The effect of maternal smoking on neonatal leucocytes.

Results are presented showing an association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with a reduction in the numbers of circulating neutrophils in their infants. It is postulated that such infants may be more susceptible to infection.


An evaluation of the counselling given to patients having a therapeutic abortion.

The results of a questionnaire evaluating patient's reactions to counselling for their therapeutic abortion are reported. Most considered that counselling was necessary and that it provided support throughout the abortion process. The counselling appeared to relieve anxiety for many patients, but seemed to be less effective for patients who were not of European origin.


A transvesical approach to stress incontinence.

Seventy-three patients with urinary incontinence were carefully investigated; only 12 were selected as suitable for operation. In each case the surgical approach was transvesical, as this most rapidly and accurately identified the urethrovesical junction. The outcome was completely successful in 9 of the 12 patients in this highly selective series at the time of review 12 months later.


Maternal deprivation: can its ghost be laid?

The hypothesis that separation from an established mother figure in early childhood has a detrimental effect on a child's later mental health has been widely promulgated and commonly accepted both in academic and lay circles throughout the Western world. The hypothesis continues to have a significant effect on mothers' decision as to whether they should resume work or not, and on governmental policy concerning the provision of child-care facilities for the children of those mothers who do. The evidence for the hypothesis is reviewed and it is concluded that it does not satisfy the requirements of scientific methodology. The theory that a child's attachment to its mother figure is the emotional basis for its future love relationships, group affiliations and loyalty to the state, is now being accorded similar acceptance without further evidence than that supporting the original hypothesis.


Parental characteristics of Jews and Greeks in Australia.

A controlled study was conducted in Sydney to assess the reported characteristics of Jewish and Greek parents. Using a measure of fundamental parental characteristics the 81 Jewish subjects differed from controls only in scoring their mothers as less caring. The 125 Greek subjects scored both parents as more overprotective; further investigation revealed that the Greek parents were overprotective of their daughters only. Findings in the latter study suggest that overprotection by Greek parents may be influenced slightly by the age of the child when migrating, and that such a cultural pattern is resistant to acculturation effects.


The influences of social class and sex on sustained attention (vigilance) and motor inhibition in children.

A sample of 220 normal pre-school and primary school children was tested by the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), a test of sustained attention (vigilance), the Draw-a-Line Slowly test (DALS), a test of motor inhibition and two sub-tests of the latter test. Significant social class associations were found for the CPT and DALS tests, but were not present for DALO and DALF (measures of speed in drawing a line). Sex differences were not found for the CPT test or for DALS, but the boys completed the DALO and DALF tests faster than the girls suggesting superior motor activity and co-ordination.


Family intervention for beginners: a rationale for a brief problem-oriented approach in child and family psychiatry.

Many therapists in Community Health Centers work with children and families but lack training and experience in resolving child/family problems. Inexperienced therapists often find the family therapy models described in the literature too complex. This paper desccribes a simplified view of family survival functions and a related problem-oriented intervention technique evolved for the training and supervision of community health workers.


The attraction of opposites--an object-relations understanding of family interaction over three generations.

Severely dysfunctional families who manifest diametrically opposed, but complementary characteristics in the marital partners and in their children can be understood and treated in terms of Fairbairn's object-relations theory and the concept of ego-splitting. A family history is presented where these problems can be traced through three generations--both maternal and paternal sets of grandparents, parents and finally the children, boy and girl twins. Therapy was initially family-based and directed at helping the parents remove their projections and foci of differences from their children onto themselves. Later the marital dyad was treated intensively looking at the whole marital relationship, the collusions to maintain the splitting and finally enabling each partner to accept the split-off part of himself as belonging to himself instead of being projected onto his partner.


Depression in childhood. 1: Clinical correlates of depressed children admitted for treatment to a residential program.

Ninety-three children with a diagnosis of depression were admitted to a residential children's unit over a six-year period. Background and clinical data were analysed in order to identify correlates associated with the disorder and to examine the concept of 'depressive equivalents'. The results indicated that parental loss, particularly loss of father, through death or desertion, psychiatric illness in the parents and stressful events in early childhood were important concomitants of the disorder. The study also supported the current literature on 'depressive equivalents' and their expression in childhood.


The treatment of an obsessive-compulsive girl in the context of Malaysian Chinese culture.

The case history, treatment and follow-up of a thirteen-year-old girl with obsessive-compulsive neurosis of six months duration are reported. Results show that behaviour modification techniques were effective though a second course of treatment was required. Her illness and its treatment by behaviour therapy in relation to the Malaysian Chinese culture is discussed.


Reported parental characteristics in relation to trait depression and anxiety levels in a non-clinical group.

Care and overprotection appear to reflect the principal dimensions underlying parental behaviours and attitudes. In previous studies of neurotically depressed patients and of a non-clinical group, subjects who scored their parents as lacking in care and/or overprotective had the greater depressive experience. The present study of another non-clinical group (289 psychology students) replicated those findings in regard to trait depression levels. In addition, associations between those parental dimensions and trait anxiety scores were demonstrated. Multiple regression analyses established that 9-10% of the variance in mood scores was accounted for by scores on those parental dimensions. Low maternal care scores predicted higher levels of both anxiety and depression, while high maternal overprotection scores predicted higher levels of anxiety but not levels of depression. Maternal influences were clearly of greater relevance than paternal influences.


[Osmotic fragility in subfractions of leucocytes in hematological diseases (author's transl)].

Leucocytes of normal persons and patients with acute and chronic granulocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were separated into subfractions by centrifugation in discontinuous Ficoll density gradient. Osmotic resistance was examined in hypotonic NaCl solutions with decreasing concentration and by determining LDH activity in the supernatant. Suspensions of myelocytes, polymorphnuclear granulocytes, and lymphocytes of normal persons and patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia demonstrated the same osmotic resistance. Only myeloblasts were osmotically less fragile, and tumor cells of non-Hodgkin lymphoma more fragile.


Isolation and characterization of the nuclear matrix in Friend erythroleukemia cells: chromatin and hnRNA interactions with the nuclear matrix.

Nuclear matrices from undifferentiated and differentiated Friend erythroleukemia cells have been obtained by a method which removes DNA in a physiological buffer. These matrices preserved the characteristic topographical distribution of condensed and diffuse "chromatin" regions, as do nuclei in situ or isolated nuclei. Histone H1 was released from the nuclear matrix of undifferentiated cells by 0.3 M KCl; inner core histones were released by 1 M KCl. Nuclear matrix from differentiated cells did not maintain H1, and histone cores were fully released in 0.7 M KCl. KCl removed the core histones as an octameric structure with no evidence of preferential release of any single histone. Electron microscopy of KCl-treated matrix revealed no condensed regions but rather a network of fibrils in the whole DNA-depleted nuclei. When nuclear matrices from both types of cell were exposed to conditions of very low ionic strength, inner core histones and condensed regions remained. These observations support the contention that inner core histones are bound to matrix through natural ionic bonds or saline-labile elements, and that these interactions are implicated in chromatin condensation. hnRNA remained undegraded and tenaciously associated to the matrix fibrils, and was released only by chemical means which, by breaking hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds, produced matrix lysis. Very few nonhistone proteins were released upon complete digestion of DNA from either type of nuclei. The remaining nonhistone proteins represent a large number of species of which the majority may be matrix components. The molecular architecture in both condensed and diffuse regions of interphase nuclei appears to be constructed of two distinct kinds of fibers; the thicker chromatin fibers are interwoven with the thinner matrix fibers. The latter are formed by a heteropolymer of many different proteins.


Cross-linking of proteins in nuclei and DNA-depleted nuclei from Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Reversible cross-linking of proteins in nuclei and DNA-depleted nuclei from Friend erythroleukemia cells was used as a probe to determine whether the protein structure was preserved following treatment with DNAase I. Interactions between histones were analyzed through cross-linking with 2-iminothiolane or dimethyl 3,3'-dithiobispropionimidate. No alterations in the interactions between intranucleosomal histone proteins resulted from digestion of the nuclear DNA. There was, however, a diminished extent of cross-linking of histone H1 to itself and to the intranucleosomal histones in DNA-depleted nuclei. The interactions of a group of nonhistone proteins with histone H3 could be monitored by cross-linking through the formation of disulfide bonds caused by oxidation of nuclei with H2O2. These interactions were not markedly affected by treatment of the nuclei with DNAase I. However, differences were observed in the extent of cross-linking of some of these proteins when cross-linking in nuclei from undifferentiated cells was compared to that in nuclei from cells which had been induced to differentiate with dimethylsulfoxide.


Studies on medically important flies in Thailand VII. Report on 42 species of calliphorid flies, including the taxonomic keys (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

The calliphorid flies collected from different localities in Thailand were examined to study their medical importance as well as to study from the zoogeographical standpoint of view. Fourty-two species of 15 genera, Bengalia, Caliphora, Catapicephala, Chrysomya, Hemipyrellia, Hypopygiopsis, Lucilia, Melinda, Onesia, Phumosia, Pollenia, Polleniopsis, Tainanina, Tricycleopsis and Verticia belonging to both the subfamilies Calliphorinae and Chrysomyinae were found in Thailand. Many species are newly recorded from this country. The little known species, which are redescribed in detail with the illustration of the male genitalia and female ovipositors, and the key, which is revised to the genera and species, are also presented in this paper.


Growth of condylar, epiphyseal and spheno-occipital synchrondrosal cartilages cultured on medium BGJ.

The purpose of this experiment was to examine the growth of condylar, epiphyseal, and spheno-occipital synchrondrosal cartilages cultured on medium BGJ. Materials from 12 neonatal rabbits were cultured for 7 days on this medium with the addition of 0, 10, or 20% fetal calf serum. Epiphyseal cartilages cultured with the addition of 20% fetal calf serum showed slightly better maintenance of in situ state, though little morphological changes were observed during 7 days. Spheno-occipital synchondrosal cartilages cultured with the addition of 10% or 20% fetal calf serum were histologically relatively similar to in situ state than those cultured without fetal calf serum, but no growth in length and width of these cartilages was observed. On the other hand, cultured condylar cartilages showed the least maintenance of histological and histochemical features. It was assumed that medium BGJ was not a recommendable medium for the organ culture of condylar cartilage.


