Causes of postoperative deaths in gastroschisis and omphalocele.

Improvement in treatment should reduce the mortality of infants with gastroschisis and omphalocele which is still high and is mainly due to septic complications. The mortality in infants who have additional severe malformations may be difficult to improve, and one should hesitate to treat such additional anomalies which are incompatible with life and which even when treated may cause permanent severe defects.


Effects of PGI2 on the inactivation of thrombin, factor Xa, and plasmin by antithrombin-III and heparin.

The influence of PGI2 on the activity and on the inactivation of enzymes participating in blood coagulation (thrombin and Factor Xa) and fibrinolysis (plasmin) were investigated. According to the results PGI2 has no effect on the activity of Factor Xa and plasmin nor on the inactivation of these enzymes by antithrombin-III in the absence and presence of heparin at a concentration of PGI2 up to 400 micrograms/ml. An acceleration of the inactivation of thrombin by antithormbin-III was found in the presence of PGI2 within a concentration of 100-400 micrograms/ml without any effect on the heparin-accelerated inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin. We got similar results using clotting tests for the assay and the application of synthetic substrate for thrombin. This inactivation-accelerating effect of PGI2 on thrombin was only demonstratable at a concentration five magnitudes higher than that of the anti-aggregation effect on platelets.


Evaluation of the microsphere-method for determination of cardiac output.

Cardiac output was determined by means of radioactive microspheres, 15 +/- 5 microns in diameter. Blood flow in the ascending aorta was measured by an electromagnetic flowmeter. In eight cats thirty-eight simultaneous measurements were made of cardiac output and aortic flow. The observations correlated well (r = 0.89), with a mean difference of 5.2%, probably corresponding to coronary blood flow. Continuous flow recordings showed no alterations in aortic flow during the injections of microspheres; arterial blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged even after six injections, each consisting of about 2 x 10(5) spheres per kg body weight. Tests for shunting of microspheres were performed and revealed shunt fractions in the systemic circulation of about 8%, with no significant shunting through the lungs. The microsphere method for determining cardiac output is thought to be an accurate method, suitable for small and medium sized animals.


Plasma lipids and lipoproteins in Down's syndrome.

Since mongoloids have been reported to differ from other patients with mental retardation by being virtually free of atheromatosis, we analysed plasma lipids and lipoproteins in twenty mongoloid and in twenty age-matched non-mongoloid mentally retarded patients living in the same institution. Plasma total cholesterol in the mongoloids did not differ significantly from that of the control group, but it was low in both groups in comparison with the Finnish population in general. Plasma total triglyceride concentration was higher (P less than 0.01) in the mongoloids than in the controls. This was reflected in higher VLDL-triglyceride and-cholesterol concentrations in the mongoloids. Plasma apolipoprotein B levels were higher (P less than 0.05) and the ratio of apolipoprotein A-1 to apolipoprotein B was lower (less than 0.05) in the mongoloids. The plasma lipid concentrations were in accordance with the significantly higher relative body weights in the mongoloid group. Blood pressure was slightly but significantly lower and cigarette smoking was less common in patients with Down's syndrome. Our results did not explain the reported lower frequency of atheromatosis in Down's syndrome.


Studies of anti-lymphocyte antibody of patients with active SLE. I. Cause of loss of suppressor T-lymphocyte function.

Effect of anti-lymphocyte antibody of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on lymphocyte function was examined. Lymphocytes from normal individuals treated with anti-lymphocyte antibody and complement exhibited marked inhibition of response to concanavalin A (Con A), while the response of lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin M (PHA-M) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was slightly affected. In mixed lymphocyte culture response, both stimulator and responder cells were insensitive to anti-lymphocyte antibody. Treatment of sensitized lymphocytes with anti-lymphocyte antibody and complement caused a dose-dependent suppression of blastogenic response to purified protein derivatives (PPD). No effect, however, was noted on migration-inhibitory factor (MIF)-producing cells. In PWM-driven Ig synthesis, T lymphocytes lacking the anti-lymphocyte antibody-reactive T-cell subset enhanced PWM-driven Ig synthesis of autologous B lymphocytes. Con-A-induced suppressor function of lymphocytes was abolished by the treatment with anti-lymphocyte antibody and complement. The present study demonstrated that lymphocytes from normal individuals after treatment with anti-lymphocyte antibody and complement showed similar immunological reactivities with lymphocytes from active SLE, indicating that those anti-lymphocyte antibodies could play an important role in defective suppressor cell function.


Human T-lymphocyte subpopulations: alterations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sharply reduced proportions of T cells with Fc receptors for IgG (TG cells) were observed in blood samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mainly with active disease. This T-cell subset has previously been shown to be a suppressor in the pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-dependent B-cell differentiation. In contrast, the percentages of T cells with Fc receptors for IgM (TM cells), which have been shown to help immunoglobulin production, were not different from those of normals. TG cells present in the circulation of SLE patients were analysed for their functional capacities in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and in the suppression of a PWM-induced B-cell differentiation. In both these assays TG cells from SLE patients had normal effector cell activity. This suggests that thr than a qualitative type.


Lymphocyte subpopulations in man: B-cell stimulation induced by pokeweed mitogen and irradiated T cells.

The enhanced stimulation of human B lymphocytes by pokeweed mitogen in the presence of irradiated T helper lymphocytes has been studied, revealing that the proliferative responses measured by incorporation of thymidine in cultures of B lymphocytes and irradiated T lymphocytes in a 1:2 or 1:4 ratio is mostly a function of the B cells. Only a minimal number, if any, of the T cells contaminating the B cell suspensions is stimulated to proliferation. This is in contrast to stimulation of the B-cell suspensions without addition of irradiated T cells, where both B cells and T cells proliferate. The irradiated T helper cells have no FcR for antigen-bound IgG, and as well allogeneic as autologous T cells exhibit helper capacity of equal strength. The test system described makes it possible selectively to test one B-cell function and the corresponding T helper capacity.


Lymphocyte subpopulations in man: suppression of PWM-induced B-cell proliferation by infectious mononucleosis T cells.

The in vitro polyclonal pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced activation of human B lymphocytes is enhanced by addition of autologous or allogeneic irradiated T cells. This model for B/T-cell cooperation may be used to define and describe the balance between T helper and T suppressor phenomena. The present study investigates the helper and suppressor capacities of mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood of infectious mononucleosis patients during the acute disease and the reconvalescence period. During the acute disease we found a functional lack of T helper capacity; furthermore, the T cells were able to suppress the PWM and T-cell-dependent B-cell proliferation of healthy donor cells. The suppression was non-cytotoxic; i.e. not due to destruction of the responder cells. This phenomenon of non-cytotoxic suppression was found for all seven patients studied and disappeared during the reconvalescence period, indicating that the T lymphocytosis seen in infectious mononucleosis includes an expansion of T suppressor cells.


Anaerobic, non-clostridial fasciitis and myonecrosis of the abdominal wall. Pure anaerobic infection originating from neglected inflammation of an urachal remnant.

A pure anaerobic infection of the abdominal wall of a 40-year-old man is described. The infection originated from an urachal remnant. Seven different bacterial strains were isolated. Even though no clostridia were involved, the infection caused extensive necrosis of the abdominal wall including both fascia and muscles.


A study of maternal participation in preschool programs for handicapped children and their families.

This study investigates the effects on maternal attitudes toward child-rearing of preschool programs for handicapped children and their families. Two types of programs were studied: programs emphasizing maternal participation and those minimizing maternal involvement. It was hypothesized that programs which stress mothers' involvement would result in more positive attitude changes than programs de-emphasizing maternal participation. The findings indicate that maternal involvement and program support are critical variables in promoting positive attitudes toward child-rearing. The authors recommend that a multi-regional study be undertaken to determine the applicability of this study's findings. Such information would be useful in future program development and in the training of program personnel.


Differences in maternal age-specific rates of Down syndrome between Jews of European origin and of North African or Asian origin.

Rates of Down syndrome in livebirths in West Jerusalem in 1964-1975 were studied in relation to the mother's continent of birth or, if she was born in Israel, to the maternal grandfather's continent of birth. In women of European origin the crude livebirth rate of Down syndrome was 1.3 per 1,000 livebirths. This crude rate and the maternal age-specific rates in this group were very close to those observed in a Swedish study and two studies of white livebirths in the United States. For West Jerusalem women of North African or Asian origin the crude rate was about 2.4 per 1,000 livebirths, and at all maternal ages except the youngest their rates were higher than for women of European origin. The summary adjusted relative risk for a Down syndrome livebirth for all those of North African or Asian origin, compared to those for women of European origin, was about 1.56. If attention is restricted to mothers born outside of Israel, the adjusted relative risk for mothers born in Europe, the Americas or English speaking countries of the British commonwealth compared to those born in North Africa or Asia was 1.97, consistent with a two-fold difference in the likelihood of a Down syndrome livebirth between thes two groups. To our knowledge this is the first report of ethnic differences in maternal age specific rates of Down syndrome that cannot be plausibly explained by differences in ascertainment.


HLA-D typing with lymphoblastoid cell lines. VII. A computer program for data analysis.

When lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) are substituted for peripheral blood lymphocytes from human typing cell donors in HLA-D typing experiments, a data analysis program must be designed to distinguish the effect of allo-reactivity from those peculiar to LCL, mainly the "autologous-stimulation" effect. The computer program described in this report was created specifically for such an analysis. The rationale for the design of this program is presented in the preceding report (see this issue).


A micromethod for prospectively testing lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity (LMC) using fresh or frozen cells labelled with a fluorescent dye.

A direct, specific and rapid method has been developed to prospectively evaluate lymphocyte mediated cytotoxicity (LMC) for kidney transplant recipients. Donor lymphocytes, labeled with fluorescein diacetate, were incubated in a microtest plate for 2 h with recipients' effector cells. The percentage of fluorescent cells in each well was estimated relative to controls using an inverted phase fluorescence microscope. Lymphocytes obtained from seven of 12 recipients post-transplantation exhibited positive reactions, fluorescence of labeled donor cells was reduced to 30-65% of that observed in controls, and these reactive patients required nephrectomies. The responses of the remaining five patients were negative. Tests with their donor cells showed 80-95% control fluorescence, with favorable transplant results. Six of 21 recipients evaluated prospectively required nephrectomies within 34 days post-transplantation. Three of these subjects showed 15-65% control fluorescence, a positive LMC response; the other three yielded negative LMC responses but required nephrectomies possibly due to renal ischemia prior to transplantation. The remaining 15 patients demonstrated 85-90% control fluorescence with graft function continuing for 17 to 270 days. The results from direct LMC tests with a fluorescent label indicate that the system is of value in predicting early rejection of renal allotransplants.


