[Mutagenicity of the metabolites of the epoxide-diol pathway of safrole and its analogs. Study on Salmonella typhimurium].

Mutagenicity of the metabolites of the expoxide-diol pathway of safrole and analogues was studied on Ames' strains with Ames' method. Safrole, eugenol, eugenolmethylether, estragol, allylbenzene and 1'-hydroxysafrole, are not mutagen on TA 1535, TA 100 (point mutation) and TA 1537, TA 1538, TA 98 (frameshift mutations) without activation system. The corresponding epoxides that we have synthetized, are mutagens and inducers of point mutation in TA 1535 and TA 100. Dose-effect curves show differences between the mutagen efficiencies of these epoxides probably in relation with their electrophilic properties. On the other hand the 2', 3'-dihydro-2',3'-dihydroxisafrole was not mutagen in Ames' test. These results confirm the promutagen character of safrole and analogues and the role of the epoxides as proximate carcinogens.


[Preliminary results on the splanchnico-laryngeal reflex in the cat].

Electrical stimulation of low threshold splanchnic afferent nerves in lightly anesthetized cat results in phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerve responses. Both phrenic and recurrent laryngeal inspiratory nerve activities are inhibited, whereas expiratory recurrent nerve activity is triggered and even increased. The significance of this reflex is discussed in relation to laryngeal adductor muscle contractions and the abdominal pressure increase.


[Evidence of an epididymis factor inhibiting the hypothalamic synthesis of FSH-RH in the rat].

We have measured, by radioimmunoassay, FSH and LH in the blood plasma and in the hypophysis of castrated male rats, injected with epididymal inhibin; we have also evaluated the FSH and LH releasing activities of their hypothalamus by measuring plasma FSH and LH levels of spayed female rats, treated by hypothalamic extracts of the previous rats. The FSH and LH pituitary levels do not change compared with controls, and it is impossible to know if inhibin acts directly on hypophysis; it is likely that, directly or indirectly, inhibin restrains at the same time the synthesis and the release of FSH. On the contrary, the hypothalamic extracts lose their FSH-RH, but not their LH-RH, activities; then, inhibin operates on hypothalamus by suppressing of the synthesis of FSH-RH.


[Study of the effect of ethaverine and papaverine on post-ischemic arrhythmias in the awake dog].

Influence of ethaverine was compared to papaverine on the development of dysrhythmias observed in the unanesthetized dog following coronary ligation. Papaverine generally induced the reappearance of ectopic beats. In most cases, ethaverine induced the normalization of the electrocardiogram. This favourable effect of ethaverine distinguished it from papaverine; however it was moderate, transient and weaker than that of classical antidysrhythmic drugs. According to these results and those of previous experimental data, ethaverine seems to be devoid of "malignant properties".


[Study of the antihypoxic effect of eburnamonine in acute and recurrent anoxia on the cerebral electric activity in curarized rats. Comparison with vincamine].

Using venous infusion (0.25 mg/kg min.), l-eburnamonine decreases the electroencephalographic modifications induced by acute asphyxic anoxia in curarized rats. This activity appears when the total dose administrated before the first asphyxia is approximatively 5 mg/kg. In such conditions, its protective activity is precocious and long lasting. In the same experimental conditions, vincamine assumes a protective activity only during a short time. The results are discussed in terms of selectivity of the method used and in terms of cerebral antihypoxic properties of l-eburnamonine.


[In vitro effects of aminoglycosides and cephalosporins on rat kidney lysosomes].

The study of aminoglycoside and cephalosporin antibiotics was performed using a subcellular system in vitro. Lysosomes were purified from rat kidney tissue homogenates by a linear sucrose gradient centrifugation technique. The lysosomal membrane integrity was estimated by measuring the free N-acetyl-beta-D-glycosiminidase activity in the incubation medium. A scale of toxicity was established for eleven aminoglycosides and four cephalosporins.


[Reduction of glucose embryotoxicity by intra-ovulary injection of insulin].

The injection of 10 mg glucose and 0.4 U.I. of insulin in the ovulary fluid of 14th day rabbit embryo, produces less anomalies than the injection of the same concentration of glucose alone. This result shows that the insulin receptor is probably present in the 14th day rabbit embryo, before the differentiation of B cells in the pancreas.


[Current findings on the asymmetric growth of the mullerian tract in female chick embryos].

Shape and orientation of the mesothelial cells were examined in the mullerian ducts of 8, 13 and 15 day female chick embryos with the scanning electron microscope. The observed evolution in the pattern of these cells likely reflects the mechanical conditions to which these organs are subjected during embryonic development: stretching for the left duct, slackening for the right duct. These observations, together with data concerning growth of these organs, suggest that topographical relationships between cells, which in this system result from mechanical factors, play an important role in controlling cell proliferation.


[Calcium metabolism and mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension: effects of parathormone and exogenous thyrocalcitonin and of variations in dietary calcium and magnesium].

Physiological doses of parathyroid extract producing normal serum calcium level restore mineralocorticoid hypertension development in parathyroidectomized or thyroparathyroidectomized rats, supplemented with thyroid hormones. On the other hand, increased calcium or magnesium in dietary moderates hypertension development. Those results confirm the participation of parathyroids during mineralocorticoid hypertension.


[Study of intestinal motility. Contribution of electromyography].

The longitudinal and circular deformations of the intestinal wall have been studied simultaneously with the intestinal electrical activity. Tracings were obtained for several weeks by means of a compact device which was implanted on the jejunum in 6 dogs and 4 rabbits. The results showed that the transverse movements of the intestine corresponded to the muscular activity of the circular layer. The longitudinal movements were observed permanently in the rabbit. In the dog they could correspond to a contraction or a relaxation movement. In the two cases, no electrical activity was related to the longitudinal mechanical activity of the intestine.


Catalase induction in non-proliferating suspensions of Pseudomonas fluorescens (type R.). I. Influence of the buffer.

The catalasic activity of a non-proliferating suspension of Pseudomonas fluorescens incubated in a buffer shows after six hours, an increase of 100% in presence of phosphates and 30% in presence of Tris. This increase, which consists in a neosynthesis of the enzyme, is in relation with the lysis of a part of the bacterial suspension.


[Variations in the effect of clonidine on arterial pressure in rats in the presence of various anesthetics].

The central hypotensive agent, clonidine (30 microgram/kg i.v.) has been injected in normotensive rats anesthetized with various agents. This dose of clonidine elicits usually a biphasic blood pressure response, i.e. a transient increase due to peripheral vasoconstriction, followed by a long lasting decrease. This has been observed in the animals anesthetized with pentobarbitone as well as with urethane. The hypotensive effect is abolished during chloralose, ketamine or Alfatésine anesthesia. These data emphasize that some anesthetics mays particularly modify the effects of centrally acting cardiovascular drugs.


[Effect of an ovine pineal gland extract on prolactin release in vitro].

Defatted ovine pineal powder is submitted to acetic acid extraction followed by chromatographic separation. The extracted material and one of the two separated fractions inhibit the secretion of PRL by pituitary cells in monolayer culture. Both basal and TRH stimulated secretions are reduced.


[Epidemiology of C57 black/6M mouse strain: statistical findings in a control population].

Non-linearity in age specific gompertzian rates regression versus age was observed in actuarial analysis of all causes of death, tumor incidence and tumor/tumor-host index in 503 male and 497 female control C57 Black/6M mice. The overall tumor incidence averaged 66.7% in males and 84.4% in females during a maximum lifespan of 1,300 days. In males as well as in females, time related incidence peaks were identified for lymphocytic lympho-sarcomas, reticulum cell sarcomas, histiocytic type and reticulum cell sarcomas of reticular type.


[Urinary clearance of dl-isopropylnoradrenaline in the dog].

In dogs, the urinary clearance of IPNA-3H is very near GFR (ratio CIPNA-3H/GFR = 0,92). This ratio is not modified by cocaine. In our experimental conditions, we observe no tubulary secretion of IPNA-3H.


[Hypometabolism in Aotus trivirgatus (Primates, Plathyrhini, Cebidae)].

The standard metabolism of Aotus trivirgatus (Night monkey, Owl monkey) is 22.5 to 46.2 per cent below Kleiber's prevision curve for mammals, which applies to other cebid monkeys like Saimiri sciureus and Alouatta. However the metabolic rate of Aotus is not reduced to the extent found in two hypometabolic prosimians Perodicticus potto and Nycticebus coucang. The low metabolism in Aotus is associated with a normal body temperature and a thick fur of high insulating power. These results are discussed.


[Audiometry and cytological study of the external hair cells of 4 strains of mice].

The auditory apparatus of two strains of mices with normal audition is compared to that of two substrains with genetic auditory impairment. Audiometry by auditory evoked potentials at the inferior collicular level indicates complete deafness for one substrain and a 40-48 dB S.P.L. hearing loss at all frequencies for the other. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate hair impairment of the external hair cells and degeneration of the chondriosome for the two deaf substrains.


[Mannose transfer in liver microsomes of the eel (Anguilla anguilla)].

A purified eel liver microsomal fraction catalyses the transfer of mannose, from GDP-mannose, to endogenous lipid and proteins. The mannolipid is identified as a polyprenol-phosphate-mannose and its role is discussed.


Collagen in the normal and hypertrophied human ventricle.

Estimates of the collagen concentration in human ventricles have been made from measurements of the hydroxyproline concentration. In the normal heart the concentration of collagen was higher in the right ventricle than in the left ventricle. Age had no effect on the ventricular concentration of collagen. Hypertrophy in the absence of a valvar lesion was not associated with an increased concentration of collagen but, owing to the increased size of the ventricle, there was an increase in the estimated total mass of ventricular collagen. The concentration of collagen in the left ventricle of patients with aortic stenosis was higher than normal. Ventricular hypertrophy seems to be accompanied by an increase in the total mass of collagen whatever the cause. Whether the concentration changes or not depends on the proportion in which the mass of collagen increases relative to the mass of muscle cells.


The fine structural localization of acetylcholinesterase in the muscle spindle of the rat.