Evaluation of cytological examination by aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of chronic thyroiditis in childhood.

To evaluate the diagnostic value of cytological study of the goiter in pediatric practice, percutaneous aspiration biopsies were performed on 22 patients. In 13 of 14 patients whose physical and serological examinations suggested chronic thyroiditis, abundant lymphoid cells including germinoblasts and germinocytes were observed in the smeared preparation of aspirated materials. A few degenerated follicular epithelial cells, reticuloendothelial cells, and plasma cells were also occasionally seen. No fibrous clements were observed. In 5 of 8 patients with simple goiter, only a few intact follicular epithelial cells were seen. The procedure was simple, well tolerated by the patients, and there were no complications. Based on these results, it was concluded that percutaneous aspiration biopsy may be one of the useful methods for the diagnosis of chronic thyroiditis in childhood.


Prognosis after metastases in osteosarcoma.

Data from 106 patients with osteosarcoma who developed metastases during treatment were analyzed for prognostic factors for postmetastic survival time. Patients diagnosed in 1971 or later received more intensive chemotherapy and had significantly longer postmetastatic survival time than those diagnosed in 1970 or earlier (P = 0.002). Patients whose metastasis occurred 13 or more months after diagnosis had signicantly longer postmetastatic survival time than those whose metastasis occurred during the first 12 months after diagnosis (P = 0.005). Life-table regression analysis revealed an interaction between "year of diagnosis" and "months to metastasis" which provided a postmetastatic survival advantage for those having metastasis after diagnosis over metastasis at diagnosis for patients diagnosed in 1971 or later but not for those diagnosed in 1970 or earlier (P = 0.093).


Fanconi's anemia: terminal leukemia and "Forme fruste" in one family.

Two adult sisters are described. One with a full clinical, hematological and cytogenetic picture of Fanconi's anemia died of monocytic leukemia. The other woman has several malformations and clinical signs which are found in Fanconi's anemia, but does not show any hematological disorder or sign of bone marrow insufficiency. Cytogenetic findings in this case are comparable to those typical cases with Fanconi's anemia. This case is therefore considered to represent a "forme fruste" of Fanconi's anemia.


Interstitial deletion 13q33 resulting from maternal insertional translocation.

A 32-month-old female with a unique interstitial deletion of 13q is presented, including cytogenetic and gene marker studies. The deleted 13 in the patient is a result of malsegregation of a maternal insertional translocation involving chromosomes 7 and 13, 46,XX,ins(7;13)(q22;q32q34). The demonstration of two esterase D alleles in this patient excludes band 13q33 as the site of the ESD locus, previously assigned to the distal long arm of chromosome 13. The BUdR dye studies reveal that the replicative pattern for 13q31 and 13q21 is not altered by deletion of 13q33 and permit precise delineation of the breakpoints of the rearrangement.


Toothbrushing in Finland.

Oral hygiene behavior was surveyed in June 1971 by interviews with a sample comprising 1063 persons drawn to cover the total Finnish population aged 15 years and over. The interview revealed that the frequency of brushing as reported by dentulous interviewees was distributed as follows: less than once a day (32%), once a day (25%) and more than once a day (43%). Six percent of the interviewees stated that they did not brush their teeth. Most commonly the brushing was performed either as the last thing before retiring for the night (67%) or immediately after waking up in the morning (47%). There was a strong positive correlation between high socioeconomic status and high frequency of toothbrushing. Freshening of the breath and mouth was the most common (55%) reason for brushing the teeth and forgetfulness was the most frequent reason for neglecting it (56%). The investigation showed tha the dental health behavior of the Finnish people with respect to brushing of the teeth has much room for improvement.


Relationship between dental knowledge and tooth cleaning behavior.

A study was carried out to determine whether knowledge about dental health is related to dental behavior in a group of patients who have a positive attitude towards their dental health. Recall patients attending a clinic for periodontal care were asked to fill in a questionnaire to assess: 1) attitudes and beliefs, and 2) dental knowledge and reported behavior. They were then examined to assess their gingival health and plaque control (actual behavior). 161 patients were seen in Social Classes 1-3. Responses to the attitudinal questions indicated that approximately 80% of the patients had positive attitudes. Patients were grouped (1-5) according to Gingival Index scores (range 0.13-1.83). None of the attitudinal concepts tested were associated with the lower GI groupings. Correct knowledge about gingival disease and reported higher frequency of cleaning did not show correlation with the lower GI groupings. No significant relationship could be determined between positive attitudes and knowledge levels as predictors of gingival health.


Assessment of the readability of dental health education literature.

General dental practitioners have an important role in the dissemination of information to their patients and their advice is often reinforced with written health education material. Unfortunately, this written information is often of limited value for particular groups of patients because of its level of readability. This investigation of the problem was in two parts; firstly, a group of 140 secondary schoolchildren were asked to explain the meaning of a selection of words in common use in dental health education, and secondly, the readability of some current dental health education literature was assessed using the Fog Index. The results indicate that current dental health education literature reflects the reading ability of the designers rather than the ability of the potential target group. Many of the words in the dental profession's preventive vocabulary were not understood by the children. Over 80% were unsure of the meaning of fluoride tablets, gum disease, gingivitis and oral hygiene. The results of this investigation indicate that dentists should ensure that dental health education literature is not unduly complex and should take more time explaining the dental vocabulary in lay terminology.


Dietary pattern of Finnish children with low high caries experience.

The correlations between dietary patterns and caries were studied in a series consisting of 534, 5-, 9- and 13-year-old Finnish rural children from low-fluoride areas (0.10-0.46 parts/10(6)). The food consumption of the children was assessed by the 24-hour recall method. The consumption of sweets was estimated by the dietary history method. Caries was diagnosed by clinical inspection. Children with a low and children with a high caries experience were compared with regard to food and nutrient intakes per 1000 kcal. The intakes of most foods and nutrients were similar in the low-caries and in the high-caries groups. However, the diet of the high-caries groups of 5- and 13-year-olds contained less iron, thiamine and ascorbic acid than the diet of the low-caries groups. The intake of sugar and sugar-containing products per unit of energy was higher in the high-caries groups. This was true for soft drinks in particular. Among the 9-year-olds the proportion of sugar consumed as such was greater in the high-caries than in the low-caries children. With regard to the total monthly consumption of sweets no significant differences were observed between the high- and low-caries groups. Analysis of the energy-standardized consumption of food and nutrients thus showed that the relative proportion of sugar and sugar-containing products was somewhat greater in the diet of the high-caries children than in the diet of the low-caries children, but not as high as could be expected. These products replaced foods with a higher nutritive value with the result that the diet of the high-caries groups was on the whole more refined than the diet of the low-caries groups.


Caries incidence in 7-9-year-old children after fissure sealing and topical fluoride therapy in Finland.

A total of 1345 elementary schoolchildren from grades 1-3 (aged 7-9 years) were examined and treated by community health center dentists during 1975-1977. The combined effect of fissure sealing and topical fluoride therapy with 2% NaF gel resulted over the 2 years in an increase in the proportion of caries-free permanent first molars from 50% to 81% in the 1st grade. The mean DMFS scored from the same teeth decreased from 2.8 to 0.8. In the age group born in 1968 the increment of new carious surfaces was 0.28 DFS/year with sealing and 1.13 DFS/year without.


Value of bitewing radiographs in detection of occlusal caries.

A system of diagnosing occlusal caries from bitewing radiographs was developed in an attempt to overcome the problems of clinical diagnosis found in other studies. Standardised bitewing radiographs for 1172 Berkshire schoolchildren aged 11-13 years who were participating in a toothpaste trial, were assessed for occlusal caries under uniform magnification and illumination. The radiographic scores were then compared with the clinical records for these subjects. The radiographic technique proved to be acceptably reproducible at 82.6%. However, only 33.2% of the lesions present were detected on the radiographs. It is concluded that bitewing radiographs for the detection of occlusal caries are of little value in epidemiological studies.


Oral health of Rhodesia African first year student teachers.

A basic oral health survey was carried out on a random sample of first year African student teachers attending four teachers' colleges in Rhodesia. The number examined and interviewed was 309. Methods and criteria used are those described in the second (1977) edition of the World Health Organization manual Oral health surveys - Basic methods. Prevalences of dental caries were 31.0% for the 142 male students and 59.5% for the 167 female students. The difference is statistically significant (P less than 0.001). Mean DMFTs were 0.74 for men and 2.02 for women. The prevalences of "intense gingivitis" were 52.8% for male students and 34.7% for female students. This difference also is significant (P less than 0.005). The major treatment requirements are for one-surface fillings and prophylaxis with oral hygiene instruction. Dental service utilization is low. Less than 10% of the sample had obtained dental care in the previous 12 months. The main reason for seeking care was pain. Self-assessments of oral health needs were not valid. The stated desire for fillings is greater than for extractions. A need has been demonstrated for dental health education aimed at the prevention of disease and the encouragement, use and demand for quality care services.


Characteristics and experiences of women with and without full dentures in a city of the Netherlands.

A combined dental and sociological study was completed in Leeuwarden in 1976. Approximately 600 children filled in a questionnaire and were dentally examined. Their mothers were also interviewed. 536 mothers took part in the study; of these, 45% had full dentures and only 33% still had a normal dentition. These two groups of mothers have been compared in this article. There was very little difference between the mean ages of the two groups, but a considerable difference in education, family income and the husband's occupation. Women with full dentures used to visit the dentist less frequently when young. There also was a slightly more sceptica- attitude as to possible preservation of teeth among those who did not succeed in keeping their natural teeth. A description of some of the characteristics and the experiences of the two groups, those with and those without dentures, has also been included. The group of women with full dentures were rather satisfied about their dental state although even a part of this group still have problems with their dentures. The group of women still having natural teeth were fairly optimistic about the state of their teeth and their expectancy of the need for dental care in the future.


