Studies on the ATPase complex from beef-heart mitochondria. I. Isolation and characterization of an oligomycin-sensitive and an olgiomycin-insensitive ATPase complex from beef-heart mitochondria.

1. A new method for the isolation of the oliogomycin-sensitive ATPase from beef-heart mitochondria is described. 2. A Triton-soluble ATPase complex was isolated as a by-product of the standard procedure, or as the main product when the submitochondrial  particles were pretreated with 1% Triton. The ATPase activity of this complex is sensitive neither to oligomycin nor to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. 3. The ATPase activity of the oligomycin-sensitive ATPase complex is nearly completely dependent on added phospholipids. The highest activation was found with asolectin. 4. The oligomycin-sensitive complex can be integrated into phospholipid vesicles resulting in an ATP- and Mg2+-dependent energization of the vesicles as monitored with the fluorescent dye 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine. 5. Aurovertin-binding studies based on fluorescence measurement reveal the presence of 1.5 mumol aurovertin-binding sites per g protein for the oligomycin-sensitive complex and about 2.2 mumol for the oligomycin-insensitive complex. 6. The preparation of the oligomycin-sensitive complex contains at least 6--7 polypeptides in addition to those derived from F1. One of these polypeptides, with an apparent molecular weight of 31 000, is virtually absent from the oligomycin-insensitive complex. 7. Some of these polypeptides have been identified and isolated.


Effects of neocarzinostatin on mammalian nuclei: release of nucleosomes.

When Chinese hamster cell nuclei (Line CHO) were reacted with neocarzinostatin and its DNA was analyzed on non-denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis, a series of bands with a multiplicity of 175 base pairs was obtained. A similar result was also obtained when the DNA samples were electrophoresed under denaturing gels. Our results suggest that the linker DNA between nucleosomes is the susceptible site to the drug and that neocarzinostatin can be used to study the chromatin structure.


Sodium and potassium ion-dependent adenosine triphosphatase of mammalian brain. Interactions of magnesium ions with the phosphatase site.

Kinetic parameters are reported for Mg2+, Na+ and K+ as activators of the p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity associated with (Na+ + K+)-ATPase (ATP-phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) of beef brain. In each case the phosphatase reaction is activated at low concentrations of the cation and inhibited by higher concentrations. The concentrations of cation that produced half-maximal activation and half-maximal inhibition are increased as the concentration of either of the other two cations is increased. These second ligand effects are all saturable functions. The apparent binding constant that characterizes the effect on activation is closely similar to that acting upon the inhibitory phase in each case.


A dynein ATPase inhibitor isolated from a commercial ATP preparation.

Preparations of ATP from equine muscle contained an inhibitor of dynein Mg2+-activated ATPase. The inhibitory material was separated from the ATP by molecular sieve filtration. The several molecular species of dynein extracted from three different axonemal sources were all inhibited; myosin ATPase was not. With increasing amounts of inhibitor the inhibition did not go to completion but reached a plateau when the rate had been reduced to 1/5 the uninhibited rate. A plot of 1/[S] against 1/v at several inhibitor concentrations yielded parallel lines. There was little inhibition of dynein ATPase when Mg2+ was replaced by Ca2+. The inhibitor appeared slightly smaller in molecular size than ATP, had anionic character, and was not adsorbed to charcoal.


Increase of protein synthesis in cell-free system prepared from hypertrophied rat heart during L-triiodothyronine treatment.

During development of rat heart hypertrophy induced by repeated injections of triiodothyronine (T3), cell-free protein synthesis activities of heart post-ribosomal supernatant and of heart polysomes have been measured separately. This was done by complementation respectively with polysomes and post-ribosomal supernatants of adult and newborn rat heart, and of rabbit reticulocytes. In the presence of polysomes of either rat heart or reticulocytes, protein synthesis activity of the supernatant was maximum between the 3rd and the 8th day of treatment. Protein synthesis in the presence of polysomes from triiodothyronine treated rat hearts and of supernatants of both origins was maximum between the 11th and the 15th day.


Several classes of binding sites for metals and nucleotides on yeast mitochondrial oligomycin sensitive ATPase.

The binding properties of Mg2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ to yeast mitochondrial oligomycin sensitive ATPase complex are studied, as reflected by their catalytic effect (hydrolysis of ATP or pNPP, a pseudo substrate) or by a physical parameter (atomic absorption, electron paramagnetic reasonance of Mn2+, enhanced fluorescence of chelating chlorotetracyclin). At least two classes of sites with very different affinities respectively around 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M are demonstrated: high affinity sites for cations which participate in pNPP hydrolysis and can bind ADP or ATP, although they have a poor efficiency for ATP hydrolysis, and low affinity sites for cations which participate efficiently in both pNPP and ATP hydrolysis. The possibility that the tight site class has itself two sub-classes is also discussed.


[Relationship between cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and suppressors blocking activation of DNA synthesis in mixed lymphocyte cultures].

Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) and suppressors induced by immunization in the H-2 system and inhibiting DNA synthesis activation in mixed lymphocyte culture were studied in parallel. Unlike CTL, suppressors did not adhere specifically to the target cell monolayer, they were not inactivated by anti-theta serum plus complement, and their action was not specific: they inhibited the DNA synthesis activation stimulated by any stimulant cells, as well as by phytohemagglutinin and concanavaline A. CTL and suppressors proved to represent different effector cell populations which could be separated from one another.


[Stationary populations of genetically different homonuclear strains of human cells].

Morphological and cytophysiological indices of cells and cellular populations were studied during this stationary phase. In difference from normal cell strains which displayed a definite complex of ontogenetic changes, cells of the strains with chromosomal and gene mutations showed individual differences apparently caused by disturbed differentiation and by expression of features characteristic of malignant cells.


Fast-acting plasmin inhibitor in human plasma.

The fast-acting and physiologically most important inhibitor of plasmin in human plasma is a recently discovered and purified alpha 2-glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 65,000-70,000 daltons occurring at a concentration of 1 muM. The inhibitor rapidly forms a completely inactive 1:1 stoichometric complex with plasmin through reaction with the B chain (light chain) of the enzyme, which contains the active center. It also reacts with trypsin and very slowly with urokinase and with some other enzymes in purified systems, but its role in vivo as an inhibitor of proteases other than plasmin seems negligible. Antiplasmin is the only plasma protein that can inhibit the fibrinolysis associated with transformed or malignant cells. The plasmin-antiplasmin complex contains neoantigenic structures not present in the parent molecules that may form the basis of immunochemical methods for detecting activation of the fibrinolvtic system in blood.


Potassium-induced relaxation as an indicator of Na+-K+ ATPase activity in vascular smooth muscle.

Helical strips of rat tail artery were observed to relax in response to potassium after contraction induced by 10(-7) g/ml norepinephrine in potassium-free solution. After several minutes of relaxation, the strips showed an abrupt redevelopment of tension. The amplitude of the potassium-induced relaxation was employed as an index of the activity of the electrogenic sodium-potassium pump and hence of the Na+-K+ ATPase. This assumption seemed justified because the observed amplitude of potassium-induced relaxation paralleled known effects of the following variables on Na+-K+ ATPase: (1) intracellular sodium concentration; (2) ouabain administration; (3) magnesium; (4) temperature, and (5) potassium concentration. The relaxation that occurred in response to potassium is suggested to be due to an enhanced Na+-K+ ATPase resulting in increased electrogenic transport of sodium and potassium and, consequently, hyperpolarization. We propose that potassium-induced relaxation of rat tail artery may be used as a functional indicator of Na+-K+ ATPase activity in vascular smooth muscle.


Human leucocyte antigens and mixed lymphocyte reaction in severe pre-eclampsia.

Human leucocyte antigens (HLA) and mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) were studied in 38 women with severe pre-eclampsia and their husbands. Thirty-nine women with normal pregnancies and their husbands served as controls. Thirty-three of the control women were matched for age and parity with members of the study group. Infants were studied when possible. HLA compatibility was increased in the pre-eclamptic group compared with matched controls and with theoretical estimates for possible matings. The one-way MLR at delivery showed diminished response of maternal to paternal and cord cells in pre-eclamptic women. This reduced maternal reactivity in women with pre-eclampsia may have a role in the illness, and paternal/maternal histocompatibility may be a feature of the severe form.


Organismic states and their effect on recovery from neurosurgery: a new perspective with implications for a general theory.

The authors examine and review current research on recovery of function following brain damage. Emphasis is placed upon the physiological and neurochemical states of the organism prior to neurosurgery and their influences on behavioral recovery of function. It is proposed that the consequences of a given neurosurgical procedure depend not only on its neuroanatomical locus but also on the organismic state of the brain substrate at the time of such a procedure. The brain substrate can be modified prior to a given manipulation, resulting in an alternation of the effects of the manipulation. The implications of this new perspective for both basic research and clinical medicine are discussed.


Hypertension, hypokalemia, hyporeninemia and severe target organ damage.

A 51-year-old woman with a 20-year history of severe hypertension and target organ damage had nondiuretic hypokalemia, kaluresis, suppressed plasma renin activity and elevated urinary excretion of aldosterone. Renal arteriography demonstrated unilateral renal artery stenosis secondary to fibromuscular hyperplasia. Blood pressure responded only minimally to almost all antihypertensive agents. Spironolactone, 300 to 400 mg/d, produced distinct improvement in blood pressure, which was maintained for 13 months.


Sézary's syndrome and generalized plane xanthoma.

The first case of Sézary's syndrome associated with generalized plane xanthoma is reported, thereby extending the association of lymphoreticular proliferative disorders with plane xanthomatosis. The association of Sézary's syndrome with plane xanthomatosis may be an in vivo example of defective cell regulation involving the major cellular components of the immune response.


Phase II trial of streptozotocin, mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil (SMF) in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Ten of 23 patients with advanced measureable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas achieved an objective response after treatment with a regimen consisting of streptozotocin, mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil (SMF). The median duration of response is in excess of 7 months and responding patients have lived significantly longer than patients with progressive disease (7.5 + months vs. 3 months). The SMF regimen was adequately tolerated. Principal toxicities included myelosuppression, which was generally mild, nausea and vomiting. There was reversible nephrotoxicity in the form of proteinuria in 30% of patients and persistent axotemia in 9% of patients.