Muscle spindles from lumbricalis muscles of the rat were incubated for acetylcholinesterase with a modified thiocholine-method of Lewis and Shute and examined by light ane electron microscopy. All types of motor nerve ending showed heavy deposits of reaction product in the synaptic cleft. The underlying sarcoplasmic reticulum, transverse tubular system, and, when present, the envelope of sole plate nuclei were also stained. In the sensory region, the reaction was negative in the interface between the plasma membranes of the primary sensory terminal and muscle. One of two secondary sensory endings identified showed distinct reaction product in the cleft; the other secondary sensory ending showed no such reaction. Precipitates were present on the sarcolemma of the intrafusal muscle fibers in the polar and adjacent myotube regions, but not at the spindle equator. Extrafusal and intrafusal myelinated gamma-nerve fibers and preterminal motor axons showed staining of the axolemma. Fibers with thick myelin sheaths and preterminal sensory axons were free of acetylcholinesterase activity, as were the unmyelinated nerve fibers.


Adrenal androgens in patients with chronic marked elevation of prolactin.

It has been postulated, based on data in animals and the fact that the cortisol-adrenal androgen ratio is different before and after adrenarche, that prolactin (Prl) may modulate adrenal androgen secretion. As one way of testing this hypothesis, cortisol, androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) were measured by radioimmunoassay in the sera of thirteen patients with suspected or proven pituitary tumours and marked chronic elevations of serum Prl (range 68-990 ng/ml, mean 198.9 ng/ml). Values for cortisol, A, DHA, and DHAS were not significantly different between the groups of normal controls and patients with elevated Prl concentrations. This is interpreted as negative evidence for the theoretical connection between Prl and adrenal androgen secretion.


Development of instruments to measure counselees' knowledge of Down syndrome.

Since approximately 10% of counselees coming to genetics clinics are concerned with Down syndrome, the development of short measures of knowledge of Down syndrome for evaluation could have widespread application. The purpose of this study was to design efficient, self-administered questionnaires of simple vocabulary to measure knowledge and understanding of Down syndrome before and after genetic counseling. Twenty-six previously piloted questions were administered to nurses, graduate students in Medical Genetics, special education teachers, and parents of children with Down syndrome (n = 126). A coefficient alpha of 0.842 indicated strong reliability. The content of the questionnaire was distributed into three categories: genetic knowledge, recurrence risk, and prenatal diagnosis. From the items (1) which had less than 85% correct responses, and (2) which fell into just one of the three categories, 12 questions were selected as a post-test (coefficient alpha of 0.749). Eight additional questions were then extracted (coefficient alpha of 0.56) as a pretest. The pretest predicted 53.3% of the variance of the post-test. The use of these instruments before and after counseling can be an aid in evaluating counseling and in comparing various approaches for effectiveness.


The Charing Cross Hospital Child Development Centre: a description of its work ad an evaluation of its first 385 patients.

Charing Cross Hospital provides facilities for the study of handicapped children in a normal nursery which forms part of its Child Development Centre. The period of assessment varies from one day to three weeks; the advantages of prolonged assessment are discussed. Parental involvement and support, and the teaching of medical students are emphasized. A study of the Centre's first 385 patients is presented.


A cytogenetic survey of an institution for the mentally retarded: I. Chromosome abnormalities.

A cytogenetic survey of 475 patients in an institution for the mentally retarded is reported. The chromosomes of all patients were studied using both a non-banding and a G-banding technique in order to estimate the relative efficiency of the two technique in detecting structural rearrangements of the chromosomes. A total of 57 patients was found to have a chromosome abnormality, including five with a balanced structural rearrangement. The contribution of chromosome aberrations to the etiology of mental retardation is discussed with special emphasis on the contribution of balanced structural rearrangements.


Observations of ridge appearances in a normal population and in Down syndrome patients (21-trisomy) using the scanning electron microscope.

A celluloid plate containing a drop of amyl acetate was pressed to the skin. The impression thus obtained was coated with carbon and gold and observed under the scanning electron microscope. Impressions from the fingers of the normal population showed the crests and furrows of the finger prints clearly. The impressions from the fingers of Down syndrome patients were a mixture of the normal crests and furrows and of hypoplastic crests and furrows.


Cellular immunity in pregnancy: blast transformation and rosette formation of maternal T and B lymphocytes: A cross-section analysis.

In vitro tests of cellular immune responses, using lymphocyte transformation tests and rosette tests for T and B lymphocytes, were studied in a cross-section analysis of a total of fifty-five patients in six groups (non-pregnant, 2--3 months pregnant, 4--5 months pregnant, 6--7 months pregnant, at parturition and 3 months after parturition). No pregnancy-related changes were found in the numbers of T, B or null cells, nor changes in PHA, PWM or MLC responses, but a significant reversible depression of the PPD response was found in the second half of pregnancy.


Occupational contact dermatitis due to croton (Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss var. pictum (Lodd.) Muell. Arg.). Sensitization by plants of the Euphorbiaceae.

One of today's most decorative and popular ornamental potted plants is Croton. Handling this plant over a period of 6 months produced contact eczema of the hands in a nursery gardener. Patch tests with Croton leaves were positive. Control tests remained negative. Sensitization experiments in guinea pigs with a methanolic extract of the leaves were successful. All results of the study indicate that: -latex of croton produces no primary irritant reaction -latex is able to induce a real contact allergy -contact allergens are constituents of the milky sap. Whether the di- and triesters of phorbol so far isolated as irritant and cocarcinogenic factors from the latex of various Euphorbiaceae species and sensitizers shall be investigated in further experiments.


Patch testing with low molecular oligomers of epoxy resins in humans.

Thirty-four patients sensitive to epoxy resin were patch tested with oligomers of epoxy resin. All reacted when tested with MW 340 oligomer. Twenty-three were tested with MW 624 and MW 908 oligomers and seven with MW 1192 oligomer; none reacted. Eight patients tested with commercial mixtures of epoxy resins with an average MW 1280 and MW 1850 reacted to these resin mixtures which contained the MW 340 oligomer. The MW 340 oligomer seems to be the main ingredient responsible for contact allergy to epoxy resins in humans.


Allergic dermatitis due to a triacrylate in ultraviolet cured inks.

Investigation of a dermatitis incident involving the handling of UV type inks by press minders is described. Patch tests pinpointed one acrylic component of the UV ink (pentaerythritol triacrylate) as the causal sensitizer. Factors influencing the identification and incidence of sensitization to the same chemical in different work situations are discussed as are lessons in terms of prevention under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.


Low-dose minocycline therapy in tetracycline-recalcitrant acne vulgaris.

Ninety-one patients with acne vulgaris were selected for a two-part study primarily because the severity of disease suggested that it might be tetracycline-recalcitrant. Of the eighty-eight patients completing the first part of the study, thirty-two were judged to have tetracycline-nonresponsive acne and received 50 mg of minocycline twice daily for the next six to eight weeks. Twenty-five patients completed this second part of the study. Of these twenty-five, twenty-two experienced a 33 percent or greater reduction in the number of lesions. It is concluded that minocycline in a dosage of 50 mg twice daily is a safe and effective antibiotic for those patients with tetracycline-recalcitrant acne vulgaris.


[Treatment of hypercalcaemic syndrome in tumour patients, especially with mithramycin].

In 36 patients with neoplastic diseases 72 episodes of hypercalcaemia with serum-calcium levels greater than or equal to 2.75 mmol/l were treated (19 breast carcinoma; 9 bronchial or lung carcinoma; 5 multiple myeloma; 1 each jejunal carcinoid, malignant lymphoma, phaeochromocytoma). Cardinal symptoms were mental, neuromuscular and renal during the hypercalcaemic episodes. Mithramycin is preferred to other methods (infusion of sodium chloride and frusemide, prednisone, sodium-potassium-phosphate infusion) of treating acute or subacute hypercalcaemia. Mithramycin in a single injection of 20-25 microgram/kg body-weight intravenously is usually sufficient to counteract a hypercalcaemic phase for at least 7-10 days, often much longer. There was a highly significant fall in serum-calcium levels from two days onwards after mithramycin injection. Toxic side-effects were minimal and restricted to transitory increase in transaminase levels, initially 5-6 times normal with a maximum on the third day and normalisation on the fifth day after mithramycin administration.


Sex differences of plasma cholinesterase in the rat.

Plasma cholinesterase activity of adult female HAN-Wistar rats was found to be 5.5-fold higher than that of adult male rats kept under constant specified pathogen-free (SPF) conditions up to their 870th day of life.


Measurement of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone 16alpha-hydroxylase activities by a tritium exchange method.

A new isotopic method, based upon the stereospecific replacement of a proton (3H) by a hydroxyl group has been developed for the measurement of rat liver testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone 16alpha-hydroxylase activity. Specifically 16-tritiated substrates were prepared by microbiological (Cylindrocarpon radicicola) transformation of the [16-3H]progesterone and [16-3H]pregnenolone. The incubation medium consists of a phosphate buffer (pH7; 150mM), NADPH (0.1 mM), nicotinamide (10mM) and magnesium chloride (4 mM). Tween 80 (1 mg/ml) is used to solubilize saturating concentrations of [16-3H]testosterone (50 micron) or [16-3H]dehydroepiandrosterone (100 micron). The enzymatically released tritium is recovered in the incubation medium as tritiated water which is distilled under reduced pressure and counted by liquid scintillation. The method is easy to perform, very sensitive (50 pmol of 16alpha-hydroxylated metabolites) and is independent of any further metabolism of the 16alpha-hydroxylated products.


Effect of intravesicular monovalent cations on the steady state of the phosphoenzyme of adenosine triphosphatase dependent on sodium and potassium ions in inside-out plasma-membrane vesicles.

Phosphorylation of the ATPase dependent on Na+ and K+ is promoted through the synergistic action of cations on both sides of the membrane. This phenomenon has been observed in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from sheep-kidney outer medulla which accept ATP from the outside surface (inside-out) and which are tight for sodium ions. In these inside-out vesicles phosphorylating capacity is low even in the presence of 100 mM extravesicular sodium chloride as is turnover of the enzyme. The level of the phosphoenzyme and the transient release of inorganic phosphate from the phosphoenzyme increases several-fold when sodium chloride is allowed to equilibrate over the membrane, 25 mM intravesicular NaCl is necessary to obtain the half-maximum level of the phosphoenzyme. This result shows that intravesicular (= extracellular) low affinity sites are involved in the phosphorylation. Intravesicular potassium ions modify the activating action of Na+ on the phosphorylation by increasing the steady state of the phosphoenzyme at low intravesicular sodium ion concentrations. This suggests that Na+ and K+ compete with each other for the intravesicular cation-binding site.


