BHK21 myosin: isolation, biochemical characterization and intracellular localization.

Myosin has been isolated from baby hamster kidney cells (BHK21/C13) in high yield and characterized biochemically and immunologically. The subunit composition consists of 2 heavy chains, approximately 200,000 Daltons each, and 2 classes of light chains of approximately 16,000 and 20,000 Daltons. The myosin exhibits ATPase activity in the presence of K+-EDTA or Ca2+ but very little activity with Mg2+-ATP. The Mg2+-ATPase activity is stimulated only about 2-fold by skeletal actin, but a much larger activation is obtained in the presence of a protein kinase isolated from chicken gizzard. The increase in actin activation is accompained by the phosphorylation of the 20,000-Dalton light chain. BHK21 myosin is insoluble at low ionic strength and forms typical biopolar thick filaments. A specific antiserum generated against this protein forms a single precipitin line with the antigen but does not crossreact with either skeletal or smooth muscle myosin. The antiserum also specifically stains stress fibres in BHK21 cells as shown by indirect immunofluorescence.


Monovalent cation transport in irreversibly sickled cells.

Using discontinuous density gradients of Stractan II, we have separated sickle cell blood into discrete subpopulations of reticulocytes, mature discoid cells, and irreversibly sickled cells (ISCs). We have measured active and passive fluxes of monovalent cations in mature discoid cells, ISCs, and normal control cells, also separated upon density gradients. These measurements revealed a decreased active cation transport in ISC-rich populations. However, parallel measurements of Na, K-ATPase activity showed normal ouabain-sensitive ATPase activity in ISCs. Passive permeability to external Rb was also normal in ISCs. The observation of depressed pump activity in intact ISCs, contrasted with normal ATPase activity in ISC membranes, suggests the presence of factors in the intact cell which inhibit the active transport of Na and K in ISCs.


Myocardial blood flow distribution in concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

Regional myocardial blood flow during both control conditions and ischemia-induced vasodilatation was studied in eight chronically instrumented awake dogs. Seven of these animals had coarctation-banding of the ascending aorta performed at 6 wk of age, and the other dog had congenital subvalvular aortic stenosis. The mean left ventricular weight for the group was 157+/-7.6 g, and the left ventricular body weight ratio was 8.76+/-0.47 g/kg. None of the animals exhibited signs of congestive heart failure. During the control state, the mean left ventricular systolic pressure was 249+/-12 mm Hg and the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 11.5+/-0.5 mm Hg. The aortic diastolic pressure was 74+/-6 mm Hg. Mean left circumflex coronary artery blood flow was 71+/-6 cm(3)/min. In the animals with coarctation-banding, 52+/-6% of the flow occurred during systole. In the dog with congenital subvalvular aortic stenosis, 5% of the coronary flow was systolic. Mean transmural blood flow during resting conditions was 0.97+/-0.08 cm(3)/min per g, and the ratio of endocardial to epicardial flow (endo/epi) was 0.88+/-0.07. During reactive hyperemia, the mean transmural blood flow increased to 3.5+/-0.30 cm(3)/min per g; however, the endo/epi decreased to 0.52+/-0.06.THESE STUDIES DOCUMENT A DIFFERENCE IN TRANSMURAL BLOOD FLOW DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN THE NORMAL AND THE HYPERTROPHIED LEFT VENTRICLE: during resting conditions, in the normal ventricle, the highest flow occurs in the endocardial layer, whereas in the hypertrophied ventricle, the highest flow is in the middle layers with the endocardial flow less than the epicardial flow. During ischemia-induced vasodilatation, the abnormal endo/epi becomes accentuated markedly. These data demonstrate that, in situations requiring high flow, the endocardial layer of a heart with marked concentric left ventricular hypertrophy may not be perfused adequately.


Sonographic findings in gastroschisis.

The antenatal sonographic appearance of gastroschisis is described. The findings consist of numerous extra-abdominal "cystic masses" respresenting loops of fluid-filled bowel eviscerated through the abdominal defect. This patient also had associated polyhydramnios, possibly on the basis of a functional bowel abnormality.


Evaluation of the adverse effects of long-term hyposensitization.

This study was undertaken to determine if long-term hyposensitization causes late sequelae, particularly those reflecting aberrant immunologic responses. Atopic individuals receiving five or more years of hyposensitization with allergenic extracts showed no increased autoimmune, collagen vascular, or lymphoproliferative disease. In addition, chronic hyposensitization did not have adverse effects on immunologic reactivity as assessed by a number of immune parameters. Particularly noteworthy was the absence of immune complexes in the serum of patients undergoing long-term hyposensitization. This study represents the first systematic investigation of potential adverse effects of long-term hyposensitization.


Bronchial hyperreactivity to histamine and methacholine in asthmatic children after inhalation of SCH 1000 and chlorpheniramine maleate.

Nine asthmatic patients with a mean age of 14 yr received bronchial challenges with histamine and methacholine. The challenges were repeated after inhalation of 80 microgram of SCH 1000 (ipratropium bromide) and 5 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. The provocation doses which produced a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and the slopes of the dose-response curves were analyzed. SCH 1000 prevented methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction and chlorpheniramine prevented methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. There was no significant change in the dose-response curve of histamine after SCH 1000 or in the dose-response curve of methacholine after chlorpheniramine. The findings indicate that the mechanisms and receptor sites involved in bronchial provocation by histamine and methacholine are distinctly different. The histamine response is unlikely to be vagally mediated because histamine-induced bronchoconstriction was not prevented by SCH 1000. Both SCH 1000 and chlorpheniramine caused significant bronchodilatation, suggesting the presence of both histamine- and vagal-dependent bronchomotor tone.


[Dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (author's transl)].

Dominant cystoid macular dystrophy (D.C.M.D.) is characterized by a macular dystrophy but at the same time by a pigmentary dystrophy of the retinal periphery. Ultimately D.C.M.D. resembles an atypical pigmentary dystrophy, in some cases that of a pericentral retinitis pigmentosa. In an early stage the results of the EOG and darkadaptation curve reflect the process at the level of the peripheral retina, while only in a late stage we may expect some diffuse ERG pathology. D.C.M.D. might be classified as a tapetoretinal dystrophy and in particular as a form of retinitis pigmentosa with an atypical visual disturbance and an atypical fundus appearance (Leber, 1871). In doing so attention is paid to the fact that D.C.M.D. is more than a macular dystrophy. The denomination of the disease as D.C.M.D. reflects the most important features at a relatively young age.


[Acute keratoconus--an ultrastructural study (author's transl)].

The corneal oedema of acute keratoconus is related to a break in endothelial-Descemetic continuity. This break was confirmed by optical and electron microscopical study of an anatomical section taken during a perforating keratoplasty; the methods of repair were studied five months after the incident. The corneal endothelium had almost totally recoversed the surfaces of the detached Descemet's membrane and the posterior surface of the bare corneal stroma. Electron microscopic study tended to indicate that the endothelial repair occurred more by cellular extension rather than mitosis (very flat cells) and showed that the inter-cellular connecting systems (focal tight junctions) were not regular, or even absent altogether, which explained the clinical finding of persistant corneal oedema. The endothelial cells secrete a Descemet neo-membrane over all their area which is more or less complete. They revover an original scarred stroma of fibrocytes of the posterior stroma.


[Retinal artery occlusions following carotid angiography (author's transl)].

The authors describe a case of retinal artery occlusion; succeeding to a carotid angiography. The ethiology could be a manifestation of an embolic phenomenas. The case is discussed in the light of simular and others reports of ocular complication following this procedure in the literature. Its appears that carotid artery disease was a precipitating factor in the ocular complication. It looks like a complication of injection of the contrast dye in some cases secondary to allergic, toxic or physical phenomenas.


[Glioma of the chiasm (author's transl)].

The diagnosis of glioma of the chiasm is based on the following factors: occurrence in infancy, association with Von Recklinghausen's disease, progressive and slow loss of vision in both eyes, bilateral optic atrophy, unilateral temporal defect or asymmetrical bitemporal hemianopia, exophthalmos, slow course,  omega-deformation of the sella turcica, enlargement of one or both optic foramina, postitive computerized axial tomography. Surgery is contraindicated. Radiotherapy may be applied, but its efficacy is still discussed.


[Light and electron microscopy in one case of herpes zoster keratitis (author's transl)].

One case of herpes zoster keratitis studied after corneal graft is described. Light and electron microscopy investigations show severe pathological changes under the coneal epithelium: Bowman's layer disruption, superficial stromal alterations, sub-epithelial phagocyte proliferation with lipid and mucopolysaccharid vacuolar deposits, abnormal vascularization of the posterior stroma. The authors stress on this interesting ultrastructural study because of very rare cases of the same disease reported in the literature.


[Contusion and permeability of the hemato-aqueous barrier to fluorescein. Effect of a pretreatment by local indometacine (author's transl].

An experimental study, by angiography of the anterior segment of rabbit's eye, estimates the permeability of the hemato-aqueous barrier, using fluorescein. A trauma of the eye (contusion) leads to a rapid and significant increase in this permeability. However, local pretreatment, using an ophthalmic solution of 0,33% indometacine, almost completely stabilizes the hemato-aqueous barrier, even for elements as diffusible as fluorescein. These results suggest that application of a similar preparation to the human eye could be useful in the treatment of ocular contusions, chemical burns and angle-closure glaucoma. But the best perspective could be the application of the indometacine solution to the eye, before an operation, to reduce the sideeffects of surgery relative to the surgical break of the hemato-aqueous barrier.


[Optic disc new vessels (author's transl)].

Fluorescein angiography gives a classification of optic neovascularization separating early injected from late injected new vessels. This classification has been described in France by Mireille Bonnet. It comes from a hemodynamic and probably from a metabolic reality, and has a great deal to do with prognosis and laser treatment. With regard to the blood supply of the optic nerve head, most of the optic disc new-vessels are probably coming from the vascular plexus which surrounds the lamina cibrosa, and which is itself coming from the uveal circulation. The angiographic of optics-disc new-vessels are very likely explained by a hemodynamic condition which may present a very important variation according to the pathological needs of the retinal metabolism.


