The health and medical system in Japan.

This has been a brief sketch of the health and medical system in Japan. While many health indices have improved since the end of World War II, the health system still has many problems to be solved. The shortage of professional personnel remains a glaring one. And especially detrimental to the effective functioning of a good system is the fragmentation of various institutions, schemes and functions. It is necessary to integrate all of these things into a comprehensive health care system, and to establish a comprehensive plan for health and medical services.


Psychological problems of the physically handicapped patient.

There is increasing concern about the difficulty encountered by handicapped patients in obtaining adequate dental health care. In addition to the problems of availability and accessibility of dental care there are social and psychological problems affecting the acceptability of dental health care. To overcome these difficulties the dentist must understand the bases of his own perceptions as well as those of his patients which interact in the dentist-patient treatment situation. Although many of the physical problems can be solved by such measures as wheel chair ramps, the major difficulty is the social acceptability of the handicapped. The same degree of handicap may cause different problems depending on the way in which the individual adjusts to it. Orofacial defects cause particular difficulties because they cannot be hidden in the same way as, for example, a missing or deformed limb. Often the relatively minor defects encountered in dental practice may cause greater problems than a more major deformity, since the near normal person strives harder to be considered as normal. Studies of babies' responses to normal and abnormal facial appearances have demonstrated the tremendous importance of the facial area in communication. Smiling responses were common with a normal face whereas grotesque faces induced anxiety in children. In later life facial abnormalities tend to evoke both aesthetic and sexual aversion so interfering with the process of social interaction. The dentist must become more aware of the psychological state of physically handicapped patients and of his own reaction to them.


A clinical trial with nomifensin, a new antidepressant drug.

An uncontrolled clinical trial with 10 depressed patients was conducted to identify the psychopathological symptoms which may be affected by nomifensin administration, and to reveal the possible adverse effects of the drug. Consistent statistically significant improvement was noted in the course of the clinical trial on all of the assessment instruments used, and - with the exception of one patient - all improved while receiving nomifensin. Most of the therapeutic changes were seen within the first three weeks of treatment, and they included improvements of depression, as well as of hostility, a symptom which usually remains unaffeCTED BY TRICYclic antidepressant drugs. To verify the favorable therapeutic effects of nomifensin in depressed psychiatric patients, a standard-controlled clinical trial is in progress; and to verify the action mechanism of nomifensin, a study employing the probenecid technique and the measurement of spinal homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5hiaa) concentration is planned.


Unsutured Dacron prosthesis in groin hernias.

We have repaired difficult groin hernias during the past six years by an original procedure consisting of fitting an unsutured Dacron patch between the peritoneum and the muscular layers using a median lower abdominal incision. Our standard technic is described along with its variations and applications.


Effects of solutes on the swelling pressure of the corneal stroma.

The chemical environment of bare, excised rabbit corneal stroma was varied to determine the effects of solutes on the swelling pressure. Measurements of changes in the thickness of the stroma are converted to hydration units which are in turn converted to a change in swelling pressure at the initial hydration. The order of effects on swelling pressure are compared to the Hofmeister series for polyelectrolyte gels and the results are analyzed in the context of a structural theory of the swelling pressure of corneal stroma proposed by Hart and Farrell and based on the gel properties of the stroma.


[Sézary's syndrome. Case report].

A patient with Sézary syndrome is presented. The symptoms persisted for 5 years when a sudden involvement of internal organs led to the death of the patient. Much evidence indicates that the Sézary syndrome is a special form of mycosis fungoides with erythroderma and a constant release of atypical cells into the blood. The nature of the Sézary cell has not yet been clearly elucidated. Cytogenetic and immunological findings identified the Sézary cell as an abnormal T-lymphocyte whereas cytochemical data support the concept of the presence of different atypical cell populations with lymphocytic respectively monocytic character.


Intrafamilial incidence of autism, cerebral palsy, and mongolism.

A comparative study of developmentally disturbed children as well as normal children is presented with a focus on their position in the family. Demographic data were compared for three groups of Japanese children, with a mean age of 4 years 7 months, who were diagnosed as autistic, cerebral palsied, and trisomic (trisomy 21 mongoloid). The areas compared were maternal age at birth, ratio of males to females, number of siblings, birth order, and age interval between the subject and the closest younger sibling. The normal kindergarten children with a mean age of 4 years 6 months, as well as the Japanese general population, were also compared for these demographic items. The findings on maternal age and sex ratio for these three nosological groups are consistent with recent studies. Although the reproduction of mothers of either cerebral palsied or mongoloid children ceases after the birth of the propositi, the reproduction of mothers of autistic children does not show significant difference from that of normal children's mothers. The age intervals between the subjects and the closest younger sibling do not differ among the three groups or in the normal group.


Prophage-dependent plasmid integration in Staphylococcus aureus.

A study has been done of reversion to thermostability of thermosensitive, replication-defective (TSR) mutant penicillinase plasmids. All three of the expected classes of reversions were encountered: back mutation, suppression, and integration. The latter class was examined in some detail and it was found that the presence of the phi 11 phophage enhance the frequency of reversion by integration some 103-fold. Prophage-dependent integration resulted in inactivation of plasmid-linked arsenate and arsenite resistance; these revertant strains gave rise to high frequency tranducing lysates where the plasmid was restored upon transduction to its original TSR state including recovery of these resistances. The integrated plasmid-prophage complexes were stable at high temperatures (43 C) but slow growing and unstable at low (32 C); loss of either plasmid or prophage restored normal growth and stability. Sometimes restoration of the plasmid to its autonomous TSR state was observed and molecular studies showed that in most cases the plasmid was essentially the same size as before integration. In some cases an excision complex was recovered that was more than twice the size of the plasmid and could have been a plasmid-phage co-integrate. Integration also took place in the absence of the ł 11 prophage. These integrations retained all plasmid-linked resistances, were stable at all temperatures, and gave rise to low frequency transducing lysates in which the integrated state was retained upon transduction. On the basis of these results it is suggested that the prophage promotes integration at or near its attachment site.


Transformation reveals a chromosomal locus of the gene(s) for methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

The localization of the gene(s) mediating methicillin (mecr) in Staphylococcus aureus was determined by transformation with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from a natural mecr strain (DU 4916) and transformation obtained with DNA from this strain. Streptomycin resistance genes (strr) and novobiocin resistance genes (novr) were used concurrently as representatives for chromosomal genes; penicillinase (PI254) and tetracycline plasmids were used as examples of medium- and small-size extrachromosomal genes, respectively. Superinfection of the lysogenic recipients with the competence-inducing phage phi11 or 83A enhanced transformation for all markers. Phenotypic expression of cadmium (cadr), tetracycline (tetr), or methicillin resistance (mecr) did not appear to require a host recombination system since a recA1 mutant could serve as the recipient provided it was superinfected with a competence-inducing phage. There was, furthermore, no requirement for preexisting plasmids for phenotypic expression. Ultraviolet irradiation of transforming DNA enhanced at low doses the transformation frequency for chromosomal genes strr and novr but not for mecr, cadr, or tetr. The gene(s) for mecr was transformed with chromosomal DNA after sodium dodecyl sulfate-sodium chloride extraction and after neutral sucrose gradient centrifugation of bulk DNA from wild-type strain DU 4916 and the transformats. No cavalently closed circular DNA or open circular DNA carrying the methicillin resistance gene(s) could be detected in the wild type or the transformants either by ethidium bromide-cesium chloride gradient centrifugation or by zonal rate centrifugation of cells directly lysed on top of the gradients. The mecr gene(s) is thus probably of chromosomal nature but possibly under recombinational control of phage genes, since transfer of mecr is independent of the recA1 gene(s) but can be accomplished in this strain after superinfection with a competence-inducing phage. Ultraviolet light inactivation of transforming DNA shows first-order kinetics for mecr transformability similar to that observed for both transfecting and plasmid DNA.


Energy coupling for methionine transport in Escherichia coli.

The source of metabolic energy for the accumulation of methionine in cells of Escherichia coli was shown to differ from that for proline uptake. In contrast to proline uptake, methionine accumulation was sensitive to arsenate, and relatively resistant to azide or dinitrophenol. Adenosine triphosphatase mutant strains also differentiated between the two systems, consistent with the conclusion that, although proline uptake is driven directly by the energized membrane state, methionine uptake is not. Methionine transport is similar to that of other osmotic shock-sensitive systems in its direct utilization of adenosine 5'-triphosphate or a related compound as energy source.


The sulfhydryl groups involved in the active site of myosin B adenosinetriphosphatase. I. Relantionship of the sulfhydryl group responsible for Mg2+-ATPase activation to the S1 and S2 groups.

The reactivity of the sulfhydryl groups in myosin B to N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) was investigated under various conditions. Under the conditions where actin and myosin associate, i.e. at low ionic strength, only Mg2+-ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3] activity was markedly activated by NEM treatment, whereas coupling of EDTA-ATPase inhibition with Ca2+-ATPase activation, which was seen on blocking S1 of myosin A with NEM, was observed under conditions at which the dissociation of actomyosin occurs, i.e. at high ionic strength, suggesting the covering with actin of the S1 region of myosin. Nevertheless, APT accelerated the reactivity of S1 and S2 much more in the myosin B system than in myosin alone. NEM-modified myosin B ATPase exhibited a shift of the KCL dependence curve to high concentration, a shift of the maximum activation of ATPase activity to high Mg ion concentration and a suppression of substrate inhibition at high substrate concentrations. These all indicate that the blocking by NEM of Sa, the sulfhydryl group related to the activation of Mg2+-ATPase of myosin B, brings about an increase in the association of myosin and actin in the myosin B system, resulting in an activation of Mg2+-ATPase activity. In addition, the relationship between Sa and a sulfhydryl group(s) essential for Ca2+ sensitivity was discussed.


Comparative studies on 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzioc acid)-treated myosins.

Myosins prepared from chicken and rabbit fast and slow muscles were treated with 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Nbs2). About half of the thiol groups of the fast muslce myosins reacted with Nbs 2, but in slow muscle myosins, only about 10-20% of the thiol groups reacted. This treatment removed 50-60% of the L2 components, Nbs2 light chain, from fast muscle myosins, but did not result in specific dissociation of the light chains in slow myscle myosins. The treatment sometimes released L4 component from chicken muscle myosins instead of L2 component. The changes of myosin ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3] activities caused by this treatment did not correlate with the release of Nbs2 light chain, but were dependent upon the species, chicken or rabbit.


