Effect of 6-ethyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)chromone (AA-344) on the immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

Effects of 6-ethyl-3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)chromone (AA-344) on the experimental models of the type I-IV allergic reactions were studied in comparison with those of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), dexamethasone and other agents. AA-344 showed inhibitory effects on the homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and the passive systemic anaphylaxis in guinea pigs. However, it had only a slight or little effect on the Forssman shock in guinea pigs, the complete-dependent cytolysis of mast cells in rats, the Arthus reaction in guinea pigs and the tuberculin reaction and the contact sensitivity in mice. DSCG was less effective, using these experimental models. Dexamethasone showed a suppressive effect on the type III and IV allergic reactions. The results indicate that AA-344 selectively suppresses the type I allergic reaction.


Use of a gait abnormality index for locomotion efficiency evaluation.

A number of gait curves obtained from 16 healthy, able-bodied adult males were selected as "normal" gait curves and thereafter analysed with a view to defining a "Gait Abnormality Index", which may be used as quantitative measure of human performance in locomotion. Similar studies on five groups of handicapped subjects, each group having 8 to 10 subjects with a particular type of handicap, indicate the suitability of this index for application in locomotion efficiency evaluation.


W reactivation is inefficient in repair of the bacterial chromosome.

UV-inducible "SOS" processes associated with W reactivation of phage lambda were studied for their effect on repair of lambda prophage integrated in the bacterial chromosome. For this purpose, lambda c1857 ind red-lysogens were used. These lysogens, although non-inducible by UV light, can be induced by raising the temperature from 30 degrees to 42 degrees. If the W reactivation processes are involved in repair of the bacterial DNA, when the lysogens are incubated at 30 degrees after UV exposure W reactivation should be fully expressed and should also exert an effect on the bacterial chromosome and the prophage inside it. When heat-induction is delayed until the time at which W reactivation reaches its maximum, a considerable increase in phage survival might then be expected. The results presented in this report show, however, that the delayed induction had only a small effect on the survival of prophage in the wild-type strain (possibly attributable to excision repair) and no detectable effect on prophage in a uvrA strain. From these results we conclude that W reactivation is largely irrelevant to the repair of UV-damaged bacterial DNA.


Diets deficient in copper and zinc?

Hospital diets, and, perhaps, diets in general may be low in copper and zinc, with the diets being lower in copper than zinc in comparison to requirements. Several human diseases or pathologic conditions of unknown etiology have similarities to findings in deficient animals. Thus nutritional status and metabolism of copper may be important in anemia, ischemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc may be involved in growth failure, acne, difficulties of labor, congenital abnormalities and wound healing. Whether or not dietary amounts of copper and zinc are involved in the etiology or the pathogenesis of these conditions can be determined by clinical investigation.


Occipitofrontal-biparietal diameter ratio. An ultrasonic parameter for the antenatal evaluation of Down's syndrome.

The cephalic index of the fetal head was determined by the ultrasonic measurement of the occipitofrontal-biparietal diameter (OF-BPD) ratio in a pilot study of 53 patients at risk of Down's syndrome. The mean value of the OF-BPD ratio was 1.24, and a linear correlation between the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) and the biparietal diameter (BPD) was observed. There was one case of Down's syndrome in this series. The fetal head was markedly brachycephalic with an OF-BPD ratio of 1.073. The results of this study suggest that when fetal brachycephaly is present, the probability of Down's syndrome is increased. Further evaluation of this parameter is warranted, as it is possible that this technique may provide a safe, and non-invasive method of screening the entire pregnant population for Down's syndrome.


[Treatment of obstructive disease with fenoterol-ipratropiumbromid dosage aerosol (IK 6). Short and long-terms results (author's transl)].

Fenoterol-Ipratropiumbromid dosage aerosol (IK 6) showed in acute experiments on patients with chronic obstructive disease optimal bronchodilatation. In this mixture of Fenoterol and Ipratropiumbromid only 50% of the optimal dosage of the beta 2-stimulator is present. This minimizes the side-effects and increases the therapeutic range. Still the bronchodilatation is optimal. 92 patients were treated with this mixture for between 1 and 160 months. No side-effects were seen. The optimal bronchodilatatoric effect was always present.


Isolation of a genomal clone containing chicken histone genes.

We have used enriched chicken histone cDNA to select genomal clones from a chicken library. Because the cDNA probe also contained other sequences, a further screening of positive plagues with negative probes eliminated most non-histone gene clones. One 'positively-selected' genomal clone, lambda CH-01, hybridised with cloned sea-urchin histone genes and also detected histone genes in EcoRI-digested genomal sea-urchin DNA. Limited DNA sequencing of HaeIII fragments identified two sequences within the coding region of chicken histone H2A. A third fragment predicted an amino acid sequence with strong homology to an H1 histone sequence.


PCPA potentiates the effects of specific copulatory experience on the sexual behavior of the pudendectomized male rat.

The interactional effects of bilateral pudendectomy and sexual experience were studied on the sexual behavior of male rats. In Experiment 1, limited sexual experience in terms of mounts, intromissions or ejaculations was provided prior to the operation. The sexual behavior was then tested before and after treatment with PCPA, a drug known to increase the sexual activity of male rats. In Experiment 2, massive sexual experience was provided the animals prior to pudendectomy, and the sexual behavior was tested with or without PCPA treatment. No variety of limited sexual experience differentiated the effects of pudendectomy. After PCPA treatment, however, the intromittive and ejaculatory capacity of all experienced animals improved significantly. In animals with massive sexual experience the behavioral dysfunctions after pudendectomy were even more dramatically counteracted by PCPA treatment.


Interaction of actin with myosin A and heavy meromyosin.

Ca2+ "free" actomyosin suspensions as well as actin heavy meromyosin (HMM) solutions in the presence of Ca2+ showed no contractile response (superprecipitation) and had low steady-state Mg2+-ATPase activity. Under the same experimental conditions both the enzymatic activity increased and contractile response was restored if the solubility of the proteins was depressed by the addition of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG-4000). The stability of the enzymatically active actomyosin or actin HMM complexes was 10 times lower in cleared solutions than in the insoluble actomyosin or actin HMM suspensions. It was concluded that soluble actomyosin or actin HMM solutions are inadequate test tube models for studying muscular contraction.


[Serious side effects with D-penicillamine therapy for Wilson's disease].

Immunocomplex nephritis as one of the serious side-effects is dealt with on the basis of 41 patients with Wilson's Disease who have been treated for many years and were stabilised on D-penicillinamine. In one quarter of the patients, proteinuria was found 1 to 5 years after the beginning of the therapy. Until now, an immunocomplex nephritis with diffuse granular, mainly epimembranous IgG and C3 deposits on the glomerular basement membran was found in four patients. No circulating antibodies against cell nuclei were found. The finding of immunocomplex nephritis calls for the discontinuation of the therapy for an at present unknown period of time.


Demographic and affective covariates of pain.

Relationships of four demographic variables and five affective variables to eight attributes of low back pain were investigated in 251 patients by stepwise, multivariate analysis. The demographic variables are age, sex, race, and education. The affective variables are state anxiety, trait anxiety anxiety, hostility, and depression. Seven of the pain variables are from the factorially derived Low Back Pain Questionnaire. The eighth pain variable is a self-estimate of intensity. Relationships among demographic and pain variables are small and unsystematic. Hostility has a small, systematically inverse relation to pain variables, supporting theories relating low back pain to inhibition of anger. Anxiety has a small positive relationship, and depression has no relationship to pain variables. In general, the small relationships indicate that the Low Back Pain Questionnaire provides descriptions of pain that are not confounded by social characteristics or current emotional states of patients.


[Subjective causal explanation models in the process of coping with a physical impairment (author's transl)].

The article points out to what extent subjective cognitions and, in particular, naïve explanation models can influence the process of adjustment to the functional limitations of person afflicted with a permanent or long-lasting impairment of his physical integrity. Examples of persons with fairly different types of impairments indicate that in such cases, individual explanation models must always be assumed. This is all the more important because these models can considerably hamper rehabilitation and preventive procedures as a result of their influence on personal experience and behaviour. On the basis of these statements the article points out the necessity of taking the psychological situation of the individual still more into account within the overall treatment.


[The severely disabled: a new way of driving a car (author's transl)].

In many cases, the provision of an automobile equipped with a special control system is a necessary part of the rehabilitation of the severely disabled. The car is so important to the disabled as it enables him to overcome daily the distance between home and place of work, hence increasing his mobility and life quality. The presented care control system was developed to meet the individual needs of a particular disability. It is, however, possible to use this system for, or adapt it to, similar types of disabilities. This problem complex has been overcome by following innovations: 1. The electronically controlled accelerator which can be operated with minimal finger pressure. 2. The LIDA shoulder device for tetraplegics, a connecting piece between the shoulder and the manually operated brake lever. 3. The removable armrest on the right hand side of the driver's seat to improve the sitting stability. The car can be easily be converted for "normal driving". The author received financial assistance.


Immunological release of histamine from human lung. II. Studies on acetylcholine and the anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide.

The experiments reported in this work have been performed to measure the effects of acetylcholine and the anticholinergic agent ipratropium bromide on the antigen-induced release of histamine from sensitized human lung in vitro. Primarily, ipratropium bromide did not have any effect, even at higher concentrations. Acetylcholine at a concentration of 1 x 10(-7)M increased the antigen-induced release of histamine by approximately 41%. When the lung tissue was treated with ipratropium bromide before acetylcholine, the competitive inhibition of the cholinergic receptor almost completely abolished this acetylcholine-induced increase of histamine release. Therefore, in our opinion, anticholinergic agents are primarily useful in vagus-controlled chronic obstructive ventilatory disorders; they are of secondary importance in allergic bronchial asthma.


[Plant extracts with cytostatic properties growing in Cuba. II].

The study of the cytostatic activity of aqueous, alcoholic and ketonic extracts from 18 parts of 9 species of superior plants of the families Araceae, Borraginacease, Burseraceae, Cesalpinaceae, Meliaceae, Compositae, Rebiaceae, Cruciferaceae and Verbenaceae using the microbiologic method of described by Kubas in 1972 is pursued. The best results were obtained from Hamelia patens. Lippia alba, Lepidium virginicum, Cassia ligustrina, Bursera simaruba and Heliotropium campechianum extracts.


