Congenital venous hypoplasia in the liver of rats.

Narrowed and rudimentary portal vein branches were observed in the livers of specified-pathogen-free rats which, at the age of 6-11 weeks, showed poor condition and reatrded growth. At autopsy abdominal venous distension and congestion suggestive of portal hypertension and collateral circulation appeared to have developed. The cause of the observations and their significance in view of the use of the rats are unknown.


Immune complex disease. VI. Some determinants of the varieties of glomerular lesions in the chronic bovine serum albumin-rabbit system.

Glomerular lesions were evaluated by light, electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy in rabbits given daily injections, for prolonged periods of time, of either 12.5 mg. of bovine serum albumin (BSA) (group I) or increasing doses of BSA, paralleling the immune response (group II). In animals clearing 12.5 mg. or more of BSA per day (excluding those dying of anaphylaxis or unknown causes), marked differences were noted in the incidence of membranous glomerulonephritis (GLN) (50 per cent in group I versus 15.4 per cent in group II), of crescentic GLN (none in group I versus 26.9 per cent in group II), and of mesangiopathic GLN (11.1 per cent in group I versus 30.8 per cent in group II). On the basis of these variations and immunofluorescence microscopy findinds, it is concluded that the occurrence of membranous GLN is favored by the presence in the circulation of small concentrations of soluble immune complexes, whereas crescentic GLN results from the presence of high concentrations of such complexes. When BSA injections were discontinued in group I animals having membranous GLN, the immune deposits were sequestered by membranous transformation so that they were not readily solubilized by injections of large amounts of BSA; one such animal developed crescentic GLN. The observation that BSA was difficult to detect in the lesions of mesangiopathic GLN suggests that this lesion results from the deposition of complexes formed at equivalence or in antibody excess.


The deleterious effects of surgically induced complete right bundle branch block on long-term follow-up results of closure of ventricular septal defect.

The effects of complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB) on the early postoperative course and long-term follow-up results of closure of ventricle septal defect (VSD) were investigated. (1) Postoperative change in cardiothoracic ratio (CTR); In patients whose ratio of total pulmonary resistance to total systemic resistance (Rp/Rs) was larger than or equal to 0.33, CTR of the group with CRBBB did not decrease significantly (p greater than 0.1) but CTR of the group without CRBBB was improved markedly (p less than 0.01). However, in patients whose Rp/Rs was less than 0.33, there was no significant difference in CTR reduction between the two groups. (2) Postoperative change in Rp/Rs in patients with preoperative Rp/Rs larger than or equal to 0.33: In the group with CRBBB the Rp/Rs decreased from a preoperative average of 36 to 27 percent; in the group without CRBBB, it decreased from 39 to 21 percent. There were significant differences in both the postoperative value of RP/Rs and the degree of postoperative decrease in Rp/Rs between the two groups (both p less than 0.05). (3) Change of pulse rate in the early postoperative period: In patients with Rp/Rs larger than or equal to 0.33, the postoperative increase in pulse rate of the group with CRBBB was significantly higher than that of the group without CRBBB (p less than 0.05). These results suggest that CRBBB has a strong deleterious effect on right ventricular function. The possibility that CRBBB has an ill effect on left ventricular function in patients with Rp/Rs larger than or equal to 0.33 is discussed.


Traumatic rupture of diaphragm: surgical reconstruction with special reference to delayed closure.

Thirteen cases of diaphragmatic rupture following blunt trauma or gunshot wounds are presented. In 10 cases the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture was made immediately following the injury, and the defect was closed by primary diaphragmatic suture. In three cases, the diagnosis was delayed for 3 to 16 years after the initial trauma. In all of them, abdominal organs such as the colon or liver had migrated into the thoracic cavity. One of them had acute intestinal obstruction and died following several unsuccessful operations. The remaining two patients required plastic repair of the diaphragmatic hernia by a Dacron patch, and both recovered. The clinical and pathological aspects of diaphragmatic rupture, the importance of early diagnosis and surgical correction, and the surgical approach to this entity are considered. The use of Dacron fabric in delayed closure of diaphragmatic defects is described.


Erythema elevatum diutinum: skin and systemic manifestations, immunologic studies, and successful treatment with dapsone.

Erythema elevatum diutinum is a disease characterized by red, pink, purple and yellow cutaneous papules, nodules, and plaques distributed mainly over extensor surfaces. Histologically, there is leukocytoclastic vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis of the upper and mid dermal vessel walls. Two of the five patients presented had moderately severe arthralgias and, unlike previously reported cases, three of them had a long history of bacterial infections and one had a coincident IgA monoclonal gammopathy. Each of the four patients treated with dapsone responded dramatically with rapid resolution of existing lesions and marked diminution of systemic symptoms. Skin lesions and systemic complaints recurred within 12 to 48 hours after discontinuing dapsone. Four of the patients had Arthus-like reactions to SKSD skin tests prior to therapy, with a marked decrease in the response after institution of therapy. Neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness of two patients was impaired. The sera of three patients had significant C1q binding activity suggesting that they might have circulating immune complexes.


[Several cytologic features of the thermophilic bacteria Thermus flavus and Thermus ruber].

The extreme thermophilic bacterium Thermus flavus 71 and the obligate thermophilic bacterium Thermus ruber 40 have been isolated from hot springs of Kamchatka and Tadjikistan, and their fine structure has been studied. This cells are similar in structure to gram-negative bacteria, they do not form spores or flagella, and their cell walls and cytoplasmic membrane are clearly visible under the electron microscope since the cells of T . flavus contain a yellow carotenoid pigment and the cells of T. rubber contain a bright-red carotenoid pigment. The Thermus genus is characterized by a wavy structure of the outer layer of the cell wall caused by numerous invaginations which ensure a close contact between the outer and inner layers of the cell wall.


[The function of kidney membranes].

Plasma membranes were isolated from rat kidney and their transport properties for sodium, calcium, protons, phosphate, glucose, lactate, and phenylalanine were investigated. The results demonstrate that the luminal plasma membrane, which is in contact with the primary urine, and the contraluminal plasma membrane, which is in contact with the interstitial fluid, differ in their content of ion-sensitive ATPases and sodium-cotransport systems. This allows conclusions on the mechanism of renal transport in which luminal and contraluminal membranes are arranged functionally in series.


[Clinical considerations on the use of a new synthetic androgen, Calusterone, in the treatment of advanced breast cancer].

Results with a new synthetic androgen (Calusterone) in the management of 22 cases of advanced breast cancer are presented. Reference is made to the doses employed, the therapeutic results observed, and the side-effects caused by the drug. By comparison with the literature data, a partial response to treatment was observed in 47% of the series.


Primary congestive cardiomyopathy. Hemodynamic and autopsy findings.

Eight patients with congestive cardiomyopathy were examined at autopsy. All showed significant mural thrombi. The majority had repeated pulmonary and peripheral emboli. Cardiac catheterization was considered helpful in the diagnosis. Anticogaulation may be worthwhile in addition to the routine therapy for cardiomyopathic heart failure.


Large vein of Galen aneurysms in the neonate. A constellation of diagnostic chest and neck radiologic findings.

A constellation of plain film findings which can assist in the diagnosis of large intracranial arteriovenous malformations in the newborn is presented. Alone, none of these findings is specific but in combination they become highly suggestive of the diagnosis. They consist of: 1. cardiomegaly with right chamber preponderance and superior mediastinal widening, 2. retrosternal fullness and posterior displacement of the trachea, and 3. retropharyngeal soft tissue thickening.


Idiopathic dilatation of the right atrium revealed in childhood by dysrhythmias.

A 7-year-old male presented with apparently banal but repetitive episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, along with other manifestations of atrial hyperexcitability. Isolated dilatation of the right atrium was discovered. This disorder is usually latent or benign, but sometimes it is serious because of conduction defects. Lack of relevant studies means the basis of the disorder is not understood.


Exotic diseases. Ounce of prevention or pound of cure?

With the growth of international travel, exotic diseases have assumed increasing importance to the physician. They can be effectively prevented by the use of commonsense measures. The physician should be prepared to offer advice on food, drink, and use of prophylactid drugs and to give needed immunizations to patients planning to travel. The biggest pitfall in diagnosis of exotic disease is failure to connect a history of travel with the signs and symptoms. An answer to the simple question, "Where have you been?" should arouse suspicion of the correct diagnosis.


The non-invasive recognition of left atrial enlargement: comparison of electro- and echocardiographic measurements.

The aim of this study was to compare the ability of electro- and echocardiography to detect enlargement of the left atrium. Seventy-four patients, divided into three groups (eighteen normal, thirty-six valvular disease, twenty hypertension and/or coronary artery disease) were studied. The P wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTF-V1) was measured from a standard 12 lead electrocardiogram, and the internal left atrial dimension (LAD) was measured from time-motion echocardiograms. Linear regression analysis showed a small but significant linear correlation between PTF-V1 and LAD (r = 0-32, P less than 0-01). Both methods would separate patients with diseases known to cause left atrial enlargement from normals, but echocardiography showed greater "specificity" (100% v. 94+) and "sensitivity" (75% v. 67%). It was much superior to the ECG in detecting milder grades of left atrial enlargement and for following serial changes.


Effect of two brain serotonin depletors on the sexual behavior of male rats.

We tested the effects of p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) and p-bromomethylamphetamine (V 111) on the homosexual and heterosexual behavior of male rats. We found that the two compounds affect differently the sexual behavior of sexually active, sluggish and inactive males. pCPA and chronic V 111 treatment stimulate the sexual activity in sexually sluggish males. In sexually inactive males only pCPA proved to be effective. The situation is similar in inducing homosexual behavior. In sexually active males pCPA does not increase the number of ejaculations. Acute V 111 treatment inhibits the copulatory behavior in sexually active males but a tolerance develops to this inhibitory effect. We concluded that V 111 acts on the serotonergic system in other way than pCPA does.


[Double-blind study on the analgesic efficacy of tilidine (valoron) and pethidine (dolantin) in gastro-intestinal endoscopies and liver biopsies (author's transl)].