Acquired platelet dysfunction following mithramycin therapy.

The administration of mithramycin to patients with testicular tumors has been accompanied by a hemorrhagic diasthesis, often in the absence of thrombocytopenia. Bleeding time, platelet aggregation, platelet adenine nucleotide levels, and coagulation factor assays were studied in three patients receiving mithramycin for embryonal testicular carcinomas. These studies demonstrated a drug dependent, reversible hemorrhagic diathesis associated with (1) prolongation of bleeding time, (2) decreased platelet aggregation responses to ADP, collagen, and epinephrine, and (3) depleted platelet stores of ADP in the absence of thrombocytopenia. These abnormalities were temporally correlated with the onset of mucocutaneous bleeding in all patients.


Chalone inhibition of granulocyte colony growth in agar: kinetic quantitation by capillary tube scanning.

Mouse bone marrow cells were seeded into capillary tubes containing agar with colony stimulating factor. The development of myelomonocytic clusters and colonies was followed by daily tube scanning using their light scattering properties. Three kinetic scanning parameters were determined and the significance of different threshold settings was evaluated; viz. the number of signals, the mean signal height and the signal integrals. The inhibitory effect of two extracts with known granulocyte chalone activity which had been prepared from human peripheral leukocytes and rat bone marrow cells, was followed with the scanning method. A continuous reduction of clusters and colony formation and their growth throughout the incubation period was observed which suggested a sustained retardation of proliferation of both the stem cells committed for myelomonopoiesis and their progeny.


An electron microscopic and enzyme histochemical study of the boundary zone between the white and red pulp of the human spleen.

Three parts were distinguished by electron microscopy and by enzyme histochemistry at the boundary zone between the white and red pulp of the human spleen. The first was the inner layer of the perifollicular region, composed of medium-sized lymphocytes with abundant free ribosomes in their cytoplasm. A small number of reticulum cells intervened among these lymphocytes. This inner layer was considered to correspond to the "Follikelaussenzone" (Strasser). The second was the outer layer of the perifollicular region, composed of a meshwork of reticulum cells with reticular fibers, and sheathed and non-sheathed arteries. Small and medium-sized lymphocytes, granulocytes, erythrocytes, platelets, and a small number of plasma cells were observed in the mesh spaces. This outer layer was considered to correspond to the "marginal zone" (Snook). At the outermost part of this layer, the venous sinus appeared. There was no distinct border between this layer and the red pulp. The third was the neighboring region of the periarterial lymphoid sheath, showeing similar structure and cellular components to the outer layer of the perifollicular region. It was characteristic feature for the lymphocytes and some of the reticulum cells of this region to have a strong activity for alkaline phosphatase reaction, while the lymphocytes of the outer layer showed only a weak activity. Adenosine triphosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were demonstrated on the lymphocytes of these three parts of the boundary zone as well as the lymph follicle. Different activities for these enzyme reactions may indicate the functional properties of the B-cell system.


Absent tricuspid valve with aortic atresia in mixed levocardia (atria situs solitus, L-loop). A hitherto undescribed entity.

Clinical, angiographic and pathologic features are described in a 36-hour-old male infant with mixed (discordant) levocardia, aortic valve atresia, absent tricuspid (left atrioventricular) valve and resultant massive cardiomegaly. This is the first reported case of this type of complex in a heart with discordant chambers. A possible embryologic explanation is offered for the concomitant presence of semilunar valve atresia and absence of the tricuspid valve.


Profile: Invalid Children's Aid Association.

The Invalid Children's Aid Association is a well-established charity, with its roots in the last century, now taking its place among modern forward-looking voluntary organizations working for children. The Association's aims have remained the same; namely that the handicapped child, seen in the context of the family, should have the best possible chance in life. Methods of achieving these aims have varied, according to need, and state provision, and the Association has always been willing to experiment to find the best ways of meeting problems: it presents a continual challenge to workers and supporters.


Diagnosis and treatment of personality factors in chronic low back pain.

The differentiation between primary versus secondary gains is useful for an understanding of the management of chronic low back pain. Primary gain is defined as the direct reduction of pain and emotional distress. Secondary gain is defined as the reduction of anticipatory pain-fear through the avoidance of the occasions of rearousal of pain. This differentiation helps to clarify the diagnosis as well as the treatment of back pain. A person's fear of pain is considered to be the central psychological factor that interferes with successful treatment of chronic low back pain. Research provides insight into how the person both internally and externally protects against pain-fear. The Hysterical Conversion Scale on the MMPI is interpreted to be a measurement of the current level of pain-fear rather than a statement about the physical versus psychological nature of the pain. The reduction of pain-fear is shown to explain the behavior of hysterical conversion patients. Treatment suggestions are made that focus on reducing the patient's fear of pain. These include: considerations for when to operate; a recommendation to give the patient accurate expectations about the pain he/she will experience during treatment; and a specialized pain counselor in hospitals and clinics in order to help manage the level of pain-fear among low back patients.


Cervical osteoid osteoma: a cause of chronic upper back pain.

A case of an osteoid osteoma occurring in the cervical spine and presenting as scapular and arm pain has been described. Correct diagnosis was delayed for 2 years. Plain radiographs may fail to demonstrate a lesion in the spine. Radiographic evaluation, when osteoid osteoma is a possibility, should include bone scanning. If the bone scan is abnormal, tomography of the area is indicated. If the diagnosis is still unclear, selective angiography may reveal the tumor blush typical of osteoid osteoma. In certain instances, a myelogram may be helpful to establish whether there is encroachment on the spinal canal or nerve root.


Voluntary strengths of male adults with acute low back syndromes.

Hand forces exerted in 120 different combinations of foot positions, hand positions, and force directions were measured in a group of 15 male adults with acute low-back syndromes. The performances of these patients were contrasted with those of 29 healthy male adults who had been tested earlier. The major findings were: acute back syndrome patients, sometimes even including those with very severe pain, have considerable physical ability in many of the situations examined, often fully comparable to that of healthy subjects; generally, either patients were unable even to assume a given position, or else their performances were close to normal in all exercises in each position; the positions which a significant number of patients could not assume were those involving substantial trunk twisting, or combinations of bending and twisting.


Allergic contact dermatitis due to N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine in bacteriology technicians.

Three cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine in a bacteriology laboratory are presented. This chemical, a dye closely related to the common contact allergen para-phenylenediamine, is used in laboratories to screen bacterial culture plates for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The three patients had strongly positive patch test reactions to N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine, but had negative reactions to para-phenylenediamine. A brief discussion of allergic contact cross-sensitization among compounds with the para-aminophenyl grouping is presented.


Atopic dermatitis and Ritter's disease: differential diagnosis by means of total and specific serum IgE.

Atopic dermatitis and Ritter's disease in infants and children frequently present diagnostic as well as therapeutic problems. Both conditions are characterized by generalized exfoliative dermatitis, and are prone to recurrent infections with Staphylococcus. However, in Ritter's disease, it has been shown that these are specifically coagulase-positive Staphylococcus phage Group 2 organisms. This combination of exfoliative dermatitis, with lysis and separation of the skin, associated with infection has been aptly named the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. An unusual case is reported herein of a nine year old boy who had a condition clinically resembling Ritter's disease since birth, but with enormously elevated total and specific serum IgE levels characteristic of atopic dermatitis and not seen in Ritter's disease.


The noninvasive cardiac evaluation of long-distance runners.

Twelve long-distance runners were evaluated by physical examination, electrocardiogram, vectorcardiogram, chest x-ray film, and echocardiogram; and the results were compared to the findings in 12 normal control subjects. The athletes showed a significantly higher frequency of gallop rhythms with a third or fourth heart sound. Electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic abnormalities consisting of right or left ventricular hypertrophy, bradycardia, and alterations in the ST-T wave were also present in the runners. Echocardiographic examination of the athletes revealed increased wall thickness, left ventricular muscular mass, diastolic volume, and ventricular function. It is essential that the physician who examines athletes be aware of the spectrum of apparently abnormal findings in this group. Echocardiographic studies should prove useful in establishing the presence or absence of some forms of cardiac disease in athletes.


[Ergo-therapy as a dermatological rehabilitation measure in eczematics--aim and first clinical experiences (author's transl)].

A new kind of clinical rehabilitation therapy of chronic eczematous patients is reported. It consists of a standardized, work-like activity of the hands increasing in time and intensity. This ergotherapy is coordinated with the clinical treatment. Until now our experiences have shown that the clinical healing as well as the functional reconstruction of the horny layer (alkali resistance, permeability) are not delayed by the work-like skin stress. The instruction and guidance concerning cleaning and skin protective measures are of particular importance. The observation of the course of 77 subjects suggests a positive influence on patients suffering from degenerative eczema whereas the results in patients with multiple allergies do not confirm previous expectations.


[Skin lesions in metal working (author's transl)].

The results of inspections of several workshops, of examinations of patients with skin lesions, and of skin tests made with different cutting fluids have been compiled in a survey of the factors that may enhance the development of skin lesions in metal working. Some recommendations how to reduce the relatively small number of skin lesions which may however accumulate, are made and directed to the manufacturers of these cutting liquids, their users, and the individual worker.


[Contact acne: a typical civilizational dermatosis (author's transl)].

Contact acne of occupational or extra-occupational origin bears witness to the increasing risk of injury to the human skin caused by man-made chemical noxae. The premonitory function exercised by the dermatologist when man's environment is contaminated by new dermal pathogens or generally dangerous toxicants is particularly well exemplified by the experience gained with chloroaryl acneigens. Pollution of man's occupational or social milieu by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is first manifested by characteristic changes in the skin, which then may or may not be followed secondarily by systemic symptoms of TCDD poisoning. A comprehensive account is given of the chemical, toxicological, experimental-dermatological and clinical aspects of TCDD poisoning and chloroaryl contact acne in general; contact acnes due to oils and tars are also described in some detail, and, in conclusion, the non-occupational varieties of contact acne are discussed.


