B6.C-H-2bm12. A new H-2 mutation in the I region in the mouse.

The B6.C-H-2bm12 mutant is described and evidence is presented for the mutational site occurring in the IA subregion. The mutant is of the gain and loss type as bm12 in equilibrium or formed from C57BL/6 grafts are rejected in 14-16 d. Mapping studies by the gene-complementation method using H-2 recombinant strains place the mutation in the K or IA regions of the H-2 complex and furthermore, the use of this test and the use of other H-2 mutants indicate that H-2Kb is not the site of the mutation, making the IA region the most likely site. Serological analysis with a battery of H-2b, Iab, and other Ia sera, both by cytotoxicity, rosetting, and also by absorption analysis, indicated no alteration in H-2 specificities, particularly in H-2.K33. By contrast, all of the Iab specificities coded for by the IA subregion (Ia.3, 8, 9, 15, and possibly 20) are extensively altered and are either absent or greatly reduced in amount indicating an extensive alteration in the Ia-bearing molecule. The bm12 mutant strongly stimulates the parental C57BL/6 strain in an mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), and the reciprocal also occurs, the degree of stimulation being similar to that obtained with K + IA differences originating in another H-2 haplotype and points to the mutation effecting the Lad-1 locus. The presence of an extensive histocompatibility change, a marked alteration in the serologically detected Ia specificities, and a strong MLR, all produced by the one mutation, provides strong evidence for the identity of the Ia-1, Lad-1, and H-2(IA) loci in the IA subregion. The bm12 mutant should be of value in determining the relationship of Ia specificities, Ir genes, and other phenomena effected by the I region.


Ontogeny of culture-generated suppressor cells.

Culture of murine lymphoid cells without added antigen results in the generation of cells which suppress a variety of in vitro immune responses, such as the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) and the generation of alloreactive cytotoxic T cells (CTL). The ontogeny of this phenomenon was studied. Cells which suppressed the MLR after preculture were isolated from spleens and hematopoietic livers of fetal and young (less than 1 wk old) mice. On the other hand, the generation of alloreactive CTL could be suppressed only by precultured spleen cells taken from 1-w-old or older mice. The parallel between the development of the suppressor functions and the maturation of the responses they regulate, suggests a possible biological significance of the effect.


The receptor specificity of alloreactive T cells. Distinction between stimulator K, I, and D region products and degeneracy of third-party H-2 recognition by low-affinity T cells.

The specificity of binding of stimulator-derived H-2 antigens by mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC)-activated T blasts was investigated under conditions of antigen excess. We have shown that the detectable proportion of alloantigen-binding blasts from primary MLC is a function of antigen concentration, and can represent up to more than 90 percent of total blasts, when the antigen is presented in the appropriate form (on mitomycin-treated viable stimulator cells, or membrane vesicles prepared from lipopolysaccharide blasts), and at nonlimiting concentration. Thus stimulator alloantigen-binding directly parallels the proliferative response and is not restricted to a subpopulation of T blasts. However, the marked dependence of the binding on antigen concentration indicates that cells with a wide range of receptor affinities for the stimulating determinants are involved. In view of this possibility, the specificity of binding by these cells was studied. We have demonstrated that stimulator K, I, and D region products are bound by nonoverlapping subpopulations of blasts, the sum of which may represent 93 percent of total blasts. Thus, specific distinction by these cells between different H-2 region products is not affected by the putative heterogeneity in terms of receptor affinities. However, specificity with respect to unrelated H-2 haplotypes is strictly dependent on antigen concentration. A preferential binding of stimulator membrane vesicles occurs at limiting concentrations; whereas the majority of blasts bind stimulator and third- party vesicles equally well at high vesicle concentrations. The binding of both vesicle types is specific in that it can be inhibited with the relevant anti-H-2 sera. Furthermore, stimulator and third-party vesicles seem to compete for binding sites on the same cells, as shown by cold antigen inhibition. From these results, we propose that there is an imperfect distinction between stimulator and third-party H-2 antigens by the majority of primary MLC blasts. In contrast, highly selected long-term MLC blasts do not bind third-party H-2 antigens at any concentration, and seem to have high affinity for the stimulating antigens. We conclude that large numbers of clones with low-affinity (cross- reactive) receptors are generated in primary MLC, most of which become eliminated during long-term selection. This implies that the frequency of cells strictly specific for nonshared stimulating determinants must be minute.


T-suppressor cells sensitive to cyclophosphamide and to its in vitro active derivative 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide control the mitogenic response of murine splenic B cells to dextran sulfate. A direct proof for different sensitivities of lymphocyte subsets to cyclophosphamide.

As measured by [(3)H]thymidine uptake, spleen cells of mice injected 7 d previously with a single dose of cyclophosphamide (Cy) (125 mg x kg (-1)) gave an enhanced response to dextran sulfate (DS), a diminished response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and a normal response to concanavalin A. Addition of syngeneic thymocytes to spleen cells inhibited the enhanced response of the cells to DS and slightly enhanced their response to LPS. Pretreatment of thymocytes by 4-hydroxyperoxycyclophosphamide (4HP-Cy) in vitro (an in vitro active derivative of Cy) abrogated the effect of thymocytes on the DS response but not on the LPS response. Pretreatment of spleen cells by small doses of 4HP-Cy (0.1-1.0 mug. ml(-1)) in vitro enhanced the capacity of the cells to respond to DS but either did not affect, or even diminished their capacity to respond to LPS. The enhancement of the DS response by 4HP-Cy treatment could not be detected using spleen cells depleted of T cells or lacking functioning T cells. 4HP-Cy doses more than 3 mug ml(-1) diminished or abolished the capacity of the spleen cells to respond to LPS as well as their capacity to respond to DS. The results show (a) that in contrast to the LPS-reactive B-lymphocyte subset, the proliferative capacity of DS-reactive subset is negatively controlled by a Cy- and 4HP-Cy-sensitive T-cell subset and (b) that these T- suppressor cells are more sensitive to Cy and 4HP-Cy (to their respective active alkylating metabolites) than B lymphocytes and T cells carrying other immunological functions.


DNA-mediated genetic changes in Neurospora crassa.

Evidence for genetic transformation in Neurospora crassa is based on the observations that allo-DNA has a specific effect in producing transformants which is abolished by DNAase treatment and that iso-DNA is not effective in transformation. Here, unambiguous evidence for genetic transformation is provided by transfer of a temperature-sensitive inositol requirement from a donor to a recipient strain. Data provided also suggest the role of growth conditions and the involvement of a nuclease gene in the DNA uptake and transformation of N. crassa.


Demonstration of intracellular growth of gonococci in human phagocytes using spectinomycin to kill extracellular organisms.

The use of spectinomycin to kill extracellular bacterial in phagocytosis tests with gonococci and human polymorphonuclear phagocytes allowed the demonstration of a greater degree of intracellular survival and growth than in previous tests using penicillin.


Prognostic factors in omphalocele and gastroschisis.

Size of the abdominal wall defect, viscera exposed or herniated, birth weight, associated medical conditions and congenital anomalies, mode and complications of treatment, and the use of total parenteral alimentation was reviewed in 79 cases of omphalocele and 44 cases of gastroschisis treated in the past 10 yr. Sixty-seven percent of infants with omphalocele and 73% of those with gastroschisis survived. In omphalocele, the most important factors affecting mortality were the presence of other associated abnormalities and low birth weight. The size of the abdominal wall defect, the viscera herniated, and the mode of treatment did not appear to affect mortality. In gastroschisis, the size of the abdominal defect, birth weight, viscera exposed or herniated, and associated anomalies were not significant factors affecting mortality. Mortality was usually secondary to intestinal or wound complications. Statistical analysis could not prove that primary repair resulted in greater survival than the use of a silon pouch, but analysis of complications clearly indicates that the former method is preferable and that silon pouch should be reserved for cases in which primary repair is not possible.


Effects of endurance training on muscle fibre ATP-ase activity, capillary supply and mitochondrial content in man.

Seven young females were subjected to 24 weeks of intensive endurance training. Adaptive changes in myofibrillary ATP-ase activity, capillary supply and mitochondrial content were investigated with light- and electron microscopy in needle biopsies from the quadriceps femoris. 1. The average value for the maximal oxygen uptake increased from 45.7 to 57.2 (ml . kg-1 min-1) (25.2%, P less than 0.005). 2. The average number of capillaries per muscle fibre increased from 1.39 to 1.79 (28.8%, P less than 0.005). Since no significant change in fibre area was found, this suggests that a considerable number of new capillaries have been formed during the training period. 3. An increased capillary supply of all fibre types was found, being greatest for type I and smallest for type IIB. 4. The relative amount of type I fibres before and after the training period was 57.9 and 56.5% respectively (n.s.), for type IIA fibres 26.4 and 31.5% (P less than 0.005), for type IIB fibres 9.2 and 3.4% (P less than 0.005) and for type IIC fibres 0.4 and 2.2% (P less than 0.005). Thus, in the type II group, significant changes in subtypes take place during the endurance training. The data suggest that type IIAB may represent a transitional state between type IIA and IIB. 5. Correlation of capillary supply, myofibrillar ATP-ase activity and mitochondrial content (determined semiquantitatively of individual muscle fibres indicators that the capillary supply to a given fibre is more closely related to its mitochondrial content than to the fibre type as determined on the basis of myofibrillar ATP-ase activity.


The responses of primary spindle afferents to fusimotor stimulation at constant and abruptly changing rates.