[The new surgery of functional esotropias (Faden operation and classical technics) (author's transl)].

This paper is the second part of a work devoted to the surgery of functional esotropias. The Authors bring a systematic study of fundamental motor impairments, and their particular management. Sucessively they consider the length, the alterations of contractible properties and the visco elastic changes of ocular muscles. Then they point out the partical means to reveal those troubles by clinical examination, electro-oculography, study of eye position during anesthesia and muscular traction test. They underline the advantages, limits and drawbacks of Fadenoperation. Theorically and practically, a too posterior scleral fastening is dangerous. To avoid some complications of Cupper's original technic, they use a personal procedure: the muscle slapping, which seems to give good results. Finally, they analyze central disorders. The electrooculographic recordings prove that motor troubles  are certainly related with primitive visual impairments. They note that the frequent surgical cure means the muscle operations have a binding effect of proprioceptive nature on the central motor disorders.


Cell types involved in cytotoxicity induced by heated cells and inhibition of this cytotoxicity by anti-human B cell sera.

We have studied the induction of cytotoxic activity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes by heated allogeneic cells. By separating T and B cells from the responder and stimulator cell populations we found that cytotoxic cells are generated in responder T cell populations by both T and the B stimulator cells. Rabbit antisera to a membrane glycoprotein complex (33,000 and 27,000 m.w. by SDS-gel electrophoresis) isolated from a human B cell line were utilized to explore further the nature of the effector cells in this type of cytotoxicity. This antiserum, present during the 6-day-culture period, blocked generation of cytotoxic effector cells. Depletion of cells bearing the B cell antigen from the responder cell population by anti-B cell serum and complement (C) eliminated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, heated cell-induced cytotoxicity was blocked by simply pretreating the responder or the stimulator cell populations with anti-B cell serum in the absence of C. Apparently the human lymphocyte that functions as the effector cell in heated cell-induced cytotoxicity bears the Ia-like antigen that might be important in triggering this type of cytotoxicity.


The expression of Ia antigens on immunocompetent cells in the guinea pig. III. Functional selection of Ia-negative T cells by in vitro culture.

In the present study we examined the expression of I-region-associated (Ia) antigens by guinea pig T lymphocytes stimulated in vitro with antigen-pulsed macrophages. Treatment of lymph node (LNL) or peritoneal exudate (PEL) T cells taken directly from immune animals with anti-Ia serum and complement (C) dramatically reduced their proliferative response to antigen-pulsed macrophages when determined on the 4th day of culture. In contrast, the response of immune T cells that had been selected by culture for a week with antigen-pulsed macrophages and restimulated in a second culture was not affected by anti-Ia and C treatment. This same result occurred with selected LNL or PEL that were initially treated before the selection culture with either normal serum or anti-Ia serum and C. LNL became resistant to anti-Ia serum and C treatment by 3 days of culture whereas antigen-specific PEL were still sensitive at that time. These results indicate that in an immune animal two antigen-specific T cell subpopulations are generated based on their sensitivity to anti-Ia serum and C treatment, but that only the resistant population is selected by in vitro culture. In addition, we demonstrated that the Ig-negative T cell population can only be activated by histocompatible antigen-pulsed macrophages.


Cytotoxicity of human peripheral lymphocytes in cell-mediated lympholysis; antibody-dependent cell-mediated lympholysis and natural cytotoxicity assays after mixed lymphocyte culture.

Lymphocytes that have been purified by Ficoll-Hypaque centrifugation lose antibody-dependent and natural cytotoxic activities upon culture in tissue culture medium supplemented with human plasma. However, stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes in the mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) appears to enhance killer (K) and natural killer (NK) activities in addition to generating cytotoxic T ymphocytes. Enhancement of NK and antibody dependent activities appears to correlate with cell division as measured by 3H-thymidine uptake. However, elimination of dividing cells in the MLC by addition of 5-bromodeoxyuridine has no effect on NK and K cells activities. Since this treatment abolishes cell-mediated lympholysis mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, it is a useful probe for determining the relative activities of NK, K, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte effector cells after lymphocyte stimulation.


The mixed lymphocyte response in whole blood: technical aspects.

Experiments were conducted to standardize the response of lymphocytes in whole blood in mixed culture with allogeneic lymphocytes. The following conditions were found suitable: (1) A culture period of 6-8 days. (2) The ratio of stimulator to responder lymphocytes should be 4-8, but may vary from one batch of stimulator cells to another. (3) Tests may be performed in culture tubes with 50-100 microliter blood in a total volume of 2 ml (macrotechnique) or in microplates with 10 microliter of blood in a volume of 0.2 ml (microtechnique). (4) Serum supplement is not required. (5) Results should be expressed as counts/min (cpm) per a given number of responder lymphocytes. Stimulation indices are less reliable.


Primed lymphocyte testing in pigs: conditions for the generation of primed cells and their response characteristics.

Pig peripheral blood lymphocytes, typed for LD antigens by negative reactions to homozygous cells in primary MLRs and for SD antigens by complement-mediated lymphocytotoxicity, were sensitised in vitro against X-irradiated lymphocytes. These "primed" cells were rechallenged with lymphocytes possessing a range of LD and SD phenotypes and were found to respond by rapid proliferation specifically to LD antigens of the type expressed by the original stimulating cell, but not to SD antigens. Third party LD antigens, not expressed by the original sensitising cell, or by the responder, caused a significant proliferation, but primed cells could be rendered operationally monospecific by reducing the number of responding cells until the third party reaction became negligible. Conditions for the generation and testing of these primed pig cells are described here.


Ionic basis of the receptor potential in primary endings of mammalian muscle spindles.

The effect of changing the ionic composition of bathing fluid on the receptor potential of primary endings has been examined in isolated mammalian spindles whose capsule was removed in the sensory region. After impulse activity is blocked by tetrodotoxin, ramp-and-hold stretch evokes a characteristic pattern of potential change consisting of a greater dynamic depolarization during the ramp phase and a smaller static depolarization during the hold phase. After a high-velocity ramp there is a transient post-dynamic undershoot to below the static level. On release from hold stretch, the potential shows a postrelease undershoot relative to base line. The depolarization produced by stretch is rapidly decreased by the removal of Na+ and Ca2+. Addition of normal Ca2+ partly restores the response. Stretch appears to increase the conductance to Na+ and Ca2+ in the sensory terminals. The postdynamic undershoot is diminished by raising external K+ and blocked by tetraethylammonium (TEA). It apparently results from a voltage-dependent potassium conductance. The postrelease undershoot is decreased by raising external K+, but is not blocked by TEA. It is presumably caused by a relative increase in potassium conductance on release. Substitution of isethionate for Cl- or the addition of ouabain does not alter the postdynamic and postrelease undershoots.


Risks of manifestation of Huntington chorea.

A methodology allowing the estimate of risks heterozygosity and manifestation of Huntington's chorea (HC) within preestablished periods for individuals of any age was developed. For this, the procedure was the following: 1. The variables which could influence the distribution of age frequencies were studied. 2. The error due to the exclusion of the heterozygotes dying before the manifestation of the disease from the distribution of Wendt et al. (1959) of affected persons was corrected separately for each sex. 3. The frequency of non-affected heterozygotes in each age group was calculated separately for each sex, from the corrected distribution. From those data estimates of the following parameters could be reached: a) the probability of heterozygosity for consultants of any age; b) the risks of manifestation for the gene in a given individual within a determined period, taking into account his probability of heterozygosity and survival. 4. The risks of manifestation were tabulated for making easier their use in concrete cases. Simplified tables with approximate risks are also presented for the more common cases in genetic counseling. 5. The methodology presented allows a discrimination between the probability of heterozygostiy and the risk of manifestation. This makes possible the estimate of risks of becoming affected, taking into account not only the age of the consultant at the moment, but also the period of time starting with the consultation, to which the risk applies. This is essential for adequate genetic counseling.


Protein composition of cockroach muscles: identification of candidate recognition macromolecules.

The protein composition of each of the coxal depressor muscles from the leg of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, was analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The proteins from each muscle were fractionated according to their extractability in Ringer's solution, 1% Triton X-100 and 1% SDS. The gel protein patterns of the fractionated muscles revealed some biochemical differences that could be correlated with mechanical and ultrastructural differences observed among the muscles. In addition, proteins were detected that were considered to be candidate recognition macromolecules that are responsible for the intercellular recognition process that enables regenerating motor neurons to specifically recognize and make stable, functional connections only with the muscles to which they were originally connected. The major evidence for this identification of candidate recognition macromolecules was that their presence in the muscle could best be correlated with innervation by an identified motor neuron. In addition, these proteins remain present in denervated muscles for at least as long as it takes for the original innervation pattern to be reformed by the regenerating motor neurons.


Immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage simulating Goodpasture syndrome.

Two female children whose clinical presentations and renal light-microscopic findings were consistent with Goodpasture syndrome are described. Immunopathologic studies demonstrated granular deposition of immunoglobulins and complement, suggesting that the renal disease was mediated by circulating immune complexes and not by anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody. Anti-GBM antibody was absent in both patients. These patients represent the first report in children of idiopathic nephritis due to immune complexes with associated pulmonary hemorrhage. The findings raise some doubt as to the accuracy of previous reports of Goodpasture syndrome in children, and also demonstrate the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of evaluation the renal immunopathology in the child with nephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage.


A critical assessment of fluid requirements in gastroschisis.

This report critically evaluates the fluid requirements of 30 infants with gastroschisis. Fluid requirements were unrelated to gestational age, birth weight, or type of repair. Twenty-five percent of the fluid was colloid needed to restore intravascular volume and oncotic pressure, the balance consisting of Ringer's lactate solution. These data support the conclusion that the fluid requirements of the newborn with gastroschisis are significantly increased over those of the normal neonate. This is a reflection of antenatal peritonitis, third space fluid shifts and loss of water and electrolytes during transport to the pediatric surgical center. Recognition of these needs and appropriate replacement should reduce the perioperative morbidity and mortality in these seriously ill neonates.


Laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of malfunctioning ventriculo-peritoneal shunts in children.