A study of the binding of adenosine diphosphate to myosin subfragment-1.

The binding of ADP to subfragment-1 was investigated by the gel filtration method. The amount of bound ADP was determined as a function of free ADP concentration. Linear Scatchard plots were obtained. The maximum binding number, 0.55 mole of ADP per 10(5) g of protein, and the dissociation constant, 1.6 x 10(-6) M, were obtained, using subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion, in the presence of 0.083 M KCl-10 mM MgCl2-0.02 M Tris-HCl (pH 8), at 25 degrees. Similar maximum numbers, about 0.5 mole per 10(5) g of protein, were obtained with subfragment-1 prepared by chymotryptic digestion of myosin or papain digestion of myofibrils. The maximum number did not depend on the KCl concentration or the temperature, while the dissociation constant decreased on decreasing either the KCl concentration or the temperature. Adenylyl imidodiphosphate binding to subfragment-1 prepared by chymotryptic digestion was also measured by the gel filtration method. The maximum binding number, 0.41 mole per 10(5) g of subfragment-1, and the dissociation constant, less than 10(-7) M, were obtained in the presence of 0.7 M KCl-10 mM MgCl2-0.02 M Tris-HCl (pH 8), at 8 degrees. The difference absorbance at 288 nm of the difference absorption spectrum induced by ADP of subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion was proportional to the amount of bound ADP. The steady-state ATPase rate of subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion was inhibited competitively by ADP in the presence of MgCl2. The extent of the initial burst of ATPase [EC 3.6.1.3] decreased from 0.46 +/- 0.06 to 0.30 +/- 0.09 mole of Pi per 10(5) g of subfragment-1 on adding ADP to a level of 0.6 mM. Subfragment-1 prepared by tryptic digestion bound F-actin with a mole ratio of 1/0.96 of actin monomer. The binding was depressed by the addition of ADP. On the basis of these results, subfragment-1 preparations were assumed to be a half-and-half mixture of two kinds of protein, and properties of each protein are discussed.


Kinetic changes of the erythrocyte (Mg2+ + Ca2+)-adenosine triphosphatase of rats fed different fat-supplemented diets.

The activation by Mg2+, in the presence of 0.2 mM Ca2+, of the erythrocyte ATPase from rats fed with six different fat-supplemented diets has been studied. A sigmoid kinetic curve was found. The values of the Hill coefficient showed a positive correlation with the membrane fatty acid fluidity, which is expressed as the ratio between double bond index and saturated fatty acid content. The values of the Hill coefficient ranged from 1.0, in animals fed with lard-supplemented diet, to 2.0, in animals fed with corn oil-supplemented diet. When the effect of increasing Ca2+ concentration in these two groups was studied at pH 8.1, an activation with the latter group and an inhibition with the former one were found. The activation by Ca2+ found in corn oil-fed animals was lost after treatment with phospholipase C and restored after the addition of homologous phospholipids. The activation could not be restored by addition of phospholipids from lard-fed animals. In this group, treatment with phospholipase C left the kinetic behavior unmodified, but an activation by Ca2+ could be detected after adding phospholipids from corn oil-fed animals. It is suggested that membrane fatty acid fluidity is involved in the cooperative transitions and cryptic activity of the (Mg2+ + Ca2+)-ATPase.


Active potassium transport coupled to active sodium transport in vesicles reconstituted from purified sodium and potassium ion-activated adenosine triphosphatase from the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias.

Vesicles containing a purified shark rectal gland (sodium + potassium)-activated adenosine triphosphatase-(NaK ATPase) were prepared by dialyzing for 2 days egg lecithin, cholate, and the NaK ATPase purified from the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias. These vesicles were capable of both Na+ and K+ transport. Studies of K+ transport were made by measuring the ATP-stimulated transport outward of 42K+ or 86Rb+. Vesicles were preloaded with isotope by equilibration at 4 degrees for 1 to 3 days. Transport of 42K+ or 86Rb+ was initiated by addition of MgATP to the vesicles. The ATP-dependent exit of either isotope was the same. Experiments are presented which show that this loss of isotope was not due to changes in ion binding but rather due to a loss in the amount of ion trapped in the vesicular volume. The transport of K+ was dependent on external Mg2+. CTP was almost as effective as ATP in stimulating K+ transport, while UTP was relatively ineffective. These effects of nucleotides parallel their effects on Na+ accumulation and their effectiveness as substrates for the enzyme. Potassium transport was inhibited by ouabain and required the presence of Na+. The following asymmetries were seen: (a) addition of external Mg2+ supported K+ transport; (b) ouabain inhibited K+ transport only if it was present inside the vesicles; (c) addition of external Na+ to the vesicles stimulated K+ transport. External Li+ was ineffective as a Na+ substitute. The specific requirement of external Na+ for K+ transport indicates that K+ exit is coupled to Na+ entry. Changes in the internal vesicular ion concentrations were studied with vesicles prepared in 20 mM NaCl and 50 mM KCl. After 1 hour of transport at 25 degrees, a typical Na+ concentration in the vesicles in the presence of ATP was 72 mM. A typical K+ concentration in the vesicles was 10 mM as measured with 42K+ or 6 mM as measured with 86Rb+. The following relationships have been calculated for Na+ transport, K+ transport and ATP hydrolysis: Na+/ATP = 1.42, K+/ATP =1.04, and Na+/K+ = 1.43. The ratio of 2.8 Na+ transported in to 2 K+ transported out is very close to the value reported for the red cell membrane. Potassium-potassium exchange similar to that observed in the red cell membrane and attributed to the Na+-K+ pump (stimulated by ATP and orthophosphate and inhibited by ouabain) was observed when vesicles were prepared in the absence of Na+. The results reported in this paper prove that the shark rectal gland NaK ATPase, which is 90 to 95% pure, is the isolated pump for the coupled transports of Na+ and K+.


Preparation of antiserum against a tryptic fragment (fragment A) of dynein and an immunological approach to the subunit composition of dynein.

An improved method for purifying the tryptic fragment (Fragment A) of flagellar ATPase (dynein) from sea urchin spermatozoa is described. The preparation appears homogeneous as judged by ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels, and immunological techniques. The molecular weight of undenatured Fragment A was determined to be 400,000 and 370,000 by the two methods of disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel and sedimentation equilibrium, respectively. The fragment dissociated into two principal polypeptide chains with molecular weights of 190,000 and 135,000 when heated in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Antiserum against dynein was prepared in rabbits using purified Fragment A from the sea urchin Anthocidaris crassispina as an antigen. The specificity of this serum toward Fragment A and toward dynein was determined by double diffusion in agarose, by inhibition of ATPase activity, and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-electrophoresis of the antigen-antibody complex. This antiserum also reacted with the enzymes from two other species of sea urchin, Pseudocentrotus depressus and Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. Analysis of the precipitated antigen-antibody complex showed that the antiserum reacted specifically with the "high molecular weight" polypeptide seen in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of crude dynein fractions. This finding supports previous reports that this band derives from dynein ATPase. In our preparations, this "high molecular weight" dynein band appeared single.


Energy-transducing membrane-bound coupling factor-ATPase from Mycobacterium phlei. I. Purification, homogeneity, and properties.

The membrane-bound coupling factor from Mycobacterium phlei was solubilized from membrane vesicles by washing with low ionic strength buffer or 0.25 M sucrose. The solubilized enzyme exhibited coupling factor, latent ATPase, and succinate oxidation-stimulating activity. Purification by affinity chromatography using Sepharose coupled to ADP yielded a homogeneous preparation of latent ATPase which was purified about 200-fold with an 84% yield in a single step. Purified latent ATPase exhibited coupling factor activity but no succinate oxidation-stimulating activity. The molecular weight of latent ATPase was determined to be 250,000 +/- 10,000 by Sephadex G-200 chromatography. The ATPase was unmasked by trypsin treatment and activated by Mg2+ ion. However, trypsin treatment inactivated the coupling factor activity in the purified enzyme, indicating that the catalytic sites for ATPase and coupling activity are different. Unlike mitochondrial ATPase, latent ATPase from M. phlei was not cold-labile. Of the nucleoside triphosphates, UTP, ITP, and epsilon-ATP (1-N6-ethenoadenosine triphosphate) were hydrolyzed to a lesser extent compared to ATP. Kinetic data showed that ADP acted as a competitive inhibitor of latent ATPase activity with a Ki of 5 x 10(-3) M. Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation and respiratory inhibitors did not affect the latent ATPase activity, while sodium azide (0.1 mM) inhibited the latent ATPase activity.


Liver membrane adenylate cyclase. Synergistic effects of anions on fluoride, glucagon, and guanyl nucleotide stimulation.

Some effects of salts on the adenylate cyclase of partially purified plasma membranes from rat liver have been studied. Under conditions where cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate formation was linear with respect to time and protein concentration, the enzyme was stimulated 3- to 6-fold by 10 mM NaF, 10- to 30-fold by 1 muM glucagon, 4- to 5-fold by 0.1 mM 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, and in the presence of 3 muM GTP, 2-fold by 10 mug/ml of prostaglandin E1. Various salts were found to stimulate basal activity slightly, but enhanced the response to NaF 3- to 4-fold, to glucagon 1.5- to 2-fold, to 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate 2- to 3-fold, and to prostaglandin E1 1.5-fold. This enhancement was observed at maximally effective concentrations of each of the respective activators. Of the salts tested, NaN3 and the Na- or K-halides were most effective. Their action appeared to be due to the respective anions. Stimulation was detectable with 1.5 mM NaN3 or 3 mM NaCl and was maximal with 30 mM NaN3 or 60 mM NaCl. The stimulatory effect of NaN3 was not due to ATP-sparing, nor to an altered cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate recovery. It was independent of the chromatography and assay methods used, and was therefore not due to procedural artifact. Fluoride-stimulated cyclase activity was enhanced by salts to a greater degree than were 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate-, glucagon-, or (prostaglandin E1 + GTP)-stimulated activities. The effects of NaN3 were not the result of significant changes in the enzyme's responses to GTP, which increased basal and glucagon-stimulated activities but inhibited F--stimulated activity. The effects of NaN3 were greater when cyclase was assayed with Mn2+ than with Mg2+. The facilitatory effect of NaN3 or NaCl on fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was partially reversible as was the stimulatory effect of fluoride in the presence of NaN3. Enhancement of hormonal stimulation by NaN3 was also demonstrable with cardiac and adipose tissue adenylate cyclase. However, NaN3 did not stimulate detergent-dispersed adenylate cyclases from either liver plasma membranes or brain. The data suggest that stimulation of adenylate cyclase by salts may require the added presence of other stimulatory agents and an intact membrane structure.