1. Single fusimotor fibres to de-efferented soleus of the cat were stimulated to investigate the size and time course of the responses elicited in single primary spindle afferents. The muscle was kept at constant length close to the physiological maximum. Constant and alternating rates of fusimotor stimulation were used: (a) repetitive stimulation at constant rate (maintained stimulation); (b) modulated stimulation with the rate of activation alternating between two constant levels at repeat frequencies between 0.09 and 2 Hz (rectangular stimulation). The responses were averaged and displayed as post-stimulus time (pst) histograms (a) or as cycle histograms (b). 2. During static fusimotor stimulation the pst histograms could be clearly modulated over a range of rates of stimulation. However, histogram modulation was not a prerequisite of static action since with different fibres the degree of modulation could range from deeply modulated to completely non-modulated to completely non-modulated. 3. Dynamic fusimotor stimulation was almost always accompanied by non-modulated pst histograms. 4. Primary spindle afferents responded to rectangular stimulation of either kind of fusimotor fibre with an approximately rectangular modulation of the rate of discharge. At the repeat frequencies studied the size of the responses was appreciably larger with static than with dynamic activation. It was assessed as 'fusimotor rate-sensitivity during alternating stimulation' by the response/stimulus ratio which is defined as change in firing/change in alternating rate of stimulation, in impulses/stimuli. The mean values of rate-sensitivity were 1.35 impulses/stimuli (statics) and 0.29 (dynamics), with a static/dynamic ratio of 4.7. 5. The afferents' 'fusimotor rate-sensitivity during steady stimulation' (change in firing/change in maintained rate of stimulation( was also determined. The mean values were 0.78 (static) and 0.37 (dynamics), with a static/dynamic ratio of 2.1. 6. The time course of the responses to rectangular stimulation was of the same order of magnitude for static and dynamic fibres. It was assessed by fitting a single exponential to the rising and falling phase of cycle histograms. The mean values of the time constants for static fibres were 58 msec (rising phase) and 59 msec (falling phase), and for dynamic fibres 34 msec (rising phase) and 49 msec (falling phase). The differences were statistically non-significant. 7. The significance of the modulation in pst histograms and the mechanisms and functional implications of the differences in rate-sensitivity are discussed. It is concluded that at constant muscle length static and dynamic fusimotor fibres differ significantly by the size rather than the speed of their action on primary spindle afferents.


On the regional histology and histochemistry of the epididymis of the camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Distinct morphological regions, initial, middle and terminal segments, were distinguishable histologically; the middle segment was further subdivided into proximal, intermediated and distal parts. PAS-positive, diastase-resistant reaction was detected in the blood vessels, subepithelial tissue and stereocilia of all segments. Acid phosphatase was demonstrated in the epithelial cells with the highest activity being in the proximal part of the middle segment. Non-specific esterase gave a similar reaction but the strongest activity was in the terminal segment. Alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and adenosine monophosphatase were of similar activity in the subepithelial tissue, blood vessels, stereocilia and luminal contents; the strongest reaction occurred in the middle segment. Lactate, succinate, glutamate and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases were examined; LDH was more active than the others particularly in the terminal segment. Some reaction was found in the epithelial cells, subepithelial tissue and luminal contents.


The ultrasonic demonstration of fetal abnormalities in utero.

The demonstration of fetal diseases and anomalies in utero can now be performed with a high degree of accuracy with modern ultrasonic equipment. This paper describes the more common and important fetal anomalies which can be demonstrated by ultrasound and indicates the importance of meticulous attention to technique and the significance of the acquistion of skill in real-time sonography by the physician-sonologist. The thoroughness of all obstetric sonographic examinations is emphasized to enable detection of unsuspected fetal anomalies. Specific methods to demonstrate these anomalies in the high-risk patient are also described. Several pitfalls in the diagnosis of fetal disease in utero are included which show the nonspecificity of some of the ultrasonic signs.


Years of life lost through Down's syndrome.

A congenital genetic condition does not act either as a cause of death or at the time of death only. Hence, years of life lost through such a conditon cannot be calculated in the same way as for a conventional cause of death. The main difference is that a cause of death acting at age x cuts off as many years of life as the dead person might otherwise have expected to live (life expectancy at age x), whereas a congenital genetic condition exposes an affected person to a different schedule of life-threatening risks from birth onwards. In the latter case, years of life lost is calculated as the difference in life expectancy at birth for affected and non-affected persons. This reasoning is worked out in algebraic form and then applied to Down's syndrome. The data base is provided by two large and recent studies, one in Massachusetts and the other in Denmark, of mortality rates among all cases of Down's syndrome, whether in an institution or not, born during a given period of years or living at a given point in time in a fixed geographical area. So calculated, years of life lost through Down's syndrome relative to the United States general population in 1970 was 53.6 years per 1000 livebirths. Prenatal mortality is also discussed.


Children with supernumerary X-chromosome. A ten-year follow-up study of schoolchildren in special classes.

Pupils from special school classes affected by supernumerary X-chromosomes (eight girls and eighteen boys) were subjected to a follow-up study over a period of ten years. The risks of social behaviour disturbances, criminality and alcohol abuse were studied, together with that of mental disorder. In the case of the girls no statistically significant differences were found. For the boys, the only difference of statistical significance was that the Klinefelter boys showed a lower frequency of social behaviour disturbances that their controls.


Erythrocyte copper levels in children with trisomy 21.

Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase is a cuproprotein displaying increased activity in cases of trisomy 21. In this study, the three erythrocyte copper fractions were compared at constant serum copper levels in children with and without trisomy 21. The labile erythrocyte copper level was found to be identical in both groups of children. Total erythrocyte copper, especially the stable fraction, was increased in cases of trisomy 21. The approximately fifty per cent ob served increase correlates with the augmented superoxide dismutase activity related to the presence of an extra chromosome 21. Measurement of the stable erythrocyte copper fraction could constitute an indirect method for evaluating superoxide dismutase activity.


An economic evaluation of present and proposed methods of compensating hearing loss.

The basis for compensation of industrial hearing loss in the Province of Ontario is described, and contrasted with schemes utilized in other parts of Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Changes are suggested for the method used to derive the percentage of permanent disability related to hearing loss. A randomly selected population of claimants for industrial hearing loss have been used to model the economic effect of such changes, which are discussed.


In vivo methylation of bacteriophage phi X174 DNA.

A mutant (designated mec(-)) has been isolated from Escherichia coli C which has lost DNA-cytosine methylase activity and the ability to protect phage lambda against in vivo restriction by the RII endonuclease. This situation is analogous to that observed with an E. coli K-12 mec(-) mutant; thus, the E. coli C methylase appears to have overlapping sequence specificity with the K-12 and RII enzymes; (the latter methylases have been shown previously to recognize the same sequence). Covalently closed, supertwisted double-standed DNA (RFI) was isolated from C mec(+) and C mec(-) cells infected with bacteriophage phiX174. phiX. mec(-) RFI is sensitive to in vitro cleavage by R.EcoRII and is cut twice to produce two fragments of almost equal size. In contrast, phiX.mec(+) RFI is relatively resistant to in vitro cleavage by R.EcoRII. R.BstI, which cleaves mec(+)/RII sites independent of the presence or absence of 5-methylcytosine, cleaves both forms of the RFI and produces two fragments similar in size to those observed with R. EcoRII. These results demonstrate that phiX.mec(+) RFI is methylated in vivo by the host mec(+) enzyme and that this methylation protects the DNA against cleavage by R.EcoRII. This is consistent with the known location of two mec(+)/ RII sequences (viz., [Formula: see text]) on the phiX174 map. Mature singlestranded virion DNA was isolated from phiX174 propagated in C mec(+) or C mec(-) in the presence of l-[methyl-(3)H]methionine. Paper chromatographic analyses of acid hydrolysates revealed that phiX.mec(+) DNA had a 10-fold-higher ratio of [(3)H]5-methylcytosine to [(3)H]cytosine compared to phiX.mec(-). Since phiX.mec(+) contains, on the average, approximately 1 5-methylcytosine residue per viral DNA, we conclude that methylation of phiX174 is mediated by the host mec(+) enzyme only. These results are not consistent with the conclusions of previous reports that phiX174 methylation is mediated by a phage-induced enzyme and that methylation is essential for normal phage development.


[Classification of acquired aortic stenosis (based on electrocardiographic study data)].

The article is based on the case records of 192 patients with acquired aortic stenosis and interpretation of the ECG of 187 patients. In this group, 143 patients underwent operation and 8 died in the period of their examination. The purpose of the examination consisted in determining whether or not the ECG could characterize the stage of the cardiac disease. Four types of electrocardiographic changes of the ventricular complex characteristic of left-ventricular hypertrophy were distinguished. On comparing clinical and electrocardiographic findings, no clear dependence was revealed between the clinical manifestations of the stenosis and the severity of the hypertrophic process in the muscle of the left ventricle according to the ECG data. The information gained by means of ECG is confirmed by the results of pathomorphological examination. The authors suggest a clinical classification of acquired aortic stenosis based on the function changes in the left-ventricular myocardium as determined from the ECG.


[Characteristics of the effect and the effectiveness of the terrain cure in patients 6-12 months after a myocardial infarct].

The effect of terrain cure, the dose of which was determined by the level of physical tolerance, was studied in 121 patients treated according to a rehabilitation program on the South coast of the Crimea 6 to 12 months after myocardial infarction. According to the peculiarities of the clinical electrocardiographic and hemodynamic reactions recorded by examination during terrain cure, groups of patients differing in the degree of adaptation to the load of the cure were distinguished. This made it possible to differentiate the treatment and appraise its results objectively. The clinical efficacy was more marked in patients with relatively complete adaptation to the load experienced during terrain cure. The terrain cure lods, the doses of which are determined by the level of physical tolerance and increased step by step with due account for the peculiarities of the patients' reactions, are an effective physical and psycho-emotional factor in the complex of measures applied for rehabilitation after myocardial infarction.


[Diastolic relaxation disturbance and the compensatory role of the left atrium in hypertension].

The processes of contraction and relaxation of the myocardium, the compensatory role of the left auricle were studied by echocardiography in patients suffering from essential hypertension with varied intensity of myocardial hypertrophy of the left ventricle. 44 patients with essential hypertension and 10 healthy individuals were examined. The patients suffering from essential hypertension not attended by myocardial hypertrophy of the left ventricle show an increase in inotropism and in the extent of diastolic relaxation as compared to controls. A significant rise of the myocardial weight of the left ventricle entails a reduction in myocardial contractility and in the extent of diastolic relaxation. As hypertrophy of the left ventricle increases, the compensatory role of the left auricle rises, thus ensuring increased diastolic filling and maintenance of the left ventricular contractility.


[Hemodynamic characteristics of spontaneous (hereditarily determined) hypertension in rats. 1].

