% lumenal obstruction) was identified angiographically and confirmed by dissection in 46 of 57 cases of clinically suspected disease. None of six hearts from patients without clinical evidence for cardiovascular disease demonstrated actual or angiographically false-positive occlusive coronary disease. It is suggested that a more detailed analysis of the coronary vascular bed can be accomplished in the pathology laboratory with this relatively simple approach and that important information bearing on clinical management can be reliably obtained.


[Morphology of the cells in the peritoneal exsudate and phosphatase activity of the peritoneal macrophages experimentally aged rats treated with the intracellular bacterium Brucella abortus 19 (author's transl)].

The authors study the morphology of the cells in the peritoneal exsudate and the phosphatase activity of the peritoneal macrophages, obtained from rats with Selye's Progeria-like syndrome. Judging by their morphologic characteristics the macrophages of the experimentally aged rats, before and after contact with Brucella abortus 19 do not differ from those obtained from the unsubjected to experimental ageing rats. The acid phosphatase activity and the adenosinetriphosphatase activity of the macrophages prior to contact with Brucella abortus 19 are nearly identical for both groups of animals. Following contact the activity of the enzymes increases but this increase is slower by aged rats and reaches its maximum 1--2 days later.


[Immunological aspects in lung diseases (author's transl)].

The immunological aspects of allergic disorders of the lung (Type I-IV by Gell and Coombs, drug hypersensitivity, auto-immune diseases) and non-allergic lung diseases (emphysema in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, bronchial carcinoma) are described. The short review is closed with remarks about the immunological defence in the bronchial mucosa.


Hyperalimentation in infants.

Experiences gained in 150 newborns and infants receiving a complete parenteral nutrition are summarized. An infusion pattern for the complete parenteral nutrition of newborns is presented. Technical questions of parenteral nutrition are discussed. Finally the treatment of 2 newborns with inborn errors of the gastrointestinal tract is reported.


[The Bland-White-Garland syndrome in adult age].

The clinical and post-mortem findings in a 59-year-old female patient with an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery are described. This case in the age over fifty is the fourth to be published. The clinical picture was characterized as an antero-lateral myocardial infarction with disturbances of the conduction and with a mitral insufficiency. At autopsy fibrotic areas resulting from myocardial infarction were found in the ventricular septum and in the anterior as well in the posterior muscular wall of the heart. The histological alterations of the arterial wall suggested that the function of the central part of the left coronary artery was that of a vene, while the peripheral parts served as arterio-venous  anastomoses. The occurrence of this anomaly in our autopsy material was 0.1 0/00. The pathophysiology is discussed.


[Defects in erythrocyte glycolysis enzymes as the cause of nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia].

Hereditary non-spherocytary haemolytic anaemias have their cause in enzymopathies of the pentose phosphate cycle and the glycolysis of the erythrocytes. The 11 known enzyme defects of the erythrocytary glycolysis in consequence of the reduced preparation of adenosine triphosphatase condition a deficient stability of the membrane of the erythrocytes. Therefore, the increased autohaemolysis in normal osmotic resistance is a reference to these forms of anaemia, which are particularly to be differentiated from hereditary sperocytoses. In Middle Europe the deficiency of pyruvate kinase plays the greatest part among the otherwise rarely diagnosed enzymopenic haemolytic anaemias.


[Suspicion of Down's syndrome based on patients obstetrical history and clinical data (author's transl)].

At the university women's clinic Zurich between 1963 and 1974, 29 babies in a total of 32255 babies were born with Down's syndrome. 11 of these had a cardiac vitium and 2 an intestinal malformation. 5 babies died during the first year of life. This high morbidity demands an analysis of the criteria in the obstetrical history and clinical picture in order to reach a diagnosis in those cases which would otherwise not be diagnosed if one used the normal criteric for amniocentesis in early pregnancy. Maternal age was the only relevant factor to emerge. In 6 pregnancies a tentative diagnosis for poor intrauterine growth was made in which only one case showed a retarded growth of the bipariental diameter. In all 7 cases in which cephalometry was performed after the 24 week of pregnancy, the concurrent hormonal parameters showed significantly lowered oestriol levels with normal HPL levels. From this information we draw the conclusion that transabdominal amniocentesis should be performed in in pregnancies with permanently low oestriol levels and normal HPL levels; especially in cases which clinically appear "small for dates" and for which there is no other explanation such as anencephaly for the low maternal oestriol levels.


[Incidence and degree of unwanted adverse effects of corticoids in childhood: results of dermatological studies in children with chronic diseases in the age group of 1-15 years].