Effect of chronic administration of aldosterone on bile secretion, on liver cytochrome P-450, and on red blood cell sodium content.

Male adult albino rabbits received, during a period of two weeks, a daily subcutaneous injection of aldosterone, 150 micrograms/kg body weight. Twenty-four hr after the last injection, bile was collected during two hr under anaestheia, then the liver was removed and submitted to cytochrome P-450 measurements and microscopic analyses. Red blood cell sodium content was measured before and after aldosterone treatment. In animals treated with aldosterone, compared with controls, we found: (1) a significant diminution (p less than 0.01) of bile flow rate, of sodium biliary excretion and of biliary bile acid output; (2) a significant increase (p less than 0.001) of liver cytochrome P-450; (3) hyaline modifications of hepatocytes without necrosis or steatosis; (4) a proliferation of liver smooth endoplasmic reticulum; (5) an increase (p less than 0.001) of red blood cell sodium content.


Carbohydrate metabolism in Down's syndrome.

Carbohydrate metabolism was studied in eight patients with Down's syndrome, aged 8 to 18 years. Diabetic glucose tolerance was observed in only one patient with obesity. This impaired glucose tolerance was improved with the weight reduction due to diet restriction. The flat glucose tolerance curves with low peak values were also observed in the other two patients. In the remaining five patients, normal glucose tolerance was obtained. Insulin response and free fatty acid levels during oral glucose load were not characteristic except for the diabetic patient with obesity. The sera of Down's syndrome showed normal binding capacity for insulin. These results suggest that obesity might partly participate in the impaired glucose tolerance in Down's syndrome.


Adsorption of suppressor cell activity on mouse macrophage monolayers.

Suppressor cell activity is high in the spleen of C57BL/6 mice sensitized to the allogeneic P-815 mastocytoma. The suppressor cells inhibit proliferation of normal mouse spleen cells in mixed lymphocyte cultures. Preincubation of tumor-allosensitized spleen cells on monolayers of syngeneic or allogeneic macrophages reduces suppressor activity. Preincubation on monolayers of spleen cells does not affect suppressor activity. Suppressor cells can be retrieved from the macrophage monolayers used for adsorption. Heat-killed macrophages fail to adsorb out suppressor cell activity. Incubation of tumor-allosensitized spleen cells on syngeneic macrophage monolayers does not reduce cytotoxic cell activity. Removal of suppressor cell activity by macrophage adsorption restores helper activity of tumor-allosensitized spleen cells. These results demonstrate that suppressor cell activity can be reduced by contact with macrophages and point to an additional role for the macrophage in regulating the immune response to tumors.


Suppressor cells in specific unresponsiveness to skin allografts in thymectomized, ALS-treated, marrow-injected mice.

Spleen cells from thymectomized antilymphocyte serum (ALS)-treated B6AF1 mice bearing enhanced C3H/He grafts after the infection of C3H/He marrow were assayed for their ability to suppress the response to C3H/He grafts after transfer to syngeneic B6AF1 recipients. Cells were transferred from thymectomized ALS-treated B6AF1 mice that had received either a C3H/He graft alone, C3H/He marrow alone, or both a graft and marrow. Cells were removed from donors and transferred at either day +13, +42, +62, +100, or +150. Spleen cells from thymectomized mice were unable to transfer unresponsiveness regardless of donor treatment or time of transfer.


Association of interstitial pneumonia and diminished in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis in human marrow graft recipients.

The lymphocyte responses of 51 human marrow graft recipients were tested in vitro 18 to 45 days after marrow grafting by stimulation with lymphocytes from unrelated individuals or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Fourteen of the 51 patients subsequently developed interstitial pneumonia (IP). The relative responses of the lymphocytes of patients who developed IP were significantly lower than those of individuals not developing IP (P less than 0.01 for allogeneic cells, P = 0.02 for PHA). These nonspecific in vitro tests of cell-mediated immunity are of value in identifying patients at risk of developing IP.


Thrombogenic potential of dacron grafts after prior exposure to whole blood, plasma, or albumin.

On hundred forty six (146) vascular graft insertions have been examined to determine the best exposure media, the mode of exposure, and the time of exposure required to change the TP of knitted dacron fabric. Whole blood, plasma, albumin, and Ringer's lactate (as control) were the media used. The mode of exposure was by either simple soaking or physiological perfusion with the appropriate media. The time of exposure was from one hour to 7 days. Simple soaking in species-specific albumin was found to be highly effective in lowering the TP of knitted dacron and we advocate this as the initial step in preclotting dacron grafts. This step is equally critical in the smaller vascular replacements and should lead to improved patency of these dacron vascular grafts.


Ureteral replacement with a new prosthesis.

A new flexible silicone ureteral prosthesis has been developed and implanted by a new technique in 20 miniature pigs. The improved implantation technique and the results are described. All prostheses remained firmly attached in their position and drained the upper urine collecting system adequately during an observation period up to 12 mos. Leakage, incrustation, dislocation or rejection did not occur. The promising results encouraged us to continue our investigations to get long term experience for clinical trial in human patients for whom nephrostomy is the alternative.


[Pathogenesis of acute osteomyelitis].

Pathogenesis of acute osteomyelitis is analyzed from the standpoint of disorders in the bone microcirculation. It is stated that in acute osteomyelitis there occur some disorders in microcirculation due to extravascular compression and intravascular occlusion of the bone vessels. The analysis of pathogenesis of acute osteomyelitis from the standpoint of disorders in the microcirculation of the osseous tissue is believed to be expedient for the correct understanding of pathological processes occurring in the bone, and for purposeful pathogenetic therapy.


[Recurrent right-ventricular hypertrophy in patients with congenital isolated stenosis of the pulmonary artery and outlet tract of the right ventricle in the immediate and late periods after surgery].

The degree of hypertrophy of the right ventricle is proportionate to the size of the systolic pressure gradient between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery prior to operation. The involution of hypertrophy is dependent on the type of stenosis, age of the patient and the term of surgery.


[4-stage system of treatment of patients with injuries of the musculo-skeletal apparatus].

The four-step system for the treatment of traumatological patients contributes to earlier rehabilitation and shortens the time fo staying in hospitals. It also decreases the invalidism percentage.


[Diagnosis and treatment of primary malignant thyroid tumors in an endemic focus].

In authors' opinion an inadequate knowledge of the clinical course and disparagement of the role of puncture and operation biopsies constitute the causes of hypodiagnosis of primary malignant tumors. An exceptional use of repeated operations in case of "histologic discoveries" of the tumors together with underestimation of radialogic and hormonal treatment should be considered as therapeutic errors.


Erythrophagocytosis by the sinus endothelial cell of the spleen in haemolytic anaemias.

An ultrastructural study of spleens from patients with a heterogeneous group of haemolytic anaemias was undertaken in order to determine whether sinus endothelial cells have erythrophagocytic ability. In most cases, sinus endothelial cells contained erythrocytes and various stages of intracellular degradation of engulfed erythrocytes were noted. Though the frequency of erythrophagocytosis varied from case to case, phagocytosis of erythrocytes by the endothelial cell was more frequent in cases in which cordal macrophages showed active erythrophagocytosis. These results suggest that the sinus endothelial cells have erythropagocytic ability in certain pathological states, especially when the demands for the removal of defective erythrocytes are increased. However, the bulk of erythrophagocytosis is carried out by cordal macrophages, and endothelial phagocytosis has a minor significance in the developemnt of haemolytic anaemia. Two possible processes by which erythrocytes come into contact with sinus endothelial cells are suggested.


Early (stage A) prostatic cancer. IV. Methodological criteria for histopathological diagnosis.

This study was performed in order to elucidate some of the problems of incidence, morphology and natural history concerned with Stage A prostatic cancer or prostatic microcarcinoma (PMC). The prostates of 100 patients, treated by subtotal prostatectomy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), were studied by comparing both routine and step-section techniques. The incidence of PMC was 41% by the former and 86% by the latter technique. Assessment of the size of PMC, as measured by the sum of the two main diameters, resulted in three groups: A1, A2, A3. The last of these may represent a frankly malignant condition, judged by size and the histological appearance. Radical prostatectomy is strongly suggested as appropriate therapy for this group.


Correlation of vertebral malformations with the synthesis and content of mucopolysaccharides during chondrogenesis.

Treating mice of strain C57BL/6Ffm on day 9 of gestation with 10 mg/kg of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine (FCdR) resulted in malformations of the thoracic vertebral column (ThVC) in 98% of near-term fetuses (Degenhardt et al., 1968). The spectrum of malformations was broad: fusion, dysplasia, cleft, aplasia and hypoplasia were all produced. Fusions of two or more segments represented more than half of all malformations (Bosse, 1978). The alterations in embryonic precartilage and cartilage after FCdR-treatment were followed from day 11 to day 15 in a biochemical and histological study. Biochemically, the 35S-uptake into embryonic mucopolysaccharides (MPS) and the content of total MPS and seven fractions of MPS in embryos or isolated ThVCs were analyzed. The histological variables studied were the types and incidence of malformations of the ThVC, 35S-autoradiography of the ThVC, and the amount of alcian blue-stained cartilaginous matrix. The results showed that on day 11 the synthesis of embryonic MPS was not affected, on day 12 the synthesis of MPS was greatly reduced, on day 13 the synthesis of MPS was slightly reduced while the MPS-content was not affected. On day 13 aplasias were seen in the same percentage as at term, but no fusions were detected. By day 14 the MPS-content was greatly reduced; hyaluronate, condroitin 4-sulfate, and chondroitin 6-sulfate being principally involved; the first fusions were seen. On day 15 the MPS-content was slightly reduced (chondroitin 6-sulfate and heparan sulfate were involved), fusions were complete. The results are discussed in terms of disturbance of structure and function of the notochord and intervertebral discs with the production of fusions, the main type of vertebral malformation in these experiments.