The hemodynamics and contractility function of the myocardium were studied in rats of 2 age groups with normal or increased arterial pressure under conditions of an acute experiment with the use of electromagnetic flowmetry. In the early hypertensive stage, the rise in arterial pressure is mainly caused by an increase in the cardiac output due to intensified work of the heart in normal peripheral resistance to the blood flow. With the gradual stabilization of the hypertension it is observed, on the whole, that the hyperkinetic type of circulation encountered in the early stage changes to eu- and hypokinetic types in the stage of stable hypertension when the high arterial pressure is maintained by the increased peripheral resistance to the blood flow while the contractility function of the myocardium is diminished.


[X-ray angiocardiographic characteristics of the heart in arterial hypertension].

Correlation-statistical analysis of the roentgenocardiometric indices and the findings of left ventriculography in 30 patients with arterial hypertension was conducted. A significant inter-relationship of the roentgenometrical criteria of enlargement of the heart (cardiothoracic index, the extent of convexity of the arch of the pulmonary artery and, to a lesser measure, the cardiac volume) with the mass of the myocardium and the thickness of the left ventricular wall was revealed. The roentgenological criteria may complement the existing methods of the assessment of the degree of myocardial hypertrophy in arterial hypertension.


Reticuloendothelial and mesangial function in murine immune complex glomerulonephritis.

The function of the mesangial and reticuloendothelial system was evaluated in normal mice and in mice with nephritis induced by lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus infection. Heat-aggregated human immunoglobulin (AlgG) and colloidal carbon served as traceable materials which could be detected in animals' blood and tissues. LCM virus-infected proteinuric (LCM-P) mice, as compared to normal mice or LCM-infected nonproteinuric (LCM) mice, had greater accumulation of AIgG in their glomeruli at all times of examination following i.p. injection of AIgG. The removal rate of AIgG from the kidney, however, was the same in normal and LCM-P mice, indicating an unimpaired mesangial clearing system. This suggested that other mechanisms were responsible for the increased glomerular accumulation of AIgG in LCM-P mice. Reticuloendothelial function was examined directly by i.v. injection of AIgG or colloidal carbon. The data demonstrate that in this model of immune complex glomerulonephritis, colloidal material tested was removed from the blood at a slower rate than it was in normal mice. Deficient clearance of endogenous blood-borne immune complex-like material may be one of the factors playing a role in the accumulation of immune complex-like material in the glomeruli of these nephritic animals.


Effect of prostaglandin E on immune complex nephritis in NZB/W mice.

Pharmacologic quantities of prostaglandin alter the immune complex nephritis of NZB/W mice. To study the mechanism of this change, NZB/W mice received 200 micrograms. of prostaglandin E1 or E2 twice daily starting at 2, 4, or 6 months of age. Mice were sacrificed at bimonthy intervals, renal function and serologic parameters were evaluated, and renal tissue was examined by light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. Therapy decreased the incidence of proteinuria, lessened renal pathology, and prolonged survival. Maximal beneficial effects occurred when treatment began at 2 months of age. The most striking change was a decrease in the rate of immune complexes depositing in the mesangium and their absence from peripheral loops. Accompanying this change was a reduction in glomerular hypercellularity and a decrease in renal perivascular and interstitial mononuclear infiltrates. By contrast, treatment did not alter serum levels of immunoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies, and antisingle or double-stranded DNA. These results indicate that prostaglandin E is capable of prolonging survival in NZB/W mice by decreasing the rate of immune complexes depositing in glomeruli.


A study of causes of unemployment among agricultural labourers afflicted by leprosy.

116 patients consisting of 54 males and 62 females, all engaged in agriculture were interviewed to find out the cause of their unemployment. Deformity seemed to be the major factor responsible for the loss of job among them, which was prevalent among advanced age group (Males--50, Females--53.5). Since the measures to rehabilitate them are rather difficult, it is essential to educate them on the methods of prevention of deformities and their importance. If not, they invariably loose their job at an age when they cannot train themselves for a suitable alternative job to earn their livelihood.


Phosphorprotein intermediate in the Ca2+-dependent ATPase reaction of macrophage plasma membrane.

ATPase activity and phosphorylation by [gamma-32P] ATP of isolated plasma membrane of alveolar macorphages are stimulated in a parallel fashion by physiologic concentrations of Ca2+, with half-maximal activating effect of this ion at (3--7) X 10(-7) M. For various membrane preparations, a direct proportionality exists between Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity and amount of 32P incorporated. Labeling of membrane attains the steady-state level by 10 sec at 0 degrees C, and is rapidly reversed by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), K+ decreases the amount of membrane-bound 32P, mainly by enhancing the rate of dephosphorylation of the 32P-intermediate. Hydroxylamine causes a release of about 90% of 32P bound to the membrane, thus indicating that the 32P-intermediate contains an acyl-phosphate bond. When the labeled plasma membrane is solubilized and electrophoresed on acrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, the radioactivity appears to be largely associated with a single protein fraction of 132,000 +/- 2,000 aarent molecular weight. These features of the macrophage Ca2+-ATPase suggest that the enzyme activity might be part of a surface-localized Ca1+-extrusion system, participating in the regulation of Ca2+-dependent activities of the macrophage.


Electrocardiographic voltage changes during hyperthyroidism.

Electrocardiograms of 67 thyrotoxic patients were studied. Subsequent electrocardiograms during euthyroidism in 16 patients permitted an analysis of voltage changes. Decreases in voltages after radioiodine therapy were significant (P less than 0.01) for the P wave in lead, V1, R wave in leads II, AVF, V4, V5, and V6, maximal RS wave, and maximal R wave and were present in all but one patient. Criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (sum of S wave in V1 plus R wave in V5 or V6 greater than 35 mm), present in 21% of patients, regressed in all five patients who had later electrocardiograms during euthyroidism. Left ventricular hypertrophy or high-voltage R waves in the absence of usual causes may suggest the presence of hyperthyroidism. The concept that cardiac voltage is determined in part by thyroid hormone is reviewed; this relationship may be the basis for increased voltage in hyperthyroidism as well as decreased voltage in hypothyroidism.


On the enzymatic response to injury and its mediators.

The enzymatic response to injury appears as an increase in enzymatic activity in the periphery of burns and other injuries. The following processes constitute the enzymatic response: 1) release, 2) activation and 3) synthesis of enzymes. Processes 2) and 3) are dependent upon the fibroblast, which is an activated fibrocyte. Among the fibrocyte activators, and thus among the mediators of the enzymatic response, are histamine, serotonin, kinins, prostaglandins etc. The effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the enzymatic response to burn injury were studied. Indomethacin, mefenamic acid or aspirin, suspended in carboxymethylcellulose, were given to rats by stomach tube. Controls received carboxymethylcellulose only. Circular burns were inflicted on anaesthetized animals which were killed 30 min, 2 h or 4 h after burning. The burns were studied histologically and enzyme histochemically by using the methods for prostaglandin synthetase, esterases, and adenosine triphosphatase. Aspirin had no effect on the enzymatic response. Mefenamic acid and indomethacin caused a less severe enzymatic response in the 4-h groups as compared to control rats.


Partial purification and characterization of the phosphate transporter from bovine heart mitochondria.

A highly active phosphate transporter was extracted with octylglucoside from bovine heart submitochondrial particles that were first partially depleted of other membrane components. It was then partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation. After reconstitution of the transporter into liposomes prepared with a crude mixture of soybean phospholipids, the Pi/OH exchange, but not the Pi/Pi exchange, was stimulated three- to fourfold by valinomycin and nigericin in the presence of K+. Both Pi/OH and Pi/Pi exchange activities were sensitive to mercurials and other SH reagents. The rutamycin-sensitive ATPase complex from mitochondria was reconstituted together with the phosphate transporter and adenine nucleotide transporter into liposomes. After inhibition of externally located ATPase, the hydrolysis of ATP was sensitive to atractyloside and mersalyl.


A new method of preparing Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum: extraction with octylglucoside.

A fast method for preparing Ca2+-ATPase from rabbit muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was devised. The method involves extracting extrinsic membrane proteins with the non-ionic detergent octylglucoside at high salt concentration. A Ca2+-ATPase of consistently high specific activity (about 25 mumoles/mg.min) is found in the insoluble residue. The method was optimized with respect to the concentrations of detergent and salt, pH, and other extraction conditions. By the criteria of the protein pattern in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, dependence of the hydrolytic activity on the presence of Ca2+, and the phosphoprotein formation, the preparation is identical with the Ca2+-ATPase isolated previously by MacLennan [10] and other authors. The main advantages of the new method are its rapidity, its reliability, and the high specific activity of the purified enzyme.


Characterization of lambdapolA transducing phages; effective expression of the E. coli polA gene.

lambdapolA phages carrying the polA gene in either orientation were isolated and characterised by genetic tests and by assay of the polA gene product after infection of E. coli or induction of lysogens. Lytic infection gave consistently better amplification of DNA polymerase I than that obtained by induction of a lysogen. Optimal amplification of DNA polymerase I was not achieved from the PL promoter of cro-phages, but some advantages accrued when the polA gene was oriented for transcription from the PL promoter of a cro+ phage. lambdapolA phages in which the polA allele was from E. coli strain C600 provided better amplification than phages with the polA allele from E. coli ED8659. Induction of a lambdapolA1 cI857 Qam Sam prophage gave levels of DNA polymerase I approaching 100 times that found in the non-lysogenic Pol+ host. Genetics studies with the lambdapolA phages confirmed the previously postulated orientation of the polA gene within the E. coli genome.


Characterization of the dnaA, gyrB and other genes in the dnaA region of the Escherichia coli chromosome on specialized transducing phages lambda tna.