In a double-blind trial involving 99 patients, equi-analgesic doses of tilidine and pethidine (100 mg of each i.m.) were compared as to their effectiveness in laparoscopies, gastroscopies, esophagoscopies and liver needle biopsies. The two substances produced equally analgesic effects both during and after the various procedures, with the exception of the liver biopsies, in which tilidine was shown to be significantly more effective than pethidine. Whereas no sedation was noted in connection with tilidine medication, pethidine produced a marked, undesirable sleepiness in 12% of the cases observed. Due to the high analgesic efficacy and tolerance of tilidine found in both this and numerous other clinical trials and to its particular advantages over pethidine and other opiates (no respiratory depression, no effect on intestinal motility) tilidine can be recommended for premedication in gastrointestinal endoscopies and liver needle biopsies. Tilidine (Valoron) is not subject to the restrictions imposed by the West German narcotics laws.


Uncouplers and the molecular mechanism of uncoupling in mitochondria.

Uncouplers are molecules with protonophoric and ionophoric capabilities that mediate coupled cyclical transport of cations--a transport that takes precedence over all other coupled processes. Uncouplers form cation-containing complexes with electrogenic ionophores that potentiate cyclical transport of cations. The molecular mechanism of uncoupling sheds strong light on the mechanism of coupling.


Isolation of troponin-like complex from bovine brain cortex.

A troponin-like complex has been isolated from bovine brain cortex. This tropinin-like complex, with brain tropomyosin, confers Ca2+ sensitivity to the actin-activated myosin adenosinetriphosphatase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3). That is, the Mg2+-stimulated ATPase activity generated by the interaction of purified muscle actin with muscle myosin is inhibited in the absence of Ca2+ but not in the presence of Ca2+ as a result of the addition of both brain tropomyosin and troponin-like complex. The troponin-like complex contains three components, one of which is similar in molecular weight to the troponin-T of skeletal actomyosin.


Interaction of cholinergic ligands and local anesthetics with plasma membrane fragments from lobster axon.

Isologous local anesthetics containing the ester, thiolester, or selenolester grouping and their quaternary ammonium analogs were studied for their ability to displace [3H]nicotine from plasma membrane fragments of lobster nerve. Tertiary and quaternary analogs were equiactive. The relative ability of oxo, thio, and seleno analogs to displace nicotine was the same as their relative ability to block axonal conduction and synaptic transmission. Among cholinergic ligands, choline and aminocholine, previously shown to be inactive as depolarizing agents, were uniquely unable to displace nicotine. The findings are compatible with the presence of a biopolymer capable of binding cholinergic ligands in axonal membranes and support the postulate that the relative inactivity of quaternary compounds in intact axons is due to permeability barriers.


Studies of streptozotocin-induced insulitis and diabetes.

Multiple small injections of streptozotocin produce a delayed, progressive increase in plasma glucose in mice within 5-6 days after the injections, in association with pronounced insulitis and induction of type C viruses within beta cells. Multiple subdiabetogenic doses of streptozotocin in rats and multiple injections of another beta cell toxin, alloxan, in mice did not induce insulitis although hyperglycemia followed the injection of larger quantities of both agents. In mice, the prior injection of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) or nicotinamide attenuated the diabetic syndrome produced by streptozotocin; however, 3-OMG was more protective. Rabbit antimouse lymphocyte serum, alone, provided partial protection but, when given together with either 3-OMG or nicotinamide, effectively prevented the streptozotocin-induced diabetic syndrome. Cessation of these preventive treatments was followed by the appearance of insulitis and diabetes. These findings suggest that multiple injections of streptozotocin induce, in susceptible hosts, the triad of direct beta cell cytotoxicity, virus induction within beta cells, and cell-mediated autoimmune reaction. These factors, acting separately or in concert, appear to induce a destructive insulitis and severe diabetes. The relative importance of each component and the factors governing host susceptibility remain to be clarified.


Effects of PCPA on the consumption of alcohol, water and other solutions.

The influence of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the preference for alcohol, saccharin, glucose, and sodium chloride solutions and on water intake was studied in rats. Ten daily intragastric doses of 100 mg/kg PCPA were found to reduce alcohol preference both during and after PCPA treatment. Administration of daily 20 mg/kg IP doses of 5-hydroxtryptophan (5-HTP), plus a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, failed to reverse the PCPA-induced suppression in the post-PCPA test. Alcohol preference was not reduced below baseline following PCPA if this drug was administered between preference tests rater than coincident with alcohol drinking. Preference for saccharin, glucose, and sodium chloride solutions were all affected by PCPA. Large increases in water intake were produced by 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg PCPA given orally for 10 days. These experiments suggest that alcohol preference, in studies where PCPA treatment and alcohol drinking occur concurrently, may be considerably influenced by learned aversions to alcohol. Also, PCPA may, under some circumstances, produce an increased consumption of water by rats.


5-hydroxytryptamine depletion with para-chlorophenylalanine: effects on eating, drinking, irritability, muricide, and copulation.

Forty-four male rats were tested for eating, drinking, irritability, and copulation before and after intraperitonial para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or control injections. Eleven of these rats were tested for muricide before and after PCPA injections (Group 1), while 18 others were tested only after PCPA injections (Groups 2). Group 1 rats received four 350 mg/kg PCPA injections spaced 6 days apart and showed hyperdipsia, weight loss, and a 24% increase in muricide. Group 2 rats received five daily 100 mg/kg PCPA injections repeated 11 days later and showed hyperdipsia and weight loss; in addition, 78% of them killed mice. Neither group showed significant changes in copulation. At the end of the experiment, t6 rats from Group 2 that were irritable and killed mice were injected intraperitonially with 5-hydroxytryptophan (80 mg/kg). Five of these rats lost their irritability and four stopped killing. The various behavioral changes were not corrleated significantly either with each other or with the degree of 5-hydroxytryptamine depletion. This tentatively suggests that PCPA may produce its effects on behavior by other means in addition to 5-hydroxytryptamine depletion.


Use of Dacron backing on the cartilage framework in the construction of ears.

Dacron velour sheeting can be used as a backing on a fenestrated, autogenous, cartilage auricular framework. The overlying skin will adhere through the fenestrations to the Dacron, and satisfactory contour is maintained after the ear is elevated from the head and skin grafted on the posterior surface.


[In-vitro experiments on the clarification of the fibrinolytic activity in normal cerebrospinal fluid].

A direct and indirect detection of plasmin in native CSF was not possible by the thrombelastographic and hot fibrin agar plate method and by electroimmunodiffusion analysis using Laurell's method of fibrin degradation product determination, respectively. The same method was used to determine concentrations of plasminogen and fibrinogen. The CSF, which were retrospectively judged to be normal, neither showed plasmin activity nor exhibited plasminogen and fibrinogen concentrations. Therefore, the liqour possesses only a plasminogen activator protein and does not represent a fibrinolytically active CSF.


Cervical spinal stenosis.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs at the craniovertebral junction, usually incident to a congenital malformation, or it appears as a developmental defect with diffuse narrowing of the cervical canal. In its acquired form the lesion may be limited to one or two levels, or it may be more extensive and affect three or more segments.


The human Y chromosome: its routine identification and variability.

Different criteria for identifying the human Y chromosome using only conventional staining techniques were evaluated and a procedure based on three of them was developed. It leads to correct identification in 93% of cells even without resorting to differences in size between the Y and the other G chromosomes. The variability in size of the human Y chromosome was assessed in a random group of White men. It was found to be significantly greater than that of all other chromosomes in the karyotype when the comparisons were made in such a way as to avoid the size-dependent component of variation.


[Satellite association in two trisomic cases of Down's syndrome and in one healthy mother, with acrocentric variants (author's transl)].

The frequency of satellite association of two different acrocentric variants in two trisomic mongols was studied taking in consideration the possible relationship of these chromosomes in the etiology of non-disjunction events. The participation of the two variants and their homologous in satellite associations showed no differences suggesting, randommess in these two families.


[The place of polar nephrectomy in the surgical treatment of renal lithiasis].

Out of a total of 475 interventions for renal lithiasis, the author has performed only 15 partial nephrectomies, as compared with 118 total nephrectomies and 342 conservatory pyelotomies and nephrotomies. The type of intervention described should be limited to cases where the polar parenchyma is jeopardised--partial tactical nephrectomy should be abandoned.


[Late hemorrhage after traumatic rupture of the spleen].

A study was performed of 31 late hemorrhages following traumatic rupture of the spleen. The authors make some considerations in connection with problems of diagnosis and treatment. The difficulty is stressed, encountered in the diagnosis of splenic rupture immediately after the causative trauma, and the high death-rate that ensues. In view of impriving the present results by early surgical treatment, the utility is stressed of clinical observation, as well as of hematologic, radiologic and angiographic explorations of these patients.


[Physiopathological bases of the treatment of fractures of the trochanteric process].

The proximal end of the human femur represents the result of a long, phylo- and ontogenetic evolutionary process. Its functional structure is determined by biomechamical stresses imposed by the necessities of locomotion and of the upright position, the principal role being that of gravitational pull and the resultant contraction of the two major muscular groups. The older classifications of the fractures of the trochanteral massif, based on anatomical description, is being replaced by the classification based on pathophysiological data, with therapeutic and prognostic value. The notion of instability sets the course in the field of therapeutical principles, of which the most important is, certainly, the refection of the major sustentation pillar--the internal or the calear-femural cortical.


[Scintigraphic and electrocardiographic changes after ligation of the pulmonary artery, pulmonary veins and mixed ligation in dogs].

The authors have investigated in 6 dogs the disturbances of the perfusion determined by ligature of the main left pulmonary artery, of the pulmonary veins, and mixed ligatures. The scintigraphic method was used (consisting in intravenous injection of radionuclide-labelled ferric colloids, and detection with the Anger camera). In 12 dogs electrocardiographic modifications were also investigated, occuring at various intervals of time after the above-mentioned ligatures. With the aid of scintigraphy it was noted that pulmonary perfusion was abolished in the corresponding lung both immediately and at 24 hours following ligatures. With the aid of scintigraphy it was noted that pulmonary perfusion was abolished in the corresponding lung both immediately and at 24 hours following ligature of the vessels. The same aspects was noted in all three types of ligature. Consecutive infarctions were noted at necropsies. The electrocardiogram evidenced sings of coronary failure when all the pulmonary veins of one lung were ligatured, signs of ventricular and atrial overcharge in dogs with ligature of the pulmonary artery and mixed modifications, although less severe, in combined vascular ligatures. The more rapid evolution toward death of dogs with ligatures of the pulmonary veins could be explained by the coronary failure.