Abdominal complications following ventriculo-peritoneal shunting for hydrocephalus are not uncommon. One of the complications that has heretofore required abandonment of the peritoneal shunt has been entrapment or encystation of the peritoneal limb of the catheter system. Four infants have been identified with malfunction of the peritoneal limb of the system by characteristic physical findings of increasing head size and dissection of fluid along the shunt track. Abdominal radiographs in multiple views revealed the tip of the peritoneal catheter to be fixed in position in each patient and sonography aided in identification of encysted catheters. These infants underwent six laparoscopic procedures to define the cause of shunt malfunction and to reposition the catheter. Cerebrospinal fluid cysts were encountered in three infants and entrapment by the falciform ligament in the fourth. All catheters were easily repositioned within the abdominal cavity with laparoscopy forceps and three of the infants presently have normally functioning shunt systems.


The projection of jaw elevator muscle spindle afferents to fifth nerve motoneurones in the cat.

1. By spike-triggered averaging of intracellular synaptic noise it has been shown in pentobarbitone anaesthetized cats that jaw elevator muscle spindle afferents with their cell bodies in the mid-brain have a relatively weak monosynaptic projection to masseter and temporalis motoneurones. 2. Extending the spike-triggered averaging method to recording extracellular excitatory field potentials it has been shown that virtually all the spindles do project monosynaptically to the motoneurone pool. It is concluded that the general weakness of the projection is due to its restriction to a small proportion of the motoneurones, possibly those concerned most with tonic postural functions. 3. The shape of individual intracellular e.p.s.p.s together with the spatial distribution of extracellular excitatory potential fields provide some evidence for a dentrically weighted distribution of the synapses. 4. Evidence is presented that both primary- and secondary-type spindle afferents project monosynaptically, the secondary effects being some 71% of the strength of the primary ones.


An objective in vitro study of ageing in the skin of patients with Down's syndrome.

The most sensitive mechanical index of issue ageing has previously been proved to be "limit strain". In a pilot study the skin from five patients with Down's Syndrome has shown no significant difference from the results found in normal individuals. It can therefore be concluded that there is no evidence for premature ageing in Down's Syndrome.


[Myocardial infarct in Cheboksary: its incidence and mortality].

The results of a 3-year epidemiological study of the population according to the standard program of the myocardial infarction register elaborated by WHO (1970) are discussed. The data on the morbidity and mortality in myocardial infarction and acute coronary insufficiency among the population ranging in age from 20 to 64 years are shown. The study was conducted according to the standard program employing common criteria for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and acute coronary insufficiency.


[Echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic subvalvular stenosis].

Seventeen patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis were examined by the M-method of echocardiography with the "Ekoline 20-A" apparatus. In all patients the interventricular septum was hypertrophied asymmetrically within limits of 15-22 mm, 17 mm on the average. The ratio of the thickness of the interventricular septum and that of the left-ventricular posterior wall amounted to 1.4-1.9, 1.6 on the average. The amplitude of movements of the interventricular septum did not exceed 3 mm and the degree of its systolic thickening ranged between 0 and 28%, being 13% on the average. In 16 patients there was anomalous systolic movement of the anterior mitral cusp to the front taking up an average of 56% of the time of the left-ventricular systole. The rate of early diastolic closure of the anterior mitral cusp was diminished from 37 to 58 mm/sec. Midsystolic closure of the aortic valve coinciding with maximum systolic murmur was noted in 9 patients. The left atrium was enlarged in 5 patients, one of whom developed atrial fibrillation. Intensification of symptoms of left-ventricular obstruction in amyl nitrite inhalation and in the first postextrasystole complex was noted. Treatment with propranolol in a dose of 60-120 mg for 3 to 9 months caused no changes in the echocardiogram.


[Congenital ectropion of the upper eyelids due to an anomaly of the eyelids in down's syndrome (author's transl)].

A 5-months-old female baby with Down's Syndrome developed an intermittent spastic ectropion of the upper eyelids. The reasons for this are thought to be the flaccidity of the connective tissue, which is typical in Down's Syndrome, and a little anomaly of the eyelids, the tarsus was too short horizontally and very weak and the upper eyelids were somewhat larger than normal and elongated. Suturing Bangerter's lid-sheets on the upper eyelids for 15 days resulted in a scarring of the tarsus with the lax connective tissue of the upper eyelids. The ectropion disappeared and did not recur.


Pathological changes in mice infected with tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti.

Long-term studies in mice experimentally infected with the tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides corti have revealed disseminated lesions in the liver, lung, kidney, epididymis, and testicle.


Attempted transmission of Entamoeba coli to specified-pathogen-free rodents.

An attempt was made to establish whether human Entamoeba coli was transmissible from man to laboratory rodents. Cysts from 15 samples of human and 4 of primate stool were passaged into specified-pathogen free guinea-pigs, rats and mice. In only 1 instance were cysts established in mice and, eventually, in rats.


Ageing of Neurospora crassa. VII. Accumulation of fluorescent pigment (lipofuscin) and inhibition of the accumulation by nordihydroguairetic acid.

Continuous administration of the antioxidant nordihydroguairetic acid to clones of the natural-death nutant or wild-type Neurospora crassa growing on 5-fluorotryptophan not only alleviates the time-dependent deterioration of growth rate (senescence), but also inhibits the accumulation of a fluorescent pigment (lipofuscin), an end-product of lipid peroxidation. In the three model system of ageing in N. crassa that we have examined, it is now clear that massive accumulation of lipofuscin begins shortly before or concident with the period of senescence. By this and other criteria, the youngest cells in time of origin appear to be most senescent. Thus the degree of senscence appears to be a function of physiological rather than chronological age and, more specifically, is probably a function of the number of nuclear mitotic divisions. Normal, non-senescent, wild-type, clones also accumulate lipofuscin; but, unlike clones undergoing senscence, accumulate very low concentrations which are independent of subclonal age. Apparently, clones of wild type can tolerate a low level of lipid peroxidation without undergoing senescence; but even a low level is inimical since culture with nordihydroguaiaretic acid not only enhances their growth rate, but also inhibits the accumulation of lipofuscin.


[Sulfate reduction and the water-soluble organic substances in a flooded petroleum bed].

The paper presents the analytical data for the hydrochemical and microbiological composition of the water in a stratum undergoing changes as a result of artificial flooding. The highest accumulation of biogenic H2S and the carbon of dissolved organic substance was found in diluted bed waters with mineralization of 17.17 g/litre. The composition of the bitumen carbon of dissolved organic substances changed with dilution of the stratum brine. The data thus obtained suggest the existence of an indirect relationship; oxidized dissolved organic substance--the rate of sulphate reduction. The nature of organic substance appearing in the petroleum stratum is discussed.


Nuclear suppressors of the [poky] cytoplasmic mutant in Neurospora crassa. III. Effects on other cytoplasmic mutants and on mitochondrial ribosome assembly in [poky].

We have previously isolated six non-allelic, nuclear mutations (sui loci) that partially suppress the growth, respiratory and cytochrome abnormalities of the extranuclear [poky] mutant. A comparison of the mitochondrial ribosome profiles of suppressed and unsuppressed [poky] strains revealed that five of the six suppressors alleviate at least partially the deficiency of mitochondrial small ribosomal subunits that is associated with the [poky] genotype. Six independently isolated Group 1 extranuclear mutants, namely [exn-1], [exn-2], [exn-4-a1, [stp-b1], [SG-1] and [SG-3-A1, which have growth and cytochrome phenotypes similar to [poky] also were found to be deficient in small subunits of mitochondrial ribosomes. Using cytochrome aa3 and b production as a criterion for mitochondrial protein synthesis, it could be shown that the nuclear su I suppressors of [poky] also suppress the other six Group I extranuclear mutants. However, differences in the efficiencies of suppression by suI suppressors suggest that at least some of Group I extrachromosomal mutants are not simply re-isolates of [poky], but represent distinct extranuclear mutations.


Characterization of ultraviolet light-induced ouabain-resistant mutations in Chinese hamster cells.

Ouabain-resistant mutations in Chinese hamster cells have been quantitatively characterized. The mutation frequencies were found to be induced curvilinearly with treatments of increasing doses of ultraviolet light (UV). For the range of UV doses tested (5--20 J/m(2)), the observed frequency, Y, as a function of UV dose X, follows a curvilinear function, Y = (-28 + 13.37 X--1.52X(2) + 0.08X(3)) . 10(-6). The frequencies of UV-induced mutations were directly correlated with cell survival, indicating a similar causal relationship between cell killing and mutation induction. Under the same experimental conditions, X-rays induced 6--thioguanine-, but not ouabain-, resistant mutations. UV-induced ouabain-resistant (ouar) mutants exhibit a selection disadvantage. Their phenotypic expressions are modifiable by various agents. Wild type and 16 ouar mutants were compared with respect to their sensitivity to ouabain inhibition of 86Rb uptake by whole cells. All the ouar mutants assayed are less sensitive to the drug than are wild-type cells. In the absence of ouabain, the Na+--K+--ATPase activities can be significantly higher or lower than that of the wild-type cells.


Use of the spot, plate and suspension test systems for the detection of the mutagenicity of environmental agents and chemical carcinogens in Neurospora crassa.

N23 and N24, selected from hundreds of ad-3 mutants, have been used as testers for the spot, plate and suspension tests in Neurospora crassa. These two testers are highly sensitive to mutagens and are revertible by a specific group of chemicals. N23 can be reverted from an adenine-dependence to adenine-independence by agents which cause base-pair substitutions whereas N24 can be reverted by frameshift mutagens. Studies described here show that spot, plate and suspension tests using testers N23 and N24 are satisfactory substitutes for the ad-3 forward-mutation system for screening the mutagenic activity of environmental agents and chemical carcinogens in N. crassa.


[Spontaneous activity of the passive muscle spindles of the cat triceps surae].