Urinary dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate excretion in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

Urinary dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) concentration was measured as DHA in 100 non-obese females with idiopathic hirsutism, while, at the same time, a similar number of normal males and normal females, of comparable age group and with normal body weight, were also included in this study. The method applied involved hydrolysis of DHA-sulphate conjugate after boiling the urine samples, followed by ether extraction of the free steroid, evaporation of ether, Girard T separation of ketones from non-ketones, paper chromatographic separation of DHAS from 6beta-hydroxy-3,5-cycloandrostan-17-one and, finally DHAS was estimated spectrophotometrically after Zimmermann reaction. For comparison, 30 urine samples were estimated by a g.l.c. procedure and good agreement was found with the spectrophotometric method. It was necessary to purify DHAS by paper chromatography before Zimmerman reaction was carried out as, in the same 30 urine samples, DHAS was consistently being overestimated. Urinary DHAS (mg/24 h) in normal males gave a mean of: 2.5+/-0.94 (SD), range: 0.35+/-4.8; in normal females, mean: 1.3+/-0.57 (SD), range: 0.28-2.6; in hirsute females, mean: 2.1+/-1.5 (SD), range: 0.65-9.7. Of these hirsute females, 26 were above the range found in normal women and mean values were higher than those from the same number of normal females of comparable age group; this was found to be significant (P less than 0.0005). These results indicate that urinary DHAS (as DHA) estimation in women with idiopathic hirsutism is clinically useful and could be applied as an index of androgen status in these women.


The intra-abdominal inspection and biopsy of lymph nodes during peritoneoscopy.

The inspection and biopsy of lymph nodes during peritoneoscopy is demonstrated, particularly with reference to the supra-gastric region. The procedure involves no problems or risks and may give diagnostic hints concerning specific problems such as Hodgkin's disease, metastasis, Crohn's disease.


Clones of cytotoxic lymphocytes in culture: the difference in specificity between stimulated and nonstimulated cytotoxic lymphocytes.

The specificity of individual clones of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CL) which develop upon stimulation by semi-allogeneic cells, have been examined and compared with the specificity of CL clones which develop spontaneously when normal spleen cells are cultured without stimulator cells. It was found that the specificity of stimulated clones was different from the specificity of 'spontaneous' clones. Specifically stimulated clones from CBA cells cultured with (CBA x DBA)F1 stimulator cells, did not discriminate between the H2dP815 and H2dDBA splenic blast, and lysed both targets. In contrast, spontaneous CL clones from cultures of CBA or (CBA x DBA)F1 spleen cells were found to lyse either P815 or DBA blast, but not both. The results indicated that the spontaneous CL clones were not a representative sample of the the total pool of CL.


Effects of serotonin antagonists on digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias.

The present study was performed to determine whether pharmacological blockade of serotonin receptors would counteract digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias. The effect of the serotonin receptor blocking drugs, methysergide, cinansersin, and cyproheptadine on ventricular arrhythmias produced by ouabain was studied in anesthetized dogs. Each of the three serotonin receptor blocking drugs given as a bolus i.v. injection of 1.5--3.0 mg/kg produced an antiarrhythmic effect. In addition, methysergide administered in the above doses to cats intoxicated with deslanoside, restored an abnormal ventricular arrhythmia to either sinus or junctional rhythm. Methysergide, administered to cats intoxicated with deslanoside but pretreated with p-chlorophenylalanine, exerted an antiarrhythmic effect in less than half of the animals tested. These data indicate that serotonin antagonists are effective in counteracting digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias and support the notion that a serotonergic mechanism may be mediating the arrhythmogenic effect of digitalis.


Proteolysis in dystrophic hamster diaphragm and abdominal muscle.

Proteolysis, as measured by tyrosine release, was estimated in abdominal and diaphragm muscle of hamsters. There did not appear to be a difference between dystrophic and control hamsters.


Evidence for a correlation between the latency of an early component of auditory evoked potentials and the brain levels of serotonin in albino rats.

Changes in brain serotonin levels are correlated with the latency of an early component of auditory evoked potentials (EAEP) in rats. In fact 5-hidroxytryptophan provokes an increase both in serotonin brain synthesis and in the latency of EAEP. On the other hand, PCPA provokes an opposite effect.


Individual variability and correlation of the in vitro tests in tolerant rats.

Cytotoxicity of lymphocytes, mixed lymphocyte cultures, stimulation with PHA, suppressive activity of cells in vitro and efficacy of the adoptive transfer of cells in vivo were simultaneously investigated in rats bearing tolerated skin allografts. Cells from animals which did not react in MLC were simultaneously hyporeactive when stimulated with PHA. On the other hand, cytotoxicity of lymphocytes did not correlate with their ability to respond to specific antigens in MLC. None of the in vitro tests correlated with the efficacy of the adoptively transferred syngeneic lymphoid cells.


Human lymphoid cells release a lymphocyte-attaching and stimulating product.

In 4-h cultures human lymphoid cells release into culture supernatants substances capable of stimulating the proliferation of lymphocytes different at HLA system from cells which released the stimulating substances. Culture supernatant components responsible for stimulation are attached to lymphocytes allogeneic to their producers and on incubation with them can be removed from culture supernatants.


Retrospective assessment of thymoxamine (Opilon) in treatment of Ménières disease.

A retrospective study of 305 patients treated with thymoxamine (Opilon) for Ménières disease is described. Thymoxamine controlled symptoms in 78.7% of patients and the time to maximum improvement ranged from six weeks to three months. Seven patients suffered side-effects.


Glycolysis mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutants have been isolated in S. cerevisiae with the phenotype of growth on pyruvate but not on glucose, or growth on rich medium with pyruvate but inhibition by glucose. Screening of mutagenized cultures was either without an enrichment step, or after enrichment using the antibiotic netropsin (Young et al. 1976) or inositol starvation (Henry, Donahue and Culbertson 1975). One class of mutants lacked pyruvate kinase (pyk), another class had all the enzymes of glycolysis, and one mutant lacked phosphoglucose isomerase (pgi, Maitra 1971). Partial reversion of pyruvate kinase mutants on rich medium containing glucose gave double mutants now also lacking hexokinase (hxk), phosphofructokinase (fk), or several enzymes of glycolysis (gcr). In diploids the mutations were recessive. pyk, pgi, pfk, and gcr segregated 2:2 from their wild-type alleles. PYK hxk, PYK pfk, and PYK gcr segregrants grew on glucose.


Relieving pain with nerve blocks.

Pain syndromes in elderly patients are seldom psychogenic or due merely to "old age." Careful differential diagnosis is important, as judicious use of nerve blocks as adjunctive therapy often can relieve pain and restore activity. In the acute phase of shoulder pain, intrabursal injection of local anesthetic and steroid inhibits the inflammatory process. In the later stages, suprascapular nerve block relieves pain and interrupts afferent pain pathways. The occipital pain and headache of cervical arthritis also often respond to injection of 2 to 3 ml of long-acting anesthetic into the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the sites where they pierce the trapezius. Minor causalgia, shoulder-arm syndrome, or chronic traumatic edema may follow either forearm fracture or inflammation around the shoulder joint. Five stellate ganglion blocks with 1% lidocaine on alternate days, followed by 3 to 4 months of active and passive exercise, is the most effective treatment. This regimen usually produces a fully functional extremity. In degenerative disk disease, osteoarthritis, and metastatic disease, the cause of back pain is essentially the same--edema and inflammation of nerve roots at the intervertebral foramina. Injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the epidural space usually reduces swelling and inflammation. Patients are evaluated in 2 weeks and reblocked if improvement has plateaued. Pain relief most often is prompt and persists for an indefinite period.


[The radiological diagnosis of peptic ulcer of the oesophagus (author's transl)].

In the two years 1974--1976, the radiographic diagnosis of peptic ulcer of the oesophagus was made in 14 patients. All these patients showed oesphagogastric reflux at fluoroscopy, 13 had an axial hiatus hernia. The ulcer lay at the oesophagogastric junction in 13 patients, in one patient it was located 5 cm. above the cardia. Endoscopy was performed in 11 patients and confirmed the X-ray diagnosis. The authors believe the best technique for this purpose to be "hypotonic oesophogography" and that this is essential for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ulcers.


[Intramural pseudo-diverticulosis of the oesophagus (author's transl)].

A 58-year old patient with intramural pseudo-diverticulosis of the oesophagus was observed for three and a half years. The case is described and illustrated. The pathogenesis of the disease is discussed with reference to the literature. The radiological appearances permit a definite diagnosis. The oesophagus had a stricture at the level of the bifurcation of the trachea, but in addition there were multiple intramural, sharply demarkated mucosal herniations measuring 3 x 1 mm. These could be verified endoscopically. Histologically, non-specific oesophagitis was found.


[Transhepatic occlusion of bleeding oesophageal varices in cirrhosis of the liver (author's transl)].

The transhepatic method for occluding bleeding oesophageal varices described by Lunderquist and Vang has been carried out in eight patients. The technique, success rate and complications are discussed. In two patients attempt at thrombosis was unsuccessful. One patient suffered a fatal complication. Recurrent bleeding occurred from four days to four months. Bearing in mind the efficiency of the method, its risk, compared with other palliative measures, is acceptable.


[Cine radiography and manometry after Nissen fundoplication (author's transl)].

Following Nissen fundoplication, there is incomplete correlation between the radiological appearances and the patients' subjective symptoms. Radiology is nevertheless an important method of examination after operation. Conventional barium examination with fluoroscopy readily demonstrates the anatomical changes. Dynamic changes, such as oesophageal reflux or delayed contrast passage, are also demonstrated by cine radiography.


[Preoperative and postoperative stomach evacuation studies via methods of nuclear medicine and methods of roentgen cineradiography (author's transl)].

A combination of roentgen cineradiography and functional scintigraphy of stomach evacuation, taken with a gamma camera, was used for assessing the success of organ-conservative surgery of ulcers (selective proximal phagotomy with or without pyloroplasty). This confirmed earlier results to the effect that surgical failure is not indicated with any measure of certainty by any individual roentgenologic symptom. However, the evacuation function is closely correlated with the pattern of clinical and subjective complaints. In most of the cases, rapid postoperative stomach evacuation results in freedom from complaints. Pyloric stenosis and retention point to the failure of the operation via the negatively effected subjective feeling of well-being. Hence, special importance must be attached to functional scintigraphy with regard to meaningful studies of the course and postoperative condition of the patient.