Out of 416 children suffering from atopic diseases 288 (69.2%) were treated topically, systemically or topically and systemically with corticosteroid preparations by the general practitioners. In 236 (81.9%) of these cases, children between the age of 1 and 15 years, developed undesirable, in part irreversible side effects. In some of the cases, topical corticosteroids by skin absorption also caused systemic side effects. It is therefore questionable if the application of corticosteroids during childhood in atopic diseases is really a therapeutic advance.


[Clinical trial with benzoyl peroxide shampoo in seborrhea oleosa].

The effectiveness of Shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide against oily hair and dandruff has been studied in a clinical trial. The shampoo has proved a precious therpeutic adjunct for these conditions. The probable mechanism of action is summarized on the basis of references.


[Studies on ozone therapy of acne vulgaris].

Ozone therapy using the Vapozone 9, an instrument in normal commercial usage, has been carried out on the forehead of 16 male test persons on 7 consecutive days. Before the treatment began and at the end of the treatment period the skin surface lipids on the unchanged skin (casual level) and two hours after defatting the skin (replacement sum) were taken by direct extraction and analysed by means of thin layer chromatography. The results of these investigations rule out a decrease in the free fatty acids by this therapy. As a result of this finding it may assumed that no desinfecting effect on the corynebacterium acnes and other lipasereleasing microorganisms can be attributed to ozone therapy.


Effect of cyclophosphamide on the immune response to sheep erythrocytes in the mouse. II. A study of enzyme activities in the draining lymph node.

Young adult CFW mice, injected with sheep erythrocytes, were treated with cyclophosphamide and sacrificed at different times. The activity of acid phosphatase and for non-specific esterase was measured by semi-quantitative methods in smears prepared from cell suspension of draining lymph node. In cyclophosphamide-treated mice was noted a significant decrease in acid phosphatase activity in lymphoid cells, expressed both as average activity in single lymphoid cell and a decrease in proportion of cells exhibiting enzyme activity. Also a short-term decrease was observed in activity of non-specific esterase caused both by disappearance of highly active large lymphoid and blast cells as well as decrease in percentage of enzyme-positive small lymphocytes.


Studies on the mechanism of specific immunological unresponsiveness. II. Immunological properties of lymphoid cells from normal, immunized and immunologically unresponsive mice transferred into lethally irradiated recipients.

The immunological capacity of lymphoid cells from mice rendered tolerant to high and low doses of BSA was investigated. The tolerance was induced by multiple injections of high and low doses of antigen through the period of 30 days. Lymph node and bone marrow cells from tolerant animals were transferred into lethally irradiated syngeneic recipients. After 10 days, when lymphoid organs of the recipients were repopulated with the injected cells, challenge injection of the same antigen incorporated into complete Freund's adjuvant was given. The immune response of the transferred cells in the recipients was evaluated by analysis of the specific antibodies in the sera. Lymphoid cells from donors rendered toloerant with high doses of antigen recovered their reactivity 20 days after the transfer to the level of reaction of normal cells. Lymphoid cells from donors receiving multiple injection of low doses of BSA remained tolerant after the transfer through the entire observation period. According to the cellular events in the donors during the period of tolerance induction, and the behaviour of the transferred lymphoid cells in the new recipients, it seems possible that tolerance induced with high doses of BSA corresponded to the B-cell tolerance, while low doses of antigen most likely induced tolerance of T-cell population. The possible cellular mechanisms of B and T-cell tolerance were discussed.


Cr-releasing cytotoxicity tests: study of parameters influencing their reliability.

Parameters which are of interest for the better performance of the Cr-releasing cytotoxicity tests were examined, such as type of cells used as targets; influence of various media on the viability of the cells, on uptake of radioactive chromium and on nonspecific chromium release; and influence of specific activity of chromium on the extent of labelling of the targets. The test has been applied to follow the course of primary and secondary immune responses to H-2 alloantigens.


A histoautoradiographic study of the localization of antigen and specific antibodies in the rabbit spleen. I. Comparison of the primary and secondary immune response.

The localization of antigen (chicken serum albumin) and specific antibodies in sections from the spleens of rabbits after primary and secondary immunization was studied by means of histoautoradiography. After primary immunization, both antigen and antibodies were demonstrated in the lymphoid follicles consistently between 3 and 42 days after injection. Antigen was detected in addition in the marginal zone on the 5th day, and antibody-forming cells in the marginal zone and periarteriolar lymphocyte sheaths between 3 and 9 days after immunization. After secondary immunization, follicular antigen trapping was detected as early as 2 hours after injection, reaching a peak in the follicles and marginal zone on the 3rd day after immunization. At later periods of time the presence of antigen in the follicles was less prominent than that of specific antibodies. The numbers of antibody-forming cells were 10-100-fold higher in the secondary than in the primary response. The findings are discussed in relation to the role of antigen-antibody complex in the lymphoid follicles in the development of the capacity to produce the secondary type of immune response.