In a slack deeferented m. triceps surae about 45% of 400 stretch receptors under study have a spontaneous discharge. The following facts indicated that some intrafusal fibres in the slack muscles are presumably in the prestretch state: 1) the isotonic contraction of the muscle diminished or abolished the spontaneous discharge; 2) at the beginning of the stretch of the slack muscle the initial slowing in the discharge frequency of the unit sometimes appeared; this slowing did not depend on the type of unit and occured in a unit among many others in the same preparation and under the same conditions of experiment; 3) the dynamic thresholds of spontaneously discharging units were lower than that of units without spontaneous discharge. It is suggested that a static stretch occurs in some muscle spindles, if the distance between two points of big fibres insertion on extrafusal fibres or tendon fascicules is longer than the length of intrafusal fibres. The initial slowing at the beginning of stretch is presumably due to viscous damping forces which must be higher in more viscous extrafusal fibres in comparison to that of intrafusal fibres.


Isoquinoline alkaloids. Inhibitory actions on cation-dependent ATP-phosphohydrolases.

Representatives of eleven different classes of isoquinoline alkaloids inhibit Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase in rat brain microsomal preparations. In most cases the Na+, K+-ATPase is more sensitive than Mg2+-ATPase to inhibition by the alkaloids. The classes of alkaloids can be ranked according to potency of inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase. Protoberberines are most effective, followed in decreasing order by benzophenanthridines, benzylisoquinolines, aporphines, tetrahydroprotoberberines, pavines, protopines, isoquinolines, tetrahydrobenzylisoquinolines, morphinanes, and tetrahydroisoquinolines. As specific representatives of each of the first four classes of alkaloids, berberine, sanguinarine, papaveroline and 1,2,10,11-tetrahydroxyaporphine, respectively, prove most valuable in kinetic studies because they exhibit the greatest inhibitory action on brain Na+, K+-ATPase. Kinetic analyses plotted in double reciprocal form reveal that berberine and 1,2,10,11-tetrahydroxyaporphine are simple linear competitive inhibitors with respect to ATP, whereas sanguinarine and papaveroline are simple linear noncompetitive inhibitors. These four representative alkaloids exhibit non-linear competitive inhibition with respect to Na+-activation. Additionally, these alkaloids significantly inhibit rat brain microsomal K+-activated pNPPase. The results demonstrate that certain members of several classes of isoquinoline alkaloids markedly affect various cation-dependent phosphohydrolases in vitro.


[Phenology of sandflies of the genus Sergentomyia in the Karshi Steppe (Phlebotominae)].

Phenological observations on sand flies of the genus Sergentomyia inhabiting the burrows of Rhombomys opimus from the Karshinskaya steppe were carried out for many years. The emergence of two mass generations of S. arpaklensis and S. grekovi was noted for the spring-summer period. In S. arpaklensis from oasis the appearance of the first individuals was noted mostly often in the II--III decade of May, the first peak of abundance--in the II--III decade of June and the second peak of abundance--early in August. In S. grekovi the appearance of the first individuals was observed at the end of April--the very beginning of May, the first peak of abundance--in the second half of May and the second peak--in the first half of September. During July--August the abundance of S. grekovi is rather low. Throughout the desert areas southward from oasis all phenological phenomena take place in both species ten days earlier than in oasis. S. arpaklensis is characterised by its very high abundance in oasis and in foothill loes plain, sharp fluctuations in the abundance both in seasons and years and by the prevalence of females over males during the active flight.


[Ostracod, Eucypris infiata, the intermediate host of avian cestodes in the biocenosis of Lake Tengiz].

In the biocoenosis of the Lake Tengiz (Central Kazakhstan) Eucypris inflata (0.3--11%) was found to be spontaneously infected with the larvae of cestodes-hymenolepidids (6 species) and dilepidids (1 species). The nesting flamingos and moulting grebes from the same water body were also infected to a great extent with these cestodes. Figures and morphological description of cysticercoids (7 species) and skolex of mature cestodes of Parabiglandatrium phoenicopteri are given.


Laser beam - induced injury of aortae of arteriosclerotic and nonarteriosclerotic rats.

The abdominal aortae of non-arteriosclerotic (virgin) and arteriosclerotic (breeder) Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by laparotomy and a microscopically discreet locus within the inner media was subjected to non-thermal injury by a pulsed ruby laser beam (300 joules/cm2). Animals were killed every two days for 8 days. The non-arteriosclerotic rats manifested increased mesenchymal cell activity at the site  of injury followed by intimal ground substance accumulation populated by mesenchymal cells and culminating with medial scarring with extensive loss of elastic lamellae. The arterioscelrotic aortae displayed no medial mesenchymal cell reaction but immediately below the lesion site there was active differentiation of intimal mesenchymal cells into cartilaginous cells and eventual transformation of both the intima and media into large C-shaped bars of cartilaginous tissue. It is believed that laser beam injury accelerated the differentiation of the already disturbed mesenchymal cells of the arteriosclerotic animals in the direction of mature cartilage to strengthen a weakened aortic wall.


[Proteolytic breakdown of human inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor by plasmin (author's transl)].

Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor was isolated from human plasma and submitted to proteolytic degradation by plasmin. A split product of low molecular weight (18 000 daltons) is obtained by gel filtration or solubilisation in perchloric acid. This fragment reacts with an anti-inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor immune serum and migrates as beta1 globulins. Its specific activity against trypsin (after absorption of residual plasmin on sepharose lysine) was estimated to be 900 mU1/mg. Thus one molecule of fragment can inhibit one molecule of trypsin. As well with native protein as with its fragment, complexes formed with trypsin can be dissociated by urea or sodium dodecyl sulfate. This fragment is similar to the small molecular weight inhibitors obtained directly by solubilisation in perchloric acid from serum, urine and bronchial secretions.


[Change in the autogeny of a Leningrad population of Culex pipiens molestus (Culicidae)].

Eight year observations on the autogeny of C. p. molestus have shown that the per cent of autogenous females decreased from 87% (1968) to 25.6% (1976). The population of C. p. molestus from basement apartments of Leningrad can be expected to receive a replenishment from free-living C. pipiens.


Management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia using serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations.

Simultaneous serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were compared with urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) and pregnanetriol (PT) excretion during therapy in 18 prepubertal patients with the 21-hydroxylase deficiency form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Patients were classified into those in good, poor, or questionable control on the basis of clinical examination, skeletal age, and 17-KS and PT excretion. During therapy, use of serum steroid concentrations was found to be nearly as accurate in judging adequacy of control as use of urine steroid concentrations. Of 34 evaluations, a definite assessment of adequacy of control could be arrived at 25 times using urinary values and 22 times using both serum DHEA-S and 17-OHP concentrations. DHEA-S concentration responded sluggishly when treatment was not adequate, being greater than 100 microgram/dl only in patients significantly undertreated. It was never elevated in well-controlled patients. Mid-afternoon 17-OHP concentrations were less than 200 ng/dl in well-controlled patients but readily escaped suppression and could not be used to differentiate poor from borderline control or from temporary noncompliance. Therefore, an increases DHEA-S concentration indicated poor control and a suppressed 17-OHP concentration indicated good control. The combination of normal DHEA-S level with elevated 17-OHP level, however, did not permit exact evaluation of the degree of control. Of significance is that not all patients with CAH present with an elevated DHEA-S concentration, and only in those in whom an elevated level has been documented can DHEA-S level be used as an index of control during therapy.


A look at mainstreaming in light of children's attitudes toward the handicapped.

Mainstreaming is a legislative reality, yet there is still a question as to whether non-handicapped students are prepared for it. In the present study 131 grade school students were each asked to select from the Personal Attribute Inventory for Children 15 adjectives which best fit three groups of handicapped children as well as normal children. The groups were described in a hierarchical fashion: "normal children" were rated most favorably, then "physically handicapped children," "learning disabled children," and "emotionally disturbed children.".


[Direct examination in immunofluorescence of temporal artery sections. Value and limitations (author's transl)].

Although invariably seen with immunofluorescence in Giant Cell Temporal Arteritis, deposits of immunoglobulins and complement in the wall of the temporal arteries is nevertheless not specific to his condition. The results of the preliminary study reported here would seem to indicate that this phenomenon is related to the dysimmune state. A simple investigation, temporal artery biopsy with examination in immunofluorescence may be used to provide evidence for a diagnosis of circulating immune complex disease, the type of which can be defined only by the clinicopathological and biological context. Thus the practical value of temporal artery biopsy goes far beyong giant cell arteritis only.


Mimics of coronary heart disease.

Numerous disorders can mimic chronic coronary disease either clinically or electrocardiographically. Particularly noteworthy are Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, floppy mitral valve syndrome, angina pectoris with normal coronary arteries, hyperventilation syndrome, neurogenic T wave abnormalities, vasoregulatory abnormality, cervicoprecordial angina, hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, left ventricular hypertrophy, and left anterior fascicular block.


Echocardiography in a district general hospital.

A referral service for echocardiography was established in a district general hospital. One hundred and three patients were studied and the benefits to defined groups of referrals were evaluated. It is concluded that the introduction of echocardiography into this setting is of advantage to many patients with cardiac disease and should therefore be encouraged.


[Comparative study of a vagolytic and a beta 2 sympathomimetic drug on the respiratory function of the asthmatic patient].

The authors compared the effects of a synthetic vagolytic drug, the SCH 1000, and a beta2 sympathicomimetic one (Fenoterol) in two groups of control children (n = 11) and two groups of asthmatic children (n = 23). They studied the following parameters, flow volumes curves, steady state lung diffusing capacity and the blood gases. No difference of efficiency was found between the two types of bronchodilators although the graphic modification of flow volumes curves was different after Fenoterol and after SCH 1000. The modifications consisted in a great improvement in instantaneous flow, a decrease in diffusion capacity and an increase of the Pa O2 significant in the group of asthmatic children after Fenoterol.


Two fragments from fibrinolysin digests of ovine prolactin: characterization and recombination to generate full immunoreactivity.

The action of fibrinolysin (plasmin; EC 3.4.21.7) on ovine prolactin has been investigated. It was found that the enzyme selectively cleaves the bond between Met-53 and Ala-54. The two fragments, PRL-(1-53) and PRL-(54-199), have been purified and characterized. A recombinant molecule has been obtained by noncovalent interaction of PRL-(1-53) and PRL-(54-199). The recombined protein behaves nearly identically to the parent hormone in circular dichroism spectra and exclusion chromatography. The recombinant possesses full immunoreactivity, as revealed by gel double-diffusion and complement fixation. However, the recombined protein exhibits low prolactin activity in the pigeon crop-sac test.