[Realities and uncertainties in normal and pathological physiology of the lymphatic system of the extremities].

In the special literature, values of pressures in the lymphatics trunks vary within very large limits, frequently in a contradictory manner, a fact that may generate confusion in the case of interpretation of pathological data. Following an analysis of numerous lymphographic aspects an explanation can be provided, for the radiological modifications of lymph vessels in various pathological circumstances, starting from the most plausible data concerning the lymph circulation in the limbs.


[Practical aspects of the treatment of Darrow's syndrome].

An analysis is made of a group of 30 patients who, in the course of the evolution of their basic disease,have also presented, at a certain time, lowered potassium concentrations in the blood and metabolic alkalosis. As etiological factors the frequency is stressed, of conditions in the course of which stasis gastric juice is lost, the chronical lack of potassium import, as well as corticoid therapy. Special attention is given to circumstances imposed by oedema of the anastomosis opening. Interpretation and monitoring of the treatment were carried out on the basis of sophisticated, as well as current laboratory methods, but the importance of the clinical signs is stressed, when a well-equiped laboratory department is not available.


[Experimental studies concerning the use of plastic material in surgery of the abdominal wall].

The experimental study concerning the particularities of the cicatrization process in cases of defects of the abdominal wall -- in rabbits -- for which substitution grafts were applied, demonstrated them to be well tolerated. No essential differences were noted between surgical nets imported from foreign manufacturers, and those manufactured in our country.


[Dynamics of serum immunoglobulins after anesthetic and surgical stress; clinical correlations].

In a group of patients undergoing various surgical interventions the authors have investigated the dynamics of serum immunoglobulins following anesthesic-surgical stress. The changes that have been observed are determined either by a general catabolic reaction which occurs after aggression, or by the polymicrobial antigenic stimulation, as a result of enentual septic complications.


[Disk curettage in inveterate lumbago. Recent results in 45 cases].

Forty-five cases of intractable discogenic low back pain without sciatica were treated by curettage of the disc without grafting. One disc was curetted in 23 cases, two disc in 22 cases. The results are very good in 23 cases, good in 19 cases, and poor in 3 cases. The post-operative follow-up is between 1 and 2 years in 19 cases, 2 and 5 years in 13 cases, and more than 5 years in 13 cases. The length of follow-up and the number of discs curetted bear no relation to the quality of the result. In 8 cases a typical disc protrusion was found. In all other cases the appearance was different from that seen in the surgery of sciatica. Degeneration of the disc was a constant finding and presented various manifestations: simple protrusion, thickening of the posterior vertebral ligament, abnormal compressibility, and even an apparently normal disc, in which degeneration was only demonstrable after incision of the disc. Surgical exploration confirmed in early every case the data from discography. Radiodynamic examination after the operation showed a diminution in the mobility of the curetted disc, but perfect anatomical fusion is not necessary in order to obtain good results. The authors stress the necessity for great care in the selection of patients and in the operative technique.


Cellology of HLA. 22. Heterogeneity of cellular reactions in negative HLA-D typing.

We have demonstrated that in more than half of the mixed lymphocyte reactions, proliferative reactions, in which responders were reacted against HLA-D-compatible homozygous typing cells, were significantly greater than zero. These reactions often masked the true HLA-D identity of the cells under test, as was subsequently shown by primed lymphocyte testing.


Emergence of foreign H-2-like cytotoxicity and transplantation targets on vaccinia and Moloney virus-infected Meth. A tumour cells.

Using cytotoxic effector cells of different anti-H-2 specificities, new cell-mediated lympholysis targets, normally undetected on Meth. A tumour cells, were shown after passage with vaccinia or Moloney virus. The H-2d CML targets on Meth. A cells recognized by B10.BR anti-B10.D2 effector cells were presented only after simultaneous vaccinia virus passage, while passage with Moloney virus caused the emergence of H-2b targets. Small but significant killing of vaccinia virus-passaged Meth.A was also obtained by anti-H-2k effector cells. These results are discussed in relation to in vivo experiments: retardation of tumour growth was noted in mice which had received several injections of vaccinia or Moloney virus, showing that the new CML targets were probably acting as transplantation targets.


Tolerance induction to H-2 central region target antigens: in vivo/in vitro correlations.

Tolerance was induced against cytotoxic target determinants coded for by genes of the I region. Neonatal recipients were immunized with high doses of cells from an I region incompatible donor. Nonreactivity in adult life did not reflect extensive donor cell chimerism, since the great majority of cells in spleens of animals rendered tolerant were of host phenotype. Although specific nonresponsiveness in CML could be induced by these protocols, the MLC proliferative response was in most cases still present alghough very much decreased. In only a very occasional animal was complete nonreactivity in MLC seen. The nonresponse in CML was paralleled by acceptance of thyroid allografts as measured by radioactive iodine incorporation and morphological studies.


DDT residues in adipose tissue of people in Rangoon area.

Necropsy fat samples from subjects living in Rangoon area have been analyzed by TLC for their DDT, DDE and endrin contents. DDT and DDE were found in all cases; endrin, in excess of 0.2 ppm, was detected in two cases only. There was no significant difference in DDT, DDE or total DDT content in various age groups or between males and females. Levels of these residues were found to be low when compared with those observed in the populations living in Calcutta and Bangkok. This may be due to limited use of DDT and endrin for the control of agricultural pests in Burma.


Employment and work adjustments of the disabled: 1972 survey of disabled and nondisabled adults.

Of the 15.6 million individuals in the United States who were currently disabled in 1972, 8 out of 10 were employed as the disability began. For these persons, several aspects of work adjustments after the onset of disability are examined here, with the measures of adjustment based on self-reports of the disabled. Women were less likely to be employed after onset than men. Those employed full time before they were disabled were more likely to work after onset than those who had been part-time workers. The relationship between duration of disability and employment varied with severity of disability. Among the severely disabled, those with a long-term disability were more likely not to work than were the recently disabled. Keeping the pre-onset work status varied with type of employment. For the severely and occupationally disabled, industries staffed by craftsmen and operatives had lower rates of retention than did other sectors. Most of those who returned to work after onset did so within 6 months. Men who returned to work did so more quickly than did women. Doctor's advice and family responsibility were the primary reasons for not returning to work.


Gastroschisis complicated by intestinal atresia.

Gastroschisis complicated by intestinal atresia is a complex problem. Six cases are presented. A review of the literature and of our own cases shows a high mortality rate. Success or failure is related more to the pathology present than to any specific method of operative management. Resection and primary anastomosis is the favored method of treatment, as the intestine heals well in spite of its appearance. Primary closure of the abdominal wall musculature and skin is done whenever possible. A gastrostomy is used uniformly. Intravenous hyperalimentation is critical to survival of these babies and should be used early. The use of this therapeutic modality allows for the onset of gastrointestinal function spontaneously (often over prolonged periods of time) without nutritional deprivation. Intestinal atresias almost always are easy to identify in babies with gastroschisis. Extensive dissection and mobilization of this friable intestine is contraindicated in those babies in whom an atresia is not obvious but only suspected. In such cases the gastroschisis defect should be managed by whatever method is deemed appropriate and the baby observed while receiving intravenous nutritional support. If an atresia is present, it can be managed later in the baby's course by resection and primary anastomosis.


Intrasplenic islet isografts.

Sufficient numbers of pancreatic islets transplanted into the splenic pulp of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats can result in complete reversal of hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and polyuria while promoting weight gain. These changes are constant for at least 3 months. Animals transplanted in this way, however, fail to exhibit a normal biphasic insulin response during an intravenous glucose tolerance test. This lack of biphasic response is in marked contrast to that observed in portal-vein--transplanted animals. Basal serum insulin in intrasplenic-transplanted animals is twice that observed in normal animals and portal-vein--transplanted animals which have received the same number of islet isografts. Direct injection of islets into the splenic pulp does not insure that subsequently all islets will remain in the splenic pulp, and, in fact, subsequent splenectomy suggests that in some cases a majority of transplanted tissue lodges in other organs--most likely, the liver.


A simple and practical method for isolation of an early plasmin degradation product of human fibrinogen.

One of the earliest plasmin degradation products of human fibrinogen, so-called fragment A, was isolated by a simple method. This peptide has a molecular weight of approximately 22,500, migrating electrophoretically at beta-area, and its amino acid composition shows a very high content of glycine, serine, threonine and proline, and a markedly low content of hydrophobic amino acids. This fragment does not react against anti-fibrinogen; however, the anti-serum of this fragment reacts strongly with fibrinogen.


Inhibition of the mixed leukocyte reaction by alloantisera in man. I. Technical aspects.

Some technical aspects of MLC inhibition by sera obtained from multiparous women were studied. The variability of the MLC response was very high. The serum source used in the cultures was probably to a large extent responsible for this variability. Aspecific inhibition, which was observed with some test sera, could be removed by dialysis against PBS. To make the evaluation of inhibition by immune sera objective, a scoring system was introduced for the degree of inhibition. Test sera were usually added to the cultures. Alternatively, stimulator and responder cells were preincubated with the test serum. Preincubation of the stimulator cells did not show a difference in inhibition pattern when this was compared with serum addition. Preincubation of the responder cells showed a completely different inhibition pattern. The MLC inhibition test compared very well with an indirect immunofluorescence test and a cytotoxicity test using B-cell enriched cell suspensions.


Inhibition of the mixed leukocyte reaction by alloantisera in man. II. Incidence and characteristics of MLC-inhibiting antisera from multiparous women.

The incidence of MLC-inhibiting antibodies was determined in 42 pregnancy sera. MLC's were carried out between the cells from the serum donor and her husband in the presence of nonimmune AB serum and the test serum. Fifty per cent of the sera reduced the MLC response to less than 40% of the control values. Only four sera had lymphocytotoxic activity. The inhibition was strong against the specific immunizor, less strong against random unrelated cells and weak against cells which were SD-identical with the serum donor. Absorptions with lymphocytes and platelets were carried out. Lymphocytes removed activity in three of the four sera tested. Platelets removed activity from one serum. It was concluded that both anti-LD and anti-SD antibodies were able to inhibit the MLR at the stimulator cell level.