Cell-mediated immunity in canine marrow graft recipients given cyclophosphamide.

The cellular immune status of 48 canine chimeras was studied between 15 days and 3 years after a lethal dose of cyclophosphamide (CY) and an allogeneic marrow graft. Marrow graft recipients were given no further immuno-suppressive treatment. Recovery of total white blood cell counts was complete by day 20 after grafting. Peripheral blood lymphocyte counts did not reach the normal range until day 100. Short-term chimeras (less than 100 days postgrafting) showed marked impairment of cell-mediated immunity as indicated by the inability to respond adequately to nonspecific mitogenic (PHA, ConA, PWM) and specific antigenic (allogeneic lymphocytes, PPD) stimulation in vitro. Skin test reactivity to PPD after immunization with BCG was also significantly depressed. Long-term chimeras (more than 100 days postgrafting) had normal in vitro response to mitogens; lymphocyte blastogenesis to specific antigens however remained decreased for prolonged periods postgrafting. The survival time at first set allogeneic skin grafts showed no significant difference between chimeras and normal control dogs. Lymphocyte transformation in response to stimulation with specific antigens may prove a useful parameter for the in vitro evaluation of defects in cellular immune reactivity following allogeneic marrow transplantation.


Type III (Arthus) allergic reactions and endotoxin toxicity in guinea-pigs.

Lipoplysaccharide (endotoxin) from E. coli cells produced lethal effects in guinea-pigs. Endotoxin caused no visible dermal change in normal animals, but produced skin reactions characterized by specific Arthus-type (Type III immune hypersensitivity) vascular inflammation in immunized animals. It is concluded that Arthus allergic reactions were evoked by endotoxin, however, endotoxin lethal toxicity appears independent of this process.


Evaluation of sequelae of tubal ligation.

An evaluation was made of 268 patients undergoing elective sterilization with respect to the ensuing development of menorrhagia, pelvic pain, and the need for gynecologic surgery. Preoperative and follow-up postoperative questionnaires of patients undergoing laparoscopic sterilization were compared, and additional data were drawn from clinical records and operative reports to substantiate real changes. A study of the cases puts the incidence of menorrhagia at 6%, pelvic pain at 6%, and necessary subsequent gynecologic surgery at 4%.


[Mechanism of the action of acetylsalicyclic acid on formed element aggregation].

Acetyl-salicylic acid has been found to inhibit the aggregation of erythrocytes and thrombocytes stimulated by proteolytic enzymes (fibrinolysin and trypsin) and phospholipase A. It hampers their hydrolytic action on phospholipids of the blood cells membranes, prevents deformation of the latter under the effect of aggregating agents and also averts a fall of the ATP-ase activity of the erythrocytes membranes caused by parachlormercury-benzoate.


Deficient phagocytic function in Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome.

The function of microphages has been studied in vitro in a 5 year-old girl with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. The results showed a weakness in chemotatic activity, a defect of intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus, and an almost normal phagocytosis but decreased intracellular killing of Candida albicans by the microphages.


The effect of recent FDA legislation on contraceptive development and safety.

By law, medical devices with a potential hazard to health or safety are not subject to the same premarket approval and scientific review processes as drugs. Manufacturers of intrauterine contraceptive devices and new instruments or devices for surgical sterilization will be required to present evidence of their products' effectiveness and safety to a United States Food and drug Administration advisory panel made up of physicians and scientists from outside the agency. Hazards previously experienced with contraceptive devices and requirements for testing new devices are described.


Complications in laparoscopy.

The numberous benefits and the minimal but acknowledged risks of laparoscopy are discussed. Factors related to complications include operator experience, instrument and equipment technology, types of procedures, and anesthesia.


The effectiveness of topical antibacterials in acne: a double-blind clinical study.

In a double-blind study, three groups of patients with mild to moderate acne were treated for eight weeks with topical acne creams containing the antibacterials triclosan or triclosan plus propylene phenoxetol. The formula without antibacterials served as the control. Total-face lesion counts, evaluation of the overall degree of inflammation of the lesions, and patient self-assessment showed the added efficacy of the antibacterials when incorporated into the control.


Metabolic and genetic control of isoenzyme spectrum of alkaline phosphatase in Escherichia coli.

Three proteins possessing alkaline phosphatase activity were detected in a fraction of periplasmic material of Escherichia coli K-10 and its mutants with constitutive synthesis of alkaline phosphatase. They also showed acid phosphatase, pyrophosphatase and ATPase activities. Through the use of phosphatase-negative mutants it was shown that these proteins were the products of a single structural gene and therefore represented alkaline phosphatase isozymes. The numbers of enzyme isoforms and possibly the spectrum of their phosphohydrolase activities were controlled by exogenous orthophosphate and depended on the integrity of regulator genes for alkaline phosphatase.


[The normal pancreas as seen on the computerised tomogram (author's transl)].

The normal appearances of the pancreas as seen on computerised tomograms (EMI) has been demonstrated in fifty normal patients and correlated with fifteen post mortem studies on patients with a normal pancreas. The problems of optimal demonstration of the pancreas on computerised tomograms and possible sources of error in the interpretation of transverse pancreas tomograms are discussed.


[Computer tomographic and scintigraphic aspects of subdural haematomas (author's transl)].

Cerebral computer tomography in cases of emergency is undoubtedly superior to conventional neuro-radiological methods. The changes during resorption of intracranial bleeds, which are due to their particular physical properties, can supply valuable diagnostic information, but under particular circumstances they may obscure the diagnosis. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of subdural haematomas may become difficult during the isodense phase. Hyper- and hypo-dense collections of fluid may also be missed unless note is taken of subtile indirect signs and special techniques are used. At the same time, the value of cerebral scintigraphy is emphasised. Valuable information may be expected from early scans (10 to 15 minutes after injection). In this way even shallow, bilateral subdural haematomas can be demomstrated during the acute and sub-acute stage. The degree of uptake depends on the histology of the capsule of the haematoma.


[Angiographic findings in 86 confirmed tumours of the posterior cranial fossa (author's transl)].

The accuracy of vertebral angiography in the diagnosis of tumours was reviewed on the basis 368 selective angiograms. The greatest accuracy was achieved with space-occupying lesions situated centrally in the cerebellum in the region of the fourth ventricle or in the vermis. However, tumours growing eccentrically, but arising in this region, were occasionally missed. Least reliable is the angiographic diagnosis of tumours is the cerebellar hemispheres. Of these, only about two-thirds could be demonstrated. Only 60% of cerebello-pontine tumours were diagnosed from displacement of various structures, another 10% by the presence of pathological vessels or tumour staining. The classic angiographic picture of pontine tumours is rare. Brain stem tumours are frequently eccentric and may simulate cerebello-pontine angle tumours. The demonstration or exclusion of brain stem involvement can be difficult. In view of the implications for treatment, this should, however, always be attempted.


[The radiological evaluation of the abnormal thymus and its frequency in myasthenia gravis (author's transl)].

The radiological evaluation of the thymus is discussed and the results of 159 pneumomediastinums are described. Amongst these patients, 28.5% had a persistent thymus, 41.1% showed partial involution of the thymus, 22.5% showed total involution and in 7.9% a thymoma was found. Comparison of patients with myasthenia gravis with a group suffering from autoimmune diseases showed a similar incidence of abnormal thymuses. The value of radiology in assessing the need for thymectomy as a treatment is stressed.


[Mitral stenosis on conventional radiographs. II. The relationship between pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension, their haemodynamic parameters and calcified mitral valves (author's transl)].

In the second paper, the relationship between pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension and calcification in the mitral valve is analysed statistically and its patho-physiological significance discussed. In one hundred cases of mitral stenosis the left atrium, as seen on the lateral projection, was always enlarged, but its size was independant of atrial pressure or the pressure gradient across the mitral valve. Apart from pulmonary fibrosis and haemosiderosis, the abnormal findings increased with increasing mean atrial pressure. Pulmonary-arterial mean pressure of more than 30 mmHg was found particularly in the presence of mitral valve calcification (94%). Calcification of the valve is the most important and reliable indicator for evaluating the severity of the stenosis.


[201-Thalium scintigraphy of the myocardium under conditions of rest and exercise (author's transl)].

The results of 201-Thallium myocardial scintigraphy at rest and after stress conditions in 30 patients are discussed. Among those there were 4 patients without cardiac disease, 7 patients with anterior wall scars after transmural infarction, and 19 patients with coronary heart disease and at least one coronary stenosis greater than 75%. The obtained results were compared to findings in coronary angiography and perfusion scintigraphy. The noninvasive method of 201-Thalliumscintigraphy shows a good correlation to the results of invasive investigations when performed at rest and under stress conditions. It enables greater sensivity and specifity in selection of patients with coronary heart disease compared to stress electrocardiography alone.


[Quantitative gated radionuclide cine cardiography. I Technical basis and methods (author's transl)].

Scintigraphic evaluation of the heart function is performed by means of sequential camera scintigraphy following i.v. injection of a 99mTc albumin bolus. The first tracer passage is registered during 30 seconds. About 10 minutes later--after equilibration of the tracer in the blood pool--volume curves of the left ventricle are recorded from a series of about 500 heart cycles. The principles of a computer program which has been developed for this method are described and discussed in detail.


[The Gianturco method of spiral embolisation of the renal artery (author's transl)].

Spiral embolisation of a renal artery by the Gianturco method was carried out in eight patients. Our early experience with this technique is described. In seven patients it was possible to occlude arterial flow to the kidney completely, or almost completely. In one patient, faulty technique lead to an avoidable complication resulting in dislocation of the spiral into the femoral artery. The Gianturco method has advantages compared with other embolisation techniques, being simple, rapid, complete and permanent. In addition to its pre-operative and therapeutic use with renal tumours, the method can be used to abolish function in one or both kidneys.


Visualization of the areae gastricae in a double contrast examination - dependence on the contrast medium.