[Plant extracts with cytostatic properties growing in Cuba. I].

The cytostatic activity of aqueous, alcoholic and ketonic extracts of 9 species of superior plants of the families Fitolacaceae, Compositae, Moraceae, Zingiberaceae, Martiniaceae, Mirtaceae, Verbenaceae and Annonaceae was assessed. The Kubas microbiologic method and the fungus Ascomiceto Neurospora crassa were used in the assessment. The fungus growth was measured in millimeters. Inhibition percentages for every case regarding control are reported. The best results  were obtained from Annona muricata, Costus spiralis, Cecropia peltata, Xanthium chinense and Pluchea adorata extracts.


[Side effects of oral retinoid Ro 10-9359 on the unaffected skin of psoriatic patients: retinoid dermatitis].

Dermatitis occurring as a side effect in psoriatic patients during oral administration of the retinoid acid derivative Ro 10-9359 is described. This so-called retinoid dermatitis exhibits a characteristic disseminated pattern. Sites of predilection are the face, the exterior surface of the upper and the interior surface of the lower arms, the superior thoracic aperture, the back of the hands and the flanks. The lesions present as follicular papules and/or vesicles. The histological picture is that of acute non-specific dermatitis. This retinoid dermatitis was observed in 9 our of 23 patients (39%) treated with Ro 10-9359. Other side effect such as erythema, desquamation, itching and, rarely, a burning sensation showed the same distribution. The characteristic dermatitis, as well as the other side effects mentioned, occur dose-dependently within the normal therapeutic range of Ro 10-9359 for psoriasis (0.5--1 mg/kg bodyweight daily).


The host/parasite relationships of Xenopsylla astia and X. cheopis on Bandicota bengalensis in Rangoon, Burma.

In Rangoon, Burma, over half the commensal B. bengalensis taken in live traps were found to be infested with Xenopsylla species fleas. X. astia infestations were twice as common as those of the classic plague vector X. cheopis. In terms of absolute numbers X. astia outnumbered X. cheopis by 10 to 1. X. astia was more commonly found as a monospecific infestation, and X. cheopis was more commonly found mixed with X. astia. The flea indicies were high, with a specific index of 2.4 for X. cheopis and 10.2 for X. astia. The flea indicies and flea sex ratios remained stable across the host population and could not be correlated to changes in the head and body length of the host and were not different on male or female hosts. The evidence of this and other surveys is that X. cheopis is not as well adapted for parasitism on free ranging B. bengalensis as is X. astia.


Retinoic acid cream (Airol cream) and benzoyl-peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

A clinical trial using Airol cream (retinoic acid cream 0.05%), Panoxyl-5 and Panoxyl-10 (benzoyl-peroxide alcoholic gel 5% & 10%) in combination and alone as topical applications for 10 weeks was carried out on 150 ambulatory patients with acne vulgaris. The results based on efficacy, drug tolerance and treatment duration show that the combined use of Panoxyl and Airol is superior to the use of either drug alone and that the combination of Airol cream (0.05%) in the morning and Panoxyl gel (5%) before retiring was the most satisfactory.


Isolation of 4 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-ergosta-8,24(28)-dien-3 beta-ol from ester fractions of nutritionally deprived Neurospora crassa.

A method of isolating pure fractions of 4 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-ergosta-8,24(28)-dien-38-ol for sterol intermediate studies is described. Starvation cultures of Neurospora crassa readily incorporate exogenous mevalonic acid into the sterol ester fraction. Isolation involves a simple solvent extraction and two chromatograms. Only the ester fraction yielded the required purity. Radioactive 4 alpha-methyl-5 alpha-ergosta-8,24(28)-dien-3 beta-ol is readily produced from DL-[2-14C] mevalonic acid.


Metabolism of pregnenolone by human breast cancer. Evidence for 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase.

The metabolism of 7-(3)H-pregnenolone was studied in vitro using 16 human breast carcinomas. All mammary tumors transformed pregnenolone to progesterone. All estrogen receptor poor tumors and 4 out of 8 estrogen receptor rich tumors converted pregnenolone to 17-hydroxypregnenolone. Five estrogen receptor poor tumors showed the presence of 17,20-lyase as evidenced by formation of dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione. In two estrogen receptor poor tumors, conversions of pregnenolone to progesterone, 17-hydroxy pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and finally to estradiol was documented, providing a hypothetical pathway for steroid metabolism in human breast cancer. The conversion of pregnenolone to 17-hydroxypregnenolone was significantly less in receptor rich tumors and was totally absent in 4 receptor rich tumors with estrogen receptors of over 45 fmol/mg protein.


The in vivo metabolism of 7 beta, 17-dimethyltestosterone-6,7-3H.

7 beta, 17-Dimethyltestosterone (17 beta-hydroxy-7 beta, 17-dimethyl-4-androsten-3-one) (I) was given to three subjects in oral doses of 400 mg per day for ten days. The initial dose contained the steroid tritiated in the 6 and 7 positions. Plasma levels and urinary excretion patterns were followed in all three subjects. Isolations were done on the urine, plasma, and stools of one patient. From the urine 7 beta, 17-dimethyl- 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (VI) was isolated from the nonhydrolyzed fractions. Unchanged (I), 7 beta,17-dimethyl-5 beta-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (III) and 7 beta, 17-dimethyl-5 beta-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (IV) were isolated from the nonhydrolyzed and enzyme-hydrolyzed fractions. 7 beta,17-dimethyl-5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (V) was isolated from the enzymatic fractions. From the stools were isolated unchanged (I), (III), (IV), (V), and (VI). Unchanged (I) and its 5 alpha-dihydro derivative (17 beta-hydroxy-7 beta,17-dimethyl-5 alpha-androstan-3-one) (II) were identified in the plasma. The total recovery of radioactivity in the one patient on whom the isolations were done was 57%; 40% from the urine and 17% from the stools.


Enzyme analyses of Bulinus africanus group snails (Mollusca: Planorbidae) from Tanzania.

38 population samples of snails of the Bulinus africanus group, collected from three separate areas of Tanzania, have been examined. Enzymes in crude digestive gland extracts of individual snails have been analysed by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels. The enzymes studied were: malate dehydrogenase (MDH); phosphoglucomutase (PGM); glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI); acid phosphatase (AcP) and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH). Samples of B. nasutus were clearly differentiated from other species and enzyme differences were apparent between samples from the lake and coastal areas. Similarly, although clear distinctions could not always be made, samples of B. africanus, B. globosus and B. ugandae were characterized by their enzyme types. Individual variation was detected within populations and the significance of enzyme polymorphisms in relation to identification has been considered. No correlation was found between snail enzyme type and susceptibility to Schistosoma haematobium or S. bovis.


[The value of laparoscopy within the framework of standardization of the diagnosis of stomach neoplasms].

Today the operative treatment of the carcinoma of the stomach is methodically mature. The prognosis is determined from the moment of the extension of the tumour. The establishment of the operability and of the tactical operative approach presumes an exact preoperative determination of the stage of the tumour using all possible diagnostic methods. While X-ray examination of the stomach and gastroscopy seize only the extension of the area of the tumour, the laparoscopy gives the possibility of an evidence of the deep growth of the tumour and metastasizing of the tumour and saves a test laparotomy for inoperable patients. A continuous interdisciplinary cooperation renders possible an immediate admission of the patient to a surgical clinic.


[Sudden cardiac death due to myocardial sarcoidosis].

The participation of the myocardium in sarcoidosis is a severe complication which in very rare cases may lead to the acute cardiac death. Morphological problems result from all accessory cardiac changes.


[Excretion of acid mucopolysaccharides in the urine and sweat in hereditary bullous epidermolysis].

Urine samples of five patients with epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria were examined for the presence of acid glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and compared to 10 healthy subjects. A significant increase (p less than 0.0005) could be detected in patients with epidermolysis (t = 6.66, means: 49.7 mg/day, standard deviation: +/- 18.3). Additionally, acid glycosaminoglycan concentration in sweat of patients and healthy controls was determined but statistical calculations showed no significant difference (p less than 0.15). On grounds of the increased mucopolysaccharide excretion and the previous studies of collagen-glycosaminoglycan interactions, we strongly suggest that acid GAG are involved in the pathogenesis of that disease with the molecular defect of disturbed fibril formation due to the altered skin collagen-glycosaminoglycan equilibrium.


Mechanism of paraquat action: inhibition of the herbicidal effect by a copper chelate with superoxide dismutating activity.

The treatment of flax cotyledons (Linium usitatissimum) with paraquat was shown to decrease the levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. The fatty acid content of chloroplast fragments isolated from treated tissue was determined and shown to be greatly decreased by paraquat treatment. The superoxide radical was demonstrated to play an important role in the phytotoxic action of paraquat by the use of a copper chelate of D-penicillamine, which has a high superoxide is discussed with reference to the generation of more toxic species, such as singlet oxygen.


[Experimental assessment of the effectiveness of general and local caries preventives by the use of complex factor analyses (author's transl)].

Using the method of complex factor analysis, it was possible to characterize the results of experiments conducted with a view to determining the anticariogenic effects upon 104 Wistar rats of fluoridated water, fluoride-containing gel, and remineralizing solutions. The anticariogenic effects were highest for fluoridated drinking water, less satisfactory for fluoride-containing gels, and minimal for remineralizing solutions. Simultaneous application of these anticarious agents was seen to exert an increased inhibitory action upon the progress of dental caries. A typical example is used to show that the use of complex factor analysis yields additional results showing the interaction of the factors being studied and substantially reduces the number of test animals and the time required for experimentation.


[Testing a method of using fluoride in the treatment of periodontal diseases (author's transl)].

Factorial planning of the program of testing provided significant evidence that, under the influence of a periodontally pathogenetic diet administered to animals, the enteral supply of fluoride tends to normalize the incorporation of Ca45 and P32 into the mineral fraction and further disturb the incorporation of P32 and lysine-1 C14 into the protein fraction of the bone tissue of the femur and jaw, respectively. Calcium electrophoresis provides for the normalization of the corresponding value of protein metabolism (incorporation of P32 and lysine-1 C14 into the organic fraction) in calcified tissues. Combined use of two therapeutic factors produces most favorable effects upon both the mineral and protein metabolism. This also reduces the negative effect exerted by the use of fluorine alone.