Temporal requirement for antigen in primary and secondary MLC reactions.

The requirement for antigen in primary and secondary mixed leukocyte culture was tested by removal of stimulating cells at various time points with antiserum plus complement. In the primary mixed leukocyte cultures, antigen was absolutely required for 24 hr and the need for antigen diminished essentially completely by 72 hr. In the primary mixed leukocyte culture, the antigen was required only for 6 to 9 hr. These findings are compared with other known parameters of in vitro generation of cytotoxic effector cells.


MLR-R and MLR-S gene products are expressed on different lymphoid cells.

The role of human B and T lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was investigated using T- and B-enriched populations obtained either by centrifugation of E rosetting cells over a Ficoll-Isopaque gradient or after B or T cells had been killed by specific antihuman T lymphocyte antigen or antihuman B lymphocyte and monocyte antigen sera, respectively, in the presence of complement. Purified T lymphocytes responded to allogenic cells whereas they were unable to stimulate the MLR; in contrast, purified B lymphocytes were not activated but were found to be good stimulators. Treatment of the MLR, at the time of addition of tritiated thymidine, by antihuman T lymphocyte antigen serum and complement completely suppressed the thymidine incorporation, indicating that the bulk of the proliferative response was supported by the T lymphocytes. Additional experiments with populations depleted of complement or Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes did not suggest that these B lymphocyte subpopulations played any major role in the MLR.


[Effect of various metabolic poisons on the nature of contraction of the straight muscle of the abdomen of frog].

A slow decline of responses was obtained after acetylcholine and KCl-stimulation of musculus rectus abdominis of the lake frog in the presence of antymicin A (0.27 mcg/ml). Dinitrophenol (up to 6.7.10(-4) M) as well as antymicin A inhibited the muscle contractility, with the effect being reversible. Muscle contraction ensued the application of dinitrophenol in concentration more than 6.7.10(-4)M. Decurarization ability of dinitrophenol was established. Mechanisms of disruption of the excitation--contraction coupling due to metabolic inhibitors are discussed.


[Effect of various organic substances on the activity of the membrane preparations of Na, K-ATPase].

The effect of guanidine, lisine, arginine, acetamide and urea on the activity of the preparations of Na, K-ATPase from guinea pig kidney was studied. It was established that the enzymatic activity of the preparations can be lowered by 50% by the following concentrations of the substances examined: guanidine--0.07 M, argine--0.12 M, lisine--0.30 M, acetamide--0.95 M, urea--1.05 M. There correlation among the inhibitory ability of these substances and their basis properties.


[Electron-cytochemical study of the localization and properties of ATPases in the isolated nuclei of rabbit skeletal muscle under normal conditions and in experimental muscular dystrophy].

The properties and localization of ATPase system in nuclei of skeletal muscle of normal rabbit and of those with experimental muscle dystrophy were studied by electron cytochemistry. The product of cytochemical reaction of ATP hydrolysis, which is a marker of ATPase activity localization in nuclear ultrastructures, was detected on the nuclear membrane, in chromatin and in the nucleolus, ATPase activity in the nuclei was detected in the presence of both, Mg2+ and Ca2+. Addition to the incubation medium, originally containing Mg2+, Na+ and K+, resulted in an increased formation of the product reaction in all the nuclear ultrastructures in both in the norm and under experimental muscle dystrophy. However, specific inhibitor of Mg2+, Na+, K+-ATPase--ouabain--suggests the absence in the nuclei of skeletal muscles of rabbit of transport ATPase working in the "Na-pump" system. The results of experiments with a specific complex of Ca2+--EGTA allow to suppose that Mg2+, Ca2+-ATPase of skeletal muscle nuclei of normal rabbits is localized in the nucleoplasm, whereas Mg2+-ATPase is found on the nuclear membrane. Using EGTA we failed to detected the localization of Mg2+, Ca2+-ATPase in nuclear ultrastructures upon experimental muscular dystrophy.


Electron microscopic observations of the kidney in the generalized Shwartzman reaction.

Sequential changes in the kidney during the generalized Shwartzman reaction were studied electron microscopically. The first anatomical change was infiltration of neutrophils into the glomerular capillaries. Endothelial damage was not noticeable until the capillaries were filled with fibrin deposits. Fibrin appeared in the mesangium at almost the same time as in the capillary lumina, traversing through the endothelial fenestrae. Endothelial damage was more common in the mesangial portion than in the peripheral portion of the capillaries. Severe mesangiolysis developed after loss of endothelial cells had been followed by massive penetration of intracapillary contents. Later, signs of repair were evident in some parts of the damaged endothelium. The development of cortical necrosis coincided with the appearance of mesangiolysis and arteriolar thrombotic lesions.


Congenital lobar emphysema.

Congenital lobar emphysema is reported occurring in a 10 day old, low birth weight infant. Following resection, gross examination of the affected lobe revealed collapsed but unobstructed bronchi, suggesting a cartilaginous defect. The specimen was insufflated with formalin and the bronchial tree dissected out. Histological study including comparison with a normal pulmonary lobe, confirms that abnormalities of cartilage may be important in the pathogenesis of congenital lobar emphysema.


Brain development in hydrocephalic-polydactyl, a recessive pleiotropic mutant in the mouse.

Animals homozygous for the recessive, pleiotropic, mutation hpy (hydrocephalic-polydactyl) progressively lag behind their wild-type litter-mates in increase in body weight and brain dry weight over the period from 1-40 days post-partum; many homozygotes die within the first 14 days after birth. Light microscope observations of serial sections of brains revealed a mild to severe dilation of the entire ventricular system and damaged ependyma. Ciliated ependymal cells appeared reduced in number and destruction of ependymal cells over wide areas of the ventricular surfaces was observed. Preliminary scanning electron microscope studies confirmed the light microscope observations and revealed large numbers of erythrocytes and phagocytes associated with the ependymal surface. Neither the histological studies nor experiments involving intracerebral injections of tracer dyes demonstrated obstruction or stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Individual neurons appeared to be present in normal numbers and to be developing normally and at the same rate as in wild-type animals.


Hepatocyte giant mitochondria: an almost constant lesion in systemic scleroderma.

Liver electron microscopic studies were performed in 14 patients with systemic scleroderma. In 13 of these patients, giant mitochondria were demonstrated in the hepatocytes. This ultrastructal abnormality was present whatever the type and duration of the disease and was also present even when the liver was histologically normal. The mechanism of formation of giant mitochondria in systemic scleroderma is unknown.


Quantitative morphological analysis of glomerular changes of the rabbit kidney on treatment with insulin preparations of different purity.

Thirty rabbits were immunized with MC insulin and high-molecular impurities of commercial insulin preparations (a+b component) over 30, 60 and 90 days. The serum insulin antibody titer was determined in animals as the insulin binding capacity. Further, a quantitative morphological analysis of the various types of glomerular cells and of the mesangium was performed on the glomeruli as a blind study. Significant mesangial cell proliferation and an increase in mesangial matrix were found on treatment with the a+b component whereas the animals treated with MC insulin exhibited only a transient and slight mesangial activation after 30 days. There was a positive correlation between the magnitude of the insulin binding capacity and the mesangial activation. Hence, the glomerular changes which are observed after treatment with insulin which is not highly purified must be attributed to the high treatment with insulin which is not highly purified must be attributed to the high molecular weight contaminants. Heterologous pure insulin must be regarded as having virtually no immunological effect.


A histochemical study of bone marrow hypoplasia in anorexia nervosa.

The bone marrow in patients with anorexia nervosa is commonly hypoplastic with transformation of marrow fat. The normal fat cells which appear clear and open in the marrow are surrounded by an amorphous, gelatinous material, thought to represent an increase in the ordinary acid mucopolysaccharide ground substance of the bone marrow. Since this lesion has a similar appearance grossly and microscopically to the lesion of serous fat atrophy found in cachectic patients, we have compared the histochemical properties of this amorphous material in a bone marrow from a patient with anorexia nervosa and from cachectic patients with epicardial serous fat atrophy and with the background substance in hypoplastic marrows. Both this fat-associated deposition in the bone marrow and serous fat atrophy were found to be predominantly a hyaluronic acid mucopolysaccharide. In contrast, the background substance contained a less acid mucopolysaccharide. The increase in bone marrow acid mucopolysaccharide in anorexia nervosa may represent a serous fat atrophy change rather than an increase in ground substance.


Immunohistochemical and electronmicroscopic observations on the local immune response in ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory cell infiltrates in ulcerative colitis have been investigated by means of the immunoperoxidase method and by electronmicroscopy. Considerable morphological and functional changes of the local plasma cell population have been found. The absolute number of plasma cells is raised with a marked increase of IgG-cells and a relative decrease of IgA-cells. In particular complement (C3) has been demonstrated at the basement membrane of the surface epithelium and between epithelial cells. The significance of these findings, as a local humoral immune response, is briefly considered, with regard to their possible pathogenetic importance in aggravating and perpetuating the disease.


Immunhistochemical and electron microscope analysis of adenomas of the thyroid gland. I. A comparative investigation of hot and cold nodules.

Histologic, immunhistochemical and electron microscopic changes in 8 cases of scintigraphically proven autonomous thyroid adenomas are described and compared with non-functioning adenomas. Adenomas with a light microscopic appearance suggesting autonomy show follicles which are mainly small or normal sized and lined by columnar thyroid cells with a partly vacuolated and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunhistochemically a high content of thyroglobulin corresponds to the amount of rough endoplasmatic reticulum. Typical ultrastructural criteria are a well developed cytocavitary network, numerous mainly apically localized lysosomes, prominent Golgi fields with sprouting vesicles and autophagic vacuoles. The cell surface is, when compared to non-functioning adenomas, enlared apically by numerous long microvilli and basally by deep infoldings. On contrast to experimentally TSH-stimulated animal thyroids, colloid droplets and pseudopodia are rare. The morphological findings are compared with recent biochemical results and the diagnostic value of electron microscopy is discussed.