Emiocytotic granule release without intraluminal stimulus in human colonic endocrine cells of fetuses, children and adults.

In endocrine cells of the colon of adults, children and fetuses, exocytotic granule release without any specific stimulation is reported. Omega-invaginations are observed on both the lateral and basal surfaces of all types of colonic endocrine cells. Several explanations for the phenomenon are suggested: 1) emiocytosis is probably more frequent in the colon than in the proximal gut, this allows its observation without requiring an exogenous stimulus, 2) since most of the exocytotic figures are from anaesthetized subjects it is also assumed that contraction of the muscular layer induced by anaesthetics and the resulting increase in intraluminal pressure were the possible causes of granule release, 3) in non-anaesthetized subjects release may have taken place in response to a normal endogenous physiological stimulus, or to the dilation of colon during colonoscopy. Certain figures on lateral surfaces between endocrine and adjacent cells i.e., bulges of parallel plasma membranes surrounding a secretory granule, were observed. Their significance is unknown.


Ultrastructural studies of the rat submandibular gland in streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus.

Increased fluid intake (polydipsia) is one of the classic symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and resultant thirst are other symptoms of the disease and bear a close relationship to polydipsia. The xerostomia in individuals with diabetes is primarily due to decreased saliva flow which appears to be associated with degenerative changes in the salivary glands. This study examines the response of the rat submandibular gland to streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus. Adult male rats were given a single I.V. dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight) in citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Salivary glands were examined by light and electron microscopy at 4, 8 and 24 h and 3, 7, 14 and 21 days posttreatment. The changes in the acinar cells were characterized by an accumulation of secretory material within the cytoplasm. This secretory protein accumulation was followed by degenerative changes in the acinar cells which frequently resulted in cell death and replacement of secretory cells by connective tissue elements. The loss of secretory volume and potential changes in secretory kinetics are discussed with regard to the xerostomia, thirst and polydipsia exhibited by individuals with diabetes mellitus.


Lymphoepitheloid cell malignant lymphoma (Lennert).

Typical epitheloid cell formations were found in 175 of 500 cases of various types of Hodgkin's disease. No distinctive behaviour was found in cases with epitheloid structures. Close attention has been devoted to a further series of 23 lymphoepitheloid cell malignant lymphomata marked by focal nuclear atypicality in their epitheloid cell granulomas, which destroyed the basic neoplastic structure of the lymph node in many cases, necessitating further biopsy. In this series not only Hodgkin's disease (7 cases) but also some malignant lymphomas of non Hodgkin's types (3 x immunoblastoma, 3 x immunocytoma and 2 x T-lymphoblastoma) were found. In 6 cases only a tentative diagnosis of lymphoepitheloid cell malignant lymphoma could be made. The epitheloid granulomatous reaction tended to disappear gradually in all cases by repeated check-ups, and was apparently a secondary phenomenon. The cause of the epitheloid cell atypia was not evident although it proved to be an important diagnostic feature identifying an independent form of lymphoepitheloid malignant lymphoma. The subsequent development of this lesion suggested a mildly pleiomorphic highly malignant lymphoma, which might be of B cell origin, but sometimes demonstrably of the T cell series.


Alveolitis due to hair-spray. Ultrastructural observations in two patients and the results of experimental investigations.

Observation of two patients with hair-spray induced lung disease have prompted us to study the ultrastructure of the lung lesion. We have compared the results with experimental lesions in animals injected with hair-spray extracts and with human monocyte cell cultures exposed to hair-spray. The lungs show a chronic alveolitis with a striking granulomatous reaction including macrophages and multinucleated giant cells of the foreign body type. The intraalveolar and interstitial macrophages and the giant cells all contain PAS-positive material. Ultrastructurally distinct lamellar inclusions are found in the secondary lysosomes of the macrophages and giant cells. Identical structures can be produced in animals injected with hair-spray extracts and with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone and -acetate (PVP/PVA), which are regular ingredients of hair-sprays. Large, presumeably polymeric particles (PVP/PVA) are ingested by giant cells. This "gigantophagocytosis" is associated with the fusion of mononuclear phagocytes and leads to the genesis of giant cells. In cell cultures of human blood monocytes hair-spray extracts and PVP/PVA induce maturation and aggregation of these cells, with PAS-positive cytoplasmatic inclusions. The development of multinuclear giant cells in these monocyte cell cultures is also seen. These observations suggest that hair-spray induced lung disease is caused by the prolonged and extensive body response of the local mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Overstimulation of the MPS leads to a quantitative and qualitative change which is followed by a partial blockade of this system. The alveolitis is a consequence of the foreign body response to inhaled hair-spray substances.


Liquid paraffin pneumonia--with chemical analysis and electronmicroscopy.

Liquid paraffin pneumonia was diagnosed after open lung biopsy in a woman age 73 with a hiatus hernia and rheumatoid arthritis who had been taking liquid paraffin nightly for fifty two years. Histological examination showed a lipid type pneumonia with involvement of alveoli, interstitial tissues and brochioles. Chemical analysis of the lung showed total lipids of 17.7% (w/w), 86% was liquid paraffin which was positively identified by infrared spectroscopy. Transmission electronmicroscopy showed macrophages in the alveoli filled by phagosomes. The alveoli were mainly lined by alveolar type II cells. Scanning electronmicroscopy showed alveoli filled by a mass of vacuoled material.


Fatal eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis in a two-year-old child.

We report a case of eosinophilic gastroenterocolitis in a 2-year-old child with extensive fibrosis, atrophy of the muscularis propria and involvement of stomach, small bowel and colon. Following an attack of acute gastroenteritis at the age of 15 months the symptoms of ileus persisted. A biopsy of small bowel at the age of 18 months showed numerous eosinophilic granulocytes in the mucosa. At the age of 28 months the child died with paralytic ileus. This is the first case known to us of an eosinophilic gastroenteritis in early childhood with a fatal outcome.


Colorectal polyposis with mixed juvenile and adenomatous patterns.

An unusual form of colorectal polyposis is described displaying juvenile, adenomatous and mixed patterns in a 17-year-old girl. Although juvenile polyposis is generally considered to be non-neoplastic in nature, in both the present and in other case reports histological findings support a neoplastic nature. Since an increase in the incidence of large bowel carcinomas has been found in subjects with a previous diagnosis of juvenile polyposis, these patients should be considered to be at risk, and submitted to follow up.


[Laparoscopic picture and a working laparoscopic classification of chronic perihepatitis].

The author established chronic perihepatitis, via laparoscopy, in 61.6 percent of the investigated 350 patients in the course of 12 years. Describing the most characteristic mascoscopic varieties of chronic perihepatitis, the author groups them in seven separate form: I. Perihepatitis diffusa, corresponding to Zuckergussleber of Curschmann. II. Perihepatitis adhesiva and III. Perihepatitis circumscripta. The latter, on its part is subdivided to 5 separate forms of chronic perihepatitis: 1. Perihepatitis arachnoidealis, 2. Perihepatitis marginalis, 3. Perihepatitis areata et striata, 4. Perihepatitis miliaris disseminata, 5. Perihepatitis paravesicalis. That working laparoscopic classification contributes to the precise diagnostics and to the clinical interpretation of the separate forms of chronic perihepatitis. With the aid of lapraoscope the author performed a partial decapsulation of diffuse perihepatitis in 12 patients, without complications observed. Diffuse perihepatitis is, for the first time, described in patients with chronic hepatitis, in a patient with multiple liver abscesses and in one female-patient with peritoneal carcinosis and hemorrhagic ascites.


[Isolation of the causative agent of ornithosis from gamasid mites].

A microorganism was isolated from Gamasoid mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) collected in nests of blue rock pigeons by means of blind passages in white mice and chick embryos. The studies of its morphological, cultural, and antigenic properties and pathogenicity for laboratory animals permitted to identify it as the causative agent of ornithosis. It is suggested that the possibility of infection of ectoparasites is determined to a considerable extent by the degree of activity of the infectious process in the hosts. Ornithonyssus sylviarum may be assumed to be one of additional reservoirs of the causative agent of ornithosis in nature.


[What is fluoroacetate diabetes?].

The opinion is incorrect that the monofluor carbon-induced hyperglucosaemia which in literature is cited under the term fluor acetate diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency due to lesion of the pancreatic beta-cells. The cause of the fluor acetate diabetes is a disturbance of the glucose degradation by inhibition of the enzyme phosphofructokinase. Insulin applications have no causal influence on the monofluor carbon intoxications and no symptomatic influence on the fluor acetate diabetes.


Further evidence for a S-syn correlation in the purine(beta)ribosides: the solution conformation of two tricyclic analogs of adenosine and guanosine.

From the analysis of the HRNMR spectra of two tricyclic analogues of adenosine and guanosine, 4,5-diamino-9-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl) pyrimido [5,4-f]pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (adenosine-adenosine, AA) and 4,7-diamino-9-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrimido[5,4-f]pyrrolo-[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-one (adenosine-guanosine, AG), dissolved in liquid ND3 the preferred conformations of the ribose moiety are derived in the temperature range between + 40 and -60 degrees C. The analysis is based on the two state N in equilibrium or formed from S model of the furanoside ring proposed by Altona and Sundaralingam. Both compounds show a pronounced stabilization of the S-conformer of the sugar ring ([S] approximately 0.8). The van't Hoff enthalpy for the S in equilibrium or formed from N equilibrium is -3 kJ mol-1. The syn in equilibrium or formed from anti equilibrium is even at -60 degrees C fast compared to the HRNMR time scale.


Potential anticancer agents, XI. X-ray structure determination of acantholide.

The X-ray structure of acantholide, a melampolide sesquiterpene lactone from Acanthospermum glabratum (DC.) Willd. was determined by the aid of direct methods. The compound was cytotoxic but displayed no antitumor activity. Evaluation of the X-ray and NMR data indicated that the same conformation exists in the solid state as in solution.


A model mechanism for the enzymatic synthesis of lupin alkaloids.