Specialized transducing phages lambda tna (tryptophanase) harboring chromosomal DNA and genetic markers from the dnaA region of the Escherichia coli chromosome were isolated. Transductional analysis showed that some of these tnaA transducing phages carry two genes important in DNA replication, namely the dnaA gene (initiation of chromosome replication) and the gyrB gene (subunit B of DNA gyrase), formerly designated couR. The following clockwise order of genetic markers was found: uhp, gyrB, dnaA, rimA, tnaA, bglB. The gene-protein relationship was established by the determination of the gene products encoded on the chromosomal DNA of the different lambda tna. A 54 kD and a 91 kD polypeptide appear to be coded for by the dnaA and gyrB genes, respectively; the 91 kD protein is encoded on a region in which coumermycin sensitivity maps and is with respect to electrophoretic behavior identical to subunit B of DNA gyrase. The 54 kD protein is encoded on the region in which different independently isolated dnaA(Ts) mutations (dnaA5, dnaA46, dnaA167, dnaA203, dnaA204, dnaA205, dnaA211, dnaA508) are located. Additional genes which code for polypeptides with hitherto unknown functions were identified and mapped. The acriflavin sensitivity mutation acrB1 was found to be an allele of the gyrB gene (see "Note Added in Proof").


Uvm mutants of Escherichia coli K12 deficient in UV mutagenesis. II. Further evidence for a novel function in error-prone repair.

Uvm mutants of Escherichia coli K12 selected for defective UV reversion induction have previously been reported to differ considerably from the UV-reversion-less recA and lexA mutants with regard to survival or mutagenic response to UV, X-rays and alkylating agents. In the present study, the phenotypic characterization of uvm mutants was extended to investigate several cellular processes which also may be related to or involved in UV mutagenesis. Like recA and lexA mutations, the uvm mutations exhibit highly reduced Weigle reactivation and normal host cell reactivation of UV irradiated phage lambda. But unlike recA and lexA, the uvm mutations do not impair genetic recombination, UV induction of prophage lambda or R plasmid-mediated UV resistance and mutagenesis. These phenotypical characteristics and preliminary results of genetic mapping lend further support to the assumption that the uvm site may be a novel locus affecting, apart from the recA and lexA loci, the error-prone repair pathway in E. coli.


The surface layer of Candida albicans.

The surface of Candida albicans is covered by a mucus layer secreted by the cell. Excess mucus secretion accumulates between the cells, and contains protein, polysaccharides and secreted enzymes. In mature cultures dead cells are trapped in the mucus, and the accumulated mucus and cell debris facilitate the formation of plaque, and the penetration of C. albicans into infected host tissues.


The influences of a lambda prophage on the growth rate of Escherichia coli.

A lambda prophage increases the competitive ability of E. coli K12 in a glucose-limited chemostat. This phenomenon does not involve the lambdarex gene. Expression of the lambdarex gene conditionally decreases fitness in two ways: (1) it causes malT- but not malT+ lysogens to be at a selective disadvantage in competition with non-lysogens. (2) During adaptation to slow, glucose-limited chemostat growth from rapid, glucose-excess flask growth, expression of the lambdarex gene transiently decreases the growth rate when compared to the non-lysogen.


Plasma exchange: a selective form of blood-letting.

The technique of, and indications for, plasma exchange are presented. This selective form of plasma removal has re-established "blood-letting" in medical therapeutics on a scientific basis. It is the most appropriate therapy when hyperviscosity or haemostatic failure complicate immunoproliferative disease. Plasma exchange is also a significant advance in the management of fulminant forms of autoimmune disease, but in many other conditions it must be regarded as experimental.


Regular steps in bending cilia during the effective stroke.

A ciliary beat cycle consists of an effective stroke in which the extended cilium makes an oar-like movement towards one side, and a recovery stroke in which the cilium moves back by propagating a bend from base to tip (Fig. 1A). In the sliding microtubule model of ciliary and flagellar movement, which is now supported by substantial evidence1-3, the sliding displacement of microtubules in any region of the cilium is related linearly to the angular change in the direction of that region (Fig. 1B). Thus, during the effective stroke, microtubule sliding is not confined to the region near the base of the cilium but involves the whole length of the extended organelle, and the relative speed of sliding can be measured as the angular velocity of the ciliary motion. I report here that in molluscan cilia the effective stroke consists of regularly alternating rapid and slow phases of angular movement. This suggests that the microtubules slide in quantal steps.


Motor neuron firing range, axonal conduction velocity, and muscle fiber histochemistry in neuromuscular diseases.

The voluntary discharge properties and axonal conduction velocity of single motor units were studied in patients with neuromuscular diseases with retained differentiation of the muscle fibers into type 1 and type 2, and in patients with late-onset hereditary distal myopathy in which muscle fibers have only intermediate histochemical properties. In the patients with muscle fiber differentiation, the findings were similar to those in normal subjects; that is, there was a continuum between motor units which fired tonically at low rates and had a low axonal conduction velocity, and motor units which fired phasically at high rates and had a high axonal conduction velocity. In the patients without muscle fiber differentiation, all motor units had intermediate firing properties and a low axonal conduction velocity. It is suggested that in chronic pathologic states, the differentiation of the muscle fiber histochemistry remains only as long as the differentiation of the motor neurons remains.


Types of human intrafusal muscle fibers.

The histochemical and fine structural profiles of human intrafusal muscle fibers were studied. Spindles were located in freshly frozen specimens taken from biopsied normal external intercostal muscles, and periodic 10- and 50-mum-thick cross sections were processed alternately for enzyme histochemical and electron microscopic examination. Nuclear bag fibers were of two types, bag1 and bag2, histochemically, and they displayed two distinct types of ultrastructure. Nuclear chain fibers were histochemically and ultrastructurally homogeneous. Regional differences in enzymatic staining and ultrastructure occurred along individual intrafusal fibers. Human bag1 and bag2 fibers appear to be analogous to the two types of nuclear bag fiber identified in animal spindles and are considered to have different roles in spindle function. The presence of three types of intrafusal fibers should be taken into account when studying spindle abnormalities in human neuromuscular disorders.


Inhibition of mixed lymphocyte response by monoclonal antibody specific for a rat T lymphocyte subset.

Cell-surface differentiation antigens which are associated with particular lymphocyte subsets are likely to be molecules which mediate specific functions of the cells which display them. One way to investigate this hypothesis is to see whether antibodies directed against such antigens will inhibit functional systems. This approach can be attempted with confidence if monoclonal antibodies are used, as these react with one antigenic determinant only and can be used in purified form. In this report we show that a monoclonal antibody which is specific for a subset of rat tT lymphocytes inhibits the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR). The antibody acts on the responder cells without killing them.


Alterations of mitochondrial properties in folate nephropathy.

Folate nephropathy was selected as a model to study renal mitochondrial response after tubular injury. 20 h after injection, 14C-leucine incorporation was suppressed to 20--30% of control, 14C-mannose incorporation was 63--78% greater than control while the activities of succinic dehydrogenase and monoamine oxidase were unaltered. By 40 h, 14C-leucine incorporation had been restored to control values. Also, at 20 h, ATPase activity sensitive to oligomycin inhibition had increased by 45--73%, whereas K+-stimulated ATPase activity was reduced in the experimental mitochondrial fractions. The results are discussed along with other studies of mitochondria in experimental renal disease.


A controlled trial of manipulation in a selected group of patients with low back pain favouring one side.

Ten patients with low back pain favouring mainly one side are treated by manipulation, using a specified technique. Tension measurements in both legs are taken at five degree increments as the legs are passively raised, with the knees extended, both before and after manipulation. The resultant tension gradients are compared with a control group of subjects with no back pain who are also manipulated. There is a statistically significant alteration in the tension measurements after manipulation of the painful side as compared with the change after manipulation of the controls.


Achievement by the genetically disabled: a history of social and medical aid to a patient with partial Down's syndrome.

A trisomy 21/normal mosaic is described, together with her educational and social development. Amniocentesis was used to monitor her two pregnancies and both fetuses were found to be normal. Social and medical aid have encouraged the patient to lead a normal life.


Needle tract endometriosis: an unusual complication of amniocentesis.

A case is presented of abdominal wall endometriosis following amniocentesis. A discussion of this unusual phenomenon is included.


Pathology of dementia.

A group of diseases of the brain characterized by dementia have been discussed. The pathologic features of each were described and illustrated. It seems that, in summary, several points merit emphasis. First of all, as more people survive to the seventh, eighth, and ninth decades, the most common dementia, senile Alzheimer's disease, will become a more significant public health problem. Second, while at the present time there is no successful therapy available, there are some glimmerings of hope on the horizon. The discovery of the agent of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease seems to have placed us on the fringe of a whole new series of advances. A novel type of disease agent awaits characterization and definition, and there are hints that similar agents could be responsible for the development of the degenerative diseases, perhaps in conjunction with environmental toxins and in the medium of a permissive genetic background. In the case of Huntington's chorea, it seems reasonable that a pharmacologic agent could be found to control the symptoms such as L-dopa therapy has done for patients with Parkinson's disease. It may develop, however, that such an agent will control the choreiform movements but will not influence the dementing condition.


Assessing skin problems of occupational origin.

Severity of occupational cutaneous hazards depends on the agent's harmfulness, kind of exposure, the affected subject's responsiveness, and the controls in effect.


Fetal properties in red blood cells of newborn infants.

In order to identify the fetal features in neonatal erythrocytes, cord blood was separated into seven fractions of varying specific density. Cell age in the single fractions was ascertained by means of reticulocyte count, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase activity, and hemoglobin F concentration. The same procedures were used with blood of adults. With the exception of the fraction of neonatal blood with the highest specific density, the blood from neonates and adults correlated well for cell age and specific density. The highest specific density fraction of neonatal blood was found to contain a higher proportion of younger cells. The comparison of enzyme activities in the single fractions between neonates and adults showed that a high activity of glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase and enolase and a low activity of phosphofructokinase are typical fetal signs of neonatal cells.


Nucleotide sequence of a secondary attachment site for bacteriophage lambda on the Escherichia coli chromosome.

The nucleotide sequence of a secondary attachment site for bacteriophage lambda was determined in a region near the rrnB gene at 88 min on the E. coli chromosome. The sequence has a 8 base pair interrupted homology GCT TTTTA to the common core of the primary attachment site (attB) and the corresponding phage sequence (attP). The site of crossover during integration lies probably between nucleotides -3 and +1. The flanking regions have no obvious homology to the arms of either attP or attB.