Second primary cancers in patients with carcinoma of the lip.

The occurrence of second primary cancers in patients with lip cancer was evaluated in order to test certain etiologic hypotheses. All cases of lip cancer reported to the Finnish Cancer Registry in 1953-74 (3303 men, 320 women) were followed up for a second (or third) primary cancer through the files of the Registry either to death or to 31 December 1974 (a total of 25 510 person-years). The expected numbers of cases were calculated on the basis of the incidence rates specific for sex, age, time and residence (urban or rural) in Finland. A higher than expected risk of cancer was found among both urban and rural male lip cancer patients; among women the observed number of new primary cancers did not differ from that expected. A significant excess risk among males was noted for cancers of the lung and larynx (rural patients) and for non-melanomatous skin cancer in locations other than the head and neck (urban patients). The association of cancers of the lip, lung and larynx found earlier on a geographic level supports the hypothesis that tobacco smoking is a common risk factor in these cancers. The differences in the relative risks between urban and rural patients, however, suggest that the risk factors in lip cancer in urban areas might be partially different from those prevalent in the rural population. The results do not support the hypothesis that sunlight is an important risk factor in lip cancer.


Measurement of bone blood flow with a 133 Xe washout method. A preliminary report.

A method based on the intravenous 133Xe injection technique has been used for measurement of bone blood flow in man. The measurements were made from the greater trochanteric region of the femur of eight healthy subjects and three patients with bone marrow or a bone disease in which bone blood flow is known to be increased. The half-times of the fast and the slow compartments of the externally recorded two-exponential bone washout curves were 4.05 +/- 0.88 min and 45.4 +/- 7.4 min (mean +/- 1 sd) in the healthy subjects, 1.46 min and 20.1 min in the patient with chronic myeloid leukemia, 2.50 min and 22.9 min in metastic bone disease and 1.93 min and 18.1 min in the patient with osteosarcoma, respectively. The corresponding flow values were 11.5 +/- 1.4 ml/100 g/min (mean +/- 1 sd) in healthy subjects and 59.8, 28.3 and 34.0 ml/100 g/min in patients with bone disorders. The precision of the method estimated from the duplicate measurements in eight healthy persons is; for the fast compartment, 6.8%; and for the slow one, 3.2%. Because of the rapid washout of xenon and the very low radiation dose the measurements are easily repeatable.


Diabetes mellitus: the search for genetic markers.

The search for genetic markers has established that idiopathic diabetes mellitus is a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that have glucose intolerance in common. The types of genetic markers--subclinical linkage, and association--and how they are utilized to delineate the genetic basis of the diabetic syndrome are discussed. The use of such markers as insulin levels, pancreatic islet cell antibodies, and HLA antigens has permitted the separation of insulin-dependent (juvenile) and not insulin-dependent (maturity) diabetes. Such studies have also started to reveal heterogeneity within these broad groups of insulin-dependent and not insulin-dependent types. This extensive heterogeneity has major implications for understanding the pathogenesis and genetics of diabetic mellitus and is of potentially great clinical significance, since the natural history and complications may well differ between these different disorders.


Typical and atypical osteosarcomas: a clinicopathologic study of sixty-two cases.

Of 62 cases of histologically confirmed osteosarcomas, 50 long bone cases aged under 30 years were grouped as "typical" osteosarcoma, and the other 4 long bone cases and 8 short and flat bone cases were grouped as "atypical" osteosarcoma. Gross and microscopic findings of the lesions, postmortem findings, and survival of the patients were compared between the two groups. Small round cell-type tumor cells and relatively well-differentiated foci resembling osteoblastoma were more often found in the atypical than in the typical osteosarcomas. Although patterns of metastasis were not very different between the two groups, 2 of 6 autopsied short and flat bone cases showed no metastasis. Five-year survival rates of both groups were similar, each about 25%. Six patients of the typical and only one of the atypical osteosarcomas are alive without recurrence more than 6 years after amputation.


[Cameroon swelling; infection by the filaria Loa loa].

Recurrent skin edemata due to an infestation with the filaria Loa loa are called Cameroon or Calabar swellings. These are tense elastic, circumscribed, indolent swellings, which are just slightly red coloured and disappear within 24 to 48 hours. Intervals of several weeks or months may occur. One should think of Loa loa disease seeing travellers return from Loa endemic areas (West Africa) with recurrent, transitory edema and eosinophilia. The stay in these areas may have been several years before! Treatment and prophylaxis: Diethylcarbamazine.


Ultrastructure of telangiectatic osteosarcoma.

Recent investigations have shown that telangiectatic osteosarcoma has a poorer prognosis than other osteosarcomas. To elucidate the histogenesis of TOS two cases were investigated on the electron microscopic level. The results show that besides anaplastic, osteoblast-like, and fibroblast-like tumor cells angiosarcomatous components can be observed in this malignant bone tumor, which are characterized by endothelial cells with pinocytotic vesicles, tight intercellular junctions, fine fibrils, and so-called Weibel-Palade bodies in their cytoplasm. From these results, it is concluded that telangiectatic osteosarcoma is derived from multipotent mesenchymal cells with potential differentiation into various directions, such as osteoblast-like cells, and fibroblast-like cells.


The interaction of lectins with the surface of differentiating erythroleukaemic cells.

Friend erythroleukaemic cells can be induced to mature along the erythroid differentiation pathway when an inducing agent such as dimethyl sulphoxide is included in the medium. In the absence of the inducing agent, the 707B line of Friend erythroleukaemic cells is highly agglutinable by the lectins concanavalin A or wheat germ agglutinin. However, 48 h after the induction of differentiation, there is a marked decrease in the agglutination of the cells in the presence of either lectin. This suggests that early in differentiation a change occurs in the cell membrane preceding the onset of globin synthesis which starts approximately 72 h after induction. The change in agglutination by concanavalin A also occurs in the presence of reagents which do not induce haemoglobin synthesis in the 707B line of Friend erythroleukaemic cells but which are able to stimulate the synthesis of this protein in other erythroleukaemic cell lines. The reduction in the agglutinability of the differentiating cells does not seem to result from a reduction in the number of concanavalin A receptors on the cells, nor does it reflect a change in the clustered distribution of concanavalin A receptors in the differentiating cells. Both the control and dimethyl sulphoxide-induced cells show a similar patchy distribution of ferritin-labelled concanavalin A when examined by electron microscopy. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis shows little change in the total pattern of protein synthesis by control and differentiating cells when pulse-labelled with [35S] methionine. However, use of 125I-labelled concanavalin A to stain polyacrylamide gels, on which the total proteins of control and differentiating cells had been separated, revealed a profound change in the composition of the concanavalin A-binding proteins. The control, undifferentiated cells contained eleven or more classes of concanavalin A-binding glycoproteins, many of which stained to a lesser degree as the cell density increased. After the onset of differentiation, 2 new concanavalin A-binding glycoproteins appeared within 48 h. One of these proteins has a molecular weight in excess of 180 000 while the other migrated with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 100 000. After erythroid differentiation had progressed for 120 h, these newly synthesized glycoproteins became the major concanavalin A-binding proteins of the erythroleukaemic cells.


[Effect of cross-linking agents on mechanical properties of a fluid resin (author's transl)].

Effect of several cross-linking agents added to MMA on the mechanical properties of self-cured fluid resins was studied. The cross-linking agents were 2,2-bis (4-methacryloxyethoxyphenyl) propane, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, neopentylglycol dimethacrylate, hexamethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and 1,2-polybutadiene. Their concentrations in MMA were 1,3,5 and 10 wt%. Measured mechanical properties were Brinell hardness, tensile strength, impact strength and transverse strength. The best composition was 5% neopentylglycol dimethacrylate in MMA among studied samples. Microscopic observation of the surface after tensile test suggested that diffusibility of cross-linking agents into PMMA powder affected the mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of both matrix and powder, and their adhesion at the interface had influence upon the mechanical properties of resins processed by powder-liquid method.


[Viscosity changes of zinc phosphate cements in setting process (author's transl)].

A better understanding of setting process of zinc phosphate cements is important to obtain optimum conditions of manipulation. Viscosity changes of zinc phosphate cements in setting process were investigated using a rotational viscometer in various conditions. The results obtained were as follows. 1) The viscosity of the cement mixture increased exponentially as a function of time. 2) The setting process of the cements was characterized by two parameters, the coefficient of setting speed and the setting time. The coefficient of setting speed was defined as the slope of the linear portion of log viscosity versus time curve, and the setting as the time required to reach a certain level of viscosity after the start of the mixing. 3) Shear rate was observed to affect on the time-related changes of viscosity. As the shear rate increased, the coefficient decreased and the setting time increased. These changes were more remarkable in the lower range of shear rate. 4) The coefficient of setting speed was found to be dependent on environmental temperature in accordance with Arrhenius' low. 5) Apparent activation energy calculated 16.41 kcal/mol by Arrhenius' equation. The coefficient increased by a factor of 2.6, when the temperature was raised from 20 degrees to 30 degrees C. 6) A decrease of the P/L ratio caused the logarithm of the coefficient to increase linearly and the setting time to decrease. 7) All the four commerical zinc phosphate cements tested showed different values of both the coefficient and the setting time.


[Studies on orthodontic polyurethane ringlets. (Part 1) Examination of its physical properties (author's transl)].

The purpose of this study was to develop orthodontic ringlets from polyurethane which have maximum flow resistance. The two types of polyurethane involved were thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethane. The former included Paraprene 22, 25, 4805 + 4806, Biomer, Elastollan 585 (E-585) and improved Elastollan 590 (E-590). Thermosetting type incorporated Adiprene, Loyler 2170, Colonate 4080 and DC-4978. Using these materials as its base, a ring device was developed. Under two conditions, tests were conducted for tensile strength, aging effects on 50% and 100% modulus and permanent elongation. One group was stored in air at 20 degrees C and the other in water at 37 degrees C. The results were as follows; It was found that the thermoplastic polyurethane possessed high tensile strength. However, the modulus upon aging resulted in a lower reading with the exception of E-590 and Biomer. In the thermosetting polyurethane group, most of the rings except DC-4978 broke down during storage at 100% elongation in water at 37 degrees C. In the case of DC-4978, there was maximum flow resistance. Upon comparing it with E-590 and Biomer, it appeared that DC-4978 was the most effective for orthodontic purposes.


