[Distribution and biology of Heptatoma pellucens in the Karelian ASSR (fam. Tabanidae)].

The analysis is given of the peculiarities of the distribution of the widely spread forest subspecies Heptatoma pellucens pellucens Fabr. in the northern part of its distribution area in Karelia. Some data on the biology of the larva of this subspecies are presented.


A defect in tryptophan metabolism.

Oral tryptophan loading tests were performed in a patient with photosensitive pellagra-like skin rash and cerebellar ataxia but without hyperaminoaciduria. Plasma tryptophan concentrations after loading were similar in the patient and control subjects. Average urinary excretion of tryptophan in the patient from 0 to 6 and 6 to 12 hr was 2.69 and 2.58 mumol/kg, respectively; that in the control subjects was 0.82 and 0.34 mumol/kg, respectively. However, the average renal clearance of tryptophan during the first 6 hr of the loading tests in the patient was 0.757 ml plasma/1.73 m2 and that in the control subjects was 0.706 ml plasma/1.73 m2. Renal excretion of kynurenine in the patient was markedly decreased. The average from 0 to 6 and 6 to 12 hr in the patient was 1.90 and 1.13 mumol/kg, respectively; that in the control subjects was 12.90 and 18.15 mumol/kg, respectively. Under ultraviolet light, paper chromatograms of urine from the patient showed a deficiency of xanthurenic acid, kynurenic acid, kynurenine, and formylkynurenine. The deficiency of formylkynurenine in the patient's urine was confirmed by staining the paper chromatograms with Ehrlich's reagent. The patient was "sensitive" to oral nicotinic acid treatment; however, oral nicotinamide was well tolerated with improvement in the photosensitive skin rash.


[Conditions for maintaining a natural focus of tick-borne spirochetosis in southern Tadzhikistan].

The spontaneous infection of B. latyshevi population of O. tartakovskyi and its hosts in the foothill zone of southern Tadjikistan was studied. A great part of the Horsfield's terrapin unsusceptible to the spirochaete in the feeding of the tick's population was established. The foci is apparently maintained on account of the rising number of the redtailed Libyan jird. In years of the depression of rodents number the main part in the preservation of the infection belongs to the ticks.


[Rhinonyssid mites (Gamasoidea : Rhinonyssidae), parasites of rails in the area of the Lenkoran wintering site].

In birds of the order Ralliformes inhabiting the southwestern part of the Caspian Sea there were found four species of mites of the family Rhinonyssidae, parasites of the nasal cavity: Sternostoma fulicae Fain et Bafort and Rallinyssus caudistigmus Strandtmann in Fulica atra L., R. caspicus sp. n. in Gallinula chloropus (L.), R. gallinulae Fain in porphyrio polyocephalus (Lath.).


Fetal lung lecithin metabolism in the glucose-intolerant Rhesus monkey pregnancy.

Fetal lung lecithin metabolism was examined in rhesus monkey gestations complicated by glucose intolerance secondary to maternal streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Fetuses of STZ-treated mothers were delivered at 85% to 89% of term and were compared to two control groups of fetuses from normal pregnancies--one group age-matched to the STZ pregnancies, and the other composed of fetuses delivered in the final 10% of gestation. In the glucose-intolerant pregnancies, two measures of fetal lung lecithin biosynthesis--the amniotic fluid lecithin-to-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and the rate of 14C-choline incorporation into lecithin in fetal lung slices--were significantly greater than in age-matched normal gestations and were similar to results in late-gestation controls. However, lung lecithin concentrations in the glucose-intolerant group were comparable to the age-matched controls, and both were significantly less than in the late-gestation controls. Since the gestational age, mode of delivery, and fetal acid-base status were the same in the age-matched groups, we conclude that these changes in fetal lung lecithin metabolism are due to the effects of maternal glucose intolerance.


HL-A antigens in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

HLA antigen typing by lymphocytotoxicity was performed for 2 groups of unrelated caucasian subjects. The first group was composed of 100 subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The second group was composed of 270 healthy subjects without diabetes. Our study has shown that for the inhabitants of Languedoc the BW15 antigen is not the most frequently found (11% of the diabetics, 10% of the healthy subjects) contrary to findings reported by others. The B8 antigen was the most frequently found (20% of the diabetics, 16,3% of the healthy subjects), in agreement with the findings of the same authors. The frequency of BW15 and B8 found simultaneously was increased (observed 3%, expected 1.38%). The principal findings of our study were a significantly increased frequency of Da25 and B18 (23% and 25% for the diabetic subjects, 11.26% and 12.22% for the healthy subjects), and a significantly decreased frequency of A11 and B12 (6% and 18% for the healthy subjects). The association of Da25 and B18 was observed for HLA phenotypes, suggesting a higher incidence of the Da25-B18 haplotype. For the diabetics, the types BW15, BW40 and Da25-B18 have little hereditary character, and are rapidly insulin dependent individuals.


Does ATP decrease exponentially during red cell aging?

The precise changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during red cell aging have not been established. Studies of ATP content based on cell density, a presumptive index of red cell age, observations in anemic subjects in whom age-dependent hemeolysis may occur and studies of the loss of metabolic capability with aging, suggest that the reduction in red cell ATP may be a continuous process, approximating a negative expotential function. Several experimental approaches could be used to support or refute this hypothesis.


Clinical and ultrastructural observations in primary acquired sideroblastic anemia.

The clinical and laboratory findings in three patients with primary acquired sideroblastic anemia (PASA) are described. The results demonstrate that what seems to be a well defined entity of the large group of sideroblastic anemias, is in itself a heterogeneous subgroup, with differences capable of detection by more extensive studies. Electron microscopic examination of erythroid cell precursors confirmed previously described features such as deposition of large amounts of iron, mainly in the mitochondria. The precipitated serum proteins revealed an increased content of ferritin molecules only in the patients and not in control individuals, suggesting an increased supply of iron to the erythroid precursors. This finding could serve as an additional mechanism for the accumulation of iron in the erythroid precursors, considering also the defect in heme synthesis and increased permeability of the erythroid membrane for iron, described in this condition.


[Epidemiology of acute leukemia of childhood in Greece (author's transl)].

A retrospective study of 151 aged less than 15 years children suffering from acute leukaemia is reported, the parameters studied were male: female ratio, type of leukemia, age and seasonal distribution of the illness. The disease started in spring in 53 children (35,1%), in summer in 34 (22,6%), in autumn in 36 (23,8%) and in winter in 28 (18,5%). The difference between spring and winter was statistically highly significant (X2 = 10,54, P less than 0,005). Sixty two children (41%) were 3-5 years old. The male female ratio was 1.75. The disease was of the acute lymphoblastic type in 88,1% of the cases.


[Dosage of serum folates by a radio-assay. Comparison of the results obtained by this method and by microbiological method (author's transl)].

A radio-assay, using a lactoglobulin fraction of milk proteins as a folate binder and 125-I pteroyl glutamate as a competitor, has been studied in 130 cases. The results have been compared to those obtained with microbiological methods. A good correlation has been observed. The radio-assay allows the measurement of folate in the presence of agents inhibiting the bacterial growth (methotrexate, trimethoprime). It can be used for assay in the cerebro-spinal fluid. This method appears to be useful for clinical investigations.


[Homozygosity and atypical myeloproliferative syndrome (author's transl)].

An abnormal clone with four chromosomal rearrangements was found in the bone marrow of a patient with an atypical myeloproliferative syndrome and with an almost exclusive polymorphonuclear hyperplasia in blood: t (4;12), i(17 q),20q--. An heterozygosity for a normal variant of one chromosome No. 3 was observed in blood cell cultures. In bone marrow however both chromosomes No. 3 had the same Q-banding patterns. A mechanism of somatic segregation may explain this partial homozygosity.


[Immunosuppressive therapy and candidacidal activity of human neutrophils (author's transl)].

Human neutrophils incubated with 8 immunosuppressive agents ingest and kill normally C. albicans and C. pseudotropicalis. It agrees with previous studies of living microorganism phagocytosis. The decreased resistance to infection of patients treated with immunosuppressive agents seems not to be due to impaired granulocyte phagocytosis.


Protein, methionine, lysine and a fermentation residue as variables in diets of young turkeys.

A study was conducted to determine the effects of adding methionine, lysine and a fermentation residue to practical-type diets containing 24, 27, and 30% protein for young turkeys. A 2 X 2 X 2 X 3 factorial design of variables was used in each of two seven-week experiments. A total of 864 poults were divided into groups such that the 24 diets were each fed to 9 males and 9 females in each experiment. Seven-week body weights were increased 11.4% from 0.1% added DL-methionine and decreased 13.7% from 1.5% added fermentation residue, L-Lysine added at 0.157% failed to increase significantly body weights. Increasing the protein from 24 to 27 and 30% increased seven-week body weights 16.7 and 28.9%, respectively. As dietary protein increased, the increases in body weight from added methionine became smaller, i.e., 16.9, 14.4 and 4.8% in diets containing 24, 27, and 30% protein, respectively. Plots of body weight on (1) amount of methionine and on (2) amount of total sulfur amino acids in the diet show a closer relationship with the latter. The sulfur amino acid requirement of poults to seven weeks of age appears to be at least 1.03%, the highest quantity used in this study. The fermentation residue, a product not currently marketed, remains after the isolation of spectinomycin from controlled fermentation  of Streptomyces flavopersicus and contains 14% dry matter. The cause of the depressed growth from the added fermentation residue has been discussed.


Preparation of enterochelin from Escherichia coli.

A convenient method has been developed for the preparation of enterochelin, the natural iron carrier produced by Escherichia coli. The method employs a mutant strain which is unable to transport the ferric-enterochelin complex into the cell and which excretes large quantities of enterochelin into the culture medium. The addition of excess iron to the medium allows the enterochelin to accumulate as the ferric-enterochelin complex which is purified by ion-exchange chromatography and then dissociated and the free enterochelin further purified by differential extraction and crystallization. The enterochelin is isolated in good yield and appears to be of high purity as judged by a number of criteria.


Calcium control of actin-activated myosin adenosine triphosphatase from Dictyostelium discoideum.