A crude enzyme preparation obtained from cell suspension cultures of Lupinus polyphyllus catalyzes the pyruvate dependent conversion of cadaverine into the tetracyclic lupin alkaloids. As the first reaction product 17-oxosparteine could be identified by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. In some experiments sparteine was found additionally. A participation of diamine oxidase could be ruled out. The cadaverine-pyruvate transaminating enzyme system (17-oxosparteine synthase) catalyzes the formation of 17-oxosparteine from three cadaverine units without releasing free intermediates. These results are inconsistent with the hypothetical mechanism thus far formulated for the lupin alkaloid biosynthesis. A new enzymatic model mechanism is proposed regarding both the results of the enzymatic experiments and those of the in vivo tracer studies.


A theoretical study of H3PO4, nor-N-mustard, and cyclophosphamide.

Some physical and chemical properties of the cancerostat cyclophosphamide (generic name: ENDOXAN) and its basic constituents H3PO4 and nor-N-mustard have been calculated with the help of a modified CNDO/S-method. The spectroscopic data of the H3PO4, which is the starting-point for a corresponding calculation of cyclophosphamide, has been studied by taking account of the 3 d electron of the phosphorus. Nor-N-mustard is a very reactive compound, characterized by the ability to split off chloride ions and to act as an alkylating agent. The binding of the nor-N-mustard to the cyclic phosphate ester (cyclophosphamide) modifies the chemical reactivity of the mustard group in an essential way, and the 3 d electron of the phosphorus plays an important role with respect to the excitability of the C--Cl bonds. Cyclophosphamide must be metabolized in a suitable way to develop the same alkylating activity as the nor-N-mustard. The computation of the excited states of cyclophosphamide revealed a similar term scheme as it was found by Clar in the case of the carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons.


[Acetylcholinesterase from bovine erythrocytes. Purification and properties of the enzyme solubilized in the presence and the absence of Triton X-100 (author's transl)].

Acetylcholinesterase was released from bovine erythrocytes by Triton X-100 treatment and purified by twwfold affinity chromatography. The detergentfree enzyme was obtained with a specific activity of 4130 U/mg (303 000-fold purification) and a 25% yield. Alternatively, the commercial available crude enzyme was purified. The latter preparation has an uniform molecular weight (Mr 175 000). The Triton-solubilized enzyme, however, can be resolved after removal of the detergent in eight multiple forms (Mr 175 000 and multiple values), in the presence of Triton there exists only one form (Mr 338 000). The amino acid composition of the two enzyme preparations differs significantly. No differences were observed with respect to other properties: SDS gel electrophoresis revealed two protein bands (Mr 166 000 and 86 000) with both preparations. The enzyme is a glycoprotein with a pI value of 4.3 and contains strongly bound phosphatidylethanolamine. The N-terminal amino acid has been found to be Glu (or Gln).


Purification and properties of a catechol methyltransferase of the yeast Candida tropicalis.

In an effort to investigate catechol methyltransferase activity in sources other than mammalian tissues and cells, a high level of enzyme activity was found in the yeast fungus Candida tropicalis CBS 94. Partial purification of the enzyme (approx. 550 fold with a recovery of 7%) could be achieved by using ion-exchange and gel filtration techniques. The molecular weight was estimated at 32,000 +/- 2,000 by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. In isoelectric focusing experiments on Sephadex G-75 the enzyme exhibited a pI-value of 5.0 +/- 0.1. In contrast to catechol methyltransferase from various mammalian tissues the enzyme activity was prepared from the pH 5-sediment. The substrate specifity is comparable to other catechol methyltransferases.


Purification and properties of the soluble 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of rabbit uterus.

17 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity towards estradiol-17 beta has been demonstrated in the 105,000 x g supernatant of rabbit uterus. Hydroxylapatite chromatography of the enzyme activity isolated by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and DEAE-cellulose chromatography yielded a single 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Further purification of the enzyme preparation by isoelectric focusing resulted in multiple peaks of activity. The molecular weight of the enzyme, caculated from mobility data on Sephadex gel, is approximately 64,000. Some properties of partially purified 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity have been studied. Estradiol-17 beta reacts at a faster rate than testosterone. The Km for estradiol is 4.16 x 10(-5) mol/l for the NAD-linked enzyme activity and 4.37 x 10(-5) mol/l when NADP as cofactor was used. The ratio of the maximal velocity for NADP to that for NAD was 1.42. The pH-optimum for estradiol appears between 9.5 and 10.5 and for estrone between 5.5 and 6.5. The enzyme appears to be of the sulfhydryl type.


UDP-glucose: glucosyltransferase activity involved in the biosynthesis of flavonol triglucosides in Pisum sativum L. seedlings.

From young, light-grown seedlings of Pisum sativum L. an enzyme activity catalyzing the glucosylation of kaempferol and quercetin in the 3-position to form the 3-0-triglucoside derivative has been demonstrated. The reaction proceeds from the aglycone via the mono- and diglucoside intermediates. The triglucoside can be produced from any of the less substituted derivatives with uridine diphosphate-D-glucose (UDPG) as the glucosyl donor. Young leaf tissues had much higher levels of glucosyltransferase activity than the petioles and internodes. This is the first report of the synthesis of flavonol-3-0-triglucosides in vitro.


Inhibition of E. coli L-Asparaginase by reaction with 2,3-butanedione. Chemical modification of arginine and histidine residues.

The inactivation of E. coli asparaginase by 2,3-butanedione studied with L-asparagine and diazooxonorvaline as substrates obeys pseudo first order kinetics. Activity losses are linear with respect to arginine and histidine modification, with complete inactivation being correlated with alteration of one arginine and one histidine per subunit. The rate of inactivation of the enzyme was reduced in the presence of competitive inhibitors like L-2-amino-2-carboxyethane-sulfonamide. Under comparable conditions 1,2-cyclo hexanedione does not affect the activity of L-asparaginase.


[Influence of twovalent foreign cations on the uptake of zinc by Chlorella (author's transl)].

The influence of 10(-4) divalent cations on the uptake of labelled Zn in the concentration range 10(-5) to 5 x 10(-5) M into the interior of Chlorella fusca at 30 degrees C was measured during 75 min. The Zn absorbed on the surface or contained in the free space was removed by washing with EDTA. Corrections were applied for the loss in concentration due to surface adsorption, etc. The results were consistent with competitive inhibition of Zn uptake by the foreign ions. No allosteric inhibition was found. From the Lineweaver-Burk diagram, for uninhibited Zn, KM was found as 7 x 10(-6) M and Vmax as 8.3 x 10(-9) mol.min-1.g-1 algae. The inhibitor constants were: Mg 1.3 x 10(-5), Ca 4.3 x 10(-5), Co 4.3 x 10(-5), Ni 4.3 x 10(-5), Cd 1.3 x 10(-5) and Pb 9.4 x 10(-7) M. The values given for Km and the inhibitor constant refer to the velocities of uptake after 45 min.


Effects of alpha-aminooxy-beta-phenylpropionic acid on phenylalanine metabolism in p-fluorophenylalanine sensitive and resistant tobacco cells.

A p-fluorophenylalanine (PFP) resistant cell line with high phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and wild type cells with low PAL activity were compared in their responses to PAL inhibition by alpha-aminooxy-beta-phenylpropionic acid (AOP). Inhibition of PAL reduced the levels of the main phenolic compounds to 30% of the controls. Free phenylalanine pools increased 17 fold in the resistant line and 6 fold in the sensitive line, respectively. The accumulation of phenylalanine did not reduce the flow of labeled shikimic acid into the aromatic amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. The results are discussed with respect to the feedback inhibition of chorismate mutase activity by phenylalanine and tyrosine in both cell lines.


Chemical modification of biliprotein chromophores.

The reaction of biliproteins with sodium dithionite has been studied. The reagent is selective towards the chromophores. In denatured phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis, all three chromophores react to form yellow "phycorubin", whereas only 1/3 of the chromophores react in native phycocyanin in a non-statistical manner. From reversion experiments, it can be shown, that the thermodynamic stability of the chromophores towards reaction with dithionite is increased in the native pigment. Similarly, native phytochrome in its Pr form reacts only partially to a pigment absorbing at both 420 and 660 nm. The same product is formed from native Pfr, indicating both a reversion to Pr and a partial reduction.


On the analysis of competitive binding of various ligands to cooperative and independent binding sites of macromolecules.

The paper deals with the practical evaluation of multiple binding equilibria of macromolecules and different ligands competing for the same binding sites. The necessary formalism is reviewed and set up for the equilibria involving a macromolecule with various classes of independent binding sites and/or a class of cooperative sites and up to three different ligands in competition for them. In particular, it was necessary to extend the Hill approximation to treat simultaneous competition for cooperative as well as independent binding sites, while earlier attempts are shown to be inadequate. Criteria are developed for a qualitative analysis of complex binding patterns using the Scatchard-plot of the experimental data in order to obtain a model of the binding structure and an adequate set of input parameters for the numerical analysis. Numerical examples refer to the binding of calcium and magnesium to the sarcoplasmic reticulum as studied by competitive replacement of manganese ions [3].


Proliferation and metabolic activities of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in chemically defined albumin media.

Cell proliferation, viability, DNA-, RNA-, protein synthesis, amino acid transport, repiration and lactate/glucose quotient of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells grown in suspension culture in serum free medium supplemented with albumin charges of different origin were studied. Optimal cell growth was obtained in nutrient medium supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (Cohn-fraction V, Serva). Cell proliferation under these culture conditions was delayed to 50% as compared to controls in normal medium; the rate of synthesis of macromolecules was reduced; energy metabolism was not significantly imparied. The trend of the cells in albumin medium to attach to glass was independent from the pH of the cultures between 7.2 and 8.0; it was enhanced by fatty acid deprivation of the albumin.


T2 phage sensitization by linear and angular furocoumarins.

T2 bacteriophage sensitization has been studied using two furocoumarins capable of linking covalently to DNA to the same extent but producing different damages, psoralen and 4,5'-dimethylangelicin. Psoralen is a well-known linear furocoumarin capable of inducing in DNA both monoadducts and cross-links; 4,5'-dimethylangelicin is a new angular compound known as a pure monofunctional reagent. In the sensitization of T2 mature virions both drugs proved very active, yielding survival curves practically superimposable; on the contrary, in the experiments with the T2 vegetative form, i. e. its DNA inside the host, 4,5'-dimethylangelicin resulted much less effective, resembling the picture observed in the inactivation of the host bacteria. This result did not appear related to an enhancement of DNA repair by a Weigle effect. The different killing activity of 4,5'-dimethylangelicin can be explained supposing that this drug is capable of inducing cross-links in T2 DNA inside the virus core, in which it exists in a very folded form, but not in the same DNA after injection into the host bacteria.