[Flea fauna and ecology of jerboas in the southern Balkhash region (Aphaniptera)].

22 species of fleas have been found on five species of jerboa in southern Pribalkhashje. Of them 8 species are parasites of jerboa, 13 -- of gerbils and one -- of birds. Most abundant are three species of fleas of jerboa: M. lenis, M. eucta and O. volgensis. Of gerbils' fleas representatives of the genus Xenopsylla were dominant on jerboa. The greatest indices of abundance have been reported for A. severtzovi, A. elator, A. acontion. The gerbils' fleas are more abundant on D. sagitta than on the other species.


Prenatal exposure to testosterone and its precursors influences morphology and later behavioral responsiveness to testosterone of female mice.

Prenatal exposure to testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone or progesterone significantly increased ano-genital distance of female mice. In addition, prenatal exposure to T or pregnenolone significantly reduced the duration of T exposure during adult life required to induce intraspecific fighting behavior. However, the most masculinized females, those exposed to T prenatally, still had significantly shorter ano-genital distances and required a longer exposure period to T in order to establish fighting than did prenatally oil-exposed male mice. Additional experiments revealed that pregnenolone augments later responsiveness to the aggression-promoting property of T only if it is administered during the prenatal period of development.


Cataractogenic and lethal effect of selenite in rats during postnatal ontogenesis.

Male rats aged 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days were injected with a single dose of sodium selenite (20 or 40 mumol/kg b.w.). For two months after the injection, all the rats were observed daily for mortality (acute up to 24 h after the injection, subacute 2--7 days after) and the incidence of permanent and intermittent cataract. With the higher dose, both forms of lethal effect were found to shift to earlier phases of ontogenetic development, subacute mortality appearing sooner than acute mortality. The cataractogenic effect produced by the administration of both 20 and 40 mumol/kg b.w. dependent on the age of the experimental animals. It appeared only in the early phases of ontogenetic development (up to the age of 15 days); cataract was not observed during later development.


Radioimmunoassay of arginine vasopressin in the plasma and urine.

We introduced the radioimmunoassay (RIA) of arginine vasopressin (AVP) with standard AVP and antiserum to AVP (both Calibiochem). The sensitivity of the system was increased from the declared 4pg to 1 pg per tube by preparing AVP-125I of high specific activity (about 1,500 mCi/mg) and by modifying the reaction conditions. The sensitivity of the method was adequate for measuring AVP in urine and in concentrated plasma extracts, even under physiological conditions. Reliability of the results depended upon maintenance of approximately the same osmolarity in all the RIA samples. The mean plasma AVP level, uncorrected for AVP extraction losses, was 1.52 +/- 0.20 pg/ml for an ad libitum fluid intake; in fluid deprivation it rose in proportion to the osmolarity of the plasma to 5.83 +/- 0.42 pg/ml at 12 hours and to 19.09 +/- 4.51 pg/ml at 36 hours. Extraction recovery of added AVP was about 63%. The urinary AVP concentration varied according to the patients' state of hydratation from undetectable values at UOsm less than 200 mOsm/1 to a mean 16.5 +/- 7.9 pg/ml in the presence of an ad libitum fluid intake and to 29.1 +/- 7.5 pg/ml after 12 hours' and 117.2 +/- 13.7 pg/ml after 36 hours' deprivation of fluids.


[A study of the tensile strength of cruciate ligaments with regard to the possibilities of prosthetic replacement (author's transl)].

Recent clinical and experimental results in the prosthetic replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament are minimal and this fact has incited us to search for additional fundamental characteristics of natural and synthetic ligaments. The dissection of over 30 human knees (5 fresh and 27 embalmed specimens), of 50 dog knees and of 20 cat knees showed that the posterior cruciate ligament was longer and of bigger size than the anterior cruciate ligament. In dogs, the anatomo-radiological study showed a lenghtening of 14,4 p. 100 for the anterior cruciate and of 10,5 p. 1u0 for the posterior cruciate ligament in the various goniometric positions. Traction with the Instron apparatus using whole knee with preserved bony attachments revealed an elastic resistance (yield point) of the ligament of about 50 kg, 60 kg and 30 kg (for human, dog and cat respectively) with elastic elongation (at the yield stress) of 25 p. 100, 35 p. 100 and 45 p. 100 (respectively). Trials on the polyethylene prosthetic ligament used at the present time for replacement of cruciate ligaments in humans showed an elastic resistance of only 16 kg with an elasticity of only 1,4 p. 100. The major differences between the physical properties of the artificial and natural ligaments that we have studied in experimental conditions incite our serious doubt as to the value for the practical use of such a prosthesis and provoque strongly the necessity of search for alternative synthetic or other material more suitable for the task in question.


[Upper tibial osteotomy for degenerative arthritis of the knee with varus deformity.-A review of 250 cases. (author's transl)].

The authors have reviewed 250 cases of upper tibial osteotomy for varus deformity of the knee with degenerative arthritis of the medial compartment. Most of the osteotomies (136) were closing osteotomies, the remainder being opening osteotomies using a bone graft. Closing osteotomy is recommended together with an arthrolysis of the upper tibio-fibular joint instead of a fibular osteotomy. Hyper-correction appeared to be beneficial in cases with lateral ligament laxity. The authors do not recommend intra-articular cartilage shaving or meniscectomy. They advocate surgical release of the patella by division of the lateral patellar retinacula or by anterior displacement of the tibial tuberosity.


[Compartment syndrome of the leg (author's transl)].

The authors have observed ten compartment syndromes of the leg. Nine occurred after tibial fractures, one after a contusive trauma. Early signs those of muscular and neural ischemia, with an acute pain when the toes are passively mobilised. The cast must be promptly removed. In 6 cases the two compartments were involved. In all cases the pulses were palpable. Arteriographs could occasionaly verify the integrity of the main arterial trunks. The treatment is based on early fasciotomies. It was realised in 5 cases, with good results when the fasciotomy was realised more than twelve hours after the trauma, the muscles were more or less necrotic. In one case all the muscles of the leg had to be excised.


[A technique of patellectomy preserving the extensor apparatus (author's transl)].

The Authors describe a technique of patellectomy preserving the extensor apparatus. The lateral and medial patellar ligaments are divided longitudinally, folded forward and sutured to each other anteriorly, the lateral incision being left open. The authors have used this procedure in 11 knees with satisfactory results. It can be combined with plasties of the femoral condylar groove.


[Expanding intramedullary rods in the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (author's transl)].

Eleven cases of osteogenesis imperfecta were treated by corrective osteotomies and fixation with expanding intramedullary rods. The authors have used the Bailey-Dubow nail. Despite a short follow-up (average one year) they think that the device will avoid future repeated changes of rods during the growing period. Several technical pitfalls are described. It is thought that the same technique could be applied to congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.


[Massive osteolysis (author's transl)].

One case involving the scapula and the clavicle is reported. After a 25 years follow-up, the disease was spontaneously non-evolutive.


[Spherical osteotomy (author's transl)].

The authors have devised a new type of saw which makes it possible to cut bone spherically. This type of osteotomy is useful when correction is required in more than one plane and provides good bone contact between bone ends. The technique is described. It has been used at the upper end of the tibia or femur and in the calcaneus and forefoot.


[The use of an original brace in the treatment of kyphosis (author's transl)].

The authors have designed an original brace which can be used in the treatment of severe and evolutive hyphosis, when kinesitherapy alone is not sufficient. The brace can be removed during the night and for the practice of sports. It is based on the increase of corrective reflexes. A review of 100 cases showed satisfactory results.


Effect of ipratropium bromide and fenoterol on airway obstruction in chronic pulmonary tuberculosis.

Single-blind, cross-over comparison of standard doses of ipratropium bromide (2 puffs of 0.02 mg each) and fenoterol (2 puffs of 0.2 mg each) in 36 pairs of experiments in 6 patients with partially reversible airway obstruction, presumably secondary to chronic widespread pulmonary tuberculosis, revealed no difference between the drugs in bronchodilating effect, evaluated by peak-flow measurements and spirometry. The inhalation of isoprenaline at the end of the experiment induced no further improvement in the lung function variables measured. The results suggest that a vagal reflex mechanism plays a major role in bronchoconstriction connected with severe chronic pulmonary tuberculosis.


The value of exercises in the treatment of low back pain.

The results of treatment with short-wave diathermy were compared with those achieved by short-wave diathermy combined with back extension or lumbar isometric flexion exercises in 43 patients with back pain. Subjects were relatively young and normally engaged in sporting activities. Marginally more patients improved amongst those receiving extension exercises. Significant reduction of pain and increase of spinal flexion occurred with each treatment and the periods taken to resume work or sport were similar in each group. Neither exercise regime appeared to have a major influence on recovery. Isometric flexion exercises did not seem to be more beneficial for those with a prominent lumbar lordosis.


Out-patient physiotherapy: patterns of provision.

A total of 1014 physiotherapy out-patients and their therapists were interviewed at 10 hospitals in Oxfordshire and Devonshire, including a District General Hospital, a Geriatric, and a sample of associated Community Hospitals in each of the two regions. Over 70% of these patients were suffering from long-term disabilities. The proportion of this type of patient varied between the hospital types, and this variation was similar in the two regions. The overall frequencies with which the different physiotherapy treatments were employed were, for the most part, similar in all departments regardless of hospital type or regions involved. Exercises and heat were the predominant treatments everywhere. The standard frequency of attendance was twice or three times a week. One third of the patients used hospital transport; most patients attended a hospital reasonably close to their homes.


Muscle biopsy in hypotonic schizophrenic children: a preliminary report.

Two hypotonic boys, aged 7 years, 3 months and 7 yers, 7 months, who possessed sufficient speech to demonstrate a severe thought disorder and who differed markedly in their activity levels, were subjected to a biopsy of the quadriceps muscle. The biopsies revealed atrophy of type 2 muscle fibers, as well as variability in the size of these fibers. The findings could be compatible with a denervation phenomenon.


Mini-laparotomy for bilateral tubal ligation in lithotomy position.

Two hundred consecutive cases of mini-laparotomy for nonpuerperal bilateral tubal ligation done by a single gynecologist with the patient in lithotomy position are presented here. Technical aspects of the procedure, some innovative and some old, are presented in an effort to demonstrate a simple, low-risk alternative to laparoscopic sterilization.