[Microfluorometric demonstration of thyroglobulin antibodies with the defined antigen substrate spheres (DASS) system].

Previous investigations showed that quantitative immunofluorescence using antigens covalently bound to agarose particles represents a reproducible and sensitive assay for antibodies in experimental antisera. In this paper data are presented which show that also thyroglobulin antibodies in patients sera can be demonstrated using the defined antigen substrate spheres (DASS) system with thyroglobulin as antigen. Sera of 45 patients with various thyroid diseases were investigated for the presence of thyroglobulin antibodies using passive haemagglutination and the quantitative immunofluorescence technique. Comparable results were obtained with both techniques. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed.


Guinea pig histocompatibility antigens. III. Analysis of normal lymphocyte transfer (NLT) reactions among guinea pigs with serologically defined phenotypes (GPL-AB locus and I region).

The normal lymphocyte transfer (NLT) reaction occurring upon intradermal injection of lymphocytes into a normal recipient may be considered as a kind of mixed lymphocyte reaction in vivo. In previous experiments, we have defined serologically a number of guinea pig lymphocyte antigens, controlled either by a GPL-A locus (equivalent of H-2 D locus in mice) or by a so-called I region (equivalent to the I region in mice). The I region also appears to control a number of immune response genes in the guinea pig. Using guinea pig inbred strains (such as 2, 13, OM3, BE), guinea pig families homozygous for their GPL-A antigens and serologically characterized outbreds, it has been possible to show that antigens of the I region probably play a higher role in NLT reactions. No NLT reactions occur among outbred animals of a closed colony which have been bred to homozygozity for their GPL-A antigens and thereby probably possess haplotype homozygozity for their major histocompatibility complex. The NLT reaction among serologically characterized guinea pigs may become a convenient way to detect new specificities and recombinant progeny.


Purification of a human serum protein ("factor E") which enhances cobra venom factor-induced indirect lysis. Identification with the fifth component of complement.

Complexes formed of Cobra venom factor (CVF) and activated factor B (B) by interaction of CVF and B with trypsin or factor D are capable of activating the third and fifth complement component. When incubated with sheep or guinea pig red cells and guinea pig serum in the presence of EDTA, these CVFB complexes produce "indirect lysis". Addition of a human serum factor, earlier designated as factor E (6), greatly enhances the efficiency of this lytic system. The component with this activity has been purified to homogeneity (disc and immunoelectrophoresis). In chromatographic fractionations it was inseparable from the fifth complement component, it was inactivated by and reacted with several anti-C5 antisera, and kinetics of inactivation by heat (56 degrees C) and trypsin were the same for factor E and hemolytic C5 activities. It is concluded that factor E is the fifth component of human complement. Guinea pig C5 is not capable of supporting indirect lysis in a comparable manner, for as yet unknown reasons. Some possible explanations are discussed.


[Electron microscopic detection of blood group antigen A on human erythrocytes by means of ferritin- and gold-labelled protectin of helix pomatia].

By means of ferritin- and gold-labelled protectin from the albumen gland of the edible snail Helix pomatia the blood group antigen A was located on human erythrocytes of groups A1, A2 and A1B. With erythrocytes of groups O and B the reaction is negative. The antigen is focally distributed on the outer surface of the cell membrane. Cells from groups A1 and A1B have an antigen A concentration about 4 times greater than A2 cells. The numbers of particles after tagging with ferritin or gold are comparable. The gold particles show an extremely high contrast and are therefore very suitable for the immunoelectron microscopic localization of antigens.


Immunologic effects of morphine in rodents, rabbits, monkeys, and cats.

The effects of prolonged morphine administration on immunologic reactivity against morphine was studied in a number of animal species: rabbit, monkey, guinea pig, rat, and cat. Some evidence for increased serum binding of 14C-labeled morphine was noted after morphine treatment in all test species, with the rabbit the best responder and the cat showing little or no response. In addition to measurements on serum binding of 14C-labeled morphine, other methods (measurement of serum binding of 14C-labeled codeine and methadone, competitive inhibition tests, radial immunodiffusion, and passive hemagglutination) were used for one or more of the species. Overall, results with these test methods have shown that prolonged morphine administration can result in immunologic responsiveness to morphine in animals.


Stimulation of the phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in adjuvant arthritis in the rat.

The administration of mycobacterial adjuvant produced a stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) phagocytic function. The degree of such a stimulation was greater in Lewis than in AVN inbred strain of rats. There was no relationship between the degree of RES stimulation and clinical signs of adjuvant-induced arthritis.


[Demonstration of cellular antibodies against streptococcal antigens in children (author's transl)].