Visualization of the areae gastricae, a criterion of high resolution in the double contrast examination of the stomach, was studied with several barium preparation. Visualization of the areae gastricae varied among different contrast media, some gave excellent visualization while others were regularly inadequate. In general, contrast suspensions prepared from powder in the X-ray department gave better results than commercial suspensions, which retained many gas bubbles. The importance of the contrast medium selection for a high resolution double contrast examination of the stomach is emphasized.


[Plasmacytoma of the stomach (author's transl)].

Over a period of two years, enlarged folds in the gastric antrum were found on several occasions, during barium meals, in a 50-year old patient. On gastroscopy and biopsy, the diagnosis of superficial gastritis was made. Six and a half years later the radiological examination, gastroscopy, and biopsy were repeated with suspicion of a malignant tumour. Following histological examination of the resected specimen, the diagnosis of gastric plasmacytoma was made. The features of this rare contition are described and the literature is reviewed.


[Cleido-cranial dysplasia--two observations].

The radiological changes of cleido-cranial dysplasia are described on the basis of two cases. Special attention is paid to the dental and facio-maxillary aspects. The main features are: (1) Supernumerary teeth, persistence of the first dentition, retention of the second dentition. (2) Open fontanelles and sutures and intercalary bones. (3) Hypo- or aplasia of the clavicles. (4) Defects in the vertebral neural arches and (5) dehiscence of the symphysis due to absent or delayed ossification of the pubis and ischium.


[Cranial metaphysial dysplasia (Jackson) (author's transl)].

The typical development of the radiological and clinical features of cranial metaphyseal dysplasia were observed over a period of nine years in one patient. This condition is most commonly confused with metaphyseal dysplasia (Pyle), but differs from the latter in showing pronounced changes in the skull leading to blindness, deafness and facial paralysis as well as club-shaped metaphyses. Cranial metaphyseal dysplasia, particularly in its autosomal recessive form, leads to reduced intelligence and life expectancy of the patients. The diagnosis can usually be made in early childhood.


[Transitory myelofibrosis in a case of diaphyseal dysplasia (Camurati-Engelmann's disease) (author's transl)].

A Greek child aged 2 with diaphyseal dysplasia developed an anaemia which required transfusion. The liver, spleen and lymph nodes were enlarged, there was pancytopenia and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia. Biopsy provided evidence for myelofibrosis with extramedullary erythropoiesis. He was treated with small doses of corticosteroids and during his third year there was complete regression of the disease without recurrence when treatment was stopped. Disturbances of haematopoiesis in diaphyseal dysplasia has not been reported previously. These unusual findings are of clinical interest and also affect the clinical diagnosis.


[Idiopathic osteolysis (Hajdu-Cheney) (author's transl)].

The well-known clinical and radiological findings of idiopathic osteolysis (Hajdu-Cheney) are described in a 17-year old man. He also had retarded puberty, recurrent dislocation of the patella, dental anomalies and markedly elevated alkaline and acid serum phosphatase. The differential diagnosis of this rare condition and its relationship to other bone dysplasias is discussed.


[Osteoarthrosis due to syringomyelia and its misinterpretation (author's transl)].

The development of severe deforming osteoarthrosis due to syringomyelia was observed over a period of 25 years; the changes are illustrated by a series of radiographs. A striking feature of this case, as in others, was the relative lack of symptoms complained of by the patient, when compared with the extensive joint destruction. It is necessary, if there is destruction of the shoulder, elbow or carpal joints, to consider a neuropathic cause and to take a very careful history, which unfortunately was not always done in our patients. Comparative radiographs of the opposite side should always be obtained.


[Computer tomography for abnormalities of the skull base and orbits: combined use of horizontal and frontal sections (author's transl)].

The cases of seven patients with different lesions of the base of the skull and the orbits are demonstrated, where CT was performed in horizontal and coronal sections. The results make obvious that only the combination of both planes can provide optimal information in these cases. The existence of a basal or orbital lesion, its size and location, and whether or not it penetrates through the base of the skull, can easily be detected. This is of great help in determining the therapy of choice, i.e. operability or radiation therapy treatment planning.


[New aspects in evaluation of the average-absorbed dose of the parenchyma in mammography (author's transl)].

Over 2000 measurements have been made on a mammaphantom to ascertain radiation exposure curves for skin and parenchyma. The exposure of the parenchyma is definitely depending on the thickness of the fatlayer above the parenchyma. Until now radiation exposure was calculated under the assumption that the different breast tissues are equally distributed. In doing so exposure was estimated too high (up to a factor 3-especially in fatter breasts). The individual absorbed dose in the parenchyma can be reckoned out by the various figures and tables, which consider technical criteria, different sizes of the breast and two film systems.


[Radiation exposure of the operator during angiography (author's transl)].

Radiation exposure to the forehead, hand, sternum and gonads of the operator was measured with a LiF dose meter during 134 angiocardiograms and 56 angiograms of the abdomen and the extremities. Average exposure during angiocardiography to the forehead was 3.2 mrem., to the hand 4.2 mrem. and the gonads and sternum about 0.5 mrem. per examination. During angiography of the abdomen and extremities, exposure was rather higher. The results of these measurements are compared with the findings of other authors and relate to dose-dependant somatic damage.


[Psychological problems in sexually retarded young girls].

The difficulty in reference to the psychological factors with somatically retarded juvenile girls is to be examined as to developmental psychology, psychodynamic, organopsychic and specific psycho-pathological criteria. The crisis in adolescence, depressive syndromes, anorexia nervosa and sexual education must also be noted by and brought to the attention of gynecologists. The team work between gynecologist and psychiatrist for children and adolescents should be intensified.


Bacteriostatic effect of human milk on Escherichia coli: the role of IgA.

Previous work showed that lactoferrin was involved in the bacteriostatic effect of human milk on E. coli O111. Further experiments on the general nature of this effect have been carried out together with an examination of the role of IgA. Milk samples from different individuals differed in their ability to produce bacteriostasis of three pathogenic serotypes of E. coli. The bacteriostatic effect was stable to heating at 60 degrees for 35 min. As in the case of serum, the bacterial iron transporting compound, enterochelin, abolished the bacteriostatic effect of human milk. IgA was isolated from the milk samples in two forms which appeared to differ in molecular weight. When mixed with lactoferrin, some of these fractions induced bacteriostasis which could be reversed by Fe3+. Since the fractions were devoid of bactericidal activity in the presence of complement it appeared that IgA was involved in the induction of bacteriostasis. It was also concluded that the mechanism of bacteriostasis was identical in serum and milk. These results are discussed in relation to both the protective effect of feeding colostrum and milk and also the resistance of the adult gastrointestinal tract to infection.


Prosthetic materials and wound healing. Critical evaluation of six different materials.

Six different materials (three mesh and three cloth) commonly used for the repair of abdominal wall hernias were evaluated in 180 rats. Macroscopic, bacteriologic, mechanical and histologic criteria were used to investigate tolerance and resistance of the foreign material. Findings demonstrate the superiority of mesh over cloth materials.


The canine eye: in vitro dissolution of the barriers to aqueous outflow.

Facility of aqueous outflow and time-dependent changes in its hyaluronidase-sensitive and hyaluronidase-resistant components were evaluated in freshly excised canine eyes by constant pressure quantitative aqueous perfusion. Mean baseline facility of outflow was 0.24 microliter/min/mm Hg. With prolonged perfusion at constant intraocular pressure, facility of outflow was observed to increase almost linearly for at least 3 hr and continued to increase for up to 10 hr, reaching a maximum several times the initially measured facility. Perfusion with pooled dog aqueous humor did not prevent the time-dependent increase in measured facility. Rapid exchange of anterior chamber contents with perfusion solution alone produced an immediate threefold increase in facility, again followed by a gradual time-dependent facility increase. Rapid exchange of anterior chamber contents with hyaluronidase produced an immediate fivefold increase in facility with stabilization of measured facility over 3 hr and subsequent perfusion. The time-dependent changes in measured facility of outflow or "washout phenomenon" appeared to result from the gradual dissolution of the hyaluronidase-sensitive component of the barriers to aqueous outflow in the canine eye.


Fixed drug eruptions caused by medications: a report from India.

Fifty-five patients with fixed drug eruption were investigated to determine the drug(s) causing the reaction. History, classic clinical features of well circumscribed erythema, edema and violaceous pigmentation, and the recurrence of the eruptions on the same sites on readministering drug were used as diagnostic criteria. This was confirmed by a provocative test. Sulfonamides and analgesics either alone or in combination were the most common causes of reaction.


[Dermatophytoses which may be easily misinterpreted].

Almost absent inflammtory reaction or unusually deep inflammation can lead to atypical varieties of dermatophytoses. Some of the more common varieties of this kind are briefly portrayed. The importance of mycological examination, both microscopic and cultural, is pointed out.


[Facultative and obligate pathogenic moulds in skin affections].

Molds are vegetable microorganisms, which differ from dermatophytes sensitive to griseofulvin, and from yeasts, which do not form aerial mycelium. Most of the molds, phytopathogenic or which live from dead organic substances, are apathogenic to humans. Only a couple of dozen species can parasitize on the skin, usually together with dermatophytes or yeasts. Onychomycoses with molds appear mostly in elderly people, and fungus affections of external auditory passage in seborrheic eczema of the ear. The hair can be infected by Piedraia hortae, resulting in hard black nodules. After the identification of molds on the skin, criticism is necessary, since in more than 95% of the cases they are accidental germs. Several cultures and microscopic tests are necessary to assure the diagnosis. Broad-spectrum antimycotics is the predominant choice for treatment, but also amphotericin B, nystatin and pimaricin.


Muscle metabolism and cardiac function of the myopathic hamster following training.

The effect of 18 wk of treadmill running on skeletal muscle metabolism and myocardial function of normal and myopathic hamsters was examined. BIO 14.6 hamsters could tolerate an exercise intensity of about 18 m/min for 40 min, 5 days/wk. Further increases in speed or number of bouts per day resulted in a falloff in performance. Normal hamsters could tolerate higher speeds and longer exercise bouts. Exercise did not change the severity of lesions of either the heart or skeletal muscle of the myopathic hamsters. A training effect was evidenced by increased succinate dehydrogenase activity in the soleus muscle. Cardiac function was evaluated as contractility measured from left ventricular pressure curves and expressed as (dP/dt)/kP. The results suggested that cardiac contractility was not as severely depressed in the trained BIO 14.6 strain of hamsters as in nontrained controls. However, (dP/dt)/kP was lower in the trained myopathic animals than in normal hamsters. ATP, CP, and glycogen levels were lower in myopathic hamsters with the lowest values occurring in the trained group. These data demonstrate that the BIO 14.6 strain of hamster can tolerate exercise training and that such training may have a positive effect on cardiac function.