[Changes in microhardness of hard dental tissues of rabbits after internal medication of antibiotics (author's transl)].

Comparative Vickers hardness measurements on hard dental tissues mineralized under normal conditions and under the influence of antibiotic substances showed substance-and dose-dependent variations in quality of superficial enamel and dentine. They were found to correlate with other physicochemical properties (acid solubility) and must be considered as belonging to what is generally referred to as structural anomalies. - Consequently, the administration of antibiotics to babies and young children should be reexamined because of possible late effects.


[Phantom head used to acquire skill in local anesthesia in the mandibular and maxillary regions (author's transl)].

This paper describes a phantom head used to acquire skill in local anesthesia in the mandibular and maxillary regions, thus helping students in putting theoretical knowledge into practice. An electric display device enables the student's proficiency level to be determined objectively. Five years' clinical testing of the phantom in the practical training of students shows the advantages of simulatory methods of training. Although this form of instruction cannot of course be regarded as an alternative to practical anesthetizing exercises on patients, yet it has proved a valuable addition to the various possible ways of putting theoretical knowledge into clinical practice.


[On the significance of severely keratinizing squamous cell carcinomata in the oral cavity (author's transl)]].

Severely keratinizing squamous cell carcinomata are very infrequently observed oral cavity tumors with a relatively nonmalignant character. Problems of clinical diagnosis and the significance of such carcinomata are discussed with reference to the case history of a 38-year-old male patient.


[Comparative studies of the influence of osteoplasty upon maxillary growth (author's transl)].

Model series of patients with cheiloschisis, gnathoschisis, and palatoschisis, who at the age of 4 to 6 had been undergoing surgical operations with simultaneous osteoplasty, were examined, at the age of 9 to 16, for the maxillary growth in length and width. Serving as a reference group were models of patients of a morphologically similar group where the operation for cleft palate had been performed by the same technique, but without additional osteoplasty. It was not possible to obtain statistical evidence for a negative influence of osteoplasty upon maxillary growth.


[Clinical-morphological report for adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (author's transl)].

The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a benign lesion mostly detected as a random finding. Often the lesion is thought to be an odontogenic cyst owing to its clinical and radiographical appearance. Only histological investigation enables correct diagnosis. The case of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of a 20-year-old woman is reported. The tumor was taken for a globulo-maxillary cyst. - The typical histological picture prevents confusion with other odontogenic tumors. Simple exstirpation is sufficient.


Circulatory effects of somatostatin in anesthetized man.

The effect of intravenous somatostatin (1 microgram.kg-1 over 1 min) on arterial pressure and on the blood flow to various splanchnic organs, skeletal muscle and brain tissue was studied by means of electromagnetic blood flow measurements in patients undergoing abdominal surgery or reconstructive surgery of the internal carotid artery. Somatostatin infusion reduced the blood flow in the common hepatic artery by 56%, in the splenic artery by 26%, in the ileocolic artery by 34% and in the left colic artery by 36%. External iliac artery blood flow was increased by 43% while internal carotid artery blood flow was unchanged. Mean arterial pressure was increased by 20%. It is suggested that these circulatory effects of somatostatin are due to a direct effect of somatostatin on vascular smooth muscle.


Acute perihepatitis.

Fourteen young females with acute pains in the right hypochondrium were admitted to the Surgical Department. The history and clinical findings were typical of acute perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome), and the diagnosis was confirmed by laparoscopy. The gynecological symptoms and signs were negligible, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were cultured from the endocervix in two of the patients. Pathogenes in the suprahepatic space were not demonstrated. Eight patients used intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) of the Copper-T-type. Acute perihepatitis is an important differential diagnosis in young females presenting with acute pains in the right hypochondrium.


[Characteristics of the erythrocyte movement in the vicinity of the flow chamber wall].

In perfusion experiments it was demonstrated that in close vicinity to the lower wall of a microscopic flow chamber a fraction of red blood cells do not exhibit the typical rotational motion, but flow in a steady position with the flat surface to the wall. The velocity of these cells is significantly smaller than that of the fluid in the same region of the channel. It is suggested that the phenomenon is caused by the action of adhesion-type forces operating between the flowing cells and the channel wall.


[Pulmonary function tests with the bronchodilator Terbutaline].

The acute bronchodilator effect of the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline was tested single-blind cross-over in out-patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (intrinsic asthma). In 7 series comparisons were made with other marketed bronchodilators. Airways resistance was measured by whole body plethysmography. In another 3 series the effect on heart rate of terbutaline and other adrenocepter agonists was tested in healthy volunteers. Terbutaline and the adrenoceptor agonists clenbuterol, epinephrine, fenoterol, hexoprenaline, isoprenaline, metaproterenol, reproterol and salbutamol, the vagolytics atropine, ipratropium bromide and AA 22-263, the xanthinederivative theophylline ethylenediamine and one combined substance drug were used.


Hemihypertrophy with unilateral folliculitis and acne.

A case of congenital hemihypertrophy, right-sided folliculitis and acne in a 16-year-old boy is described. Except for hemihypertrophy and skin changes on the right side, no other abnormalities were found. A similar combination could not be found in the literature.


Differences in urinary trichloroethylene metabolites of animals.

Differences in urinary excretion of trichloroethylene were studied in rabbits, rats and mice. Trichloretylene (1 m mole/kg) was injected intra-peritoneally, then urinary trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethanol glucuronide were measured. The results were: 1. The ratio of total excretion of trichloroethylene metabolites to the administered trichloroethylene decreased in the order of mice, rats and rabbits. 2. The ratio of total trichloroethanol to trichloroacetic acid in urine decreased in the order of rabbits (69.2), mice (12.8) and rats (2.3). The high ratio in rabbits was due to the extremely small amount of trichloroacetic acid in the urine. 3. Differences in these two urinary metabolites in the three kinds of animals and in human subjects were discussed.


Scanning electron microscopy of interaction of peripheral blood lymphocytes from colonic cancer patients with human colonic cancer-derived cells; P-4788.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes and the various lymphocyte fractions from patients with cancer of the colon were cultivated with target cells (P-4788) derived from the colon cancer. Changes in the surface ultrastructure during tumor cell destruction were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). P-4788 cells adhering to the coverslip showed various surface activity. The surfaces of some cells were relatively flat; others were smooth or had fine granules. Still other cells were villous, round or had marked blebs. When host lymphocytes were added to the target cells, adhesion of the two cell groups began by many fine projections. After incubation for 6 h, some lymphocytes had adhered to the target cells. Many lymphocytes had adhered to the target tumor cells by 24--48 h incubation. Ultimately the tumor cells became swollen and disrupted. Most lymphocytes adherent to the target cells had few microvilli. Lymphocytes after elimination of phagocytes by carbonyl iron treatment also adhered readily. Some target cells showed adhesion with lymphocytes passed through nylon-wool columns, although the number of lymphocytes adhering was fewer than in the case of lymphocytes not passed through nylon-wool columns. T cells were collected from lymphocytes that form rosettes with SRBC by isolation with NH4Cl. They had markedly elongated microvilli which in places were sparsely scattered and tended to be localized on the side, a finding which suggests loss of cell activity by the time of SEM. Only a few T cells adhered to target cells and they seemed to be T cells without activity. It was thought that there are cytotoxic cells among T cells and that the co-existence of T cells, non-T cells and monocytes caused target cell destruction.


An animal model of fulminant hepatic failure in the rat.

A reproducible animal model of fulminant hepatic failure was developed by intraperitoneal administration of D-galactosamine hydrochloride to Sprague-Dawley rats. Biochemical and morphological hepatic injury and brain edema resembled human fulminant hepatic failure. This model would facilitate further studies of the pathogenesis of brain dysfunction and evaluation of treatment in fulminant hepatic failure.


The tumor-forming type of multiple myeloma. II. Clinical profile and therapeutic effect.

In the six cases of tumor-forming type as described in the part I of this series, the estimated ages at disease onset ranged from 55 to 82 years old. Tumor-forming sites consisted of three cases each in skull and ribs, and one each in pelvis and palate. Bone x-rays revealed usually larger punched-out lesions adjacent to smaller punched-out lesions with tumor formation corresponding to the larger lesion. Plasma cells averaged 5.8% in myelogram, and monoclonal immunoglobulin consisted all of IgG. Clinical stages were in IA in four patients vs. IIA in two, and single or combined chemotherapy worked well on all the patients. A comparative study on decrease of monoclonal immunoglobulin value against chemotherapy between tumor-forming and non-tumor-forming types was made. The uniqueness of the tumor-forming type was emphasized to arouse attention to appropriate therapeutic measures for these patients.


Malacoplakia of probable retroperitoneal origin.

A case of extravesical malacoplakia, the first case in Japan, is described in detail. The patient was a 61-year-old woman with a right flank mass. Radiologically, the mass was thought to be of the renal origin. Surgically, however, the tumor was found attached not only to the cortical surface but extended to the retroperitoneum and psoas muscle. Pathological examination confirmed the lesion to be malacoplakia characterized by the presence of von Hansemann cells and Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.


Pseudomyxoma peritonei of ovarian origin--an autopsy case.

The autopsy case of an 80-year-old female with pseudomyxoma peritonei arising in the left ovary is reported. The patient was admitted with complaints of anorexia, sense of fullness and abdominal distension of two months' duration, and died of intestinal obstruction four months later. The autopsy revealed extensive tumor dissemination over the entire peritoneal cavity without any visceral invasion or distant metastasis. A part of the sigmoid colon showed marked stenosis and perforation with abscess formation. Histologically, the tumor was composed of various sized multiple cysts which were completely or incompletely lined by a layer of mucin-producing columnar epithelial cells with moderate nuclear hyperchromatism, and of a papillary pattern in some parts, indicating low grade malignancy.


Quantitative determination of urinary trichloroacetic acid as an index of trichloroethylene exposure by high performance liquid chromatography.

A high performance lipuid chromatographic method for the determination of urinary trichloroacetic acid, a metabolite of trichloroethylene, is described. A stainless steel column packed with Hitachi gel 2618 (H form) was used and the mobile phase was one per cent aqueous phosphoric acid. Urine can be analyzed directly without any solvent extraction or pretreatment. The minimal detection limit was 0.5 micrograms per analysis. The present method is simple and specific, and can be performed within 10 min.