[Multiple cavernous haemangiomas of the colon (author's transl)].

Extensive involvement of the colon with cavernous haemangioma is described in a 26-year old man. Clinically the disease manifests itself by recurrent rectal bleeding and abdominal distension, leading to his admission. Double contrast examination of the colon showed involvement of the ascending, transverse and descending colon, the sigmoid and the rectum. Arteriography demonstrated vascular tumours in the territory of the jejunal artery, the left colic artery and the superior rectal artery. This is a rare condition which has been described only 53 times in the literature (1, 3, 5, 7). The diagnostic value of double contrast examination of the colon and of selective angiography for differential diagnosis is stressed.


Pharmacocholangiography.

The effect of ouabain and atropine on bile flow and bile iodine concentration in intravenous cholangiography was investigated in 4 cholecystectomized dogs (20 experiments) with complete bile diversion under general anesthesia and compared to the effect of sodium taurocholate. Iodipamide was administered intravenously with an initial priming dose of 50 mg per kg followed by a constant infusion of 2 mg per min per kg. Ouabain in stepwise increasing infusion rates, .0625 to .25 microgram per min per kg, had no significant effect. Atropine infusion rates from 1 to 8 microgram per min kg increased the bile iodine concentration up to 19% but already a 14% increase with a 5% reduction in bile flow was found with the smallest atropine dose. The lowest taurocholate infusion rate resulted in the highest bile iodine concentration and lowest bile flow. It is suggested that atropine premedication and low bile salt plasma levels might improve the opacification of the biliary tree particularly in hepatic dysfunction by reducing selectively specific fractions of the basal bile flow.


[The radiological diagnosis of choledochal cysts (author's transl)].

The radiological features of congenital choledochal cysts are discussed with reference to three cases seen by the authors. The diagnostic problems are mentioned, and use of scintigraphy and ultrasound tomography at an early stage is recommended in order to define more clearly the indications for invasive radiological methods.


[Radiological and sonographic investigation of pancreatic pseudocysts (author's transl)].

Based on a retrospective study of 14 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, the ultrasonic evaluation of the pancreas is discussed and correlated to the conventional radiologic, endoscopic and angiographic examinations. The pancreatic sonography, as a non-invasive examination, is the method of choice for pancreatic screening and is recommended whenever a pancreatic pseudocyst is suspected.


[Retrograde pancreatic phlebography with simultaneous balloon occlusion of portal and arterial flow. An experimental study (author's transl)].

The possibility of demonstrating the venous system of the entire pancreas by retrograde portal contrast injection with simultaneous balloon occlusion of the portal vein, coeliac axis and superior mesenteric artery was investigated in 12 dogs. In seven cases good filling of the larger pancreatic veins was obtained. Portal and arterial pressure relationships altered considerably during various experimental conditions. A rise in serum transaminases was observed only once when there was thrombosis of the portal vein and branches of the hepatic veins. Apart from this, there was no rise in transaminases or alphaamylase. Histologically there were only minor changes in the liver after total occlusion of 40 minutes, the occlusion having been performed over periods of six minutes with two to five minutes of flow alternating. The application of this method to man is discussed.


[The diagnosis of venous malformation of the orbits (author's transl)].

The authors describe the frequency, clinical features and methods of diagnosis of venous malformations of the orbits based on their own experience and on the relevant literature. Special attention is paid to plain film diagnosis and angiographic methods of investigation. Orbital phlebography is the most suitable method for demonstrating cavernous haemangiomas and orbital varices and for demonstrating the anatomy of the supplying vessels. For this, special apparatus and skills are necessary in order to obtain adequate, or optimal, phlebograms. The radiological features of venous malformation are described and a selection of typical phlebographic findings are illustrated. An attempt is made to evaluate other forms of examination. Possible aetiological factors in the development of venous malformation in the head and neck region are discussed.


The influence of localization, size and shape of the simulated intraorbital tumors on orbital veins.

The extent of changes in orbital veins depends primarily on the size of the space-occupying lesion. Large tumors, irrespective of their position, produced change in the orbital vein, but among small tumors only the superior and medial tumors produce slight changes in the orbital vein. Localization of the tumor is also an important factor. The superior tumors are characterized by the angle between the 2nd 3rd SOV segments not exceeding 100 degrees and by the quadrangle surface of 419 mm2 in average. The inferior tumors elicit slight changes in SOV.  The medial tumors cause an increase of the angle between the 2nd and 3rd SOV segments above 130 degrees and the surface area of SOV quanrangle up to 550 mm2. The most characteristic feature of the intraconic tumors is the normal X point position. Shape of the tumor plays a minor role in producing changes in orbital veins.


[Venous angiomas of the brain (author's transl)].

In three patients with cerebral ictal attacks, a diagnosis of a cerebral venous angioma was made, based on angiography, the symptoms and the clinical findings. All vascular malformations lay in the rostral cerebrum. In two patients, dilated medullary veins converge towards the origin of a dysplastic draining vein (type I), in the third case the medullary veins terminated in two veins of medium calibre which lead into a large venous drainage system (type II). In two of the three cases, there was calcification, one of these in a subeppendymal mass (? old haematoma). There was scintigraphic evidence of local disturbance of the bloodbrain barrier of Venous angiomas. The brain must be differentiated from other lesions, such as vascular gliomas and metastases.


[A new and simple method for determining the position of the venous angle on the lateral angiogram (author's transl)].

The authors describe a new and very simple method for the localisation of the venous angle on the lateral view of carotid angiography: the venous angle projects exactly on the midpoint of a line between the endobregma and the base of the external auditory meatus.


[Lumbar myelography: coincidence of disc prolapse and intradural tumour (author's transl)].

In about one of every hundred patients with lumbar disc prolapse, one may expect to find a co-existant spinal tumour which may be the sole, or partial, cause of the symptoms. Lumbar myelography must therefore be performed in such a manner that the upper lumbar region, and if necessary the lower thoracic region, is adequately demonstrated.


[Results of quantitative radionucleid investigations in acute testicular disease (author's transl)].

All publications dealing with tortion of the testis stress the difficulty of diagnosis and the frequency of errors. This has suggested to us the need to develop a radio-isotope testiculogram corresponding to the radioisotope nephrogram used for renal functional diagnosis. The substance for the timeactivity curve is 99mTc pertechnitate which is taken up by the tubular epithelium of the testis and epididymis. A scan at 20 minutes proved highly diagnostic and produced a small amount of radiation only. Six quantitative parameters described the shape of the curve. These have been determined for the normal and related to age and point of measurement. It is then possible to differentiate partial and total tortion from acute epididymoorchitis. It is no longer necessary to subject every patient with acute testicular disease to surgery. With partial tortion, a conservative operation with fixation of the testis can be recommended instead of semicastration.


[A rare cause of female sterility (author's transl)].

A patient with inadequate descent of the ovaries is described; the tubes were abnormally long, as was demonstrated by hysterosalpingography. Various types of similar congenital abnormalities are discussed and their frequency indicated. The developmental background, clinical and radiological features and possibility of treatment are dealt with briefly.


[Lymphographic investigations of oedema of the extremities following reconstructive vascular surgery in the femoro-popliteal territory (author's transl)].

In 37 patients, oedema of the legs was observed following successful femoro-popliteal surgery; lymphangiograms were performed between the third and ninth post-operative days and the intact lymph vessels at the knee and at the groin were counted. In 27 patients there was partial to total disruption of the lymphatic vessels. There was a clear correlation between the degree of swelling of the leg and thigh with the number of not divided lymphatic vessels at the knee and groin. In the presence of more than three intact lymph vessels, swelling amounted to only 1 to 2 cm., whereas if all lymph vessels had been divided, swelling amounted to 7 cm. Extensive soft tissue trauma and repeat surgery resulted in a greater reduction in intact lymph vessels and correspondingly more oedema than was found with more conservative surgery and after initial operations. The pre-operative condition of the arteries, the presence of venous disease and the postoperative blood-flow in the leg had no influence on postoperative oedema. In order to avoid post-operative lymphoedema, it is necessary to preserve the lymphatics during surgery. Marked oedema requires treatment consisting of compression bandages and medicaments.


[New development in mammographic technique: Grid mammography (author's transl)].

Reduced scatter through antiscatter grids and improved filmscreen combinations produce definite improvement in image quality with large breasts, as well as a reduction in radiation dose. The problems of soft tissue grid technique are discussed and a new apparatus for this purpose is described. New and improved recording systems, which reduce radiation dose, are analysed and a comparison is made between the quality of grid mammograms and conventional techniques using industrial film.


[The use of computers and computer tomography in radiotherapy planning (author's transl)].

Two examples are used to show how, by means of computer tomography and computers, organ images can be reconstructed; this enhances diagnostic information and helps the clinician in radiotherapy planning. The outlines of tumours or organs which can be obtained serve as the basis for achieving optimal irradiation.


[Malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and their early diagnosis].

Malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract belong to the main causes of death. The overall 5-years-survival rate is low. Systematic investigations of early gastric cancer and polyps of the colon revealed that asymptomatic carcinomas are detectable and have a definite chance for curative treatment. Mass survey of the population by means of endoscopic or radiological procedures are impossible due to high financial expense. Therefore, other diagnostic tools have to be inaugurated. Besides a maximum diagnostic effort in each individual with gastrointestinal complaints, high risk groups with a significantly increased incidence rate of malignant tumor development have been established. Thorough observation of those persons is necessary as are simple, inexpensive and practicable methods for screening examinations.