In a group of 48 children the following streptococcal antigens were tested by means of the lymphocyte transformation test: group A streptococcal M1- and M19-protein, mucopeptide, polysaccharides from group A and group C streptococci, erythrogenic toxins and streptokinase. Specific transformations were obtained only by M-proteins. Erythrogenic toxines induced an unspecific stimulation comparable to the mitogenic activity of phytohaemagglutinins. No reactions could be found with streptococcal mucopeptide, the group-specific carbohydrates of groups A and C-streptococci and streptokinase, resp. A significant difference was seen in the group of young children (mean age 5 years) between the specific transformability by M1-protein (a common type) and M19-protein (a rare type). No difference was seen with both M-proteins in the group of older children (mean age 11 years). In both groups of children no differences exist in the number of positive cutaneous reactions after injection of M1- and M19-proteins, but the intensity of reactions (diameters of erythema) were more pronounced with the M-protein of the common type 1.


[Experiences with DNCB sensitization in normal human individuals of various age groups (author's transl)].

Using DNCB contact sensitization, the primary cellular immune response of 40 normal individuals was investigated. The response to DNCB in the younger age group was higher and stronger than in the older age group, suggesting a decrease of T-cell function in elderly subjects. The simultaneous application of a high (1000 mug) and a low (100 mug) dose of DNCB for quantitation of the reactivity gave good results. However, in several cases - especially in the younger age group - the local reactions reached unexpected intensity followed by long lasting pigmentation. One investigator exhibited contact eczema on both hands after sensitization by merely touching the skin area of a previous DNCB reaction. Because of the potent immunogenicity of this substance and the possibility of cross reactions with numerous similar antigens widely used in the chemical and related industry, this test should only be applied in selected cases.


Active immunization against tetanus in guinea-pigs. An attempt to evaluate "rapid immunization" with tetanus vaccine.

The effect of 3 schedules for tetanus vaccination on the immunity developed by guinea-pigs was investigated, using 1.5 Lf adsorbed tetanus toxoid injected subcutaneously. The following injection schedules were used: a) 5 injections: initially and after 3, 7, 10, and 13 days; b) 3 injections:: initially and after 2 and 4 weeks; c) 2 injections: initially and after 4 weeks. Blood samples were taken after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks and the titres of tetanus antitoxin were recorded. No significant difference in the titres was observed within 2 weeks. Immunity was also tested by challenge with different amounts of tetanus toxin after 1 week, 10 days, 2, 3, and 8 weeks. A tendency to a higher immunity with schedule a) was observed after 10 days to 2 weeks; thereafter no acceleration of immunity could be shown. The results indicate that frequent injections over a short period of time do not establish rapid immunity against tetanus.


[BPO-Specific, complement-dependant cell-lysis of differently sensitized sheep red cells: evaluation of haptenic groups and their influence on IgM and IgG-induced lysis (author's transl)].

Sheep erythrocytes were coated with bencylpenicilloyl-(BPO)groups. Different incubation periods resulted in erythrocyte preparations with different hapten density. Complement dependent lysis induced by IgM or IgG antibodies was studied with the cell preparations. The calculation of hapten density on the erythrocyte surface was not possible by direct measurement of coupled radioactive BPO since more than 90% of radioactive material was found in the soluble supernatant after osmotic cell lysis and less than 10% was fixed to the cellular membrane. Measurement of membrane bound immunologically relevant BPO-groups was achieved, therefore, by comparison of the inhibitory capacity of the test cells with that of a standard cell preparation. The latter consisted of tannic acid treated erythrocytes coated with protein complexed radioactive BPO. Surface hapten density of the different target cell preparations varied between 1.9 x 10(5) and 4.8 10(5) BPO-groups per cell depending on the time of incubation. Complement dependent antibody mediated cell lysis was significantly reduced by reduction of haptenic sites per target cell, IgG induced lysis being much more affected than hemolysis induced by IgM antibodies. Statistical calculations led to the conclusion that 18,000 protein islets per cell bearing 4 or more BPO-groups are not sufficient for hemolysis induced by IgG antibodies. 48,000 protein islets with this hapten density are necessary for "optimal" sensitization. IgG antibodies must be apparently bound to the cell surface in bivalent form.


Active immunization against tetanus in man. II. Combined active and passive prophylaxis with human tetanus immune globulin.

19 Persons were actively immunized with adsorbed tetanus toxoid and were simultaneously given tetanus immune globulin of human origin, TIG(H), in doses of 500-1500 IU. Their antitoxin titres were followed for 1 year. Seven persons were given only TIG(H), 500 IU and 1500 IU and their antitoxin titres were followed for 3 months to 1 year. For comparison, 30 military recruits were actively immunized with adsorbed tetanus toxiod according to common practice. Their antitoxin titres were followed for 1 year. The response to complete active immunization could not be demonstrated to be impaired by passive immunization, when 500 IU or 1500 IU OF TIG(H) were given simultaneously with toxoid. The titres were in accordance with those achieved by active immunization of the recruits.