Nerve growth factor potentiates actomyosin adenosinetriphosphatase.

The nerve growth factor protein (NGF) favors polymerization of brain actin and induces its organization to form paracrystalline structures that activate myosin ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) to an extent greater than actin alone. Binding studies show that the initial 1:1 stoichiometry of NGF-G-actin complexes decreases to 1:7-10 when polymerization is ended and paracrystalline structures are formed. The ratio becomes even lower when heavy meromyosin is added in the absence of ATP, suggesting that heavy meromyosin displaces NGF bound to actin microfilaments. This conclusion is supported by the finding that when heavy meromyosin is added to NGF-microfilament complexes, under conditions for "decorating" microfilaments, the usual paracrystalline structure of the complexes disappears. The NGF-mediated organization of actin and activation of myosin ATPase is visualized as a self-regulatory and self-propagating mechanism, because progressive displacement of the growth factor induced by heavy meromyosin binding to F actin as ATP consumption proceeds renders an increasingly higher amount of NGF free for new interactions. These findings are discussed in the light of the mechanism of action of NGF in the target cells.


Potent inhibition of dynein adenosinetriphosphatase and of the motility of cilia and sperm flagella by vanadate.

The motility of demembranated sea urchin sperm flagella and that of embryo cilia reactivated with 0.1 mM ATP are completely inhibited by 4 micron and 0.5 micron vanadium(V) [V(V), in vanadate], respectively. The Mg2+-activated ATPase activity (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3)of the latent form of dynein 1 is inhibited 50% by 0.5-1 micron V(V), while the Ca2+-activated ATPase activity is much less sensitive. The inhibition of flagellar beat frequency and of dynein 1 ATPase activity by V(V) appears not to be competitive with ATP. In agreement with other reports, the inhibition of (Na,K)-ATPase by V(V) shows a slow onset in the presence of ATP and is relatively rapid in its absence. With dynein, however, the inhibition occurs at a rapid rate whether or not ATP is present. Catechol at a concentration of 1 mM reverses the V(V) inhibition of reactivated sperm motility, dynein ATPase, and (Na, K)-ATPase. Myosin and actomyosin ATPases show no inhibition by concentrations of V(V) up to 500 micron. The inhibition by V(V) provides a possible technique for distinguishing between the actions of dynein and myosin in different forms of cell motility.


Drug interactions with brain biogenic amines and the effects of amphetamine isomers on locomotor activity.

Administration of single IP doses of 1.0 or 4.0 mg/kg of d-amphetamine evoked an increase in mouse spontaneous motor activity (SMA); in contrast, 1.0 mg/kg of l-amphetamine had no significant effect, while 4.0 mg/kg caused a decreased SMA. Pretreatment with aMT or pargyline had little effect on the actions of the l-isomer, but reduced the magnitude and duration of the stimulatory effect of d-amphetamine. Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine had little effect on the actions of d-amphetamine but completely abolished the depressant actions of the l-isomer. Reserpine pretreatment markedly reduced basal SMA levels; such pretreatment caused both d- and l-amphetamine to act as stimulants of SMA.


An analysis of dorsal and median raphe self-stimulation: effects of parachlorophenylalanine.

The role of serotonergic systems in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of the dorsal and median raphe nuclei of rats was investigated. Intragastric administration of 400 mg/kg of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) depressed ICSS rates in the group with dorsal raphe electrode placements over a similar time course to the depletion of brain serotonin which results from treatment with PCPA. An intrasessional analysis of these behavioral changes on the fourth day after PCPA revealed that dorsal raphe ICSS was depressed over both halves of the 2 hr test session, whereas a significant depression in median raphe ICSS occurred only in the last hr of the session. The data from these studies suggest that brain serotonin systems contribute to the phenomenon of brain-stimulation reward in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. The involvement of multiple neurochemical substrates of brain stimulation reward is discussed.


Applications and limitations of quantitative sacroiliac joint scintigraphy.

Evaluation of sacroiliac joint pathology by quantitative analysis of radionuclide bone scanning has been advocated as a useful technique. We have examined this technique in 61 patients and controls. The procedure was useful in detecting early sacroiliitis but was of limited value in patients with advanced sacroiliac joint findings radiographically. False positive values were found in patients with metabolic bone disease or structural abnormalities in the low back. Normative data must be determined for each laboratory.


Lesions in the cat spinal cord following local injections of 6-aminonicotinamide.

Lesions were made in the spinal cord of cats by means of local injections of 6-aminonicotinamide. The concentration needed to induce primary demyelination also caused extensive axonal death. In the early stages following injection there was evidence of astrocyte and oligodendrocyte destruction and with longer survival times most of the surviving demyelinated axons were remyelinated by Schwann cells. This experimental system indicates that Schwann cell remyelination of central axons follows astrocyte destruction, but it was not considered a suitable model system for the study of cellular relationships in remyelination because of the extensive concomitant axonal damage.


[Study of a population carrying HLA B27 antigen compared with a population without B27, in the detection of ankylosing spondylitis].

Comparative study of 2 groups matched for age and sex, 39 subjects with B 27 and 40 subjects without B 27, chosen at random from blood donors, leads to the conclusion that the former complain of chronic low back pain and joint manifestations, and show a reduction in the range of movement of the lumbar spine, significantly more frequently than the latter. While radiological abnormalities of the sacro-iliac joints considered individually do not permit separation of those bearing the antigen from the controle, grouping them together shows that there are more cases of stage III sacro-ilitis among those with B 27. In all, 5 cases of spondylitis defined according to the New York criteria were found in this way in the group with B 27, 12.8 per cent as against 3 per cent in the controls. From these results, the incidence of rheumatic spondylitis can be estimated as between 0.8 and 1.7 per cent.


Recent concepts on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The evidence implicating an immune pathogenesis of the lesions of rheumatoid arthritis is presented under four headings: clinical, histopathological, serological and experimental. This leads to the conclusion that the disease occurs in two phases, an initial phase associated with the presence of an exogenous initiating agent and a chronic, apparently self-prepetuating phase maintained by the presence of an autoanitgen. The microbial nature of the initiating agent is considered and it is concluded that present evidence does not exclude the possibility that no single agent is responsible.


The generation, detection and characterization of cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in vitro.

This paper describes the generation, detection and characterization of cytotoxic t lymphocyte activity in vitro and the application of this assay system to various immunological problems.


Human lymphocyte subpopulations involved in MLC and CML.

Lymphocyte subpopulations from human peripheral blood were tested for their capacity to stimulate allogenic cells in MLC and for their ability to develop into cytotoxic cells in cell-mediated lympholysis (CML). By various cell separation experiments lymphocyte suspensions were depleted or enriched with respect to Fc receptor-bearing cells (detected as EA-RFC) and Ig-bearing cells. It was concluded that Fc receptor-bearing cells and Ig-bearing cells belong to different subpopulations. Furthermore, about 30% of the Fc receptor-bearing cells had T cell characteristics. The MLC stimulatory capacity was mainly confined to the Ig-bearing lymphocytes, and the Fc receptor-bearing cells and T cells exerted very little stimulation. Removal of Fc receptor-bearing cells strongly decreased the development of cytotoxic lymphocytes in CML. However, removal of Fc receptor bearing cells after MLC activation no longer affected cytotoxicity in CML. The activity in antibody-dependent lymphocytotoxicity was strongly decreased when Fc receptor-bearing cells were removed either before or after MLC activation. It was concluded that the cytotoxic precursor cells in CML bear an Fc receptor, which is either lost or blocked during MLC activation.


In vitro reactivity of human lymphocytes after cryopreservation using a programmed cooling device.

In this article a technique is described for the cryopreservation of human lymphocytes employing a programmed cooling device. A preset temperature curve was used which compensated for the heat exchange during crystallization. The influence of this method of lymphocyte preservation on a variety of the in vitro functions of these cells was evaluated by means such as the lymphocyte transformation test, CML and investigations for lymphocyte membrane markers. All the lymphocyte functions that were tested were found to be retained in full.


Urinary 17-ketosteroid fractions in young patients with breast cancer.

The main fractions of 17-ketosteroids were estimated in 30 young women (under 40 years) with breast cancer and 20 controls of the same age. The determination of the fractionated ketosteroids was made by thin layer chromatography on silicagel. The mean levels of etiocholanolone, androsterone, total ketosteroids and the sum of the fractions of 17-ketosteroids were significantly decreased in patients with breast cancer in comparison with the controls. No significant differences between the mean levels of dehydroepiandrosterone and 11-oxygenated-17-ketosteroids were noted in these groups.


Serum lipids, lipoproteins and musculoskeletal disorders among 50- and 60-year-old men. An epidemiologic study.

Several recent reports have indicated a relationship between hyperlipoproteinaemias and migratory polyarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders of unknown etiology. These studies were uncontrolled and the study populations were small. In the study presented here, 787 60-year-old men and 226 50-year-old men--all randomly selected from the general population--were examined by questionnaire regarding the presence of joint symptoms, backache, pain in the legs and consumption of analgetics. Serum lipoprotein phenotype, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined. No consistent relationship between symptoms or analgetics consumption and serum lipid levels or serum lipoprotein patterns was found. An association between musculoskeletal disorders and and hyperlipoproteinaemias or high serum lipid levels within the range of this study seems unlikely.


Work and disability at the age of 30 years. A sociomedical study of a birth-cohort from Bergen. II. Frequency of disability.

An attempt is made here to quantify occupational disability at the age of 30 years. The term disability is used in a broader sense than defined in the National Insurance Scheme, and covers all permanent occupational disability irrespective of cause. Disability is evaluated in terms of earned income and in accordance with the definition used under the National Insurance Scheme. The study is based on a cohort of 1570 persons, all live births in 1940 of mothers then residing in Bergen. Relevant information on earned incomes and on disability pensions was extracted from the files of the National Insurance Institution for 1331 persons of the cohort residing in Norway on 1st June 1971. Among the 30-year-old men residing in Norway the frequency of disability irrespective of cause was 3.1%, whereas the proportion receiving disability pension was 1.8%. The difference of 1.3% is explained mainly by the fact that alcoholism in itself is not accepted as grounds for a disability pension. Of the women, 88.3% were married. Among these, 0.7% were receiving disability pension. Of the unmarried women in the cohort, 20% (10 persons) were found to be disabled, irrespective of cause. They were all receiving disability pension.