Glucagon and insulin relationships in genetically diabetic (db/db) and in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

An inappropriate molar ratio of circulating insulin to glucagon is frequently associated with the metabolic alterations accompanying diabetes mellitus. Plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) levels were determined and the IRG:IRI ratio calculated at various intervals in overt diabetes in genetically diabetic (db/db) and in streptozotocin-treated mice. Plasma IRI levels in genetic mutants are elevated at nine weeks of age, but are comparable to values found in lean littermates by 21 weeks. The presence of a prevailing hyperglucagonemia is established for the first time in the intact db/db mice. Streptozotocin diabetics are found to have characteristically low plasma IRI and high plasma IRG values. The hormonal imbalance present in these two experimental animal models is accentuated when the data are expressed as the IRG:IRI ratio, which is seen to increase with the progression of diabetes.


Primary prevention of child abuse: focus on the special child.

The authors review the literature on child abuse and present evidence demonstrating that children who are born prematurely or who are sickly or handicapped are at high risk for child abuse. The authors describe ways to identify such children and suggest a number of primary prevention techniques that can reduce parental stress and help prevent child abuse. The techniques include day-care programs for handicapped children, mothers' social clubs, and lay health visitors to give support and impart proper maternal attitudes.


Immune complex mediated diseases.

Immune complexes formed in the circulation are believed to be the principal pathogenetic agents in certain human diseases, notably in various forms of glomerulonephritis and arteritis. Criteria for the recognition of immune complex deposits in tissue are discussed and recently developed sensitive methods that detect circulating immune complexes are reviewed. In addition, the evidence implicating certain antigens and causative agents in human immune complex mediated glomerulonephritis and arteritis is evaluated.


Reexamination of paternal age effect in Down's syndrome.

Paternal age distribution for 1279 cases of Down's syndrome born in 1952--1968 was compared with the corresponding distribution for the general population, corrected for the maternal age as well as for the year of birth of the patients. Although there was no difference in the mean paternal age, the two distributions differed significantly, largely due to the excess of fathers aged 55 years and over and to the deficit of those aged 40--44 years in the patients born to mothers aged 30 years and over. The overall pattern of the relative incidence of Down's syndrome with advancing paternal age, with maternal age controlled, seems consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Stene et al. (1977). It increased from 0.8 for fathers aged 20--24 years slowly up to 1.2 for those aged 45--49 years, though with an intermediate drop to 0.8 at the age of 40--44 years, and then sharply to 2.4 for those aged 55 years and over. This rising pattern of the relative incidence with paternal age was essentially the same for the patients born in 1952--1960 and for those born in 1961--1968, although the slope was less steep in the latter than in the former group.


Familial translocation t(lp--;21q+) associated with Down's syndrome.

Familial occurrence of 1/21 translocation in connection with trisomy 21 was described. The possibilities of inheritance of further chromosome rearrangements arising during the gametogenesis of persons with this translocation were considered.


How cheap is a life?

The oweners of capital in the United States have successfully transferred most of the costs of industrial casualties onto the working class and the public at large. This has been accomplished by the creation of the privately owened workers' compensation insurance system and the corporate-dominated safety establishment. This "compensation-safety establishment" has been able to take over most of the federal apparatus created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Nevertheless, workers and unions and their allies have begun to challenge the establishment's hegemony over job health and safety policy for the first time in seventy years.


Serum complement profile in human leprosy and its comparison with immune complex diseases.

In the present study we have estimated the serum levels of early, middle, and distal complement components, e.g., Clq, C3, C4, C5, C8, and C9 along with C1-inactivator and CH50 in patients with tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy and have compared these results with the levels in healthy subjects as well as with levels in patients with other immune complex diseases. We have also analyzed the cryoglobulins present in the sera of these patients; they consisted of either a single or mixed IgG, IgA, IgM or fibrinogen in most instances. The component C3 was found in only one sample. It appears that unlike lupus nephritis, in which complement is activated by direct path in which complement is activated by direct path in about 30% to 50% of leprosy patients, significant C3 complement consumption takes place primarily via the alternate pathway and is probably initiated by the aggregated immunoglobulins represented in cryoprecipitates. This is further supported by the study of serum factor B and its breakdown product (Ba) in these patients. The question of the role of the middle and distal complement components, such as C5, C8 and C9, during total hemolytic complement and C3 consumption in leprosy remains unanswered.


[Perioral dermatitis--an allergic disease?].

Perioral dermatitis was diagnosed in 329 patients. Sparing a thin white strip round the red border of the lips erythemas with papules and pseudopustules are arising around the mouth, on nose, eyes, chin, forehead, cheeks and the lateral parts of the neck. The duration of the infection ranged from two weeks up to three years. In many patients the following allergens were detected by patch testing: cosmetics, dental pastes, washing powders, chloric water, mohair, synthetics, and flowers. In 80 patients demodex was discovered. Its role in the pathogenesis of perioral dermatitis is doubtful. Biopsis were taken from 10 patients. Treatment with liquid nitrogen gives good results while antibiotics and corticosteroids are of little effect.


Saturation kinetics of iocetamic acid: Evaluation of indirect pharmacokinetic techniques and comparison with iopanoic acid.

The biliary excretion of two oral cholecystographic contrast agents, iocetamic acid and iopanoic acid, were compared during low and high taurocholate infusion rates. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds after intravenous infusion were studied in bile-fistula dogs using both indirect and direct pharmacokinetic techniques. The indirect multiple infusion technique, corrected for urinary excretion, provides a reliable estimate of the maximum biliary excretion rates of either contrast agent without necessitating the sampling of biliary output. The results indicate that taurocholate facilitates the biliary excretion of both agents. At both taurocholate infusion rates studied, the maximum biliary excretion rate of iocetamic acid is greater than that of iopanoic acid.


Abscisic acid studied by fluorescent techniques.

Crude analytical abscisic acid (ABA) exhibited fluorescence (lambdaex 340, lambdaem 425 nm). The results demonstrated a relationship between fluorescence response and ABA concentration, in the range of 0.04-0.38 microgram/ml. Chromatographic purification increased the emission signal, and oxidation induced by adding a sulphuric acid: ethanol (1:1) mixture also increased and displaced it (lambdaex 450, lambdaem 495 nm). Using these properties, a fluorimetric method for identification and evaluation of ABA, had been developed, and used for inhibitor recognition in P. pinea seed coats.


Post-mortem changes in human central nervous tissue and the effects on quantitation of nucleic acids and enzymes.

A study of post-mortem changes in human central nervous tissue has shown that within 100 h of death, no significant change occurs in the amount of nerve cell DNA and nucleolar RNA nor in some membrane-associated enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase, NADH and NADPH diaphorase, and cytochrome oxidase. Low molecular weight RNA species, probably transfer and messenger RNA are quickly lost, but there is little alteration in ribosomal RNA content. Cytoplasmic enzymes show variable changes; phosphofructokinase activity is rapidly decreased; hexokinase is unaltered but lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase initially show increases in activity which subsequently decline. Oxygen uptake diminishes quickly. These findings indicate that mechanical alterations in cell structure, following death, render organelles physiologically ineffective long before any significant changes in certain constituent biochemicals are detected. This report emphasizes the great importance necessary in the selection of appropriately time matched post-mortem tissues if accurate comparative studies of many of the cells constituents are to be made.


Adenosine triphosphatase distribution in mammary tissue.

Lactating mammary tissue from farm animals and small mammals was perfusion-fixed, prior to histochemical procedures, in an effort to localize the ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase enzyme with the use of specific inhibitors. Histochemical evidence suggests that the Na+/K+-stimulated ATPase is located predominantly on the cytoplasmic side of the plasmalemma in myoepithelial and secretory cells of the alveolus and in epithelial cells of the ducts. Enzyme is not present on the apical plasmalemma of the secretory or duct cells. This substantiates the previous suggestions of localization of the sodium pumps on lateral and basal surface in lactating mammary secretory cells and duct cells.


Enzyme histochemistry of basal ganglia in the septally cannulated rat.

Stereotaxic septal cannulation in one hemisphere of the rat results in displacement of the ipsilateral basal ganglion along its rostrocaudal axis. In an attempt to elucidate any metabolic changes in the ganglion due to possible alteration in its vascular supply in the displaced position, enzyme histochemical studies were undertaken on the forebrain of septally cannulated rats. A survey of hydrolases (acid and alkaline phosphatases, ATPase, cholinesterase and non-specific esterases), dehydrogenases (succinate and lactate) and diaphorases (NADH- and NADPH- tetrazolium reductases) revealed no difference in activity between the ganglia of the two sides. Cortical activity appeared to be enhanced with a rostral shift of the ganglion and decreased with a caudal shift. In the light of available histoenzymatic data on ischaemic brain damages, the present results rule out the existence of any major metabolic difference between the two basal ganglia. This underlines the extraordinary degree of functional plasticity of subcortical nuclear masses, despite considerable physical displacement.


Histoenzymatic characterization of sub-types of type I fibres in fast muscles of rats.

The histochemical activities of succinic dehydrogenase (SDH), myofibrillar Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and alpha glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were studied in serial sections of rat vastus lateralis (red) (RVL), gastrocnemius and diaphragm muscles. Three main fibre-types were distinguished. The "Type I" fibres of RVL and gastrocnemius muscles fell into two distinct groups: one category--"Type IA" showed very low ATPase activity. The second category of "Type IB" fibres displayed moderate ATPase reaction. The "Type IA" fibres were divisible into two sub-groups when tested for SDH reaction. "Type IA1" fibres possessed a homogenous distribution of diformazan granules throughout the fibre: "Type IA2" fibres displayed characteristic "moth-eaten" pattern of diformazan localization. The diaphragm muscle did not show either "Type IB" or "Type IA2" varieties. The great majority of TypeI fibres were sub-type IA1 in the three fast muscles studied. It is also demonstrated here that an inherent heterogeneity exists between Type I filores of diaphragm and leg muscles in regard to alpha-GPD localization. This histochemical data emphasizes the fact that subdivision of TypeI striated muscle fibres of mammalian animals into two sub-types is only approximate and that a further subcategorization is possible.


Rat locomotory muscle fiber activity during trotting and galloping.