Ultrastructure of Ewing's Tumour.

Tumour tissue surgically excised from 10 patients bearing Ewing's tumour of bones was examined electron microscopically and histoenzymologically. In all cases the tumour was composed of polygonal cells with cytoplasm poor in organelles but with conspicuous aggregates of glycogen particles. There were numerous intercellular connections of desmosomal type and a distinct cell membrane bound positivity for alkaline phosphatase activity. In two cases in which there was a negative reaction for alkaline phosphatase, the lack of enzyme activity might have been related to cytotoxic treatment carried out for several months immediately before excision of the tissue used for histoenzymological studies. The problem of histogenesis of Ewing's tumour remains unresolved although some of the present findings support a haemangiogenic origin of the tumour.


[Factors in the progression and propagation of arteriosclerosis. Results of an interdisciplinary study (author's transl)].

Starting from generalized theories of the arteriosclerosis, a comprehensive model of factor analysis is presented which considers the clinical risk spectrum of coronary heart disease as presently known. Arteriosclerosis and morphological findings are also included in the analysis. A differentiation is made between "progressive remification" and "multiple variable" patterns, which combine the clinical risks in a specific structure. Fractions of unknown influencing factors could be estimated quantitatively and qualitatively in such a manner that suggestions concerning the huge dependency of time and the progressive increase with age could be determined.


An ultrastructural study of the red pulp of the spleen and the liver in unstable hemoglobin hemolytic anemia.

Electron microscopic observations on the process of red cell destruction in the spleen and liver of a patient with congenital Heinz body hemolytic anemia, associated with a new variant of unstable hemoglobin, are reported. Two major mechanisms of destruction of Heinz body-containing red cells were noted. One was phagocytosis of these cells in toto by cordal macrophages. The other mechanism though less significant quantitatively, was intravascular hemolysis of injured red cells in the splenic microvasculature. In the liver, phagocytosis of damaged red cells by Kupffer cells was rate and there was no evidence of intravascular hemolysis in this organ. These morphological findings, together with almost complete recovery from hemolysis following splenectomy, indicated that Heinz body-containing red cells were removed from the circulation predominantly by the spleen. In contrast to experimental Heinz body anemia in animals, Heinz bodies were present even in the nucleated cells.


Growth kinetics in newborn mouse epidermis: response to epidermal chalone.

Epidermal DNA synthesis, the epidermal mitotic rate, and the responsiveness to the epidermal G1 and G2 inhibitors were examined in newborn mice at different times after birth. The rate of epidermal cell renewal was in general low during the first two weeks of life. Later the two growth parameters increased and reached very high values at 32-33 days after birth. The rate of epidermal cell proliferation then decreased to a level comparable with that found in adult hairless mouse epidermis at 40-45 days. A single i.p. injection of skin extract containing the two epidermal growth inhibitors induced varying types of responses. The epidermal G2 inhibitor stimulated the mitotic rate on day 2 and day 10, but inhibited it on all other days. The epidermal G1 inhibitor brought about an increase in epidermal DNA synthesis on day 6 and possibly on the following days. No response at all seen at 2, 4, 17, and 32 days after birth. At the other examined times the inhibition was similar to that found in adult mice. These findings differed from those made in vitro on separated newborn mouse epidermal cells (our own unpublished data), and we suggest that the variability of newborn mouse epidermis could be an expression of the immaturity of the skin as a whole, and that dermis in some way modifies the response of epidermis to exogenous epidermal chalone. Our study did not support the theory that the nonresponsiveness of newborn mouse epidermal at certain times could be due to the presence of nonresponsive stem cells in epidermis.


[Isolation and properties of myosin from human skeletal muscles].

A method is described for isolation of purified myosin from human sceletal muscles. One isoenzyme of myosin, salting out at 35-45% saturation of ammonium sulfate, was found in aqueous extracts of human muscles. Preparations of myosin, obtained by the method described, possessed the following properties: the ratio of extinctions at 280 and 260 nm 1.5-1.6; the Ca2+-activated ATPase activity--0.15-0.26 mM of phosphorus/mg of protein/min. Molecule of human myosin consisted of two heavy and two light chains (by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis).


[Effect of experiment hypoxia on the ATPase activity of brain, liver and myocardial nuclei and mitochondria].

Effect of circulatory, hypoxic and cytotoxic hypoxia on the ATPase activity was studied in mitochondrial fractions of brain, heart and liver tissues and in nuclear fractions of brain and liver tissues. All types of oxygen deficiency caused alterations in the activity of enyzmes studied. The observed alterations in the ATPase activity possessed the distinct phase type.


[Interaction of platinum and palladium complexes with thiol groups of Ca2+-dependent ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum].

In native preparations of sarcoplasmic reticulum 10-12 thiol groups (in g-eqv per 10(5) g of protein) were estimated by the Benesh method (titration with AgNO3) and 2 thiol groups--by Ellman (titration with dithionitrobenzoic acid). After denaturation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum preparations with 8 M urea 10-12 thiol groups were also determined by the Ellman method. When the preparations were treated with platinum tetrachloride or with palladium diaminodichloride, only 3 thiol groups were estimated by the Benesh and no one - by the Ellman method. Platinum and palladium complexes inhibited also the Ca2+-dependent activity blocking the transport of Ca2+ in sarcoplasmic reticulum. The inhibition was partially removed by glutathione.


[Increase in the rate of anaerobic glycolysis as an index of hypoxia in hemorrhagic shock].

A rate of anaerobic glycolysis and the activity of several enzymes involved were studied in brain, heart, liver and small intestine of rabbits in hemorrhagic shock. In hemorrhagic shock at 45 mm of m. c. the rate of glycolysis was increased in liver tissue and intestine, at 35 mm of m.c.--in liver tissue, intestine and brain, at 26 mm of m.c.--in all the tissues studied. The enzymatic activity did not alter markedly. The possible mechanism of the increased rate of anaerobic glycolysis is discussed.


[Effects of hydroxythiamine and citrate on several reactions of the pentose phosphate cycle and glycolysis].

Hydroxythiamin was shown to inhibite distinctly phosphofructokinase and phosphohexoisomerase besides a direct antivitaminous effect on transketolase. In this case the regulatory action is likely to be carried out by erythrose-4-phosphate, accumulating in liver tissue. Citrate (administered separately and together with hydroxythiamin) is assumed to influence indirectly the transketolase activity affecting the total regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.


[Change in the sensitivity of staphylococci to phages and the possible methodological procedures in their phage typing].

In a number of pathogenic staphylococci present in a food product that has been subjected to a mild heat treatment changes in the phage pattern were studied. The heat was found to produce in a number of staphylococcal strains a change in the sensitivity to phages, as a result of which phage patterns may assume different forms without losing their pathogenic and enterotoxic properties. This may lead to an erroneous interpretation of the results subsequent to an epidemiological study of staphylococcal intoxications.


Prenatal diagnosis: a directive approach to genetic counseling using decision analysis.

The decision which prospective parents face concerning mid-trimester amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis was examined by decision analysis. The prospective parents' decision depends on the likelihood of the birth of a child affected by a genetic disorder, the risk of amniocentesis, and the probability that the diagnoses provided by the amniocentesis will be correct. The couple's decision must also depend on their attitudes toward each possible outcome. The likelihoods of the outcomes can be obtained from appropriate medical consultation, while the relative costs or burdens of the outcomes should be obtained from the prospective parents. A truly informed decision for this couple can then be formulated from these probabilities and values, thus allowing genetic counseling to be more directive. The technique is illustrated for the prenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome, meningomyelocele, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.


[Acute and chronic appendicitis; gynaecologic laparoscopy (author's transl)].

The authors performed 2000 laparoscopies in females with chronic and acute pelvic pain. In 399 cases an appendectomy had been done before. Among 478 patients with acute pelvic pain an acute appendicitis was found in 26 women by laparoscopy.


Regeneration of masseter muscle following lidocaine-induced degeneration. A histochemical study.

The histoenzymatic characteristics of regenerating myofibers of rat masseter muscle following injection of 1% lidocaine, as well as morphometric and histochemical characteristics of the typical myofibers, were investigated. Myoblasts appeared initially by day 1 among numerous macrophages within the confines of degenerating myofibers. Myotubes predominated by the 3rd day. Complete regeneration of the muscle occurred by at least 45 days. Phosphorylase activity was absent at day 1 and reappeared by the 5th day when the regenerating myofibers showed slight activity. By the 15th day the myofiber types had partly differentiated; red myofibers were smaller and stained less intensely than the white myofibers. Myotubes stained uniformly for succinic dehydrogenase activity from 3 until 5 days. After 5 days this staining increased gradually. Myofiber types began differentiation by 15 days and were fully differentiated by 45 days. ATPase activity was barely evident by 1-3 days. This activity appeared uniformly low up to 5 days and increased to an intensity comparable with that of the typical myofiber by 15 days. Slight leucine aminopeptidase activity occurred in macrophages 1 day following injection. By 3 days this activity appeared in the remaining myoblasts and in the myotubes. Some activity was found in the fibroblasts. This staining intensity at 5 days was equal to that of earlier lesions. A trace of this activity was found at 7 days, and none at 15 days. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was present in the macrophages by day 1. It increased by 3 days and occurred mainly in myoblasts and myotubes. This activity decreased by 5 days, and none was found by 7 days.


Histochemical studies on the submandibular ganglia of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penecillata).

The histochemistry of the neural cells was studied in the submandibular ganglia of 5 Callithrix jacchus (3 males and 2 females) and 4 Callithrix penicillata (2 males and 2 females). These cells contain neutral mucopolysaccharides, nucleoproteins and lipidic materia, but are apparently devoid of glycogen. It is impossible to demonstrate in them any reactivity for UDPG-GT, phosphorylases, ATPase at pH 6.3, leucine aminopeptidase and alanyl aminopeptidas. The reaction for the other searched enzymes was as follows: weak (F-1,6-P Ald and cytochrome oxidase), weak to moderate (ADH, 6-P-GDH, ICDH, SDH, MDH, alpha-GPDH and beta-OHBDH), moderate (G-6-PDH, F-1,6-PA, LDH and GDH), moderate to strong (ATPase at pH 7.4, nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase) and strong (G-6-PA, NADH2,-TR, NADPH2-TR, ATPase at pH 8.5 and 9.4 and alkaline phosphatase).