[Dental application of pressure measuring sheet (author's transl)].

The structure and the color forming mechanism on the pressuring sheet "Prescale" were explained. Some dental applications of the pressure measuring sheet, such as the measurement of biting pressure and balance during normal and unilateral biting, were examined.


[Solubility of metallic mercury into the solutions containing various amino acids (author's transl)].

The solubility of metallic mercury in water containing various amino acids were investigated with flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The following results were obtained; 1. Metallic mercury dissolved into aqueous solutions of various amino acids. It was found that solubility was dependent on kind and concentration of the amino acids. The amino acid with SH radicals, i.e., L-cysteine HCl, in particular, remarkably accelerated solubility. 2. The pH value gave large effects on solubility of metallic mercury. The least solubility was observed at neutral range. Solubility was, however, increased above or below the neutral range. 3. The solubility was greater in Hanks' balanced salt solution than in distilled water. The present results confirmed that solubility of metallic mercury in various solutions was largely dependent on the presence of amino acids, in particular, those which contained SH radicals, change of pH and presence of various salts.


[The in vitro biological evaluation of dental cements using elution and binding by bovine serum albumin (author's transl)].

In order to evaluate in vitro biological properties of dental cements sixteen different cements including zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), EBA, resin, polycarboxylate, glass ionomer cement and calcium hydroxide base material were tested regarding elution and binding by bovine serum albumin (BSA). The persistency of elution over long time after subsequent transfer to fresh water was calculated at 210 nm absorbance with ultra violet spectrometer. Also the eluates obtained were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograpy. The continuous leaching of eugenol from ZOE cement was observed. Binding of eluates from cement to BSA was evaluated spectrophotometrically by utilizing the competition with 2-(4' hydroxyphenylazo) benzoic acid (HABA). EBA cement showed the highest binding ability by BSA because of the leaching o-ethoxybenzoic acid from this cement. The relevance of protein and pulp toxicity is discussed.


[Preparation of hard crown and bridge resin without PMMA powder (II) (author's transl)].

It had been required to improve mechanical properties of hard crown and bridge resins. We had pointed out that mixing of PMMA powder with crosslinking agents for fablication of crown or bridges was not suitable to get better materials. Several trials were taken place to eliminate the PMMA powder. Hydrophobic colloidal silica was a good candidate to replace PMMA. But it is required to improve handling properties. A mixing of monomers, Bis-GMA and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and the silica was polymerized and pulverized and then the powder was applied for the fablication. The mechanical properties did not change as direct application of colloidal silica.


[Aging effect on mechanical properties in fluid resin. (Part 1). Affection of residual monomer (author's transl)].

Aging effect on the mechanical properties in fluid resins was pointed out, but little was studied on this point. Relationship between amount of residual monomer in the samples prepared by fluid resin and the mechanical properties, brinell hardness, tensile strength, were studied. Test pieces just as polymerized in the size were used. Weights of specimens kept at three different circumstances, in the air at 20 degrees C, in a water bath at 37 degrees C and in a desiccator at 11 mmHg and 40 degrees C, was checked at the prescribed time to clarify the amount of residual monomer and the mechanical properties were measured at the same time. Amount of weight loss, due to evaporation of MMA, must improve the mechanical properties. The improvement by postpolymerization could be neglected. Rate of the weight loss suggests that residual monomer must mainly be at the surface. Molecular weight of PMMA, 86.4 X 10(4) did not have any effect on the mechanical properties and on the evaporation rate of monomers from polymerized specimens. To improve the mechanical properties of fluid resin must be to decrease residual monomer as much as possible in the fluid resin especially at the surface area.


[Aging effect on mechanical properties in fluid resin. (Part 2). Effect of a cross-linking agent, neopentylglycol dimethacrylate (author's transl)].

Brinell hardness and tensile strength were measured, weight decrease of specimens due to evaporation of residual monomer were also checked, and the relationship between amount of residual monomer and the mechanical properties were studied. The addition of neopentylglycol dimethacrylate (NPG) in MMA improved the mechanical properties nearly same as the heat processed resins and was effective to decrease residual monomers. Rate of polymerization must increase and the heat of polymerization raised the temperature of curing mass. Properties of the new NPG fluid resin must be improved by loss residual monomer and cross-linking structure.


[Thermal expansion of restorative composite resins under the dry and wet conditions (author's transl)].

Linear coefficients of thermal expansion (beta) of twelve restorative composite resins, one Bis-GMA based resin and one self-curing acrylic resin were determined in the temperature range of 4 to 60 degrees C under the dry and the wet conditions on a thermomechanical analyzer. The results were as follows. 1) The thermal expansion curves obtained were nonlinear, and the transition appeared at about 40 degrees C. 2) beta reduced with the elapse of stored time and the number of times of measuring run. It appears that these phenomena were attributable to decrease of monomer remained in each case. 3) beta under the wet condition was larger than one under the dry condition, when specimens were stored for 20 days in each condition at 37 degrees C. Values of beta for composites ranged from 16.1 to 35.3 x 10(-6)/degrees C under the dry condition and from 18.1 to 55.4 x 10(-6)/degrees C under the wet condition. 4) beta of composites varied with filler content and kinds of filler and resin used. Value of beta reduced with increase of filler content, and was lower for Bis-GMA based composite resin than for MMA based composite resin.


[Studies on the thinning of the upper acrylic resin complete denture with the reinforced palate. (Part 1). Thinning of the resin denture base with the standard shape (author's transl)].

The acrylic denture bases are most commonly used as compared with metallic denture bases at present. For this reason, it is due to many excellent properties, for example, simple processing, easy repair, cheapness and so on. But an inherent disadvantage is liability of an acrylic denture base to make thick so as to maintain stiffness and strength and it makes patients uncomfortable. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to make the palatal region of the upper complete denture thin with about 0.7 mm in thickness, and to keep the same mechanical properties as the normal resin dentures using the composites materials with carbon cloth. Tensils test of the plate test-piece and uniform bending test of the upper complete denture with steel wings were respectively performed. The results obtained in this investigation are as follows: 1) The acrylic composites reinforced with carbon cloth have shown the superior mechanical properties to be compared with the acrylic resin to be generally used. 2) The thickness of the reinforced thin denture is decreased to 0.7 mm (its thickness is 60% of the normal thickness of the one), nevertheless, the stiffness and strength are increased with the using of the composite materials. 3) The region of highest surface tensile stress in the denture was on the polished surface of the palatal aspect of the denture in the area immediately behind the anteriors, but at this region, the strain of the reinforced thin denture base decreased its strain 10% in comparison with the non-reinforced normal thick one.


Role of the epididymis in reabsorption of inhibin in the rat.

The effects of efferent duct ligation, orchidectomy and orchido-epididymectomy were compared at 36 h. This showed that the rat epididymis is capable of maintaining a negative feedback control of FSH secretion. Epididymal extracts contained a substance of tubular origin capable of reducing FSH secretion. This substance is a protein and is found in the caput region but not in the caudal region of the epididymis. A new role can be assigned to the head of the epididymis: that of reabsorbing, together with testis fluid, the inhibin produced by the seminiferous tubules, which thus passes into the bloodstream and provides a feedback regulation of plasma FSH.


Identification in human seminal fluid of an inhibin-like factor which selectively regulates FSH secretion.

Human seminal plasma obtained by centrifugation of human semen contains a factor capable of selectively inhibiting the secretion of FSH both in vivo (reduction of the levels of FSH in rats 24 h after castration) and in vitro (reduction of the FSH released by LH-RH in rat pituitary cell culture). This effect is not due to testosterone, oestradiol-17 beta or progesterone present in the active fractions. The factor has the characteristics of a protein in that its biological activity is destroyed by heat and trypsin digestion. It does not resemble androgen-binding protein. The biological action is not completely specific for FSH as inhibition of LH can be seen with doses usually higher than those which produce inhibition of FSH alone. There is no effect on TSH or prolactin levels in vitro. The factor clearly acts on the release and synthesis of gonadotrophins by gonadotrophs but an effect on the hypothalamus is not excluded. This factor fits the definition of inhibin.


Endocrinology of spermatogenesis in the hypophysectomized ram.

Adult rams were hypophysectomized and treated for 20 days with testosterone (2 X 0.25 g/day), PMSG (2 X 300 i.u./day) or hCG (2 X 250 i.u./day), or for 40 days with testosterone (2 X 0.25 g/day). All treatments maintained a normal concentration of testosterone within the seminiferous tubules. Quantitative histological analysis showed that (1) the differentiation from A0 to A1 spermatogonia was maintained by PMSG or hCG but not completely by testosterone; (2) the transition from intermediate spermatogonia to primary spermatocytes was maintained only by PMSG but not by testosterone or hCG; (3) meiotic prophase and spermiogenesis were maintained by the three hormones but there were qualitative abnormalities in the spermatids. These results suggest that in the ram, the differentiation of renewing stem spermatogonia is under LH control and that the last stages of spermatogonial multiplication, from intermediate to B spermatogonia and to primary spermatocytes, are under the control of the FSH-like activity of PMSG.


Is FSH required for maintenance of spermatogenesis in adult rats?

Administration of FSH antiserum to adult rats for 14 or 30 days had no or little effect on body, testis or accessory sex gland weights, androgen-binding protein, testosterone levels, germ cell numbers or fertility, thus indicating a relative insensitivity of the testis to withdrawal of FSH. Unlike immature rats, therefore, which do require FSH to initiate spermatogenesis, adult rats do not need this hormone to maintain spermatogenesis.


The effects of long-term administration of either a crude inhibin preparation or an antiserum to FSH on serum hormone levels, testicular function and fertility of adult male rats.