Cytochemical studies on the cuticle and epidermis of Tubifex tubifex Müll. with special regard to the localization of polysaccharides, heavy metals and the DAB-reactivity.

The cuticle consits of collagenous fibres and of two types of mucopolysaccharides. The whole cuticle contain PAS-positive polysaccharides, but the acid ones are localized only in the surface zone, both in the epicuticle and in the supracuticular mucoid coat. On the surface-damaged region of the cuticle bacterial infection was observed, those intact mucoid coat may be essential in protection against bacterial infection. Microvilli of the supporting cells play significant role in repairing of cuticular injuries. Acid mucopolysaccharides of the cuticle and epidermis may function as traps for heavy metals, proved by their significant heavy metal content. The cytosol of the epidermal cells possess considerable DAB-reactivity. The enzyme, responsible for the DAB-reaction, may be transported by the microvilli towards the cuticular surface and can play central role in the detoxication of organic foreign compounds.


Contractile function and myofibrillar ATPase activity in the exercise-trained dog heart.

Myocardial contractility and the enzymatic (ATPase) activity of cardiac contractile proteins were examined after exercise training using the chronically instrumented, unanesthetized dog as an experimental model. Before training, heart rate and the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development (max dP/dt) were measured at rest and during submaximal exercise. Animals were then subjected to an 8- to 10-wk treadmill running program. Training was verified by the establishment of a 10- to 20-beat/min reduction in heart rate during submaximal exercise. After training max dP/dt was within normal limits at rest, but significantly elevated during submaximal exercise. When max dP/dt was plotted as a function of heart rate, either with the animal standing quietly on the treadmill or during submaximal exercise, a marked elevation in max dP/dt at any given heart rate was observed following training. Myofibrillar protein yield and ATPase activity values were nearly identical in left ventricles from exercise-trained and sedentary control dogs. Although exercise training by treadmill running improved contractile function in the unanesthetized dog myocardium, this response does not appear to involve alterations in myofibrillar ATPase activity.


Involvement of inner and outer membrane components in the transport of iron and in colicin B action in Escherichia coli.

Spheroplasts of Escherichia coli mutants were used to investigate the roles of the inner and outer membranes in the transport of iron. tonA mutants, known to be defective in an outer membrane component of the ferrichrome transport system, regained the ability to transport ferrichrome when converted to spheroplasts. On the other hand, the tonB mutant was unable to transport ferric enterochelin in either whole cells or spheroplasts. This implies that an element of the inner membrane is affected. fep mutants were also unable to transport ferric enterochelin, and fell into two classes, fepA and fepB. Spheroplasts of the former class transported ferric enterochelin, and those of the latter did not. This implies that the fepA mutants are defective in ferric enterochelin transport across the outer membrane, and that fepB mutants probably lack the facility to transport ferric enterochelin across the inner membrane. Colicin B action on fepA mutants was found to differ from that on fepB mutants.


Induction and repression of nitrate reductase in Neurospora crassa.

Synthesis of wild-type Neurospora crassa assimilatory nitrate reductase is induced in the presence of nitrate ions and repressed in the presence of ammonium ions. Effects of several Neurospora mutations on the regulation of this enzyme are shown: (i) the mutants, nit-1 and nit-3, involving separate lesions, lack reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH)-nitrate reductase activity and at least one of three other activities associated with the wild-type enzyme. The two mutants do not require the presence of nitrate for induction of their aberrant nitrate reductases and are constitutive for their component nitrate reductase activities in the absence of ammonium ions. (ii) An analog of the wild-type enzyme (similar to the nit-1 enzyme) is formed when wild type is grown in a medium in which molybdenum has been replaced by vanadium or tungsten; the resulting enzyme lacks NADPH-nitrate reductase activity. Unlike nit-1, wild type produced this analog only in the presence of nitrate. Contaminating nitrate does not appear to be responsible for the observed mutants' activities. Nitrate reductase is proposed to be autoregulated. (iii) Mutants (am) lacking NADPH-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase activity partially escape ammonium repression of nitrate reductase. The presence of nitrate is required for the enzyme's induction. (iv) A double mutant, nit-1 am-2, proved to be an ideal test system to study the repressive effects of nitrogen-containing metabolites on the induction of nitrate reductase activity. The double mutant does not require nitrate for induction of nitrate reductase, and synthesis of the enzyme is not repressed by the presence of high concentrations of ammonium ions. It is, however, repressed by the presence of any one of six amino acids. Nitrogen metabolites (other than ammonium) appear to be responsible for the mediation of "ammonium repression."


Mannitol and fructose catabolic pathways of Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbohydrate-negative mutants and pleiotropic effects of certain enzyme deficiencies.

Mutant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO were isolated on the basis of their inability to utilize mannitol as sole carbon source for growth. Four linkage groups (I through IV) among these mutant strains were resolved by two-factor crosses using the general transducing phage F116, and the strains appeared to contain point mutations as evidenced by ability to give rise to spontaneous revertants with wild phenotype on mannitol minimal agar. Group I strains were affected only in ability to grow on mannitol; all were deficient in inducible mannitol dehydrogenase activity, and all but one were deficient in inducible mannitol transport activity. Fructokinase was induced in group I strains and in wild-type bacteria during growth in the presence of mannitol but not fructose, indicating the presence of a pathway specific for endogenously generated fructose. Cells grown on fructose contained phosphoenolpyruvate:fructose-1-phosphotransferase activity, and mannitol-grown cells contained a lower level of this activity. Group II mutants were deficient in constitutive phosphoglucoisomerase, failed to grow on mannitol, grew very slowly on glycerol and fructose, but grew normally on glucose and gluconate. Group III strains were deficient in both nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide- and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities that reside in a single enzyme species. 6-Phosphogluconate appeared to be the inductive effector for this enzyme, which was not required for aerobic growth on glucose or gluconate. A single mannitol-negative mutant in group IV also failed to grow on glycerol and glucose, but no biochemical lesion was identified.


Regulation of isopropylmalate isomerase synthesis in Neurospora crassa.

The capacity to synthetize isopropylmalate isomerase (EC 4.2.1.33) by Neurospora crassa increased during induction in the presence of cycloheximide but was inhibited by proflavine and other inhibitors of RNA synthesis. Turnover of the enzyme once formed appeared negligible, but the message (measured as enzyme-forming capacity) had a half-life of 4 to 8 min. A comparison of the kinetics of induction in the wild type and a newly isolated alpha-isopropylmalate-permeable strain suggested strongly that feedback control by leucine of alpha-isopropylmalate production can adequately serve as the primary physiological regulator of endogenous inducer concentration. Genetic data are presented which implicate the involvement of two unlinked genes, ipm-1 and ipm-2, in determining permeation of alpha-isopropylmalate.


Structural features of normal and complemented forms of the Neurospora isopropylmalate isomerase.

The isopropylmalate isomerase (EC 4.2.1.33) of Neurospora crassa is a globular protein consisting of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of about 90,000. The isomerase cannot easily be freed of a contaminating protease which cleaves the enzyme into two major fragments, one of approximately 56,000 and the other 37,000 daltons. This suggests that the folded polypeptide chain may contain some hinge point or loop exposed on the surface which makes it susceptible to proteolytic attack. Most of the isomerase activity extracted from the wild-type strain is in monomer form. However, a small fraction of the activity in crude extracts is found in multimeric aggregates, and the active isomerase extracted from complementing leu-2 heterokaryons consists entirely of dimers  and higher multimers. These observations suggest that, though active as a monomer, a significant fraction of the normal enzyme might be organized in multimeric form within the cell.


Deg phenotype of Escherichia coli lon mutants.

Deg. one of the Escherichia coli systems for degrading abnormal polypeptides (e.g., nonsense fragments), is also involved in the degradation of some classes of missense proteins. Both missense proteins of beta-galactosidase and temperature-sensitive phage products appear to be degraded by the Deg system. Mutations in the Deg system are indistinguishable from mutations classically called lon or capR; all map near proC, all are mucoid, defective in protein degradation, sensitive to radiomimetic agents, and defective in P1 lysogenization. All are able to propagate temperature-sensitive phage better than lon+ parental strains. Mutations that suppress the radiation sensitivity of these strains (sul) also suppress the P1 lysogenization defect, but do not affect mucoidy or the degradation defect.


Identification of an outer membrane protein responsible for the binding of the Fe-enterochelin complex to Escherichia coli cells.

Escherichia coli incorporates iron as a complex with enterochelin. By using mutants which lack one or the other, or both, of the outer membrane proteins, O-2b and O-3, we have shown that protein O-2b (feuB protein) is responsible for the primary binding of the iron-enterochelin complex to the outer membrane in the process of iron transport.


The sulfhydryl groups involved in the active site of myosin B adenosinetriphosphatase. IV. Structure around the Sa thiol group.

The structure of a tryptic peptide containing one specific sulfhydryl group (Sa), which is responsible for the activation of Mg2+-ATPase of myosin B and is present in the light meromyosin region of the myosin molecule, was studied. The amino acid sequence was deduced to be Thr (or Ser)-Asn-Ala-Ala-Cys-Ala-Ala-Leu-Asp-Lys-Lys. In addition, a space-filling model around Sa was built up by comparing Sa-peptide with the amino acid sequence around Cys 190 of alpha-tropomyosin, and the high reactivity of Sa with N-ethylmaleimide is considered based on this model.


Mechanism of activation of human plasminogen by the activator complex, streptokinase-plasmin.