Discriminatory aspects of pre-employment screening: low-back X-ray examinations in the railroad industry.

In screening the majority of job applicants, most of this nation's railroads administer a low-back X-ray examination in an attempt to ascertain the likelihood that the applicant will sustain future work-related low-back pain or injury. Many applicants are rejected for employment on the basis of the X-ray findings. The railroads apparently perceive this screening program as a cost-effective means (1) of decreasing the incidence of compensation claims for work-related injuries, brought against the railroads under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), (2) of reducing the number of lost workdays resulting from low-back pain or injury, and (3) of protecting particularly susceptible workers from job-related hazards. The authors of this Article submit that low-back X-ray examinations are poor predictors of future low-back pain or injury. They assert that the railroads' use of such examinations misclassifies a substantial number of job applicants as being at increased risk for such pain or injury, and, in consequence, unfairly denies them employment. Furthermore, the authors claim, the screening program has other negative consequences. For example, applicants rejected for railroad employment on the basis of X-ray findings may as a result have difficulty finding jobs in other industries. In addition, they state, there is a potential radiation hazard to examinees. Moreover, both the railroads and those applicants accepted for employment may inappropriately be reassured by normal findings. On balance, the authors conclude, the screening program has a negative social value. The authors suggest that the program, in effect, erraneously labels many applicants as handicapped, and then denies them employment. Such persons might have legal recourse under federal and state statutes prohibiting employment discrimination against the handicapped.


[Device for measurements of blood flow in the great retinal vessels of man (author's transl)].

A combined measuring unit for the Retinophot is described which can be used to determine the blood flow through the great retinal vessels. This method is possible by combination of the two-point photometry with length measurements by means of rocking-plate micrometry. The first measuring results are presented.


Echocardiographic evaluation of the effect of hemodialysis on cardiac size and function in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Twelve stable patients with end-stage renal failure maintained on hemodialysis were studied by echocardiography before and after dialysis. The left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness and LV mass were increaed suggesting concentric LV hypertrophy. The LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, and cardiac output were increased before dialysis. Aortic root dimensions, aortic valve opening, left atrium, LV wall and septal excursions and per cent LV internal diameter shortening were normal before dialysis. Some pericardial effusion was found in 50% of the patients without any symptoms or signs. With dialysis the systolic and diastolic volumes and dimensions of the left ventricle and atrium decreased significantly as did the stroke volume. These changes were associated with a significant reduction of body weight, and thereby blood volume, induced by dialysis. The cardiac output remained unchanged despite significant reduction in the stroke volume due to an increase in heart rate.


The effects of suturing technique and vessel size on patency after microarterial repair.

According to most of the literature, sutures for microarterial repair must include the intima to prevent an "intimal flap" and occlusion of the anastomosis. Some authors have said that vessel diameter affects patency rate. This study was designed to evaluate these two statements. The femoral arteries (about 1.0 mm in diameter), the epigastric arteries (about 0.5 mm), and the central ear arteries (about 0.5 mm) of rabbits were studied. Alternate arteries were repaired using conventional suturing techniques or sutures which included the adventitia and media but excluded the intima. The patency rate in the 1 mm or 0.5 mm vessels was not affected by inclusion or exclusion of the intima from the microarterial repair. The patency rate for conventionally repaired arteries 1 mm in diameter was significantly higher than that for 0.5 mm arteries.


Dictyocaulus viviparus in calves: quantitation of antibody activities in sera and respiratory secretions by immuno-enzymatic analysis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) which is in detail described here has been adapted to trace antibody production in different fluids from infected calves. Seven calves were infected both with Dictyocaulus viviparus, and with several intestinal nematodes. Antibodies against an antigen prepared from Dictyocaulus viviparus adult worms were first detected during the 5th week post-infection, both in serum and nasal secretions, and were also observed in bronchial washings of the same calves slaughtered 53 days post-infection. IgA antibodies were never evident in the serum but were found in limited quantities in nasal secretions. In bronchial washings at slaughtering, a significant part of antibody activity is accounted for by the local IgA production.


Incidence of zearalenol (Fusarium mycotoxin) in animal feed.

Zearalenol, the reduction product of zearalenone produced by Fusarium roseum growing in cereals, was found for the first time naturally occurring in oats and corn. This metabolite is three to four times more active estrogenically than zearalenone.


[On the plurifactorial determinism of the organophosphorous-induced teratogenesis on bird embryos; trials of protection by various compounds: oximes, hydroxamic acids and nicotinamide analogs (author's transl)].

Simple methods were applied to study the teratogenesis in Quail embryos induced by two important organophosphorous compounds: parathion and dicrotophos. Parathion led only to vertebral malformations, as other natural and synthetic cholinomimetics: nicotine, carbamylcholine, decamethonium, neostigmine... Dicrotophos induced not only vertebral malformations (specific to neuromuscular junction poisons) but also beak, legs and feather abnormalities (peripheric malformations which are also produced by insuline and sulfanilamide). Oximes and hydroxamic acids, some of these being analogs of nicotinamide, were tested as antiteratogens. The 3-(CO-NH2), or -(CO-NHOH), substituted pyridinic compounds (nicotinamide, nicotinohydroxamic acid) prevent perfectly dicrotophos-induced beak and legs malformations, in tertiary amine form, but very little in quaternary amine form (methyliodide). The 4-substituted pyridinic compound (isonicotinohydroxamic acid) and aliphatic oxo-oximes were quite ineffecient against these malformations. The vertebral malformations, as a rule, were not lessened by the compounds tested, except for isonicotinoyl-formaldoxime methyl iodide and in some degree for nicotinohydroxamic acid. From these observations, it results that teratogenesis induced by compounds as dicrotophos is rule by a plurificatorial determinism. The beak and legs malformations are prevented by analogs of nicotinamide. In the contrary, the vertebral malformations induced by parathion or dicrotophos are nicotinamide unsensitive and are only prevented by powerful cholinesterase reactivators as pralidoxime or TMB4 (MEINIEL, 1976 b) but are reduced little or not at all by less potent cholinesterase reactivators (HEATH).


Surface fixation method applied for the detection of antigen-antibody reactions in mixtures of sera of mothers and children with Down's syndrome.

An attempt has been made to use the rapid surface fixation method for the investigation of immunological reactions in mixtures of sera from mothers and their mongoloid children. This preliminary report has been encouraging since all positive reactions were properly controlled with the serum of patients suffering from various clinical conditions but free of Down's syndrome. A water soluble substance was isolated from the urine of patients which produced positive reactions like those performed with the serum of mongoloid children.


[Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome and recurrent infections].

Seven cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome are described, 4 children and their mother with two other relatives on the mother's side. An immune defect was suspected because six of the seven had a history of severe pyogenic infections, but the results of the tests were not the same in the three individuals tested. In one patient no immune defect was detected but in the other two the response of lymphocytes to candida and to streptokinase and streptodornase was reduced.


Linkage, chromosomal association, and expression of Adh-1 and Pgm-2 in tomato.

The linkage relationship and chromosomal association of two genes in tomato coding for the respiratory enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and phosphoglucomutase are reported. Also included is a description of where in the life cycle of the plant these genes are expressed. The finding that in pollen and germinating seeds most if not all of the detected activity of these two enzymes apparently arises from these genes suggests that the two isozymes might function in the same respiratory pathway.


Genetic and cytogenetic studies of four glycolytic enzymes in Drosophila melanogaster: aldolase, triosephosphate isomerase, 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, and phosphoglucomutase.

Four glycolytic enzymes in Drosophila melanogaster have been genetically and/or cytogenetically mapped. The structural gene for aldolase (Ald) has been genetically mapped to 3-91.5 and cytogenetically localized to 97A-B. Tpi, the structural gene for triosephosphate isomerase, has been genetically mapped to 3-101.3 and cytogenetically localized to 99B-E. Utilizing closer-flanking markers than the previous mapping, Pgk, the structural gene for 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, has been mapped to 2-5.9; cytogenetically it was found to lie in the interval between 22D and 23E3. The cytogenetic locataion of Pgm, the structural gene for phosphoglucomutase which has been located genetically at 3-43.4, was determined to be in 72D1-5.


A new fluorogenic substrate for plasmin.

A new fluorogenic peptide substrate for plasmin, 7-(N-succinoylalanylphenylalanyl-lysylamido)-4-methylcoumarin trifluoroacetate salt, was prepared that can be used in a simple and direct assay. The results obtained by the assay method are linear over a wide range of enzyme concentrations and sensitive enough to detect as little as 10(-5) CTA units of plasmin. By making use of the inhibitor Trasylol and the differences in kinetic constants, plasmin can be specifically assayed even in the presence of the plasminogen activator thrombin, as well as in culture fluids from HeLa cells.


Structure of heparan sulphate oligosaccharides and their degradation by exo-enzymes.

Oligosaccharides obtained from heparan sulphate by nitrous acid degradation were shown to be degraded sequentially by beta-D-glucuronidase or alpha-L-iduronidase followed by alpha D-N-acetylglucosaminidase. Structural analysis of the tetrasaccharide fraction showed the following. (1) N-Acetylglucosamine is preceded by a non-sulphated uronic acid residue that can be either D-glucuronic of L-iduronic acid, but followed by a glucuronic acid residue. (2) The N-acetylglucosamine in the major fraction is sulphated. (3) Very few if any of the uronic acid residues are sulphated (4). The results indicate that the area of the heparan sulphate chain where disaccharides containing N-acetylglucosamine and N-sulphated glucosamine residues alternate is higher in sulphate content than expected and that the sulphate groups are mainly located on the hexosamine units.


Dissociation and reassociation of rabbit skeletal muscle myosin.

Whereas dissociation of rabbit skeletal muscle myosin light chains occurs at an increased temperature (25 degrees) and in the absence of divalent cations, reassociation of the myosin oligomer requires a low temperature (4 degrees C) and the presence of divalent cations, thus resulting in the original light to heavy chain stoichiometry. With a 5-10 per cent release of alkali light chains, LC1 and LC3, and a 50 per cent dissociation of the Ca2+ binding light chain, LC2, there is no significant decrease in myosin ATPase activity irrespective of the cation activator, however, there is an approximate 15-20 per cent decrease in actomyosin ATPase activity. With reassociation of the myosin oligomer, actomyosin ATPase activity is partially restored as well as the original number of Ca2+ binding sites.