Adult male rats were given either daily injections of ram rete testis fluid for periods of up to 70 days or injections of an antiserum against FSH every 3 days for 90 days. Compared with the control groups, the rats injected with ram rete testis fluid had lowered serum FSH levels, but only at treatment periods of 30 days and less. The levels of LH and testosterone in serum, testicular fluid secretion, sperm counts, testis weights and fertility were not affected by rete testis fluid treatment. The rats injected with anti-FSH serum exhibited an impairment of fertility which was never complete and evident only after 49 days of treatment. After 90 days of anti-FSH treatment, testis weight and free serum FSH were reduced, but sperm counts, testicular fluid secretion and serum levels of LH and testosterone were not affected.


Effect of the inhibin-like factor from bull spermatozoa on sexual maturation of the male rat.

The s.c. administration for 25 days of the inhibin-like factor extracted from bull spermatozoa to immature 20-day-old male rats reduced serum FSH levels by about 60% and serum LH and testosterone levels by about 50%. However, neither tubular nor interstitial modifications of the histological appearance of the testis were found and there were no changes in the activity of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The assay described could be usefully employed for evaluating the activities of inhibin-like factors.


Effects of factors from ovarian follicular fluid and Sertoli cell culture medium on in-vivo and in-vitro release of pituitary gonadotrophins in the rat: an evaluation of systems for the assay of inhibin.

Inhibin-like activity is present both in testicular and ovarian fluids. Various methods can be used for the detection of this activity. Indirect methods, using organ weights as an endpoint, lack the specificity required for reliable estimation of inhibin-like activity. With in-vivo bioassay systems, using estimation of circulating concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in intact or gonadectomized, immature or adult, male or female rats, a suppression of FSH concentrations only is usually observed after injection of inhibin-like material. The largest suppression of FSH concentrations can be obtained in short-term gonadectomized adult female or 35-day-old male rats. Addition of inhibin-like activity to cultured pituitary cells specifically suppresses the spontaneous release of FSH from the cells. After stimulation of cultured pituitary cells with LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH), the release of both FSH and LH are suppressed when inhibin-like activity is present. From dialysis experiments it appears that the molecular weight of the inhibin-like material in follicular fluid is greater than 10 000. However, acid ethanol extracts of this fluid contain a factor with a molecular weight smaller than 10 000, which does not suppress the spontaneous release of FSH from cultured pituitary cells, but diminishes the LH-RH-stimulated release of both LH and FSH. Furthermore, both follicular fluid and Sertoli cell culture medium can stimulate the release of FSH and LH from pituitary cells when these are cultured without addition of fetal calf serum. These results suggest that gonadal fluids contain several non-steroidal factors which can influence the release of gonadotrophins from pituitary cells.


Characterization of a gonadal factor involved in the control of FSH secretion.

This communication presents evidence for the existence in the ovine testis of proteinaceous factors which suppress LH as well as FSH. Isolation of these factors has been achieved by using three different procedures: cytosol preparation, metaphosphoric acid extraction and ultrafiltration. Chromatography of cytosol or metaphosphoric acid extract on Sephadex G-75 resulted in separation into three protein fractions designated as G-75-I, II and III in order of their elution. When administered to castrated male rats, Fraction G-75-I suppressed circulatory levels of LH (53% inhibition, P less than 0.05) without altering FSH. The most retarded fraction, G-75-III, suppressed FSH (29% inhibition, P less than 0.001) without any concomitant change in LH. When fraction G-75-III was further fractionated on Sephadex G-25, three components were found and two, G-25-II and G-25-III, were biologically active. These fractions were homogeneous on polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis. The FSH-suppressing factor (inhibin) was heat labile and susceptible to trypsin digestion, indicating that it is proteinaceous. Treatment with urea did not reveal any subunits. The molecular weight of this factor, as determined by gel filtration and SDS-urea gel electrophoresis was estimated to be around 1400-1500. The absence of sialic acid and the molecular weight data suggested that the isolated material was a simple protein and probably a small peptide. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 of the metaphosphoric acid extracts of liver, kidney, testis and ovary revealed an identical elution pattern for ovarian and testicular inhibin.


The complete maps of BglII, SalI and XhoI restriction sites on T4 dC-DNA.

T4 dC-DNA was digested with the restriction endonucleases BglII, SalI and XhoI. Overlaps in the three sets of fragments allowed the mapping of all restriction sites relative to each other along the T4 genome.


Restriction mapping of DNA of temperate Rhizobium meliloti phage 16-3: comparison of genetic and physical maps indicates a long, genetically silent chromosomal arm.

The complete restriction map of DNA (61.57 Kb) of temperate Rhizobium meliloti phage 16-3 has been constructed for enzymes BglII, HindIII, HpaI, KpnI, and a partial map for EcoRI. The strategy employed for mapping included the analysis of double, triple and partial digests; comparison of wild type and deletion mutants; and detailed analysis of subfragments, exploiting the presence of cohesive ends of the phage. Comparison of the genetic and physical maps indicates that one arm of the chromosome is genetically silent and/or contains nonessential genes.


[The use of an internal standard for the correction of deviations in densitometry of thin-layer chromatograms (author's transl)].

In order to obtain a better reproducibility in quantitative determination of amino acids in amounts of picomoles an internal standard was used. A mixture of ten amino acids was diluted and dansylated. 0.1 microliter of each solution was separated by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on polyamide sheets (3 x 3 cm). Each chromatogram was photographed with four different exposure times under ultraviolet light. The dark spots in the photographic negatives were measured by television densitometry. A number of factors influence the reproducibility of this method: loading volume, photographic exposure time and processing, and quenching of fluorescence. As an internal standard, which is influenced by all these factors, DANS-hydroxyproline was added to each solution. By using this standard, the variations in exposure time and fluorescence quenching can be corrected satisfactorily. The relative standard deviation of the mean value of four photographs of one chromatogram is 2%. The results on correction of the volume deviation were not so satisfying. The relative standard deviation of the mean of twelve different chromatograms can be reduced from 34% for the initially measured data, to 8% for the values corrected by the internal standard. It seems necessary to carry out three or more determinations of one solution. In this case the relative standard error of the mean is 2%.


X-ray microanalysis of cation and hemoglobin contents in red blood cells.

From the results presented, it is clear that X-ray microanalysis can be used to determine the K and Na content in single red blood cells. With a simultaneous determination of Fe content and cation content, it is possible to deduce the sequence of events in the maturation of membrane transport function in relation to hemoglobin synthesis. This kind of deduction can only be made from a cell by cell analysis of the elemental contents. In addition, X-ray microanalysis can be used to measure other elements such as phosphate, which would permit a better understanding of the role of phosphate compound in volume regulation and metabolism of single red cells. Kinetic studies of active transport in single red cells are also possible by measuring the uptake of rubidium which is normally absent in the cell. Rubidium behaves like potassium in its transport characteristics in most red cells. The technique described here can be used to study the normal and the pathological state of single red cells and can also be applied to other single cells such as white cells, bacteria, and dispersed cells in tissue culture.


X-ray microanalysis of frozen hydrated tissue sections as a physiological tool.

Frozen hydrated tissue sections can be used as a physiological tool. The technique is a difficult one primarily because of the numerous possibilities for artifcatual interference. However, these problems are becoming better understood and the information which can be obtained through the use of these techniques is extremely promising.


A BASIC-language program for dedicated energy-dispersive microanalysis of thin samples in TEM or STEM.

The program QTHIN combines those methods for processing energy-dispersive X-ray spectra and computing concentrations best suited to thin section microanalysis in TEM or STEM. The program is in BASIC, and so can be modified (for instance for unusual geometries, other matrices such as oxides, etc.). It is suitable for routine use on complex samples with peak overlaps, and for "not-so-thin" samples in which absorption is not negligible.


Cathodoluminescence technique combined with blue light fluorescence microscopy for the investigation of the transport of molecules through the extravascular space of mammalians.

The mechanisms of transport of molecules across the extravascular spaces represent an open problem. Vital microscopic results with marked proteins using the blue light luminescence technique indicate a movement of fluid along the connective tissue fibres. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the elastic fibres play an important role in  this movement. It may also be possible to elucidate the extravascular pathway for molecules by means of the cathodoluminescence technique in the scanning electron microscope. The investigations were performed using the mesentery of mammalians anaesthetized by Nembutal. The biological material for cathodoluminescence applications was selected from animals without injection of luminescent dye as well as with animals following intravenous injection of marked proteins. Two techniques, critical point drying and freeze drying, were used in the preparation. Stained and unstained tissues were investigated in the scanning electron microscope with a special cathodoluminescence detector system. Simultaneously observations of the tissue surfaces were performed by means of the secondary electron or backscattered electron mode. The results obtained agree with the findings observed by the blue light fluorescence microscopy and confirm the concept of an extravascular fluid pathway along the elastic fibres in the tissue.


Indepth distributions of elements in teeth, determined by ion probe analysis.

The technique of secondary ion mass spectrometry has been applied to dental hard tissue. The method offers high sensitivity (ppb-ppm) to most elements, a topographic surface resolution of about 1 micron, and a practical depth resolution in the 10 nm range. Quantitative analysis has entailed the use of external standards or the adaptation of a thermodynamic model of the secondary ionization mechanism. The intrinsic mass spectra of secondary ions from apatite material have been studied to assess the practical detection limits for most elements of the periodic table. Fluorine studies have been performed on enamel subjected to different prophylactic treatments. The atomic mechanism of fluorine mobility in teeth have been studied in diffusion anneals. The distributions of different elements (F, Cl, P, Li, Na, K, Rb, Mg, Sr, Ba, Al, C, Pb) have been investigated in dependence of depth in the enamel and dentin from different environments.


Surface and in-depth analysis of biological and organic materials by ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS).

In recent years, new surface analytical techniques such as auger electron spectroscopy (AES), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), and ionscattering spectroscopy (ISS) have been developed. Some of these techniques have been used for the analysis of biological and organic materials with moderate success due to the problems inherent in the nature of these samples. The preparative techniques also complicate the application of many instrumental methods. Detailed studies to characterize fish scales taken from different environments, structural investigations on organo-metallic complexes, and analysis of human hair are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of ion scattering spectroscopy.