The object of this investigation was to distinguish between two potential mechanisms of activation of human plasminogen (HPg) to plasmin (HPm) by catalytic levels of the activator complex, streptokinase.plasmin (SK.HPm). One mechanism, which is widely supported, postulates an enzymatic role for SK.HPm in the conversion of molar excesses of plasminogen to plasmin. A more recently described kinetic mechanism involves a direct conversion of HPg to HPm by streptokinase (SK). Here, it is believed that displacement of HPm from SK.HPm by excess HPg is the major source of free HPm in the activation process. The present paper shows that SK is not capable of undergoing rapid exchange from SK.HPm to other HPg or HPm molecules, thus precluding the possibility of direct activation of HPg by SK. Our evidence supports a mechanism involving an enzymatic role for SK.HPm as the major means of converting free HPg to HPm.


The A2B2 hybrid isozyme of phosphofructokinase.

The hybrid isozyme of phosphofructokinase, A2B2, was formed by incubation of rabbit muscle enzyme. A4, and rabbit liver enzyme, B4, in the presence of sodium citrate at neutral pH. The enzyme composition of the resulting mixture of A2B2 and the homoprotomeric forms was identical to that found in rabbit adipose tissue extracts. Hybrid formation, which apparently proceeds by way of dimers, can be blocked by fructose-1,6-P2, fructose-6-P, and high concentrations of MgATP. The A2B2 isozyme was separated from A4 and B4 by ion exchange chromatography. The kinetic regulatory properties of A2B2 were compared with those of A4, B4, and a 1:1 mixture of A4 and B4. ATP inhibition of A2B2 was intermediate between that observed with A4 and B4 and was clearly not identical to a simple summing of the effects of A and B subunits. Similar comparisons were made using other phosphofructokinase inhibitors, citrate, 2,3-P2-glycerate, and P-creatine. In each case the observed inhibition was intermediate between the observed with A4 and B4. The existence in a number of tissues of phosphofructokinase A2B2 provides added diversity to the regulatory mechanisms of glycolysis.


Induction by nucleotide triphosphate hydrolysis of a form of sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase capable of medium phosphate-oxygen exchange in presence of calcium.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles rendered leaky by exposure to alkaline pH, like intact vesicles, catalyze a rapid Mg2+-dependent exchange of oxygens of medium Pi with water. The exchange with 10 mM Pi is strongly inhibited by 0.15 mM Ca2+. Upon addition and hydrolysis of ITP or ATP, a rapid phosphate-oxygen exchange is observed even with 0.15 mM Ca2+ present and a definite but smaller exchange at 8 mM Ca2+. Oxygen exchange per Pi formed is greater with ITP than with ATP. When no Pi is initially present, the extent of oxygen exchange is increased with time of incubation as Pi is formed. With 18O-labeled Pi present, ATP hydrolysis accelerates 18O loss. The results show that much of the oxygen exchange occurs as a result of reversible binding of medium Pi. Thus the binding and cleavage of ITP or ATP overcomes the Ca2+ inhibition of the medium Pi in equilibrium HOH exchange. Such findings support the concept that the cleavage cycle includes a transient conformational form which can reversibly react with Pi to give a phosphoryl enzyme and resultant oxygen exchange or in a rate-limiting step decay to a form with high Ca2+ and NTP affinity.


The spectrum of intervertebral disc-space infection in children.

Discitis, intervertebral disc-space infection, and vertebral osteomyelitis form a spectrum of disorders with a probably common bacterial etiology. We studied forty-one children who had symptomatic narrowing of the disc space associated with fever and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and found that the diagnosis of infection in the spine was usually delayed. Technetium 99m polyphosphate bone-scanning proved to be an accurate, rapid, and safe method of establishing an early diagnosis of infection. A positive culture of blood or biopsy material was found in 34 per cent of all the patients (half of the patients for whom cultures were obtained). The clinical and roentgenographic picture that develops is determined both by the virulence and extent of infection and by the resistance and regenerative capacity of the host. Discitis in children is a vertebral osteomyelitis with disc involvement.


Pathology of centerarians. I. The cardiovascular system and lungs.

The cardiovascular and lung lesions in 23 centenarians (7 males and 16 females) were examined pathologically. The heart showed varied degrees of hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis was present in 15 of the 23 patients. Coronary arteriosclerosis was noted coincidentally. In addition to these findings, amyloid deposition was seen in the hearts of 8 patients. Generalized atherosclerosis of the arterial tree was severe to moderate in all cases. Bronchopneumonia was present in 15 of the 23 patients, and fresh or old thromboembolism in 8. There was a tendency toward emphysema and chronic bronchitis in the structure of the lung. The frequent occurrence of myocardial fibrosis and bronchopneumonia was characteristic in the series. It was significant that cardiac amyloid deposition was noted in these cases.


Huntington's disease: improvement with an anticoagulant-psychotherapy regimen.

A 45-year old women with Huntington's disease (HD) was followed for three years while under an anticoagulant-psychotherapy regimen. The chorea disappeared and the patient improved rather than deteriorating as predicted. All psychotropic drugs were discontinued. This case of reversal of the disease may help to confirm the hypothesis that HD is probably due to circulatory insufficiency in the substantia nigra.


Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae: results of surveillance in the United States.

In September 1976 the Center for Disease Control (Atlanta, Georgia) initiated surveillance for cases of infection due to penicillinase-productin Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the United States. One hundred ninety-one cases of penicillinase-producing gonococcal infection were confirmed through June 30, 1977. Of 177 cases for which histories of sexual exposure were available, 69 were traced to sexual contact in the Far East, and one was traced to sexual contact in West Africa. Of 181 cases for which clinical information was available, 174 were uncomplicated anogenital infections, but local complications, such as salpingitis, epididymitis, and a Bartholin's gland abscess, were reported. Spectinomycin is the only drug now recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service for treatment of gonorrhea that is effective against uncomplicated infections due to penicillinase-producing gonococci. For these organisms, the distribution of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and spectinomycin was higher than and significantly different from the distribution of MICs for isolates of non-penicillinase-producing gonococci collected in this country. Since surveillance began the incidence of confirmed cases of penicillinase-producing gonococcal infection has decreased from 20.8 cases per month in 1976 to 16.8 cases per month in 1977.


A mononuclear cell component in experimental immunological glomerulonephritis.

An accelerated form of nephrotoxic serum nephritis in the rat was examined. The experimental model consisted of preimmunization of the rat with rabbit IgG 5 days before injection of subnephrotoxic doses of rabbit anti-rat kidney serum. The immunized rats developed proteinuria during the first 24 h, increasing by 48-96 h. The early 24-h proteinuria correlated with a neutrophilic infiltration of glomeruli and with deposition of rat Ig and C. The 48- to 96-h proteinuria was associated with a glomerular infiltration by mononuclear cells and proliferation of intrinsic glomerular cells. Many of the mononuclear cells were morphologically identical to monocytes and macrophages. [3H]thymidine labeling experiments indicated that the mononuclear cells originated from dividing precursors localized outside the kidney. Preimmunized rats given systemic irradiation (the kidney being protected by a shield) showed loss of the mononuclear cell infiltrate and absence of 48- to 96-h proteinuria. We conclude that mononuclear phagocytes can infiltrate the kidney in immunological glomerular disease and might contribute to the functional abnormalities.


A potassium ionophore (Nigericin) inhibits stimulation of human lymphocytes by mitogens.

Nigericin, an ionophore that exchanges K+ for H+ across most biologic membranes, reversibly inhibited the proliferative response of human lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Inhibition occurred at nigericin concentrations of 10(-8) M or greater, and only during the early event of mitogenesis. There was no effect if nigericin was added 24 h or later after the initiation of PHA-stimulated cultures. The effect was not the result of toxicity or impaired mitochondrial respiration. At similar concentrations, nigericin also inhibited lymphocyte responses in mixed lymphocyte cultures and to other mitogens including concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, and the calcium ionophore A23187. The findings support the view that one or more transmembranous events, mediated by changes in cation flux and/or membrane potential, are critical in the initial stages of lymphocyte mitogenesis.


Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by allosensitized human T cells.

Peripheral human T cells, isolated by sheep erythrocyte-rosette formation and density centrifugation, were highly cytotoxic to both Ab-coated autologous lymphocytes and antibody (Ab)-coated chicken erythrocytes when stimulated in mixed lymphocyte culture, but were not lytic when freshly purified, or when unstimulated in 6-day culture. Allosensitized T cells were shown to effect this activity by a specific effector-target cell interaction dependent on Ab, as indicated by: (a) induction of killing by Ab to target cells not lysed in the absence of Ab. (b) inhibition of Ab-dependent killing by aggregated Ig. The mechanism by which allosensitized T cells effect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity is discussed.


The effect of different kinds of animal housing on parameters of collagen metabolism in guinea pigs.

Parameters of collagen metabolism were investigated in guinea pigs, both untreated and treated with glucocorticoids. One series consisted of animals housed under normal conditions, the others of SPF animals from the same strain. There are marked differences in certain parameters, including the hydroxyproline content and the reaction of the collagen to glucocorticoids.


Fibrinolytic enzyme in the lining walls of chronic subdural hematoma.

Active plasmin, available plasmin, and total plasminogen were measured by Enzo-diffusion fibirn plate techniques in 11 cases and level of tissue activator and tissue fibrinolytic activities in another 11 cases with chronic subdural hematoma. The values were too small to be measured in some instances. Anti-plasmin in the hematoma was less than in the blood plasma. The outer membrane contained about three times more tissue activator than the dura mater, although the inner membrane contained none. Increased tissue activator, which exudes from the extremely vascular outer membrane, transforms plasminogen into plasmin in subdural hematoma, so that plasmin breaks down fibrin and fibrinogen and induces continuous hemorrhage.


Reoperation after lumbar intervertebral disc surgery.

This retrospective study includes 53 patients who underwent reoperation after failure of lumbar disc surgery to relieve pain. All patients had leg pain before reoperation, which was successful in 28% of cases. Most clinical features, such as persistence or mode of recurrence of pain, radicular quality of pain, positive straight-leg raising, and myelographic root sleeve defects, were not helpful in predicting successful and unsuccessful reoperations. However, a significantly larger percentage of women than men had successful reoperations. Patients who had past or pending compensation claims, who had sensory loss involving more than one dermatome, or who failed to have myelographic dural sac indentations resembling those caused by a herniated disc did poorly with reoperation. A very convincing myelographic defect appears to be needed to justify reoperation at a previously unoperated location. Excision of scar alone or dorsal rhizotomy was of no avail in these cases.