This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that the trot-gallop transition in running guadrupeds occurs when active cross-sectional areas of muscles or fiber populations within muscles, reach some critical point as animals increase speed within trotting. Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used as experimental animals, and glycogen depletion was used to estimate patterns or fiber activity. Our results indicate that 1) the contribution to power output by the front limb muscles was less than that of the hind limb muscles during trotting and galloping; 2) the active cross-sectional area of plantaris muscles peaked immediately prior to the transition in gait; 3) the ankle plantar flexor group of muscles as a whole did not attain a maximum active cross-sectional area during fast trotting; and 4) no major discontinuities in whole muscle or fiber type glycogen depletion rates occurred across the gait change. Although these findings do not prove the hypothesis, they support the concept that the trop-gallop transition follows the attainment of peak active muscle cross-sectional areas as animals increase trotting speed.


Free autografting of entire limb muscles in the cat: histochemistry and biochemistry.

Fifty extensor digitorium longus muscles of 25 cats were autografted, 33 with and 17 without prior denervation. After 50 days, no significant differences were observed between predenervated and nonpredenervated autografts. Autografted muscles weighed 48% of the weight of control muscles. Few original muscle fibers survived and within 2 wk autografts contained regenerating muscle fibers. The mean cross-sectional area of muscle fibers in the autografts reached 125% of the value for control nontransplanted muscles. The mean percentage of fibers classified high oxidative in autografted muscles was 67% of values for control muscles. SDH activity of autografted muscle homogenates reached 55% of control values. Up to 60 days after surgery autografts had only fast-twitch fibers. At 170 days autografts remained 95% fast twitch in composition. Revascularization began within 4 days, but the capillary to fiber ratio of long term autografts reached only 60% of control values. Although fiber hypertrophy suggests that cats use autografted muscles, lower than control succinate dehydrogenase activity may result from altered recruitment.


Tetrabenazine in the treatment of Huntington's chorea and other hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Tetrabenazine (Nitoman, Roche) is a synthetic benzoquinolizine derivative which resembles reserpine pharmacologically and depletes dopamine and other monoamines in the central nervous system. Considerable evidence has now been accumulated regarding the physiologic equilibrium which exists between dopamine and acetylcholine in the human striatum and it appears that dopamine excess or dopaminergic receptor supersensitivity are mechanisms operating in hyperkinetic disorders like Huntington's Chorea. The treatment of hyperkinetic disorders by dopamine depleting agents, like tetrabenazine or reserpine, or by dopamine blocking agents, like Haloperidol and Pimozide, has not been tried for more than a decade. We report here our own observations in 15 patients with various hyperkinetic disorders treated with tetrabenazine in doses up to 200 mgm. daily for periods up to 12 months.


Anniversary reactions presenting as physical complaints.

The literature concerning anniversary reactions is reviewed. Five cases seen by various medical specialists for physical complaints, and subsequently referred for psychiatric evaluation are presented. Each case was felt to represent an anniversary reaction. The necessity of considering the possibility of an anniversary reaction, when the genesis of a complaint is unclear, is emphasized.


The functional characteristics conserved in tropomyosins.

1. Tropomyosin, one of the regulatory proteins in muscle contraction, was prepared from chickens, rabbits, frogs, shrimps, and shellfish, and conserved characteristics were studied using an enzymological technique. 2. All tropomyosins tested, irrespective of their sources, were found to have the ability to mediate the inhibitory activity of rabbit troponin toward rabbit Mg2+-activated actomyosin ATPase (Mg2+-ATPase) activity in the absence of Ca2+ ions. 3. The effect of tropomyosin on the Mg2+-ATPase activity in the presence of Ca2+ ions varied, depending on the source, and this variation appeared to reflect the evolutionary course of this protein. 4. Tropomyosin from shellfish adductor muscle had the ability to bind to rabbit skeletal muscle troponin and actin. This ability is also considered to be a basic characteristic of tropomyosin which has been conserved during evolution.


Hydrolysis of aryl beta-maltotriosides by sweet potato beta-amylase and soybean beta-amylase.

Sweet potato beta-amylase [EC 3.2.1.2, alpha 1,4-D-glucan maltohydrolase]-catalyzed hydrolyses of aryl beta-maltotriosides with substituents, NO2-, Cl-, and Br- at the o-, m-, and p-positions in the phenyl ring were studied at pH 4.8 and 25 degrees C. The hydrolyses of a few of the maltotriosides by soybean beta-amylase [EC 3.2.1.2, alpha-1,4-D-glucan maltohydrolase] were also studied at pH 5.4 and 25 degrees C. It was found that the aryl beta-maltotriosides were preferentially hydrolyzed into maltose and aryl beta-D-glucosides by both beta-amylases. The Michaelis constant Km and the molecular activity ko were determined for the hydrolyses of these maltotriosides and compared with those of maltotriose and maltotetraose. Aryl beta-maltotriosides were more rapidly hydrolyzed than maltotriose by a factor of 30--80, and more slowly hydrolyzed than maltotetraose by a factor of 10--30, depending on the kinds of substituents. The rapid hydrolysis of aryl beta-maltotrioside as compared with maltotriose may be due to the interaction of an aryl group with the subsite of beta-amylase. This is in contrast with glucoamylase [EC 3.2.1.3, alpha-1,4-D-glucan glucohydrolase] of Rhizopus niveus-catalyzed hydrolysis of phenyl beta-maltoside, whose phenyl group does not interact so much with the subsite of the enzyme.


Adenosine triphosphatase from rat liver mitochondria. Crystallization and x-ray diffraction studies of the F1-component of the enzyme.

The homogeneous rat liver F1-ATPase preparation of Catterall and Pedersen (Catterall, W.A., and Pedersen, P.L. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 4987-4994) has been crystallized from a solution containing phosphate and ATP by precipitation with ammonium sulfate. Most of the resultant crystals are cubes of approximately 0.3 to 0.6 mm per side. X-ray precession photographs show that the crystals are rhombohedral, space group R32 (D37 NO155) with hexagonal cell dimensions a = 148 A, c = 368 A. The molecular weight of the asymmetric unit of the crystals is 190,000 or about half the molecular weight (384,000) of the rat liver enzyme indicating that the crystallographic 2-fold axes of symmetry coincide with a molecular symmetry axis. The crystals diffract to at least 3.5 A and therefore this is the first report of an ATPase preparation in which crystals suitable for x-ray analysis have been obtained.


Regulation, purification, and properties of xanthine dehydrogenase in Neurospora crassa.

Xanthine dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.37) is the first enzyme in the degradative pathway by which fungi convert purines to ammonia. In vivo, the activity is induced 6-fold by growth in uric acid. Hypoxanthine, xanthine, adenine, or guanine also induce enzyme activity but to a lesser degree. Immunoelectrophoresis using monospecific antibodies prepared against Neurospora crassa xanthine dehydrogenase shows that the induced increase in enzyme activity results from increased numbers of xanthine dehydrogenase molecules, presumably arising from de novo enzyme synthesis. Xanthine dehydrogenase has been purified to homogeneity by conventional methods followed by immunoabsorption to monospecific antibodies coupled to Sepharose 6B. Electrophoresis of purified xanthine dehydrogenase reveals a single protein band which also exhibits enzyme activity. The average specific activity of purified enzyme is 140 nmol of isoxanthopterine produced/min/mg. Xanthine dehydrogenase activity is substrate-inhibited by xanthine (0.14 mM), hypoxanthine (0.3 mM), and pterine (10 micron), is only slightly affected by metal binding agents such as KCN (6 mM), but is strongly inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents such as p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (2 micron). The molecular weight of xanthine dehydrogenase is 357,000 as calculated from a sedimentation coefficient of 11.8 S and a Stokes radius of 6.37 nm. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis of the enzyme reveals a single protein band having a molecular weight of 155,000. So the xanthine dehydrogenase protein appears to be a dimer. In contrast to xanthine dehydrogenases from animal sources which typically possess as prosthetic groups 2 FAD molecules, 2 molybdenum atoms, 8 atoms of iron, and 8 acid-labile sulfides, the Neurospora enzyme contains 2 FAD molecules, 1 molybdenum atom, 12 atoms of iron, and 14 eq of labile sulfide/molecule. The absorption spectrum of the enzyme shows maxima between 400 and 500 nm typical of a non-heme iron-containing flavoprotein.


Neurocranial reconstruction using an elastomer-coated cloth mesh and bone grafting.

The purpose of this report is to present out 5-year experience in reconstructing large bony defects in the cranial vault of 16 patients. The method employs an alloplastic implant device made of elastomer-coated cloth mesh, used in conjunction with bone grafting [D. L. Leake and M. Habal, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 10, 555 (1976)]. The cranial defects ranged in size from 6 X 6 cm to 15 X 17 cm. The defects were in the frontal, temporoparietal, and occipital regions. Particularly challenging was the frontal-orbital region involving the superciliary ridges. The alloplastic implant provides controlled contour of the bone graft material while providing strength and stability during healing. The implant has adequate but not complete ridigity, allowing adaptability inthe operating room. The elastomer used is a polyetherurethane. Any biocompatible cloth mesh can be used, but Dacron [poly(ethylene terephthalate)] was chosen because of its extensive implant history. Contrasted with reconstruction using only bone, where as many as half of the cases had uneveness and were found to be anesthetically unsatisfactory, the technique described here has resulted in aesthetically excellent results and an intact neurocranium in the 16 patients studied thus far.


Splenic suppressor cells and cell-mediated cytotoxicity in murine schistosomiasis.

An impairment of the capacity to generate alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) was observed in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) established with spleen cells from mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. This impairment, which was observed as early as the eighth week of infection, could be abrogated by the fractionation of spleen cell suspensions by the carbonyl iron/magnet method prior to the establishment of MLC. Cocultivation of normal spleen cells with increasing numbers of splenocytes from S. mansoni-infected syngeneic mice resulted in a dosage-dependent suppression of CTL generation. This "infectious suppression" was not sensitive to antiserum against mouse thymic lymphocyte antigen (MTLA). The present studies suggest the role of a macrophage rather than a T cell as the suppressor cell in this model of cell-mediated immunity in schistosome-infected mice.


Activation of human B lymphocytes. V. Kinetics and mechanisms of suppression of plaque-forming cell responses by concanavalin A-generated suppressor cells.