Adult scoliosis and back pain.

From available long-term follow-up studies of untreated scoliosis, there seems to be minimal risk of disabling back pain in adult patients who have lumbar curves. A review of all Swedish patients who in 1971 received disability pension because of scoliosis showed very few who had lumbar curves, significantly fewer and with curves of lesser degrees than patients who had thoracolumbar and thoracic curves. Those exhibiting lumbar curves were mostly 60 years of age or older and had curves around 25 degrees only, of the type that can arise as a result of osteoporosis and disc degeneration. Whether severe low-back pain occurs more often in adults who have lumbar curves than in those whose spines are straight is open to question, since calculations presented show approximately the same incidence of surgery performed for back pain in scoliotic patients and in those whose spines are straight. Because scoliosis surgery in the adult carries a high risk and long-term efficacy is unproved, all types of conservative measures must be tried before discussing an operation. Prophylactic surgery to prevent future back pain in young patients who have lumbar curves is not justified.


Huntington's chorea in a black family: a report of 2 cases.

Two cases of Huntington's chorea occurring in a Black family are presented. One patient had, in addition, an arteriovenous anomaly of the cerebral circulation. The genealogy of the family is described and the probability of mixed descent is noted. The impression gained from the literature that Huntington's chorea rarely occurs in Blacks is strengthened.


Decision making in adult scoliosis.

This report analyzes a series of 350 adult patients whose spinal deformity was treated surgically. Indications included pain, curve progression, cosmesis, structural disabilities, neurologic complications, cardiorespiratory problems, and failed previous surgery. Discography was helpful in assessing complex pain problems, and its use led to improved results of surgery because of more comprehensive preoperative definition of the problem. Pain relief occurred in 70% of patients. Traction, either the halo-femoral or the halo-pelvic type, was used in 62 patients. Complex surgery, including anterior and posterior approaches, is required in curves of large magnitude, especially when curves are rigid. Overall curve correction in this series was 40%.


Adult lumbar scoliosis.

This report details the expierience with adult lumbar scoliosis among patients at a scoliosis center. Some curves are shown to progress in the adult, while others appear de novo. Pain arising in adult scoliosis may reflect root compression or segmental degeneration. Once pain arises in an adult lumbar curve, it is likely to be progressive and often requires surgical treatment.


The management of nerve root entrapment syndromes associated with the collapsing scoliosis of idiopathic lumbar and thoracolumbar curves.

From 1969 through 1978, 30 adults presented with painful idiopathic scoliosis and associated radicular symptoms. Fifteen had major thoracolumbar curves and 15 had major lumbar curves. Ten (33%) had physical findings of the nerve root entrapment, 4 having two roots entrapped. Root entrapments in the sciatic distribution were most common and arose on the side opposite the major curve, coming from the concavity of compensatory lumbosacral curves (7 of 9 patients). Root entrapment in a femoral nerve distribution came from the concavity of the major curve (1 patient). Whether in a major or compensatory curve, entrapments usually arise in the concavity (8 of 10 patients). Mechanisms of root entrapment vary, but foraminal compression and pedicular kinking were most common. When major deforming curves are corrected fairly completely, most nerve root entrapments are relieved; sciatic entrapments are decompressed by spontaneous straightening of the lumbosacral curve. Dwyer instrumentation and fusion has been the most effective method of surgical management in carefully selected cases.


Pulsed Doppler angiography in lower limb arterial ischemia.

A 30-channel pulsed Doppler vessel imaging system (MAVIS, GEC Medical, Middlesex, England), was used to obtain images and maximal Doppler velocity time waveforms in the diagnosis of stenosis of the origin of the profunda femoris artery (PFA) and in the detection of structural changes within Dacron arterial grafts. In PFA scans of 33 limbs in 22 patients (mean age, 52 years), PFA stenosis of more than 50% at operation was invariably associated with a damping factor of the maximal Doppler velocity-time waveform of greater than 1.5 (eight limbs). In 12 limbs with a normal PFA at operation, the damping factor was always less than 1.4, and in 13 limbs of normal patients without arterial disease, the damping factor was always less than 1.34. In studies of 10 mm arterial grafts, the internal diameter of 14 iliopopliteal grafts scanned just above the popliteal anastomosis was strikingly reduced as compared with the femoral anastomosis of 14 aortoiliofemoral grafts and seven axillobifemoral grafts. These preliminary results suggest that MAVIS studies can be used noninvasively to detect PFA stenosis and to identify luminal narrowing of iliopopliteal grafts.


Rapidly fatal pulmonary fibrosis: the accelerated variant of interstitial pneumonitis.

We sought to explore immunological factors in patients who died with rapidly fatal fibrosing lung diseases (Hamman-Rich syndrome). A retrospective review of cases of interstitial lung disease showed 12 recent deaths from Hamman-Rich syndrome. The mean age was 62, men outnumbering women 3 : 1. Five patients had proved collagen vascular disease (rheumatoid arthritis three, lupus two). Four others had a history of allergic disorders, syphilis, chronic eosinophilia, or hypersensitivity reactions. One patient showed disappearance of immunofluorescence as fibrosis advanced, which has not previously been reported. The study suggests a possible aetiological link between disorders of immunity and Hamman-Rich syndrome. The evidence also supports the notion that Hamman-Rich syndrome is an accelerated variant of the more indolent interstitial pneumonias.


Laparoscopy combined with peritoneal cytology in staging and restaging ovarian carcinoma.

The merits of laparoscopy, with inspection of the diaphragmatic leaves, and of peritoneal cytology (free fluid or washing) in staging and restaging were studied in 153 patients with ovarian carcinoma. Of 153 patients examined, 83 were new cases, 34 were restaging in patients without clinical and/or radiological signs of disease, and 36 in patients with evident disease. The conversion rate for diaphragmatic metastases alone was 6%. Information about the spread of disease (diaphragmatic metastases) was obtained in 33 new cases (39.7%). In pretreated patients, laparoscopy was positive in 4 of 34 NED restaging and in 24 of 36 ED restaging. The conversion rate for peritoneal cytology was 6.6%, but information about the cellular intraperitoneal spread of the disease was obtained in 31 new cases (37.8%). In pretreated patients, peritoneal cytology was positive in 4 of 34 NED restaging and in 13 of 36 ED restaging.


[Changes in properties of actomyosin in the process of ontogenesis].

The paper deals with some data on nonidentical heat-resistance of actomyosin of the skeletal muscles and myocardium of the calf foetus and adult animals. It is shown that in the process of uterine development the ATPase activity increases and at alkaline pH the Ca2+-activated ATPase of natural actomyosin of the cattle skeletal muscles and myocardium is activated. Heat-resistance of ATPase of the skeletal muscles and myocardium decreases with age, the myocardium actimyosin ATPase being more stable to heating. These denatured changes are found to be of a reversible character.


Detection of HBsAg containing cells in liver biopsies by different stains and classification of positively reacting ground-glass hepatocytes.

The diagnostic significance of orcein, aldehydthionine, and chromotrope anilinblue stains for the demonstration of HBsAg containing hepatocytes was investigated in 602 unselected liver biopsies. Five types of specifically stained ground-glass hepatocytes (GGH) were distinguished: Type I showed a positive staining reaction of the cytoplasmic periphery (marginal GGH), type II a diffuse staining of the total cytoplasm (diffuse GGH). Type III contained round or oval globular positive cytoplasmic masses (globular GGH). Type IV showed only very small round, drop-like or sickle-shaped positive structures (spotty GGH). The GGH with fatty changes were designated as type V. In all carriers and patients with minimal hepatitis GGH, mostly type I and II, appeared in extensive clusters within the lobules. In chronic persistent hepatitis, there were moderately numerous, partly grouped, partly disseminated ground-glass hepatocytes of type II and III. In chronic active hepatitis there were only a few GGH of type IV. In acute viral hepatitis, there were no typical GGH, however, positively stained phagocytes were seen. The intracellular antigen localization and the intralobular distribution of GGH are considered to be the result of an immune reaction. Single so-called 'metabolic' GGH sometimes showed similar pictures. However, they could usually be distinguished from virus containing GGH because of their granular cytoplasmic structure and a lower staining intensity in the applied stains. Among the three stains the orcein stain yielded the best results. In some cases with HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis virus infection could not be proved by means of staining.


Carcinogenicity of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride in BALB/c mice. Influence of the route of administration and dosage.

The carcinogenicity of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) by oral, intragastric and subcutaneous administration was examined in 339 BALB/c mice. Subcutaneous injection of DMH induced intestinal tumors in the lower colon of all mice. After oral administration it induced a high incidence of vascular tumors in the liver and soft tissues, but colon tumors were found in only 2 mice when given at a high dosage. On intragastric administration, it induced a fairly high incidence both of colon and vascular tumors. The sites and incidences of vascular tumors and squamous cell carcinomas of the perianal glands were also described.


Possible evidence for secondary degeneration of central nervous system in the pathogenesis of anencephaly and brain dysraphia. A study in young human fetuses.

In an attempt to help elucidate pathogenetically those human cases exemplifying secondary degeneration of the neural tube causing brain dysraphia, macroscopic and histologic observations of two young human fetuses are described. A nine-week-old anencephalic fetus exhibited an absence of spinal cord (amyelia) with retention of neural crest derivatives (dorsal root ganglion cells and thusir processes, and sympathetic ganglia) implying the presence of a neural tube in early gestation. The second, ten-week-old exencephalic case exhibited restricted brain hemorrhage and necrosis of the telencephalon and brain stem amongst otherwise normal brain and spinal cord tissue. These two young fetal cases may represent examples of a previously normal neural tube which has undergone degeneration at a stage where neural crest has already undergone differentiation, and thus distinguishes them from cases of complete dysraphism which probably results from primary degeneration during neurulation.


Changes in the small biliary passages in the hepatic localization of Hodgkin's disease.