[Quantitative comparison of ribosome binding sites of twelve nucleotide sequences from Escherichia coli (RNA- and DNA phages) based on triplet patterns (author's transl)].

The molecular structure of ribosome binding sites of ten phage genes and two messengers of Escherichia coli were compared concerning the signation parts which are presumably used by ribosomes for recognition and binding. With a simple calculation based on triplet patterns sofar unknown agreements between all of these sequences were found. In several cases it was shown that agreements between old sequences are easier recognizable if the purine- and pyrimidine bases are put into the triplets instead of the four A, G, C, and U (T) bases. In such cases "homologous" parts of sequences were recognized with more distinctness. This is true in our case for the double triplet (hexaplet) py-pu-pu-pu-pu-(pu) and the binding site triplet py-pu-pu, which are preceding the initiator. These triplets are in specific positions in all twelve sequences which were compared. The different course of the quaternary and the binary conformity curves (diagram 1) may show for the investigated area that the RNA phage gene-part is organized according to the well known quaternary triplet code. On the contrary the phage phi-gene-part seems to be organized according to a more simple, binary triplet sequence of purine and pyrimidine bases. The binary sequence seems to be the more original, the quaternary the derived one.


[The sequence of a dimeric hemoglobin (erythrocruorin), component IX, from Chironomus thummi thummi (Insecta Diptera) (author's transl)].

The primary structure of the dimeric hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) CTT-IX from the insect larva Chironomus thummi thummi (Insecta Diptera) is given. The sequence was determined automatically. The primary structure is compared with human alpha-chains.


Radiation induced loss of anti-Ig binding ability of lymphocytes.

The effect of irradiation on the anti Ig binding ability of lymphocytes after irradiation was studied. Normal control and irradiated lymphoid cells were treated with rabbit anti mouse IgG fluorescein conjugated serum and the fluorescein positive cells compared. A reduction in the proportion of stained cells in the irradiated lymphocytes was found. It depends on the dose and on the incubation time at 37 degrees C after irradiation. The maximum effect was detected after 10 minutes of incubation, longer incubation is associated with a partial recovery of the stainability of the IgG receptors.


Fine structure and organization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the sino-auricular fibres of frog heart.

The ultrastructure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the sino-auricular fibres of frog heart has been investigated especially in order to evaluate its possible relationship with several cellular organelles. The SR appears as a complex unit which can be divided into three regions:--peripheral SR, localized beneath the sarcolemma. It is composed of junctional SR, which forms specialized complexes (couplings) with the sarcolemma, and peripheral SR s. str. which frequently extends its anastomotic tubules around the caveolae.--juxtafibrillar SR, in relation with myofibrils, at the level of Z lines and I bands.--intermediary SR which is the most abundant. It contains dense granules, able to bind strontium (and calcium) and, from place to place, is formed into flattened saccules bearing fenestrations where microfilaments frequently pass through. It allows peripheral SR and juxtafibrillar SR to communicate, giving unity to the reticular system and, on the other hand, shows close topographical relations with mitochondria. The great extension of the SR, its heterogeneity and its relationships with several cellular organelles, especially mitochondria, are interpreted from the functional point of view.


The primary structure of the beta-lactoglobulin of the waterbuffalo (Bubalus arnee).

The complete amino acid sequence of the beta-lactoglobuline of the waterbuffalo (Bubalus arnee) was established. The sequence of peptides obtained by cleavage with BNPS-Skatole, CNBr and trypsin were determined automatically by the help of the sequenator. Only two differences were found in the beta lactoglobulin of the waterbuffalo compared with the bovine beta-lactoglobulin B.


Radioactive labelling of lipids in rat neurosarcoma by intravenous injection of [1-14C]-octadecenol.

Radioactivity from cis-9-[1-14C]octadecenol, injected intravenously into rats bearing neurosarcoma, is incorporated to a significantly greater extent into tumor than into muscle. In the lipids of both tissues, radioactivity is incorporated predominantly into the acyl moieties, rather than into the alkyl or alk-1-enyl moieties, of diradylglycerophosphocholines, diradylglycerophosphoethanolamines, and triradylglycerols.


Color vision in salamander larvae.

In behavioral experiments using monochromatic prey-patterns, larval salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) are able to discriminate colored from white light. In the retina only blue-yellow opponent-color ganglion cells were recorded. Thus the color vision in these animals is dichromatic.


[Iatrogeni vascular injuries (author's transl)].

We report on 34 intraogenic vascular injuries. In nine cases vascular trauma occured secondary to diagnostic procedures. The other 25 cases were due to therapeutic measures. Vascular reconstruction was successfull in all cases, except 2, which required above-knee amputation because of ischaemic damage. The causes of death in 4 cases were malignant diseases or multiple traumatic injuries.


[Significance of malformations and variations in the lumbosacral spine for the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk diseases].

Clinical data and x-ray findings of 1000 patients with back pain have been analysed. The authors found evidence that malformations and particularly development variations of the lumbosacral vertebral column may play a role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk degenerations. The discopathies become clinically manifest as a consequence of development faults at a younger age und in a larger number than in those with normal development of the spine. The clinical importance of the transitional vertebra is discussed.


Four bakers showing positive patch-tests to a number of fragrance materials, which can also be used as flavors.

Contact sensitization to fragrance materials may be caused by occupational exposure to flavor compositions in the food trade and needs not to be due to cosmetic exposure exclusively. To illustrate this, investigative results in four bakers are discussed.


Acne aestivalis. A histopathological study.

Twelve histological sections with the diagnosis acne aestivalis (Mallorca acne) were revised and compared with the clinical diagnosis. Two histological diagnosis were wrong, one being folliculitis necroticans the other an uncharacteristic follicular disease. Non the less this patient had clinical acne aestivalis. In five patients accordance was found between histopathology and the clinical picture. Among the last five patients with histological acne aestivalis one had clinical rosacea, one yersinosis and dermatitis herpetiformis, one acne vulgaris, one miliaria or transcient acantholytic dermatosis, and the last one folliculitis perforans. The two last mentioned patients had the same histological picture which could be consistent with folliculitis perforans. The similarity in histopathology in this disease and acne aestivalis is emphasized. The histopathology in acne aestivalis could indicate, that the disease starts as a damage in corium and that the changes in the pilosebaceous apparatus are secondary.


Comparison of patch test results in two adjacent areas of England-I. (Industrial allergens).

A 3-year study of patch test reactions to the Standard European Battery has been carried out in two adjacent areas of S. E. England with the same climatic and cultural background. The source of materials and method of testing were identical; both observers had worked together in the same Contact Dermatitis department and the interpretation of reactions can therefore be considered to be consistent. The main differences between the two areas lay in the pattern of employment and of local medicament prescribing. The first only is examined here. One area was dominated by the automobile industry, the other by the furniture industry, with important subsidiary rubber, foam and electronics factories. The pattern that emerges shows that patch test reactions to the Standard European Battery were more likely to be related to environmental allergens and medicament usage than to industrial hazards. Chrome dermatitis was less common than elsewhere in Europe but nickel sensitivity showed the same pattern. Rubber chemical sensitivity reflected industrial, as well as domestic usage. Colophony and formaldehyde appeared to have less industrial significance than we expected. Special additional industrial allergens are not considered here but were of particular importance in the furniture industry. Although the numbers analysed were relatively small, we believe that they reflect the pattern to be expected in areas of relatively low industrial risk in Great Britain at the present time.


Rare allergens - hidden sources of allergens.

Acceleration of technical development results in growing difficulties to trace allergens. In this respect rare allergens as well as hidden sources of well-known allergens not infrequently cause persistence of allergic dermatitis. Examples are presented for di-ethyl-ester of maleic acid, hydroxylammoniumhydrochloride, N-methyl-p-aminophenol, 2-hydroxy-3-naphtoic acid o-aniside and N-acetoacetyl-benzylamide.


Carbon and carbonless copy paper.

Proven allergic contact dermatitis from carbon paper is an exceptional rarity; the reported causes are dyes and plasticisers. But carbon paper is gradually being replaced by pressure-sensitive or carbonless copy paper, particularly for business forms. The method depends on mechanical pressure or chemical transfer. For the latter, colour formers are held in microcapsules, which rupture under pressure, and released when they produce the colour. Some office workers have claimed that the handling of used carbonless papers are responsible for symptoms affecting the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, as well as systemic symptoms including headaches, drowsiness and fatigue. Patch tests are negative. If the symptoms are attributable to carbonless paper it is suggested that the colour former solvents are most likely to be responsible.


First epidemiological study of contact dermatitis in Spain - 1977. Spanish Contact Dermatitis Research Group.

The present work is the first epidemiological study carried out by the Spanish Contact Dermatitis Research Group during 1977. During this year 2806 patients were studied with patch test among 30873 dermatological patients. The 60-62% of the totality had reactivity to one or more patches. Four major groups of allergens were able to consider, following the incidence in their power of sensitize. First group with strong incidence include: Nickel, Chromate, Cobalt, T.M.T.D.,P.P.D.A., Mercapto mix., and Wood tars. Second and third groups with medium incidence contain: Caines, Carbonates, Neomycin, Balsam of Peru, Mercury, Lanolin, Naphtyl mix., Formaldehyde, Benzalkonium chloride, P. P. D. A. mix, and Turpentine. Four group show very low incidence substances, as: Epoxi, Sulfonamides, Etilendiamine, Parabens, Chinoform, Colophony and Cinnamon oil. Few comments about age and occupations are included.


Hand dermatitis in haridressers.

Most junior hairdressers, while shampooing, develop a dry irritant dermatitis over the metacarpophalangeal joints. It responds to simple treatment and disappears when the shampooing stage is passed. A few hairdressers develop eczema of the fingers: the response to treatment is less predictable and the prognosis is worse. In those who give up hairdressing the eczema generally improves or heals, in those who continue hairdressing the eczema is likely to persist, especially in atopics.