A protein fraction from the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum confers Ca2+-sensitivity on the activation of purified myosin adenosinetriphosphatase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) from Dictyostelium by purified Dictyostelium actin. That is, the fraction inhibits the actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity in the absence of Ca+ but not in the presence of Ca2+. This Ca2+-sensitizing factor affects only the actin-activated myosin adenosine triphosphatase and not the enzyme activity of myosin alone. The Ca2+-sensitivity is conserved when muscle actin replaces Dictyostelium actin, but is lost when muscle myosin replaces Dictyostelium myosin. The factor appears to be a protein since it is nondialyzable, is heat labile, and can be precipitated with ammonium sulfate. The factor can be purified 70-fold on an actin-affinity column.


Effects of parachlorophenylalanine on ethanol self-selection in the rat.

The efficacy of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) in producing conditioned taste aversions and unconditioned avoidance of ethanol was investigated in two experiments. It was found that administering PCPA to rats having free access to a saccharine solution and water produced robust aversions to saccharin that extinguished within 6 days after termination of the PCPA treatments, thereby indicating that PCPA can produce conditioned aversions to substances consumed during its administration. In a second experiment, intraperitoneal injections of PCPA and/or ethanol given to rats not having access to ethanol were found to produce no change in their subsequent ethanol preferences. The results support the contention of earlier investigators that the reported of PCPA on the rat's preference for ethanol may have been due largely to the animals acquiring conditioned aversions to ethanol during PCPA treatments.


Catecholamines and self-stimulation: evidence suggesting a reinforcing role for noradrenaline and a motivating role for dopamine.

Investigation of the role of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in self-stimulation showed that d-amphetamine (which releases more DA than does l-amphetamine, but not more NA) was much more effective than l-amphetamine in enhancing self-stimulation of NA sites in the locus coeruleus and near-lateral hypothalamus. In DA sites in the substantia nigra and far-lateral hypothalamus the effects of the 2 isomers were confirmed to be more nearly equal. Thymoxamine HCl (10 mg/kg IP), a specific alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, depressed self-stimulation at all sites, but significantly more severely at DA sites. Thus the drugs most effective in influencing self-stimulation at a particular site were those acting predominantly on the unstimulated system. These findings were interpreted in terms of a hypothesis that DA and NA play complementary roles in self-stimulation and that both are essential; or, more specifically, that DA pathways, implicated in other motivational activites, contribute to a state of drive or arousal necessary for self-stimulation; while response-contingent noradrenergic activity (elicited by the electrodes directly via a transsynaptic route) mediates reinforcement. Further predictions from this hypothesis were tested as follows: (1) Direct pharmacological stimulants of adrenergic alpha-receptors should disrupt self-stimulation by acting randomly on the reinforcement system and disrupting response-reward contingencies; this was confirmed by the finding that the alpha-receptor stimulant clonidine HCl (0.05 mg/kg) depressed self-stimulation at all sites tested. (2) Drect stimulants of DA receptors should enhance self-stimulation of NA sites by augmenting dopaminergic motivational activity; but in rats with DA electrodes, noncontingent stimulation of DA receptors would also impose similar noncontingent activity on the transsynaptic noradrenergic reinforcement pathways and thus depress self-stimulation; this was confirmed by the finding that apomorphine (0.3-1.0 mg/kg) was strongly stimulant for NA electrodes but strongly depressant for DA electrodes, and that the degree and direction of these effects was highly correlated with the differential effects of d- l-amphetamine (rho = .65, p less than 0.01). Neither effect of apomorphine depended on the occurrence of motor stereotypy. These results can be interpreted in terms of 2-component models for self-stimulation, with the predominant transmitter of the drive component being identified as DA and that g the reinforcing component as NA.


Effect of short-term removal of infant rats from the female on lactation.

Removal of the young for a single period of at least 12 hours at the age of 15 days led to a marked increase in 85Sr retention in the maternal organisms and to a decrease in its transfer to the young in the milk. Study of 85Sr transfer in the milk showed that, if the litter was completely changed on the 16th day after birth, the female immediately accepted foster young. Repeated removal of the young on the 14th day and 15th day of life for a length of time which had no effect in a single removal likewise led to a decrease in 85Sr transfer in the milk and to raise 85Sr retention in the female. The gradual decrease which occurs in lactation during the weaning period is probably caused by diminution of the suckling stimulus on the part of the young, as they lose their physical dependence on the female.


Substitution of calorigenic effects of noradrenaline and adrenaline and differences in their inhibition by propranolol.

The calorigenic effect of infused adrenaline and noradrenaline was measured in cold-acclimated rats. The slopes of the dose-response curves for the two catecholamines and the maxima of the curves were the same. The adrenaline dose-response curve showed a shift to the right, towards higher infusion doses, compared with the noradrenaline curve. Thermogenesis due to the two catecholamines was not additive throughout the whole range of doses used. In interaction with noradrenaline, propranolol caused a parallel shift of the dose-response curve to the right, whereas in interaction with adrenaline it depressed the maximum. The concept that the two catecholamines act via different regulation sites on a common thermogenetic effector is discussed.


Effect of single dose of diuretics on renal magnesium excretion in man, with special reference to their site of action.

The administration of a single dose of furosemide, ethacrynic acid and polythiazide to healthy individuals under conditions of maximum water diuresis produces a significant increase in renal magnesium excretion. Elevated Mg excretion displayed a direct correlation to renal sodium excretion after furosemide (r=0.689, p less than 0.001), ethacrynic acid (r=0.869, p less than 0.001) and polythiazide (r=0.586, p less than 0.01). The slopes of the various regression lines did not differe significantly from each other or from the slope of the regression line characterizing this correlation for mannitol (r= 0.603, p less than 0.01). A significant linear correlation was likewise found between the excretion of Mg and total osmotically active substances after furosemide (r=0.783, p less than 0.001), ethacrynic acid (r=0.88, p less than 0.001) and polythiazide (r=0.646, p less than 0.01). The regression lines of the given correlations did not differ significantlyfrom each other, but their slopes were significantly higher than that of the regression line for the correlation after mannitol (r=0.454, p less than 0.01). The findings indicate that tubular Mg transport is influenced both by a decrease in tubular Na resorption in the diluting segment (polythiazide) and by an effect on Na resorption in the parts of the nephron proximal to the diluting segment of the nephron (furosemide, ethacrynic acid).


Effect of KC1 on renal uric acid excretion.

The effect of two days' KC1 administration per os (total amount 11 g, i.e. 140 mEq potassium) on renal uric acid excretion was studied in healthy subjects under conditions of water diuresis. A significant increase in the uric acid excretory fraction (CUA/CCr..100) was found, from 8.04% in the control test to 10.31% under experimental conditions. Elevated renal uric excretion led to a significant drop in the plasma uric acid level from 4.9 mg% to 4.2 mg% after the administration to KC1. The findings suggest that KC1 influences the tubular transport of uric acid, but the mechanism of its action is still obscure.


Effect of dihydroxyphenylalanine, imipramine and coffeine on the light induced decrease in nocturnal serotonin N-acetyltransferase in the rat pineal gland.

The s.c. administration of 150mg L-dihydroxphyenylalaine/kg b.w. 15 min before the decapitation prevents the light induced decrease in nocturnal serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in the rat pineal gland. The s.c. administration of 50mg imipramine/kg b.w., resp. 100mg/kg b.w., 15 min before the decapitation, slows down, or prevents the light induced fall in the activity. The maintenance of a sufficient level of active norepinephrine on beta-receptors, either by displacement of norepinephrine in the nerve endings by dopamine, or by the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake by imipramine, thus slows down or prevents the decrease in serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity after exposure to light during the night. The i.p. administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor coffeine citrate in a dose 200mg/kg 90 min after switching off the light for the night stimulated serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity 270 min after the light and been switched off, but did not influence the abrupt decrease induced in nocturnal activity by exposure to light.


Some properties of mitochondrial and cell sap alanine aminotransferase of the rat heart.

Alanine aminotransferase activity is present in mitochondria and the cell sap fraction of the rat myocardium. As distinct from the cell sap form, mitochondrial alanine aminotransferase was significantly inhibited by chloride ions, maleate and incubation medium temperatures of over 40 degrees C. Activity of the cell sap enzyme was inhibited by phosphate and stimulated by temperatures of over 40 degrees C. The pH optimum for cell sap alanine aminotransferase was in the region of 8, while for the mitochondrial enzyme it had a wider range (pH 7.3-8.2). D,L-penicillamine, and antagonist of vitamin B6, inhibited alanine aminotransferase activity equally in intact and tritonized mitochondria and in the cell sap fraction. The activity of mitochondrial and cell sap alanine aminotransferease rose in correlation to the stage of ontogenesis, the maximum increase being observed in the cell sap fraction 14-20 days after birth. The addition  of coenzyme to the incubation medium did not affect the activity of either mitochondrial or cell sap alanine aminotransferase. The results indicate that there are two different alanine aminotransferase enzymes in the rat heart, with different intracellular localizations and probably with different regulative functions.


Results of correlation of values of individual behaviour of rats with liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity.

A significant negative correlation was found between the individual animal's horizontal activity in an open field and liver tryptophan pyrrolase (LTP) activity. On the other hand, the duration of immobility in an open field correlated postively and significantly with liver tryptophan pyrrolase activity.


Effect of 6-azauridine on calcium metabolism in rats.

After 12 days of intramuscular administration of 6-azauridine (500 mg/kg b.w.) rats displayed a significant decrease in plasma calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and total hydroxyproline levels and alkaline and acid phosphatase activity. The biological method employed revealed no changes in calcitonin activity. 6-Azauridine reduced the citric acid concentration in the kidneys, liver, heart and bones. Alkaline phosphatase activity in the kidneys, heart and liver was unaffected. The results indicate that 6-azauridine inhibits calcium resorption from the bones and interferes with collagen synthesis. It cannot be ruled out that the described changes are elicited by the antimetabolic effect of this cytostatic drug.


Thermostability of the erythrocytes of mice exposed to the action of a magnetic field.

The authors investigated the thermostability of the erythrocytes os strain CBA mice exposed to the action of a magnetic field formed by the poles of a rotating permanent magnet of 20 mT (200 GAUSS) induction. The erythrocytes of animals which spent 17 weeks in the magnetic field were significantly less heat resistance than those of the control animals. The effect on animals kept in the magnetic field during embryoyenesis and infancy and then left 3 months outside it was even more pronounced.