Long-term survival in childhood acute leukemia: "late" relapses.

The "late" relapse patterns of childhood acute leukemia were studied in 83 children in their first continuous complete remission for more than three years prior to randomization for stopping therapy (40 patients) or continuing therapy (43 patients) for a total of six years. Twenty of 83 (22.9%) have relapsed: Ten in the bone marrow, one in the central nervous system, and nine in the testes. The testes relapse rate of 41.1% (7/17) in males discontinuing therapy at three years was much higher than that of 8.7% (2/23) in males continuing therapy. This difference is significant at P = 0.01 (Wilcoxon test).


Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children: immunologic, cytochemical, morphologic, and cytogenetic studies in relation to pretreatment risk factors.

Thirty children with previously untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia were studied prior to therapy to determine whether sheep erythrocyte (E)-receptor status correlated with clinical factors, cytochemical staining characteristics, FAB morphologic classification, and karyotype. Five patients (17%) with more than 50% E+ blasts had intense focal acid phosphatase staining and distinct clinical characteristics, including high leukocyte counts, mediastinal masses, and involvement of the central nervous system at diagnosis. Focal acid phosphatase activity was present in blasts of patients with greater than 20% E+ blasts, but this group had fewer poor risk factors. Morphologic and karyotypic features were not related to erythrocyte-receptor status, but the L2 morphologic appearance occurred more frequently in older patients (P less than 0.05). Erythrocyte receptors have both qualitative and quantitative clinical correlations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia; however, E+ and E- groups are heterogeneous and E+ groups must be analyzed for other risk factors and relapse rates determined before firm conclusions can be made about erythrocyte rosetting as an independent risk variable.


Serum immunoglobulins in acute myelogenous leukemia.

Forty-five patients with acute myelogenous leukemia have been followed sequentially for 12 months. All these patients had serum immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE levels measured by immunodiffusion and radioimmunoassay prior to chemotherapy, then every month after chemotherapy. Significant differences were found in IgA and IgG levels prior chemotherapy, while no differences were found in IgM or IgE levels at any time. There was a positive correlation between percentage of blasts and IgA level. There was negative correlation between the percentage of blasts and IgM levels. These findings raise the value of measuring the levels of immunoglobulins in patients with leukemia as a guide to the subclinical relapse of the disease. These results may also support the hypothesis of the role of early immune defect in immunoglobulin metabolism in the pathogenesis of acute leukemia.


An osteogenic sarcoma of the thyroid gland (report of a case and survey of the literature).

An additional case, counted to be the twenty third, of a primary osteosarcoma of the thyroid gland in a 62-year-old woman is described. The literature on the subject is surveyed, and the possible histogenesis of this unusual neoplasm is discussed.


[Case of hereditary sensory neuropathy with atypical clinical course].

The authors report cases of hereditary sensory neuropathy of atypical clinical pattern in siblings. Besides evident sensory disturbances signs of peripheral motoneuronal damage and cerebellar signs were present. Electrophysiological and histological investigations in one of these cases confirmed that sensory disturbances were connected with damage to the peripheral sensory neuron.


Lithium and the kidney.

Three middle-aged women treated with lithium carbonate for a manic-depressive illness have had complicating nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal tubular acidosis, acute reversible renal functional impairment in association with hypercalcaemia, or irreversible chronic renal damage. Renal toxicity developed in the presence of normal levels of lithium in the serum. The possibility of permanent renal damage as a result of long-term lithium therapy is of major concern.


Oral prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour at term.

A low dose regimen of prostaglandin E2 tablets, 0.5 mg hourly for up to 10 doses, was used in an attempt to induce labour without prior amniotomy in 69 patients between 35 and 44 weeks gestation. The induction was considered successful if the patient delivered within 36 hours after therapy began. The success rate was 62 percent. The incidence of undesirable side effects was low and no serious fetal complications were related to treatment.


Primary amoebic meningo-encephalitis in an indoor heat-exchange swimming pool.

The case history, identification and isolation of the aetiological agent of a case of primary amoebic meningo-encephalitis (PAM) contracted in an indoor heat-exchange pool are presented. The isolated strain (MsM) is compared with known strains of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Naegleria.


Dose of terbutaline respirator solution in children with asthma.

Twenty children, aged 8 to 17 years, with bronchial asthma were each given 0.02ml/kg, 0.03ml/kg and 0.04ml/kg terbutaline respirator solution (10mg/ml), one dose at a time on three separate occasions. Terbutaline by nebuliser produced a bronchodilator response within five minutes which reached near peak levels by 15 minutes. There was a wide variation in response. A dose of 0.02ml/kg produce a mean increase in FEV1 of 55 percent and an increase in MMEFR of 121 percent. Doses of 0.03ml/kg and 0.04ml/kg given to the same children resulted in slightly better, but not statistically significant different responses. The effect lasted for four hours, although the MMEFR was falling at this time. The baseline FEV1 did not affect the bronchodilator response. An inhalation of 0.02ml/kg of terbutaline respirator solution (10mg/ml) will produce an adequate bronchodilator response in most children.


Cardiac sarcoidosis: case report.

A young male Caucasian with an 18 month history of systemic sarcoidosis presented with a major cardiac rhythm disturbance which could only be attributed to cardiac involvement.


New directions in health and economic management.

It is a striking fact that in New Zealand both the economy and the health system have performed poorly in the post war era. It seems unlikely that this parallel is accidental, although we should be careful not to uncritically accept superficial explanations for it. In particular it does not seem likely that the poor economic record caused a poor health performance. Nor has poor health caused poor economic performance. The most likely explanation of the similarly poor performance of both the health and economic systems is that they have a common political and social foundation which, in both cases, resulted in the systems failing to function properly. Rather than provide a detailed critique of this foundation, we consider how we might reorganise the health system, and by implication the economy, to improve its performance.


Rheumatic fever: clinical and laboratory manifestations in a New Zealand community.

The clinical features of acute rheumatic fever as seen in Wairoa County 1962--76 are described. The types of cases seen comprised 107 definite first attacks, 78 definite recurrences, and 117 first attacks and 34 recurrences which did not satisfy strict diagnostic criteria. The incidence of the major manifestations, carditis, polyarthritis and chorea were 53 percent, 56 percent and 11 percent in definite first attacks, and 81 percent, 26 percent and 8 percent in definite recurrences, respectively. The ratio of recurrences to first attacks was high (58 percent). The Wairoa population exhibits factors thought to contribute to a high risk of recurrence--young age distribution, non-Caucasian ethnicity, avoidance of parenteral prophylaxis and frequent carditis in the first attack.


Liver surgery: the Auckland experience.

A retrospective survey was carried out on all patients undergoing operations for parenchymal disease of the liver in the Auckland area in the 10 year period 1968--1977. Biopsies were not included. There were 172 patients, the largest group being 118 with hepatic trauma. There were 11 resections for tumour, 25 patients treated surgically for hydatid disease, 15 abscesses and three miscellaneous cysts. Results of operation are presented and the relevant aspects of the diagnostic and treatment policies are discussed.


Immediate hypersensitivity skin testing in a case of hydrocortisone anaphylaxis: case report.

A patient with immediate hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone succinate is described.


Leptospirosis in meat inspectors: preliminary results of a serological survey.

A serological survey of leptospirosis among more than 1000  meat inspectors, from meat works throughout New Zealand, revealed a serological prevalence at a minimum serum dilution of 1:24, of 10.2 percent. Eighty-five percent of serological reactions were to serovars pomona and tarassovi. A highly significant correlation was demonstrated between the serological prevalence of these serovars and the inspection of pigs. Evidence is provided to substantiate the use of titres as low as 1:24 as an indication of previous leptospiral infection. Forty-two inspectors reported medical evidence of previous clinical infection with leptospirosis. Analysis of those who still exhibited a serological response and their individual case histories, indicated that detectable titres of leptospirosis can exist for up to 10 years.


The Tokelau Island migrant study: alcohol consumption in two environments.

The prevalence of alcohol consumption, the choice of beverages and the quantity of drinks used by a Polynesian society are described, both in the Tokelau atolls and among Tokelauan migrants in New Zealand. Current drinking was uncommon but increasing among women. Among men, it was more common, but both prevalence and quantity were modest compared with national alcohol consumption in New Zealand. Description of alcohol consumption in such migrant populations may provide a basis for encouraging continuing prudence regarding alcohol and ready acceptance and provision for the non-drinker of alcohol.


Case notes as indicators of the prevailing medical model: implications.

The level of recording of relevant psychosocial parameters in 50 randomly selected medical and surgical case notes in a general teaching hospital was measured and compared with that of similar data recorded 10 years ago. In spite of wide acknowledgment of the importance of data of this kind, the frequency of recording was low and the only changes over the 10-year period were modest increases in the frequency of recording of alcohol intake and of occupation. These findings are discussed with reference to the surveyed opinion of the junior hospital medical staff. The suggestion is made that the model of illness currently in use in hospitals has not yet assimilated these dimensions and that belief to the contrary may be illusory. The implications for the role of psychiatrists in undergraduate and continuing education is noted, as is the possible relevance of the findings to medical economics and manpower needs.


The proliferative activity of leukaemic myeloblasts following the intravenous infusion of cytarabine.

Serial bone marrow aspirates were obtained from 16 adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) before and after a single infusion of cytarabine (5.0 mg/kg i.v. over 30 min). Changes in the proliferative activity of the leukaemic myeloblasts were monitored by determination of the labelling index (LI) and the mitotic index (MI). There was a significant fall in both LI and MI within a few hours of the administration of cytarabine (P = 0.005). In 14 of the 16 cases the LI subsequently rose to observed maxima 0.3% to 14.1% (mean 5.0%) above the preinfusion LI, 11 to 77 hours (mean 40.8 h) after the infusion (P less than 0.05). The MI returned to the mean pretreatment level within the period of observation in 11 of the 16 cases. In general, the changes in MI followed those in LI; the results are consistent with cytarabine-induced arrest or death of leukaemic blast cells in S phase. Because of the variability in timing of kinetic changes in leukaemic myeloblasts following cytarabine, it is not possible to institute remission induction therapy consistently at the time of maximum synchronization with any fixed chemotherapeutic schedule. Furthermore, the degree of synchronization attained is, in general, small, limiting the prospect of exploiting synchronization with cytarabine as a means of improving the remission rate for AML.