T- and B-areas in immune reactions. Volume changes in T and B cell compartments of the rat spleen following intravenous administration of a thymus-dependent (SRBC) and a thymus-independent (paratyphoid vaccin-endotoxin) antigen. A histometric study.

In the white pulp of rat spleens cell numbers were studied in the different compartments following intravenous administration of comparable doses of paratyphoid vaccine (PTV, thymus-independent) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC, thymus-dependent). In the periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths (PALS) both cell concentration and volume were measured. For the follicles and the marginal zone only volume was recorded in the first 5 days following antigen administration. Additionally, histologic observations were made. In the thymus-dependent area PTV caused oedema 12-24 hours after administration. Following SRBC administration an increase in lymphocyte numbers occurred until the second day, probably representing an influx of T cells from the recirculating pool. Both antigens gave rise to a plasmacellular reaction in the peripheral PALS (2nd-4th day). In the bone marrow-dependent areas a massive shift of medium-sized lymphocytes from the marginal zone to the follicles took place in the first 24 hours following PTV administration. These cells subsequently transformed into blasts. After SRBC (6 and 12 hours) only a few marginal zone lymphocytes seemed to migrate into the follicles. It is aruged that the endotoxin present in PTV is responsible for the fact that, following administration of the antigen, all marginal zone (B) cells responded. Endotoxin stimulation might provide a model for the fate of marginal zone cells stimulated by other agents, such as antigen (stimulating antigen binding B cells) or antigen-antibody complexes (stimulating Fc-receptor B cells).


Asimple test for immunogenicity of colloidal infusion solutions- the draining lymph node activation.

The increasing number of lymphocytes with nucleoli synthesizing RNA in the mouse lymph nodes, draining the site of injection of infusion solutions, was used as a marker for their immunogenicity. The percentage of "active" lymphocytes significantly increased 3 days after the administration of preparations based on bovine serum or human haemoglobin which were found immunogenic when testing for antibody formation. Such a reaction was not elicited in mice treated with Physiogel, Dextran and Duxon which do not cause any production of antibodies. The described test may serve as a rapid and economical assay for the immunogenicity of infusion solutions and other substances.


[Immunity against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection by means of active immunization using homologous neuraminidase (author's transl)].

Neuraminidase may play a role as a pathogenic factor in Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection. The protective effect of active immunization with purified neuraminidase was therefore tested in an infection experiment in white mice. Mice were immunized 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 times i.p. with Erysipelothrix neuraminidase. A control group received 10 injections with physiological saline. The infective dose varied between 7 and 7 x 10(7) cells. While all control animals infected with 7 x 10(1) germs died, the lethal effect could be reduced to 50% and 25% in animals immunized twice and 4 times, respectively. Only animals immunized 8 and 10 times were still partly protected against germ numbers of 10(3)-10(4). Germ numbers of 10(5) and more were almost always fatal even in highly immunized animals. Even a high immunization with neuraminidase could only lower the lethal by a maximum factor of 10(4) germs used.


Membrane associated antigens of human malignant melanoma. II. Leucocyte migration studies with formalin fixed human melanoma cells.

The leucocyte migration test from caillary tubes was examined for its usefulness as an assay for cell-mediated immunity in melanoma patients. Formalin fixed melanoma cells either obtained from established cell lines or freshly excised tumors were used as antigen source. From a group of 33 melanoma patients 14 reacted positively (42%) when fixed cultured cells were used, whereas, no positive reactions were found in a group of 14 control donors. However, a considerable proportion of patients with chronic inflammatory processes of the skin reacted positively (4/17 = 24%). A smaller proportion of positive reactions were found in melanoma patients when fixed melanoma cells from excised tumors were used (1/16 = 6%). The positive results in the group with chronic inflammatory processes may be explained as reactions against melanoma associated, but not melanoma-specific, antigens. Three possible reasons are discussed for the low frequency of positive reactions with cells from excised tumors: 1. the cells used in this study display only a few of the antigenic determinants typical for malignant melanoma, 2. antigen expression is quantitatively lower. 3. the surface antigens are covered by blocking factors.


[Active enhancement of canine kidney allografts (author's transl)].

In 32 beagles heterotopic renal allotransplantations and bilateral nephrectomies were carried out. Control animals (5 dogs) survived 9.4 +/- 1.6 days. 22 recipients were pretreated with donor-specific semisoluble spleen antigen; 5 recipients pretreated with the antigen alone (780 mg/kg body weight) survived 16.6 +/- 2.3 days. A pretreatment with antigen combined with 5 mg/kg body weight Prednisolone resulted in no significant prolongation of survival time (5 animals), but 5 dogs survived significantly longer after pretreatment with the antigen and 50 mg/kg body weight Prednisolone (27.4 +/- 2,7 days). In 5 recipients after preoperative application of 3 doses Prednisolone alone (50 mg/kg body weight each) no prolongation of survival time could be observed (10.2 +/- 0.7 days). We found no correlation between lymphocytotoxic antibody titre and survival time.