Influence of age and starvation on pO2, pCO2 and haematocrit values in the rat.

The author determined the effect of acute starvation on the arterial pO2 and pCO2 value (analysed on a micro-Astrup apparatus) in rats of different ages; in infant rats, this was done by separating them from the female and the nest for 24 hours. Arterial blood was obtained by incising the tail artery. It was found that the pO2 value in rat arterial blood rose signficantly during ontogenesis. At 10 and 14 days the mean pO2 value was 68 torr, while at 25 days and in adult rats it was 92-95 torr. No marked changes were found in CO2 during ontogenesis (the mild drop was not statistically significant). In 10- and 14-day-old rats, 24 hours' starvation caused a significant decrease in pO2. In older rats, deprivation of food and water did not significantly affect the pO2; in the arterial blood. The arterial blood pCO2 was not influenced by starvation. The development of the haematocrit values in mixed blood (obtained by decapitation) during ontogenesis was in agreement with findings in the literature, i.e. a drors' complete starvation produced no change in the haematocrit values in 5- and 10-day-old rats, but a marked increase was recorded in older rats.


Influence of single administration of different diets on the energy metabolism at temperatures of 10,20 and 30 degrees C in the golden hamster.

Fed animals have a higher resting metabolic rate in the thermoneutral zone than fasting ones. The metabolic increase is due to the specific dynamic action of food. With a decline of environmental temperature this increase in metabolism either declines or remains unchanged; decisive is whether the heat is used for thermoregulation or not (Mejsnar and Janský 1971). The objective of our work was to find out to what extent a single intake of a diet with a different ratio of nutrients can influence resting metabolism in the golden hamster and whether this heat can be used for thermoregulation in the cold. Female golden hamsters aged 6-8 weeks kept at a constant temperature of 22 +/-1 degrees C with twelve-hour alternation of light (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and darkness ( 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.) were used for the experiments. The oxygen consumption was assessed after a single intake of a standard, high-carbohydrate (76 cal.% starch), high-fat (80 cal.% margarine) and high-protein (82 cal.% casein) diet-for detailed composition see Fábry (1959). The food was given at 6.m. after previous 20 hours of fasting. Animals were then transferred into the respiration chamber and kept there for three hours, including one hour when they were left to settle down; during this period the oxygen consumption was not measured. Oxygen consumption measurement started at 9 a.m. and lasted till 11 a.m. The metabolism of the animals at rest was assessed at temperatures of 10, 20 and 30 degrees C by measuring the oxygen consumption by the interferometric method (Wollschitt et al. 1935). The results are expressed in ml of oxygen per g of body weight per hour. The relationship between the metabolism at rest and environmental temperatures in hamsters given a single dose of standard, high-proetin, high-fat or high-carbohydrate diet is apparent from Table 1. The maximum increase of oxygen consumption after administration of the experimental diets was found at a temperature of 30 degrees C. At an environmental temperature of 20 degrees C the administration of the high-protein and high-fat diet causes roughly the same increase of metabolism. The high-carbohydrate diet increase is only one third of thevalues found, in the remaining two diets at the same temperature and is non-significant. At the environmental temperature of 10 degrees C all the diets used increased the oxygen consumption insignificantly. The changes in metabolism at different environmental temperatures after administration of various diets expressed as percentage of metabolism at 30 degrees C in animals fed the standard diet indicate that the specific dynamic action of the high-protein and high-fats diets is lower at lowered temperatures. We may thus assume that the heat produced as a result of specific dynamic action of the high-protein and high-fat diets is perhaps used for thermoregulation. The role of specific dynamic action of high-carbohydrate diet for thermoregulation is not clear from our experiments. The role of specific dynamic action of food was assessed by several authors...


Reduction of alcohol selection by pargyline in mice.

Drugs which increase brain levels of serotonin (5-HT) have frequently been found to cause a decrease in voluntary ethanol consumption. Results obtained with parachlorophenylalanine (pCPA), which decreases 5-HT, have been less consistent. The present investigation compared the effects of pCPA on alcohol selection with those of pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor which increases brain levels of 5-HT. Ingestion of a 10% ethanol solution was assessed in male C57BL/6J mice given daily injections of 250 or 300 mg/kg pCPA, 50 mg/kg pargyline, or saline. An additional control group received no treatment. A two-bottle preference procedure was employed, and ethanol and water intake were recorded during a pretreatment period (11 days), a treatment period (8 days), and a posttreatment period (10 days). Like other agents which increase 5-HT, parygyline produced a depression in ethanol intake which lasted beyond the time of drug administration. pCPa had no effect on ethanol ingestion either during the period of drug administration or afterwards.


Congenital fibrosis of the liver: diagnostic possibilities of peritoneoscopy and splenoportography.

Congenital fibrosis of the liver can be tentatively diagnosed by direct-vision peritoneoscopy, and this diagnosis can be verified without difficulty by a liver puncture under peritoneoscopic control. In addition, peritoneoscopy makes it possible to determine portal pressure in the spleen under optical control of the puncture site, and to make a splenoportogram at minimum risk. The splenoportogram supplies information on the luminal width of the splenic and portal veins, which is important if a shunt operation is contemplated. Besides, information can be obtained on the extent of the collateral circulation, and the features of the portal branches in the liver can in turn corroborate the diagnosis.


Persistent transitional circulation. Roentgenographic findings in thirteen infants.

Chest roentgenograms in 13 infants and angiocardiograms in 11 infants with persistent transitional circulation (PCT) syndrome were reviewed. Chest radiographs typically revealed congestive heart failure with pulmonary venous congestion, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and pleural effusions. Angiocardiography demonstrated a right-to-left shunt through the ductus arteriosus, ventricular dilatation, poor myocardial function, and ventricular emptying. Cardiopulmonary abnormalities resolved over a period of 2-6 days in survivors. PTC syndrome as seen at the authors' institution has been an important and relatively common cause of congestive heart failure and cyanosis in the newborn. The incidence of congestive failure was higher than in other reported series.


[Experimental basis for a new surgical-therapeutic method for duodenal ulcer: gastric mucoslerosis].

On the basis of studies carried out by chronic experiments in dogs the authors noted, by clinical, chemical, radiological and histological methods, that the chemical sclerosis of the gastric mucosa performed with a sterile, fresh hypertonic solution of glucose at 60%, injected in the sub-mucosa, represents an intervention which is:--physiological, since the sclero-distrophy is achieved of the acid-secreting glands and "targeted" intra-gastric vago-sympathic denervation, while the storage function of the stomach is maintained;--feasible, since it can be easily performed from the technical view point, without hemorrhagic, perforative intra-operatory risks or hepato-renal toxicity;--fiable, since it was constantly accompanied by good clinical and functional results. The radiological examination of the barium passage in the stomach, antrum, pylorus and duodenum is normal.


[Preservation of rat liver using prolonged perfusion with a complex solution lacking hemoglobin].

The author's aim was to investigate conservation of rat liver by continuous perfusion of the isolated organ in conditions of normal temperature, as well as in hypothermia. A complex solution was used, lacking hemoglobin. Over a period of 5 hours of conservation the authors evaluated the perfusion rate, the concentration of lactate and pyruvate in the conservation medium, while on histological preparations was investigated the formation of fibrin deposits in the intra-hepatic vessels. The results confirmed the positive effects of hypothermia, that is not due exclusively to a limiting of the metabolic necessities of the organ but also to a reduction of the fibrinogenesis and a slowing down of the formation of intra-hepatic microaggregates.


[Hepatic suppurations requiring segmented or atypical hepatectomies].

Following studies of cases with hepatic suppurations the authors indicate the necessity for regular or atypic hepatectomies. The extension of the suppurative process in the liver made necessary the ligature of the great sagital vein and the authors show, on the basis of anatomic and topographical data (hepatic segmentation), that it is necessary to extend the hepatectomy to the IV-th para-median segment. The authors also present the indications for bi-segmental right hepatectomy in segments VII-VI as well as of the total left regulated hepatectomy.


[Significance of residual hepatocholedochal dilatation following principal methods of surgical treatment in benign stenoses of the terminal choledochus].

Out of 305 cases, diagnosed and operated in the clinic over a period of 14 years, the authors have investigated in 164 of them--controlled between 2 and 14 years after surgery--the residual dilatation of the hepatic segment of the choledocus following the application of the major methods of surgical treatment of benign stenoses of the terminal choledocus duct. In view of reducing the disturbances that might occur after surgery of the biliary pathways, the material was investigated and, in the light of the data from the literature, the conditions are discussed, in which the residual hepato-choledocal dilatation should be considered as pathological, the methods of investigation, the difference between the duodeno-biliary reflux and the jejuno-biliary reflux, the anatomo-pathophysiological basis of a more complete and differentiated surgical therapy, the precautions necessary for avoiding remaining intra-hepatic abscesses that might complicate the postoperative evolution.


[Problems in the diagnosis and treatment of intrahepatic lithiasis].

Following the study of 44 cases of intra-hepatic lithiasis the authors have reached these conclusions:--intra-hepatic lithiasis (both primary and secondary) represents 3% of the biliary lithiases;--the characteristic element of the evolution of biliary lithiasis is the so-called "ageing phenomenon" leading to the formation of multiple stones, progressively obstructing the biliary pathways and finally involving the intra-hepatic segments. These are the so-called biliary panlithiases representing 50% of the cases with intra-hepatic lithiasis in the author's statistics;--cholangiography (both intravenous and intra-canalicular) should be considered as completed only when it provides a representation of the entire biliary system;--one cannot speak at present of a "remaining" or "forgotten" hepato-choledocus stone before the exclusion of the intra-hepatic "forgotten" stone;--the significant reduction of "post-cholecystectomy disturbances" depends on the correct diagnosis and treatment of all stones, indifferent of their site of occurrence (extra- and intra-hepatic).


[Treatment of duodenal ulcer with chemical sclerosis of the gastric mucosa. Preliminary results].