Bone marrow necrosis and extramedullary myeloid tumour necrosis in aggressive chronic myeloid leukaemia.

A patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia who developed widespread bone marrow necrosis associated wtih evolution of a new cell clone and with aggressive behaviour of the myeloid tumour in extramedullary sites is described. Cell necrosis in extramedullary tumours was also present; the sharp demarcation between zones of necrotic cells and intact cells and the histological evidence of vascular invasion by tumour cells suggest a vascular basis for cell necrosis.


Rapid ATP assays in perfused mouse liver by 31P NMR.

31P NMR was used to continuously monitor ATP and inorganic phosphate levels in perfused mouse liver. Under "optimal" conditions, the time resolution of the technique was approximately 1 min. In the absence of any metabolic perturbations the ATP level remained constant for at least 2 hr and decreased by only approximately 20% in 18 hr. Both ATP and inorganic phosphate levels responded to alterations in the oxygen supply to the liver. The half-time for this response was approximately 1 min, and the response to short periods of hypoxia or ischemia was partially reversible. The addition of insulin caused only a minor decrease in the ATP level but significantly decreased the rate of response of ATP and phosphate levels to hypoxia and ischemia.


Photoreactive labeling of M13 coat protein in model membranes by use of a glycolipid probe.

Coliphage M13 coat protein in synthetic bilayer membranes was labeled by use of 12-(4-azide-2-nitrophenoxy)stearoyl[1-14C]glucosamine, a photoreactive glycolipid probe that spontaneously inserts into membranes. In this model system, the probe preferentially labeled the proteins over the lipids. Experiments designed to test the probe's restriction to integral membrane proteins revealed that extrinsic proteins as well as external peptide fragments of integral membrane proteins were not accessible to the photogenerated nitrene on the fatty acid chain. Only integral membrane peptides were labeled by the membrane-bound probe. These results indicate that protein labeling can be effected specifically from within the hydrocarbon milieu of a model membrane system.


Participation of guanine nucleotides in nucleation and elongation steps of microtubule assembly.

Critical concentrations for formation of microtubules from subunits with GTP and its beta, gamma-imido and beta, gamma-methylene analogs are similar when adequate time is given for equilibration. Dilution of microtubules into GTP and GDP yielded values of 0.1 and 0.19 mg/ml for the critical concentration, results similar to those reported by Carlier and Pantaloni [Carlier, M. & Pantaloni, D. (1978) Biochemistry 17, 1908-1915]. GDP is capable of supporting elongation of preformed microtubules, but it efficiently poisons the nucleation events. Reported experiments also demonstrate that the critical tubulin concentration of the tubulin-GDP complex can be accurately measured in both the assembly and disassembly directions. Evidence is presented that GTP is involved in early nucleation events but that microtubules are stabilized in the presence of either GTP or GDP. These results are discussed in terms of a condensation-equilibrium model in which tubulin subunits equilibrate rapidly with microtubule ends, and their affinity for the ends is governed by the nucleotide ligand at the exchangeable site.


Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: characteristics of a postribosomal supernatant factor that reverses inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient lysates and inhibition of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) formation by heme-regulated inhibitor.

During heme deficiency in reticulocyte lysates, a translational inhibitor (heme-regulated inhibitor, HRI) that blocks polypeptide chain initiation is activated. HRI is a protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of the Met-tRNAfMet binding factor, eIF-2. Phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI prevents its interaction with at least two additional factors, resulting in a net reduction in formation of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) and AUG-dependent transfer of Met-tRNAfMet to 40S ribosomal subunits. A factor (sRF) that reverses protein synthesis inhibition in heme-deficient lysates has been purified from reticulocyte postribosomal supernatant. sRF also reverses the inhibition of ternary complex formation by HRI in a fractionated system. The ternary complex inhibition reversal activity and the protein synthesis inhibition reversal activity cosediment at 12.5 S upon glycerol density gradient centrifugation, and both activities are sensitive to heat or N-ethylmaleimide. Purified sRF does not dephosphorylate eIF-2 whose phosphorylation has been catalyzed by HRI, nor does the sRF prevent the phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI in a fractionated system. sRF stimulates ternary complex formation by both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated eIF-2. These observations suggest that the sensitivity of protein synthesis to phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI may be modulated by the concentration and activity of sRF.


Endonucleolytic activity directed towards 8-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl) purines in double-stranded DNA.

Photoalkylation of circular covalently closed DNA from phage PM2 with isopropyl alcohol by using a free radical photoinitiator and UV light of lambda greater than 305 nm led to the specific 8-substitution of purine moieties in the DNA, yielding 8-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)adenine and 8-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl)guanine as the only detectable damage in the DNA. Using this specifically photoalkylated DNA as a substrate, we discovered in extracts of Micrococcus luteus an endonucleolytic activity that is directed towards 8-(2-hydroxy-2-propyl) purines in DNA. The activity is not a combination of a DNA-glycosylase and an apurinic site endonuclease. It is not inhibited by single-stranded DNA, by UV- or gamma-irradiated single-stranded DNA, or by normal or depurinated double-stranded DNA. however, gamma- or UV-(254 nm) irradiated double-stranded DNAs to inhibit the activity, hinting at the possibility of a common type of lesion in these damaged DNAs. Divalent cations are not required for the incising activity, and it is fully active in 1 mM EDTA, whereas caffeine and ATP cause inhibition. Extracts of mutant M. luteus lacking pyrimidine-dimer-directed endonucleases were found to contain the endonucleolytic activity in levels comparable to those present in the wild type. After the incision, we could demonstrate the specific excision of the 8-alkylated purines from the damaged DNA. The special conformational consequences of the 8-alkylation of purines, at the nucleotide level, namely their nonregular syn conformation, suggest that it is the distortion in the DNA that is recognized by the endonuclease.


Covalent association of protein with replicative form DNA of parvovirus H-1.

The double-stranded replicative form (RF) DNA of the autonomous parvovirus H-1 can be isolated from infected cells in a covalent complex with protein. The protein is present on most or all of the RF DNA, including actively replicating molecules, and is associated with the 5'-terminal endonuclease Hae III fragments of both the viral and complementary strands of RF. The size of the protein is estimated to be 60,000-70,000 daltons from its effect on buoyant density of DNA. DNA with covalently bound protein has not been found in H-1 virions.


Vitamin D metabolism during pregnancy and lactation in the rat.

The plasma concentration of the major vitamin D metabolites; 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured during pregnancy and lactation in the adult female rat. The concentrations of these metabolites were also measured in rat pups during lactation and after weaning. The plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the adult female increases from a control value of 26 pg/ml to 86 pg/ml during the latter stages of pregnancy, reaches a peak of 158 pg/ml during lactation, and then returns to control levels by 3 weeks postweaning. Plasma concentrations of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D fall dramatically during pregnancy from a control level of 3.9 ng/ml to 1.6 ng/ml remain low during lactation, and return to control levels by 3 weeks postweaning. In the neonatal rat pup at 14 days postpartum, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D plasma concentration is 25 pg/ml and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration is 2.8 ng/ml. By day 25 postpartum, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations reached levels of 101 pg/ml, whereas 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations fell to 1.9 ng/ml.


Hybrid mammalian cells assemble hybrid ribosomes.

Hybrid cell lines formed by fusion of mouse 3T3 cells and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells resistant to emetine, which have an altered 40S ribosomal protein, are generally sensitive to emetine. From most hybrid lines it was possible to select sublines resistant to emetine. The ribosomal components of three lines were studied: A34, an emetine-sensitive hybrid; A34/R3, an emetine-resistant derivative of A34; and A72, an emetine-sensitive hybrid that did not give rise to emetine-resistant sublines. Genetic and biochemical evidence suggests that in A34 both the mouse emetine sensitivity gene and the hamster emetine resistance gene are active, whereas in A34/R3 only the hamster emetine resistance gene is active and in A72 only the mouse emetine sensitivity gene is active. The ribosomes of all three sublines contained both mouse and hamster RNA, predominantly mouse. However, the 60S subunits had roughly equal amounts of the three mouse and hamster proteins that could be distinguished by two-dimensional electrophoresis, suggesting the association of mouse RNA with hamster ribosomal proteins. The emetine-resistant and emetine-sensitive 40S subunits could be separated by sedimentation in 0.5 M KCl. Resistant subunits contained predominantly mouse RNA, presumably associated with the hamster protein conferring emetine resistance. We conclude that hybrid cells can form hybrid ribosomes and that the amounts of ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein of each species are not closely coupled.


Ricin linked to monophosphopentamannose binds to fibroblast lysosomal hydrolase receptors, resulting in a cell-type-specific toxin.

The receptor specificity of the plant seed toxin ricin, which ordinarily binds to galactose-containing receptors, has been altered by coupling monophosphopentamannose residues to ricin by reductive amination and by reversibly binding lactose to the modified ricin. The added monophosphopentamannose residues provide ricin with the recognition factor common to fibroblast lysosomal hydrolases and enable the modified ricin (Man6P-ricin) to bind to the fibroblast Man6P receptor and inhibit protein synthesis in the cells via this receptor. The addition of lactose to Man6P-ricin saturates the galactose site on Man6P-ricin and prevents the binding of Man6P-ricin to cells via galactose-containing ricin receptors. The Man6P receptor-mediated toxicity of Man6P-ricin, identified in human fibroblasts by competition by Man6P and blockade by alkaline phosphatase treatment, was not detected in HeLa cells or human amnion cells. Consequently, in the presence of lactose, the fibroblasts were 8 and 13 times more sensitive than amnion and HeLa cells, respectively. These results show that highly toxic cell-type-specific reagents can be made by the proper alteration of toxin receptor specificities. An attempt to construct a highly toxic altered toxin by adding Man6P residues to diphtheria toxin fragment A was unsuccessful. A possible explanation is that in Man6P-ricin the ricin B chain performs some entry function, even though the initial binding step occurs at the Man6P receptor.