The authors have investigated the behaviour of the small biliary passages in the liver biopsies of six patients suffering from untreated Hodgkin's disease with hepatic localization. No obstruction of the major bile ducts was demonstrated in any patient. Three of the patients were anicteric, while the three others presented with jaundice. In the first three cases typical Hodgkin's granulation tissue appears to be limited to portal tracts and collagen reaction is virtually absent. The three cases with cholestasis showed granulomatous tissue associated with heavy connective tissue rearrangement invading and dissociating the lobular structure. They also show a conspicuous bile-duct proliferation, which is not observed in the three anicteric patients. In these latter cases, however, the small bile ducts running within or near the granulomatous tissue present various morphologic changes, including basal membrane thickening, dilation or constriction of the lumen and alterations of the biliary epithelial lining. Complete disappearance of the bile duct may occur.


Dissecting aneurysm of cerebral arteries in childhood and adolescence. Case report and literature review of 20 cases.

A nine year old girl died with a massive infarct of the right cerebral hemisphere causing transtentorial and foramen magnum herniation. The infarction was secondary to an idiopathic dissecting aneurysm. The case is unusual in that the supraclinoid segment of the right internal carotid artery, the anterior cerebral artery, and the middle cerebral artery and its three branches were embedded and sectioned longitudinally. The dissection commenced in the supraclinoid segment of the right internal carotid artery, extended into the middle and anterior cerebral arteries, and was accompanied by thrombosis of the false lumen. A literature review of 20 pediatric cases indicates the malignant natural course of the disease (76% mortality in the first two months), and emphasizes the characteristic angiographic "string sign". The diagnosis of cerebral arterial dissection during life depends on angiography and a high index of suspicion.


Fine structural evidence of increased endothelial permeability in chronic lathyrism.

The endothelium of the thoracic aorta of Wistar rats intoxicated with Beta-Aminopropionitrile (BAPN) for 9 weeks was studied. The animals were sacrificed at intervals, from the first to the 9th week of the treatment and 1, 2 and 3 months after the end of the treatment. Changes in the endothelial cells were studied by electron microscopy after staining with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, after impregnation with lanthanum. BAPN increased endothelial permeability, pinocytosis was more active in treated rats than controls, the intercellular junctions widened and cytoplasmic lesions with cell necrosis occurred. These intimal changes were comparable to those observed in man during ageing and in arteriosclerosis.


The trabecular meshwork of a non-glaucomatous eye with the exfoliation syndrome. Electronmicroscopic study.

The trabecular meshwork of a non-glaucomatous eye with the exfoliation syndrome was investigated. The exfoliation material was found mainly in massive deposits in the subendothelial region of the outer and inner wall of Schlemm's canal, in the cribriform area and the uveal meshwork. The other alterations of the trabeculum corneosclerale corresponded to the age of the patient. The concept that the accumulation of exfoliation material is an important pathogenetic factor in the development of glaucoma was not confirmed by this study.


Large basophilic cells in the bone marrow in iron deficiency anemia.

Many large cells with a strongly basophilic cytoplasm and large nuclei with a delicate chromatin pattern and large nucleoli were studied in 1 mu sections of core biopsies in 8 patients with iron deficiency anemia and in 5 patients with pernicious anemia. In 2 normal controls these cells were rare. Possible features of granulocytic differentiation were assessed with the Giemsa stain and with the naphtol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase reaction which is indicative of early granule formation: the large cells were constantly negative. In thin sections the morphological appearances of the large basophilic cells are rather similar in such different haematological disorders as pernicious anemia or iron deficiency anemia. A clear difference can be demonstrated by karyometry, which shows that the large basophilic cells in pernicious anemia are significantly larger than those in iron deficiency anemia or in the normal control.


[Posthypoxic changes in the metabolism of the developing brain].

Effect of intranatal hypoxia on content of adenylic nucleotides, glycogen, lactic acid as well as on activity of ATP-ases and concentration of free amino acids was studied in rat brain tissue at various periods of postnatal development (I day-5 months). Acute hypoxia was accompanied by a decrease in content of adenylic nucleotides and glycogen, by an increase in concentration of lactic acid and by a decrease in activity of ATP-ases. During the subsequent periods, in brain tissue of animals, subjected to hypoxia, posthypoxic activation of energy metabolism was found, which depended apparently on the decreased intensity of plastic processes during the phase of active growth and of neurone differentiation. Content of the essential amino acids, actively participating in protein synthesis, was increased but concentration of nonessential amino acids was decreased at this step. The subsequent decrease in content of macroergic compounds, increase in concentration of lactic acid and inorganic phosphate as well as the decrease in activity of ATP-ases were observed in 1.5-2 months old experimental animals. The biochemical and mophological data suggest that intranatal hypoxia is responsible for irreversible impairments in developing brain.


[Participation of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions and the corresponding ATPases in the mechanism of the presynaptic action of amisyl and arecoline].

Amisyle and arecoline were found to be antagonistic drugs in the effect on content of Mg2+ and Ca2+ and on activity of corresponding ATPases in synaptosomes isolated from rat brain. Amisyle promoted the incorporation of 45Ca into synaptosomes but arecoline inhibited the reaction. The appear to be responsible for liberation and maintaining of neurotransmitters in presinaptic stores.


Conservatorship: an involuntary legal status for 'gravely disabled' mentally disordered persons.

Since 1969 in California, conservatorship has been the only form of civil, longterm involuntary psychiatric legal process. It does not require hospital-based treatment. This paper reports a preliminary study of this process through a retrospective analysis of conservatorship records in Sacramento County, California, from 1969 through 1976. There is a steady overall increase in the incidence of conservatorships each year. A dramatic decrease in state hospital admissions preceded this increase. Referrals were predominantly (69 percent) from the private sector. Once the first legal step was taken 87 percent of the patients completed the process and were placed on full conservatorship. Median age was 50; 52 percent were male and 90 percent were white. The relative proportion of single persons was high (45 percent). Diagnoses of schizophrenia and organic brain syndrome accounted for 86 percent of conservatees. About half (52 percent) terminate conservatorship after one year. No data were found which could be related to the character of treatment of conservatees. Future research in this area is urgently needed.


[Ocular signs in cases of down's syndrome (author's transl)].

420 mongoloid children aged between one month and 14 years were examined in a special ophthalmology department for disabled children employing biomicroscopy, retinoscopy under atropine and, if possible, visual acuity testing. Epicanthal folds were present in 46%, mongoloid slanting of the lids in 72% of cases. A decrease in binocular vision was present in 40% of the children. Brushfield's spots were encountered in 86% of the patients in a circular arrangement, whilst in 7% only the temporal half of the iris was involved. Lens changes of a variable degree were present in altogether 55% of cases and an increase in the number of retinal vessels, as well as their radial arrangement, as described by Williams, were documented in 46% of the cases. A comparison of the incidence and degree of refractive anomalies in mongoloid and normal children was undertaken. The present findings are discussed and compared with the results of other investigators.


[Clinical experience with levamisole treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (author's transl)].

Levamisole treatment was started in 8 patients with inactive SLE. Four patients, who have now been followed up for over 12 months, have not shown clinical deterioration. Three of these patients received concomitant maintenance corticosteroid therapy, the dosage of which could be reduced in each case. A decrease in anti-DNA antibodies was observed in all 4 patients. Levamisole had to be withdrawn in the other 4 patients. One patient developed an exacerbation of her LE skin manifestations after two months, whilst in another patient fever and skin rash (probably drug-induced) were observed after one month. The cooperation of the 2 other patients was not satisfactory and the drug had, thus, to be withdrawn. In conclusion, 4 out of 8 patients with SLE showed a beneficial response to levamisole therapy.


[Computer-Cardiotomography (author's transl)].

Based on our first 200 investigations computed tomography of the heart is demonstrated as a new non-invasive roentgenography on typical examples and compared with the findings of the conventional roentgenogram. With the present technology the following indications for computed tomography of the heart seem to be reasonable: Calculation of size and volume of the cavities of the heart; intracavitary space occupying lesions (tumor, thrombus): demonstration of the thickness of the ventricular wall and ventricular septum and their changes caused by hypertrophy, myocardial infarction or septal defect; demonstration of aortic and ventricular aneurysm; demonstration of pericardial effusion, pericardial tumor, pericardial cyst of lipoma.


[Long-term treatment of bradycardia by means of an atropine ester (SCH 1000). Electrophysiological and clinical results].

Electrophysiological effects of the atropin ester Ipatropiumbromide (SCH 1000) were investigated in 15 patients by His electrocardiography and high frequency atrial stimulation. Heart rate increased by 50% of base line heart rate, PA- and AH-intervals and sinus node recovery time decreased, the HF-interval remained unchanged. Physiological av-block by atrial stimulation occurred at significant higher stimulation frequencies with SCH 1000 than without medication. Additional 15 patients were treated for a longer follow-up period. Increase of resting heart rate averaged 15%. Equivocal effects on heart rate were found with exercise after SCH 1000. Non-cardiac side effects were found in 5 patients.


A histochemical study of the neuro-muscular spindles in the tongue of some rodents.

An investigation was undertaken to study the Neuro-muscular spindles in the tongue (Rattus rattus rufescens and Suncus murinus) by cholinesterase technique, under maintained pH of 5.2, incubation period 20 h., and temperature 38 degrees C (Rattus) and 39 degrees C (Suncus). Neuro-muscular spindles were observed frequently distributed from anterior to posterior of the tongue and took a little darker stain than the ordinary muscle fibres (negatively stained) while the nerve fibres and ganglia took still darker stain. Nerve fibres (myelinated, non-myelinated and tortuous) were seen penetrating and embracing the muscle spindles and most of them ran parallel to the spindles. Ganglia of various shapes (oval, irregular, elongated and rounded) and sizes (large, Rattus and medium and small, Suncus) were AChE-positive. Ganglia small and medium in size, rounded and elongated in shape were arranged in chain-like fashion on the muscle spindles in Suncus (Fig. 9, 10). The blood vessels (artery, vein, and capillary) were recorded either in close association with the muscle spindles or lying parallel to it. In all cases they were closely related and deeply associate either with the nerve fibres of the plexus of the muscle spindles or with the nerve fibres of the neural network of vessel. Perivascular and perimuscular ganglia with pre- and postganglionic nerve fibres were closely related to each other. Nerve endings, dot-like (Rattus) and bulb-like (Suncus) were occasionally recorded. AChE activity was found randomly in the muscle spindles (Fig. 2, 5.) and in the form of dark brown patches in the ordinary muscle fibres.