On the basis of experimental studies and of the results obtained, the authors have applied over the last two years, sclerosis of the gastric mucosa with fresh, sterile solution of hypertonic (66%) glucose in 25 patients with duodenal ulcers and cellular and vagal hyperacidity resistant to medical therapy. Mucosclerosis was associated with gastric drainage in 14 patients with duodenal ulcer complicated by stenosis or hemmorhage. Sclerosis of the gastric mucosa is a physiological intervention because it achieves the sclero-atrophy of the acid-secreting glands and vago-sympatic denervation in the gastric territory, while the storage function of the stomach is maintained. It was not followed by extra-gastric disturbances or antro-pyloric distonia. It is easy to perform from the technical viewpoint and has a high degree of fiability, providing constantly satisfactory clinical, functional and metabolic results. Chemical values of basal secretion have decreased in a constant manner but in 9 patients the values of induced acidity showed inconstant decreases. Gastro-antro-pyloro-duodenal transit was good and all operated patients have gained weight. No diarrhea, dumping or peptic recidives were noted.


[Complications of Crohn's disease (Clinical and anatomopathological observations on 13 cases)].

Malignization of Crohn disease remains the most severe complication, both due to its intrinsic gravity and to the major complications that it may induce such as: peritonitis--following suppurations and perforation of the involved intestinal segment; intestinal sub-occlusion or mechano-inflammatory occlusion, either tumoral or chronic leading to stenosis of the intestine; hemorrhage. Malignization of Crohn disease was found in 53,84% of the cases (7 out of a total of 13 cases, between 1968 and 1974). This allows to conclude that Crohn disease can be considered as a pre-cancerous disease.


[Preservation of human lymphocytes in liquid nitrogen for the purpose of organ transplantation].

Repeated typing of organ receptors, indifferent of the technique employed, as well as the preparation of anti-sera of the HL-A type from multiple-pregnancy women (by repeated testing on known lymphocytes panels), suppose the storage for long periods of time of human lymphocytes at low temperatures. The authors present a technique adapted for the storage of lymphocytes in liquid nitrogen allowing for the survival of these cells, in very satisfactory conditions, for long periods of time.


[Penetrating wound of the right ventricle associated with hemoperitoneum of hepatic origin].

The authors discuss, in connection with a penetrating wound of the right ventricle induced with a knife, associated to hemoperitoneum (1 400 ml) following transfixiant hepatic wound on the importance of a complete diagnosis in complex trauma. In such type of trauma, the approach of thoracic lesions must be independent of the treatment of abdominal ones, in view of the prevention of contamination of the thoracic cavity. For the time being digital obstruction of penetrating heart wounds is the least traumatic and the most efficient modality to stop hemorrhage, facilitating at the same time, the performance of cardiography.


[Influence of changes in the vegetative tonus on the effects of succinylcholine on blood pressure (experimental data)].

Intravenous administration of small amounts (0,1 mg/kg of body weight) of succinyl-choline in dogs results in the increase of blood pressure through nicotine-like effects. The increase of succinyl-choline doses induces at first a lowering of the blood pressure through a muscarine-like effect, then its increase. Atropinization, as well as prealable vagotomy, prevents the lowering of the blood pressure but increases it through a nicotine-like effect. Neomistigmine increases both the nicotinic and the cholinergic (muscarinic) effects of succinyl-choline. The use of alpha-sympatico-mimetic drugs, followed by administration of succinyl-choline, generates hypertension and conjugation of alpha-sympatico-mimetic drugs with lepto-currarine induces hypotension, even when para-sympatic lysis has been performed in advance. Inhibition of the beta-sympatic components, followed by inhibition of the alpha-sympatic ones, prevents the development of the succinyl-cholinic hypotension. These facts indicate that the action of succinyl-choline on the blood pressure depends, to a considerable extent, on the condition of the central nervous system.


[Percutaneous catheterization of the superior vena cava system, using the large veins at the base of the neck].

Catheterization of the superior caval system by punctioning of the subclavial vein, or of the deep jugular vein, has many positive aspects. Confronting the data from the literature with their own experience the authors discuss the results obtained in a total of 1884 catheterizations of this type.


[Stimulation of callus formation in delayed consolidation of fractures and in pseudarthrosis, using electric current].

The authors suggest the use of a small size generator of constant electric currents, that could be used in patients after incorporation in the plaster of Paris casts. This was experimentally tested in animals in view of assessing the results. Good results, obtained in 5 patients, are communicated.


[The place of total nephro-ureterectomy in the treatment of urinary tuberculosis].

Taking into consideration the frequency of urethral lesions in the frame of uro-genital tuberculosis, and their serious effects on the renal tissue it becomes apparent that either conservative or radical surgical therapies should be applied when their extension make it mandatory. Besides prevention of development, or of the maintenance of vesical lesions can be obtained. On the basis of a statistic covering 1 440 cases of renal tuberculosis a total figure of 492 nephrectomies is found and 130 total nephro-uretherectomies. The transperitoneal pathway is suggested, that does not imply any risks and generally characterized by a benign post-operative evolution, which allows also for the simultaneous solution of eventual tuberculous genital lesions, both in men and in women.


[Hepatodigestive shunts in the treatment of cancer of the liver with obstructions of the intrahepatic bile ducts].

The authors discuss the inductions and the usefulness of hepato-digestive derivations in the treatment of hepatic cancers associated with obstruction of intra-hepatic biliary pathways. A total of 32 hepato-digestive derivations in the left hepatic lobe have been carried out in a number of 62 cases, the remaining 30 cases being treated by a double hepato-digestive derivation on the III-rd and the VI-th segment (hepatogastro- or hepato-jejunostomy with or without disjointed--"in omega"--100 p). Pre- and intraoperational cholangiography is considered as mandatory in view of selecting the type of the intervention.


[Prevention and therapy of postoperative thyrotoxic crisis].

Out of a group of 361 patients with various anatomo-clinical forms of hyperthyroidia--of which 328 had underwent surgery--hospitalized in the Surgical Clinic from Jassy between 1965 and 1974, a total of 17 observations are analised, from the clinical and the therapeutical viewpoint, that showed postoperative thyreotoxicosis crisis. The fact is stressed that the prophylaxis of the crisis is dominated by the principle that no case of hyperthyroidia should be operated on before it has been perfectly balanced from the endocrinological viewpoint. The complex treatment of the cases that are presented included a symptomatic component to which were associated oxygen therapy, tonics, vitamins, hepatotrop preparations, eventually antibiotics. The results obtained--complete recovery in all the cases--can be compared with the best from the literature.


[Orthopedic surgery in children with low intelligence quotients].

53 mentally retarded children (IQ lower than 50) sustained orthopaedic procedures for improving locomotion. In this series the authors operated on 26 feet, 6 knees, 22 hips, 8 spines. One only case was operated on the upper limb. Results are carefully analysed. Complete failures were noted in 9 cases. The importance of the postoperative care was emphasized. It seemed more beneficial to operate on several sites in one single stage instead of multiplying surgical operations. Psychological factors in the family and nursing staff must be carefully considered.


[Milwaukee brace in the treatment of idiopathic scolioses. Results and indications].

The author reports a ten-years experience of the Milwaukee brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. 168 patients were treated and the results are analysed according to age at onset of treatment, severity of the curves, type of scoliosis. It is concluded that this bracing is worthwile as well for young children as for teenagers, the goal of the treatment being to prevent physical and psychological distress in adult life.


[Flexor tendon grafts after provisional implantation of silicone rods. Study and results of 32 cases].

25 patients (32 fingers) have been operated on following Hunter's technique (flexor tendon grafting after a preparation of the bed by a silicone rod). 24 times the tendon was divided in the no man's land. 2 patients were worsened, 23 improved, 1/3 of the grafted fingers reached the palm in flexion. Results were less satisfactory when several operations had taken place prior grafting, when the graft was long in size. In 3 cases the flexor sublimis tendon was left in place, the graft crossing at the level of the decussassion with good results 6 times, secondary tenolysis led to little improvement. The indications for this operation are detailed.


[Arthroplasty of the knee. Prosthesis without uni- or bicondylar hinge].

The prosthesis has two components. The femoral component is metallic surfacing the condyle and a tibial plateau in polyethylene replaces the original one. The prosthesis can be uni or bi-condylar. Operative technique has to be very precise and the position of the prosthesis needs accuracy. The advantages are: minimal bone resection, small implant harmonic action with the knee joint as a whole. 20 patients with I8 months follow up are reviewed, problems are infections and pain in the patello-femoral joint. The results on pain and walking are good. Stability depends on accurate indications.


[Should one choose the nail or the plate in treating a leg fracture?].

The authors have analysed the results of 126 tibial fractures treated by blind nailing with reaming and 112 tibial fractures treated by plating. They noted 5 septic complications after nailing, after  plating, one non-union after nailing and 12 after plating, 3 malunions after nailing and 2 after plating. The cases treated by nailing united earlier. The Authors conclude that nailing is a more fiable technique than plating, and that the only fractures which should be plated are those which are not fit for nailing.


[Unicondylar fractures of the femur].

The authors have treated and reviewed 8 recent and 24 ancient unicondylar fractures of the femur. They point out that initial diagnosis had often been missed, due to associated lesions or apparently minimal displacement. They think that recent fractures should always be surgically treated by sagittal screwing. Indications are given for the treatment of malunions (osteotomies, arthrolysis, arthrodesis, prosthesis).


[Fractures of the tibial spina and tuberosity, or fractures with subluxation of the upper end of the tibia].

The authors describe several types of fractures of the upper tibial extremity associating some degree of dislocation of one tibial plateau. They analyse the mechanical conditions of such fractures(axial compression with strain in the frontal plane), describe the associated (menisci, ligaments). Therapeutic conclusions are drawn.


[Osteoid osteoma in children. Apropos of 29 cases].

The authors have observed 29 cases of osteoid osteoma in children aged from 1 to 15 years. 10 cases involved the femur, 9 the tibia, 4 vertebrae. All cases were operated on. 3 recurrences were noted but the nidus had been removed in these cases. 2 cases were complicated by post-operative fractures and 5 by bone growth disturbances.


[Benign chondroblastomas of bone. Anatomo-clinical and ultrastructural study apropos of 11 cases].

The authors have observed 9 cases of benign chondroblastoma of bones. After a review of the literature they recall that this is a rare condition (1% of bone tumors). That it is twice more frequent in males than in females. Aged 10-20, at the level of growing epiphysis shoulder and knee are the more common sites. The X-rays pictures are described, as well as the pathological findings. Pathological features close to those noted in aneurismal bone cysts were often encountered. The ultra-structure of these tumours was also studied. This type of tumour is essentially benign, however the association of aneurism-like pictures increase the incidence of recurrences.