Cell-mediated hypersensitivity in guinea-pigs infected with toxoplasms gondii.

This investigation demonstrated delayed hypersensitivity by macrophage migration inhibition (MMI) and skin-testing (ST) at 4, 8, 12, and 17 weeks and by lymphocyte transformation (LT) at 4, 12, and 17 weeks after infection of guinea-pigs (GP) with Toxoplasma gondii (C-37 strain). MMI and LT were both most pronounced at 4 and 17 weeks post-infection. GP immunized with toxoplasmin in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) demonstrated positive blast transformation and ST, but GP immunized with phosphate buffered saline in CFA did not. MMI was demonstrated with both immunizing preparations. Positive dye test and indirect hemagglutination test titers from 4 through 17 weeks were found.


Spontaneous and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in melanoma patients and healthy control presons.

Spontaneous cell-mediated cytotoxicity (SCMC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against 51Cr labeled allogeneic target cells of a human melanoma cell line (IGR3) were determined with purified effector lymphocytes and defibrinated whole blood from 14 melanoma patients and 13 healthy control persons. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation (fraction F); subsequently the phagocytic and adherent cells were removed and the supernating cell population (fraction fff) was passaged through IgG anti-IgG columns to obtain a B cell free lymphocyte suspension (fraction fff-c). cells from the 3 lymphocyte fractions and from defibrinated whole blood were simultaneously tested for cytotoxic activity against unsensitized IGR3 target cells (SCMC assay) and IGR3 cells perviously sensitized with a rabbit anti-melanoma IgG (ADCC assay). Dose-response curves were established with all lymphocyte fractions and with whole blood. The following results were obtained. 1. With all lymphocyte fractions tested, ADCC was approximately 15 time higher than SCMC, whereas with whole blood, the difference tended to be less pronounced. 2. Elimination of phagoctic and adherent cells had no significant effect on SCMC and ADCC. 3. Passage over IgG anti-IgG columns drastically reduced cytotoxicity in both assays without, however, completely abolishing it. 4. The only difference seen between lymphocyte cytotoxicity of melanoma patients and control persons was a slight, but non-significant depression of SCMC and ADCC in melanoma patients. The results confirm and extend our previous report that SCMC against an allogeneic tumor cell-line is due to not-specific "Null" or "K" cell-activity rather than to specific T cell cytotoxicity. In one experiment freshly explanted melanoma cells were labeled with 51Cr and reacted wiht autologous blood and purified lymphocyte fractions. It was found that cellular cytotoxicity depending on serum factors (ADCC) was an effective lytic mechanism, whereas T cell-mediated cytotoxicity could not be demonstrated.


Strong expression of Fc-receptors on leukemic cells in hairy cell leukemia.

The neoplastic cells of a patient with hairy cell leukemia were found to express a high Fc-receptor actitivy on their surface. When the Fc-receptors were determined quantitatively by measuring the uptake of 125I-labelled aggregated IgG under saturation conditions, it was found that the hariy cells bound approximately 3 times more aggregated IgG than normal adherent mononuclear cells. The bound 125I-Agg. IgG was evenly distributed on the cell surface when the cells were labelled at 4 degrees C and was rapidly redistributed in form of a cap at one cell pole during incubation at 20 degrees C.


Experimental pulpal immunization. I. Route of application and demonstration of immune response.

The experimental exposure of the pulpal room of rabbit teeth made it possible to apply an ovalbumin agar gel deposit into the pulpal room and subsequently investigate the immune response. Diffusion of antigen from the agar into environment was proven. After 3 weekly applications 5 rabbits showed hemagglutinating anti-ovalbumin titers between 1:128 and 1:512, while 7 rabbits receiving 10 weekly applications had titers between 1:8000 and 1:128,000. Control rabbits which received the agar deposit alone showed no antibody response. Control rabbits which obtained 3 identical weekly doses of ovalbumin in PBS by subcutaneous injection showed an identical immune response as animals immunized via the pulpal room. Specificity of antibodies was ascertained by passive hemagglutination with control antigens and hemagglutination inhibition. Intradermal injection of ovalbumin in 3 rabbits which obtained pulpal immunization, induced an Arthus reaction. The precipitating property of ovalbumin antibodies and their identity with defined ovalbumin antisera was proven by gel diffusion. The results obtained show, that antigens present in the pulpal room provide a strong immunogenic stimulus.


[Determination of the origin of drugs by measuring natural isotope contents: D/H and 13C/12C ratios of some diazepam samples (author's transl)].