Batch-consciousness in dermatologic management.

The chemical ingredients can vary between batches of industrial products. That means that the sensitizing capacity is also variable. This should be considered in taking histories, performing patch testing and analyzing chemicals.


Cross-sensitivity within the neomycin group of antibiotics.

Neomycin sensitive patients were tested for hypersensitivity to kanamycin, gentamycin, tobramycin, spectinomycin and to the new, not yet registered sisomycin and netilmicin. Cross-sensitivity occured in a considerable part of the patients, except for spectinomycin, the structure of which is basically different from that of the other aminoglycosides tested. The common occurence of cross-sensitivity between neomycin and other aminoglycoside antibiotics shows that it is possible to predict cross-sensitivity between a new drug and an old sensitizing one before clinical reactions from the new drug have occured. Such an investigation should be performed before adopting new antibiotics.


Factors affecting the histochemical composition of reinnervated soleus muscle of rat.

The myofibrillar ATPase reaction was utilized to determine the relative proportion of type II fibres in reinnervated soleus muscle 6 months after transection and reunion of the nerve at various distances from the muscle. In self-reinnervated soleus muscle, a highly significant decrease in the percentage of type II fibres from 10.5 +/- 1.6% in normal muscle to 0.7 +/- 0.4% was noted. In randomly reinnervated soleus muscle the percentage of type II fibres gradually increased with the distance of the site of nerve transection from the muscle. After transection and reunion of the muscular branch of the tibial nerve, the type II fibres constituted 34.0 +/- 1.5% and that of the reinnervated soleus muscle after transection and reunion of the sciatic nerve stump was 73.7 +/- 1.7% of the total fibre population. Different factors which might be responsible for the observed differences in the degree of cytochemical transformation of muscle fibre types in the process of reinnervation are discussed.


Nerve elements of the heart in aorto-coronary by-pass conditions.

Experiments were conducted on 100 dogs with creation of autovenous aortocoronary shunts in the coronary artery. The hearts were examined 1 year following surgery by routine histological, neurohistological, histochemical and electron-microscopic techniques. No severe destructive changes were revealed in the shunting system. The main process develop in the heart very early following surgery and consist in reactive changes in the intramural nerve elements, elevation of the phosphatase activity in the walls of the microcirculatory bed, redistribution of acid and neutral mucopolysaccharides and changes of permeability of the haematohistiocytic barriers; they are an adaptation response of the myocardium to operative stress and new conditions of influx of blood to the cardiac muscle.


Clinical features of multiple sclerosis in north-east Scotland.

The clinical features of multiple sclerosis (MS) in north-east Scotland have been examined along with an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence of the disease on 1st December, 1970. Patient information was collected from all available diagnostic indices, both retrospectively and prospectively from 1965. Every family doctor in the region contributed. The age and sex specific prevalence rates for MS in north-east Scotland on 1st December, 1970, are the highest ever recorded. Among the 80,000 women aged 40 to 69, one in every 340 had the disease. The mean incidence rate for a 12-year period was 5.0/100,000. A significantly better prognosis with regard to disability was found for onset with sensory symptoms, a relapsing/remitting type of course, men with long disease duration, and an initial remission period of 4 or more years. The occurrence of various abnormal neurological signs and symptoms has rarely been recorded in a large epidemiological study. The findings in this study, however, are similar to previous non-epidemiological studies.


The development and evaluation of an ovulation inhibitor (DIAne) containing an antiandrogen.

The combination of 2 mg cyproterone acetate, a pronounced antiandrogenic substance, in combination with 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol has undergone intensive multiphasic clinical evaluation. The preparation with the trade name Diane has proven to be not only a reliable contraceptive, but also a very potent drug for the treatment of both acne and seborrhea, and of milder cases of hirsutism. The effect of Diane on markedly increased hair growth was not so pronounced. In addition to the presentation of the most pertinent steps of the clinical investigation of Diane, the possible mode of actions of antiandrogens alone and in combination with an estrogen is discussed.


Serum testosterone, FSH/LH and urinary excretion of estrogens and corticoids during treatment with an injectable, longacting estrogen-DHEA preparation.

Ten weeks after total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, nine women were treated with injections of Gynodian, composed of 4 mg estradiol valerate and 200 mg dehydroepiandrosterone enanthate, followed by injections of Primodian, composed of 4 mg estradiol valerate and 90.27 mg testosterone enanthate. Before commencement of treatment estimation of serum FSH, LH and testosterone, and analyses for total estrogen, 17-ketogenic steroids and fractionated 17-ketosteroids in 24-hour urine samples were carried out in all patients. The same serum and urine analyses were made 2 weeks after the first Gynodian injection and the first Primodian injection respectively. Serum testosterone concentrations did not change during treatment with Gynodian, whereas they rose markedly after administration of Primodian. Two weeks after the first injection of Gynodian and also of Primodian, the total estrogen excretion was only slightly increased in comparison with the value measured before start of treatment, and the serum FSH/LH ratio was only slightly depressed. The daily urinary excretion of 17-ketogenic steroids and of fractionated 17-ketosteroids were unchanged during treatment.


Morphological, histochemical and X-ray microanalytical examination of deposits on soft contact lenses in extended wearing.

The deposits on 29 contact lenses of various water content from 20 wearers were analysed by the methods given in the title. Six lenses were used as bandage lenses, the remaining for optical correction. The age of the patients varied from 7 to 56 years, two-thirds being under 45 years. Wearing time had been from 1 week to 1 year, with an average of 13 weeks. The results obtained by the methods applied showed that calcium was present in just over two-thirds of the cases (20/29), other elements being infrequent. Mucopolysaccharides were found in just under two-thirds (18/29). Chlorine was present in one-fifth of the cases. No significant amounts of lipid were detected. Fungi were found in three cases (3/29). Bacteria were also found in these cases, but never without fungi. Evaluation of the methods applied showed that the methods of choice were macroscopical examination and scanning microscopy in combination with X-ray microanalysis, in a few cases combined with histochemistry. None of the methods applied is sufficient for protein analysis.


Performance of the hypertrophied left ventricle in spontaneously hypertensive rat. Effects of changes in preload and afterload.

Isolated hearts from adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; Okamoto 1969), with established hypertension, were investigated in an antegrade perfusion apparatus where preload and afterload could be varied independently. Frank-Starling curves were constructed at constant afterloads ranging from 50 mmHg to 150 mmHg. As earlier reported, the SHR hearts exhibited a rightward shift of their Frank-Startling relationships compared to those from the normotensive control hearts, though visible only at afterloads up to about 100 mmHg. At higher afterloads the SHR hearts performed significantly better then the NCR ones as their maximal stroke volume was significantly greater compared to that of controls. Thus, left ventricular hypertrophy obviously increases the work capacity of the heart, though at the cost of an altered Frank-Startling relation dependent on the reduced diastolic compliance. For such reasons the myocardial hypertrophy in established SHR hypertension must be considered a physiologic adaptation and not a degenerative phenomenon, though naturally degenerative processes may later become superimposed.


Human plantar flexion strength and structure.

Plantar flexion strengths were studied in 30 right-handed males. Static and dynamic maximum plantar flexion torques were recorded, knees fully extended (0 degrees) and in 90 degrees flexion. In five of the subjects the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle structure were studied by light microscopy and enzyme histochemistry. Specimens were obtained by needle biopsy, usually bilaterally. Intraindividual declines of force were found to be a function of angular motion velocity. Static and dynamic torques correlated significantly. Peak torques were significantly greater (mean 15%) at the 0 degrees than at the 90 degrees knee angle and left maximum plantar flexion torques at 0 degrees were greater (mean 10%) than right. Mean morphometric data on the m. soleus suggested right-left symmetry, which could not be demonstrated for the m. gastrocnemius. Fibres with low stainability for myofibrillar ATPase (Type 1 fibres) had smaller diameters, but constituted the major part of the cross-sectional areas. In these five non-athletes no significant correlation between data on plantar flexion strength and morphometric data on triceps surae structure could be demonstrated. On the other hand, strength covariated with calf circumference.


Left atrial pressure in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The left atrial pressure in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of the Okamoto strain and normotensive control rat (NCR) was measured via chronically implanted catheters. In SHR left atrial pressure in end-expiration was more than twice as high (10.3 +/- 0.4 mmHg) as in NCR (4.6 +/- 0.3 mmHg). There was no difference in the intrapleural pressure between the two groups of rats, therefore the enhanced left atrial pressure in SHR represents a real rise in the diastolic filling pressure of its left ventricle. This is considered to be the most important compensation for the earlier reported rightward shift of the Frank-Starling curve in SHR (Hallbäck, Isaksson & Noresson 1975, Noresson et al. 1979a). Without this compensation the stroke volume would have been drastically reduced for the hypertrophied heart.


Determination of blood flow through arteriovenous fistulae and shunts.

A videodensitometric method for estimating relative flow was employed in a patient with a bovine arteriovenous fistula. Analogous arteriovenous communications of different sizes were created in two dogs for comparison. Local and general hemodynamic parameters were measured. The videodensitometric method proved to be highly accurate compared to electromagnetic flow readings and is the method of choice in estimating shunt flow in connection with routine angiography.


Rheumatoid arthritis, immune complex disease, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Report on a case.

A patient with typical rheumatoid arthritis is presented. After a short period of the disease a hyperosinophilic syndrome (HES) developed with vasculitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and thrombosis, and the disease took a malignant course. The patient died within a year after the diagnosis of HES. High titres of rheumatoid factor were manifested and total complement (CH50) was very low, indicating an active immune disease. As HES has been suggested to have an autoimmune aetiology, these findings are interesting, as positive rheumatoid serology has very rarely been reported in patients with this syndrome.


Differences in regional capillary distribution and myocyte sizes in normal and hypertrophic rat hearts.

Data are reported which show significant regional capillary differences in left ventricular endocardium and epicardium of normal rats and of rats with hyperthyroid-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The epicardial region of control rats has 38% more capillaries than the endocardial region. Control endocardial myocytes are 62% larger in cross-sectional area than epicardial myocytes. Hypertrophic hearts exhibit regional differences in capillary density similar to those in the normal hearts, but there is an overall reduction of 12 and 17.5% in capillary density in both regions. The average cross-sectional area of myocytes increases 34.5% in the epicardium and 22.5% in the endocardium.