[Use of pneumatic braces in the rehabilitation of motor handicaps].

The authors describe the advantages of pneumatic orthesis which are: On a mechanical standpoint the comfort related to the lightness and elasticity of the bracing allowing better walking, specialty in paraplegies from thoracic level. The rigidity of the orthesis can be changed by modifying the air-pressure and this type of bracing can be used in various diseases such as cerebral palsy or myopathies. On a social standpoint this type of orthesis can be obtained more rapidly than conventional ones. It allows a shorter hospitalization and, therefore, a better rehabilitation.


[Treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip by Salter's innominate osteotomy. Study of the first 40 cases operated on at the Orthopedic Institute, Kassar Said, Tunisia].

1) Twenty-nine children aged 18 months to 7 years with 40 congenitally dislocated hips, were treated between 1964 and 1971. Six hips had a closed reduction, 34 had an open reduction and capsulorrhaphy, and all had an innominate osteotomy. 2) Complications of the treatment included 2 joint infections. Of 11 hips which were unstable post-operatively, more than half were due to errors of the operative technique, and 8 required further surgery. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occured in 3 hips post-operatively, and another 3 showed irregular ossification of the femoral epiphysis. All 6 hips had had an open reduction, and were mainly in older children who had inadequate pre-operative traction. 18 hips were stiff post-operatively ; 17 had had an open reduction ; Seven of eleven were improved by traction and physiotherapy. 3) The average length of follow-up was 4 years. Although only 70 p. 100 of the hips were clinically satisfactory, 92 p. 100 had excellent or good anatomical results as seen on radiographs.


The experimental infection of specific pathogen free lambs with Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae.

Six colostrum-deprived SPF lambs inoculated endobronchially with a second passage broth culture of a Scottish strain of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, were killed in batches of two at seven, 14 and 28 days post-inoculation. One lamb from each batch showed macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions similar to but milder than those described for respiratory mycoplasmoses in other species of animals and exhibited minor clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma were recovered from all infected but from no control animals: five infected lambs yielded mycoplasma from lung tissue. Two lambs infected with M ovipneumoniae by endobronchial intubation were placed in contact with six other SPF lambs. M ovipneumoniae was recovered from the upper respiratory tract only of all six contact lambs, but no pathological changes were noted in their lungs. Both donor lambs yielded mycoplasma from lung tissue, but microscopic lesions were detected in only one of them, and these were minimal. No seroconversion due to the infection could be demonstrated in any of the lambs by either the indirect haemagglutination or metabolic inhibition tests.


[Role of the liver in detoxification of endotoxins].

I. Contribution of the reticuloendothelial system to the defence of the organism against endotoxins: phagocytic function, blood clearance and detoxifying function. II. Endotoxin--liver cell interaction. A) The effects of endotoxin on the parenchymatous liver cell; morphofunctional alterations: endotoxicosis as a "set of hepatic metabolic lesions". B) The sensitivity to endotoxin of organisms whose liver has undergone a functional alteration. III. Intrahepatic detoxification of endotoxin--an enzymatic process:--the role of enzymes oxidizing fatty acids;--the role of enzymes containing SH groups; --the role of tryptophane-oxygenase. IV. Conclusions.


[Recent data on the possible consequences of influenza infections contracted during pregnancy].

I. Introduction. II. Influenza in the course of pregnancy and congenital malformations. (1) Malformations of the central nervous system. (2) Malformations of the circulatory system. (3) Other malformations (hare-lip, syndactylia, etc.) III. Influenza in pregnancy and children's cancer. IV. Other consequences of influenza in the course of pregnancy: abortion, still-births, prematurity and infantile mortality. V. The risk of catching influenza for the pregnant woman.


[Distribution of subtypes of viral hepatitis B antigen in areas of Rumania].

The results of subtyping the B antigen in 551 sera from patients with viral hepatitis, chronic evolutive hepatitis and cirrhosis, chronic carriers, donors and healthy subjects, were confirmed as positive HBAg by diffusion in agar, counterelectrophoresis and radioimmunology, and characterized by the d-y and w-r determinants by rheophoresis. The high incidence of the y determinant in all nine counties investigated probably reflects the prevalence of this serotype in Romania, recalling the distribution of subtypes observed in the south of Europe.


[B viral hepatitis as a risk factor for clinical laboratory personnel].

A study was carried out on the risk of contamination with viral hepatitis B for the personnel of the clinical laboratories who handle blood samples with HB Ag and HB Ac, collected from the patients. Of the total 1945 blood samples collected from 639 adult patients, 74 were serologically positive (3.8%) of which 39 HB Ag carriers (2%) and 35 HB Ac carriers (1.8%). Although these proportions are close to those found in the normal population the risk of contamination of the laboratory personnel is greater owing to the direct contact with the pathologic product and the impossibility of recognizing the HB Ag and Ac positive samples before testing. The risk may be lowered by strict compliance with the general rules of hygiene, by avoiding especially any microtraumas of the hands, by automatic pipetting of the sera and reagents and the use of sterilized materials (particularly in haematologic and biochemical laboratories.


[Possibilities of correcting some metabolic disorders in experimental endotoxic shock by treatment with a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and epsilon aminocaproic acid].

Alpha-Lipoic acid associated with xi-aminocaproic acid proves to have a protector effect in the posttreatment of endotoxinic shock in rabbits, produced by the administration of E. coli O111, in doses of 1.5 mg/kg body weight. This effect was observed when administered early in the stage of energy privation, and was manifested by a longer survival, diminution of lactacidemia and protection of labile phosphate reserves.


[Study of the incorporation of radioactive zinc in Saccharomyces cerevisiae aldolase].

Saccharomyces cerevisiae aldolase concentrates from the culture medium containing ZnSO4 a large amount of Zn which becomes a component part of the enzyme molecular structure. This was made evident by adding to the culture medium 65ZnSO4 and measuring the radioactivity of the aldolase extracted by a Phillips single channel analyzer.


[Study of purified aldolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using irradiated fructose-1,6-diphosphate].

The interaction of an electromagnetic field with the enzymatic substrate-- the sodium salt of fructose-1,6-disphosphate--induces in the latter a new type of physical transition S leads to S. The enzyme, in this case Saccharomyces cerevisiae aldolase, is able to reveal this new state of the substrate by an increase in its specific activity within well established irradiation times. Each enzyme is characterized by the tm (minimal irradiation time of the substrate) a tau (fixed time period) parameters that delimit the two signals. Purified S. cerevisiae aldolase has tm=5 sec. and tau=20 sec., in contrast to muscle aldolase (represented by class I aldolase) which has tm=15 sec. and tau=30 sec. This may be attributed to the fact that most of the enzymatic systems in S. cerevisiae are made up of several distinct molecular forms, involved in more metabolic pathways than in the animal tissue, therefore with various responses to the phenomenon of perturbation of the substrates.


[Hemorrhagic syndrome in newborn infants during a hospital infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa].

In a department for neonates 21 of the 34 children contracted infections with various clinical manifestations within a relatively short interval (approximately two weeks). Three of the children died and pathoanatomic examination revealed aspects characteristic of vascularitis and diffuse hemorrhage in most organs accompanied by infiltration and oedema. From the lethal cases, part of the sick and healthy children and personnel the same bacterium was isolated--Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting an in-hospital epidemic.


Mixed lymphocyte reactivity and cell-mediated lympholysis to D-end differences of the murine major histocompatibility complex. Comparison of in vitro responses to exclusive D-end or more extensive MHC differences.

In vitro mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) responses and the in vitro induction of cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) were studied in congenic strain combinations in which the responding and stimulating strains differed either at the entire major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or only at the D end of the MHC. In contrast to previously reported studies, the relative strengths of stimulation by 'D end only' differences or by whole MHC differences were examined by stimulating identical responding populations with titrated numbers of stimulating cells that differed from the responder either at the D end only or over the entire MHC. When tested in this manner isolated D-end differences were sufficient to generate significant MLC and CML responses in each combination tested. Several 'D end only' differences (the responses of B10.A to B10.A(2R); of B10.A(2R) to B10.A; of B10.D2 to B10.HTG; and of B10.HTG to B10.D2 were several fold less efficient in stimulating MLC and CML responses than were control stimulating cells differing over the whole MHC. In contrast, when the mutant D-end allele da was present on the stimulating cell (the responses of B10.D2 to B10.D2(M504) and of B10 to B10.D2(R106)), stimulation by an isolated D-end difference was comparable to stimulation by broader MHC differences. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible functional complexity of the D region.


Generation of T memory cells in one-way mixed lymphocyte culture. IV. Primary and secondary responses to soluble and insoluble membrane preparations and to ultraviolet-light-inactivated stimulator cells.

Neither normal CBA (H-2k) nor purified spleen T cells respond in vitro to soluble or insoluble membrane preparations or to ultraviolet-light-inactivated stimulator cells of the allogeneic DBA/2 (H-2d) strain. However, CBA spleen cells deprived of phagocytic cells show a slight proliferative response under these conditions. After being primed against mitomycin-blocked DBA/2 cells in one-way mixed lymphocyte culture, the secondary blast-derived T 'memory' cells display a good secondary blast (proliferative) response to both membrane antigens and to ultraviolet-light-inactivated stimulator cells. In addition to this, the secondary T lymphocytes--in contrast to nonprimed T cells--respond by cytotoxicity when ultraviolet-light-inactivated cells are used as the second stimulant.


[Use of culture media with sheep serum for maintenance and isolation of Leptospira strains].

A study was carried out on the effects of a culture medium prepared with sheep serum inactivated at 68 degrees C on Leptospira cultures. Good results were obtained showing that the medium with sheep serum can be used for the cultivation of Leptospira in view of the preparation of antigens for microscopic agglutination and complement fixation. In experiments on the isolation of germs from organocultures and haemocultures the proportion of positive results obtained with sheep serum was smaller than with the media containing rabbit serum.


[An autochthonous case of amebic hepatic abscess with pleural dissemination].