Effects of prolonged starvation on cardiac energy metabolism in the rat.

Experiments were carried out on two series of adult male rats (ad libitum-fed control and starved) for 7 days, at the end of which time components of the glycolytic, citric acid cycle, and associated metabolic pathways in the heart were examined. Levels of myocardial and arterial plasma metabolites in vivo were determined by fluoroenzymatic assays. Activities of enzymes in heart extracts and isolated mitochondria were measured in vitro spectrophotometrically. In starved rats, decreases were observed in heart tissue glucose, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, lactate, alanine, glutamate, and ADP; increases occurred in fructose-6-phosphate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and ATP. Slight to moderate elevations were noted in citric acid cycle metabolites. States of marked hypoglycemia, hyperketonemia, and hypocitricemia also developed. Evidence indicates that flux through the glycolytic pathway is diminished in prolonged starvation as a result of PFK inhibition. Elevated ATP and decreased AMP are suggested as possible factors in PFK inhibition; citrate is believed to have little effect. It is also postulated that amino acid utilization in the heart increases and that dependence on lipids as fuels of oxidation decreases. The latter occurs despite the high levels of circulating ketone bodies. There is little indication from a profile of citric acid cycle metabolites and analyses of mitochondrial enzyme activities that regulation of cycle activity is significantly altered.


Modification by previous afferent discharge of the adaptation of frog muscle spindles following an extension.

1. Extension of a frog muscle spindle evoked a discharge of impulses in its sensory axon. The adaptation of the discharge after the dynamic phase of stretching occurred in two phases. At first the impulse train was almost regular and adapted quickly, but later this gave place to a phase of slower adaptation in which the variability of discharge was much increased. 2. The discharge of action potentials by the muscle spindle depressed the response of the receptor to a subsequent extension. This was true whether they were elicited antidromically by afferent stimulation or orthodromically by longitudinal vibration. This depression had its most marked effect on the first phase of adaptation where it greatly increased the rate of adaptation. The second, slower, phase of adaptation was little influenced. 3. The depression increased with the duration and with the frequency of afferent stimulation. It persisted for about 300 msec. 4. The results show that the properties of the spike generating mechanisms in the muscle spindle are modified by previous discharge and that this modification may influence the overall properties of the receptor. 5. The fact that afferent stimulation has different effects on the two phases of adaptation is consistent with the suggestion that the impulse train evoked by extension is derived from more than one spike generator within the muscle spindle.


Dental care for handicapped children reexamined: I. Dental training and treatment of the handicapped.

1) Training experience is closely related to whether or not handicapped children are treated. If practitioners attended a postgraduate pedodontic training program, or received classroom education or clinical training in the treatment of handicapped children, they are much more likely to treat such patients. (Worth noting is the fact that one fourth of the pedodontists treating handicapped children had not received postgraduate pedodontic training and 20-30 percent reported no training on the treatment of such patients at all.) 2) Slightly less than half of the general practitioners and 96 percent of the pedodontists surveyed report that they currently treat the dental problems of handicapped children. 3) Practitioners currently treating handicapped children report treating more such patients during their dental training and are more likely to feel that they received sufficient exposure to these patients during their training. (Twenty percent of the general practitioners and 53 percent of the pedodontists felt they had sufficient exposure.) 4) Dentists treating handicapped children were more likely to report both classroom education and clinical training about the use of multidisciplinary health manpower in the treatment of their patients, and to report using such personnel as consultants in their dental practice.


Overview of ethical issues in clinical studies.

Research in human subjects should be conducted only if the rights and welfare of the participants are protected. Prospective study subjects must be given adequate information about all aspects of a study so that they can make a rationally exercised decision about participation; coercive techniques to solicit participants should not be used. Research in humans may be classified in one of three categories: A. Research on treatment of existing conditions; B. Research on preventive measures; and C. Research other than for treatment or prevention. Different concerns and aspects of informed consent assume particular importance in each category. In research on the treatment of existing conditions, untreated or placebo-treated control groups are rarely justified if the condition is irreversible. In research on preventive methods prospective subjects should be informed of the likelihood of receiving an ineffective treatment, if one or more placebo groups are included. A randomized clinical trial is usually the best design for studies of preventive methods. Nonrandomized designs, that are feasible and statistically valid, may be employed in order to avoid depriving some subjects from receiving effective preventive methods. In social or behavioral research, confidentiality of collected information and privacy of the subject are essential considerations.


Cardenolide analogues. 7. Synthesis and biological activity of some new steroidal guanylhydrazones.

The synthesis, proof of structure, and biological activity of some new steroidal 17beta-formyl guanylhydrazones are described. The guanylhydrazones of nondigitalis-like steroids inhibited myocardial Na+,K+-ATPase but had only a depressant effect on myocardial contractility. By comparison, the corresponding guanylhydrazone of a digitalis-like steroid gave a positive inotropic effect in concentrations that also inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase. The nondigitalis-like guanylhydrazones also inhibited membrane Mg2+-ATPase and this may infer that the compounds act nonspecifically by membrane stabilization rather than by interaction with stereoselective receptors. Biological activity was determined in the guinea pig.


Hunter syndrome presenting as macrocephaly and hydrocephalus.

A 2-year-old boy with macrocephaly, communicating hydrocephalus, and mild hepatosplenomegaly was found to have mild Hunter syndrome (MPS II). Establishment of the latter diagnosis was complicated by the paucity of obvious physical findings because of the patient's young age and his ethnic origin.


Partial trisomy 20 (20q13) and partial trisomy 21 (21pter leads to 21q21.3).

A patient with a double partial trisomy 20 and 21 with mild mental retardation and multiple congenital anomalies is presented. Despite trisomy for a substantial portion of chromosome 21, the patient showed only minor stigmata compatible with Down syndrome.


The ante-natal detection of Down's syndrome: some demographic aspects.

The numbers of Down's syndrome live births in the area covered by the Sheffield Regional Hospital Board (Trent Regional Health Authority) were estimated using age specific incidence data from a recent detailed Swedish study. The estimated number and proportion of Down's syndrome live births, which could have been detected by prenatal screening of elderly mothers at high risk, fell substantially in recent years. In the maternal age group forty to forty-four the estimated number of Down's syndrome livebirths decreased from thirty-three (24.6 per cent) in 1963 to thirteen (15.7 per cent) in 1973. Over the same period there was a fall in estimated numbers in the thirty-five to thirty-nine age group from twenty-seven (20.2 per cent) to twelve (14.5 per cent). This trend has been due predominantly to a rapid decline in the fertility rates of women aged thirty-five and over. However, projections based on the best available evidence suggest that about 11.4 per cent to 13.8 per cent of all Down's livebirths up to 1991 could be detected by screening all pregnancies in the forty to forty-four age group. A further 11.7 per cent to 14.4 per cent of Down's livebirths could be detected by screening pregnancies in the thirty-five to thirty-nine age group.


Double autosomal trisomy: case report (48, XX, +18, +21) and review of the literature.

A twelve-months-old female is reported with double trisomy of the autosomes 18 and 21 (48,XX,+18,+21), exhibiting the clinical features of mongolism. The findings of this patient and the data of fourteen previously reported cases with double autosomal trisomy, twelve of them mosaics, may be summarised as follows: The mean birth weight was lower than in the single trisomies D, E, and G. The distribution of the maternal ages at birth of the patients was striking: six mothers were younger than 21 years, seven mothers were older than 34 years. In those patients with prevalence of one of the two extra chromosomes in their karyotypes, the corresponding trisomy syndrome also predominated clinically. In those cases with an equal proportion of both additional chromosomes there were as many patients with clinical predominance of the one as of the other trisomy syndrome. Survival beyond the second half of the first year of life was seen only in those patients who showed the clinical picture of mongolism.


Secondary cytotoxic response in vitro against Moloney lymphoma cells antigenically altered by drug treatment in vivo.

Cell-mediated cytotoxic response in vitro to a Moloney strain of murine leukemia virus-induced tumor (LSTRA) altered by 5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-4-carboxamide (DTIC) was investigated with the use of mixed-leukocyte tumor cell cultures (MLTC). As assessed by means of a short-term 51Cr-release assay, minimal or no cytolytic activity was generated in primary MLTC. In contrast, high specific cytotoxic response against the altered tumor was obtained in secondary MLTC. Partial cross reactivity was found between the LSTRA and LSTRA/DTIC tumor lines.


Antigens associated with acute leukemia detected in the primed lymphocyte test.

Mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) studies of families with several leukemia patients, all potential bone marrow transplant recipients, demonstrated that cells from acute myelogenous leukemia patients (5 of 5) and acute undifferentiated leukemia patients (1 of 4) in relapse stimulated autologous lymphocytes as well as lymphocytes from siblings known to be identical at the major histocompatibility linkage group. In the patients studied, the blast transformation induced by leukemia cells was not detectable when the patient was in remission. Stimulation by leukemia cells also elicited increased responses of the lymphocytes from normal haploidentical siblings, parents, and unrelated individuals as compared to stimulation by normal allogeneic cells or leukemia cells of patients with leukemia in remission. The primed lymphocyte test (PLT) was used successfully to establish HLA-D identity of the leukemia patients and their respective HLA-identical siblings, despite high percentages of circulatory blasts. Utilizing lymphocytes from normal siblings primed against the leukocytes from an HLA-identical sibling with leukemia, we also presented results of PLT's which suggested that the stimulation induced by leukemia cells in MLC was produced by leukemia-associated antigens.


Current thoughts on implants in rhinoplasty.

Since the birth of modern rhinoplastic surgery in the early 20th century, most attention has been directed to the reduction rhinoplasty with ever improving and increasingly sophisticated approaches and techniques. Augmentation procedures, on the other hand, have been used on a far lesser scale. The employment of implants, although used sporadically in the past and often with poor results, now appears to be gaining in popularity as new inert materials are being synthesized and proven safe for medical usage. It is the purpose of this paper to review the synthetic material available for nasal implantation, as well as their place in the rhinologist's armamentarium.


Biosynthesis of 5-(4'5'-dihydroxypentyl) uracil as a nucleoside triphosphate in bacteriophage SP15-infected Bacillus subtilis.