[Multifocal fibrosclerosis. 3 cases with skeletal and nervous system involvement].

Three cases of multifocal fibrosclerosis are reported. In the first case the clinical symptoms were diabetes insipidus associated with nodular pulmonary infiltrates and a retroperitoneal mass. In the second case, respiratory failure together with nodular pulmonary infiltrates dominated the picture. The third case was characterized principally by neurological symptoms and paraparesia secondary to the compression of the spinal cord by an intra-rachidial growth. In cases 1 and 3, X-ray studies of the skeleton showed a very peculiar involvement of bone shafts. Anatomical studies either by repeated biopsies or at autopsy showed that in all three cases the disease was characterized by disseminated fibrosclerosis. In the first two cases the involvement was most marked in the retroperitoneum, mediastinum, lungs and bones; in the third case the involvement was demonstrated in the intra-rachidial lumbar region, retroperitoneum and in bones. In the first case there was also involvement of the base of the cranium, which was responsible for the clinical symptoms of diabetes insipidus. In this case repeated biopsies and immunological studies suggested that disseminated fibrosclerosis might be related to Weber-Christian's disease.


[New substances in oncologic therapy].

After presentation of several important methodological problems in the development of new cytostatic agents, the newer substances adriamycin, the nitroso-urea derivatives, ICDT, diaminodichloro-cisplatinum, VP 16-213 and tamoxifen are briefly discussed with regard to their pharmacology and activity spectra. In this context adriamycin, diaminochloro-cisplatinum and VP 16-213 may be considered break-throughs in the field of therapeutic oncology. Finally, several newer drugs still in phase I studies are mentioned.


[Hodgkin's disease: classification, staging, therapy].

Our present knowledge of Hodgkin's disease is briefly reviewed and the prognostic importance of histologic subtype and stage is demonstrated. Today's staging methods and the indications for laparoscopy and laparotomy with splenectomy are discussed. The indications and results of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are summarized. Roughly half the patients in stages III B, IV A and IV B survive 5 to 10 years after diagnosis without evidence of disease.


Torsion of the spleen and associated 'prune belly syndrome'. A case report and review of the literature.

Splenic torsion as a complication of wandering spleen is rare. We report the clinical findings, diagnostic problems and treatment of a 1-year-old Coloured child (with classic 'prune belly syndrome') in whom the spleen had undergone torsion, thus simulating an intra-abdominal abscess. The postoperative course was uneventful.


Frequency of Down syndrome in livebirths by single-year maternal age interval: results of a Massachusetts study.

An analysis of rates of intra-state Down syndrome livebirths to Massachusetts residents by single-year maternal age interval in 1958-1965 inclusive was carried out. A gradual increase of rate of the Down syndrome occurred from age 20 to about age 31, and a steeper increase thereafter. Different regression equations were derived in the 20-31 and the 33-45 age group. The regression equations were ln y = 0.04515 x -1.45759 for those age 20-31 and ln y = 0.24302x-7.57870, for those age 33-45, where y = rate per 1,000 and x = maternal age. The regression-derived rates are slightly lower than those reported in similar analyses of data from Sweden and New York State, but they are not markedly discrepant.


Ultrastructural observations on FUdR-induced cell death and subsequent elimination of cell debris.

Twelve-day mouse embryos were treated with fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) and sacrificed at various time intervals after treatment. The neuroepithelial cells were then examined to determine by electron microscopy the primary site of action of the drug. About two hours after treatment mitotic activity ceased and a number of cells were found with a normal interphase nucleus, but with a cytoplasm in which the ribosomes had lost their normal polysomal configuration and were dispersed as single ribosomes. At about the same time cells were seen with an accumulation of chromatin at the nuclear membrane and the segregation of chromatin masses within the somewhat denser karyoplasm. Concurrent with the nuclear changes was the appearance of a condensed cytosome containing monoribosomes. The condensation of the nucleus and cytoplasm was followed by fragmentation of the cell into membrane bound bodies. Since condensed cells always contained monodispersed ribosomes, it seems likely that the dispersal of the ribosomes is the first morphological sign of the action of FUdR. Since about half of the neuroepithelial population underwent cell degeneration, the second goal of this experiment was to study the fate of the dying cells. Some fragments from condensed cells were found within apparently normal neuroepithelial cells, indicating phagocytosis. In addition macrophages were seen containing phagosomes from fragmented cells. Most of the fragments, however, remained free and were not immediately phagocytosed. These unphagocytosed fragments lysed and became ghosts, thereby giving the neureopithlium a vacuolated appearance. Hence, cellular debris was eliminated partially by neuroepithelial cells, partially by macrophages and to a great extent by lysis.


[Replacement of the thoracic aorta by sealed dacron prostheses (author's transl)].

Dacron prostheses for replacement of the thoracic aorta were sealed with bioadhesive following the Viennese method. Native human fibrinogen was brought to coagulation by adding thrombin. Factor XIII was also added in order to accelerate polymerisation and to reinforce fibrin formation in the presence of thrombin and CaCl2, thus producing a stable thrombus. In order to avoid local fibrinolysis a fast but short-acting as well as a slow but longer-acting antifibrinolytic agent was added. This method was applied in twenty patients. The prostheses remained completely impermeable to blood after resuming circulation in spite of full heparinization. No post-operative haemorrhages from the prostheses were observed.


[The protective effect of magnesium-aspartate-procaine cardioplegia on the hypertrophied left ventricle of the mini-pig (author's transl)].

After induction of left ventricular hypertrophy by supravalvar constriction of the ascending aorta in mini pigs (ATP and lactate) were measured under different cardioplegic conditions. In normothermia and plain anoxic arrest ATP decrease and lactate increase were significantly slower in hypertrophied myocardium compared to normal myocardium. Injection cardioplegia using magnesium-aspartate-procaine at 37 degrees C did not influence the ATP decrease and lactate increase in the hypertrophied ventricle, whereas in the normal heart it showed some protection according to these parameters. Optimal ATP preservation and the lowest lactate increase rate were achieved in left ventricular hypertrophy by combined application of magnesium-aspartate-procaine and hypothermia of 25 degrees C. We conclude that normothermic injection cardioplegia has no protective effect on the hypertrophied left ventricle, whereas additional hypothermia can improve magnesium-aspartate-procaine cardioplegia significantly.


[Experimental inflammation after subchronic treatment with Nabam in the rat].

Inflammatory response to turpentine-induced granuloma components was studied in rats receiving 100 ppm Nabam (N,N'--ethylene--bis)dithiocarbamate) disodium) with food for one month. Results of nutritional, clinical and histopathological studies showed no modification. However, administration of Nabam modified the amounts of various mucopolysaccharides, which are important components of the inflammatory response; the amounts of total mucopolysaccharides, glucuronic acid mucopolysaccharides and sialic acid mucopolysaccharides were obviously lowered in treated animals, a symptom of impairment of the inflammatory response. When most classical means of investigation provide only little information, this test could allow toxicologists and nutritionists to evaluate the organisms reactivity to insidious toxic aggression.


Isolation fo 15alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone from human pregnancy urine.

15alpha-Hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone and 15alpha-hydroxypregnenolone were isolated from hydrolyzed extracts of human late pregnancy urine and identified by means of the isotope dilution technique. In two separate determinations the excretion rate of 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone was found to be 1.7 and 3.2 microgram per day while that of 15alpha-hydroxypregnenolone was 1.7 and 2.9 microgram per day. It is postulated that 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone might serve as a precursor of 15alpha-hydroxylated estrogens already isolated from late pregnancy urine. Similarly, 15alpha-hydroxypregnenolone might be an endogenous precursor of 15alpha-hydroxyprogesterone.


Formation of 15alpha-hydroxyestriol and 15alpha-hydroxyestradiol from C19 15alpha-hydroxylated precursors in human pregnancy.

A mixture of 3H-15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione and 14C-15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone was injected intravenously into two subjects in the third trimester of pregnancy and, in a second study, directly into two fetuses in utero during transfusion for erythroblastosis fetalis. The urine was collected for 4-5 days and steroid conjugates in the urine were hydrolyzed into sulfate and glucosiduronate fractions. From the glucosiduronate fraction 15alpha-hydroxyestriol, 15alpha-hydroxyestradiol, 15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione and 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone were isolated. No metabolites were identified in the sulfate fraction of the urine. A marked difference was observed in the metabolism of 15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione and 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone which is dependent on the route of administration of the substrates. Both substrates were converted to 15alpha-hydroxyestriol and 15alpha-hydroxyestradiol, and the 3H/14C ratios and percentage conversions suggest that 15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione seems to be a better precursor of the urinary 15alpha-hydroxylated estrogens than 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone. The 3H/14C ratios also suggest that 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone was converted to 15alpha-hydroxyestriol via 15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione, and that the formation of 15alpha-hydroxyestradiol from 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone via 15alpha-hydroxyandrostenedione is a pathway of minor importance. Finally, 15alpha-hydroxydehydroisoandrosterone was recovered from the urine only when the precursors were injected into the maternal circulation. Also, an unknown metabolite containing only 14C was detected in the glucosiduronate fraction of the urine of each subject.


[Possibilities and aims of the cooperation between pedodontics and orthodontics].

The author indicates some ways that might be practicable for the true co-operation of paedodontics with orthodontics. Such a co-operation is precious above all during advanced education in dentistry, and a suggestion is given for the contents of the training in both specialties. Furthermore, an attempt is made to fix mutual engagements that might serve deliberate co-operation and enable more paedodontists to treat orthodontic cases.


Presensitization of potential kidney recipients detected by cell kinetic studies in the pooled mixed lymphocyte reaction.

An accelerated response in the pooled mixed lymphocyte reaction (PMLR) and/or the existence of cytotoxic antibodies indicates presensitization of potential kidney recipients. The absence of cytotoxic antibodies does not exclude presensitization, which can be demonstrated by a premature response in the PMLR. However, transfusions may also lead to impaired proliferation. In some patients, blood transfusions induce blocking activities. The possible mechanisms of this phenomenon are discussed. Measuring the immune response by cell kinetic studies with the PMLR gives further information on the immune state of potential kidney recipients.