[Experimental studies on the use of direct bonding in dental orthopedics (author's transl)].

Plastic filling materials of the Noracryl 100 and Evicrol type were used on twenty extracted teeth as adhesives for direct bonding. The two plastic materials did not differ in fatigue and tear-off test results.--The values of tensile strength were many times those of therapeutically effective orthodontic forces. Using replicas and scanning electron micrographs of the enamel surface, it was possible to show that, after bracket removal and polishing, residues of Noracryl are more easily removable than those of Evicrol.--Initial clinical tests allowed these results to be verified.


[First results of experimental animal studies on pervascular effects of indwelling intravasal catheters upon free tissue grafts. First communication (author's transl)].

This is the first in a series of two papers reporting first results of studies made to set up a basic model of intraarterial perfusions in free tissue grafts. Epidermal tissue grafts were obtained from thirty-two domestic pigs prior to slaughtering and pervascularly perfused for twelve to ninety-six hours. Histological examinations showed that it is possible for tissue necrosis to be arrested as a prerequisite of subsequent in vivo experiments performed with the object of pervascularly supporting the healing-in of tissue grafts.


[Submicroscopic localization of endogenous peroxidase activity in the oral mucosal epithelium of man (author's transl)].

Using electron microscopy, the authors localized endogenous peroxidase activity in the buccal mucosal and alveolar process epithelium. A positive reaction could be demonstrated in all epithelial layers. The number of positive structures was greatest in the spinous layer. The reaction product is of a granular nature and is localized in the microperoxysomes. The reaction of lipofuscin granules, lysosomes, and telolysosomes in the upper epithelial layers is considered to be of none enzymatic origin. The importance of endogenous peroxidase to tissue is discussed in detail.


[Injuries to the facial portion of the skull and their late effects in children and juveniles - a 10-year analysis (author's transl)].

A 10-year analysis comprising a total of 534 patients was used to study the histories of 192 puerile and juvenile patients with maxillofacial injuries. The proportion of children up to ten and fifteen years of age was 11.4 percent and 16.1 percent, respectively. Clinical and roentgenological reexaminations could be made of 139 patients. Typical fracture localizations and the frequency of late effects observed in the facial skeleton and dental system are discussed. It was possible for late damage to former tooth germs in the cleft of fracture to be observed in every second patient. Disturbances of growth after fractures of the body of mandible and the mid-facial skeleton were not noted. Among 33 patients with temporomandibular fractures, there were observed 5 cases showing different degrees of disturbed growth. The therapeutic approach chosen according to age and localization of fracture is described in detail.


[Interdisciplinary cooperation of internists and maxillomandibular surgeons in the treatment of hemophiliacs (author's transl)].

The treatment of hemophiliacs at the Jena Center of Hemophilia is described from a stomatological point of view, the emphasis being on the advantage involved in treatment on an outpatient basis by close cooperation between stomatologists and internists. The clinical results obtained show quite clearly that this particular method of treatment has proved useful. Finally, the method of using GRF type adhesives is discussed critically, and substitution therapy, which is prerequisite to surgical operations performed on hemophiliacs, is recommended to be continued to be used.


[Studies on primary hyperparathyroidism with particular reference to osteal manifestations in the maxillofacial region (author's transl)].

After a brief review of the pathophysiological relationships determined for primary hyperparathyroidism, osteal manifestations of this condition are discussed. The importance of a histological demonstration of pathognomonic dissecting fibro-osteoclasia in iliac crest biopsy and in the marginal region of so-called brown tumors is pointed out in connection with results obtained by diagnosis in general and differential diagnosis in particular. The occurrence in the maxillofacial region of Recklinghausen's generalized fibrous osteodystrophy is described with reference to a particular case history, and the diagnostic value of clinical and roentgenological, laboratory-diagnosis and histological criteria is determined.


[Comparson of occlusal conditions in juveniles from residential areas with different drinking water fluoride contents (author's transl)].

The investigations reported in this paper were conducted in Karl-Marx-Stadt after 16 years from the introduction of drinking water fluoridation (1.0 ppm F), with a total of 792 randomly selected juveniles (whose average age was 14.9 years) being examined. Serving as a control group were 780 juveniles of the same age (15.4 years). The control persons were from Leipzig (0.2 ppm F). Included in the comparison with metric occlusal traits, use being made in this connection of the method for measuring occlusal traits, which was recommended in 1973 by an F.D.I. commission (COCSTOC-MOT). Despite  the considerable reduction of caries in the deciduous dentition and the change in the eruptive behavior of permanent teeth, which is of great importance of the development, of dentition, no systematic differences could be observed between the two groups of subjects. An improvement in the occlusal conditions could not, after consumption of drinking water with an optimum fluoride content, be convincingly demonstrated by means of the epidemiological method used in these investigations.


[Thrombelastographic studies made to objectify the effects of Grisaldon upon the process of coagulation (author's transl)].

Thrombelastographic studies of the mode of action of Grisaldon showed that this preparation, unlike the pure substance of acetylsalicylic acid, has no appreciable coagulation-accelerating and fibrin-stabilizing effects. In addition, it was possible to show that an antifibrinolytic effect of the p-oxybenzoic acid propyl ester (Grisaldon component), which has been described in the literature, is not produced.


[Determining the overall density of permanent human teeth and its relation to the carrier's age (author's transl)].

(1) The pyknometer method was used to determine the specific gravity of the roots, central portions (necks), and crowns of 130 human teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, molars) obtained during autopsies. The overall density or specific gravity was calculated as the mean of the values obtained for these portions of permanent teeth. To test the relation between the total specific gravity and the carrier's individual age, a simple linear regression was calculated. It was not possible for a definite relation to be found between the specific gravities of teeth and the age of their carriers. (2) Limits to determining the individual age from the specific gravity of teeth are set especially by the factors discussed in this paper, by pathological influences, and by variations of specific gravity within isolated hard dental tissue. In human teeth, age-dependent physiosclerosis of bradytrophic tissue obviously is in the form of re- or transmineralization without major changes in the degree of mineralization and is usually overlapped by other phenomena. In addition, preparative and technical faults may result in false specific gravities being obtained. (3) Specific gravities of portions of teeth and total specific gravities determined therefrom cannot be used to find the carrier's age and, therefore, should be dismissed as means of identifying age by methods of forensic stomatology.


[Experience in the treatment of pain-dysfunction syndromes by myogymnastic exercises with particular reference to 96 reexamined patients (author's transl)].

In 1975, a total of 165 patients with myoarthropathies were treated by myotherapy. Through the use of a program of step-by-step therapy, which included myogymnastic selftreatment in addition to psychotherpay and repair of teeth, 77.6 percent of 96 reexamined patients were made free from complaints. Fuller utilization of the possibilities of causal therapy would certainly have allowed a higher rate of success to be achieved using the simplified program of exercises described in this paper. Experimental evidence could be presented in support of the assumption that parodontal damage may be caused to uncorrected sites of abnormal occlusion in the course of myogymnastic therapy.


[Autoradiographic determinations of carbon-14-labeled monomers and residual monomers in the tissues of Wistar rats after implantation of cold-polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate (bone cement) (author's transl)].

Self-setting acrylics, named bone cement, are taken for the reconstruction of bone defects, for the fixation of endothesis and fractures. A disadvantage of these rapid-cure acrylic compounds is the toxicity of its monomer. Infraredspectrographic measurements showed an absolute content of 12,3 per cent monomer in an acrylic-resin-compound-implant. In order to perseive the incorporation of the diffused monomer after implantation of bone cement in rats, the monomer were marked with 14C (radioactive carbon). The autoradiographic examination revealed the excretion of the marked monomer in the urine and an accumulation in kidney, liver and lungs. The results were demonstrated.


[Phage typing and lysogen typing of Staphylococcus aureus].

A comparison was made between the results of phage and lysogenic typing of S. aureus strains isolated during several outbreaks of staphylococcal infection and S. aureus cultures isolated from the same carriers at different periods. The study of the groups of strains having the same origin showed that the differences in the number of reactions were more pronounced in lysogenic typing than in phage typing. For this reason lysogenic typing can be recommended only for the identification of those strains which cannot be identified with the use of the phages of the International Basic Set. The results of the experiments with induced phages proliferating in a restriction-defective strain indicated that restriction and modification were mainly responsible for the specificity of lytic reactions.


[Determination of sero- and biovariants of foreign and Soviet strains of Yersinia enterocolitica].

The results of the typing of the biochemical and serological variants of Yersinia enterocolitica strains from the USSR (10 strains) and other countries (32 strains) are presented. Most of these strains, belonging to biovars 1 and 5, could be determined with the use of the antigenic scheme which was proposed by Knapp only for biovars 2, 3 and 4. The strains isolated in Leningrad and in the Far East were found to belong to serovars 6,30; 7,8; 12,25 and 5B according to the scheme proposed by Wauters; of these, the last one corresponds to serovar IV in Knapp's scheme.


[Immunomorphologic study of experimental enteric anc combined vaccination against cholera].

As a result of the enteral and combined subcutaneous-enteral immunization of adult rabbits with cholerogen toxoid and the specific fraction of chemical cholera vaccine in tablets immunological transformation occurred in the organism and a "protective" barrier consisting of antibody-containing cells was formed in the intestine on days 3-5. The combined method of immunization with cholera vaccine proved to be essentially as effective as enteral immunization in 2 administrations.


[Suppressing action of splenic cells on macrophage phagocytic activity].

The culture media withdrawn from 18-hour cultures of live spleen cells suppressed the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages in mice. The level of suppression, as estimated for an equal number of spleen cells, varied in individual animals, which seemed to be connected with the level of normal infection in the animals. In the process of development of Ehrlich's carcinoma in mice suppressors were produced in the spleen in an increased amount, but only in connection with the total increase in the number of spleen cells, and not due to the selective accumulation of suppressor cells.