The kinetics and mechanisms of suppression of the PWM-induced PFC response of human PB lymphocytes by Con A-activated suppressor cells were investigated. It was necessary that Con A suppressor cells be present early in the process of activation of human B cells toward antibody syntheses, but maximal suppression of the PFC response occurred later in the culture period. In addition, Con A-activated cells, although suppressing the PFC response to PWM greater that 90% of control, did not significantly suppress the blastogenic response to PWM after 3 or 5 days in culture. On the contrary, after 3 days in culture, background tritiated thymidine incorporation as well as tritiated thymidine incorporation to PWM stimulation was increased when Con A suppressor cells are added to fresh autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes. This increased blastogenic response after three days most likely represented an autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) or Con A suppressor cells against fresh autologous non-T cells. The induction of autoreactive cells may be one of several modes of suppression of PFC responses by Con A activated suppressor cells.


[Physiopathogenesis of idiopathic hairy virilism. II. Sources and mechanisms of the increase of production of androgens in idiopathic hairy virilism].

The rise in the secretion of androgens appears in many cases (50 per cent of cases) of primary idiopathic hairy virilism to be mixed or exclusively ovarian which in turn excludes the adrenal (less than 10 per cent of cases) in the production of androstenedione and testosterone. The part that the adrenals play in hyperandrogenization seems to be the result of enzymic partial blocks which are more or less compensated for. Thus about half of cases of idiopathic hairy virilism are of mixed origin, although the role of the ovary is by and large predominant for testosterone, whether the ovaries are or are not macroscopically polycystic. Both overproduction of androgens and/or overproduction of oestrogens by the ovaries can be responsible for overfunctioning of the adrenals in an androgenic manner because of enzymic dysfunction. In some cases the reverse can be demonstrated but then the functional pathology is more obscure.


Interpretation of 51Cr-release data: a kinetic analysis.

An analysis of 51Cr-release data from cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays, plotted in the form of effector cell dilution curves, is analyzed in detail in terms of a saturation kinetics model for effector-target interaction. The effect of nonimmune (bystander) cells in the effector population is particularly examined. The theoretical development of the saturation model predicts that, at low concentrations of target cells, increasing proportions of bystander cells should broaden the range of effector cell concentration required to achieve a given increment of target cell lysis, but that at high target cell concentration this effect should disappear. Experimental validation of this prediction is presented.


Emergence of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to gentamicin and correlation of resistance with bacteriophage type.

A total of 623 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were tested for sensitivity to antibiotics by the disk diffusion method and were bacteriophage typed. The emergence of isolates resistant to gentamicin was noted. Eighteen percent of the isolates from patients on surgical services were resistant to gentamicin; 83% of these resistant strains were phage type 95. Five percent of the isolates from patients on services other than surgical were resistant to gentamicin, and 61% of these gentamicin-resistant strains were phage type 94, 96. Physicians are urged to be aware of the possible emergence of such strains with epidemic potential.


Transplantation tolerance in adult rats using total lymphoid irradiation: permanent survival of skin, heart, and marrow allografts.

Lewis rats given total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) accepted bone marrow allografts from AgB-incompatible donors. The chimeras showed no clinical signs of graft-versus-host disease. Skin allografts from the marrow donor strain survived for more than 150 days on the chimeras. However, third-party skin grafts were rejected promptly. Although heart allografts survived more than 300 days in Lewis recipients given TLI and bone marrow allografts, detectable levels of chimerism were not required for permanent survival.


Human muscle afferent responses to tendon taps. I. Characteristics of the waveform recorded with transcutaneous electrodes.

Responses of muscle afferent nerve fibres to tendon taps of digital muscles in the human can be recorded with surface electrodes attached to the skin over the nerve at the wrist. Using an effectively monopolar recording method, a considerable improvement in signal amplitude is achieved with simultaneous reduction in mechanical artefacts using differential amplification techniques. The characteristics of the afferent waveform (latency and duration) are discussed in relation to the applied stimulus. The contribution to the afferent response from receptors other than in the muscle have been shown to be minimal. Afferent fibres from primary muscle spindle endings are thought to be the major contributors to the afferent waveforms recorded by this technique.


Human muscle afferent responses to tendon taps. 2. Effects of variations in fusimotor bias.

The effect of varying the fusimotor bias on the muscle spindle responses to light tendon taps has been studied in normal human volunteers using surface electrodes at the wrist for recording whole nerve activity. Reinforcement manoeuvres were found to increase the sensitivity of the afferent responses to the mechanical stimulus. Such sensitisation was found to be exhibited more commonly as a decrease in the latency of the peak of the afferent waveform than as an increase in amplitude. Increase in amplitude of the response was seen in cases where the subject was well relaxed and the test muscle quiescent. A change in furimotor drive was also achieved by asking the subjects to close their eyes voluntarily during the test, thus depriving themselves of the visual feedback. The results under these conditions were found to be variable, though showing considerable changes from control recordings. The effect of reinforcement manoeuvres may perhaps result in increasing the dynamic fusimotor drive. Such an effect may be simulated on occluding the blood supply to the test muscle since ischaemia produces an immediate rise in the rate of afferent discharge. The method of recording is suggested as a convenient technique for clinical use.


Gastroschisis: no myth.

The question has been raised whether omphalocele and gastroschisis are fundamentally different pathologic entities, or whether they are only different manifestations of the same underlying cause. After studying the family history of 37 patients with omphalocele and 14 patients with gastroschisis, it seems probable that hereditary factors contribute to the origin of omphaloceles. Such factors were not shown in patients with gastroschisis. Therefore genetic evaluation and counseling is advocated for the parents of a child with omphalocele.


Ultrastructural localization of immune complexes (IgG and C3) at the end-plate in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.

Rats immunized with purified torpedo acetylcholine receptor (AChR) plus adjuvants developed chronic experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) after day 28. Forelimb muscles from EAMG rats 29 to 103 days after immunization and from control animals were used for the ultrastructural localization of IgG and C3. IgG was demonstrated with rabbit anti-rat IgG followed by treatment with peroxidase-labeled staphylococcal protein A; and C3 with peroxidase-labeled rabbit anti-rat C3, or with unlabeled rabbit anti-rat C3 followed by peroxidase-labeled protein A. In EAMG rats both IgG and C3 were localized on the terminal expansions of the junctional folds, where AChR is known to be located, and on detached, degenerated parts of the folds in the synaptic space. Background staining was negligible. The findings provide unambiguous evidence for a destructive autoimmune reaction involving the postsynaptic membrane in EAMG, implicate the complement system in this reaction and show that detachment of the tips of the junctional folds is one way by which immune complexes, and AChR, are eliminated from the postsynaptic membrane. The immuno-electron microscopic findings in chronic EAMG closely resemble those described in human myasthenia gravis.


Personality organization as an aspect of back pain in a medical setting.

The MMPI profiles of 74 low back pain patients who had previously been classified as "functional,""organic," or "mixed" were sorted into six profile groups. The six profile groups were those used by Pichot, Perse, Lekous, Dureau, Perez, and Rychewaert (1972); denial, "conversion V" without defensiveness, "conversion V" with defensiveness, depressed/anxious, psychotic and normal. Results indicate that all six profile types are well represented in the low back pain group. Evidence is also presented which shows that each of the pathological MMPI profile types examined across "functional," "organic," and "mixed" classification is significantly more elevated than a normal profile group on two scales (Lb, DOR) designed to measure functional aspects of pain. Pathological MMPI profile groups did not differ significantly from each other on the "functional" pain scales. The data presented in this study point to the relationship of various forms of psychopathology with "functional pain." The findings of this study would not support a homogeneous "pain personality" for low back pain patients. However, combined "conversion V" profiles accounted for 58% of the "functional" group, 45% of the "mixed" group and 35% of the "organic" group.


Effects of carbamazepine on muscle spindle discharges.

Spinal and alpha-chloralose anesthetized cats were prepared for single unit recording from fibers originating in deefferented spindles of the triceps surae muscles. Carbamazepine (CBZ), 200 and 300 mg/kg, suspended in 1% methylcellulose in saline was administered i.p. and plasma concentrations were determined by gas liquid chromatography. Stretch induced by a 500 g weight drop was used to evaluate spontaneous, static stretch, and poststretch spindle activity, while stretch induced by stimulation of the antagonist muscle group was used to evaluate a phasic stretch response. Preparations were monitored from 15 minutes before to 90 minutes after drug administration. CBZ produced a concentration-dependent depression of most aspects of spindle activity at concentrations ranging from approximately 9 to 45 microgram/ml. Activity during the poststretch period exhibited the greatest sensitivity to CBZ depression, spontaneous and static stretch activity exhibited intermediate sensitivity and phasic responses were relatively insensitive. No difference between Ia and II sensory endings were observed. Spindle depression was evident at concentrations which had no effect on axonal conduction velocity. The possible influence of this peripheral activity of CBZ is discussed with regard to neurotoxicity and use in the treatment of various neuropathological states.


Renal tubular transport of saccharin.

These experiments were designed to examine the mechanisms involved in the renal excretion of the non-nutritive sweetener, saccharin. Renal transport of saccharin in female rats was quantitatively evaluated using renal cortical slices in vitro and renal clearances in vivo. Renal cortical slices actively accumulated saccharin. Accumulation was oxygen dependent, saturable and reduced in the presence of metabolic inhibitors (2,4-dinitrophenol and sodium azide) and other organic anions 1p-aminohippurate (PAH) and probenecid]. Furthermore, addition of acetate or lactate to the medium stimulated saccharin uptake whereas reducing potassium concentration in the medium significantly decreased saccharin accumulation. Addition of saccharin to medium containing PAH and N-methylnicotinamide produced a dose-related depression of PAH accumulation. Although N-methylnicotinamide accumulation also was reduced, the depression was not dose-related. The saccharin/inulin clearance ratio of 3.76 indicates that saccharin, like PAH, undergoes tubular secretion. These findings suggest that the primary route of renal elimination of saccharin is active tubular secretion. It is also suggested that saccharin and PAH may share a common transport system.


Identification of intrafusal muscle fibres activated by single fusimotor axons and injected with fluorescent dye in cat tenuissimus spindles.