The present paper reports on the first autochtonous case of amoebic hepatic abscess in Romania in a patient in which the epidemiologic survey showed that there had been no possible import infection. The amoebic abscess was located in the superoexternal area of the right hepatic lobe. Subsequently a major complication developed: a tendency to pleuropulmonary invasion with the formation of fluid in the right pleural cavity. The diagnosis, suggested by the aspect of the abscess cavity, was established by the presence of the parasite in the flaky pleural exudate obtained by puncture, by cultures in Loeffler medium and by serum immunofluorescence. The abscess was evacuated surgically and a specific treatment with Chloroquine and Metronidazol combined with antibiotics and a symptomatic medication was prescribed. The patient recovered and was discharged 51 days after surgery.


Prognostic value of HL-A typing and mixed lymphocyte culture tests in kidney transplantations from living related donors.

In 45 recipients of intrafamilial kidney transplants, the one year survival of sibling grafts was 95% and of parental grafts 71%. HL-A compatible grafts had a one year survival of 94% compared to 75% of HL-A incompatible grafts. At the same time, the survival of MLC compatible grafts was 100% and that of MLC incompatible grafts 74%. These differences are not statistically significant but suggest a prognostic importance of MLC, as well as HL-A matching. MLC compatibility might be more crucial than HL-A compatibility. MLC test performed after transplantation when the recipients were on maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, did not show reduced reactivity of recipient lymphocytes as compared to tests performed prior to surgery.


The role of human endothelial cells in allograft rejection. Some in vitro correlates.

Endothelial cells, separated from the inside of the umbilical vein by collagenase digestion, could clearly stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes to blastogenesis and increased DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte endothelial-cell cultures. Many of the characteristics of these mixed cultures were similar to those found in mixed cultures consisting exclusively of allogeneic lymphoid cells; the MLC response. Endothelial cells could also be destroyed in vitro by cells sensitized in mixed lymphocyte cultures. When incubated in the presence of specific HL-A antisera, they were destroyed in non-immune peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These three reactions are thought to be in vitro correlated to some of the events taking place following allografting in vivo.


Electromagnetic blood flowmetry in small vessel surgery. An experimental study.

The aim of this work was to study problems in microvascular flowmetry. Special emphasis was placed on the meticulous preparation of the vessel wall in order to improve zero-line stability and on the problems related to the calibration of small electromagnetic flow probes. Electromagnetic flow probes with an inner diameter of 2, 1.5 and 1 nm were used for studies on zero-line drifting and for calibration procedures in a series of rats and rabbits. Principles and tools derived from microvascular surgery, including the binocular microscope, were employed in the preparation of the vessel wall and in the application of the probes. The results obtained indicate an improvement in flow uptake and in zero-line stability following this procedure. Precalibration of small flow probes using laboratory animals should be considered if calibration is not feasible at the time of the flow measurement. Use of the microsurgical technique for vessel preparation is recommended.


Direct cell mediated lympholysis by peripheral blood lymphocytes from renal allograft recipients.

Investigations of 22 kidney allograft recipients by the Direct CML-test revealed coincidence between acute allograft rejection and a positive test. 15 patients exhibited acute rejection, 3 chronic, and 4 no rejection episodes. 4 patients with acute rejection were not detected as positive in Direct CML, while 3 patients were positive without acute rejection, one having a chronic rejection. The exact role of HL-A antigens for the specificity of a positive Direct CML could not be evaluated from this material. It is concluded that the Direct CML-test may be helpful for the diagnosis of acute rejection, but that it has only limited power as the only test of recipients' response to foreign tissue.


Influence of HLA matching on kidney graft survival.

The influence of matching for the whole HLA haplotype as well as for the separate HLA antigens controlled by this region, was studied in a material of 98 living related and 178 cadaveric first transplants. Graft survival corresponded closely to the degree of HLA haplotype disparity between donor and recipient. Furthermore, graft survival was less in combinations being incompatible for the serologically defined HL-A and -B antigens as compared to compatible combinations. A weak MLC response between donor and recipient, even in the presence of HL-A and -B disparity, might signify prolonged graft survival.


Pharmacology and physiology of the biliary radiographic contrast materials.

(1) Solubilization of Telepaque in the intestine is a limiting factor in the rate of intestinal absorption. Bilopaque and Oragrafin are more water-soluble and appear to be better absorbed than Telepaque. (2) Bile salts in the intestinal lumen increase the solubility of Telepaque. Therefore, a fatty meal administered with the Telepaque is desirable to evacuate bile salts from the gallbladder into the intestine. This is not required for the more water-soluble agents, Biopaque and Oragrafin. (3) The degree of protein binding of the contrast agents can be related to the degree of toxicity. Cholografin is the most highly bound and is the most toxic. (4) Hepatic receptor proteins may specifically bind the biliary contrast agents. This may be the reason that the renal contrast materials are poorly escreted in bile compared to the biliary contrast agents. (5) Telepaque is conjugated in the liver with glucuronide making the compound more soluble in bile. This prevents precipitation of Telepaque in the gallbladder and avoids reabsorpiton from the intestine. (6) The biliary excretion of Telepaque is facilitated by bile salts. Therefore, the administration of a fatty meal with Telepaque not only increases the rate of intestinal absorption of Telepaque but also the rate of biliary excretion. (7) The rate of biliary excretion of both the oral and the intravenous contrast agents appears to be limited by a hepatic transport maximum. Above a certain dose, increased amounts of the contrast agents do not result in more rapid excretion of the agents into bile. Rapid infusion of intravenous contrast agents results in high plasma concentration and greater urinary excretion, without increasing the biliary excretion. It does not appear to be indicated in clinical practice. (8) The biliary concentration of the contrast agents used for intravenous cholangiography is determined by their rate of biliary excretion, the choleretic effect of the contrast agent, and factors that determine the rate of basal bile flow. Fixed coupling of water with the biliary excretion of these contrast agents imposes an inherent limitation on the concentration of the contrast agent in bile. It appears that the biliary concentration of the intravenous contrast materials can be increased by having the patient fast prior to intravenous cholangiography. This decreases the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts and the rate of bile-salt-dependent bile flow. (9) Failure of the gallbladder to visualize after administration of Telepaque when there is adequate biliary excretion may be due to cystic duct obstruction, failure of the inflamed gallbladder mucosa to reabosrb water, or reabsorption or the contrast agent by the diseased gallbladder mucosa. (10) Maximum concentration of Telepaque occurs at 14-19 hr after ingestion. It is at this time that radiographs of the gallbladder should be made. With Bilopaque, peak concentration occurs at 10 hr so radiographs can be made earlier when Bilopaque is used.


Mitral regurgitation secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae: clinical, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic findings.

The clinical, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic findings in 11 patients with mitral regurgitation secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae are presented. Left atrial overloading, as manifested by a large terminal negative force in the P wave of lead V1, was present in 8 of the 11 patients. Six of the eight patients with this atrial abnormality had a normal size or minimally enlarged left atrium on chest x-ray films and angiography. Left ventricular hypertrohpy was present in 7 of the 11 patients and appeared to be related to the duration of cardiac symptoms. It is concluded that a large terminal negative force in the P wave in lead V1 is a useful clinical indicator of increased left atrial pressure in mitral regurgitation of recent onset. The electrocardiographic finding of left atrial overloading is to be expected in most cases of mitral regurgitation secondary to rupture of the chordae tendineae.


The multiply operated back: fusion of the posterolateral spine with and without nerve root compression.

This report reviews the outcome of surgery for back pain in 50 patients who had had previous back surgery. All were treated by exploration and posterolateral fusion of the spine. Those with nerve root irritation had thorough nerve root decompression including wide laminectomy when needed. Back pain was relieved in 44 of 50 patients, and sciatic pain was relieved in 38 or 43 patients. Postoperative functional activity (return to work) was regained in 24 of the 30 patients in whom this could be assessed. In six patients with back pain and in five patients with sciatic pain surgical benefits were insignificant; these were rated as poor results. In six patients the rehabilitation goal of satisfactory level of activity was not achieved.


The obligations of medical practitioners in relation to the new Mines and Works Act.

The Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act No. 78 of 1973 deals with compensation to be paid in cases of pneumoconiosis and other compensatable diseases such as tuberculosis, permanent obstruction of the airways and scleroderma. Any medical practitioner who attends a miner or worker from a 'works' such as Iscor, Amcor and several others at present controlled, is obliged, if death occurs, to remove the cardiorespiratory organs and forward them to the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases, unless the near relatives refuse permission for an autopsy. A pathologist who performs a routine autopsy on such a person must follow the same procedure.


Short-term culture of adult pancreatic fragments for purification and transplantation of islets of Langerhans.

Minced adult human, rat, and dog pancreatic fragments were cultured under various conditions in an attempt to selectively purify pancreatic islet tissue from exocrine digestive enzymes. Islet purification was assessed by measuring tissue insulin and amylase concentrations, proportional to islet beta cell mass and exocrine enzyme content, respectively. Tissue amylase content decreased rapidly over a 24 hour culture period under all conditions. By addition of pilocarpine, cobalt chloride, and aprotinin to the culture medium, pancreatic tissue insulin levels stabilized. Under these conditions the tissue insulin: amylase ratio increased rapidly and a high ratio was maintained, indicating that islet tissue decontaminated of exocrine digestive enzymes was preserved in short-term culture. Fifteen dogs rendered diabetic with streptozotocin immediately following a partial pancreatectomy received an autotransplant of pancreatic tissue fragments maintained in culture for 24 hours. Seven dogs were rendered normoglycemic. Six of these dogs have survived for longer than 30 days. Only one of 14 control pancreatectomized dogs injected with streptozotocin and not transplanted survived and was normoglycemic. Viable islet tissue free of exocrine enzymes can be obtained by short-term culture of pancreatic fragments, and separation of islet and exocrine components of adult pancreas is not essential for successful islet transplantation.


Fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products: hemagglutination inhibition immunoassay in plasma.