Interaction of adenine nucleotides with multiple binding sites on beef heart mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase.

Beef heart mitochondrial ATPase (F1) contained 2 mol of ADP and 1 mol of ATP/mol of enzyme, which resisted removal by Sephadex chromatography with dilute buffers or repeated precipitation with ammonium sulfate. The native enzyme also contained two apparently equivalent binding sites, which participated in readily reversible binding of adenyl-5'-ylimidodiphosphate (AMP-P(NH)P), with a Kd of 1.3 mum. The failure of AMP-P(NH)P to compete effectively with ADP for binding sites on F1 may be related to the failure of the analog to inhibit oxidative phosphorylation. Virtually complete removal of all adenine nucleotides from F1 occurred when the enzyme was chromatographed on columns of Sephadex equilibrated with 50% glycerol. No loss in ATPase activity was observed following removal of nucleotides from the enzyme, which was then capable of binding more than 4 mol of ADP and almost 5 mol of AMP-P(NH)P/mol of protein. Subsequent chromatography on columns of Sephadex equilibrated with dilute buffers containing Mg2+ removed only 1.5 mol of ADP and no AMP-P(NH)P from the enzyme. Reconstitution of F1 with ADP or with almost 5 mol of AMP-P(NH)P resulted in preparations that exhibited an undiminished capacity to restore oxidative phosphorylation in F1-deficient submitochondrial particles.


Subunit structure of anthranilate synthetase from Neurospora crassa.

Freshly purified preparations of anthranilate synthetase complex from Neurospora crassa appeared to be homogeneous on polyacrylamide disc gels and were composed of two distinct subunits, 94,000 and 70,000 daltons, respectively, as determined by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Carboxymethylation of the complex or treatment with guanidine hydrochloride and urea before sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment did not alter the subunit pattern. When the purified complex was iodinated with 125I- or methylated with [14C]dimethylsulfate, no labeled components other than the two subunits stained with Coomassie blue were detected after electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Although some purified preparations were stable, most were unstable upon storage. Analysis of the unstable preparations on nondenaturing and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide disc gels revealed that the complex in these preparations was progressively fragmented to smaller components and subunits upon repeated freeze-thaw treatment or prolonged incubation at or above 4 degrees. Distinct fragments were generated ranging in size down to 25,000 daltons, and some fragments retained some of the activities associated with the anthranilate synthetase complex. On the basis of these and earlier studies, we conclude that anthranilate synthetase from Neurospora crassa is composed of two distinct subunits in an alpha2beta2 structure; one subunit is a trifunctional peptide which contains the catalytic sites for the phosphoribosylanthranilate isomerase and indoleglycerol phosphate synthetase reactions, and associates with the second subunit to form glutamine-dependent anthranilate synthetase. The smaller subunits and components previously reported for this complex are apparently due to protease activity present in purified preparations.


The synthesis of 3-deoxyheptulosonic acid 7-phosphate.

3-Deoxyheptulosonic acid 7-phosphate was obtained by a one-step chemical synthesis through condensation of oxalacetate with erythrose 4-phosphate. This reaction occurs at measurable rates only in the presence of a metal ion; Co2+ and Ni2+ are the most effective catalysts. The Co2+ catalyzed condensation of oxalacetate and erythrose 4-phosphate proceeds at room temperature and neutral pH. Since erythrose 4-phosphate can be replaced by any free aldehyde tested thus far, this type of a homogeneous catalysis opens new synthetic routes to alpha-keto-gamma-hydroxy-fatty acids and their derivatives.


Concanavalin A inhibition of ecto-5'-nucleotidase of intact cultured C6 glioma cells.

A pronounced effect of concanavalin A (Con A) upon activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase of intact C6 glioma cells in culture has been demonstrated. A near linear rate of decrease in 5'-nucleotidase activity was observed upon treatment with concentrations of Con A up to 0.25 muM. Nonspecific phosphatase activity and Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity were not inhibited by Con A treatment of the cells. Of the total 5'-nucleotidase activity of C6 cells (Vmax = 5.0 mumol of Pi liberated/mg of cell protein/hour), approximately 20% still remained after treatment with high concentrations of Con A. The inhibitory effect of Con A operated to reduce substantially Vmax for ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Inhibition was reversed by briefly incubating the Con A-treated cells with alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, or alpha-methyl-D-mannoside, the later being more effective. These findings suggest that a relatively specific, reversible, inhibition of ecto-5'-nucleotidase results from Con A binding to the surface of the intact cultured mammalian cells.


Transport ATPase cytochemistry: ultrastructural localization of potassium-dependent and potassium-independent phosphatase activities in rat kidney cortex.

A cytochemical method for the light and electron microscope localization of the K- and Mg-dependent phosphatase component of the Na-K-ATPase complex was applied to rat kidney cortex, utilizing p-nitrophenylphosphate (NPP) as substrate.  Localization of K-N-ATPase activity in kidneys fixed by perfusion with 1% paraformaldehyde -0.25% glutaraldehyde demonstrated that distal tubules are the major cortical site for this sodium transport enzyme.  Cortical collecting tubules were moderately reactive, whereas activity in proximal tubules was resolved only after short fixation times and long incubations.  In all cases, K-NPPase activity was restricted to the cytoplasmic side of the basolateral plasma membranes, which are characterized in these neplron segments by elaborate folding of the cell surface.  Although the rat K-NPPase appeared almost completely insensitive to ouabain with this cytochemical medium, parallel studies with the more glycoside-sensitive rabbit kidney indicated that K-NPPase activity in these nephron segments is sensitive to this inhibitor.  In addition to K-NPPase, nonspecific alkaline phosphatase also hydrolyzed NPP.  The latter could be differentiated cytochemically from the specific phosphatase, since alkaline phosphatase was K-independent, insensitive to ouabain, and specifically inhibited by cysteine.  Unlike K-NPPPase, alkaline phosphatase was localized primarily to the extracellular side of the microvillar border of proximal tubules.  A small amount of cysteine-sensitive activity was resolved along peritubular surfaces of proximal tubules.  Distal tubules were unreactive.  In comparative studies, Mg-ATPase activity was localized along the extracellular side of the luminal and basolateral surfaces of proximal and distal tubules and the basolateral membranes of collecting tubules.


Cell surface lipids and adhesion. II. The turnover of lipid components of the plasmalemma in relation to cell adhesion.

The preceding paper showed that those conditions that ought to stimulate reacylation of lysolipids in cells can increase cell adhesions. Similarly we found that conditions that would be expected to lead to the accumulation of lysolipids in the cell surface diminish cell adhesion. This paper reports on the answers to the following questions. (1) Is reacylation of lysolipids in the cells stimulated by an external supply of CoA, ATP and a fatty acid? (2) Does this reacylation lead to the incorporation of exogenous fatty acid in the plasmlemma? (3) What range of fatty acids can be incorporated into the plasmalemma and into what compounds? (4) Does the plasmalemma contain the enzyme systems to effect this turnover, namely phospholipase A2, a CoA-ligase and an appropriate acyl transferase(s)? (5) Do lysolipids accumulate in the plasmalemma under conditions which diminish cell adhesion? We find that saturated fatty acids in the range C14--C18, and some unsaturated fatty acids are incorporated into the plasmalemmae of these neural retina cells. About 20% of the plasmlemma content of fatty acids can be turned over in 30'. Incorporation is mainly into phosphatidyl choline, serine and ethanolamine in both R1 and R2 positions. The plasmalemmae contain the enzymes to effect the turnover. Isolated plasmalemmae are active in this turnover. Incubation of the plasmalemmae with phospholipase A2 leads to an accumulation of lysolipids. Very low levels of phospholipase stimulate turnover, possibly endogenous phospholipase activity is the rate-limiting step in the system. These findings are discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms by which lipids might affect adhesion.


Puberty in boys: correlation of plasma levels of gonadotropins (LH, FSH), androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate), estrogens (estrone and estradiol) and progestins (progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone).

Mean serum concentration dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), DHA sulfate (DHAS), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and androstenedione (A) were compared from 43 boys followed longitudinally for as long as 4 yr during puberty. These data were also compared with serum levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone. Elevation is recognized early in puberty for DHAS, late in puberty for P and A, and gradually throughout puberty for E1, 17-OH-P, and DHA. When compared by age, the same general pattern is apparent with adult levels of E1 reached at age 12, DHAS and E2 by 13, and DHA, P, 17-OH-P, and A not until after age 15. Significant elevations of DHA occurred with the onset of pubic hair and voice change; elevations of DHAS occurred with the onset of genital and axillary hair growth; and testosterone increased with the onset of genital and pubic hair growth and voice change.


Genetic analysis of patients with chronic active hepatitis.

21 patients with chronic active hapatitis (CAH) and their families were HL-A typed. HL-A8 was significantly increased in frequency. An apparent increased frequency of HL-A1 was shown to be secondary to the increased HL-A8 due to linkage disequilibrium. Genotype analysis revealed a striking increased frequency of homozygosity for HL-A8, 6 of 21 patients (28.5%) vs. 2.8% of controls. Two patients and one normal who were homozygous for both HL-A1 and HL-A8 were found to be homozygous for a mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) determinant 8a. Homozygous 8a cells were used as test-stimulating cells in one-way MLC reactions to determine the frequency of the expression of the 8a determinant in 17 patients and 49 controls selected for HL-A type. 8a was found to be associated with 50% of HL-A8 haplotypes and was frequent in the patient and control populations of the same HL-A types. These data suggest that susceptibility to CAH is determined by homozygosity for a gene that is in linkage disequilibrium with HL-A8 and more closely associated with the HL-A second locus then with the locus for the major MLC determinant.