Donor-specific preformed B-lymphocyte antibodies and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) blocking in cadaver renal allograft recipients.

B- and T-lymphocyte CDC crossmatches and MLC blocking experiments were performed for 33 cadaver renal allograft donor-recipient pairs. Unidirectional MLC blocking was highly correlated with a positive B-cell crossmatch. Grafts in both the MLC blocking and B-cell crossmatch positive groups fared equally as well as those without positive tests. No difference in graft outcome was noted when the presence or absence of MLC blocking was examined in relationship to B-cell crossmatch results.


Some non-infective diseases endemic in the West Indies.

The West Indies, and associated parts of the Caribbean area, are extremely diverse and afford interesting examples for the study of geographical medicine. Short accounts are given of some conditions whose aetiologies have been relatively recently clarified, including vomiting sickness of Jamaica, veno-occlusive disease of Jamaica, blackfat pulmonary fibrosis of Guyana, and epidemic acute glomerulonephritis of Trinidad. The aetiology of tropical sprue, which is common in Puerto Rico and absent from Jamaica remains to be explained although a hypothesis has been put forward. Further work is needed to establish the geographical distribution of idiopathic cardiomegaly and the spinal neuropathies and associated syndromes of retrobulbar neuritis and sensorineural deafness before their aetiologies can be understood.


Open renal biopsy technique: results in 202 patients.

Two hundred five cases of open renal biopsy using a muscle-splitting technique have been performed over the past seven years. Eighty-seven per cent were done under local anesthesia. Tissue for routine histology, immunofluorescence staining and electromicroscopy were obtained in all cases. Morbidity was low, and there were no deaths attributed to the procedure.


The eosinophilic fibrohistiocytic lesion of the bone marrow. A mastocellular lesion in bone disease.

Seven patients are described, six with severe osteoporosis and the seventh with osteogenesis imperfecta with moderate osteoporosis. The iliac bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens of all seven showed peculiar infiltrates consisting of elongated mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, and varying numbers of lymphocytes. Only one patient exhibited signs of allergy with urticaria pigmentosa; the other six patients had no abnormalities that could be related to a known mast cell disease. The lesions described here are the same as those described in five patients by Rywlin as "eosinophilic fibrohistiocytic lesion in the bone marrow". However, in our methacrylate sections the fibrohistiocytes are shown to be mast cells. Although a relationship with drug hypersensitivity is disputed, the presence of the mast cells and eosinophils suggests an allergic condition.


Endocrine cells of the colon in Hirschsprung's and control children.

The large intestine resected from 6 Hirschsprung's patients and surgical colonic biopsies from 6 control children were examined with light and electron microscopy. The presence and the relative distribution of various endocrine cell types in both groups of mucosa were determined. In light microscope studies endocrine cell data were expressed as number of cells per unit area of mucosa using a quantitative method after argentaffin and Grimelius's argyrophilic techniques and an immunoperoxidase reaction with glucagon and somatostatin (SRIF) antisera. The results indicate that endocrine cells are apparently not involved in Hirschsprung's disease, since their number and frequency did not differ significantly between the ganglionic and aganglionic segments of Hirschsprung's patients nor between the latter and control children. Glucagon immunoreactive cells were, on the average, 5-6 times and 7-9 times more numerous that SRIF cells in the rectum and the sigmoid, respectively. Ultrastructurally, five endocrine cell types could be distinguished. The fifth type, probably a transition type, apparently disappears in adults.


An unusual case of phospholipidosis.

We present the results of a structural, histochemical and lipid-chromatographic study of tissues obtained at postmortem from an unusual case of phospholipidosis. A previous biopsy of the appendix and liver (Elleder et al., 1975a) had revealed a predominance of phosphoglyceride storage, principally of lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) postmortem material showed that this lipid was stored exclusively in central neurons. In the spleen and the lymph node, however, sphingomyelin (SP) was shown, histochemically and chromatographically, to be the main lipid stored. Total sphingomyelinase (SPase) activity in the appendix was reduced to about 50% of normal. Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) and a conspicuous discrepancy between the degree of distension of some neurons and their lipid content deserve special mention. The case is contrasted with classical sphingomyelinosis; the complexity of the Niemann-Pick group of diseases is discussed as an indication of the difficulties of classification of any atypical case.


Occlusive phlebitis, a diagnostic feature in Riedel's thyroiditis.

Five cases of Riedel's invasive fibrous thyroiditis are presented. Clinically and histopathologically all cases fulfilled the criteria for this lesion. In both small and large veins there were inflammatory changes and obliteration of the lumen, followed by sclerosis. These changes were found in each operative specimen, and seemed to be a diagnostic feature of invasive fibrous thyroiditis. We consider this change to be an occlusive phlebitis, and have noted that it occurs in association with multifocal fibrosclerosis. Three stages can be recognised: infiltrative, occlusive and sclerotic. In other thyroid lesions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, granulomatous thyroiditis of the Quervain type and adenomatous goitre these peculiar changes in the veins were not found.


Lipomatous lesions of the uterus.

Four lipomatous lesions of the uterus are reported and the available literature from 1965 to 1976 is reviewed. It is suggested that these lesions result from metamorphosis of uterine smooth muscle which can proceed to form localised or diffuse mature adipose tissue in a leiomyoma or in the myometrium. Three terms are suggested for the nomenclature of the various morphological types of lipomatous lesions of the uterus: diffuse lipomatosis in a leiomyoma, circumscribed lipomatosis in a leiomyoma and uterine lipoma.


Morphological investigations on axonal swellings and spheroids in various human diseases.

Axonal swellings and spheroids in various human diseases were studied by light and electron microscopy. 4 cases of infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, 2 of degenerative diseases, 2 brain tumors and 3 of cerebrovascular disease were examined. Ultrastructurally most spheroids in infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy consisted of interconnected tubules, stacked membranotubular profiles, alternating layered membranes and accumulations of neurofilaments. Combinations of these four constituents were seen only in infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. "Torpedos" (fusiform swelling of the axon of a Purkinje cell) consisted exclusively of neurofilaments. Spheroids in case 6 (mental retardation) and 7 (atypical teratoma) consisted of interwoven skeins of neurofilaments and grouped mitochondria. Spheroids in case 8 (demyelination) and 9 (cerebrovascular disease) consisted of packed complex bodies and mitochondria. Spheroids in cases 10 and 11 (cerebrovascular disease) consisted of degenerating organelles only. The morphological differences between cases 9, 10 and 11 probably depends on the severity and timing of the cerebral injury. Most spheroids show similar histological and histochemical properties, but ultrastructural study may give some clue to the origin of the bodies.


Immunohistochemical studies on human gastric mucosa. Procedures for routine demonstration of gastric proteins by immunoenzyme techniques.

Two different fixatives were applied to human gastric mucosa for the study of antigenic marker substances. The first consists of 96% ethanol and 1% acetic acid (EA method), the second of 4% formaldehyde, 0.5% picric acid and 0.25% glutaraldehyde (FPG method). Samples of resected gastric specimens were fixed, dehydrated and cleared in benzene and embedded in paraplast. The morphology of gastric tissue was well preserved by both methods and permitted the simultaneous application of classical staining procedures and the immunoenzyme peroxidase technique for the demonstration of antigenic substances. The following marker substances could be demonstrated: Pepsinogen I and II group, surface epithelial antigen, parietal cell antigen, chief cell antigen, antral mucous cell antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, goblet cell antigen and common site antigen of leucocytes. Various factors responsible for nonspecific reactions, such as endogeneous peroxidase activity and protein interactions were studied. The latter were circumvented by the use of highly purified antibodies or immunoglobulin fractions. The EA method proved to be the method of choice for future routine application of combined classical histology and immunoenzyme histology in gastric and intestinal diseases.


Correlation of electron microscopic and secretory response of human parathyroid adenomas with different calcium concentrations in organ culture.

Twelve parathyroid chief cell adenomas from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were incubated in a tissue culture system in the presence of different calcium concentrations and for various time periods. The endocrine response of the tissue was examined electron microscopically and radioimmunologically. After incubation in a medium of low calcium concentration the parathyroid adenomas showed ultrastructural signs of stimulation with proliferation of the hormone-synthesizing organelles. The development of the ultrastructural response could first be observed after four hours and increased up to several days. Radioimmunologically, an increase of the hormone secretion could be demonstrated. Converse results were obtained after incubation of the tumor tissue under suppressive culture conditions. To check for de-novo synthesis of the hormone released the tissue was incubated in a 75Se-methionine-containing medium. This resulted in radioactivity of the secreted parathyroid hormone, indicating de novo synthesis in our culture system. The biological potency of the released hormone was demonstrated by comparison of the PTH out of the medium with the international human MRC standard using two different radioassays.


Role of fibrinolysis in development of hyaline membrane disease in newborn rabbits.

The role of fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of hyaline membrane disease was studied in newborn rabbits at 28- or 29-day gestation. Hyaline membrane was recognized in the lungs of rabbits that were exposed to intrauterine hypoxia and received trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexane carboxylic acid (t-AMCHA), a plasmin inhibitor found to cause a marked decrease in the fibrinolytic activity of lung extracts. In the newborn rabbits subjected to intrauterine hypoxia alone, surface activity of lung extracts was reduced, but hyaline membrane was not seen. By immunofluorescent examination the hyaline membrane was found to be rich in fibrinogen and its derivatives. Electron microscopic examination revealed that they contained various amounts of cellular debris, bundles of fibrils and electron-dense, finely granular deposits and polymerized fibrin with 230 A periodicity. Disintegration of pulmonary epithelial cells was also seen. These findings indicate that diminished fibrinolytic activity of lung tissue contributes to intra-alveolar accumulation of fibrinogen, fibrin and their degradation products, thereby bringing about morphological and physiological disintegration of the terminal airways.


Fetal supradiaphragmatic accessory liver lobe. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A right thoracic accessory liver lobe with a normal diaphragm is reported in a stillborn fetus. A review of the literature reveals seven cases affecting adult patients.