Cardiac jelly arrangement during the formation of the tubular heart of the chick embryo.

The hearts of chick embryos from stages 9 to 11 according to Hamburger and Hamilton are studied by means of the electron microscopy, and the arrangement of the cardiac jelly (CJ) during the different steps of the fusion of the paired heart anlage is described. It is shown that two different areas can be distinguished in CJ: the CJ located between the endocardium and the myocardium (MECJ) and the CJ located between the endocardium and the ventral foregut endoderm (EECJ). MECJ is a zone poor on ultrastructural components most of which are unbanded filamentous material and low-density amorphous material, and its arrangement remains constant during the whole fusion process; EECJ, on the contrary, is very rich in ultrastructural components containing greater amounts of high-density amorphous material, collagen fibrils and cellular, detritus, and the arragement of this area of the CJ undergoes changes during the different  fusion steps. Alcian blue staining does not show difference between both areas of CJ. It is suggested that the CJ can play a role during the fusion of the heart. In addition, some observations are reported which suggest that all the epithelial tissues surrounding the CJ can take part in the elaboration of that extracellular material.


Muscle spindle activity in man during standing.

In standing human subjects, muscle spindle activity was recorded from peroneal nerve fascicles innervating anterior compartment muscles. Provided that the receptor-bearing muscle remained relaxed, the basal activity and responses to stretch seen in multi-unit and single unit afferent recordings were stable and not altered by eye-closures of assistance to balance. The discharge frequencies of single afferent fibres were similar to those recorded at comparable muscle lengths in relaxed reclining subjects. By analogy to findings in reclining  subjects, these results suggest that, during standing, the background fusimotor drive to relaxed muscles is neglibible. Backward body sway can induce a sway-stabilizing reflex contraction in the muscles of the anterior compartment. Such reflex contractions were accompanied by increased muscle spindle activity, the intensity of which appeared to be related to the intensity of the skeletomotor contraction. When balance was assisted by holding a support, swaying movements of similar or greater amplitude and velocity did not produce reflex activity, and the spindle response was of low frequency. It is concluded that the sway-stabilizing reflex contraction operates in alpha-gamma linkage, and that these contractions are not generated by segmental stretch reflex pathways.


Understanding the floppy baby.

Muscle tone develops in a orderly sequence through gestation and continues to change after birth. Hypotonia is frequently found in infants, and pathological degrees must be differentiated from normal variations. This distinction is possible if the clinician understands how muscle tone is regulated and modifies his examination to include some special clinical signs. A variety of pathological conditions can influence muscle tone, and hypotonia can be an early and valuable clue to recognizing neuromuscular, CNS, metabolic, and other disease states in this age group.


Biochemically assisted antibiotic treatment of lethal murine Staphylococcus aureus septic shock.

Evidence has been sought for life-prolonging effects of a variety of chemicals given subcutaneously 1 hr after intraperitoneal challenge of mice with 10(9) Staphylococcus aureus cells. The chemicals were chosen to replace chemicals found to be missing in the blood or carcass at death or to treat biochemical or visible abnormalities in sick mice near death from infection. Nafcillin given subcutaneously in adequate amounts cure S. aureus infection. In these experiments nafcillin treatment was delayed until 40% of the time from challenge to death in the controls. Chemicals were given in addition to nafcillin subcutaneously 20% of the time from challenge to death. Cortisol, Dilantic, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, glucose, nicotinamide, olive oil, phentolamine-propanalol, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lactate, and reserpine each prolonged life compared to saline treatment. When nafcillin was added, only cortisol, Dilantin, nicotinamide and reserpine were found to prolong life significantly compared to nafcillin-saline treatment Fatality rates were significantly reduced with cortisol and Dilantin when they were given in association with nafcillin compared to nafcillin-saline treatment.


Dichotic verbal processing in Down's syndrome children having qualitatively different speech and language skills.

A dichotic word task was used to contrast the speech-perceptual functioning of two groups of Down's syndrome children having qualitatively different speech and language skills to that of nonretarded subjects. Although the 20 nonretarded subjects showed an average 23% right-ear effect on the task, the average ear effect for 29 Down's syndrome subjects was essentially zero. The pattern of phonemic processing of 15 Down's syndrome subjects having better speech and language resembled that of the nonretarded subjects; however, the pattern of 14 Down's syndrome subjects having poorer speech and language was atypical. Place of articulation and voicing of phonemes appeared frequently to have different affects in the latter group in the determination of which dichotic words were reported. Although the group having better speech and language had slightly higher MAs and IQs than the poorer group, MAs and IQs were not related to ear-preference scores.


Stereotypic attitudes and behavioral intentions toward handicapped children.

Fifty-six junion-high-school pupils were questioned about their attitudes toward mentally retarded and crippled children. Same- and opposite-sex ratings of stereotypes and behavioral intentions were obtained. Results indicated a significant main effect for handicap condition, with stereotypic attitudes toward the crippled child being more favorable than attitudes toward the mentally retarded child. No differences in attitudes toward the two handicapping conditions emerged on the measure of behavioral intentions. Sex of the subject and sex of the handicapped child being rated did not significantly affect attitude scores in this study. The data were discussed in relation to the many methodological difficulties encountered in attitude research toward handicapped populations.


Regulatory dysfunction in leukotaxis.

The chemotactic factor inactivator (CFI) in human serum appears to have important regulatory function in the inflammatory response. In humans with elevated serum levels of CFI, defective mobilization of leukocytes in vivo has been noted, both in skin windows and in skin testing with various antigens. In experimental immune complex-induced acute inflammatory reactions in rat skin and lung, purified human CFI at very low doses has potent antiinflammatory effects and is able to suppress permeability changes, neutrophil infiltration, and hemorrhage, all of which are dependent initially on the role of leukotactic mediators.


Pulmonary and extrapulmonary sarcoidosis in relation to circulating immune complexes: a quantification of immune complexes by two radioimmunoassays.

Serum specimens from 53 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis were examined for the presence of immune complexes by 2 methods, the Raji cell and the monoclonal rheumatoid factor radioimmunoassays. We found increased concentrations of immune complexes in the sera of 27 patients by one or both techniques. A significant association was found between increased concentrations of immune complexes and stage III sarcoidosis. Seventeen of 23 patients with stage III sarcoidosis and 10 of 50 with stage I or II disease had increased concentrations of immune complexes. Eight of the 10 patients with stage I or II sarcoidosis and increased concentrations of immune complexes had extrapulmonary sarcoid features, such as erythema nodosum, synovitis, or salivary gland enlargements. The size of the immune complex was 15S in one of the patients examined. Concentrations of C4 were normal. The data suggest a possible role of immune complexes in the pathogenesis of pulmonary and extrapulmonary features of sarcoidosis.


[Toxic staphylococcal cutaneous necrolysis (scalded skin syndrome) (author's transl)].

The exfoliating exotoxin of serotype II staphylococci is responsable of three diseases with prevailing dermatologic symptoms: staphylococcal scarlet fever, staphylococcal Lyell syndrom and Ritter-Lyell disease. Melish demonstrated the effect of staphylococcal exotoxin on new-born mice less than five days old. This experimental model allowed to study the characteristics of the toxin. Precocious antistaphylococcal antibiotherapy is necessary.


Preliminary observations on steroid metabolism in isolated epithelum of guinea pig seminal vesicle.

The metabolism of nine radioactively labeled steroids in the epithelium of the seminal vesicle of the mature guinea pig has been studied. The rapid assimilation and metabolism of these steroids demostrate the very active biochemical nature of this tissue. Based on the use of several thin-layer chromatography systems and comparison with the locations of known standards, the following have been disclosed. Testosterone was rapidly converted to dihydrostestosterone and androstanediol. The latter was the major metablolite of dihydrotestosterone and of androsterone. Androstenedione was readily converted to androstanedione, testosterone, and dihydrostestosterone, although it formed little androstanediol. Dehydroepiandrosterone was converted to small amounts of androstenediol and androstanediol. Pregnenolone was rapidly converted to an unidentified highly polar compound only. Progesterone was converted to 5alpha-pregnane-3beta-ol-20-one and its 3alpha-isomer. Dehydroepiandrosterone and progesterone were also significantly converted to unidentified highly polar compounds. The major metabolites of 17-hydroxyprogesterone co-chromatographed with standard androstanediol, testosterone, and unidentified metabolite possessing intermediate chromatographic mobility. In addition, 17-hydroxyprogesterone was converted to small amounts of compounds possessing identical Rf values as standard androstenedione and dihydrostestosterone. The identification of the products of 17-hydroxyprogesterone metabolism and their physiologic significance must await critical evaluation. Because of its homogeneity, isolated epithelium of guinea pig seminal vesicle shows promise as a tissue preparation for use in future studies that might elucidate the role(s) of individual androgens in secretory tissues of the male accessory sex organs. Our demonstration of extensive steroid interconversions in this tissue is a logical prerequisite to such studies.


[E. coli resistance to antibiotics on the material  studied and the structure of the antibiotic resistance of the strains].

Standard filter paper discs were used to determine the sensitivity of 943 strains of E. coli isolated in 1970-1974 from patients' purulent-inflammatory foci with respect to benzylpenicillin, streptomycin, levomycetin, tetracycline, erythromycin and monomycin. An increase in the specific weight of the cultures resistant to the 6 drugs from 4.7 +/- 1.7 per cent in 1970 to 16.0 +/- 2.6 per cent in 1974 was observed. Strains resistant to 5--6 antibiotis were more often isolated from the urine (64.6 per cent) and the wound content (48.9 per cent) and rarer from the abdominal cavity exudate (23.1 per cent), bile (28.0 per cent) and sputum (30.1 per cent). Most often certain combinations of resistance to benzylpenicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and erythromycin were found in the E. coli strains tested.


[Effect of novoimanine on the cellular permeability indices of staphylococci].