Evidence for a dissociable protein subunit required for calmodulin stimulation of brain adenylate cyclase.

An adenylate cyclase [ATP pyrophosphatelyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] preparation that is not stimulated by NaF,5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate, or Ca2+.calmodulin has been isolated from bovine cerebral cortex by Affi-Gel Blue chromatography and calmodulin-Sepharose chromatography. Sensitivity to these effectors was restored by incubation of the adenylate cyclase preparation with detergent-solubilized protein from bovine cerebral cortex. Reconstitution of of Ca2+.calmodulin activation required the presence of 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate. The factor required for restoration of Ca2+.calmodulin stimulation was sensitive to heat, trypsin digestion, and N-ethylmaleimide. These observations suggest that this adenylate cyclase activity requires the presence of one or more guanyl nucleotide binding subunits for calmodulin sensitivity.


Inactive mRNA-protein complexes from mouse sarcoma-180 ascites cells.

Mouse sarcoma ascites cells do not utilize fully their capacity for protein synthesis. A considerable portion of their ribosomes occur as inactive monomers. Also, a substantial amount of the cellular mRNA is in the form of ribonucleoprotein particles that sediment in the 20-70S range. This is indicated both by measurements of poly(A) content and by translation of the RNA in cell-free systems. The population of polypeptides synthesized under the direction of the RNA from these particles is less heterogeneous than that directed by RNA from polysomes. The mRNAs for some polypeptides are present predominantly in the small particles. Others are distributed to varying degrees between particles and polysomes. Incubation of the cells with cycloheximide drives most of the ribosomal monomers and a portion of the untranslated mRNA into polysomes. Some of the mRNAs that were predominantly in the inactive fraction seem to be refractory to this treatment. Particles released from polysomes in cells subjected to starvation are quite effective in promoting polypeptide synthesis in a reticulocyte cell-free system and cause the synthesis of a population of polypeptides similar to that coded by the polysomal RNA. The particles from cells exposed to cycloheximide are inactive but yield active RNA upon deproteinization. It is suggested that some mRNA species are maintained in an inactive state in the cell by a component of the nucleoprotein complex.


Purification and partial characterization of human lymphoblast interferon.

One component of human lymphoblastoid interferon obtained from Namalwa cultures induced by Newcastle disease virus has been purified to a specific activity of 2.5 x 10(8) interferon units per mg of protein (protein content based on amino acid analysis). A single polypeptide species with an apparent molecular weight of 18,500 comigrating with the antiviral activity was observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Preliminary amino-terminal sequencing results support the conclusion that the interferon species is essentially homogeneous.


Anisotropic molecular motion on cell surfaces.

Photobleaching in a two-dimensional periodic pattern has been used to characterize the motion of succinylconcanavalin A receptors on the surfaces of mouse fibroblasts. These receptors were found to exhibit anisotropic two-dimensional diffusion in adherent cells having parallel stress fibers. Diffusion coefficients of the order of 10(-11) cm2/sec and 10(-12) cm2/sec were measured for diffusive motions parallel and perpendicular to these fibers. The determination of the anisotropic motion used a two-dimensional Fourier analysis. A study was made of the effect of changes in cell shape on the photobleach pattern.


Lateral mobility of an amphipathic apolipoprotein, ApoC-III, bound to phosphatidylcholine bilayers with and without cholesterol.

The technique of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching was used to investigate the lateral mobility of a fluorescein-labeled amphipathic apolipoprotein, ApoC-III, bound to multibilayers prepared from dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, egg phosphatidylcholine, and a 1:1 (molar ratio) mixture of egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol. In dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers the lateral diffusion coefficient (D) for the protein is about 2 x 10(-9) cm(2) sec(-1) at 20 degrees C and about 9 x 10(-8) cm(2) sec(-1) at 45 degrees C. Plots of D versus temperature in this system show a transition between about 30 and 35 degrees C. Arrhenius activation energies for the diffusion in this case between 15 and 30 degrees C and between 35 and 45 degrees C are 28.5 and 7.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively (1 calorie = 4.18 joules). In egg phosphatidylcholine bilayers, D is about 3 x 10(-8) cm(2) sec(-1) at 20 degrees C and the Arrhenius activation energy for diffusion is 8.1 kcal mol(-1) between 15 and 35 degrees C in this system. In bilayers prepared from an equimolar mixture of egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol D at 20 degrees C is about 1.4 x 10(-9) cm(2) sec(-1) and the Arrhenius activation energy for the diffusion of the protein in this system between 15 and 35 degrees C is 15.1 kcal mol(-1). Light-scattering and fluorescence-polarization results indicate that binding of this protein does not affect the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition of bilayer membranes but does mediate a major, reversible aggregation of the vesicles at about 33 degrees C. These results lend support to the view that ApoC-III resides in the head-group region of the bilayer and suggest that its lateral diffusion coefficient represents an upper bound for integral membrane proteins.


Globin synthesis and erythroid differentiation in a Friend cell variant deficient in heme synthesis.

Friend erythroleukemia cells of line Fw are noninducible for hemoglobin synthesis by dimethyl sulfoxide, butyric acid, and other agents. However, these agents were found to induce hemoglobin synthesis if the cells were also treated with exogenous hemin. Butyric acid (or, to a lesser extent, dimethyl sulfoxide) by itself induced accumulation of the erythroid-specific membrane protein spectrin. The basis of the control of globin gene expression by hemin was investigated. Hemin does not control globin and total protein synthesis via the action of the hemin-controlled repressor. Rather, hemin, alone or in combination with dimethyl sulfoxide, induces accumulation of globin mRNA and nuclear globin RNA sequences. Direct measurements of heme synthesis indicate that Fw cells may be significantly deficient in heme metabolism.


Growth of cultured human epidermal cells into multiple epithelia suitable for grafting.

Owing to several recent developments, the cultivability of epidermal keratinocytes, particularly those of the human, has been greatly improved. Under the conditions used, single cultured cells generate stratified colonies that ultimately fuse and form an epithelium that is reasonable approximation of the epidermis. It will be shown here that large amounts of cultured epithelium can be generated from a small piece of epidermis in a short time. We wish to bring to the attention of surgeons and cell biologists the possibility of using culture-grown epithelium derived from the same individual to restore defects in the epidermis.


Amplified dihydrofolate reductase genes in unstably methotrexate-resistant cells are associated with double minute chromosomes.

Selection of mammalian cells in progressively increasing concentrations of methotrexate results in selective amplification of DNA sequences coding for dihydrofolate reductase (tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.5.1.3). In some cell variants the amplified genes are stable with growth in the absence of methotrexate, whereas in other variants the amplified genes are lost from the population. We have previously reported that in a stably amplified variant of Chinese hamster ovary cells, the genes are localized to a single chromosome. Herein we report that in mouse S-180 and L5178Y cell lines unstably amplified dihydrofolate reductase DNA sequences are associated with small, paired chromosomal elements denoted "double minute chromosomes," whereas in stably amplified cells of the same origin, the genes are associated with large chromosomes.


An endothelial cell growth factor from bovine hypothalamus: identification and partial characterization.

Extracts of bovine hypothalamus were found to contain a significant level of mitogenic activity when tested in a Swiss 3T3 cell [3H]dThd incorporation assay and in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell growth assay. The mitogenic activity responsible for 3T3 cell activity was purified and characterized as a fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-like mitogen. Neither the biologically active FGF-like mitogen purified from the hypothalamus extracts nor FGF purified from bovine pituitary glands was mitogenic when added to human endothelial cells in vitro, suggesting the presence of more than one mitogen in the hypothalamic extracts. The 3T3 and endothelial cell biological activities of hypothalamic extracts were both found to be inactivated by trypsin, subtilisin, and heat treatment, but were stable to dialysis. The endothelial cell growth factor activity could be efficiently separated from the FGF activity by gel exclusion chromatography. The endothelial cell mitogen possessed a molecular weight of approximately 75,000, whereas that of FGF was approximately 15,000. The endothelial cell growth factor activity was found to be inactivated with reducing agents whereas the 3T3 cell mitogenic activity was stable after incubation with 2-mercaptoethanol. Significant levels of endothelial cell mitogenic activity were also found in extracts of bovine brain and pituitary glands.


Introduction and expression of a rabbit beta-globin gene in mouse fibroblasts.

The cloned chromosomal rabbit beta-globin gene has been introduced into mouse fibroblasts by DNA-mediated gene transfer (transformation). In this report, we examine the expression of the rabbit gene in six independent transformants that contain from 1 to 20 copies of the cloned globin gene. Rabbit globin transcripts were detected in two of these transformants at steady-state concentrations of 5 and 2 copies per cell. The globin transcripts from one cell line are polyadenylylated and migrate as 9S RNA on methylmercury gels. These transcripts reflect correct processing of the two intervening sequences but lack 48 +/- 5 nucleotides present at the 5' terminus of rabbit erythrocyte globin mRNA.


Interactions of tumor cells with vascular endothelial cell monolayers: a model for metastatic invasion.

The interactions of tumorigenic and nontumorigenic human and rodent cells with vascular endothelial cells and their underlying extracellular matrix were studied in culture. The abilities of various cells to attach to endothelial monolayers and cause morphologic changes, such as rupture of endothelial-endothelial cell interactions leading to retraction of endothelial cells and exposure of extracellular matrix, as well as their propensities to invade and underlap retracted endothelial monolayers and continue migration were assessed by time-lapse and phase-contrast microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In general, highly malignant or highly invasive cells in vivo were capable of attachment, invasion, and migration under endothelial cells in vitro. This system may be useful for elucidating mechanisms of tumor cell arrest and extravasation.