Von Hippel-Lindau's Disease, syringomyelia and multiple endocrine tumors: a complex neuroendocrinopathy.

A patient presenting with von Hippel-Lindau's disease, syringomyelia, bilateral pheochromocytoma and a multihormonal pancreatic tumor is described. We suggest that this syndrome results from a complex neuroendocrine disorder.


Giant cell tumor of bone. Fine structural localization of alkaline phosphatase.

The fine structural localization of nonspecific alkaline phosphatase was elucidated in two giant cell tumors of bone using lead as capturing ion and beta-glycerophosphate as substrate in the incubation solution. Lead phosphate precipitate--indicating presence of alkaline phosphatase--was demonstrated on the plasma membranes, and the membranes bordering vesicles and vacuoles of presumed endocytotic nature, in giant cells and type 1 stromal cells (fibroblast-like cells). The findings support the view that stromal cells type I and giant cells are histogenetically related.


Simultaneous occurrence of perimembranous glomerulonephritis and glomerular amyloidosis.

The results of electron microscopic examination of renal biopsies from 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with penicillamine are presented. All 3 patients developed a nephrotic syndrome upon discontinuation of penicillamine therapy. When viewed with the electron microscope, segmental forms of perimembranous glomerulonephritis (Stages I-II of Ehrenreich and Churg) and glomerular renal amyloidosis Grade I-III were observed. In all three cases the nephrotic syndrome was considered to be due to the simultaneous occurrence of the two disease processes. In 2 cases perimembranous glomerulonephritis with immuno-complex-deposits was assumed to be the dominant factor in the causation of the disease, in the other case amyloidosis was the principle abnormality.


Combined immune deficiency syndromes with primary T-cell defect and partial B-cell reactive hyperactivity. Immunological and morphological analysis of two unusual cases.

Two cases of combined immunodeficiency with lymphopenia, thymic dysplasia, and defective immunoglobulin production are reported. Both show selective hypo-gammaglobulinemia (IgG and IgA respectively) and selective hyper-gammaglobulinemia (both IgE, IgA, and IgM respectively). The cases are classified, by correlation of clinical and histopathological data as a variant of Fireman's disease.


Immunoglobulin and complement deposits in the lungs of New Zealand Black/White mice.

Forty-four New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) F1 hybrid mice were studied for evidence of immune complex deposition in the lungs and kidneys. Positive immunofluorescence was seen in the lungs of 27 mice. The pattern of lung fluorescence was granular in association with capillary walls in 16 mice and intracellular in 12. The incidence of granular fluorescence was increased with age and was seen in 80% of the lungs of mice over 13 months old. There was a correlation between capillary wall fluorescence in the lungs and the kidneys (P less than 0.001) and between lung cellular fluorescence and renal mesangial fluorescence (P less than 0.001). The role of immune complex deposition in human pulmonary disease is discussed.


Hyaline cartilage changes in diastrophic dwarfism.

Hyaline cartilage of the talus of a diastrophic dwarf was studied by light and transmission electron microscopy before and after proteoglycan extraction or digestion, glycogen digestion, and enzyme marking. The nuclei of the chondrocytes were as a rule large and round and the cytoplasm contained large vacuoles. Best's carmine stained the cytoplasm of most cells red; after diastase digestion the cytoplasm remained unstained. This suggested that the cells contained glycogen. This observation was complimented by the ultrastructural demonstration of large amounts of glycogen. Cell scars were frequent. The shape and state of activity of the cells as well as the development of intracytoplasmic organelles showed great variability. The matrix showed many areas of degeneration and a general dearth of sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides. A lacey pattern of unmasked collagen fibers was frequently seen. Collagen fibers showed a great variability in diameter and often appeared frayed when examined by electron microscopy. These observations suggest an enzymatic deficiency in chondrocyte mucopolysaccharide and glucose metabolism. The techniques we used when added to biochemical studies should prove useful in the investigation of human dwarfism.


Incorporation of 3H-proline into hyaline articular cartilage. An autoradiographic study in rats with and without adjuvant-induced arthritis.

The incorporation of 3H-proline into the hyaline articular cartilage of rats with and without adjuvant-induced arthritis was investigated 1 h after the intravenous injection of radioactive proline. In the control animals, silver grains were present predominantly over the chondrocytes at all times; on the 28th day the intensity of labeling was notably reduced. In the animals with adjuvant disease reduced radioactivity was observed in the cartilage of the arthritic joints from the 14th experimental day onwards. At all times, however, silver grains occurred over the chondrocytes, including those in the pannus-covered cartilage and in cartilage sequesters. It is concluded from the investigations that the arthritic process accompanying the development of pannus reduces collagen synthesis and that the pannus tissue ingrows vital cartilage.


[Malignant neoplasms among ethnic groups in the Kazakh SSR].

The author has analysed the incidence of 40 nosological forms of malignant neoplasms among 4 conventionally selected ethnic groups of the Kazakh USSR population, the latter was found to differ from other ethnic groups by a rather high incidence of esophageal cancer. Also, malignant tumors of the stomach, liver, and biliary tract, the lung and bones are not infrequently observed amont the Kazakh population. The representatives of other nationalities inhabiting the Kazakh republic most often develop along with lung and gastric cancer also malignant tumors of the lip, bowel, uranary bladder, skin, mammary gland and female genitalia.


[Characteristics of cancer epidemiology in the Kirghiz SSR].

The oncological service in the Kirgiz republic is characterized, and some data on cancer morbidity there are reported. The oncological network of the republic covers 52 medical treatment establishments, including one oncological institute. The oncological beds provision makes 2.7 per 10 000 population. The regional features of the distribution of malignant diseases in that part of the country are conditioned by natural, ethnic and economic factors.


[Comprehensive prophylactic examinations of women for the detection of early forms of breast cancer].

Under examination were 2699 females over 30 years of age having no complaints of the mammary gland induration. The following diagnostic tests were used: 1) clinical; 2) thermography of mammary glands; 3) mammography in two projections. Breast cancer was revealed in 12 females (in 4.4 per 1,000 persons under examination). The clinical method solely revealed mammary gland cancer in 0.14%, thermography--in 0.28%, mammography-in 0.57%. A two-step examination, when persons suspected of breast pathology being preliminary identified, enabled the recognition of breast cancer in 2.97% (29.7 per 1,000 examined subjects). 41.6 per cent of the detected tumors proved to be lobar carcinoma in situ, 33 per cent--microfoci of scirrhous and solid cancer. The conclusion is drawn on somewhat limited opportunities of thermography as a screening method due to very frequent pseudopositive diagnoses.


[Ways to improve the early detection of bladder cancer patients (based on Grodno Province data)].

The authors present an analysis of the data on 281 primarily recognized patients with cancer of the urinary bladder in Grodno Province 1968--1974. Among all these patients 49.5% were recognized 1 year and longer following the initial clinical manifestations of the disease. In every fifth case there was a far-advanced process. The causes of late recognition are as follows: underestimation of a tainsiet hematuria by patients, and in a number of cases the absence of oncological vigilance among general practitioners in the treatment of patients showing hematuria. To improve the early diagnosis of the bladder cancer, it is suggested to differentiate cancer high-risk groups. This contingent should be periodically examined by a specialist with prophylactic purposes. Moreover, an attention is paid to the necessity of a detailed urological examination of all persons with hematuria, or who showed it previously.


[Sex hormone excretion in stomach cancer patients].

Study on the balance of sex hormones in 43 males and 45 females with gastric cancer indicated the presence of some deviations from normal level of androgens and estrogens excretion in gastric cancer patients. The character and intensity of the deviations observed were dependent on patients' sex and stage of the disease. In males the leading factor in sex hormones excretion disorders is a regular decrease both of 17-KS and estrogens, and only in stage UV hyperestrogenization phenomena are observed on account of active estrogens being predominant over androsterone. In females relative hyperestrogenization was observed already in stage III on acount of androsterone decrease, while in stage IV--due to reduction of total 17-KS in normal level of total enstrogens.


[Malignant tumors in the relatives of stomach cancer patients].

The author has studied the predisposition to gastric cancer in familiar probands of russian nationality suffering cancer of the stomach. An analysis of the gastric-cancer incidence among the groups of individuals of different degree of kinship of male and female probands indicates their various predisposition only to cancer of the stomach. Most frequently the affection was noted in the blood relations of female probands  (mothers, sisters, and daughters). In this group familial gastric cancer was 5.2 times as frequent as the expected value. Familial gastric cancer among the male blood relations of these probands was no more frequent than among the whole population of russian nationality. Males and females--the blood relations of male probands were affected by gastric cancer approximately twice as frequently as the control subjects. The investigation conducted has shown that distant relations (2d and 3d degree of kinship) of all probands were affected by this kind of cancer at the average population level. Also, all kin groups did not show any high risk for other cancer forms.


[Laparoscopy in the diagnosis of diseases of the internal female genitalia].

Cysts were found in 13, ovaries cancer in 53 and uterus myomatosus in 7 females out of 3000 patients with laparoscopy performed. A detailed description is presented in the paper of the laparoscopic changes of the organs in the abdominal cavity, particularly the changes in ovaries and uterus. Only in 33 per cent, changes in the internal genitals of the patients were found on the base of the clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations whereas with the aid of laparoscopy--in 90 per cent. Carcinosis of peritoneum is most frequently due to ovary cancer whereas liver metastases in 39.71 per cent--due to gastric cancer, and 27.15 per cent--to ovary cancer and relatively rarely--to cancer in the rest of the organs.


[Comparative studies on Bi-Nerisona cream (diflucortolone valerinate + chlorquinaldol) and on a combination preparation (betamethasone valerinate + gentamicin + tolnaftate + clioquinol) in a double-blind trial].

Bi-Nerisone cream and a control preparation, also in the form of a cream, have been clinically tested on 343 patients by means of a double blind study. Equilvalent results were obtained without registering any significant statistical differences, a finding, however, proving to be of great importance as Bi-Nerisone only contains two active substances (Diflucortolone valerat + Chlorquinaldol), whereas the control preparation contains a total of four (Betamethasone valerate + Gentamycin + Tolnaftate + Clioquinol).