Differential toxicities of mercury to bacteria and bacteriophages in sea and in lake water.

Mixtures of anionic HgCl3-/HgCl4(2)-complexes were less toxic to terrestrial bacteria (Erwinia herbicola, Agrobacterium tumefaciens), to marine bacteria (Acinetobacter sp., Aeromonas sp.), and to bacteriophages (phi 11 M 15 of Staphylococcus aureus and P1 of Escherichia coli) than were equivalent concentrations of Hg as cationic Hg2+. The toxicity of 1 ppm Hg to A. tumefaciens. Aeromonas sp., and phi 11 M 15 was less in seawater than in lake water. Inasmuch as the Hg-Cl species are formed in environments of high chloride concentration, it was postulated that the lower toxicity of Hg in seawater was a result of the formation of HgCl3-/HgCl4(2)-complexes.


Guinea worm disease: epidemiology, control, and treatment.

Guinea worm infection is one of the most easily prevented parasitic diseases, but it is nevertheless a common cause of disability in rural areas of Africa, south-west Asia, and India. Infection occurs when drinking water is infested with infected Cyclops, a microcrustacean. Worms up to 70-80 cm in length develop in the subcutaneous tissues of the feet or legs and larvae are liberated to renew the cycle when an infected individual steps into a well or pond from which others draw drinking water. Infection is markedly seasonal because of (a) the influence of the climate on the types of water source used and (b) the developmental cycle of the parasite. The disability may be economically very important if the period of infection coincides with busy periods in the agricultural year. Sieving water through a cloth is sufficient to remove the Cyclops, but on a public health scale improved water supplies are required for control. Once the cycle of reinfection can be broken in any district the disease disappears. Chemical treatment of water bodies with temephos is also an effective and safe way of controlling transmission. Treatment consists of rolling out each emerging worm onto a small stick, a few centimetres each day, and certain drugs reduce the pain and pruritus and enable the worm to be removed more quickly.


Dermatological aspects of so called vinyl chloride monomer disease.

The pathological findings revealed in 30 subjects with so called vinyl chloride disease has been presented. The most often observed symptoms were: changes in histopathological picture of the skin, history of the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, positive results of functional proofs (pletysmography, vibration perception test, cooling test), and scleroderma like skin lesions. Acroosteolysis was found only in 3 cases, thrombocytopenia only in one. The constellation of singns may be related to the high level of exposure of examined persons. The authors point to the significance of dermatological methods of investigation for detection of morbid changes induced by VCM action.


Occupational dermatitis among health service workers.

Health service workers in the number of 152 suffering of dermatitis were examined. They included 43 physicians, 25 stomatologists, 59 nurses, 14 hospital-wards and 12 other persons working in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. In physicians occupational contact dermatitis occured in ten patients, exclusively among those performing operations, most frequently surgeons and ginecologists. Rubber gloves (5 patients) disinfectants and chromic catgut were the sensitizing objects. Moreover, a woman gynecologist positive to nickel observed that also the use of a speculum exacerbated her lesions. A laryngologist with seborrhoic dermatitis, strongly positive to formaldehyde, had exacerbations when using--during surgery--a microscope disinfected with formalin solution. Allergic occupational contact dermatitis was diagnosed in 12 stomatologists; they were positive to eugenol, mercury, novocaine or formaldehyde. Among 24 nurses with allergic occupational contact dermatitis, those positive to antibiotics (specially to semisynthetic penicillins) or to disinfectants (most of them to formaldehyde) were most numerous. Some nurses were sensitive to such drugs as Propranolol, Aminophyllinum or chlorpromazine hydrochloride. To the latter drug also a ward attendant was positive.


[Vitiligo from p-tert. butylphenol; a contribution to the problem of the internal manifestations of this occupational disease].

10 worker suffering from occupational vitiligo due to p-tert. butyl phenol have been observed in an Austrian resin factory. The dust concentration and its content of p-tert. butyl phenol in the working area were measured. On the basis of these results preventive measures were taken to reduce the exposure of the workers to p-test butyl phenol. In the presented cases an involvement of internal organs--as described by Rodermund et al. (1975)--could not be observed.


[The left ventricle in chronic renal failure patients. Ecocardiographic and poligraphic study before and after hemodialysis (author's transl)].

Echocardiographic and systolic time intervals changes found after hemodyalisis in 16 patients with chronic renal failure are analysed and discussed. Echocardiogram shows: significant (p less than 0.05), no change statistically significant of end-systolic diameter, fractional shortening, mean velocity of circumferential shortening (VcF), and amplitude of septal motion. Systolic time intervals show: significant reduction (p less than 0.001) of total electromechanical systole (SEM), mechanical systole (SM) and left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and increase (p less than 0.05) of pre-ejection period (PEP) and the ratio PEP/LVET (p less than 0.005). The reason of these changes is the post-dialytic fluid's loss (2140 +/- 760 g) followed by left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and volume reduction which decreases stoke volume and LVET (according to Frank-Starling's law). It has not been possible to draw concordant and definitive conclusions on the post-dialytic left ventricular function. PEP lengthening would give evident for myocardial involvement (but pre-load and after-load changes modifies it), while the other data are slightly affected (VcF, fractional shortening, and amplitude of septal motion) or improved (amplitude and peak velocity of posterior wall motion).


Histochemistry of gland cells of Eurytrema pancreaticum cercariae.

The cercariae of Eurytrema pancreaticum (Janson, 1889) possess four types of gland cells - proper cystogenic, penetration, ventral and dorsal gland cells. The secretion of ventral and dorsal gland cells is released into the tegument. The proper cystogenic gland cells are the largest and their contents serve for the formation of the cyst wall of metacercariae in the second intermediate host. The secretion of proper cystogenic gland cells contains besides neutral mucosubstances also acid mucosubstances with both carboxyl- and sulphogroups digestible with beta-glucuronidase. The secretion of penetration gland cells contains neutral mucosubstances and proteins with tyrosine, tryptophan and SS groups. The ventral gland cells contain mostly acid mucosubstances with sulphogroups, which are digested with beta-glucuronidase, and proteins with tyrosine, tryptophan and SH groups. The rudimentary dorsal gland cells contain a small amount of acid mucosubstances. The whole tegument of cercariae and the two main collecting canals of the excretory system exhibit a high alkaline phosphatase activity. The nerve ring and the main nerve truncs contain proteins with SH groups and hydrophilic lipids and exhibit a cholinesterase activity. The suckers contain a larger amount of glycogen.


[Pharmacological studies on experimental nephritic rats (6). Antinephritic effects of sodium chondroitin sulfate and other drugs on modified type of Masugi's nephritis].

Using the modified model of Masugi's nephritis in rats, the antinephritic effects of sodium chondroitin sulfate (CS) and other drugs were evaluated by determining the biochemical parameters in urine, serum and renal cortex as well as light microscopic observation in kidneys by preventive and curative tests. In the preventive test where drug treatment was initiated at the same time as the injection of anti-kidney serum, CS (200 mg/kg p.o.) was effective in reducing serum triglyceride level, but was ineffective against other parameters. In the curative test where drug treatment was given from the 10th day after the induction of nephritis, CS (200 mg/kg p.o.) resulted in reductions of urinary excretions of protein and enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, the inhibition of urinary fibrinolytic activity and reduction in levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Moreover, histological examination indicated a significant reduction of the index of glomerular lesions by the treatment of this drug. Of other drugs, dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg p.o.) was effective in both tests, while warfarin potassium (0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg p.o.) exerted a beneficial effect only in the preventive test. From these results, the effectiveness of CS in the curative test is probably due to promotion of healing of damaged tissue in the kidneys.


[Immunopharmacological study of buckwheat hypersensitivity III. Effect of dialysate-conjugated T cell mitogen on IgE formation (author's transl)].

It has already been reported that dialysate (BWD) separated from the aqueous extract of buckwheat is a haptenic substance capable of neutralizing specific IgE antibody both on mast cells and on B cells in some species. The present work represents a study carried out to determine the effect of BWD conjugated with T cell mitogen such as phyothemagglutinin-P (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) on IgE formation in mice. Anti-buckwheat IgE formation was little affected by the pretreatment of these conjugates given i.v. 3 days before the immunization, but was effectively suppressed by the pretreatment of BWD-PHA or BWD-Con A given i.p. together with incomplete Freund's adjuvant 2 weeks before the immunization. BWD-PHA induced a more potent suppression of IgE formation as compared with BWD-Con A, Con A or PHA. The transfer of T cells obtained from spleen cells primed with BWD-PHA, which responded with buckwheat and exerted a slight helper function for adoptive anti-DNP IgE formation to DNP-buckwheat, suppressed anti-buckwheat IgE formation in recipients with no effect on the anti-KLH IgE response. Our findings suggest that suppressor T cells specific to buckwheat are induced in spleen cells of mice treated with BWD-PHA.


Ecological aspects concerning the rehabilitation of handicapped persons.

When drawing up demand-oriented plans and establishing a network of rehabilitation facilities covering all areas, it is advisable to make an ecological analysis of the area to be served. Such an analysis should take into account the natural physical and socio-geographical conditions as well as basic data relating to the population living in a particular area and its movement. A further step is the topographical determination of available data on chronic diseases and handicaps in the individual discernable areas; besides the various statistical data, one should investigate also the degree of severity and the care required by the individual forms of diseases or handicaps. These factors largely influence the needs in the fields of medical, educational, vocational and social rehabilitation for in-patient or out-patient facilities and the personnel requirements in the form of specialist staff. When performing such calculations, it is often necessary to find a compromise between the various alternatives in accordance with the corresponding, existing socio-political and national health system. On the basis of such data, it is possible to formulate a concrete single plan together with already functioning institutions; such a plan could take its lead from a model concept. Of assistance, in this case, would be an epidemiological assessment which , in a longitudinal section of time, can transform itself into interventionist research and improvement of the deficiencies thereby ascertained. Consideration should also be paid to allowing future actions to be accompanied by scientific measures.