1. Intrafusal muscle fibres of cat tenuissimus spindles have been injected with the fluorescent dye Procion Yellow and identified histologically after recording their changes in membrane potential during 1/sec stimulation of single static or dynamic gamma axons. 2. Thirteen intrafusal muscle fibres innervated by static gamma axons were identified as eight bag2 and five chain fibres. The fact that none proved to be a bag1 fibre is not regarded as significant, for reasons given in the Discussion. 3. In one spindle Procion Yellow was injected into two intrafusal muscle fibres activated by the same static gamma axon; they were identified as a bag2 and a chain fibre. 4. Nine intrafusal muscle fibres innervated by dynamic gamma axons were identified as seven bag1 fibres, one bag2 fibre, and one long chain fibre. 5. In one spindle two bag fibres were injected, one activated by a dynamic gamma axon, the other by a static gamma axon; the former proved to be a bag1 fibre, the latter a bag2 fibre. 6. Stimulation of static gamma axons elicited junctional potentials in seven bag2 fibres and one damaged chain fibre, and action potentials in one bag2 and four chain fibres. In the whole sample of impaled intrafusal muscle fibres (identified and unidentified) activated by static axons, junctional potentials were recorded from twenty-three (62.2%), and action potentials from fourteen (37.8%). Stimulation of dynamic gamma axons always elicited junctional potentials. 7. In a number of instances it was possible to examine the ultrastructure of motor endings belonging to the stimulated gamma axon. The myoneural junctions of trail endings supplied by static gamma axons to bag2 and chain fibres were both smooth and folded; the deepest and most regular folding occurred on chain fibres. The terminals of p2 plates supplied to bag1 fibres by dynamic gamma axons had smooth myoneural junctions.


Validation and aplication of an interval factor in estimating age at onset of Huntington's disease.

The time interval between the first appearance of signs in the transmitting parent and the birth of the subsequently affected child has been shown by Brackenridge and Telscher (1975) to influence the age at onset of Huntington's disease. The cirticism by Burke (1976) that the interval factor offers no predictive advantage over parental onset age is refuted. The advantage of small sibship sizes in familial correlation studies is noted and an equation to estimate onset age is derived to control for ascertainment bias. The interval factor is shown to surpass parental onset age as a determinant of offspring onset age. When applied to Queensland material, reasonable agreement is obtained between predicted and reported onset ages. Evidence for the desirability for parents at risk who intend to have families to plan them early is discussed.


Down syndrome and recent demographic trends in Manitoba.

Two hundred and thirty-three children born in Manitoba with Down syndrome between 1965 and 1974 were ascertained and the maternal ages obtained. Mean maternal age was found to have declined in this period both for all livebirths and to a greater extent for Down syndrome children. Though the proportion of mothers of Down syndrome infants with a maternal age of less than 35 years remained the same, the proportion of mothers aged 35 to 39 years increased and the age specific incidence of Down syndrome became significantly greater for women in this age group. Reduction in the proportion of Down syndrome births to women over 40 years and the increased incidence of Down syndrome in children of women aged 35 to 39 years has important consequences for the planning of amniocentesis programmes.


Comparison of the stimulating capacity of human leukemia T-cell, null cell, and B-cell lines in mixed lymphoma culture.

One-way mixed lymphocyte reactions between lymphocytes from normal human donors and mitomycin C-treated cells from human leukemia T-cell, null cell, and B-cell lines were investigated. An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative Japanese Burkitt's lymphoma line and two EBV-positive normal lymphoid cell lines were studied in parallei. Normal lymphocytes were stimulated significantly by the cultured null cells and B-cells, but only slightly by the cultured T-cells. The stimulatory capacity of these two leukemia cell lines was approximately equal to that of the lymphoma and normal B-cell lines. The results suggest that not only leukemia B-cells but also leukemia null cells have stimulatory determinants in mixed lymphocyte culture.


Inhibitory characteristics of lead chloride in sodium- and potassium- dependent adenosinetriphosphatase preparations derived from kidney, brain, and heart of several species.

Inhibition of adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) by lead chloride (PbCl2) was studied in microsomal fractions or tissue homogenates of kidney, brain, and heart of several species, including humans. The concentration of PbCl2 causing 50% inhibition (I50) of Na+ + K+ ATPase activity varied from 8 X 10(-6) to 8 X 10(-5) M, depending on the species and organ of origin of the enzyme. The enzyme preparations derived from various parts of the kidney showed no differential sensitivity to PbCl2. These differences in sensitivity to lead were not related to specific activity of the enzyme or to the protein content of the preparations studied. Mg2+ ATPase, which contaminated the enzyme preparations to a variable degree, was 10--100 times more resistant to PbCl2 than was Na+ + K+-activated ATPase. The following more detailed studies were performed on the dog brain and/or kidney enzyme. The inhibition of microsomal Na+ + K+ ATPase was characterized by reversible kinetics. The inhibitory effect was antagonized by Na+, increased by Mg2+, and not altered by K+. ATP alone, or together with Mg2+, antagonized the inhibition. Disodium edetate prevented or reversed the inhibition. These inhibitory characteristics suggest that Pb2+ inhibits Na+ + K+ ATPase at the Na+-dependent phosphorylation site, and that ATP chelates Pb2+ in competition with Mg2+. Combining Pb2+ with ATP may not only result in a reduction of ATPase activity but also cause a relative ATP deficiency if lead is present in sufficiently high concentration.


Micturition urodynamic flow studies in children.

Voiding abnormalities are encountered frequently in pediatric patients. Symptoms of daytime incontinence, frequency and nocturnal enuresis in any combination may indicate underlying neurophysiologic detrusor imbalance. Incomplete evaluation of these symptoms can result in inappropriate medical therapy or even ineffective operations. Within the preceding 7 months 34 children with hard-core voiding abnormalities were evaluated with urodynamic techniques. Several categories of abnormal voiding patterns were identified, including the hyperactive external sphincter, uninhibited pediatric neurogenic bladder, detrusor hyperreflexia secondary to chronic cystitis, hyperactive external sphincter with hypotonic bladder and the hyperactive external sphincter with detrusor irritability. All patients received specific pharmacotherapy based on presenting signs and symptoms, and voiding pattern abnormality. Of the 24 patients who have been treated in this manner and were evaluated 83.5% have had complete remission of symptoms while on therapy, the remainder being improved but still having occasional symptoms. The technique and data demonstrate that children with hard-core voiding abnormalities can achieve rehabilitation with urodynamic assessment.


Elaeophorosis in sika deer in Texas.

Elaeophora schneideri was found in sika deer (Cervus nippon) from several areas in Texas. The parasite produced unilateral tumorous masses on the head and/or feet. This is the first report of E. schneideri in Texas.


[Evaluation of the echocardiographic parameters in definite electrocardiographic types of left ventricular hypertrophy].

Echocardiography parameters (thickness of the myocardium during the diastole, the mass of the left ventricular myocardium and its diastolic size) were compared with ECG types reflecting different combinations of signs of hypertrophy of the left ventricle (isolated increase in left ventricular voltage--type B, isolated change in the end part of the ventricular complex in the corresponding leads--type C, and combination of both signs on ECG "typical" of left ventricular hypertrophy--type D). The study was conducted on groups of patients with hypertensive disease and aorto-mitral valvular disease. Calculation of the statistically significant difference revealed an increase in the thickness of the myocardium during the diastole and in the mass of the myocardium of the left ventricle in type B and particularly in type D ECG, and a noticeable increase in the diastolic size of the left ventricle in ECG of type C and of type D in particular. This regularity confirms the conception that in increase in left ventricular voltage hypertrophy proper of the heart muscle develops in conjunction with an increase in the mass of the left ventricular myocardium mainly due to an increase in its thickness, while with changes in the end part of the ventricular complex an increase in the diastolic size of the left ventricle is revealed. The regularity is clearly detected both in hypertensive disease and in aorto-mitral valvular disease.


[Hemodynamics and cardiac electrical activity in ventricular myocardial hypertrophy].

Comparison of the electrocardiographic characteristics of hypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium with the hemodynamic indices of systemic and pulmonary circulation and the indices of intracardiac hemodynamics provides testimony to the significance of the hemodynamic factor in the genesis of the electrophysiological changes. With due account for the role of the morphologic factor, these data allow the essence of myocardial hypertrophy to be placed in the electrophysiologic, hemodynamic, and morphologic category.


[Use of the ordinal properties of ECG wave amplitides in the diagnosis of ventricular myocardial hypertrophy].

SIgns based on the ordinal properties of the amplitudes of ECG waves, i.e. those using information on their relative values, are of high diagnostic value in the recognition of hypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium. A simple algorithm for the diagnosis of hypertrophy of the ventricular myocardium may be formulated by means of such signs, which will be close in precision to the data issued by a highly experienced specialist.


Dental health education for the mentally and physically handicapped.

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems of Americans. It is one of the many health problems that handicapped children have in common with their non-handicapped peers. Research indicates that handicapped children have significantly more decayed and missing teeth than non-handicapped students. Methods of improving the dental health of handicapped children were explored. These methods included teacher education, development of special instruments, development of a directory of dentists who would treat the handicapped, and the role that parents should play in the dental health program. The plight of dental health care in the handicapped will continue unabated until health educators become more active in health education for all segments of the school population.


Uses and abuses of the ITPA.

This paper describes the circumstances leading to the development of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) and discusses the malpractices in administration, scoring, and interpretation of the test. Certain relevant research endeavors are summarized and evaluated. These include (1) equivalence of the experimental and research editions, (2) outcomes and pitfalls of factor analysis, (3) the relationship of ITPA scores tothose of the WISC and Stanford-Binet, (4) ethnic differences shown on the ITPA, (5) differences among groups of atypical children, and (6) ITPA correlates of reading disabilities. A critique is presented regarding the misuse of the ITPA with subjects beyond the range of the norms and possible uses of the test in areas for which it was not originally intended. Emphasis is placed on the major use of the test as being a clinical indicator in determining differential abilities and disabilities (intraindividual differences) among cognitive, perceptual, and memory functions in young children.