Na+-K+-activated adenosine triphosphatase and intestinal electrolyte transport. Effect of adrenal steroids.

Sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) is associated with electrolyte transport in many tissues. To help delineate its role in intestinal transport, changes in rat intestinal electrolyte and water transport induced by injecting methylprednisolone acetate 3 mg/100 g or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) 0.5 mg/100 g per day for 3 days were correlated with changes in Na-K-ATPase activity. Methylprednisolone increased sodium and water absorption, potassium secretion, transmural potential difference, and Na-K-ATPase activity in the jejunum, ileum, and colon. Examination of isolated epithelial cells demonstrated that the jejunal and ileal increase in Na-K-ATPase occurred in both the villus tip and crypermeability, Mg-ATPase, and adenylate cyclase activities were unchanged by methylprednisolone. DOCA increased sodium and water absorption, potassium secretion, transmural potential difference, and Na-K-ATPase activity in the colon alone. Colonic Mg-ATPase and adenylate cyclase activities were unaffected. Jejunal and ileal enzyme activity, electrolyte transport, and permeability were unchanged by DOCA. Methylprednisolone and DOCA were not additive in their effect on colonic Na-K-ATPase activity. Methylprednisolone and DOCA increased electrolyte and water transport and Na-K-ATPase activity concomitantly in specific segments of small intestine and colon. These data are consistent with an important role for Na-K-ATPase in intestinal electrolyte and water transport.


Glycopeptide storage in skin fibroblasts cultured from a patient with alpha-mannosidase deficiency.

Patients with mannosidosis, an inherited deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, accumulate large amounts of mannose-rich oligosaccharides (the "core" of the carbohydrate units of many glocoproteins) in brain and liver and excrete these partial degradation products in their urine. A profound alpha-mannosidase deficiency was demonstrated in fibroblasts cultured from a skin biopsy obtained from a child with mannosidosis. Further, abnormal glycopeptides rich in mannose and similar to oligosaccharides found in the patient's urine were isolated from fibroblast extracts by a variety of chromatographic procedures and by virtue of their binding to a concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B affinity column. This storage material contained mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, and asparagine in the ratio 3 : 1 : 1 together with a few toher amino acids and had a molecular weight of approximately 1,100. There was no evidence for excretion of storage material by mannosidosis fibroblasts or for any abnormality in cell surface glycoprotein composition. The glycopeptide nature of the storage material isolated from cultured skin fibroblasts may be attributed to the low level of N-aspartyl-beta-glucosamindase (EC 3.5.1.-) activity in these cells.


Potassium transport by the isolated perfused kidney.

Rat kidneys perfused outside of the body with an artificial medium are able to increase their fractional excretion of potassium in response to a rising concentration of potassium in the medium but never show net secretion of potassium. By contrast, isolated perfused kidneys from chronically potassium-loaded rats regularly secrete potassium in excess of the amount filtered. Ouabain completely blocks the secretion of potassium by these isolated kidneys, suggesting that Na-K-ATPase mediates potassium secretion by potassium-adapted rats. Neither sodium deprivation, pretreatment with deoxycorticosterone, nor pretreatment with methylprednisolone prepared the kidney to secrete potassium, despite stimulation of Na-K-ATPase activity in cortex or outer medulla. Potassium loading was the only maneuver tested that increased the activity of Na-Katpase in the inner medulla (white papilla) and also produced potassium secretion by the isolated kidney. Surgical ablation of the papilla abolished the net secretion of potassium normally seen in perfused kidneys of potassium-adapted rats, thus underlining the importance of the papilla in the process of potassium adaptation.


Disseminated gonococcal infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae with unique nutritional requirements.

Disseminated gonococcal infection occurs in 1%-3% of patients with gonorrhea in Seattle. Most strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae recovered from patients with disseminated gonococcal infection are susceptible to less than or equal to 0.015 mug of penicillin G/ml. Strains susceptible to less than or equal to 0.015 mug/ml, whether isolated from patients with disseminated gonococcal infection or from those with uncomplicated infection, did not grow on chemically defined medium prepared with several lots of agar, whereas less susceptible isolates grew well. Use of methanol-extracted nontoxic agar permitted growth of the penicillin-susceptible strains and demonstrated that all of them required arginine, hypoxanthine, and uracil (Arg-Hyx-Ura-) for growth. These Arg-Hyx-Ura- strains accounted for 89% of the cases of disseminated gonococcal infection in Seattle, 38% of uncomplicated infections in Seattle, 18% of infections in Milwaukee, and none of 104 uncomplicated gonococcal infections acquired in the Philippines and Taiwan, where disseminated gonococcal infection is unusual. Regional variations in the prevalence of these Arg-Hyx-Ura- strains may correlate with regional variations in the incidence of disseminated gonococcal infection. The genetic, physiologic, and immunologic bases for concurrence of penicillin and agar susceptibility. Arg-Hyx-Ura- phenotype, and association with disseminated gonococcal infection remain undefined, as do host factors that determine whether or not disseminated gonococcal infection will result in patients infected by such strains.


Variations of palatal dimensions in patients with Down's syndrome.

Palatal dimensions (width, depth, and height) of 40 patients with Down's syndrome were compared to 44 control patients. The height was measured with a specially designed palatal-height gauge. The palatal dimensions of patients with Down's syndrome were narrower in width, shorter in depth, and lower in height.


Computer interpretation of Frank vectorcardiogram in normal infant: Longitudinal and cross-sectional observations from birth to 2 years of age.

The evolution of the Frank vectorcardiogram (VCG) was studied from longitudinal observations (60 normal infants) and from cross-sectional observations (231 normal infants) from birth to two years of age. Age specific normal values for the Cartesian coordinates of 14 vectors including maximal QRS-T and timed vectors in the horizontal and frontal plane were determined with both methods of analysis. In longitudinally followed infants the most significant involution of right ventricular forces occurred between the newborn period and 7-14 weeks of age. These changes included disappearance of clockwise horizontal loop rotation and a leftward shift of maximal and terminal forces as well as a rightward shift of initial vectors. Longitudinal observations were useful for prediction of the normal Frank VCG in the 7 to 14-week-old infant from values observed in the newborn period and for prediction of the horizontal loop rotation throughout infancy. Cross-sectional data showed a wider range of normal values than longitudinal data in the same 7 to 14-week-old infants, but age specific normal values were well reflected between 4 and 24 months of age from cross-sectional data.


Mean QRS, ventricular gradient and left ventricular mass in patients with eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy.

The spatial ventricular gradient (G) and the mean QRS-T angle were examined in 12 patients with angiographically determined eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), as compared with 12 normal control subjects. In these 24 patients, a high significant correlation (r = 0.88) was obtained between the magnitude of the spatial mean QRS and LV mass. Although correlations were obtained between the magnitude of the spatial G or the spatial mean QRS-T angle and LV mass, they were lower (r = 0.56, 0.71 respectively). The magnitude of the spatial G (0.190 +/- 0.049 MVSec) in the eccentric LVH group increased significantly (p less than 0.001) in comparison with the control value (0.105 +/- 0.032 mVSec), while in the eccentric LVH group, decreased G/QRS (p less than 0.02), decreased T/QRS (p less than 0.05), and increased QRS-T angle (p less than 0.02) were observed. Furthermore, decreased G/QRS and widening of the QRS-T angle were observed in cases of LVH only. In cases of mild or moderate LVH, normal G/QRS ratios with definitely increased G magnitude and normal QRS-T angle were observed. It is concluded that the magnitude of the spatial mean QRS closely relates to an increase in LV mass. Therefore, should the magnitude of G increase proportionally to an increase in total muscle volume in ideal hypertrophy, then the widening of the QRS-T angle observed in LVH would be due not only to the large ARS complex but also to an alteration in the ventricular gradient.


Proprioceptive innervation of the masticatory muscles in Pinché.

This study of the masticatory muscles of the primate showed that the temporal muscle contained 107 muscle spindles, 45 in the horizontal portion and 62 in the vertical portion; the masseter muscle contained 70, 58 in the profundus portion and 12 in the superficial portion; the medial pterygoid muscle contained 15; the lateral pterygoid muscle contained 6; and the zygomaticomandibular muscle contained 9. The muscle spindles were located around the coronoid process and mandibular ramus.


On the relationship between heart weights, fibrosis, and QRS duration.

This study analyzed the effects of heart weights, myocardial fibrosis, sex, and body length upon the duration of the QRS complex. A positive correlation was found between presence or absence of fibrosis and duration of the QRS complex. A positive correlation was also found between weights of the heart and QRS duration, but this correlation appeared to be spurious and due to the tendency of fibrosed hearts to be heavier than those with normal myocardium.


Sum of two vectors having an included angle greater than ninety degrees.

If the angle between two vectors is acute an increase in either vector will increase the resultant. If the angle is obtuse, however, an increase in one vector may either decrease or increase the resultant. A mathematical derivation and a simple geometric construction are presented. The theory is applied to vectors in the horizontal plane in right ventricular hypertrophy. It is shown that as the right ventricular vector is increased from a small value, the resultant vector may first decrease and then increase again with a continuous clockwise rotation.


Regulation of muscular contraction. Distribution of actin control and myosin control in the animal kingdom.

The control systems regulating muscle contraction in approximately 100 organisms have been categorized. Both myosin control and actin control operate simultaneously in the majority of invertebrates tested. These include insects, chelicerates, most crustaceans, annelids, priapulids, nematodes, and some sipunculids. Single myosin control is present in the muscles of molluscs, brachiopods, echinoderms, echiuroids, and nemertine worms. Single actin control was found in the fast muscles of decapods, in mysidacea, in a single sipunculid species, and in vertebrate striated muscles. Classification is based on functional tests that include measurements of the calcium dependence of the actomyosin ATPase activity in the presence and the absence of purified rabbit actin and myosin. In addition, isolated thin filaments and myosins were also analyzed. Molluscs lack actin control since troponin is not present in sufficient quantities. Even though the functional tests indicate the complete lack of myosin control in vertebrate striated muscle, it is difficult to exclude unambiguously the in vivo existence of this regulation. Both control systems have been found in animals from phyla which evolved early. We cannot ascribe any simple correlation between ATPase activity, muscle structure, and regulatory mechanisms.