Lymphocyte surface markers and serum immunoglobulins in persons with Down's syndrome.

Distributions of the serum immunoglobulins, of T and B lymphocytes, and subpopulations of B lymphocytes were studied in children and institutionalized adults with Down's syndrome and appropriate mentally retarded controls. Noninstitutionalized Down's syndrome children, who were 2 to 6 years of age, had lower serum IgM levels, lower total white blood cell counts, lower total lymphocytes, lower B lymphocytes, and lower IgM- and IgA-producing lymphocytes than did retarded controls. Institutionalized Down's syndrome adults, 17 to 51 years of age, had significantly higher serum IgG and IgA levels than did retarded controls. Their total lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and IgM-producing lymphocytes were in the same direction as in the Down's syndrome children but were of borderline statistical significance (between p = .09 and .11). T lymphocytes were not significantly lower for any of the Down's syndrome-retarded groups than those for controls, but the trend was in that direction.


Communicative and sensorimotor development of Down's syndrome children.

Imperative and declarative performative behavior was examined in nonretarded and Down's syndrome children operating at two stages of sensorimotor intelligence. In both groups, more advanced types of performative behavior generally associated with a higher sensorimotor stage. Relative to the nonretarded children of the same sensorimotor stages, the Down's syndrome children relied more heavily on gestures in their imperative and declarative usage. Evidence was also obtained suggesting that the correspondence between sensorimotor stage and performative behavior is closer at younger ages than at older ages.


Mg2+-dependent adenosine triphosphatase as an enzyme histochemical marker for the lymphomas of B-cell origin.

Twenty-nine cases of malignant lymphoma were studied by the enzyme histochemical method and membrane surface markers. Strong adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity was demonstrated in 15 cases of 20 B lymphomas and in one case of null-cell lymphoma (1/1) by a light- and electron-microscopic enzyme histochemical method according to Wachstein et al. Neoplastic cells in nodules of 2 nodular lymphomas (0/2) and in 8 cases of T lymphomas (0/8) did not show any ATPase activity enzyme-histochemically. The ATPase activity of B lymphomas was electron-microscopically demonstrated on the plasma membrane of lymphoma cells but not in the cytoplasmic organelles. The specificity of ATPase activity in B lymphomas was also examined enzyme-histochemically with reference to normal lymphoid tissues. Such specificity was similar to that of non-neoplastic B lymphocytes of primary follicles and the mantle zone of secondary follicles in lymphoid tissues. Therefore, ATPase is one of the useful enzyme histochemical markers in differentiating T and B subclasses of malignant lymphomas.


The treatment of chronic back pain. A preliminary survey of the effect of radiofrequency denervation of the posterior vertebral joints.

Structures innervated by the dorsal primary ramus play a significant part in the genesis of chronic backache and associated leg pain. The features of this syndrome are described and compared with those in the more familiar clinical picture following intervertebral disc degeneration. However these clinical entities are seldom entirely separate and the diagnosis is often also complicated by psychosomatic factors and the consequences of previous back surgery. A technique of percutaneous facet denervation with a radiofrequency probe, although by no means successful in every case, is entirely safe and a very wothwhile procedure. It has helped many patients, who would otherwise have been disabled by pain and restricted in their activities.


Burma revisited.

The author, who had spent a year with a mobile field hospital in Burma in 1944 during World War II, was able to visit Rangoon for 5 days in 1977 with the assistance of a grant from the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Some impressions of life in Burma today are given, especially in relation to the problem of providing an anaesthetic service for the main hospitals in Rangoon and the work of Professor Win Maung, FFARCS and his University department. The author also describes some of the aid which it has been possible to organise since his return to the United Kingdom and outlines requirements for the future.


Muscle spindle supply to the masticatory muscles in the Japane ermine (Carnivora).

Histological examination of the jaw muscles of the Japanese ermine showed that 4 jaw-closing muscles have 13 muscle spindles on one side of the face. The temporal muscle has 99 muscle spindles, 68 being in the anterior vertical and 31 in the posterior horizontal belly. The masseter muscle has 33 muscle spindles, 23 being in the profound and 10 in the superficial belly. The medial pterygoid muscle has 7 muscle spindles and the zygomaticomandibular muscle contains 4 muscle spindles. The lateral pterygoid and the jaw-opening muscles have no spindles.


Effects of tenotomy on the muscle of the turtle: a histochemical study.

Tenotomized turtle muscles exhibited some changes similar to those found in mammalian tenotomized muscles. These changes included presence of small rounded and angulated fibres with high oxidative reaction, acute necrosis of fibres with degenerative changes, perivascular cellular reaction, phagocytosis and the atrophy of all 3 types of fibres. In contrast to mammalian tenotomized muscles, no decrease in PAS positive material and phosphorylase activity was noticeable. Also, the central core fibres and nemaline rods were absent in tenotomized turtle muscles.


Effect of pyrantel tartrate and carbadox on acquisition of the swine kidneyworm (Stephanurus dentatus) and other parasites by pigs on contaminated lots.

A combination of pyrantel tartrate (106 mg/kg of body weight) and carbadox (55 mg/kg of body weight) in ground feed was fed to 20 weaned pigs (av wt, 14.4 kg) for 42 days. Another group of 20 pigs included nontreated controls. The pigs were farrowed and suckled in a slat-floored farrowing house and had minimal exposure to the small intestinal threadworm (Stronglyoides ransomi) until they were placed on severely contaminated dirt lots at the start of the experiment. Five pigs from each of the two groups were necropsied on day 42. Carbadox was withheld from the feed for the 15 remaining treated pigs. All other pigs were necropsied when they attained market weight, 72 to 83 days layer. Treated pigs killed at market weight had 44% fewer (P less than 0.10) kidneyworms (Stephanurus dentatus) than did control pigs. A 17% increase (P less than 0.01) in the weights of livers of control pigs when compared with treated market-weight pigs was associated with an increase of fibrotic hepatic tissue of control pigs. Worm infections were reduced in the treated market-weight pigs: by 96% (P less than 0.05) for the large roundworm (Ascaris suum), 77% (P less than 0.01) for nodular worms (Oesophagostomum spp), and 64% (P less than 0.01) for the intestinal threadworm. There was some evidence for prophylaxis in market-weight pigs (P less than 0.10) against lungworms (Metastrongylus spp), but none against the whipworm (Trichuris suis) or thick stomach worms (Ascarops strongylina and Physocephalus sexalatus). Pigs given the pyrantel tartrate in feed until attaining market weight maintained a feed-to-gain ratio superior (7.1%) to that of nontreated pigs.


Effects of hormonal therapy on the microbiology of seborrheic dogs.

Quantitative and qualitative bacterial assays were performed on the skin of three dogs with endocrine-related primary metabolic seborrhea. After the dogs were treated (thyroid supplementation or castration, bacterial analyses were again performed on the same sites. Before therapy, the dogs had a cutaneous flora composed mainly of Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-positive organisms. After therapy, there was a significantly lower bacterial count, and two of the dogs had floras consisting mainly of coagulase-negative cocci. During the study, the two dogs that reverted bacteriologically to a normal cutaneous microenvironment became normal dermatologically. The third dog improved, but continued to have minor signs of seborrhea.


Identification and distribution of swine serum immunoglobins that react with Trichinella spiralis antigens and may interfere with the enzyme-labeled antibody test for trichinosis.

Sera from Trichinella spiralis digestion-negative swine contained variable amounts of two immunoglobins that reacted with T spiralis antigen in the indirect enzyme-labeled antibody test for trichinosis. One of these immunoglobins, detected by heavy chain-specific anti-swine immunoglobulin G (IgG) conjugate, was removed by absorption with T spiralis larvae. A second immunoglobin, detected by heavy chain-specific anti-swine IgM, was not removed by absorption with T spiralis larvae and increased in amount with the age of the animal. These two immunoglobins varied independently in individual animals and showed some specificity for the antigen; ie, they did not merely reflect changes in total serum IgG or IgM. In contrast to IgG anti-T spiralis antibody from experimentally infected animals, neither of these immunoglobins could be detected in double-diffusion tests against the antigen or by counter immunoelectrophoresis. Either of these immunoglobins could interfere with the indirect test for T spiralis antibodies, depending upon whether anti-swine IgG or IgM conjugate is used. The factors which initiate synthesis and control serum concentrations of these immunoglobins are not known.


Calibration and use of electromagnetic flow transducers.

Electromagnetic flowmeters frequently are used to measure volumetric blood flow in vessels. An in vitro method of calibration, using a constant supply-pressure system, was studied. Potential problems encountered in acute and chronic applications are discussed. Using this calibration system, manufacturers' recommended calibration factors were not in agreement with actual flow calibration factors, and zero, as determined electrically, was not the same as that determined mechanically. Transducer sensitivity decreased with increasing concentrations of red blood cells but was not affected by fluid viscosity. Application problems of vessel constriction by the transducer, transducer orientation about the vessel, and chronic instrumentation are discussed.


Abnormal fibrous protein isolated from the stratum corneum of a patient with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (BCIE).

The fibrous protein of stratum corneum was isolated from a patient with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (BCIE), and its properties characterized using electron microscopy, amino acid analysis and SDS gel electrophoresis. Results were compared with the characteristics of the fibrous protein isolated from stratum corneum of normal controls. From 900 mg (dry weight) of stratum corneum, 68 mg of fibrous protein was obtained from the patient, while 178 mg was obtained from the normal control. Structural differences were observed with electron microscopy and chemical differences, were shown in the ratio of several amino acids. On SDS electrophoresis, the 55,000 dalton constituent of normal fibrous protein could not be identified in the fibrous protein from this patient. These results suggest that an alteration of the polypeptide composition of fibrous protein from this patient with BCIE occurred, and this alteration induced the morphological and clinical features of this dominant genetic keratinization disorder.


The effect of immunosuppressive therapy on the course of development of Dictyocaulus viviparus in guinea-pigs.