The precise determination of the natural isotopic abundance ratios of carbon and hydrogen in several production batches of the commercial product 7-chlor-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-on (diazepam) gave results which allowed certain batches to be differentiated. The differences in the ratios appear to be mainly due to differences in the isotopic composition of the (fossile) starting materials of the synthesis. The measurement of the natural isotopic ratios may therefore offer another possibility to determine the origin of a drug.


New and uncommon indole- and imidazole-alkylamines in skins of amphibians from Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Extracts of the skin of some amphibians from Australia and Papua New Guinea contained, in addition to the usual 5-hydroxyindolealkylamines and histamine: a. two new, hitherto unknown indolealkylamines, i.e. O-sulphate of bufotenidine and 2-(3-indolyl) ethyltrimethylammonium, a quaternary ammonium base of tryptamine. The rare O-sulphate of bufotenine was also present, the occurrence of which had previously been demonstrated only in the skin of some South American toads; b. a series of uncommon imidazolealkylamines, such as N'-acetylhistamine, N'-methylhistamine, N',N'-dimethylhistamine, spinaceamine and 6-methylspinaceamine. It appears evident that amphibian skin continues to be an exceptionally rich source of aromatic amines.


Isolation of beta, beta-caroten-2-ol from an insect, Cerura vinula (Lepidoptera).

The monohydroxy carotenoid from the moth Cerura vinula has been shown to be beta, beta-caroten-2-ol on the basis of electronic, infrared, proton magnetic-resonance, and mass spectra. On acid treatment in the presence of molecular oxygen this carotenoid is dehydrogenated to 4',5-retro-beta,beta-caroten-2-one. The identification of beta,beta-caroten-2-ol by its retro product, its time course of acetylation, and its chromatographic properties relative to beta,beta-caroten-3-ol and beta,beta-caroten-4-ol is discussed. This is the first demonstration of a 2-hydroxylated carotenoid in an insect. Implications on the biogenesis of this pigment are considered.


The juvenile hormones in blood of larvae and adults of Manduca sexta (Joh.).

The juvenile hormones (JH) in extracts of Manduca sexta blood were converted to 10-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyloxy)-11-methoxy derivatives and quantitatively determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Early IVth instar larvae contained 0.62 ng JH-I, 1.1ng JH-II and 0.07 ng JH-III per ml blood. Early Vth instar larvae, and adult of both sexes contained the hormones in concentration from 0 to 0.24 ng/ml blood. No hormone was detected in late Vth instar (wandering) larvae. The detection limit in our experiments was less than or equal to 0.003 ng/ml blood.


Molecular size of the diapause hormone of the silkworm Bombyx mori.

The diapause hormone (DH) responsible for arrested development of the silkworm Bombix mori consists of two active principles of peptide (A and B). Since both hormones form aggregates in aqueous phases, the molecular weights were determined by gel permeation chromatography of Merckogel OR 6000 using methanol-dichloromethane mixture as the developing agent. Gramicidins and modified peptides soluble in the organic solvents were used as the standard markers for the molecular weight measurements of the hormones. The molecular weights of DH-A and -B are estimated to be 3300 +/- 400 and 2000 +/- 200, respectively.


Ribose conformations of 8-azapurine nucleosides in solution.

The ribose conformations of 8-azaadenosine, 8-azaguanosine, and 8-azainosine have been studied using proton magnetic resonance in ND3 solutions, in D2O solutions, and in pyridine solutions. The temperature was varied between -60 and +40 degrees C in ND3 and between +10 and +60 degrees C in D20 solutions. The analysis is based on the two state S in equilibrium N model of the ribose moiety proposed by Altona and Sundaralingam. In D2O, the 8-aza substitution destabilizes the gg rotamer and simultaneously diminishes the population of the S state of the ribose. It is deduced that the anti population of the base is greater in the 8-azapurine(beta)ribosides than in the common purine(beta)-ribosides.


Fractionated precipitation of acid macropolyanions by dialysis, a simple method for the estimation of DNA in complex biological samples.

After efficient extraction by para-aminosalicylate, chopping, grinding and eventual sonication, the macropolyanions are transformed into their cetyltrimethylammonium salts. These have differing solubilities, strongly depending on ionic strength. The cationic detergent-macropolyanionic salts are solubilized by high salt concentration. Salt is then dialysed out, rendering the polyanions highly insoluble in a sequential fashion. The insolubilized components are determined quantitatively by monitoring turbidity, which in case of DNA is strictly proportionate to its concentration. This relation is not affected by other components. This makes DNA determination possible even in crude aqueous extracts. The method has been applied to different objects, such as bacteria, plants, animals, soil and activated sludge. The method may prove to be especially useful in research of environmental poisons e.g. in rivers, lakes or clarifiers.