Muscle spindle activity in man during voluntary fast alternating movements.

Single unit activity in primary spindle afferent nerve fibres from finger and foot flexors was recorded with tungsten microelectrodes inserted into the median and peroneal nerves of healthy subjects. During voluntary fast alternating finger and foot movements, simulating the tremor of Parkinsonism, two types of discharges were seen in the Ia afferent fibres: (1) stretch responses occurring during the flexor relaxation phases, and (2) discharges occurring during the flexor contraction phases. Contrary to the stretch responses the spindle contraction discharges could be eliminated by a partial lidocaine block of the muscle nerve proximal to the recording site, indicating that they resulted from fusimotor activation of intrafusal fibres. On the basis of the temporal relations between the beginning and end of individual EMG-bursts, the start of the spindle contraction discharges and the latency of the stretch reflex in the muscles concerned, the following conclusions were drawn: the recurrent extrafusal contractions in movements of this type are initiated by the fast direct alpha route, but individual contraction phases generally last long enough to be influenced subsequently by the coactivated fusimotor loop through the spindles. It is postulated that this gamma loop influence during alternating movements helps to keep flexor and extensor muscles working in a regular reciprocal fashion with contractions adjusted in strength to the external loads.


Muscle spindle activity in alternating tremor of Parkinsonism and in clonus.

Single unit activity in spindle afferent nerve fibres from the finger flexors, the anterior tibial muscle, and the calf muscles was recorded intraneurally with tungsten microelectrodes in patients with Parkinsonism with resting tremor and in spastic patients with clonus. During tremor of Parkinsonism, involving the receptor bearing muscles, the Ia afferent fibre discharge patterns were similar to those seen previously in healthy subjects during voluntary fast alternating finger or foot movements: besides the stretch discharges occurring during the relaxation phases, discharges also occurred during the contraction phases. Such contraction discharges, presumed to originate from intrafusal muscle fibre contractions, were not seen in the spastic patients during clonus. During the clonic oscillations each afferent stretch discharge was regularly followed by a stretch reflex contraction which on its falling phase elicited a new volley of impulses in the Ia afferent fibres. The findings are considered to support the notion that, like the contractions in normal voluntary alternating movements, the contractions in tremor of Parkinsonism are organized according to the principle of alpha-gamma coactivation, whereas the contractions in clonus are stretch reflexes causing pure alpha contractions.


Regional distribution of choline acetyltransferase in the human brain: changes in Huntington's chorea.

A stereotaxic method of tissue sampling has been developed permitting detailed studies of the distribution of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) in brains from controls and from patients suffering from Huntington's chorea. The characteristic pattern of CAT distribution within extra-pyramidal structures is described. In Huntington's chorea, CAT is unevenly reduced in several brain regions particularly in the rostromedial part of the caudate nucleus. The results indicate a preferential degeneration of neostriatal cholinergic neurones in Huntington's chorea.


The pathology of the muscle spindle in myasthenia gravis.

Abnormalities in the morphology and motor innervation of the muscle spindles are described in 4 autopsied cases of myasthenia gravis. There were changes consistent with motor denervation in 5 of 118 spindles examined in sectioned material. In 65 teased, silver-impregnated spindles there was proliferation of the fusimotor innervation due to axonal sprouting occurring in the endings themselves. Motor end-plates on the intrafusal muscle fibres showed "dystrophic" changes similar to those previously described in extrafusal muscle in this disease. The sensory innervation was normal. The possible signifance of these findings is discussed.


Afferent-efferent linkages in motor cortex for single forelimb muscles.

1. In locally anesthetized cats, extracellular recordings were made from single neurons in the lateral cruciate gyrus of cerebral cortex. These neurons responded to natural activation of stretch receptors in single, contralateral, forelimb wrist muscles, typically with phasic excitation. Low-velocity stretches, which activate primary endings of muscle spindles, excited one set of neurons at a mean latency of 11 ms; high-velocity stretches, which principally activate Golgi tendon organs and/or secondary spindle endings, excited a second set at 18 ms. The cortical neurons showing threshold responses to low-velocity stretches were found exclusively within restricted columns, 0.5-2.0 mm in diameter, which were spatially separate for each muscle. Neurons exhibiting threshold responses to high-velocity stretches were present in high density within the same columns and were also distributed, although more sparsely, outside the columns. 2. These afferent columns were located in cytoarchitectonic area 4gamma, and were shown by intracortical microstimulation to coincide with the efferent columns for contraction of the same muscle from which in input rose. Discrete afferent columns were also found for single muscles in the peridimple region of sensory cortex (area 3a), spatially separate from the columns in motor cortex. The excitation of the columns in motor cortex by these inputs from muscle was independent of that in sensory cortex. 3. The role of the cerebellum in controlling these feedback systems to motor cortex was investigated by selective cooling of interpositus and dentate nucleus, respectively. Cooling of interpositus markedly reduced transmission in the high-threshold system; cooling of dentate had a similar effect on the low-threshold system. 4. The latency, threshold, and cooling data indicated that the low-threshold system to motor cortex utilizes extracerebellar pathways including medial lemniscus and is facilitated by dentate nucleus. The high-threshold system involves a transcerebellar pathway including interpositus nucleus. Both systems transmit velocity-related information, with each showing different and complementary sensitivity and dynamic range. 5. The results are discussed with reference to the cortical load-compensation mechanism postulated by Phillips (37-38).


Percutaneous radiofrequency denervation of spinal facets. Treatment for chronic back pain and sciatica.

A technique for radiofrequency localization and coagulation of articular nerves supplying the spinal facets is described and results are reported from a series of 207 patients followed 6 to 21 months (mean 31 months). Relief of pain was achieved in 79% of previously unoperated patients, in 41% of those with laminectomy but no fusion, and in 27% of those with an earlier fusion. No neurological complications were encountered.


Effects of excess intake of leucine and valine deficiency on tryptophan and niacin metabolites in humans.

Nineteen healthy humans (2 men and 17 women) served as experimental subjects in 4 experiments using diets having different levels of leucine and also a valine-deficient diet. The effect of an excess intake of leucine, with and without addition of vitamin B-6, and the effect of a deficiency of valine on urinary excretions of N1-methylnicotinamide, N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, nicotinic acid, quinolinic acid, and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, and on the level of plasma amino acids were investigated. There was no effect of leucine on the excretion of these metabolites, but a marked decrease in the plasma (or serum) valine level was observed. The same decrease was seen when a valine-deficient diet was fed.


ATPase activity in flagella from Euglena gracilis.  Localization of the enzyme and effects of detergents.

The biochemical effects of some detergents on the ATPase activity of isolated flagella from Euglena gracilis are related to morphologic obliterations induced by those detergents.  Enzymic activity can be localized by electron microscopy along the microtubules and also on the paraflagellar rod.  The nonionic detergent digitonin solubilizes the enzyme linked to dyneinic arms, whereas the activity linked to residual structures appears enhanced.  These results support the hypothesis that the paraflagellar rod may be a structure activity related to the motility of this type of flagellum.


Modifications of post-coital LH secretion and oestrous behaviour induced by drugs in ovariectomized rats.

The post-coital discharge of LH was studied in ovariectomized rats primed with steroids and injected with drugs that modify oestrous behaviour. It was found that LH release was absent in receptive rats treated with p-chlorphenylalanine which also exhibited abnormal oestrous behaviour. Rats primed with oestrogen and progesterone and injected with DL-amphetamine showed no release of LH after mating and a decreased lordotic response.


Production of ring-shaped particles by normal and metaplastic tissue. I. Human skin.

Maintenance media incubated with biopsy specimens of human skin tissues contained minute (10-12 nm wide), ring-shaped particles (RSP) similar to those described previously in culture media of mammalian cell lines. In addition to the qualitative demonstration of the particles by electron microscopy, a quantitative method was applied to estimate in media the amount of DNA that could be attributed primarily to RSP content. The amounts of DNA, obtained with 146 test specimens, varied with the pathologic condition of the tissue in the following ascending order: normal skin, verruca vulgaris, seborrheic verruca, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.


Biological dressings for exposed vascular grafts: a reasonable alternative.

The frequent application of split thickness porcine skin grafts to cover an exposed vascular repair is a reasonable alternative to amputation in patients with severe extremity injury. It is essential that soft-tissue debridement be complete and at least one wall of the exposed vascular repair be supported by healthy, viable muscle. Limb salvage was achieved in seven of nine patients in whom this technique was used, including two patients with exposed Dacron grafts.


Genetic map of the Staphylococcal bacteriophage phi11.

Ten sus mutants of the staphylococcal bacteriophage phi 11, each a representative from a different complementation group, have been used in three-factor cross experiments. The results of these crosses indicate a circular genetic map for phi 11. Functional studies of the mutants have been limited to electron microscopic examinations of lysates after prophage induction (or infection). One gene is an early gene, five genes are concerned with tail formation, and three are concerned with head formation. The tenth gene is possibly a head gene. The contribution by phi 11 to the genomic content of the plasmid-phage hybrid phi 11 de has been investigated. Phi 11 de contains most of the late genes and appears to be missing a continuous phi 11 segment that includes the early gene flanked by two late genes.


Suppression of plasma androgens by spironolactone in castrated men with carcinoma of the prostate.

Spironolactone, an inhibitor of androgen synthesis, has been administered to castrated men with metastatic carcinoma of the prostate. Plasma levels of testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone were significantly decreased. These data indicate that spironolactone suppresses adrenal androgen production and suggest that it may be of benefit in the treatment of orchiectomized patients with advanced carcinoma of the prostate.


Noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function in patients with ischemic heart disease by the subclavian arterial blood flow response to exercise.