Three chemical immunosuppressive agents, viz. dexamethasone, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide, were administered to guinea-pigs two days prior to their infection with Dictyocaulus viviparus infective larvae and onward. The cell mediated immunity of these guinea-pigs was subdued under the influence of these immunosuppressive agents as evidenced by macrophage migration inhibition test but this could not prevent or postpone the rejection of majority of the worm population of guinea-pigs on day 15 post-infection. Methotrexate exerted, besides its cell mediated immunosuppressive action on the host, some inhibitory influence on the general biotic potentialities of the developing worms so that, on day eight post-infection, a reduced number of stunted worms was recovered.


[Radioimmunoassay of dehydroepiandrosterone and 5-androstene-3-beta, 17-beta-diol in the plasma of psoriatics and controls].

In the plasma of psoriatics and controls the steroids dehydroepiandrosterone and 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Corresponding earlier findings obtained by photometric methods in psoriatics the plasma level of dehydroepiandrosterone is increased and that of androstenediol is decreased.


Boundary layer separation in models of side-to-end arterial anastomoses.

We performed an investigation of boundary layer separation in models of side-to-end anastomoses, used clinically in axillofemoral and femorofemoral grafting. Boundary layer separation occurs when momentum causes a fluid to flow against a local pressure gradient. Models of side-to-end anastomoses were constructed from Dacron grafting material and from clear plastic blocks and tubing. Fluid energy loss across the anastomosis was small and physiologically insignificant. Local adverse pressure gradients were demonstrated near the anastomosis. Flow visualization studies demonstrated characteristic areas of boundary layer separation in the region of the adverse pressure gradients. The separation region involved both the main limb and the side arm. The separation forms a shell or ring of slow-moving fluid around the mainstream. Preliminary studies with pulsatile flow and with blood demonstrate that boundary layer separation occurs under clinical flow conditions. Boundary layer separation may play a role in the development of anastomotic hyperplasia and atherosclerotic deposits in the vicinity of surgical anastomoses.


A mechanism for the depression of contact sensitivity with B-cell mitogens.

LPS or DxS impair contact sensitivity to oxazolone in mice, evaluated as ear thickness and DNA synthesis of regional lymph node cells in vitro. Lymphoid cells from LPS- or DxS-injected and sensitized mice were able to transfer specifically the suppression when injected into animals sensitized immediately before cell transfer. This cell suppressor activity was eliminated by nylon wool filtration. These results suggest that B-cell mitogens may enhance suppressor cell activity of regulatory cells which arise during conventional immunization.


Graft infection or graft reaction?

A perigraft reaction has been described that has been found to be free of infection, with a microscopic picture compatible to an immunologic-like reaction. Varied time intervals between onset of reaction and removal of tissue have allowed for a histopathologic staging. Note is made that four of the five grafts involved were external velour Dacron, with a question remaining as to whether the double velour stimulates an intensified hyperimmune response. Graft replacement by way of new uninvolved plains of tissue has not been necessary. Replacement with polytetrafluoroethylene through the same pathway resulted in prompt healing of wounds with no evidence of recurrent reaction.


The Princess Margaret Hospital Dental Unit.

This article describes the development of the Dental Department at Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth, Western Australia from its beginnings with the appointment of the first Honorary dentist in 1910. It details its state today as a comprehensive unit in which all dental specialities are represented and capable of handling any clinical or teaching duties which may present. Princess Margaret Hospital is a large general teaching children's hospital of three hundred beds which handles one third of child admissions in the State. In addition, virtually all congenital abnormalities and conditions requiring specialized unit treatment are admitted. Into this hospital the Dental Department has become fully integrated over the past thirteen years.


Some reflections on the work of the Committee for the Dental Care of Handicapped Children (N.S.W. Branch).

The history of the committee for the Dental Care of Handicapped Children (N.S.W. Branch) is presented. There is some discussion on the difficulties of establishing just how many children there are, the concern of members of the profession and many people involved with their every-day care for their dental health, the results and some conclusions arrived at from questionnaires forwarded to voluntary organizations and dentists, the need for the involvement of dental educators, the difficulties encountered in the actual implementation of the concept, the task of the Dental Services Division and the Government Anaesthetic Service of the Health Commission of New South Wales in allocating manpower resources, and, finally, some inferences to be drawn as a result of being involved in the scheme.


Dental management of the chronically ill child.

Recent advances in the medical management of chronically ill children are of interest to the general dental practitioner in those areas which relate to groups of child patients frequently treated in practice. There is now a greater understanding of the effects on the child with a chronic illness or handicap of multiple visits to hospital or medical consultants, and of hospitalization for extended periods with separation from parents and family. The bearing this has on our dental management of such children is considered, as also are the recent advances in the care of children with congenital cardiac defects, haematological disorders, and neurological disturbances.


Dermatophytoses: a clinical and management review.

The diagnosis and management of dermatophytic fungal infections depends upon a knowledge of the causative organism fungi, the morphological patterns which can be produced and the type, extent and duration of treatment necessary to effect cure.


The kinetics of effector binding to phosphofructokinase. The allosteric conformational transition induced by 1,N6-ethenoadenosine triphosphate.

1. The fluorescent ATP analogue 1,N6-etheno-ATP is a good substrate and an efficient allosteric inhibitor of rabbit skeletal-muscle phosphofructokinase. 2. Fluorescence energy transfer occurs between bound 1,N6-etheno-ATP and phosphofructokinase. 1,N6-Etheno-ATP fluorescence is enhanced, intrinsic protein fluorescence is quenched, and the excitation spectrum of 1,N6-etheno-ATP fluorescence is characteristic of protein absorption. 3. The binding reaction of 1,N6-etheno-ATP observed by stopped-flow fluorimetry is biphasic. The fast phase results from binding to the catalytic site alone. The slow phase results from the allosteric transition of the R conformation into the T conformation induced by the binding of 1,N6-etheno-ATP to the regulatory site. 4. The fluorescence signal that allows the transition of the R conformation into the T conformation to be observed does not arise from 1,N6-etheno-ATP bound to the regulatory site. It arises instead from 1,N6-etheno-ATP bound to the catalytic site as a consequence of changes at the catalytic site caused by the transition of the R conformation into the T conformation. 5. In the presence of excess of Mg2+, the affinity of 1,N6-etheno-ATP for the regulatory site is very much greater in the T state than in the R state.


The rate-limiting step of the protamine-induced adenosine triphosphatase activity of adenosine triphosphate-G-actin.

The release of Pi from the Pi-G-actin-ADP complex is the rate-limiting step in the ATPase activity that is shown by ATP-G-actin in the presence of protamine.


Effects of 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate and dichloromethanediphosphonate on rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture.

Investigations were carried out to assess the effects of disodium 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate and disodium dichloromethanediphosphonate (compounds containing a P-C-P bond) on isolated rabbit articular chondrocytes in culture. Studies on growth behaviour showed that both diphosphonates displayed inhibitory actions, dichloromethanediphosphonate producing the larger effect. Both compounds inhibited the uptake of 2-deoxy-d-glucose, dichloromethanediphosphonate once more being the more potent of the two. The uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyrate was considerably increased by chondrocytes treated with dichloromethanediphosphonate, whereas 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate showed no effects. The biosynthesis of sulphated extracellular macromolecules secreted by the cells into the pericellular space as well as into the growth medium was greatly increased by dichloromethanediphosphonate but not by 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonate. The stimulatory effect was dose-dependent. Short-term exposure of already confluent cells to dichloromethanediphosphonate as opposed to growing the cells to confluence in the presence of the diphosphonate revealed that the stimulatory effects were already evident after 24h, indicating that cell division is not necessarily required to produce the observed effects. The increment in proteoglycan synthesis was still evident with cells that were exposed continuously to the diphosphonate in primary as well as secondary culture. Pulse-chase experiments together with studies on the enzyme arylsulphatase revealed that the appearance of increased amounts of proteoglycans was the result of a stimulation in synthesis and not due to an inhibition in turnover.


Efficacy of Linco-Spectin medication on mycoplasma meleagridis airsacculitis in turkey poults.

The efficacy of Linco-Spectin (LS) water medication was determined against Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) airsacculitis in turkey poults under controlled conditions. The poults were obtained from commercial flocks naturally infected with MM. Water medication was given for the first five days of life. In Georgia and Ohio, LS was given at 0, 1, 2, and 4 g per gallon of drinking water. In California and Minnesota, LS was administered at 0 and 2 g per gallon of drinking water. At three weeks old, the birds were weighed individually and examined serologically, culturally, and grossly for MM airsacculitis. LS at 2 g activity per gallon of drinking water was beneficial in controlling MM airsacculitis in all four trials.


Idiopathic neutropenia with normocellular bone marrow: an immune-complex disease.

The presence of circulating immune-complexes (IC) and their in vivo interaction with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) have been detected in two cases of idiopathic neutropenia with normocellular bone marrow. The injection of patients' sera into New Zealand White rabbits caused a striking neutropenia due to sequestration of PMN in the vascular bed of kidneys and lungs. The kinetics of PMN disappearance from peripheral blood and the pattern of sequestration overlapped that induced by the injection of pre-formed soluble IC. Treatment with plasmapheresis caused an early and lasting increase of PMN; rabbit PMN were almost unaffected by the injection of patient serum after the course of plasmapheresis. These data are consistent with the possibility that idiopathic neutropenia with normocellular bone marrow may be caused by persistent in vivo interaction between IC and circulating PMN.


The use of EMG feedback and progressive relaxation in the treatment of a woman with chronic back pain.

In this systematic single-case study, a 71-year-old white female with chronic back pain and paravertebral muscle spasm was treated with 17 sessions of electromyographic (EMG) feedback, with recording site just below the right inferior scapular angle. Progressive relaxation practice was also employed. EMG level was monitored during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases. Backaches were recorded by the subject on a daily basis. There was a marked decrease in both EMG level and frequency of backaches, as well as an increase in activities at home. Improvement was maintained 12 weeks after the last treatment session.


Granulocytic chalone is not a polyamine complex.

Recent studies have indicated that tissue extracts may contain sufficient amounts of free polyamines to account for the inhibitory effect of the extracts and hence mask any authentic chalone action. It has also been reported that bound polyamine may be the active moiety of some chalones. We show here that in our granulocytic and lymphocytic chalones polyamines, either free or bound, are not responsible for the inhibitory effects of the preparation.