Healing of the operative fascial defect after repair of huge midline hernias with the reverse sheath method.

An experiment was carried out to ascertain the fate of the bared muscle following the repair of huge midline hernias with the "reverse sheath" method. Thirty-five patients have undergone operation by this method over the past five years, with excellent results. Experimental stripping of abdominal fascia was done on 35 rats. The bare rectus muscle was examined 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11 months after the operation. No regeneration of fascia was seen. The missing fascia was replaced by scar tissue. The results are important with regard to the support of the abdominal wall after repair of midline abdominal hernia by the above-mentioned method.


Regional myocyte size in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Regional differences in cell size in the hearts of rats with and without cardiac hypertrophy were studied using isolated muscle cells. Isolated cardiac myocytes were prepared from left ventricular free wall inner and outer halves and the right ventricle of six male 12-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Fischer-344 rats. In SHR, blood pressure was increased to 188 +/- 4 (SEM) mm Hg versus 143 +/- 2 and 133 +/- 10 for WKY and Fischer rats, respectively (p less than 0.001). Total heart weight was increased to 1103 +/- 29 mg in SHR compared to 824 +/- 21 in WKY and 951 +/- 23 in Fischer rats (p less than 0.001. Isolated cardiac myocytes were prepared by perfusion of isolated hearts with Ca++ free Hanks' solution containing EGTA followed by collagenase-containing media. Mean length, width and volume of 150 cells stained with hematoxylin and eosin from each site were measured with a sonic digitizer. Two nuclei were present in 85 to 87% of isolated cells from all strains and regions. There was no difference among strains in right ventricular cell length, width, or volume, nor between left ventricular inner and outer halves within each strain. Left ventricular cells were larger than right ventricular cells (p less than 0.05) in all strains. Left ventricular cells of SHR were larger than left ventricular cells of WKY of Fischer rats in proportion to the increase in total heart weight, indicating that cardiac enlargement in SHR is due to increased cell size rather than increased cell number.


Association of blood groups with essential and secondary hypertension. A possible association of the MNS system.

Persons participating in a 5-day diagnostic protocol were routinely typed for ABO, Rh, MNS, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, P, Haptoglobin, phosphoglucomutase-1 (PGM-1), and acid phosphatase (AcP). The study population was composed of 164 normotensive whites, 34 normotensive blacks, 161 whites and 43 blacks with essential hypertension, and 52 whites with secondary forms of hypertension (18 atherosclerotic renovascular hypertensives, 17 patients with fibromuscular disease, and 17 patients with primary aldosteronism). There were no significant differences in phenotype frequencies in ABO, Rh, Kidd, Kell, Duffy, P, Haptoglobin, PGM-1 or AcP in any of the comparisons. However, there was a significantly different distribution of MNS phenotypes in comparisons of essential and atherosclerotic renovascular hypertensives with normotensive controls. Essential hypertensives had a lower frequency of the S gene and a higher frequency of s in whites (X2 = 12.21, p less than 0.005). Atherosclerotic renovascular hypertensives differed from the normotensive population in the frequencies of both MN (X 2 = 4.34, p less than 0.05) and Ss (X2 = 4.21, p less than 0.05). The finding of disease-blood group associations supports the hypothesis that there may be significant physiological differences between individuals of different blood types.


[Neonatal thrombocyte values in children with Down's syndrome and other autosome trisomies].

Platelet counts were determined in 70 neonates with trisomy-21, 10 neonates with trisomy-18 and 6 neonates with trisomy-13 during the first days of life. 60% of all infants with trisomy-aberrations were found to have thrombocytopenia. Platelet counts in Down's syndrome averaged 104600 (SD 53000; median 90500; 10- and 90-percentile at 45000 and 175000) per microliter. A correlation with other hematological features of trisomy-21 was examined. There was no significant correlation between platelet counts and hemoglobin concentration. Similarly the difference in platelet counts between trisomy-neonates with and without polycythemia was statistically not significant. In contrast, 27 normal neonates with polycythemia showed significantly higher platelet counts (mean = 13400) than their trisomy-counterparts (mean = 98900; P = 0.01). In addition, there was no correlation, in trisomy infants, between either erythroblastosis or low birth weight and platelet count. These findings point to defective hematopoiesis as a primary cause of thrombocytopenia in trisomy-infants.


Allometric radial growth in muscle, comparing fibres with strong and with weak adenosine triphosphatase activity.

A large flock of male and female white turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) was reared for 22 weeks after hatching. At two weeks intervals small groups of birds were removed from the flock and killed. Samples of sartorius muscles were taken from the bird nearest the mean weight for its group. Transverse frozen sections were tested for ATPase activity by calcium method at pH 9.4. Fibres were separated into two categories (strong-ATPase and weak-ATPase) and their mean minimum diameters were measured with a micrometer scale in the microscope eyepiece. Mean minimum diameters of different fibre types were compared using the logarithmic form of Huxley's allometric growth equation. Weak-ATPase fibres grew at a relatively faster rate than strong-ATPase fibres in both males and females (k = 1.12, P less than 0.01 and k = 1.14, P less than 0.01 respectively). Transition of muscle fibres from one histochemical type to another was not detected, so that differences in the rate of increase of mean diameters of different fibre types were attributed to allometric radial growth. The possibility that transitional fibres might make some contribution cannot, however, be totally ignored.


[Laparoscopic treatment of stenoses and phimosis of the ampulla of the tube. A critical study of the results (author's transl)].

By analysing a series that initially started with 160 cases it is possible to compare the results of trying to cure infundibular stenoses, which means agglutinations and phimosis of the ampulla using the laparoscope or open laparotomy. It would appear that these lesions should be strictly classified and this classification should be based on careful laparoscopic investigation of the infundibulum and on hydrotubation testing. It is then found that these are not good cases for endoscopic surgical treatment. The results are poor whether looked at from the level of fertility that is finally achieved as well as the morphological improvement in the conditions and they are far worse than those following conventional surgery. Therefore it is necessary to conclude that laparotomy is always preferable for a cure of these cases. The only indication for laparoscopic surgery is infundibular stenosis which occurs afterterminal tubal plastic surgery which is by itself not a rare happening.


[Prevention of recurring adhesions after tuboplasties. I--Interest of early laparoscopy, 8 days after surgery (author's transl)].

Laparoscopy was performed 8 days after tuboplasty in 80 cases. In 32 cases, new fresh adhesions were swept out with a rod on the 8th day. These adhesions were important in 13 cases (16,2 p. 100). This treatment seems to be efficient.


An improved means of enzyme typing of hair roots using isoelectric focusing.

An improved method of grouping hair, based on the alleles of PGM observed by isoelectric focusing, has been described. The increased discriminating power of this system (0.77) compared to that obtained by the starch gel technique (0.55) provides a new and more sensitive means of typing hair.


Complementation analysis of eleven tryptophanase mutations in Escherichia coli.

Nine independent mutants deficient in tryptophanase activity were isolated. Each mutation was transferred to a specialized transducing phage that carries the tryptophanase region of the Escherichia coli chromosome. The nine phages thus produced, and a tenth carrying a previously characterized tryptophanase mutation, were used to lysogenize a bacterial strain harbouring a mutation in the tryptophanase structural gene and also a suppressor of polarity. In no case was complementation observed; we conclude that there is no closely linked positive regulatory gene for tryptophanase.


[Pericentric inversions: studies in 47 cases].

The authors report 47 cases of pericentric inversion. Eleven of them involve the chromosomes No. 2, 11 and 9. It appears that the risk of malformations and/or encephalopathy is obviously increased either by "position effect", aneusomie de recombinaison" or "interchromosomal effect". Prenatal diagnosis is therefore indicated. Thirty six cases involve the secondary constriction of chromosome No. 9. In such cases the risk is not enough increased to justify the prenatal diagnosis.


Heat-sensitive lambda repressors retain partial activity during bacteriophage induction.

At 43 degrees C, lambda cIts prophages are "induced" and enter the lytic cycle. Lac- lysogens containing heat-inducible lambda N- prophages were superinfected with a lambda trp/lac N+cI- phage containing a lacZ+ gene whose expression is controlled by the lambda cI product (repressor). Lysogens were then heated, and the synthesis of beta-galactosidase and release of progeny phage were measured. In lambda N- cIts2 or lambda N-cIts16 lysogens superinfected with lambda trp/lac N+, beta-galactosidase appeared earlier and was synthesized more rapidly than in superinfected lysogens containing lambda N- cIts857 prophage. Even at 45 degrees C, the cI857 repressor retained some activity. Lysogens containing other N-cIts mutant prophages producing renaturable repressors were also only partially derepressed at 43 degrees C. Partial derepression of lambda "early" transcription is sufficient for induction of lambda N+ prophages.


Accelerated immune complex nephritis due to mesangial overloading in spontaneous hypertensive (SHR) rats.

Immune complex nephritis induced by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was superimposed upon spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR rats) which were pretreated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA accumulated predominantly in the mesangium, and the superimposed nephritis developed more accelerated glomerular damage with marked capillary deposition of immune complexes than control animals which were not pretreated with PVA.


Changes in connective tissue components in ulcer tissue during the healing process of acetic acid ulcer in rats.

In order to elucidate the role of connective tissue components on the repair of ulcerated regions, quantitative changes in chemical components in ulcer tissue during the healing process were investigated in acetic acid-induced ulcer in rats. The ulcer index showed a peak on the 5th day after the operation, declined rapidly and maintained a slight level the 15th to the 60th days, without a complete recovery. In ulcer tissue, sialic acid and hexosamine remarkably increased in the early stages of healing, showing a peak on the 5th day. The patterns of time course of changes in both components ran almost parallel with those in the ulcer index. Uronic acid maintained slightly higher levels than normal levels the 5th to the 60th days. Hydroxyproline continued to increase with the time course from the 25th day. When acid mucopolysaccharides in ulcer tissue were isolated into various fractions, there were increases in hyaluronic acid on the 5th day, in chondroitin sulfate A and chondroitin sulfate C on the 30th day and chondroitin sulfate B on the 60th day, respectively. Significance of changes in these components in the healing process is discussed.


Studies on the mechanism of action of cetraxate [4'-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl trans-4-aminomethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride], a new anti-ulcer agent.