Loading of human red blood cells with DNA and RNA.

Human erythrocytes were suspended in Hank's solution containing mammalian or viral DNA or RNA. After dialysis at 0 degrees C first against water and subsequently against Hank's solution, and a further incubation at 37 degrees C, the erythrocytes were found to be loaded with the nucleic acids. The nucleic acid trapped in the erythrocytes exhibited up to 35 per cent of the external concentration.


[Initiation in a polyribosome-dependent protein-synthesizing cell-free system from Saccharomyces (author's transl)].

A method to prepare polyribosomes from yeasts by using the french-press is described. The highest yield of polyribosomes was derived from late log-phase cells. These polyribosomes, incubated in a cell-free system, were able to reinitiate protein synthesis, which was shown by inhibiting aminoacid incorporation by aurintricarboxylic acid, edeine and sodiumfluoride. We developed the translational system in order to look for the optimal ion-conditions of a DNA-dependent protein-synthesizing system. We found out that at the optimal MgCl2-concentration (6 mM) protein synthesis was strongly inhibited by Mangan ions which are required for transcription in yeast. If protein-synthesis was carried out with 2 mM and 3 mM MgCl2 maximal aminoacid incorporation was observed at 2 mM and 1.5 mM MnCl2.


Characterization of mitochondrial DNA from the pika (Ochotona rufescens rufescens).

Further to anatomical and physiological studies performed on the pika (Ochotona rufescens rufescens), a new laboratory animal, the main characteristics of the mitochondrial DNA from its liver are defined. The buoyant density of this DNA is 1.695 g/cm3, its length 5.30 mum,, i.e., 3.17 times that of the replicative form of phiX 174. It could have approximately 16 500 base pairs. The DNA from the pika is very similar to that of the rat or the rabbit, although these animals show great physiological differences.


Differences in the lipid distribution in subcellular fractions of mouse fibroblasts derived from logarithmic and stationary growth.

The lipid class compositions of subcellular fractions of SV40-transformed mouse fibroblasts derived from the logarithmic and stationary growth phase were compared. Cell populations of the stationary growth phase showed a relative decrease of the protein content and an increase of triglycerides and alkoxydiglycerides which could be located in the non-sedimenting fraction and in the nuclei and mitochondria containing fraction, respectively. Futheron, distinct shifts in the subcellular distribution of those lipid classes could be observed which exhibited no relative overall increase or decrease when the cells of both growth phases were compared. In the crude plasma membrane fraction the ratio "lipid class/protein" remained about constant with the exception of the phospholipids and alkoxydiglycerides.


The accessory sex glands as the repository for juvenile hormone in male cecropia moths.

Gas chromatographic determinations, bioassays, and radio-labelling experiments show that the juvenile hormone in adult male Hyalophora cecropia is accumulated exclusively in the accessory sex glands. Moths do not store measurable quantities of juvenile hormone if their accessory sex glands are removed shortly after adult eclosion.


Kinetic properties of Mg, Ca ATPase from various Escherichia coli mutants.

The ATPase is not lacking in the ATPase mutants DL 54 and AN 120 but has very different kinetic properties including a higher Cl- optimum and higher Km values for MgATP. In AN 120, the ATPase activity also has a higher Mg2+ optimum.


Contribution of monofunctional adducts formed by furocoumarins with DNA to the inhibition of nucleic acids synthesis.

In addition to the bifunctional adducts (cross-linkages), that furocoumarins on radiation at 365 nm form in DNA, monofunctional adducts also proved able to inhibit the nucleic acid synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.


[Small-angle x-ray and sedimentation studies on alpha-haemocyanin H. pomatia (halve molecules) in glycerol and sucrose solutions (author's transl)].

The alpha-haemocyanin molecules of Helix pomatia were decomposed into halves and studied in solution by small-angle X-ray scattering. The following parameters of the molecule could be obtained: radius of gyration, volume, molecular weight, overall shape and dimensions of the molecule. With small-angle X-ray scattering fluctuations of the electron density within the protein cause parasitic scattering at larger angles. According to Stuhrmann and Kirste it is possible to eliminate it mathematically by varying the electron density of the buffer. For this purpose different quantities of glycerol respectively saccharose were added to the solvent to study the scattering of alpha-haemocyanin halves in solvents of varied electron density. The change of the isopotential specific volume of haemocyanin and the strong increase of the statistical errors of its scattering by decreasing of the excess scattering of solution over solvent per unit volume did not allow an application of the method of Stuhrmann and Kirste. The data obtained for alpha-haemocanin halves in different solvents are given. Besides also the sedimentation of the alpha-haemocyanin halves were studied in solutions containing varied amounts of glycerol and saccharose. An attempt was made to calculate the change of the partial specific volume of haemocyanin by adding glycerol or saccharose.