To evaluate cardiac function, the regional blood flow of the subclavian artery as a parameter of cardiac output was measured instead of measuring cardiac output itself in 12 normal subjects and 17 patients with ischemic heart disease. The measurement of the subclavian arterial blood flow was continuously and noninvasively made utilizing the Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter before, during and after exercise. The exercise was performed in the upright position on a bicycle ergometer for 3 minutes at the work load of 230 Kpm/min. Delta F Ratio, that is, the ratio of the increased blood flow during the exercise to the increased blood flow during the first 3 minutes after the termination of the exercise, was calculated in all subjects. Delta F Ratio as well as the response pattern of the blood flow to exercise was investigated. In patients with ischemic heart disease, the increase in the subclavian arterial blood flow during the exercise was slow, and the time required to return to the pre-exercise level was remarkably prolonged in comparison with normal subjects. The mean delta F Ratio of the younger normal group was 7.43, and that of the older normal group was 5.53. While in patients with ischemic heart disease, markedly lower values were observed. The mean delta F Ratio of the following subgroups of patients with ischemic heart disease, the myocardial infarction group, the angina pectoris group, and the group of ischemic heart disease without pain, were 1.25, 1.97, and 2.52 respectively. The difference in the mean delta F Ratio between the older normal group and each subgroup of ischemic heart disease was statistically significant. Low delta F Ratio in patients with ischemic heart disease is supposed to be the manifestation of diminished cardiac reserve due to decreased myocardial contractility. As a simple parameter of cardiac output, the continuous measurement of the subclavian arterial blood flow by the Doppler flowmeter is a useful method for the noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function. Especially, the calculation of delta F Ratio may provide the numerical presentation of cardiac function.


[Influence of schizophyllan, streptomycin and rifampicin on histopathological changes in mice infected with tubercle bacilli (author's transl)].

Experimental tuberculosis in mice infected with streptomycin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis SCHACHT strain was treated with streptomycin or rifampicin alone and in combination with schizophyllan. The histopathogical tests of various organs of the treated mice were carried out. 1) In the group of mice treated with streptomycin alone, the moderate focal proliferation of RE cells were seen at the beginning of infection. However, durable activation of RE cells and the prolongation of life-span could not be recognized as compared with control animals. 2) The treatment with streptomycin-schizophyllan combination appeared to be somewhat more effective than schizophyllan alone, the phagocytic capacity being more strongly stimulated. 3) In the group treated with rifampicin alone, the therapeutic effect could be exhibited by the direct antibacterial action of rifampicin, but the activation of RE cells was slight. When rifampicin was discontinued, the growth of tubercle bacilli was rapidly resumed, and the durable therapeutic effect seemed not to be expected. Degeneration of hepatic cells tended to develop. 4) In the group treated with rifampicin-schizophyllan combination, the antibacterial effect of rifampicin appeared to be potentiated by the strong activation of RE cells by schizophyllan, showing the durable therapeutic effects.


A clinicopathological study of the heart diseases in the aged. The morphological classification of the 1,000 consecutive autopsy cases.

Consecutive autopsy of 1,000 cases of the aged disclosed coronary sclerosis in 428 cases, myocardial infarction in 137, cardiac hypertrophy in 237, valvular heart disease in 120, conduction disturbances in 96, cor pulmonale in 41, pericarditis in 39, and congenital heart disease or anomalies in 28. There were 343 morphologically normal hearts. A total of 1,022 heart diseases were found in 657 cases, corresponding 1.6 heart diseases per one heart. Heart diseases in the aged were divided into (1) those continuing from the younger period and (2) those specifically found in the aged. The latter were non-inflammatory valvular diseases and chronic conduction disturbances. Mitral regurgitation, including mitral ring dilatation (10), mitral ring calcification (9), spontaneous rupture of the chordae tendineae (2) and calcified aortic stenosis (12) and degenerative aortic regurgitation of prolapsed cusp (35) were produced by various degeneration of the connective tissue of the valves. A total of 59 cases of conduction disturbances consisted of complete or advanced heart block (15), right bundle branch block (RBBB) (16), RBBB with left axis deviation (17), and left bundle branch block (LBBB) (11). Forty-seven cases showed main lesions in the branching portion of the AV bundle and origin of the bilateral bundle branches, which were closely related to the degeneration of the central fibrous body and fibrosis at the summit of the ventricular septum. The common field, where the valvular diseases and conduction disturbances occurred, was the fibrous trigone of the heart.


Diet, mucosal architecture and epithelial cell production in the small intestine of specified-pathogen-free and conventional rats.

Upper jejunum and terminal ileum were examined in specified-pathogen-free (SPF), conventional and conventional after SPF rearing (ex-SPF) rats. The effect of 2 differential diets on the last 2 groups was examined. Ex-SPF rats had taller villi and deeper crypts than SPF rats, but similar crypt to villus ratios and cell production rates. Ex-SPF rats had similar crypt depth and jejunal villus height to conventional rats on the same diet, but taller ileal villi and a lower cell production rate. Even after 6-8 weeks, in a conventional environment, ex-SPF rat intestine was still not identical with conventional rat intestine. Diet had a significant effect on mucosal architecture, and a smaller effect on cell production rate. It is concluded that diet, microbiological status of colony of origin, and environment after weaning, can all affect mucosal architecture and epithelial cell production, and should be properly controlled in experimental studies.


Morphometry and autoradiography of early hypertrophic changes in the ventricular myocardium of adult rat. A light microscopic study.

Quantitative autoradiographic localization of newly synthesized proteins was studied in the ventricular myocardium of adult rats 2 hours after the intravenous injection of 3H-leucine and 20 hours after the induction of hypertrophy by constriction of the abdominal aorta. Equal area samples of tissue from experimental and sham-operated controls were examined for differential grain counts and morphometric measurements by light microscopy. In comparison with control levels, the hypertrophic hearts show a 20 per cent increase in the average cross-sectional area of myocytes and a 43 per cent increase in the incorporation of amino acid into proteins. The higher concentration of labeled proteins is confined mainly to cardiac muscle cells, which show a 90 per cent increase in grain counts per cell cross-section, whereas no significant change is observed over the interstitium. A test of the specificity of the autoradiographic technique shows the expected reduction in tissue labeling following cycloheximide inhibition of protein synthesis, indicating that there is no significant amount of nonspecific binding of free amino acid during the paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixation procedure.


Laboratory model of membranous glomerulonephritis in rats induced by pronase-digested homologous renal tubular epithelial antigen.

The laboratory counterpart of tubular antigen-mediated membranous glomerulonephritis in humans was produced in rats by a single injection of homologous nephritogenic tubular antigen with adjuvant. The rat developed membranous glomerulonephritis with typical clinicopathologic features of human nephritis mediated by the tubular antigen, i.e., massive proteinuria and diffuse thickening of glomerular basement membranes due to deposition of tubular antigen-antibody complexes which were demonstrated by immunofluorescent technique. The nephritogenic tubular antigen was solubilized by pronase digestion, further purified by gel filtration, and demonstrated to have the same physicochemical properties as the human tubular antigen which was found in the deposits together with beta1C- and immunoglobulins in the glomeruli of patients with membranous glomerulonephritis.


Platelet taurine in Down's syndrome.

Endogenous platelet taurine and uptake of radioactively labelled taurine by platelets was measured in normal, non-mongoloid and mentally retarded mongoloid trisomy 21 subjects. Endogenous taurine was normal in all groups, while taurine transport kinetic experiments showed normal Km but reduced Vmax in mongoloid trisomy 21 and mentally retarded patients. The latter difference may be due to decreased metabolism following decreased enzyme protein synthesis.


[Anomaly of supraganglionic portion of facial nerve (author's transl)].

In a boy of 10 with primary cholesteatoma of the right ear the following anomaly of the facial nerve was demonstrated: The nerve enters the mastoid posteriorly to the labyrinth, in Trautmann's area, there it makes a right-angled turn forward and runs in a horizontal, slightly upward direction through mastoid and antrum, crossing the lateral canal, via the epitympanum in close relation to body of incus and head of malleus, in which it had moulded a groove. It leaves the epitympanum superiorly to the processus cochleariformis, and joins the geniculate ganglion; from there completely normal course in tympanic and mastoid portion of Fallopian canal. The nerve could be preserved. Its identity was confirmed by electric stimulation. There were no other anomalies. The embryologic, forensic and surgical aspects of this anomaly are discussed. Reference is made to the paper of Prentiss and Dean 1905, the only known observation that resembles this case in some aspects.


[The implication of the cricothyroid muscle in paralysis of the vocal cords (author's transl)].

A report is given about one patient with bilateral paralysis of the vocal cords. After local anesthesia of the piriform sinus and novocain blockade of the R. externus of the superior laryngeal nerve of the same side a widening of the glottis and an improvement of the respiration was observed. After section of the R. externus of the superior laryngeal nerve we could observe even an improvement of the same effect as it has been observed after local anaesthesia. These observations were proved by spirography and photo-documentation. Because of paradox movements of the vocal cords a narrowing of the glottis was observed during inspiration. Therefore the patients dyspnea did not improve to the extent as it could be expected from the widening of the glottis after this therapy. The problems are discussed in relation to the literature.


[The problem of tracheal stenosis following laryngectomy (author's transl)].

The striking frequency of tracheal stenoses following laryngectomy gave reason for considerations on the typical causes. In our case-materials 9 tracheal stenoses were observed following 229 laryngectomies during the period from 1952 to 1972. Two of these cases represent typical stenoses produced by pressure. Within a short period of time, from 2 days up to 6 months after operation the 7 remaining cases represented marked tracheal stenoses with the mucosae showing no signes of irritation. These stenoses had been registered since 1965 only, i.e. after the introduction of the general application of insufflation anesthesia in every case of laryngectomy at our clinic. These observations gave reason for supposing that the procedure of anesthesia had to be seen as responsible for the development of tracheal stenoses. Under unfavourable circumstances during operation, even if the tube is inserted for a short period of time the anemising pressure effect of the cuff of the tube might - beside other wellknown factors - produce damages on the tracheal wall.


[Observations of lateral cervical fistulae and cysts over 10 years (author's transl)].