To elucidate mechanisms involved in the anti-ulcer action of cetraxate, the effects of this agent on the ulcer index (UI), fibrinolytic activity (FA) and contents of several connective tissue components in ulcer tissue were examined using aspirin- and acetic acid ulcers in rats. In aspirin ulcer, cetraxate (100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.), like tranexamic acid (500 mg/kg p.o.), epsilon-aminocaproic acid (500 mg/kg p.o.) and gefarnate (200 mg/kg p.o.), inhibited both the UI and FA. However, aluminum sucrose sulfate (1000 mg/kg p.o.) was effective only against the UI and L-glutamine (500 mg/kg p.o.) failed to inhibit both parameters. In acetic acid ulcer, following oral, daily X either 5 or 8 administrations, cetraxate (200 and 300 mg/kg), gefarnate (200 mg/kg), aluminum sucrose sulfate (1000 mg/kg) and L-glutamine (500 mg/kg) were effective on both the UI and FA. Tranexamic acid (500 mg/kg) and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (500 mg/kg) were ineffective on the UI, although both agents inhibited FA. In acetic acid ulcer, cetraxate induced increases in hexosamine and uronic acid, that is, acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS), especially chondroitin sulfate A and -C, whereas L-glutamine and aluminum sucrose sulfate resulted in increases in hexosamine and sialic acid, that is, glycoproteins. From these results, cetraxate may mainly accelerate the ulcer healing by increasing AMPS in ulcer tissue. Moreover, the local anti-FA property of this agent may be also beneficial in treating bleeding ulcers.


[Hansch analysis of the inhibitory action of 3- and 4-substituted benzamidines on thrombin, plasmin and trypsin (author's transl)].

Using Hansch formalism, the suthors studied quantitatively the relationship between the structure and the inhibitory action of 3- and 4-substituted amidinophenyl derivatives on thrombin, plasmin and trypsin. It was found that the inhibitory action on all three enzymes depends in the same way from the hydrophobic and electronic properties of the substituents and from an additional term in case of substituents with X-CO-Y structure. The predictive value of the equations is satisfactory.


[Free-Wilson analysis of the inhibitory effect of 4-substituted benzamidines on thrombin, plasmin and trypsin (author's transl)].

Using the Fujita-Ban model, the authors studied the quantitative structure-inhibitory activity relationships of a series of 4-amidinophenyl compounds with regard to thrombin, plasmin and trypsin. A satisfactory specification of the inhibitory activities was obtained from activity increments of molecular segments.


The mechanism of inhibition on the endogenous respiration of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by the cyanine dye diS-C3-(5).

The cyanine dye 3,3'-dipropyl-2,2'-thiadicarbocyanine iodide [diS-C3(5)] was found to be a potent inhibitor of endogenous respiration of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. This effect is believed to involve both rotenone and uncoupler type actions of the dye on the electron transport system of the mitochondria.


[The possibility of walking in the paralysed of the lower limbs (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the possibility of walking after rehabilitation and bracing in the paralysed of the lower limbs, it is variable with aetiological factors and age of patients. In children, walking after bracing is almost always indicated-it should be discussed case after case in adults. The authors analyse the role of different types of braces such as pneumatic braces and orthoptic systems using electrical stimulation. Some views on the future are exposed.


[The influence of direct electric current on bone formation (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the effects of a 20 microampere current applied to bone in rabbits and dogs. The results have been analysed according to the age of animal, whether mature or immature, and the nature of the electrode (whether steel or platinum). They found no different in the osteogenesis produced in the medullary canal which was constant. The authors further studied the effects of currents on osteotomies of the radius in dogs which generally led to non-union in the absence of electrical currents. They failed to demonstrate any stimulation of bone repair by the current. They conclude that bone formation in the medullary canal of intact bones and the repair of fractures are two different processes.


[A study of the potential corrosion of the madreporic prostheses compared with plane surface prostheses (author's transl)].

The authors have studied several methods of obtaining self-locking of hip prostheses without cement. They have selected a particular type of prosthesis with a "madreporic" surface and have studied the potential danger or corrosion in such types of prosthesis as compared with prostheses with a plane surface. They have demonstrated that, in madreporic types, the surface of the prosthesis is multiplied less than four times and that this is not dangerous provided that the metal alloy is of good quality. The methods of calculation of the surface area are described as well as experiments for testing for corrosion. These methods can be applied to other types of prosthesis.


[Is treatment of C.D.H. by progressive reduction by traction still advisable? (author's transl)].

The authors analyse the results that they have obtained in the treatment of C.D.H. either by conservative or surgical methods. The prevention of osteochondritis remains the main worry. However traction leads to long-lasting immobilization and sometimes it is not sufficient. The authors think that osteochondritis may be related to hyper-pressure on the femoral head or to lesions of the vascular pedicle and that in some cases shortening of the femur or tenotomies may allow a decrease of the plaster cast period. The indications on capculotomy, rotation osteotomy, salter osteotomy are discussed. It is concluded that the periods of traction and plaster cast immobilization should be lessened as much as possible.


[Treatment of fractures of the femoral neck by primary femoral prosthesis (author's transl)].

The authors have reviewed 230 case of fractures of the femoral neck treated by primary femoral prosthesis. The mortality was 12,6 p. 100 during the first three post operative months, and 16,5 p. 100 after three additional months. The infection rate was 13,9 p. 100, 4,7 p. 100 of the cases being severely infected. The postero lateral approach was more favourable than the antero-lateral approach. Late results were studied on 142 cases. The average follow-up was 4 years. The clinical results were closely dependent on the radiological appearance. When the prosthesis progressively penetrated into the femoral medullary canal incapacitating pain was always present. It is concluded that the use of cement may improve the results in a number of cases.


[Bone metastasis simulating a chondrosarcoma (author's transl)].

The authors report three cases of bone tumours, two in the scapula and one in the pelvis, which simulated chondrosarcoma on radiological examination. After biopsy it was concluded that they were metastases secondary to carcinoma of the bladder in one case and of unknown origin in the other two.


Injuries produced by shattering annealed glass.

Attention is drawn to the significant number of accidents related to plate (annealed) glass, and the relative paucity of information available on the subject. Four cases of life-threatening injuries secondary to accidents involving annealed glass are described and illustrated. It is suggested that the use of one of the types of safety glass already available should be made mandatory universally, but particularly in those locations defined as 'risk areas' by the British Standards Code of Practice (CP 152) on glazing in the construction industry.


Interaction of acid glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) with hydroxyapatite.

Selected acidic glycosaminoglycans (GAG) have been used as a model series to study some binding properties of hydroxyapatite. The order of binding was heparin, heparin sulfate, dermatan sulfage/chondroitin-4-sulfate/chondroitin-6-sulfate (all similar) and hyaluronic acid, indicating that the negative charge on the molecules is a major determinant in the binding process. Both calcium and saliva pretreatment led to an increase in uptake of selected GAG whereas fluoride even at 1 and 3 parts/106 levels led to a graded reduction in uptake. The clinical significance of these findings may be related to the presence of certain GAG in the dental integuments and to the interaction of a chemically defined group of compounds at a specific solid surface. Such findings may also have an application in studies on endogenous mineralization. The results are in accord with the generally held view that polyanions may interact electrostatically with calcium sites present in the crystal lattice of the hydroxyapatite.


The effect of zolimidine, imidazopyridine-derivate, on the duodenal ulcer healing.

Zolimidine, a derivate of imidazopyridine, has a gastroprotective effect. Encouraged by the good results with zolimidine therapy in the literature we initiated a clinical study of zolimidine in duodenal ulcer healing.


Dissociation of the humoral and cell-mediated responses to alloantigens in mice by sublethal whole-body irradiation.

Spleen cells from mice exposed to 500 rad sublethal whole-body irradiation before immunization with 100 x 10(6) allogeneic spleen cells exhibited an enhanced cytolytic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity. In contrast, this treatment completely abrogated the humoral alloantibody response, as measured by complement-mediated lysis. In addition to the observed dissociation between primary humoral and cell-mediated responses, the character of the in vitro secondary CTL response of spleen cells obtained from mice sublethally irradiated before alloimmunization was also modified. Although these spleen cells were perfectly capable of mounting a secondary response upon restimulation in vitro with intact allogeneic spleen cells, they were no longer capable of responding to subcellular alloantigen preparations. These results suggest that the cellular requirements for the induction of secondary CTL responses in vitro depend upon the nature of the antigen used for restimulation.


Induction of suppressor activity on B-cell differentiation in human T-cell subset without fc(IgG) receptors by levamisole administration.

A single oral dose of 150 mg levamisole was administered to five healthy adults. Circulating Fc(IgG) receptor-bearing T cells (T gamma cells) increased for 5 days after levamisole intake, but total E rosette-forming cells showed no significant alterations. The generation of immunoglobulin-producing cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), which was induced in the in vitro pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated cultures, was significantly suppressed for 5 days after levamisole administration. Suppressor T-cell activity on B-cell differentiation, which was induced by levamisole intake, was evaluated by co-culturing with allogeneic untreated adult PBL in the PWM system in six other volunteers. A seemingly dose-dependent suppression on B-cell differentiation was exerted by T cells isolated on day 3 of levamisole treatment, but not by T cells differentiation was exerted by T cells isolated on day 3 of levamisole treatment, but not by T cells which were isolated before or on day 14 of the experiment. When T cells were fractionated into two subsets with regard to the presence or absence of Fc(IgG) receptors, suppressor T-cell activity appeared to be generated by levamisole largely in T cells lacking Fc(IgG) receptors, but not in T gamma cells.


Aortic valve replacement. A randomized study comparing the Björk-Shiley and Lillehei-Kaster disc valves. Late haemodynamics related to clinical results.