Immunoassay for fibrinogen and/or fibrin degradation products (FDP) is generally in the clot and hence assay of serum may not reveal the true concentration of FDP in blood. We have developed a hemagglutination inhibition immunoassay for FDP in human plasma. D fragment appears to possess an antigenic determinant, called D-neoantigen, not found in native fibrinogen. Rabbit antiserum produced against D fragment was absorbed with immunosorbent columns coupled with fibrinogen and normal human serum, respectively, so that it contained only those antibodies directed against the neoantigenic determinant of D fragment. In this immunoassay, sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) were stabilized with glutaraldehyde and subsequently sensitized with D fragment by means of tannic acid. Hemagglutination of absorbed anti-D-neoantigen serum against SRBC sensitized with D fragment was titered to be 1:256. The hemagglutination was inhibited by D fragment but not by fibrinogen; the sensitivity of detecting D fragment was 8 mug/ml. Human plasma from normal subjects did not inhibit. This appears to be the first report of a hemagglutination inhibition immunoassay for FDP in plasma.


A suggested site for the implantation of myocardial pacemakers in infants and young children.

A new site for burying an implantable pacemaker in infants and young children is described. The Medtronic sutureless screw electrode is applied to the diaphragmatic surface of the heart through a transxiphoid approach. The unit is inserted in the abdominal wall between the transversalis fascia and the transversus muscle. The method is simple, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. It avoids thoracotomy. The unit is well concealed and protected. The coils of the lead are relatively free from adhesions and allow for growth in the child.


The oral toxicity of clioquinol (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline) in beagle dogs.

When clioquinol was administered to Beagle dogs, disturbances in gait which were associated with abnormal reflexes and reactions, were seen in animals receiving 250 and 400 mg/kg body weight per day. Histopathological examination of the central nervous system (CNS) showed pathological change in the posterior columns of the spinal cord.


Radioimmunoassay of 16alpha-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate.

A simple and reliable radioimmunoassay for plasma 3beta, 16alpha-dihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one(16alpha-OH-DHEA) and its sulfate has been developed. The antiserum against 16alpha-OH-DHEA and its sulfate (16alpha-OH-DHEA-3-sulfate) was produced in rabbits immunized with 16alpha-OH-DHEA-3-succinate-bovine serum albumin. This antiserum reacted well with both 16alpha-OH-DHEA and its sulfate and only slightly cross reacted with DHEA and its sulfate. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) of the intra assay was 10.26% for 16alpha-OH-DHEA and 12.32% for 16alpha-OH-DHEA-S. The C.V. of the interassay were 14.34% for 16alpha-OH-DHEA and 15.64% for 16alpha-OH-DHEA-S. The umbilical artery concentrations for 16alpha-OH-DHEA and 16alpha-OH-DHEA-S were 7.20 +/- 6.71 ng/ml and 4490 +/- 2140 ng/ml, and the umbilical vein concentrations were 14.20 +/- 11.27 ng/ml and 2970 +/- 1450 ng/ml respectively.


Secondary cytotoxic allograft responses in vitro. III. The immunogenicity of allogeneic membrane fragments.

The immunogenicity of murine membrane fragments was tested both in primary and in secondary in vitro cytotoxic allograft responses, and compared to that of intact allogeneic stimulator cells. Allogeneic membrane fragments induced poor proliferative and cytotoxic responses in normal splenic responder cells. However reexposure of immune responder T cells to allogeneic membrane fragments triggered the generation of highly reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Moreover, the generation of secondary CTL as induced by allogeneic membrane fragments was preceded by only a marginal cell proliferation. The results obtained are compatible with the concept that serologically defined (SD) antigens alone are capable of triggering alloimmune T cells to differentiate highly reactive secondary CTL.


The synergistic effect of synthetic polynucleotides and mercaptoethanol in amplifying the murine mixed lymphocyte reaction.

Tritiated thymidine incorporation of one-way murine mixed lymphocyte reactions was compared in the presence of mercaptoethanol and/or poly AU. Each of these agents amplified specific responsiveness in this system without altering reaction kinetics and the combined use of these agents enhanced specific thymidine incorporation beyond that achieved by either alone. These agents may be useful in those situations where increased sensitivity of murine mixed lymphocyte reactions is required.


[A cytophotometric analysis of the activity of oxidative enzymes and Na, K-ATPASE in vertebrate nephrons at different levels of sodium transport in the kidney].

Using quantitative cytochemistry, activities of Na, K-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and alpha-keto-glutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KDH) was investigated in cells of renal tubules at different levels of sodium reabsorption in the kidney. The activity of these enzymes in mammals and birds renal tubule cells was found to be higher than in the cells of corresponding renal tubules of cold-blooded vertebrates. This corresponds to the increased total amount of reabsorbed sodium in the kidney of warm-blooded animals. The summer frogs, as compared to the winter ones, exhibit higher activities of SDH and Na,K-ATPase in the proximal tubule cells where changes in sodium reabsorption are also noted. In the kidney of marine teleosts, a negative correlation between U/PNa and the activity of SDH and Na,K-ATPase in the cells of proximal and distal tubule was observed. Aldosterone was found to stimulate sodium reabsorption and to activate Na,K-ATPase.SDH and alpha-KDH mainly in the distal convoluted tubule. Furosemide was observed to inhibit sodium reabsorption and to reduce SDH and Na,K-ATPase activities in cells of the proximal tubule and Henle's loop. In the kidney of adrenalectomized rats, both sodium reabsorption  and activities of Na,K-ATPase, SDH, alpha-KDH decreased in all the segments of the nephron. The data obtained suggest that changes in sodium reabsorption may be coupled with those in the activities of the investigated enzymes.


[Correlation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase activity with their size following exposure of cells to higher temperatures].

Cells of the Unio tumidus gill ciliated epithelium were exposed to a supraoptimal temperature of 40 degrees C for the period from 30 seconds till a complete cessation of ciliar beating. ATPase activity of mitochondria of these cells being checked against their size during the corresponding period. The mitochondria were found to change their size in a phasic manner, swelling at the beginning of the temperature exposure, then shrinking and then swelling again. The ATPase activity increased during the first swelling and during shrinking to the control level. The data obtained indicate that similar ultrastructure and size of mitochondria may correspond to different levels of their functional activity.


[Vitamin A, membranes and the differentiation of cells].

The paper deals with analysis of biochemical, morphological and physiological changes in vitamin A-deficiency. On the basis of this analysis a conclusion is drawn that vitamin A is first of all the factor of differentiation. The intercellular zone is considered to be the most probable sphere of its primary effect. Deficiency in vitamin A causes a change in a concentration and ratio of cations and glycosaminglycans in this zone, that results in disturbance of the intercellular interactions. Other changes--in the DNA-RNA system, protein biosynthesis, sulphate, energy and other metabolisms--might be secondary. By the character of action vitamin A may be closed to hormones than to water-soluble vitamins.


Increased sodium reabsorption postuninephrectomy: evidence for a humoral factor.

Natriuresis occurs in the immediate postnephrectomy period. Yet in the days and weeks that follow, increased Na-K-ATPase (sodium-potassium activated adenosine triphosphate) activity, oxygen consumption and sodium reabsorption occur. Increased sodium reabsorption probably occurs early postuninephrectomy but is obscured by passive hemodynamic and physical-chemical factors that induce natriuresis. These factors were controlled in isolated canine kidneys perfused with normal and twenty-four-hour postuninephrectomized blood. A substance that increases sodium reabsorption and glomerular filtration rate in the kidneys perfused with uninephrectomized blood was demonstrated. The relationship between this and a hormonal substance that induces compensatory renal hypertrophy is unknown. The use of this hormone for treatment of renal failure is discussed.


Neurogenic bladder dysfunction in protruded lumbar disk and after laminectomy.

Bladder and urethral innervation was studied in 18 patients with protruded lumbar disk or persistent back pain after laminectomy. A high incidence of neurogenic dysfunction of the detrusor muscle was found, whereas impaired function of the striated external urethral sphincter was rare. The lesions were encountered among the patients with protruded lumbar disk as well as among the patients with sequelae after laminectomy, suggesting that neurogenic bladder dysfunction in cauda equina injury due to protruded disk is often irreversible.


Design and evaluation of a percutaneous transthoracic cannula.

This investigation was designed to develop a satisfactory PTC for conveying large bore cannulae as required for current use with the artificial heart and left heart assist device. A total of 50 PTCs of varying designs and 6 controls were implanted in the dorsum of canines and goats. Observations with 6 initial designs indicated that necessary requirements in the design of a PTC, include adequate fixation and the use of dacron or nylon velour as the skin interfacing material. Best results were obtained utilizing a PTC having a polycarbonate extra-cutaneous flange, a nylon velour covered polycarbonate subcutaneous skirt, and an extended threaded central conduit to also allow fixation intrathoracicly behind the 2 ribs traversed by the device. Eight such PTCs have been implanted and without complications, have exhibited good tissue ingrowth and have had negative bacterial cultures for periods averaging 6 mos. The use of a PTC of this design should be considered in conjunction with mechanical hearts or left heart assist devices where large bore conduits must cross the chest wall and function on a chronic basis without allowing the ingress of virulent organisms.


The characterization of intima development in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and total artificial heart (TAH).

1. The study of PNI development provides useful information in the design and improvement of the prosthetic devices. 2. Improved gelatin aldehyde impregnation on the dacron covered diaphragm of cardiac prostheses resulted in a reduced PNI thickness and minimized interfacial degeneration of PNI. 3. The PNI on the diaphragm's surface started with a platelet rich interface and ended with a striated fibrin and platelet matrix at the blood interface. 4. The PNI in the TAH's had a higher involvement of polymorphonuclear leukocytic cells at the PNI-housing or diaphragm interface than the LVAD's. 5. The aldehyde treated pericardial surface of cardiac prostheses generated a thin PNI that was fibrin-rich, a viable cell infiltration, no interfacial degeneration, and endothelial-like cells on its surface.


[Pre-hospital resuscitation in injuries and asphyxia under emergency conditions].

The article is based on the materials of special reanimation units of Leningrad Emergency Medical Care Centre. The reanimation measures undertaken in a group of 420 patients with grave trauma and shock of the 1--IV grade are described. An efficacy of respiratory reanimation per se was studied in a separate group of patients (102) after strangulation asphyxia. A scheme of a special medical car intended for reanimation is being suggested.


[N.N. Burdenko and certain aspects of development of Russian neurosurgery].

The authors point out the outstanding merits of academician N. N. Burdenko in the organization and development of national neurosurgery, and also tremendous successes achieved by soviet specialists of neurosurgery in the diagnosis and treatment of mono- and multifocal epilepsy, cerebral vascular lesions, brain tumors in adults and children, craniocerebral trauma. An attention is given to the main tasks of further development of different aspects of neurosurgery.