The series consists of 52 cases of branchial lateral cervical cysts and fistulae seen over 10 years. The majority were deep to the superficial cervical fascia or extended there, and only about half the cases were related to the carotid sheath. Fistulae are either inborn or more rarely arise later as a result of a cyst perforating outwards. Cysts present clinically mostly between the 15th and 35th year, perhaps arising as a result of spontaneous growth or inflammation may provide the stimulus to growth. All cases received operative treatment with a recurrence rate of 7.8%. Multiple recurrences were not uncommon due to increasing technical difficulties. The severity of complications is taken into account with every operation for recurrences. Radiological contrast filling of the fistula may help in the preoperative diagnosis, but it is not always reliable in demonstrating the extent and situation of the fistulous tracks.


[Contribution to the closure of septal perforations (author's transl)].

A simple and safe method is described in detail for the closure of septal perforations of various sizes. Temporal fascia is used with full thickness or split thickness skin on both sides. Fixation of the transplanted tissue by suture or glue is usually not necessary.


[The use of long pure-tone stimuli with relatively long-rise-times in clinical electro-cochleography (author's transl)].

The clinical use of the action potentials (SAP) of the acoustic nerve stimulated by sinustone bursts of relatively fast rise times has been described extensively elsewhere. The use of sinus tone bursts with relatively long rise times has the advantage of high frequency specifity. Thresholds for frequences of 500 Hz upwards may be found within a +/-12.5 dB SL confidence intervall. Judging the relation between the N1 amplitude in muV and the stimulus level in dBHL - the socalled Input/Output (I/O) curve - a differentiation between recruiting and non recruiting receptor behaviour can be made. The amplitude latency behaviour of the SAP gives additional information on the acoustic nerve's fibres in the high frequency range. The described method seems expecially useful to determine the Corti' organ's state in problematic cases of hearing defects in children.


[Postoperative estimation of stapes- and tympanoplastics by pressure evoked threshold shift (author's transl)].

Postoperative middle ear function (tympano-and stapesplastics) is discussed by threshold shift caused by pressure evoked dislocation of the middle ear transmission system (tympano audiometry). The hearing ability in correlation with the tympanogram und tympano-audiogram of special cases out of a total of 91 patients is shown. Different types of tympano-and stapes plastics are discussed.


[The prognosis of the noise-induced permanent hearing-loss (author's transl)].

Basing on a microscopic study the question was explored whether a TTS is found in the high-frequency range after exposure to a low-frequency tone or not. Such a depression is demonstrable after several registrations with automatic audiometry. This depression is significantly higher in the average of normal-hearing persons than in noise-resistant men (having a normal threshold after working in noise for many years). Also after the exposure the spikes of the Békésy-audiogram are significantly smaller in the noise-resistant men than in the control-group. Paying attention to both parameters the significance is 1%. Therefore the investigation of the high-frequency-range after exposure to a low-frequency tone seems to be a method of prediction of PTS.


[Functional survival of the human Corti organ after dissection of the eight nerve (author's transl)].

The behaviour of the functional unit haircell - peripheral neurit before and after the dissection of the cochlear nerve in two cases of cerebello-pontine angle tumors is described. An immediate alteration does not seem to be found when the blood supply via internal acoustic meatus is not severed. The survival time after the dissection of the acoustic nerve is somewhat more than seven weeks. This is longer than related morphological findings indicate in the cat where the morphological survival time of fibre population I (95% of all fibres) is not more than four weeks. On the other hand, morphological survival time of fibre population II (5% of all fibres) in cat is up to 14 months. The functional survival time in man under pure tumor pressure is longer than 10 years. Discrepancies between morphological and functional findings may indicate that morphological and functional behaviour do not necessarily coincide.


[Evaluation and documentation of electronystagmorgrams (author's transl)].

Subsequent to a critical consideration of the ambiguous methods of evaluation and documentation of electronystagmograms (ENG) practised up to now, in particular the butterfly-scheme and the L-scheme, a method is being introduced unequivocally describing the vestibular reaction, on the basis of primary nystagmus functions. Deducted from the theory of rotary nystagmus, this procedure may be transferred to any other experimental vestibular test - taking the knowledge of the primary nystagmus relations for granted - and any ENG registered correspondingly may be documented in the form as described above, and may be reproduced in an idealized state any time. Thus the goal of a documentation in electro-nystagmography, i.e. the most comprehensible recording possible of the information contents of a registered nystagmus, is widely reached. There still remains to insert the speed of the quick phase into the evaluation scheme.


[Equilibrium regulation and visual influence; studies using the pendular-platform-test (author's transl)].

30 healthy persons were investigated by sinus-like pendular movements around a vertical axis. The test was performed with the eyes open, closed and with artificially produced diplopia. Only at high accelerations there was a significant difference in the regulation of equilibrium. It is supposed, that the influence of the visual system on the equilibrium depends on the functional state of the vestibular system.


Pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: review of twelve cases of acute lupus pneumonitis.

Acute lupus pneumonitis was the presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in six of 12 cases in this series. The clinical picture was characterized by severe dyspnea, tachypnea, fever and arterial hypoxemia. Radiographic findings included an acinar filling pattern which was invariably found in the lower lobes and was bilateral in 10 of the cases. Studies failed to reveal evidence of infection as a cause of the acute pulmonary infiltrates. All patients were treated with oxygen and corticosteroids; seven received azathioprine. Six patients survived and are clinically well 14 months to four years following their acute illness. Three of these patients have residual interstitial infiltrates with persistent pulmonary function test abnormalities indicating progression to chronic interstitial pneumonitis. Histologic sections of the lungs available from four patients revealed hyaline membranes and interstitial edema (four cases), acute alveolitis (two cases), arteriolar thrombosis (one case) and a prominent lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis with organizing bronchiolitis (one case).


Colonic perforations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Five patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), four of whom died with colonic perforations, are reported. Perforation of the colon constituted the most frequent cause of death among 107 patients with SLE admitted to the Rheumatic Disease Unit during a three year period. All five patients with colonic perforation had clinical and laboratory manifestations of active SLE in addition to the abdominal syndrome. Most striking was evidence of active arteritis in all patients with either central nervous system involvement and/or peripheral arteritis, in addition to that found in the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperglobulinemia and rheumatoid factor as well as antinuclear antibodies were present at some time in all patients. The abdominal syndrome was characterized by the insidious onset of lower quadrant pain which was intermittent and colicky. Although direct abdominal tenderness was eventually present in all patients, rebound tenderness and hypoactive bowel sounds were variable and abdominal rigidity occurred only in one patient and late in the course. The differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in SLE is reviewed and possible mechanisms for the production of colonic perforations are discussed. It is suggested that the presence of rheumatoid factors in conjunction with circulating immune complexes may be the pathogenetic mechanism via the production of a mesenteric arteritis.


[Characteristics  of sulfur bacteria from lakes of the Mari ASSR].

Five karst lakes were investigated in the Mari Autonomous Republic. The vertical distribution of thionic bacteria in water was correlated to the distribution and content of dissolved sulphides. The concentration of thionic bacteria was higher in more productive lakes. A symbiotic culture of thionic and denitrifying bacteria, but not Thiobacillus denitrificans, was isolated from water of these lakes.


[Study of ron-manganese microorganisms by the overgrowth technic].

Microorganisms were studied by capillary microscopy in  the surface layer of ooze and in the bottom layer of water in the ore field of the lake Krasnoye. The lake overgrowing of iron-maganese organisms differ from that in the second ooze profile. The growth of the iron-maganese microorganisms on Euglena was found, and the character of their relationship is discussed.


[Radioisotope method of determining the intensity of bacterial methane formation].

The rate of methane formation by bacteria was determined by the isotope tracer technique using labeled carbon in the form of bicarbonate. The rate of methane production in the ooze deposits of the Kuznechikha lake was calculated by this technique to constitute 7.46 to 7.70 cm3 CH4 per 1 litre per day. The rate of the process was shown to depend on the number of methane-producing bacteria.


[Enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in phototrophic bacteria].

Purple sulphur bacteria (Chromatium minutissimum, Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii, Thiocapsa roseopersicina), non-sulphur bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas palustris Rh. viridis), and green sulphur bacteria (Chlorobium limicola f. thiosulfatophillum) contain all enzymes of the fructose diphosphate pathway of carbohydrate transformation, and also glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The activity of fructose diphosphate aldolase, triose phosphate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase increased in the cultures of Th. roseopersicina and C. limicola f. thiosulfatophillum when they were grown in the presence of glucose. The activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in these bacteria was very low.


The lumbar disc.

Some cases of low back pain and sciatica can be due to chemical radiculitis caused by irritant glycoprotein from the nucleus pulposus in contact with the nerve root. The beneficial effects of active and maintenanc  f mobilization of the nerve root.


[Possible physiological role of the "high molecular weight polyphosphate-polyphosphate phosphohydrolase" system in Neurospora crassa].

The biosynthesis of polyphosphatase and the system of active transport of glucose is repressed in the cells of Neurospora crassa by glucose at a high concentration. There is a strict correlation between the activity of polyphosphatase and the initial rate of glucose active transport. Both systems are repressed during the growth of the mycelium on a glucose medium and are repaired on a medium without glucose. The latter process is inhibited by cycloheximide. Under various conditions of cultivation, the ratio between the activity of polyphosphatase and the initial rate of active transport of glucose remains close to unity. The experiments with 8-azaadenine have shown that the system of active transport of glucose does not require ATP. A possible physiological role of polyphosphatase in N. crassa is discussed.


Peripilar keratin casts in boys.

Peripilar keratin casts are reported in three boys. All previous reports of peripilar keratin casts in children have apparently been in girls.


[Bacterial uptake of organic matter in waters of different degrees of pollution].

The assimilation of organic matter by bacteria has been shown to be more intensive in polluted waters. The maximal rate of glucose assimilation depended on the number of bacteria and appeared to be two times higher in polluted water and more than hundred times higher in estremely polluted water in comparison with clean water. The equation for the dependence of the maximal assimilation rate on the total number of bacteria in the natural populations is suggested.


[New filamentous photosynthesizing green bacteria with gas vacuoles].

The plankton of the stratified Karelian lakes was found to contain new large filamentous photosynthetic green bacteria with gas vacuoles; their vertical distribution in the lakes was studied, and also the ultrathin structure, the type of pigment (bacteriochlorophyll d), and the physiology. The bacteria have been classified as a new genus Chloronema nov. gen. within the family Chloroflexaceae, with two new species C. spiroideum nov. sp. and C. giganteum nov. sp.