The nucleoside triphosphate of 5-(4',5'-dihydroxypentyl)uracil (DHPU) was detected in the acid-soluble extract from bacteriophage SP15-infected Bacillus subtilis W23. No uracil was found in the DNA of either replicating or mature phage. Labeled thymidine added during phage DNA synthesis was incorporated into phage DNA. The presence of DHPU as a nucleoside triphosphate in the acid-soluble pool and the incorporation of thymidine into phage DNA suggest that both DHPU and thymine are incorporated into SP15 DNA via their nucleoside triphosphates. 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine inhibited biosynthesis of SP15 DNA, and this inhibition was reversed by thymidine, resulting in the synthesis of a DNA containing reduced amounts of fully modified DHPU. It is proposed that 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, or its metabolic product, inhibits a step in the biosynthetic pathway to the nucleoside triphosphate of DHPU.


Real time observation of the echo source of systolic hump in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with high speed ultrasono-cardiotomography.

The present study was undertaken to discuss the echo source of systolic hump in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) from a viewpoint of B-mode echocardiography. Cross-sectional images were obtained from 4 patients with HOCM using a Sonolayergraph of Toshiba, SSL-51H. This equipment is characterized by its high speed mechanical sector scanning and wider angle. Recordings were made with ordinary 35 mm camera or Polaroid in conjunction with 8 mm cinecamera. Our data showed that systolic hump in this lesion was not caused by anterior systolic movement of anterior mitral leaflet, but was emanated from the chordae tendineae attached to the anterior or posterior mitral leaflet. In systole, the anterior mitral leaflet moved backward for closure, while the chordae tendineae approached the bulged interventricular septum resulting in the formation of systolic hump.


The plain chest film as an unreliable method to determine left ventricular size.

This case report describes the disparity between the findings of the plain chest film and the echocardiogram in a patient with severe coronary artery disease. Whereas the plain chest film shows a normal cardiothoracic ratio of 50% indicating normal LV size, the echocardiogram shows features characteristic of a dilated cardiomyopathic left ventricle with low amplitude of wall motion and consequently low ejection fractoin. These echocardiographic findings were confirmed at cardiac catheterization and angiography. We propose the use of echo instead of the plain chest film in the evaluation of LV size in the cardiac patient.


[Effect of fibrinolysin and heparin on the kinetic properties of the thrombocytes and the oxidation-reduction processes in myocardial infarct].

Complex study of blood platelet adhesion and aggregation, blood coagulation activity and oxidation-reduction processes was conducted in dynamics in 340 patients with myocardial infarction. in 53 of them before and after treatment with fibrinolysin and heparin. It is shown that in patients with myocardial infarction, particularly in the first days of the disease and  with the development of cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema, the adhesion and aggregation of blood platelets increase with parallel increase in the content of incompletely oxidized products in the blood. A definite parallelism was found between the changes in the kinetic properties of platelets and the oxidoreduction processes. A decrease in the platelet kinetic properties and improvement in the oxidation-reduction processes due to the effect of fibrinolysin and heparin were observed.


[Dynamics of left ventricular hypertrophy and function in spontaneous hypertension of rats (author's transl)].

Left ventricular dynamics and papillary muscle mechanics were examined in 44 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (Okamoto, 9-21 weeks old), in 38 normotensive Wistar Kyoto inbred rats and in 31 control rats. In spite of marked pressure overload, SHR had normal peak systolic wall stress and reduced (21%) diastolic wall stress due to an increased proportion between left ventricular wall thickness and radius. Left ventricular function was normal (isovolumic contractility indices before and after aortic clamping) or augmented (pressure development per gramm of left ventricular weight before and after clamping). Papillary muscle mechanics showed decreases of contraction velocities (isometric and isotonic), whereas shortening and maximum tension development were nearly unaffected. Left ventricular hypertrophy in proportion to pressure overload, the increase in wall thickness/radius ratio and hence the normalisation or decrease of wall stress, provides normal left ventricular function even at extreme pressure overload.


Studies on Tyzzer's disease in rats.

An outbreak of an epidemic disease occurred in a specified-pathogen-free (SPF) breeding colony of rats. The clinical signs and the post-mortem findings were characteristic for Tyzzer's disease. The causative agent, Bacillus piliformis, was demonstrated microscopically in ileum, liver and myocardium, and transmitted to mice where its pathogenicity appeared to be similar to that of another strain isolated from mice. B. piliformis from spontaneously-infected rats was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence technique. By means of the same technique it was found that the fluorescence antibody titre obtained of the individual sera from spontaneously-infected mice, rats and rabbits was the same, whether the antigen employed was organisms isolated from rats or mice. By testing sera from healthy rats in 3 different colonies by use of immunofluorescence technique, antibodies were found in several sera.


Demonstration of antibodies to Bacillus piliformis in SPF colonies and experimental transplacental infection by Bacillus piliformis in mice.

Antibodies to Bacillus piliformis were demonstrated by the immunofluorescence antibody technique in sera from mice and rabbits from SPF breeding colonies. Mice in various stages of pregnancy were experimentally infected with Bacillus piliformis and killed 2 to 3 days later. The organism was demonstrated in the uterus, foetal membranes and in the liver of the foetuses. Infection was not limited to any particular stage of pregnancy.


The effect of continued hypoxia on rat pulmonary arterial circulation. An ultrastructural study.

Hypoxia is known to cause pulmonary hypertension with an increase in arterial muscle-both hypertrophy of the medial coat of the normally muscular arteries and development of new muscle more peripherally than is normal--and a decrease in the number of small arteries. The present study descirbes the ultrastructural features of these changes. Pulmonary arteries less than 100 microgram. in diameter after distension and including alveolar capillaries and the muscular arter at the hilum were examined after exposure to 380 torr for between 1 and 52 days. The earliest change, detected from day 2, is the appearance of new muscle in the nonmuscular regions of artery. The position of the new muscle internal to the single elastic lamina and immediately subjacent to endothelium distinguished it from normal muscle. Ultrastructural examination shows not an "extension" of muscle along a pathway, but differentiation to form new muscle, by preexisting cells--by the pericyte in the nonmuscular arteries and by the intermediate cell in the partially muscular. The veins are spared. Endothelial cells also change significantly from day 3. In the normally nonmuscular regions of artery and in the alveolar capillaries, they are thickened. In the nonmuscular regions of artery, although the endothelial cells appear edematous, the number of Weibel-Palade bodies is increased and new muscle appears subjacent. Elsewhere the Weibel-Palade bodies show normal distribution. The extreme narrowing of the lumen caused by thickened endothelial cells and by encroachment of new muscle as well as the finding of capillaries that are no longer patent doubtless explain the reduction in small peripheral areteries.


Deficient cell-mediated immunity in head and neck cancer patients secondary to autologous suppressive immune cells.

Fifty-four patients with epidermoid head and neck cancer were studied with routine and modified mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) techniques to quantify and characterize their cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Of these, 67% demonstrated deficient CMI in MLC. Employing G-10 column filtration to remove adherent cells selectively, the authors found that 56% of these deficient individuals demonstrated significantly increased lymphocyte responsiveness in MLC. Returning the adherent cells to the cultures usually recaptured the suppressive effect of these adherent cells. Cell marker analyses reveal that the macrophage is the most likely candidate for this suppressive cell. Therapeutic measures which address this paradoxically suppressive cell could be of benefit in enhancing CMI and gaining tumor control.


Mapping of the resistance genes of the R plasmid NR1.

The drug resistance genes on the r-determinants component of the composite R plasmid NR1 were mapped on the EcoRI restriction endonuclease fragments of the R plasmid by cloning the fragments using the plasmid RSF2124 as a vector. The sulfonamide (Su) and streptomycin/spectinomycin (Sm/Sp) resistance genes are located on EcoRI fragment G of NR1. The expression of resistance to mercuric ions (Mer) requires both EcoRI fragment H and I of NR1. The expression of chloramphenicol (Cm) and fusidic acid (Fus) resistance requires EcoRI fragments A and J of NR1. The kan fragment of the related R plasmid R6-5 can substitute for Eco RI fragment J of NR1 in the expression of Cm and Fus resistance. The structural genes for Cm and Fus resistance appear to be a part of an operon whose expression is controlled by the same promoter.


The role of glutathione in renal cortical tissue. Effects of diamide on Na+ and GSSG levels, amino acid transport and Na+-K+-ATPase activity.

The effects of diamide were studied in rat kidney cortical tissue. It was found that diamide increased oxidized glutathione levels and inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Consistent with this finding was the observation that diamide compromised the sodium gradients maintained in renal cortical slices. Amino acid transport studies with ouabain or a sodium-free buffer indicated that diamide interferes with both Na+-dependent and Na+-independent transport systems. These results indicate that diamide has a number of different effects on renal cortical tissue and emphasize the important role of glutathione in maintaining control of a number of key metabolic pathways.


Purification and properties of adenosine triphosphatase solubilized from beef heart mitochondria by chloroform.

Soluble, oligomycin-insensitive ATPase released from beef heart mitchondria by chloroform extraction can be further purified by Sepharose 6B gel filtration. This purification increases enzyme activity 4--5 times (100-130U/mg). According to specific activity, high purity and ability to reconstitute oligomycin-sensitive complex, isolated ATPase is quite comparable with enzyme preparations isolated by other methods.


[On the diagnostic efficiency of the body-coordination-test for children (KTK) (author's transl)].

The diagnostic efficiency of KTK was examined by evaluation of catamneses of children who mostly during their first year of life underwent neurosurgical treatment for subdural effusions. In addition, the influence of intelligence, side of hemispheric lesion, equivocal neurological signs and physical impairment, body height and weight as well as foot preference on the performance of motor tasks was examined. The results suggest sufficient practical advantages of KTK for the detection of brain damage in children.


Comparison of amino acid sequence of troponin I from different striated muscles.

The sequence of troponin I from fast and slow skeletal and cardiac muscle shows strong homology in the region which binds to actin and is responsible for inhibition of the actomyosin AT Pase. More differences are found in the N-terminal region which binds to troponin C.


Platelet uptake of serotonin and dopamine in Huntington disease.

We investigated kinetic and pharmacologic properties of the uptake of serotonin and dopamine by blood platelets from patients with Huntington disease and from persons at high genetic risk of developing Huntington disease. Uptake proved normal.