[First experience with laparoscopic cholecystostomy in treatment of acute cholecystitis].

The authors report their experience with laparoscopic cholecystostomy in 37 patients. No failure in the surgery was noted, and complications were rare. The operation should be performed only by those specialists, who are experienced in the performance of laparoscopy.


Ultrastructure of mitochondria-containining nuclei in human myocardial cells.

The ultrastructure of myocardial cell nuclei was examined in a group of 12 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. In one patient (aged 60 years) with rheumatic heart disease, myocardial cells were observed which contained mitochondria with well preserved membranes within their nuclei. Such intranuclear mitochondria were observed with equal frequency in all of the three stages examined, i.e. at the start and end of aortic crossclamping and after 20 min of reperfusion. Approximately 2-3% of the total number of nuclei studied in this patient contained mitochondria. A partial disintegration of the membranes of the affected nuclei was sometimes seen. These findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis of a de novo synthesis of mitochondria inside the nucleus, and also, in relation to the "trapping theory" of mitochondria through the nuclear envelope.


Linkage of gene for C2 deficiency and the major histocompatibility complex MHC in man. Family study of a further case.

Close linkage between HL-A and C2 deficiency was first reported by FU and co-workers in 1974. We present here a pedigree of a 31-year-old C2-deficient individual with clinical manifestations of Hodgkins disease. The following markers were tested: C2 levels, factor B polymorphism, blood groups, and enzyme typing. In addition to close linkage between HL-A and C2 deficiency, both parents were heterozygous for Bf (HL-A linked, electrophoretic variation of B). The two HL-A haplotypes closely linked to C2 deficiency are different: 2, W18 and W24, W18. They share, however, the SD2 antigen W18 and the LD type 7a.


[The activity of several enzymes of the mucous membrane of the intestine during thiamine absorption].

With increasing amounts of thiamine introduced into the intestines the extent of its absorption by the intestinal mucosa is shown to decline. The activity of thiamine-pyrophosphatase (KF 3.6.1.6) in the intestinal mucosa rises with absorption of physiological and large quantities of thiamine, whereas Na+-K+-activated ATPase (Kf 3.6.1.3) becomes activated only with absorption of physiological doses of vitamin B1. The participation of these enzymes in the regulation of the thiamine absorption in the intestines is suggested.


[Dermatological complications after renal transplantation (author's transl)].

58 renal transplant patients were submitted to dermatological check-up investigations at regular intervals over a mean period of 26.2 months after surgery. 98% of the case material showed dermatological complications. In an analysis of the findings in 55 patients with infectious complications, viral infections occurred in 40, bacterial in 30 and mycotic infections in 20 patients. Dermatological manifestations of non-dermatological complications were mainly due to immunosuppressive therapy. The data stress the necessity of optimum cooperation between dermatologists and the attendant physician in the case of renal transplant patients.


Autoimmunity as possible evoking factor of some so-called idiopathic bone marrow hypoplasias.

Patients with bone marrow hypoplasia or aplasia were examined using the method of lymphocyte blast transformation and the MIF production test. The experimental results demonstrated the presence of an autoimmune process in these patients. A good congruence of the methods was demonstrated. Possible role of the autoimmune process in the pathogenesis of the disease as well as the reasons for the autoimmunity development and the therapeutical implications of these findings are discussed.


Spontaneous occurrence of delayed hypersensitivity to DNA in old NZB mice.

The sensitivity of NZB/Bl and NZB/Swiss Fl hybride mice spleen lymphocytes to DNA was examined using the MIF production and inhibition of migration from artificial fragment. The positivity was found in the group of old mice which was considered as an indication of spontaneous autoimmune process. The possible mechanism of this process is discussed.


[Autoantibodies in the ABO-Ii-system (author's transl)].

Nine cases of autoantibodies in the ABO-system, found by routine investigations, showed the following specificities by agglutination, absorption, and elution techniques: 5 anti-AI, 2 anti-(not-I)-A, I anti-BI and 1 anti-HI. Neutralization experiments by blood group substances revealed heterogeneity among the 5 anti-AI-cases. This is interpreted by different antibody specificities directed against I-antigen components. The relations between the ABO- and Ii-systems are discussed. The occurrence of these antibodies is attributed to oligosaccharides, which are common to both antigen systems. The etiology remains unknown.


DNA-synthesis and DNA-methylation in the spleen of immunized mice.

Methylation of spleen DNA was investigated in mice immunized with bovine serum albumin. At the time of the highest incorporation of deoxythymidine into DNA -24 hours after antigen application--there is an elevated DNA methylation rate as shown by the transfer of the methyl group of methionine to DNA cytosine as well as by the conversion of DNA cytosine to DNA 5-methyl-cytosine. There is no difference in the methylation rate between bulk DNA and satellite DNA.


[Calculation of the chance of paternity exclusion for the HL-A system (author's transl)].

Using a theoretical model formulas for the calculation of the chance of paternity exclusion for 2 closely linked autosomal loci with multiple allelism between which linkage disequilibrium exists are presented. With some examples their practicability for the HL-A system is shown.


[Dislocation of patella also a symptom of other diseases or consequence of local primary alteration of the scelet (author's transl)].

According to a large group of patients there is demonstrated the "symptomatic" dislocation of patella. It is a part of a system-disease, especially Onycho-osteo-arthro-dysplasia. Arthrogryposis multiplex. Freeman-Sheldon-syndrome, mongolism and children with debility or imbecility. There are discussed their pathogenesis and any consequences for diagnosis and treatment.


[Studies on the thickness of the hard tissue coating in the 1st upper deciduous molars with special reference to the shape of the crown].

The report is on metric examinations of the thickness of the hard substance coating of the first upper milk molars based on 122 tooth cuts (longitudinal and transversal) and on the shape of the crowns of these teeth. The measurements were made by means of a stereomicroscope SM XX number 551 190 (VEB Carl Zeiss, Jena), and the results were statistically evaluated.


[Problems of documentation of malignant tumors, showing as an example lip cancer].

The TNM system allows malignant tumours to be classified according to uniform aspects and permits the collective comparison of the applied therapeutical methods. The problem is illustrated by a longitudinal study of 70 patients with lip carcinoma over a period of 6 years where only one TNM code was established. In conclusion the author recommends the documentation of 4 TNM codes per patient, which allow an exact statement about the diagnosis, optimal planning of the therapy, course, and prognosis.


[Esthetics as one of the functions of the mandibulo-maxillary apparatus from an orthondontic viewpoint].

Malocclusions may considerably disturb the esthetics of the face. The position of the teeth as well as the site of the denture in the skull determine the beauty of the orofacial relations. It is the aim of each orthodontic therapy to do away with functional disturbances within the dental region. This also includes attraining the individual esthetic optimum.


[Evaluation of results of subgingival curettage in periodontology].

Introductory remarks review the extensive present range of literature with reference to the aim and evaluation of the results of the curettage. One of the definitions given by the authors considers indication and aim in a general form. The authors discuss their own histological examinations after curettage with a selection of typical figures. The clincal experiences and histological results presented lead to a vast restriction of the indication of this interference.


[The synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis: change in the glycosaminoglycan pattern].

For examination of glycosaminoglycane (GAG) in the normal synovial membrane and in the synovial membrane of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fat free dry tissue was digested with papain. The GAG was fractonated with cetylpyridiniumchloride according to Svejcar's and Robertson's techniques and afterwards it was characterised in detail. The total amount of GAG per gramme of fat free dry tissue was the same in RA and in controls. The GAG distribution pattern was significantly changed: 1. A large fraction of hyaluronic acid was found in acutely inflamed tissue with only few scars. 2. In tissue with much cicatrization, however, acute processes accompanied by large amounts of hyaluronic acid appeared unimportant. There the L-iduronic acid content of the Ch-4-S and the Ch-6-S fractions (increased hybridization) and its total amount was increased. The tendency to increased epimerization of D-glycuronic acid to L-iduronic acid in the GAG-chains was clearly shown by an increase of the GAG-fraction, which contains relatively pure dermatane sulphate.


[Experiences in the management of rheumatoid diseases using different clofezone doses].

Highly significant improvement of symptoms was found during treatment with clofezone (Perclusone) over a period of 4 weeks in 56 in-patients with various rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and lumbar and cervical syndromes. During the first week clofezone was given at a daily dosage of 1200 mg and thereafter 600 mg. At the same time 21 of the patients with RA and 13 with AS received ACTH injections (0.25 mg twice a week). Already after the first week of treatment a highly significant decrease of disease activity was noticed, as judged by the amount of pain, inhibition of movements, joint swelling and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The latter decreased on an average by 50% during the treatment period indicating a reduction of the inflammatory process. 51 of the 56 patients showed a satisfactory to very good tolerance of the treatment. Clofezone was discontinued in 5 patients during the first week, because gastro-intestinal intolerance occurred with the 1200 mg dosage. One of these 5 patients tolerated the smaller dosage later. As 3 of the 5 patients belonged to the RA and AS groups, the ACTH administration also has to be considered with regards to the intolerance. Because of possible side effects the higher dosage of clofezone should be given as short term treatment of highly active disease processes only. Clofezone reduced the serum uric acid level in 38 of 45 patients. Pathologically increased levels were reduced to normal in 15 of 17 patients.


[The infarction of the right ventricle and the connections with coronary sclerosis and chronic cor pulmonale (author's transl)].

The infarction of the right ventricle as a spatial and temporal mosaic-infarct and the lesions following it were investigated. Its frequency and its connections with the infarction of the left ventricle, coronary sclerosis and hypertrophy of the right ventricle as cor mitrale and cor pulmonale were reported, treated on 11 073 post-mortem examinations of adults separated in males and females. Three groups were divided: 1. isolated lesions of the right ventricle 2. separated lesions--spatially and/or temporally of the right and left ventricle 3. lesions overlapping from the left on the right ventricle. The infarct of the right ventricle respectively cicatrices were observed in 1.2%. The coronary sclerosis was detected in all cases, and specially the hypertrophy of the right ventricle as cor pulmonale or cor mitrale were important for the pathogenesis of right-cardiac infarcts. The pulmonary embolism was more frequent in isolated infarcts of the right ventricle.