[Complications of arterial reconstructions for chronical ischemia of the lower limbs (author's transl)].

547 operations performed for reconstruction of 637 chronically occluded arterial segments in the aorto-iliac and the femoro-popliteo-crural stages were analyzed for occurred complications. Lethal event as the gravest complication happened in 4.6 p.c. of the aorto-iliac and in 1,1 p.c. of the peripheral operations. Most frequently we saw a disturbed wound healing (9.8 p.c.), but only in 0.5 p.c. a deep, also the artery including infection. Early reocclusions, caused by technical imperfectness during the performance of the operation were registered in 2.5 p.c. of the cases. In addition further observed complications are discussed.


[Determination of the rate of microbiological oxidation of methane using 14CH4].

The rate of microbiological oxidation of methane was determined by a technique using 12CH4. About 75-96 percent of the carbon form the methane oxidized by microorganisms was found in carbon dioxide, the remaining part was incorporated into the microbial cells. The rate of microbiological mehtane oxidation in the water of the Mari lakes was 6.4 times 10(-3) to 464.4 times 10(-3) cm3 CH4/litre per day.


[New genus of actinomycetes: Excellospora gen. nov].

Morphological, cultural and physiological properties of two strains of soil thermophilic actinomycetes were studied. These strains were compared to the actinomycetes of related genera and were found to be close to Micropolyspora and Actinomadura. However, they differed from both genera by the structure of the sporiferous apparatus, from Micropolyspora by the type of the cell wall, and from Actinomadura by the fatty acid composition of lipids of the mycelium. A new genus of actinomycetes, Excellospora Agre a. Guzeva gen. nov., is suggested on the basis of this study. Two species belonging to the genus Micropolyspora are proposed to assign to the new genus as Excellospora viridinigra and Excellospora rubrobrunea. Since these strains differ from the aforementioned species by the traits used for differentiation of the species of actinomycetes, they are described as a new species of the new genus Excellospora Agre a. Guzeva gen. nov. sp. nov.


Is taurine-induced hypothermia in the rat mediated by 5-HT?

Intraventricular administration of taurine in the rat caused hypothermia, the extent of which was directly dependent upon the thermal gradient between the body and the environment. Pre-treatment of animals with p-chlorophenylalanine, which depleted most of the brain serotonin, strongly reduced the hypothermia induced by taurine. Pre-treatment with alpha-methyltyrosine induced hypothermia and sedation in animals. When this was followed by a taurine injection, they exhibited a decrease in body temperature which fitted the curve relating thermal gradients to hypothermic responses. It is suggested that taurine induced hypothermia in rat is mediated in part by central 5-HT systems.


The straight leg raising test: its relevance to possible disc pathology.

The records of 40 patients who had suffered from low back pain, and who had a marked restriction of straight leg raising (SLR) have been studied. Thirty-four of these cases had referred pain down the lower limb. They were all treated, at least in the first place, by manipulation. The response to manipulation demonstrates that, in the absence of evidence of interference with nerve root conduction, limitation of SLR is an unreliable sign of possible disc pathology. Furthermore, the immediate response to manipulation, particularly in the known disc protrusions, strongly suggests that muscle spasm plays a major role in limiting SLR. These points are discussed.


Onychomycosis due to Aspergillus candidus: case report.

A patient is described who suffered from chronic fungal involvement of right great toe nail. Serial cultures of the removed nail demonstrated a non-dermatophyte, Aspergillus candidus, as the causative agent.


Peripheral steroid levels in a patient with congenital absence of the uterus.

In a patient with congenital absence of the uterus, daily measurements of progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-P), pregnenolone (delta5P), 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-delta5P), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione (A), estrone (E1), estradiol-17beta (E2), and cortisol (F) were performed over a period of 48 consecutive days. Serum P, 17-P, and E2 determinations revealed normal, cyclical ovarian activity consisting of two luteal phases and one follicular phase. Serum E1, delta5P, and DHEA-S levels were normal throughout the study, whereas DHEA and DHT levels were persistently elevated. Serum levels of 17-delta5P and A showed peak levels above normal. Serum T and F concentrations were normal during the initial part of the study, but some elevation was seen during the second luteal phase. In the patient studied, absence of the uterus did not seem to interfere with cyclic ovarian activity. The role of the uterus in the metabolism of androgens remains subject to further investigation.


Glucose regulation by isolated near term fetal monkey liver.

Near term fetal monkey livers were perfused with a closed recirculating system and a defined perfusion medium.  Livers from normal fetal animals were able to release glucose rapidly into the perfusate when they were exposed to glucagon, cyclic AMP, or an aglycemic perfusate, but they did not remove glucose rapidly from the perfusate, synthesize glycogen, or activate liver glycogen synthetase in response to hyperglycemia (Figs. 1,2, and 3; Table 1).  Insulin decreased glucose mobilization in response to aglycemia, but did not stimulate glucose uptake during hyperglycemia; insulin activated glycogen synthetase (Table 1; Figs. 1 and 3).  Livers from fetuses of streptozotocin-treated mothers and livers from 2-week-old neonates released more glucose into the perfusate in response to aglycemia then did livers from normal fetal monkeys (Fig. 4).  These observations support the possibility that neonatal monkey liver is capable of rapidly mobilizing glucose during periods of hypoglycemia but is unable to take up glucose and store glycogen rapidly during periods of hyperglycemia.


[The student, the cetacean and swine-fever. A minor epidemic after dissection of a globicephale].

A whale (Globicephalus melas), stranded on the north coast of Finistere, was the origin of a minor epidemic of Baker-Rosenbach erysipeloid. The clinical picture was that usually seen after contamination by marine animals (spiny fish, crabs, molluscs). To our knowledge, this is the first time that a marine mammal has been found to be infected by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.


Some basic chemical components of the cerebrospinal fluid in developing chick embryos.

The development of the chloride ion, glucose and total protein concentration was investigated in the cerebrospinal fluid of 11- to 21-day-old chick embryos and compared with their development in the blood plasma. Developmental changes in the chloride concentration in the plasma and CSF were very small, but it was always higher in the CSF than in the plasma. The plasma/CSF ratio fell during development, from 0.906 in 11-day-old embryos to 0.778 at the end of incubation. The CSF glucose concentration fell up to the 19th day of incubation, but a significant increase was recorded shortly before hatching. The plasma glucose concentration rose throughout the whole of the investigated period of embryogenesis. Up to the 19th day the P/CSF ratio rose from 1.59 to 4.05 and in 21-day-old embryos fell to 2.47. The developmental increase in the plasma total protein concentration was accompanied by the reverse process in the CSF. During the second half of incubation the P/CSF ratio rose from 1.88 to 7.9 Calculation of total osmolarity from the Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- and glucose concentration showed permanent hyperosmolarity of the CSF compared with the plasma. The P/CSF ratio was maintained within limits of 0.94 to 0.98.


Stimulation of DNA synthesis in rat liver and kidney by cold acclimation.

Exposure of adult Wistar female rats for 7 days to 4 degrees C leads to a marked increase in the weight of the liver and kidney, caused by an increased content of DNA and an increased number of cells in these organs. The weight as well as the DNA content of the cross-striated muscle do not change appreciably. Acclimation of the warmblooded rat to cold stimulates mitosis indirectly in cells capable of division, similarly as it stimulates directly the mitotic activity in mouse and human cells cultured and adapted to cold in vitro.


Thalamocortical relations in the brain of the frog, Their role in the genesis of epileptic electrographic phenomena.

The existence of a thalamocortical reverberating circuit between the dorsal thalamic and primordial hippocampal structures could be proved in the brain of the frog (Rana temporarial) by evoking recruiting potentials. Unlike the turtle, this circuit does not take part in the genesis of electrographic phenomena in the corticogram of the frog under normal resting conditions. Spindle activity could not be observed in the EEG of curarized frogs. On the other hand, thalamic structures can influence paroxysmal susceptibility of the frog forebrain. The generation of the penicillin focus could be accelerated and paroxysmal electrographic activities elicited by iontophoretic application of penicillin into dorsal thalamic structures and/or rhythmic electric stimulation of this region. The features of thalamocortical cooperation in the frog and in the turtle have been compared.


Genetic differences in the levator ani muscle weight between inbred and congenic mouse strains.

Significant differences in relative weight of the levator ani muscle (LAW) between inbred and congenic mouse strains, differing genetically only by the major histocompatibility H-2 complex were found. It is assumed that a genetic factor (Hom-1), identical or closely associated wi th the H-2 complex, is one of the genes which influence LAW. These experiments suggest that for assay methods for myotropic activity of androgens groups of animals may be used with a homogenous genotype.


Myosin from fast and slow skeletal and cardiac muscles of mammals of different size.

The ATPase activity of myosin and contraction time in extensor digitorum longus muscle, soleus muscle and cardiac muscle was compared in mammals differing in size. It was shown that the myosin ATPase activity of homologous muscles decreases and contraction time increases with increasing size of animals. The rate of tryptic digestion of myosin, the electrophoretic pattern of light chains of myosin and the effect of p-chloromercuribenzoate on ATPase activity of myosin were also studied. All these three myosin properties are very characteristic when the myosin from a fast muscle is compared with the myosin from a slow muscle of the same animal, but no relationship between these three myosin properties and ATPase activity of myosin was found, when homologous muscles of various mammals were compared.


Influence of a five-day fast on the incorporation of acetate-1-C14 into total lipids and CO2 in subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women.

In subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese women the oxidation of acetate-1-C14 and its incorporation into total lipids was investigated. Comparison of adipose tissue taken before and after a five-day fast revealed that after fasting lipogenesis in vitro declines by 40%, while oxidation remains practically unaltered.


Effect of protein depletion on the RNA content and proteosynthesis level in rat liver and brain.

The authors studied the effect of protein depletion on the RNA content of rat liver and brain and on the incorporation of 14C-leucine into the microsomal and soluble liver and brain fractions. They failed to find a direct relationship between the amount of RNA and the rate of proteosynthesis in the organs in question. The changes found in 14-C-leucine incorporation are discussed in relation to previous studies.