In this study, 78 randomized patients with either Björk-Shiley (B-S) or Lillehei-Kaster (L-K) aortic disc valve prostheses were re-admitted for clinical and haemodynamic evaluation. The patients were selected that those with narrow aortic roots were over-represented. Cine-aortography was carried out in 75 patients and left ventricular catheterisation via the transseptal approach was performed in 42. The clinical improvement was striking, although the number of patients still incapacitated was relatively large in patients with the small L-K valves (Nos. 14 & 16). Peak-to-peak and mean systolic pressure differences across the valves were significantly lower in the B-S than in the L-K valves, particularly when the small valve sizes were compared. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), which was elevated in most patients before operation, decreased significantly to normal levels in the B-S group. In the L-K group, LVEDP did not decrease significantly and was on the average still above the normal level after operation, probably due to the relatively large pressure gradients. The study indicates that the L-K valves Nos. 14 & 16 in particular represents a resistance to flow that is too large to be acceptable in clinical practice.


Comparison of the new miniature Wright peak flow meter with the standard Wright peak flow meter.

Preproduction and current models of the miniature Wright peak flow meter have been compared with the standard Wright peak flow meter on normal and abnormal subjects. Early problems in production appear to have been overcome, and the current model agrees to within 3% with the standard peak flow meter, which is as close as the agreement between two standard instruments. The new mini-meter may be enclosed in a case, making direct comparisons with other instruments possible.


Fibrin suspension as a substrate fop plasmin: determination and kinetics.

Fibrin polymers formed from fibrinogen with thrombin in the presence of EDTA were suspended in a medium containing glucose, arabic gum and imidazole-HCl buffer and were sonicated at 20 kHz for 20 min to make a suspension containing fibrin particles of small size. The fibrin suspension was used as a substrate of plasmin for determining the enzymic activity of plasmin and plasminogen activated with urokinase. The kinetic study on the reaction of the fibrin particles with plasmin in the presence and the absence of fibrinogen revealed that Km value of fibrin for plasmin is 4.2 x 10(-7) M and the Ki value of fibrinogen is 1.2 x 10(-5) M.


The interaction between heparin and plasmin on amidolysis.

The effect of the interaction between heparin and plasmin not only on fibrinolytic, caseinolytic and esterolytic activities but also on amidolytic activity, since plasmin has amidolytic or amidase activity, was investigated. Following were the results obtained from these investigations: 1. Heparin enhanced amidolytic activity of a fixed level of plasmin which was prepared by activating plasminogen with urokinase within the range from 2 to 64 units/ml of the final concentration of heparin. 2. Heparin also enhanced amidolytic activity of a fixed level of plasmin which was prepared by converting plasminogen with insolubilized urokinase. 3. Heparin did not enhance or inhibit fibrinolytic, caseinolytic and esterolytic activities of a fixed level of plasmin which was prepared by activating plasminogen with urokinase, in the fibrinolytic activity within the range from 0.032 to 125 units/ml, in the caseinolytic activity within the range from 0.0125 to 100 units/ml, and in the esterolytic activity within the range from 0.016 to 128 units/ml, of the final concentration of heparin respectively.


Lipomatous hypertrophy of interatrial septum presenting as recurring pericardial effusion and mistaken for constrictive pericarditis.

A case of interatrial septal lipoma, presenting as recurrent pericardial effusion with signs of constrictive pericarditis, was described. The tumor was removed successfully. The case demonstrated that the difficulties in the differential diagnosis between right atrial tumor and any other cardiac disease still exist. Because of its extreme rarity, the interatrial septal lipoma is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis.


Linkage relationship of C2 deficiency, HLA and glyoxalase I loci.

Immunogenetic analysis of a homozygous C2-deficient individual and family members demonstrated linkage of HLA-A25, B18 and C2o. HLA-D typing showed that 5 members typed with homozygous Dw2 typing cells from an individual with C2 deficiency but not with Dw2 typing cells from 2 individuals with normal C2. The homozygous C2-deficient propositus and brother were HLA-A and B homozygous but heterozygous at the HLA-D and glyoxalase I loci. Therefore, in this family, the C2o gene is linked with two distinct haplotypes: HLA-A25, B18, Dw2, GLO1 and HLA-A25, B18, D unknown, GL02. These results could be explained by an ancestral recombinant event, which occurred between the C2o locus and HLA-D locus in which C2o segregated with HLA-B. This would suggest that the locus for the C2o gene maps between HLA-B and HLA-D on the sixth chromosome.


[Effect of the detergent Metaupon on replication of various phages].

As several other surfactants do, the detergent Metaupon acts on the multiplication of bacteriophages. We investigated the influence of Metaupon on the phages phi and lambda, the cyanophage LPP-1, and the RNA-phages f 2, M 12, and Q beta by means of the agar diffusion test, pour plate test, adsorption test, and one-step growth test. The action of Metaupon on the free phages was also tested. Metaupon inhibits the formation of plaques by the phages with exception of lambda. With the phages f 2 and M 12 the substance increases the amount of plaques depending on concentration. The main mode of action of Metaupon was found to be the inhibition of the adsorption of the phages to the host cells. Only in the case of phi 105 free phages were inactivated.


[Laparoscopy in chronic gallbladder diseases].

The laparoscopy is the only riskless possibility of directly inspecting the gall-bladder, to ascertain the diagnosis of a chronic cholecystitis, further to consider the indications to internal or surgical measures. For the judgment the form of the gall-bladder, the behaviour of its wall with different colouring, oedema and furthermore its behaviour to neighbouring organs are of decisive evidence. In a disease of the bile-ducts the laparoscopy allows to prove or to exclude a participation of the liver. For the judgment of the activity of a disease of the gall-bladder should, however, always be used clinical and radiological findings, the microbiological investigation of the A-, B-, and C-bile and the testing of the reflex of the gall-bladder. This is necessary with regard to the therapy.


[Partial atrial standstill with sick-sinus-syndrome accompanying a case of cardiomyopathy (author's transl)].

In a patient with cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology and clinical manifestation of SSS (sick-sinus syndrome) the electro-physiological examination and the registration of pressure curves indicated a mechanical and electrical partial standstill of both atria. Some electro-physiologically interesting phenomena found during the His-catheterization are described.


[Coronary vessel anomaly: fistula between the right coronary artery and the left ventricle clinically presenting as aortic valve insufficiency (author's transl)].

Under more than 200 cases of coronary vessel anomalies only 33 are fistulas from the right or left coronary artery into the left ventricle. The case presented here of a fistula from the right coronary artery into the left ventricle featured the clinical picture of an aortic valve insufficiency. The histologic findings support the theory that these fistulas are embryological anomalies: transient communications between the ventricular trabeculas and the coronary vessels may be lined with endothelium and become then persisting as fistulas.


Relation of occupational stress to the age at onset of Huntington's disease.

Two hypotheses were tested to determine whether occupational stress was related to the age at onset of Huntington's disease. Using case material drawn from four kindreds in southern Norway, occupations of affected persons were graded into three categories according to their degree of physical stress. Adjusting for the effects of related factors, grade of stress was found to be a significant contributor to the variation in onset age. Minor and severe stress were associated with earlier onset ages than moderate stress; the difference between minor and moderate grades was 9 years. The results are interpreted as conforming to the psychosocial concept of Levi, whereby both under- and overstimulation of sensory functions are more stressful and more potent precipitants of illness than intermediate levels of stimulation.


Changes in the contractile material of human skeletal muscle following tendinous injury.

The most marked changes in the human muscle following tendinous injury can be observed in the contractile components. There is a widening of the Z-membrane, dispersion of the sarcomers, a break in their continuity, and detached bundles of myofibrils are found in the sarcoplasm. A change occurs also in the proportion of different fibre types of the muscles, in the muscle with tendinous injury a predominance of type II fibre becoming apparent. Among the proteins of myofibrils a product of disintegration of a molecular weight of 31 000 can be consequently demonstrated, and in some muscles products of disintegration with a molecular weight between 90 000 and 58,000 arise.


Fibre types in human abdominal muscles.

Histochemical muscle fibre composition was studied in biopsied from the four different muscles of the abdominal wall (rectus abdominis, RA, obliquus externus, OE, obliquus internus, OI, and transversus abdominis, Tr) in 13 normal human subjects (9 females and 4 males, age 24-55 years) undergoing gall-bladder surgery. Muscle fibres were classified as Type I, IIA, IIB or IIC on the basis of their myofibrillar ATPases' pH lability. There were large inter-individual variations in fibre composition, whereas, in general, the differences between the different muscles were minor or non-existent. Mean fibre distribution ranges were 55-58% I, 15-23% 22A, 21-28% IIB, and 0-1% II C fibres. The least fibre diameters were similar for all types and muscles (range of means 50-54 micrometer) except for Tr in which the Type II fibres were smaller (mean 45 micrometer). There was a high correlation in the size of Type I vs. II fibres and Type IIA vs. IIB fibres in all layers. The oxidative potential (NADH-diaphorase staining intensity) appeared high in Type I fibres and low in Type II fibres, irrespective of subgroups. Thus, based on histochemical fibre composition, the different abdominal muscles appear to have a similar functional capacity. However, functional differences between individuals were indicated by the large inter-individual variation in muscle fibre distribution.


Functional implications of the two-headed structure of myosin.

This review summarizes the results obtained by biochemical and physiological studies on the functional implications of the two-headed structure of the myosin molecule. Our nonidentical two-head hypothesis of myosin is supported by biochemical studies on myosin ATPase. The reaction mechanism of the Mg2+-ATPase reaction catalyzed by one head of the myosin molecule is shown to be different from that catalyzed by the other head, and the reaction intermediate, MPADP, is produced in head B but not in head A. Evidence for differences in the chemical structures of the two heads of myosin is also presented. The myosin preparation is shown to be a mixture of homodimers with respect to its g-chain composition, but every homodimer has the non-identical two heads, B and A. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism for acceleration of the Mg2+-ATPase reaction by F-actin and that for its control by Ca2+ ions and Mg2+-ATP are discussed, based on the nonidentical two-head hypothesis of the myosin molecule. It was shown that the formation and decomposition of the key intermediate, A(B)MPADP are required for tension development and shortening. One cycle of ATP hydrolysis by crossbridges synchronously initiated by a rapid stretch or a sudden release of a slow stretch, indicating that the probability of dissociation of a crossbridge by its interaction with ATP depends on its angular position. It is also demonstrated that rotation of the base of nucleoside triphosphate about the glycosyl bond is essential for formation of MPXDP from M2XTP, as well as for muscle contraction. Based on these biochemical and physiological studies on the movement of the myosin head in muscle contraction, a molecular mechanism for muscle contraction is proposed.