Novoimanine is an antibacterial drug from Hypericum perforatum L. When used in the bacteriostatic concentration, i.e. 0.5 gamma/ml, it induced release of potassium ions from the cells of Staphylococcus aureus 209P and had no effect on release of the UV-absorbing compounds and 14C-amino acids. In addition, incubation of the cells with novoimanine (2.5--50 gamma/ml) provided "preservation" in them of the earlier absorbed 14C-amino acids, while in the control cells their level decreased. In a concentration of 100 gamma/ml novoimanine stimulated activity of ATP-ase and alkaline phosphatase by 34 and 37-57 per cent respectively. Histones F1 and F3 of the calf thymus induced an intensive release of 14C-amino acids from the cells of staphylococci and increased the activity of ATP-ase by 6-10 times. The data of the study suggested that the effect of novoimanine on the cytoplasmic membrane was limited and different from that on the polycationic antibacterial agents.


[Spheroplasts of plague microbe strains from the Transcaucasian uplands and their capacity for pesticin synthesis].

Spherical formations of the plague microbe strains from the Transcaucasian Upland, I plague microbe strain of the sandwort variety and I strain of the marmot variety were obtained under the effect of lithium chloride. They had the remains of the cell wall, were viable, sensitive to osmotic shock, preserved sensitivity to the specific bacteriophage and pesticins. All this was evident of isolation of the spheroplasts of the plague microbe. The spheroplasts showed a capacity for pesticin production. The pesticin synthesis by the spheroplasts of the plague causative agent from the Transcaucasian Upland increased with an increase in the content of lithium chloride in the medium. The largest inhibiiton zones were observed, when 0.7-0.8 per cent of lithium chloride were present in the medium. In the spheroplasts of the plague causative agent from the Mountain Altai (the marmot variety) the pesticin synthesis was inhibited with an increase in the content of lithium chloride in the medium. The activity spectrum of the pesticins of the spheroplasts of the plague causative agent from the Transcaucasian Upland and the spheroplasts of the strains of the marmot and sandwort varieties was broader than that of the rod-like forms of these strains. The indicator properties were found in the strains of the plague microbe of the marmot and sandwort varieties with respect to the pesticins of the spheroplasts of the sel-like producing organisms and organisms from the Transcaucasian Upland.


Utilization of physician services for dermatologic complaints. The United States, 1974.

The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey provides data on the "who," "for what complaint," and "to whom" for office visits to office-based physicians. In 1974, complaints referable to the skin accounted for 44 million physicians visits. This represents 7% of the 634 million visits to physician offices made during this period. Dermatologists accounted for 34% of all visits for skin complaints. General and family practitioners accounted for 40% of such encounters. Office visits prompted by dermatologic complaints were frequently less than 16 minutes long. Each office-based dermatologist accounted for an average of 5,600 patient visit per year. According to the dermatologist's diagnosis, 31% of these visits were prompted by acne; warts accounted for an additional 8%.


Leukocytoclastic angiitis in subacute bacterial endocarditis.

The case of a patient who had palpable purpura on his lower extremities due to Lactobacillus-caused subacute bacterial endocarditis is reported. Histologic examination of the purpuric lesions demonstrated a leukocytoclastic angiitis. It is postulated that purpuric and other cutaneous lesions of subacute bacterial endocarditis are related to circulating immune complexes.


Delayed hypersensitivity: indicator of acquired failure of host defenses in sepsis and trauma.

Primary failure of host defense mechanisms has been associated with increased infection and mortality. Anergy, the failure of delayed hypersensitivity response, has been shown to identify surgical patients at increased risk for sepsis and related mortality. The anergic and relatively anergic patients whose skin tests failed to improve had a mortality rate of 74.4%, whereas those who improved their responses had a mortality rate of 5.1% (P < 0.001). This study documents abnormalities of neutrophil chemotaxis, T-lymphocyte rosetting in anergic patients and the effect of autologous serum. These abnormalities may account for the increased infection and mortality rates in anergic patients. Skin testing with five standard antigens has identified 110 anergic (A) or relatively anergic (RA) patients in whom neutrophil chemotaxis (CTX) and bactericidal function (NBF), T-lymphocyte rosettes, mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), cell-mediated lympholysis (CML), and blastogenic factor (BF) were studied. The MLC, CML and BF were normal in the patients studied, and were not clinically helpful. Neutrophil CTX in 19 controls was 117.5 +/- 1.6 u whereas in 40 A patients, neutrophils migrated 81.7 +/- 2.3 u and in 15 RA patients 97.2 +/- 3.8 u (P < 0.01). In 14 patients whose skin tests converted to normal, neutrophil migration improved from 78.2 +/- 5.4 u to 107.2 +/- 4.0 u (P < 0.01). Incubation of A or control neutrophils in A serum reduced migration in A patients from 93 +/- 3.7 u to 86.2 +/- 3.5 u (P < 0.01) and in normals from 121.2 +/- 1.6 u to 103.6 +/- 2.6 u (P < 0.001). The per cent rosette forming cells in 66 A patients was 42.5 +/- 3.1 compared to 53.6 +/- 2.8 in normal responders (P < 0.02). Incubation of normal lymphocytes in anergic serum further reduced rosetting by 30%. Restoration of delayed hypersensitivity responses and concurrent improvement in cellular and serum components of host defense were correlated with maintenance of adequate nutrition and aggressive surgical drainage.


[Value of myocardial mass measurements in the hemodynamic and angiographic evaluation of aortic stenosis: 70 cases].

The prognosis of aortic stenosis is often evaluated according to clinical criteria; but it is well known that the myocardial mass is one of the important determinants of prognosis. Starting from the fact that the ratio systolic work/myocardial mass (WS/VM) is a stable one in normal subjects (0.81 +/- 0.03), we were able to divide up the 70 patients with congenital and acquired aortic stenosis into three groups as follows:--Group I. WS/VM greater than 0.87; this group is called hyperfunctional, and characterised by an increase in WS, and a myocardial mass which is ostensibly normal.--Group II: 0.87 larger than or equal to WS/VM larger than or equal to 0.75; this isofunctional group is characterised by parallel increases in mass and systolic work.--Group III: WS/VM less than 0.75; this group is called hypofunctional, and is characterised by an increase in mass unrelated to an increase in work. A comparison of the sensitivity of other parameters with that of WS/VM gives rise to optimism that the precision of determination of the prognosis will increase, as will that of the choice of the time to operative, but only those patients in groups I and II can expect a return to normal function and ventricular mass.


[Asymmetric septal hypertrophy. Echocardiographic and angiographic diagnosis].

Three cases of symptomatic asymmetric septal hypertrophy are reported. The echocardiogram allows a reliable diagnosis; it entails no risk to the patient and it may be repeated during the course of the disease. Associated with biventricular angiocardiography, the echocardiogram represents the method of choice in detecting these lesions.


Effect of temperature and temperature shifts on growth and branching of a wild type and a temperature sensitive colonial mutant (Cot 1) of Neurospora crassa.

Growth of a temperature sensitive colonial mutant (cot 1) of Neurospora crassa was compared with a wild type strain. The hyphal growth unit (the ratio between mycelial length and number of branches) of the wild type was not appreciably altered by temperature and there was a direct relationship between the specific growth rate (alpha) of these mycelia and their mean hyphal extension rate (E). The specific growth rate of cot 1 increased by about the same relative amount as the wild type between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C. Cot 1 grew and branched normally at 15 degrees and 25 degrees C but at 30 degrees C the hyphal growth unit and mean hyphal extension rate of the mutant mycelia were reduced. Thus, between 15-30 degrees C the ratio, E/alpha was constant for the wild type but not for cot 1. The effect of temperature and temperature shifts on extension zone length (2), extension zone expansion time (2t) and branching of leading hyphae of mature colonies were also studied. It is suggested that branching is governed by a mechanism which regulates the linear growth rate of hyphae; the cot 1 mutation may have a direct effect on wall extension or affect linear growth rate indirectly due to an influence on the transport of precursors to the tip.


[Major cardiomegalies of the newborn].

Massive enlargement of the heart measured by cardio-thoracic ratio (C.T.R. greater than or equal to 0,75) was found in 17 neonates in the first ten days of their life. The diseases causing this rare anomaly (5% of all newborns with cardiac malformations) were: Ebstein's disease (6 cases), cerebral arterio-venous aneurism (6 cases), primary endocardial fibro-elastosis (2 cases), septic pericarditis, transposition of great arteries and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (1 case of each). A diagnosis scheme is proposed in order to recognize early tractable diseases and to avoid inadequate surgical indications.


[The early diagnosis of Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome with confirmation of arylsulphatase deficiency].

The absence of aryl sulphatase B (Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) has been confirmed in a five month old child. The estimation of urine mucopolysaccharides and enzyme studies on cultured fibroblasts were performed at an early stage.


The genetics of Alzheimer's disease: associations with hematologic malignancy and Down's syndrome.

Relatives of probands with histologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease had excessive morbidity from Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and hematologic malignancies. These associations coupled with two previously reported ones, the indistinguishable histopathological changes in brain in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome, and the 20-fold increased incidence of leukemia among persons with Down's syndrome, are evidence that some instances of those disorders are associated with a unitary genetic etiology. The genetic defect may be expressed through disorganization of microtubules. Other evidence suggests that the same process may be involved in aging and in other chromosomal aberrations.


Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. One of many diesases?

Membranoproliferative (mesangio-capillary) glomerulonephritis (MPGN) has been divided into two types: type 1, MPGN with subendothelial deposits; type 2, MPGN with intramembranous dense deposits. Although the types are clinically similar, the light, immunofluorescent, and electron microscopical data differ. The cause in the majority of the cases is unknown, but chronic antigenemia as a pathogenic mechanism is suggested in cases associated with chronic bacteremia, chronic hepatitis, parasitic infections, certain blood dyscrasias, and partiallipodystrophy. Both the classic and the alternate pathway of complement activation may be important. The mechanism of the formation of the dense intramembranous deposits is unknown, but activation of the alternate pathway of complement appears to be an important factor. It is emphasized that while there are two basic pathologic types of MPGN, there are diverse clinical syndromes associated with these lesions, the recognition of which is crucial.


The cerebrospinal fluid choline levels in patients with Huntington's chorea. Negative effect of haloperidol treatment.

Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) choline (CH) levels were measured in patients with Huntington's chorea (n = 14). This group was found not to differ significantly from normal controls (n = 13). The values for lumbar CSF Ch levels in the normal subjects were comparable with previously reported values. Of the choreic patients, seven were put on haloperidol treatment (4--6 mg daily). The CSF choline level remained unchanged with this treatment after 20 days. CSF cholinesterase activity was measured in the control and choreic group. The results were not significantly different.


[Lowe's syndrome (author's transl)].

Concerning the clinical study, the oculo-cerebro-renal syndroms are well drawn and we nearly could say there is no syndrome of Lowe without a cataract. This conviction puts aside some oculo-cerebro-renal syndroms occured to female and easily called "Lowe's Syndrom". The glaucoma which exists in half of the cases, is scarcely a mechanical type, sometimes it is an usual congenital type with membrane of Barkan, but the more frequently, it is secondary to an alteration of all constitutive elements of the anterior uvea and of the camerular angle. Concerning inheritance, the absence of female cases among the PF observations confirm the recessive transmission attached to the sex, which is, in fact, definively established. Though the search of hererozygote females after an ophtalmological or biochimical observation has no absolute value, it anyway adds some very precious genetic requirements. Concerning the etio-pathogenic study, as we tried to show, the authors agree in simultaneous and contemporary appearance, between the 4th and the 6th month of the intra-uterine life of oculo-cerebro-renal troubles of Lowe's Syndrom and in the existence of a common factor, probably a genetic one. Anyway, we still have to precise the nature of the gene and the inter relations existing between the three injures.


[The technique of intracameral transplants applied to the study of experimental embryological problems concerning odontogenesis (author's transl)].

Two experimental embryological problems concerning odontogenesis are investigated using the technique of intracameral transplants in mice: --the presence of odontogenetic material in the mandibular arches of the 9 day mouse embryo, --the degree of specificity of the epitheliomesenchymatous interact-ons in the region of the tooth of the mouse and the rabbit. The tolerance of the recipient eye has been studied: --in the case of homografts, --in the case of heterografts. The indications and limiting factors of the method are specified within the framework of the chosen experimental conditions, taking into account the rejection phenomena manifested in the case of the heterografts.


[A study of a new osmotic anti-glaucoma medication, isosorbide, in ophthalmic surgical practice (author's transl)].

Study of isosorbide effect in postoperative long term therapy. A preestablished randomized sequence allows one to compare two series of cases, cataract and glaucoma procedures, one series receiving the drug, the other series serving as a control. Based on the following clinical parameters, coaptation of wound edges, depth of anterior chamber, vitreous volume and position, iris position, analysis of the results demonstrates less complications in the treated serie. Efficacy, safety, scarcity of side effects of the drug, allows its prolonged administration in such clinical situations entailing treatment of postoperative ocular hypertension.


[A study in immunofluorescence of the plasma cells in allergic conjunctivitis, in particular of the cells forming immunoglobulin E (IgE) (author's transl)].

The relatively simple and precise technique of direct immunofluorescence on a tissue section enables the study and enumeration of all types of plasma cells including mastocytes (stained with acridine orange) in normal conjunctiva (5 cases), chronic non-allergic conjunctivitis (5 cases), allergic conjunctivitis of the educt (11 cases) and vernal conjunctivitis (11 cases). There is evidence of elevation of IgE plasma cells in type I allergic conjunctivitis where they are twice as raised as in non-allergic cases in adult forms, and three times more elevated in vernal conjunctivitis. There was no correlation between the number of IgE plasma cells in the tissues and IgE level in sera. Thus in air-borne conjunctival allergies local hypersensitivity seems to be the predominant, even exclusive, feature.


[Basal uveo-retinitis (peripheral uveitis, chronic posterior cyclitis, pars planitis, vitritis, hyalo-retinitis). and other inflammations of the peripheral retina].

The study of the histological features of the peripheral retina and the observation of this periphery in 149 cases of uveitis of various types has led us to consider these peripheral retinal inflammations as presenting clinically either as a local reaction in this area during the course of anterior and posterior uveitis, manifested by a circular inflammatory condensation of the peripheral vitreous, or as a specific affection related to the periphery. These latter assume two forms: either that of a peripheral chorio-retinitis, or that of a basal uveo-retinitis, a term proposed in place of those considered inadequate--pars planitis, peripheral uveitis, chronic posterior cyclitis. In accordance with this conception four forms of uveitis can be distinguished: anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, peripheral chorio-retinitis and basal uveoretinitis.


[Two cases of chondrodysplasia punctuate are reported].

The first one was a 13 months old lewish boy with typical features of the rhizometic type; clinicaly the patient demonstrated cataract, esotropia, nystagmus, malnutrition, micromelia, contracture, multiple stippled calcifications about the periphery of the cartilagenous structures of the vertebral bodies, sternum, wrists, knees, heels, ribs; and profound mental retardation, After cataract operation, the head of the optic nerve demonstrate to be narrower than usualy and white. Pathologic studies of the lens' fragments after surgery showed the cataract to be without any specific characters. The child now 2 yrs and 1/2 old is still alive but in poor condition. The second was a 16 months old Arabic boy without typical features but with a cataract and stippled calfications of a limited number of epiphysae. Pathologic studies of the lens after cataract surgery showed the cataracts to be without any specific characters, the optic nerves were normal. The child now 3 yrs old is normally developed and in good conditions. It is remarquable to note that in both cases there was an history of consanguinity (mother and father were first cousins).


[Soft hydrophilic lenses and permanent wear in optical cases. Physio-pathological considerations and conclusions].

The author has noted that the frequency of epithelial lesions appearing during the course of trials with soft hydrophilic lenses containing 40% water diminished almost completely with soft hydrophilic lenses containing 70% water. He attributes these epithelial lesions to anoxia occurring with soft hydrophilic lenses with 40% water. He compares the permeability to oxygen of different types of lenses according to their thickness. He concludes that at present the materials utilised and the thickness of the lenses do not allow permanent wear.


[Pitfalls in dacryocystorhinostomy].

Dacryocystorhinostomy is an easy and efficacious operation which gives highly successful results. Yet, there are a few difficulties to overcome if one is to carry out the operation quickly and successfully. The authors wish to recall that these difficulties may occur at different moments. when incising to avoid injuring angular vessels; when opening the tear sac or the nasal mucose; when removing the bone and when suturing the flops of the tear sac and nasal mucose together.


[Gorlin-Goltz phakomatosis (author's transl)].

Having had the occasion of observing a new case, the authors have started on a new description of a specific autosomal dominant inheritance disease, description which connects an eye trouble with basal cell nevi, with jaw cysts as well as with malformations of the skeleton and nervous lesions, the tumoral lesions having the essential characteristic of possessing and evolutive potential. The authors explain the reasons which have led them to give to this specific disease the name of Gorlin-Goltz phacomatosis.


The handicapped child population in South Australia in 1975.

A survey of 2,212 handicapped children was conducted in South Australia to provide basic information so that a dental service could be planned. The prevalence of various specified conditions is presented for both single and combined disabilities. The distribution of the various conditions between the sexes has been analysed.


Dental care for the homebound--assessment and hygiene.

A general categorization of homebound patients is presented to aid the dentist in assessing their treatment needs and requirements. The importance of oral hygiene is shown, and modifications of oral hygiene appliances are presented. The role of the general dentist in the care of these patients is stressed.


Effects of cellophane tape stripping of mouse skin on epidermal growth regulators (chalones).

Variations in epidermal chalones after a single surface application of methylcholanthrene and croton oil have been described in previous papers. This paper reports a study of the effect of adhesive tape stripping of the skin on epidermal growth regulators (G1 and G2 chalones). Pieces of adhesive tape were applied 6 times to the same area of skin in groups of mice. The short-term effects of tape stripping on epidermal DNA synthesis and on mitotic rate were studied at different intervals after stripping. Other groups of mice were killed at similar time intervals after stripping, and the treated area of skin was homogenized and extracted with water. The inhibitory effect of these extracts on normal epidermal DNA synthesis and mitotic rate was assayed in normal hairless mice. The resulting inhibitions were interpreted as an expression of the concentration of G1 or G2 chalone in the skin extracts. The first experiment confirmed that cellophane tape stripping gives rise to a short block in epidermal mitotic activity and probably also in DNA synthesis. This was followed by bimodal peaks of increased activity, the two maxima of labelling index being found on days 2 and 6, and the two maxima of mitotic rate on days 1-2 and 7. The concentrations of the two chalones in the skins of treated animals varied in inverse proportion to the alterations in the DNA synthesis and the mitotic rate, with one exception. Here there was initially a depression of the mitotic rate and a low concentration of G2 chalone. This was interpreted as a short reaction of the basel cells to the stripping trauma. It is concluded that adhesive tape stripping removes the differentiating cells and injures some basel cells, simultaneously altering the content of G1 and G2 chalones. The resulting increase in the rates of DNA synthesis and mitosis lasts only until the number of cells is high enough to produce growth-regulating substances (chalones) again. This theory may explain the changes observed. Since similar reactions are seen after both carcinogenic and co-carcinogenic chemical injury of the epidermis, the reaction pattern seems to be a general response to cell injury or cell removal.


Effects of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine on beating heart cell cultures from neonatal hamsters.

1. Primary heart cell cultures from neonatal hamsters yielded a heterogeneous cell population, containing muscle cells undergoing progressive differentiation, as well as non-muscle cells. 2. Addition of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, at an early stage, to such cultures enhanced the formation of beating sheets of differentiated muscle cells. Accumulation of myosin heavy chains and creatine kinase also occurred in the presence of the analogue. 3. To obtain these effects, the analogue had to be added during the initial rapid growth phase of the cells. Division of the treated cells then ceased when the cell numbers had approximately doubled. 4. Similar results were obtained with other inhibitors of DNA synthesis. Thus improved muscle cell cultures can be obtained by preventing non-muscle cells from overgrowing the cultures. 5. One effect caused only by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine was a large increase in the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) activity which sedimented at low ionic strength. This increase was not due to a greater content of myofibrillar myosin, or to myosin isoenzyme changes, because purified myosin prepared from treated and untreated cultures did not exhibit the increased Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity.