Articulator-generated amalgam stops for complete dentures.

Balanced occlusion in eccentric positions for complete denture occlusion is an acceptable and widely practiced concept. Many methods have been described for achieving balanced occlusion. The technique outlined in this article uses amalgam stops generated on a programmed Hanau Model H2 articulator. The posterior occlusal scheme used to facilitate this technique is also described.


A study of the reproducibility of the functional denture space with a dynamic impression technique.

A study was made on four patients to determine the reproducibility of the outer form of the buccal and lingual flanges of a complete lower denture as developed by functional movements of the surrounding tissues. 1. Two dentists participated in the study to find out the operator effect when making impressions for the functional form of the flanges. 2. Two tissue-conditioning impression materials were used to determine if the characteristics of the impression material had any effect on the final form. 3. The impression materials were applied to the denture flanges by two different methods. 4. The impressions were placed in a mitre box, stabilized with plaster, and sectioned in the molar, premolar, and incisor regions. This provided five cut surfaces for measuring. 5. Each section was measured at five to six representative distances. 6. The differences in the flange form measurement and the distances among the impressions made with the same technique and material were small, and the reproducibility can be considered clinically acceptable. 7. There were statistically significant differences in the flange form measurement distances among the different materials and method of application of the material.


Magnetic retention for overdentures.

The use of implanted and opposing magnets has been reviewed. A technique for the use of implanted magnets in the roots of endodontically treated teeth to aid the retention of overdentures has been described.


Pin-retained, porcelain-bonded-to-metal facings.

A technique for making a pin-retained cemented facing using porcelain bonded to a cast metal backing is described. It eliminates some of the shortcomings of currently described porcelain facing techniques.


Effects of a calcium and vitamin D supplement on alveolar ridge resorption in immediate denture patients.

The effect of a calcium and vitamin D dietary supplement on postextraction alveolar bone resorption is reported. Mean alveolar bone loss for patients receiving the supplement was 36% less than that for patients receiving a placebo medication in a 1-year double-blind study of 46 immediate denture patients. Relationships between alveolar bone resorption, osteoporosis, and adequacy of dietary calcium-phosphorus ratios were discussed, and clinical implications of recent research findings were presented.


Evaluation of insertion methods for composite resin restorations.

Laboratory studies were carried out to determine if there was one superior method to achieve the most intimate contact of a composite resin with its cavity walls. Three dentists restored 48 teeth by eight different techniques with two different composite resins. Photomicrographs showed very little difference in the size of the gap between tooth and composite resin regardless of which method was employed. The gap was smallest in the cavosurface area and greatest at the axio-occlusal line angle.


Effect of composite resin bond agent on microleakage and bond strength.

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the bonding agents supplied with three composite resins in improving the sealing ability of the materials to tooth structure and the bond of the resins to enamel. When the enamel was not etched prior to insertion of the resin, the use of the bonding agents did not improve marginal seal. Little or no marginal leakage was detected when the restorations were placed by means of the acid etch technique, either with or without use of the respective bonding agents. A slight improvement in the bond of the resins to unetched enamel was secured by use of the bonding agents; however, this advantage was lost when the specimens were thermal cycled. Acid etching of the enamel significantly improved the bond of the strength of all three resins, both when the specimens were thermal-cycled and when stored at a constant temperature. Only one of the commercial bond agents enhanced the bond of its respective composite resin to etched enamel subjected to cycling.


Effect of immunization of cats with Isospora felis and BCG on immunity to reexcretion of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts.

The effect of pretreatment with Isospora felis and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) on the reexcretion of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts was studied in 16 coccidia-free cats. The following conclusions were drawn: (A) Chronically T. gondii-infected cats reexcreted T. gondii oocysts after superinfection with I. felis, and this reexcretion was prevented in cats infected with I. felis before T. gondii infection. (B) Administration of BCG before Toxoplasma infection had no apparent effect on the outcome of the infection.


A comparison of cross protection between BCG, Hammondia hammondi, Besnoitia jellisoni and Toxoplasma gondii in hamsters.

The effect of pretreatment with BCG strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Hammondia hammondi 21 days before challenge with lethal doses of T oxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia jellisoni was studied in hamsters. The results indicated that the intracardial administration of BCG provided no protection against either T. gondii or B. jellisoni. The hamsters immunized with H. hammondi survived challenge with 10(4) lethal doses of T. gondii but only 1 lethal dose with B. jellisoni, indicating strong cross protection between H. hammondi and T. gondii and only a marginal one between H. hammondi and B. jellisoni.


Differentiation of gametocytes in microcultures of human blood infected with Plasmodium falciparum.

Gametocytes differentiated from ring-stage parasites in microcultures of human blood infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Immature gametocytes could be distinguished morphologically from late asexual trophozoites after approximately 40 h of culture. Differentiation into crescentic forms took several days and the incorporation of [3H]-isoleucine by developing gametocytes was demonstrated. About 1% of red cells contained gametocytes at the maxiumum densities attained. Differentiation of gametocytes occurred either directly from rings placed in culture or from the progeny of subsequent cycles of schizogony and invasiton in vitro. The latter occurrence was confirmed by the development of gametocytes in marker fetal red cells added to cultures, although fetal red cells provide a less favorable environment than those with HbA for growth of the parasites.


Identification, purification and immunohistochemical detection of the inhibitor from porcine ovarian follicular fluid to compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in mice.

An inhibitor to compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in mice was detected in porcine follicular fluid. Compensatory hypertrophy was inhibited by treatment with 0.6 ml whole follicular fluid, 0.2 ml of the non-dialysable fraction, or a fraction of the fluid salted out by ammonium sulphate at a saturation of 14.5--18.5%. The salted-out fraction was separable into two peaks by Sephadex G-200 column chromatography and the second peak, detectable as a single band by polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis, contained all the inhibitory activity. Specific fluorescence of an antiserum to the second peak was demonstrated at the granulosa cells.


The feedback of exogenous steroids on LH release and ovulation in the intact female vole (Microtus agrestis).

Female voles were subjected to various regimens of subcutaneous injections of oestradiol-17beta, oestradiol benzoate and/or progesterone. Ovulation occurred in only a few of the mature females and in none of the immature animals. There was no indication of any increased LH levels in blood samples taken every 2 h for 50 h after 150 microgram oestradiol-17beta.


Sperm penetration in vitro of pig follicular oocytes matured in culture.

Boar ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were preincubated in modified KRB or the isolated oviduct and uterine horn of an oestrous sow for 4.5-5 h at 37 degrees C before introduction into medium containing ovarian oocytes previously cultured for 24 h. At examination 17-20 h after insemination 60.6% of the total oocytes had reached at least the 2nd metaphase. The proportions of oocytes penetrated (i.e. enlarged sperm head or male pronucleus and corresponding sperm tail) were 0, 10.0 and 16.7% with ejaculated spermatozoa, and 3.3, 19.6 and 26.4% with epididymal spermatozoa preincubated in modified KRB, oviduct and uterus, respectively. Although the proportion of oocytes with morphologically normal male and female pronuclei was low (10/36 = 27.8%), the results suggest that boar spermatozoa can be capacitated in the isolated genital tract of an oestrous sow and that capacitation of epididymal is better than that of ejaculated spermatozoa.


Normal penetration of rabbit spermatozoa through a trypsin- and acrosin-resistant zona pellucida.

Exposure of rabbit ova to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) at a concentration of 50 microgram/ml for 30-45 min rendered the zona pellucida at least 10 times more resistant to digestion by 1 mg trypsin/ml, and also more resistant to acrosin. Nevertheless, the zonas of WGA-treated eggs were penetrated by spermatozoa as readily as those of untreated eggs in the same oviduct. These results suggest that penetration of spermatozoa through the zona pellucida may not require the agency of a trypsin-like enzyme acting as a primary zona lysin. The validity of the general belief that a lysin in necessary for zona penetration is considered briefly in relation to the mode of penetration and structural organization of the mammalian sperm head.


Effects of an LH-RH analogue in male rats pretreated with oestradiol benzoate.

Treatment of adult male rats with oestradiol benzoate (OB) for 21 days significantly decreased the body, testicular and accessory sex organ weights but increased anterior pituitary weight. OB treatment also significantly suppressed circulating FSH and LH levels as well as plasma and testicular concentrations of testosterone. The seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells were partly atrophied, and there was some effect on spermatogenesis, with step 14 to 19 spermatids being fewer than normal. Rats treated with OB for 21 days were then treated daily with LH-RH analogue ((D-Leu6, des-Gly-NH2(10))-LH-RH-ethylamide), to see if testicular function could be recovered. Circulating gonadotrophins were significantly elevated, testicular histology was normal and testicular and plasma testosterone concentrations and the accessory sex organ weights remained suppressed. These results suggest possible extra-pituitary effects of the LH-RH analogue, including a direct action on the testes and/or accessory sex organs.


Factors influencing the fertility of a cattle population.

The many factors which may influence the fertility of a cattle population are reviewed. The following subjects are discussed: the bull, the method of insemination, the cow, the conditions of herd management and chance. Particular attention is paid to factors related to the conditions of herd management. These are the climate, the season, the size of the herd, the housing system, the choice of a bull, hygiene at the time of calving, the interval between parturition and the first insemination, detection of oestrus, the time of insemination during oestrus, nutrition, selection and the culling of cows. In the discussion, the effect which the various factors may have on fertility is illustrated by a case in point.


Factors that affect IUD performance: a review and recommendations.

IUD design features that affect performance are reviewed and discussed. The use of a medicated device designed to be placed, retained and stabilized exclusively in the frontal plane of the upper uterine segment fulfills theoretical conditions of optimum performance.


An evaluation of prophylactic doxycycline in hysterectomy patients.

Although data now exist that the use of prophylactic antibiotics reduces postoperative febrile morbidity in hysterectomy patients, some controversy remains about this point of view. This prospective, double-blind, randomized study evaluated the use of doxycycline before and during the first three postoperative days after abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy in private patients. The results indicate a reduction in the febrile morbidity in the drug group as compared to the placebo group.


Synthesis and biological activity of highly active alpha-aza analogues of luliberin.

Analogues of luliberin containing an alpha-azaamino acid in position 6, 9, or 10 (I--XIV) have been synthesized by the solution method of peptide synthesis. Two nonaza analogues, [D-Phe6]- and [D-Ser(But)6,des-Gly-NH2(10),Pro-ethylamide9]luliberin, were also synthesized for comparison. The ovulation-inducing activity of the compounds was evaluated in androgen-sterilized constant-estrus rats. A combination of D-amino acid replacement in position 6 with an azaglycine residue at position 10 resulted in highly active compounds which were superior to the corresponding nonaza analogues. The most active compoungs, [D-Phe6,Azgly10-a1-, [D-Tyr(Me)6,Azgly10]-, and [D-Ser(But)6,Azgly10]luliberin, were about 100 times as potent as luliberin. N-Methylleucine substitution in position 7 in these compounds resulted in decreased activity; [D-Phe6,MeLeu7,Azgly10]- and [D-Tyr(Me)6,MeLeu7,Azgly10]luliberin were only 50 times as active as luliberin. The presence of either an azaproline residue in position 9, an azaphenylalanine or azaglycine residue in positions 6 and 10, or a tert-butyl ether protecting group on the hydroxyl group of the tyrosine residue in position 5 resulted in compounds with significantly reduced biological activity.


2,5,5-Trimethylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, a D(-)-penicillamine-directed pseudometabolite of ethanol. Detoxication mechanism for acetaldehyde.

A directed detoxication mechanism for acetaldehyde (AcH) is described wherein ethanol-derived AcH, circulating in the blood of rats given ethanol-1-14C and disulfiram or pargyline, was sequestered by condensation with administered D(-)-penicillamine (1). The product of this condensation, 2,5,5-trimethylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (3), which was excreted in the urine without acetyl conjugation, was quantitatively determined by inverse isotope dilution measurements. Acetylation of the urine permitted the isolation of the corresponding N-acetyl derivative in crystalline form. The chirality of 3 was deduced by NMR analysis to be 72% 2S, 4S and 28% 2R, 4S. Although acetylation selectively acetylated the predominant isomer, this acetylated derivative was identical in all respects with a chemically synthesized product. This suggests that the in vivo condensation of AcH and 1 is not enzyme mediated.


Cyclic analogues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone with significant biological activities.

There is evidence that, in its receptor-binding conformation, the N and C terminus of LH-RH may be in close proximity and two cyclic analogues of the hormone were synthesized to test the hypothesis. Cyclic [beta-Ala1,D-Ala6,Gly10]- and [6-aminohexanoic acid1,D-Ala6,Gly10]-LH-RH were prepared by treatment of their linear precursor peptides with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in dilute dimethylformamide solution. Although the linear peptides possessed no detectable LH-releasing activity in ovariectomized rats, the cyclic beta-Ala analogue had 1.2% the activity of LH-RH, whereas the longer chain cyclic 6-aminohexanoic acid analogue had 0.65% activity. These results support the concept of an important interaction between the ends of the LH-RH molecule possibly involving hydrogen-bond formation between the pyrrolidone carbonyl group of pyroglutamic acid and the glycinamide group.


Comparison of methods for detecting specific IgM antibody in infants with congenital rubella.

Serum specimens from 14 infants with congenital rubella were examined for specific IgM antibody by six different methods. IgM-containing fractions were separated either by sucrose density-gradient centrifugation or by gel filtration through Sephadex G-200, and were then tested by the indirect immunofluorescence technique and by the haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test (long-and short-incubation methods). Immunofluorescence staining of density-gradient fractions detected specific IgM in all 14 infants. The HI test (long method), applied to density-gradient fractions, was almost as sensitive, detecting antibody in 13 infants; the short method was less sensitive. The gel-filtration technique proved to be generally less satisfactory than sucrose density-gradient centrifugation. Evidence was obtained for the occurrence of as yet unclassified non-specific inhibitors in the serum of some infants. These inhibitors were deposited with the IgM on sucrose-density gradients and they could have been mistaken for rubella-specific IgM antibody, particularly in the HI test (long method).


The characteristics of M proteins purified by column chromatography with hydroxyapatite from acid extracts of Streptococcus pyogenes of types 1, 3, 6, 12 and 17.

Purified M proteins were recovered from acid extracts of Streptococcus pyogenes, M-types 1, 3, 6, 12 and 17, by elution from columns of hydroxyapatite of the proteins precipitated with ammonium sulphate. M protein free from non-type-specific antigens was recovered only from M-type 12. Although similar fractions were not recovered from M-types 1, 3, 6 and 17, purified preparations containing a single cross-reactive antigen were obtained. In addition to the M proteins associated with cross-reactive antigens, type-specific antigens that did not stimulate opsonic antibodies were isolated from revealed molecular weights that ranged from 32,000  to 63,000 daltons, total amino acid compositions that were similar, and N-terminal amino acids that were variable.


Passive protection of lambs against experimental enteric colibacillosis by colostral transfer of antibodies from K99-vaccinated ewes.

Pregnant ewes were vaccinated with partially purified, cell-free K99 antigen isolated from an enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli, strain B41 (O101:K99:NM), to induce passive immunity via the colostrum in their offspring against an oral challenge with heterologous "calf-lamb" enteropathogenic strains of E. coli B44. After sucking their dams, lambs were dosed orally with 7X10(10)-2.2 X10(11) organisms within 4--21 h of birth. One group of 10 lambs was dosed with cultures of the mucoid (O9:K30(A),K99:NM) form of strain B44 and another group of 10 lambs with the non-mucoid (O9:K99:NM) form; two groups of four control lambs from unvaccinated dams were similarly challenged. All four control lambs challenged with mucoid B44, loose feaces were detected in only two of the four control lambs and in none of the lambs from vaccinated dams. This suggests that the polysaccharide K antigen may contribute to the virulence of "calf-lamb" enteropathogenic strains that possess the K99 antigen. However, lambs passively immunised with colostrum from dams vaccinated with K99 antigen alone were protected against the production of enteric colibacillosis by oral challenge with EPEC strain B44.


Variation in metabolism of biochemical test substrates by Klebsiella species: an epidemiological tool.

The variation in metabolism of biochemical test substrates by klebsiella isolates has been demonstrated. It is suggested that this variation is likely to result in false-negative reactions in biochemical tests incubated for short periods. The observations made may explain the reported difficulties in obtaining reproducible results in biotyping Klebsiella strains. Preliminary work suggests that differences in substrate metabolism will provide a means of increasing the sensitivity of methods for the biochemical typing of Klebsiella spp.


The quantitative and histological demonstration of pathogenic synergy between Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis in guinea-pig wounds.

Known numbers of standard strains of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis were inoculated together into surgical incision in guinea-pigs. Histological and quantitative bacteriological proof is presented that pathogenic synergy occurred in vivo with copious pus formation when combinations of subinfective doses of each organism were inoculated. A further series of experiments showed that the amounts and ratios of E. coli and B. fragilis in the septic inocula were critical, and that the resultant pus contained equal numbers of both the aerobic and the anaerobic organisms. This model may be suitable for the experimental validation of short-term regimens of prophylactic antibiotics in surgery; the present results seem to have important therapeutic implications.


Formation of antibody against Mycobacterium leprae antigen 7 in armadillos.

A radioimmunoassay developed to measure antibody against Mycobacterium leprae antigen 7 in man was applied to the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Normal armadillo sera had low but significant antibody activity in the test. Fourteen of 17 armadillos with systemic mycobacterial infection after inoculation with M. leprae showed increased antibody activity in the assay, and in some instances the activity was higher than in a pool of sera from patients with lepromatous leprosy. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with armadillo serum in the intermediate gel revealed antibodies against five distinct antigenic components of M. leprae. Development of systemic mycobacterial infection after inoculation with M. leprae is thus associated with a distinct humoral immune response. The use of radioimmunosassay for selection of animals for inoculation and for following the development of the infection is discussed.


A simple and safe volumetric alternative to the method of Miles, Misra and Irwin for counting viable bacteria.

A rapid and simple method for counting viable bacteria is described. The technique involves the use of a semi-automatic micropipette and disposable glass-capillary tubes. Viable counts obtained by this method were not significantly different from those obtained by the Miles, Misra and Irwin method or by a pour-plate method. The micropipette procedure is less hazardous than techniques involving the use of calibrated dropping pipettes.


The treatment of primary and secondary orgasmic dysfunction: a methodological review of the literature since 1970.

This paper reviews the studies since 1970 which examined the treatment outcome of primary and secondary nonorgsmic women. The studies were evaluated within the following sections: subjects, therapists, time format, treatment, and outcome criteria. Many methodological deficiencies were found, most notably the lack of specificity regarding subject characteristics, a reliance on women's self-reports of outcome without obtaining partner validation, the failure to assess the influence of the woman's partner on her orgasmic responsivity, the failure to control for expectancy factors, and the use of different criteria for treatment success. The problems in the literature suggest that it is premature to place any confidence in the identification of the treatment format which is most successful for a defined population of women who experience a specific form of primary or secondary orgasmic dysfunction. The data tentatively suggest that (1) secondary nonorgasmic women would show greater gains than primary nonorgasmic women in treatments emphasizing sexual and nonsexual communication techniques, (2) primary nonorgasmic women would show greater gains than secondary nonorgasmic women in desensitization and sexual technique training procedures, (3) desensitization may be the appropriate treatment for women whose sexual anxiety contributes to secondary orgasmic dysfunction. These hypotheses should be examined in controlled research.


Model for DNA packaging into bacteriophage T4 heads.

The mechanism of DNA packaging into bacteriophage T4 heads in vivo was investigated by glucosylation of hydroxymethylcytosine residues in a conditionally glucose-deficient host. Cytoplasmic DNA associated with partially packaged ts49 heads can be fully glucosylated, whereas DNA already packaged into these heads is shown to be resistant to glucosylation. After temperature shift and completion of arrested packaging into the reversible temperature-sensitive ts49 head, the structure of the DNA in the mature ts49 phage was investigated by  restriction enzyme digestion, autoradiography, and other techniques. Such mature DNA appears to be fully glucosylated along part of its length and nonglucosylated on the remainder. Its structure suggests that the DNA is run into the head linearly and unidirectionally from one mature end and that there is little sequence specificity in that portion of the T4 DNA which first enters the capsid. This technique should be useful in investigation of the three-dimensional structure of first- and last-packaged DNA within the head; preliminary studies including autoradiography of osmotically shocked phage suggest that the DNA which first enters the head is deposited toward the center of the capsid and that the end of the DNA which first enters the head exits first upon injection. In conjunction with studies of the structure of condensed DNA, the positions and functions of T4 capsid proteins in DNA packaging, and the order of T4 packaging functions [Earnshaw and Harrison, Nature (London) 268:598-602, 1977; Hsiao and Black, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 74:3652-3656, 1977; Müller-Salamin et al., J. Virol. 24:121-134, 1977; Richards et al., J. Mol. Biol. 78:255-259, 1973], the features described above suggest the following model: the first DNA end is fixed to the proximal apex of the head at p20 and the DNA is then pumped into the head enzymatically by proteins (p20 + p17) which induce torsion in the DNA molecule.


Fiber implantation for pattern baldness.

Examination of 20 patients who had fiber implantation for the treatment of pattern baldness showed that nearly all the fibers had fallen out by ten weeks. Complications observed were facial swelling, infection, foreign-body granulomas, scarring, and permanent hair loss. Scanning electron microscopy identified the fibers as modacrylic fibers. The complications, high monetary cost, and ultimate futility of fiber implantation make it an unacceptable procedure.


Stimulation of tumor growth in mice by high doses of BCG.

The growth of Krebs-2 carcinoma in BCG-prevaccinated virgin female C57BL/6, CC57BR/M, and C3Hf mice was studied in relation to the number of living mycobacteria in the organism. When the number of mycobacteria was high, tumor growth was stimulated. After the bacteria were eliminated, tumor growth was inhibited. The effect of BCG was based, on the one hand, on the diversion of effector cells, presumably macrophages, responsible for tumor defense and, on the other hand, on the activation of the pool of these cells. The conclusions were reached that high doses of BCG may be dangerous in human cancer immunotherapy and that patients predisposed to neoplastic disease should be revaccinated with BCG.


Carcinogenicity and mutagenicity testing of three isomeric N-nitroso-N-methylaminopyridines in rats.

Three isomeric N-nitroso-N-methylaminopyridines (NMPY's) were investigated for their carcinogenic activity in BD VI rats following chronic oral administration and for their mutagenic properties in the Ames assay. On the basis of postulated reaction mechanisms, it was expected that 3-NMPY would react differently than 2- and 4-NMPY, but the outcome of both carcinogenicity and mutagenicity assays did not show this. 2-NMPY induced tumors of the esophagus and possibly also of the liver; 3- and 4-NMPY had no activity as carcinogens under the experimental conditions used. Similarly, high concentrations of 2-NMPY showed mutagenic activity toward Salmonella typhimurium TA100, whereas 3- and 4-NMPY did not have such an effect.


Formation of methylnitrosocyanamide from methylguanidine and sodium nitrite in simulated gastric juice and in stomachs of rats: quantitative estimation by a mutagenicity assay.

The formation of methylnitrosocyanamide (MNC), a carcionogenic N-nitroso compound, from methylguanidine (MG) and NaNO2 in simulated gastric juice (SGJ) and in the stomachs of rats was quantitatively investigated. With a reverse mutation assay in which a tester strain of Salmonella typhimurium was used, MNC formation was shown to increase linearly for about 40--60 minutes after the incubation of MG with NaNO2 in SGJ. However, it decreased rapidly thereafter. The initial rate of MNC formation was directly proportional to the initial molar ratio of MG to NaNO2, but the yields of MNC depended only on the amount of MG added and were fairly constant (0.3--0.5% of the initial MG). MNC did not form at a pH above 2.5 or in the presence of 2% casein in SGJ at pH 1.2. It decomposed rapidly in SGJ at pH 1.2 with a half-life of approximately 2 minutes, whereas it was stable in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. Following concurrent administration of MG and NaNO2 via stomach tube, MNC formation was detected in the pylorus-ligated stomachs of rats preconditioned with a casein-free dextrin diet but not in those of rats preconditioned with a casein-containing or synthetic diet. The yields of MNC observed 40--60 minutes after administration of reactants ranged from 0.02 to 0.05% of the initial MG. The possible environment significance of MNC formation in vivo was considered.


Renin 1978.

The storage, synthesis, release, measurement, carriage, action and blockade of the hormones of the renin-angiotensin system are considered, with emphasis given to the effects of intrarenal vasodilatation and vasoconstriction on renin release. The concept that variation of calcium flux in the juxtaglomerular cell is the possible final step in renin release is considered. Changing views on the main site of action of angiotensin are examined, particularly in control of the cardiovascular system and of drinking behavior through a site of action in the brain. The role that blockade of various parts of the renin-angiotensin system has played in elucidating the mechanism of action of the system is discussed. The need to consider specificity of blockade in such research is emphasized. Modification of the action of angiotensin by possible initiation of a chemical cascade involving the release of other active substances is discussed. Finally, the major functions of the renin-angiotensin system in the control of blood pressure, of sodium and water balance, and of intrarenal events, are summarized.


[Use of clofelin for arresting hypertensive crises].

The authors gave clophelin by intravenous (0.1 g) or intramuscular (0.1--0.15 mg) injections to 75 patients who were in a state of hypertensive crisis. In 67 patients (89--4%) the crisis was successfully arrested. In most patients maximum hypotensive effect occurred 10--20 minutes after intravenous injection and 20--30 minutes after intramuscular administration. Tolerance to a single injection of the drug was good. In some cases there was a marked additional fall of arterial pressure in the orthostatic position, a sensation of dryness in the mouth, weakness and mild somnolence.


[Therapeutic use of amiloride and its combinations with hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide in chronic circulatory insufficiency].

The clinical pharmacology of the diuretic amyloride was studied in 60 patients suffering from circulatory insufficiency of various origin. Midamor and moduretic of the "Merck" firm (USA) were used in a dose of 1 to 4 tablets. The duration of treatment was from 3 days to 18 months. It was found that under the effect of amyloride natriuresis increases moderately in patients with circulatory insufficiency with no simultaneous increase in the loss of potassium with the urine. As the circulatory insufficiency becomes more severe, the natriuretic and potassium-saving effect of the drug diminishes. Amyloride potentiates the diuretic and natriuretic effect of furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide well without increasing kaliuresis. In patients in whom the disease is less severe, two-week treatment with amyloride leads to an authentic increase in the total metabolic potassium in the organism. The patients tolerate the drug well. It is recommended for wide clinical use.


[Optimization of the drug treatment of hypertension].

The disclosure of clinico-pathogenetic variants of hypertensive disease led to the development of differentiated therapy. The use of mathematical methods of estimating the treatment schedule with dynamic control and correction (optimization) is very useful in differentiated therapy; with this technique the important principle of treatment, individualization, is applied most adequately. The main principles of conducting optimized therapy are discussed and the fields in which its use is most expedient are indicated. Some results gained by clinics carrying out research in this direction are discussed.


[Body impedance as a biological parameter in clinical research].

The impedance of the thoracic and abdominal organs and the integral body impedance were studied in healthy individuals and in patients with disorders of water-electrolyte metabolism (the edema syndrome, postoperative dehydration). Analysis of the impedance values made it possible to reveal characteristic changes in ascitis, in pleural effusion, and after major surgical interventions on the abdominal organs. The dynamics of these values may serve as an objective criterion of the extent of correction of disorders of water-electrolyte balance during treatment.


[Pathogenesis of arterial hypertension with a low renin activity in the blood plasma].

The possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying arterial hypertension with low activity of renin in blood plasma are discussed. The peculiarities of some of its forms marked by normal or increased blood plasma aldosterone content are considered. Criteria for distinguishing a subgroup of patients with hypertensive disease marked by low blood plasma renin activity and for the differentiation of patients with primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism are substantiated.


[Central hemodynamics and separate renal blood flow in different forms of arterial hypertension].

Separate renal blood flow was studied by the method of dye dilution (euviridine) in catheterization of the renal vessels during angiography. The method and techniques of catheterization of the arteries and veins and the sequence of manipulations in recording certain parameters of common and separate renal hemodynamics are described. The high informativeness of the method is shown and the complications which were encountered are described and discussed. It is noted that study of separate renal hemodynamics, particularly in renovascular hypertension, provides for objective appraisal of the functional state of the kidney both on the side of the stenosis and on the contralteral side.


[Use of Hyperstat for arresting hypertensive crises].

The indices of central hemodynamics were determined in 112 patients with hypertensive disease during a crisis and in its arrest with hyperstat by means of integral rheography. The condition of the sympatheticoadrenal and kallikrein-kinin systems was studied. It was found that hyperstat normalizes arterial pressure in 5--6 minutes by reducing the initially increased general peripheral resistance and increasing the blood stroke and minute volumes as well as by reducing the content of adrenaline. The indices of the blood kallikrein-kinin system showed a tendency to return to normal values 24 hours after hyperstat administration. The drug caused no complications, only in two patients deterioration of myocardial blood supply was noted. The authors claim that hyperstat is a highly effective agent for arresting hypertensive crises.


[Concentration of C-peptide and insulin in serum of patients with acute virus hepatitis (author's transl)].

Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed in 10 patients with acute virus hepatitis. The assimilation coefficient of glucose and the level of insulin and C-peptide in serum were determined before and in the course of the glucose tolerance tests. In comparison to healthy normal weight persons C-peptide concentration in patients with acute hepatitis increased twice as high whereas the pattern of insulin secretion did not differ significantly. The higher levels of C-peptide indicate an increase of the beta-cell secretion in acute hepatitis. One could suppose an increased hepatic destruction of insulin in acute hepatitis, because there is no significant difference among the insulin levels. More likely, there is a reactive increase of secretion of the beta-cell due to a reduction of insulin sensitivity and this is indicated much better by C-peptide- than insulin levels because of the longer half live of the the C-peptide molecule.


[The colony forming cell and its stimulation--findings in hematological diseases (author's transl)].

In modifying the agar culture technique of mouse bone marrow cells Robinson et al. in 1970 described the in vitro culture of the human colony-forming cell. Since that time a number of data accumulated which markedly improved our knowledge of the regulation of normal and pathological hematopoiesis. A summary of the up-to date results is presented focusing mainly on disturbances of the colony-forming cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with hematological disorders. Furthermore, the findings on human urinary CSF excretion which exerts an action on mouse bone marrow are discribed. The somewhat contradictory results obtained with different methods are discussed in the light of the actual hypotheses.


The immunoperoxidase test diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits.

Sera collected from both naturally and artificially infected rabbits were found to show excellent correlation when examined for the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies using the immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence tests. Out of 85 randomly selected rabbits, 21 were found to be serologically positive using both the tests. However, lesions which could be attributed to E. cuniculi infection were only demonstrated in 16.


Humoral immune response to infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits.

Parenteral administration of Encephalitozoon cuniculi induced an antibody response within 7--11 days. Peroral administration was less effective since only 2 of 6 animals showed seroconversion; they became seropositive within 14--21 days. Sera from animals which became seropositive had high antibody titres during the whole test period. Immune sera from 3 animals were fractionated by gel filtration. With the india-ink immunoreaction test, antibodies to E. cuniculi were found only in the 7S fractions, while the indirect fluorescent-antibody test detected them in fractions 19S and 7S. The 7S fractions were identified as IgG and the 19S fractions as IgM. A program for eradication of encephalitozoonosis, based on these results, is discussed.


The band 3 protein of the human red cell membrane: a review.

Band 3 is the predominant polypeptide and the purported mediator of anion transport in the human erythrocyte membrane. Against a background of minor and apparently unrelated polypeptides of similar electrophoretic mobility, and despite apparent heterogeneity in its glycosylation, the bulk of band 3 exhibits uniform and characteristic behavior. This integral glycoprotein appears to exist as a noncovalent dimer of two approximately 93,000-dalton chains which span the membrane asymmetrically. The protein is hydrophobic in its composition and in its behavior in aqueous solution and is best solubilized and purified in detergent. It can be cleaved while membrane-bound into large, topographically defined segments. An integral, outer-surface, 38,000-dalton fragment bears most of the band 3 carbohydrate. A 17,000-dalton, hydrophobic glycopeptide fragment spans the membrane. A approximately 40,000-dalton hydrophilic segment represents the cytoplasmic domain. In vitro, glyceraldehyde 3-P dehydrogenase and aldolase bind reversibly, in a metabolie-sensitive fashion, to this cytoplasmic segment. The cytoplasmic domain also bears the amino terminus of this polypeptide, in contrast to other integral membrane proteins. Recent electron microscopic analysis suggests that the poles of the band 3 molecule can be seen by freeze-etching at the two original membrane surfaces, while freeze-fracture reveals the transmembrane disposition of band 3 dimer particles. There is strong evidence that band 3 mediates 1:1 anion exchange across the membrane through a conformational cycle while remaining fixed and asymmetrical. Its cytoplasmic pole can be variously perturbed and even excised without a significant alteration of transport function. However, digestion of the outer-surface region leads to inhibition of transport, so that both this segment and the membrane-spanning piece (which is selectively labeled by covalent inhibitors of transport) may be presumed to be involved in transport. Genetic polymorphism has been observed in the structure and immunogenicity of the band 3 polypeptide but this feature has not been related to variation in anion transport or other band 3 activities.


[Verruga Peruana in Ecuador. Apropos of 3 cases].

Three cases of Peruvian Verruca, one autoctonous from the town of Guayaquil (Ecuador), are described by the authors. A comparative study with the Peruvian cases is made.


[Dermatology in the organization of public health in Cuba].

The authors refers the actual status of medical and dermatological administration in Cuba.


[Program for the control of venereal diseases].

The organization of the program for the control of venereal diseases is reported. The more important points of it good result are mentioned.


[Clinical comparative study of between difluocortolone and flumethasone].

We report the results of a controlled double blind assay of treatment in 51 dermatologic cases, with a new steroid cream (diflucortolone) and an already known one (flumetasone). The diflucortolone valerate was significantly better than the flumetasone pivalate in the treatment of 16 cases of psoriasis, 33 eczemas and two cases of lichên planus.


[Fixed lupus erythematosus (its treatment with thalidomide)].

The results obtained from the first 20 cases of Discoid Lupus Erithematosus treated with Thalidomide showed evidence of its great efficacy, evident from the first 15 days of treatment. In the incipient cases the results were even spectacular. 2. The minimum dosage used by the authors seems to be adequate on the basis of the results obtained. 3. The precise mode of action of thalidomide but it is thought that in acts on the hypothalamus. 4. The intolerance to Thalidomide and its undesireable side effects consisted slight somnolence; only one case had fever, cephalea, arthralgia, vertigo, nausea and urticaria which is unknown made it necessary to discontinue the medication. 5. The teratogenic effect of thalidomide obliges us to redouble the vigilance in women in age of reproduction by using of parenteral contraceptives applied by or in presence of the investigator. This study included one case that started treatment during the 7th month of pregnancy, without any problem and with an excellent result. The patient gave birth to a healthy full term infant. 6. It is recognized that this preliminary study should be continued with a greater number of cases and that these should be continued for a longer follow-up evaluation. At the present time, the authors believe that thalidomide is the best treatment for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.


[A method of filling cavities after radical mastoid operations (author's transl)].

A method of filling cavities after radical mastoid operations is reported. Autologous bone chips are used in cases when insufficient tubal function does not permit the reconstruction of the posterior meatal wall. Indications and contraindications of this technique are discussed.


Sterols in yeast subcellular fractions.

Yeast is the most primitive organism synthesizing substantial amounts of sterols. Because of this eucaryotic organism's versatility in growth conditions, ease of culture, well-defined genetic mechanism, and characteristic subcellar architecture, it is readily applied to studies of the role of sterols in the general economy of the cell. Sterols exist in two major forms, as the free sterol, or esterified with long chain fatty acids. The importance of sterols for this organism can be demonstrated using a naturally occurring antimycotic azasterol. This agent inhibits yeast growth. Three effects are seen on sterol synthesis: inhibition of the enzymes delta14-reductase, sterol methyltransferase, and methylene reductase. Cells cultured on respiratory substrates are more sensitive to inhibition than are cells growing on glucose. We have demonstrated a relationship between respiratory competency and sterol biosynthesis in this organism. Many mutants altered in sterol synthesis are respirationally defective and must grow fermentatively. One clone has temperature conditional respiration. Experiments with purified mitochondria, prepared from this mutant and its isogenic wildtype, show that the mutant organism is able to respire at the higher temperature but lacks the ability to couple respiration to phosphorylation. No similar loss is seen in the wild-type clones. Data are given which support the proposal that, for inclusion in mitochondrial structures, yeast cells may discriminate among sterols available from the total sterol pool in favor of ergosterol.


[Long trips of intra-uterine devices in tropical areas (author's transl)].

Report of a case in which an unnoticed intra-uterine device was fortuitously found in the left hypochondrium. Reflexions on mecanisms of migration and required precautions.


[The question of endemic malaria in Republic of Djibouti (author's transl)].

Since 1973 autochthonous cases of malaria due to P. Falciparum have been reported among local population of French Afars and Issas Territory; 191 cases observed between 1973 and 1976 are recorded. Their monthly distribution and geographical repartition are studied, jointly with the distribution of A. gambiae which has been recently collected in the Territory. This study shows a significant correspondance between the presence of A. gambiae and the malaria cases observed which did not come from neighbouring countries. We may, then, expect the development of small disseminated foci, resulting from the simultaneous introduction of both the parasite and its anopheline vector. This brings about a new epidemiological situation for the Territory.


[Acute renal insufficiency caused by Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the last period of pregnancy (2 cases) (author's transl)].

A report of 2 cases of acute renal insufficiency in african women, 8 months pregnant and suffering of malignant malaria. In both cases labor has been induced by artificial breaking of the membranes and use of oxytocin. One of the children was still-born and the other died 3 days later. Delivery has been followed by a resumption of the urinary flow, facilitated by high dosages of furosemide. This diuretic drug when associated with hypoprotidic diet, hypercaloric intravenous infusions of glucose hypertonic solutions supplemented with amino-acids gives a good chance of recovery without extra-renal dialysis.


Is the Australian version of the Feingold diet safe?

Dietary intake data which were collected in the course of a trial on 16 children, who were diagnosed as being hyperactive, are examined. The nutritional adequacy of the children's diets before and during treatment with the Australian version of the Feingold elimination diet is calculated. The mean intakes of all computed nutrients were above the recommended level in the Australian Dietary Allowances for both diets. The nutritional quality, in terms of the level and balance of nutrients in the elimination test diet, was superior to that of the normal diet. With proper dietary counselling, the elimination test diet is safe for use in the treatment of children with hyperkinesis.


Salicylate sensitivity in children reported to respond to salicylate exclusion.

Twelve children, aged six to 13 years, whose parents reported an improvement in behavioural problems with use of the Feingold (K-P) diet for an average period of 12 months, were challenge-tested with 40 mg of acetylsalicylic acid in a double-blind, cross-over trial with ascorbic acid as a placebo. The children were tested within three hours of ingestion of either the experimental or placebo tablet with a battery of psychological and neurological tests, and were rated by a parent on an enlarged Conners' Parent-Teacher Questionnaire for four days after the ingestion of the tablet. It was found that significance was reached in tests of general cognitive capacity, line walking and the "finger-to-nose" tests, as well as increased disturbance in sleep patterns in these children.


"Ring the bell and win a cigar". Some early experiments on the measurement of human strength in Port Jackson and Van Diemen's Land.

The first medical research formally undertaken on Australian soil was a series of experiments to test different factors which might modify muscular power. The experiments were conducted by François Péron, a Parisian doctor and naturalist, who travelled with Baudin's French scientific expedition to Nouvelle Hollande and Terre de Diemen. Péron used a dynamometer, an instrument for measuring strength. He conducted his experiments at Port Jackson, and at Maria Island (in Van Diemen's Land) in 1902. The basis for the experiments, an account of the equipment used, and the results are presented together for the first time.


A case of personation.

A case from the 19th century is described. The patient was admitted to hospital as a man but was revealed to be a woman. The woman's history is examined and the psychological implications of her impersonation are discussed. A hypothetical diagnosis of transsexualism is made.


Cell-mediated immunity to bacterial flagellin as assessed by leucocyte adherence inhibition.

Leucocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) was used to detect cell-mediated immunity of mice to Salmonella adelaide polymeric flagellin and its monomeric derivative. In the direct LAI technique, antigen inhibited the in vitro adherence to glass of peritoneal cells (PC) from antigen-primed mice which were capable of exhibiting in vivo delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the same antigen. In the indirect technique, primed PC exposed to antigen in vitro released a soluble factor, which inhibited the adherence of normal PC. Production of the factor was prevented by prior treatment of primed PC with anti-theta serum, indicating the participation of T-lymphocytes. The LAI reaction could be blocked by serum from mice which had been re-injected with antigen 72 h after a priming injection. Features of the production and biological properties of serum blocking activity suggest that it may be attributed to antigen-antibody complexes.


Detection of antigenic variation in influenza virus neuraminidase by the ESSEN-NIT and the WHO standard procedure.

A new rapid modified micro-neuraminidase-inhibition test (ESSEN-NIT) has recently been described. This test was originally devised to facilitate large-scale screening for serum antibodies to influenza virus neuraminidase. It was shown that this test yielded results comparable to those obtained with the WHO standard procedure. Our report presents data on the comparison between the WHO method and the ESSEN-NIT with respect to their capability in detecting antigenic differences in neuraminidase of various strains of influenza A viruses belonging to the H3N2 subtype family. Two antiserums against the N2 antigens of the A/Hongkong/1/68 (X15HK) and of the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (X42) recombinant strains were used in characterization experiments. The results obtained indicate that the ESSEN-NIT is at least as sensitive in detecting antigenic variations of neuraminidase as the WHO standard procedure. The drift of the N2 enzyme which occurred as early as 1969 and is known to continue to date, could be clearly demonstrated. Major and minor antigenic changes of neuraminidase in representative influenza isolates were equally well detected by both assays. The ESSEN-NIT offers the advantage of speed, economy, and computerized evaluation of data.


Rapid immunoenzymatic technique for titration of rabies antibodies IgG and IgM results.

Techniques usually employed for the detection of rabies' antibodies are costly, time consuming, and sometimes fail to detect early antibodies. The introduction of immunoenzymatic techniques in the serology of viral disease represents a new and important advance. We therefore adapted this technique to the detection of rabies antibodies. We have found that the sera from rabies patients who had not received antirabies treatment do not show seroneutralizing antibodies until several days after the onset of symptoms. However, antibodies can be detected some days earlier by the immunoenzymatic method in the same samples. Furthermore, the immunoenzymatic test was applied to the detection of both the IgM or the IgG class of antirabies antibodies using an antihuman Ig-or antihuman IgG-peroxydase conjugate.


Improvement in complete response rate, duration of response and survival with adriamycin combination chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a prognostic factor comparison of two regimens.

The results of a chemotherapy regimen utilizing adriamycin in combination with vincristine, prednisone plus or minus cyclophosphamide (CHOP-HOP) for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are compared to those of a non-adriamycin containing combination (COP). The complete remission (CR) rate of 67% for CHOP-HOP in malignant lymphoma, diffuse histiocytic type (MLDH) is superior to 33% obtained with COP. In malignant lymphoma, nodular poorly differentiated lymphocytic (MLNPD), the CR rate was: CHOP-HOP 83%, COP 44%. The prognostic factors for both treatment groups were compared and found to be similar. Thus, adriamycin appears to be responsible for this improvement in CR rate. When analyzed as a group, the patients treated with CHOP-HOP had a longer survival than those treated with COP. This difference was also evident in the subgroup of patients with MLDH. The smaller subgroup of patients with MLNPD treated with CHOP-HOP did not show a significant improvement in survival. A trend for longer duration of CR in both diffuse and nodular lymphomas was also observed, but this difference did not reach statistical significance possibly due to the smaller numbers of patients. Combination chemotherapy with adriamycin has resulted in a higher CR rate and survival for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma particularly for the subgroup of patients with MLDH.


Combination chemotherapy of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A randomized therapeutic trial of three induction regimens for patients with lymphosarcoma and reticulum-cell sarcoma was conducted by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) (formerly Acute Leukemia Group B.) Addition of streptonigrin, but not cyclophosphamide, to the combination of vincristine and prednisone improved the complete remission rate achieved after a 42-day induction program. The duration of the subsequent remission and survival was not influenced by the induction combination assigned. Remission maintenance with cyclophosphamide was superior to maintenance with methotrexate. The results of this study are compared with others in which advantages for three or four drug treatment regimens have been reported.


Successful cardiac allografts in syngeneic radiation chimeras.

Successful cardiac allografts were accomplished across the major histocompatibility complex of rats. LEW and F344 (Ag-B2) rats were lethally irradiated and grafted with WF (Ag-B1) hearts on day 0. Either on day 0 or day 2, the hosts were repopulated with syngeneic hemopoietic cells. The best results were obtained (86%) when a mixture of 3.0 x10(7) non-adherent syngeneic bone marrow and thymus cells were used to repopulate the recipients. In contrast, all of the WF to LEW heart grafts were rejected within 30 days if syngeneic thoracic duct and bone marrow cells were used to repopulate the host. Tolerant rats bearing a functioning WF heart graft were able to mount a normal antibody response to SRBC and a proliferative response to Con A. They accepted a second WF heart or a WF kidney graft but rejected WF skin and bone marrow grafts as well as "third-party" ACl or BN hearts. The lymphocytes of tolerant rats had a reduced response to WF antigens as assayed by local or systemic graft-versus-host reactions in (LEW x WF)F1 recipients. Tolerance to the WF hearts was resistant to a large innoculum of normal spleen and lymph node cells. The unresponsive state could be transferred to unirradiated LEW rats with a mixture of spleen, thymus, lymph node and bone marrow cells.


Non-essential UV-sensitive bacteriophage T4 mutants affecting early DNA synthesis: a third pathway of DNA repair.

Non-essential bacteriophage T4 mutants uvs58 and uvs79 showed a lower UV sensitivity than either the excision-repair mutant v am5 or the replication-dependent recombination-repair mutant y10. The UV sensitivity of double and triple mutants carrying one of the mutations uvs58 or uvs79, and v am 5 or (and) y10 was higher than the sum of the sensitivities of the single mutants. The uvs58 mutation was mapped to the early gene region, close to amN81 (gene 41). The unirradiated mutants uvs58 and uvs79 accumulated newly synthesized DNA at a slower rate than wild-type T4. Double mutants uvs58:am59 and uvs79:am59 showed DNA synthesis in E. coli B su- to be arrested at a 3--5 times lower level than that in am59-infected cells. Chloramphenicol, added 9--12 min after infection, suppressed arrests of  DNA synthesis, the double mutants showing a lag of 8 min as compared with am59. Results from analysis of sucrose gradients of parental uvs58 and uvs79 DNA were in agreement with the suggestion of a mutation in an early function. The mutants uvs58 and uvs79 are suggested to be defective in a component of the DNA replication apparatus with a function in the adaptation to irregularities in the DNA structure. The third pathway of UV repair is tentatively designated as non-catalytic replication repair.


Increased UV-inducibility of SOS functions in a dam-3 mutant of Escherichia coli K12 uvrA.

The dam-3 mutation caused a 2--4 fold increase in the susceptibility of E. coli K-12 uvrA to UV induction of prophage lambda, induced reactivation and mutagenesis of lambda, and mutation to histidine prototrophy. The increased inducibility exceeded the level expected by UV and dam-3 acting additively and independently, and suggests that the effects of UV and dam-3 interact in some way to potentiate induction of SOS functions.


Modification by preirradiation growth conditions of the shoulder of the UV fluence-survival curve of Escherichia coli B/r WP 2 thy trp and changes in mutagenic response toward tryptophan prototrophy.

The distinct three-section UV fluence-mutation frequency response (MFR) curve demonstrated in Escherichia coli strain B/r WP2 thy trp and its uvrA derivative supports the SOS hypothesis and suggests that trp+ revertants can arise either from isolated lesions (1DM) plus SOS induction or from two lesions in proximity (2DM). Preirradiation growth on arabinose instead of glucose converted the fluence-survival curve from highly shouldered to exponential but did not affect the three-section MFR curve. Prestarvation of the uvrA+ strain for tryptophan, which drastically increases the expanse of the shoulder of the survival curve, greatly decreased both 1DM and 2DM. With the uvrA strain the increase in shoulder expanse after tryptophan prestarvation was accompanied by greatly increased 2DM but no change in 1DM. Preincubation with chloramphenicol induced an even greater increase in 2DM response than amino acid prestarvation. Nalidixic acid, which prevents DNA accumulation, eliminated the response.


Asymmetric gene conversion at inserted segments on yeast mitochondrial DNA.

Different molecular weight forms of the protein product of the yeast mitochondrial gene var 1 are shown at arise by a process of asymmetric gene conversion. These different forms can be accounted by two DNA segments, 36 and 57 base pairs long, present in one allelic form of the var 1 structural gene, which can be inserted independently and at different frequencies into other var 1 alleles.


[Drawings by patients with unilateral visuospatial agnosia].

Drawings made by 25 patients with neurosurgical diseases causing focal lesions in the posterior areas of the right, not dominant cerebral hemisphere due to expanding changes. Experimental clinical investigations by the method of Luria demonstrated in these cases presence of left-sided visuospatial agnosia. The material was analysed from the point of view of the features of drawings characteristic for the syndrome of disturbances and the localizatory and diagnostic value of drawings. Characteristic disturbances of drawings and their placement were observed suggesting that the patients ignored the left half of the visual space due to damage to the right parieto-occipital non-dominant cerebral hemisphere. The drawing test is regarded as a valuable method for the diagnosis and localization of lesions in the neurological and neuropsychological practice.


Synthesis of growth hormone by bacteria.

A hybrid gene was constructed between the beta-lactamase gene of plasmid pBR322 and the cloned coding sequence for rat growth hormone. This gene is expressed in bacteria and growth hormone sequences are detectable by immunological methods.


[Subtraction and topography in various cases of ventriculography by means of water-soluble contrast media].

The authors describe the methods of extending the diagnostic possibilities of positive-contrast ventriculography with water-soluble media using the techniques of subtraction and tomography. Side effects occurring during this investigation are mentioned.


Comparative evaluation of metrizamide and meglumine ioxithalamate in angiography of the vessels of the head and neck.

Metrizamide, a non-ionic contrast medium of low osmolality was compared with meglumine ioxithalamate, the ionic angiographic contrast medium currently in use in our department in a double-blind study. Criteria upon which the comparison was based were: 1) the pain reaction of the patient upon intra-arterial contrast injection, 2) bradycardial reactions upon common carotid injection and 3) the quality of the contrast image. Metrizamide induced significantly less painful sensations than meglumine ioxithalamate in those vessels in which injections of contrast medium are frequently painful (external carotid artery, vertebral artery). No significant difference in the degree of bradycardia was caused by the two contrast media. The degree of bradycardia was also found to be poorly reproducible upon successive injections of the same contrast medium in the same patient, thus raising questions as to the suitability of this method for determining the toxicity of the contrast medium. The quality of the angiograms obtained did not differ significantly with the two media. Spasm, when it occurred during selective external carotid injections, was found to be independent of the contrast agent used, being correlated instead with the depth of distal advance of the catheter tip into the external carotid. Of the 51 patients included in the study, two patients suffered transient neurological deficit after angiography with metrizamide, and one patient suffered a permanent hemiplegia after angiography with meglumine ioxithalamate.


[Unusual complication of arterial hypertension: Martorell's ulcer].

Eight cases of Martorell's ulcer observed in the last ten years are presented. Discussion of the aetiopathogenesis, and the clinical, anatomo-pathological, physiopathological, and therapeutic aspects of this form leads to the conclusion that it appears in hypertensive subjects, usually women, between the middle and inferior third of the leg, on the anterolateral surface. The limb is free from nervous, venous, and arterial lesions. Ulceration is typical of hypertensive arteriolitis. Drug and local antiseptic management normally gives the best results. In the case of severe lesions, Thiersch grafts can be usefully employed.


[Removal and immediate suture of sacrococcygeal cysts].

A series of 25 patients suffering from sacrococcygeal cyst-fistula treated by surgical removal and immediate, complete suture of the wound is reported. Functional recovery was complete and there no recurrences. Average postoperative hospitalization was also much shorter than that obtaining when other surgical techniques are used.


The effect of oral contraceptives on the gonadotropin response to LHRH.

This study was designed to assess the effect of long-term treatment with three combined oral contraceptives (OC) on the gonadotropin response to LHRH. The release of LH and FSH after a single 50-microgram dose of LHRH was studied from Days 11 to 14 of treatment and Days 2 and 3 after discontinuation of the treatment. The responses were compared with controls during the luteal phase (Days 16 to 19) of the menstrual cycle. LH and FSH baseline levels and release after LHRH injection were markedly depressed in women on OC treatment. The patterns of gonadotropin response after LHRH, however, were similar to the responses during the luteal phase. Following discontinuation of OC treatment, the basal levels of LH and FSH and the response to LHRH continued to be depressed, with a further decrease in the FSH release. These results indicate that treatment with combined OC exert a significant depression on the release of gonadotropins.


Naproxen sodium in dysmenorrhea. Its influence in allowing continuation of work/school activities.

Sixty-four women with primary dysmenorrhea participated in a double-blind, parallel trial of maproxen sodium versus placebo during three menstrual cycles. Comparative measures employed to assess the efficacy of the medications included changes in pain intensity during each dysmenorrheic episode, the degree of pain relief afforded, the necessity of using a supplementary analgesic, and the extent to which medication enabled the patients to continue their daily activities unimpeded. By these measures, naproxen sodium was significantly superior as compared to the placebo. Particularly striking was the fact that of 22 naproxen sodium treated women who historically had to stay at home from work and/or in bed, only 5 remained incapacitated compared with 21 of 26 patients of the placebo group. Only 1 patient experienced side effects (nausea and hypomenorrhea) from naproxen sodium.


Cervical-vaginal flora of women with invasive cervical cancer.

The cervical-vaginal flora of 21 women with invasive cervical cancer was determined. The cultures yielded polymicrobial growth with anaerobic organisms predominating. As compared with other studies of vaginal flora, the cancer patients were found to have a decreased frequency of isolation of aerobic lactobacilli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and enterococci, and an increased frequency of isolation of Escherichia coli and Bacteriodes species. The composition of the anaerobic vaginal flora in these patients is similar to that described for immunosuppressed renal transplant patients.


Immunohistological approach to tumor diagnosis.

Immunoperoxidase methods permit the demonstration of a variety of antigens in routinely processed tissues. The morphological detail obtained by this procedure is comparable to orthodox haematoxylin and eosin stained sections, and so offers the diagnostic pathologist the opportunity of simultaneously identifying normal and neoplastic cells both by their morphological characteristics and by their antigenic constitution. The application of this method to a study of maligant lymphomas has contributed to current re-appraisal of classification criteria for this group of neoplasms. It is anticipated that, as specific antisera against a range of different tissue antigens become available, immunoperoxidase methods will have a similar impact upon the re-definition of morphologic criteria related to other neoplasms.


[Structure of the mRNA of eukaryotic cells].

A review is given of the principal achievements in studying the structure of mRNA in eukaryotic cells. The data are provided on the size and life time, complexity and distribution of different kinds of mRNA by the frequency of repetitions; composition and structure of mRNP. The structures of individual mRNA's and general pattern of the structure of eukaryotic mRNA and mRNP are considered.


[Origin of the cells that form a capsule around a foreign body in the freshwater snail, Lymnaea stagnalis L].

The origin of cells forming the capsule around the foreign body was studied by means of 3H-thymidine autoradiography in Lymnaea stagnalis L. As a result of analysis of the kinetics of labelled cells upon the short- and long-term 3H-thymidine injection, it was shown that the cells of the focus of damage took their origin from the circulating blood.


ASA-dipyridamole prophylaxis in elective total hip replacement.

A prospective, double-blind clinical study was performed to evaluate the combination of dipyridamole 225 mg/day and acetylsalicylic acid 1 gm/day prophylaxis of postoperative venous thromboembolism in elective total hip replacement. Patients were stratified according to age, and randomly assigned to receive drug or placebo. All patients were followed with 125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning for one week postoperatively, or until fully mobile. Venography was performed in 79/132 patients; in 36 patients the venogram was obtained to confirm a positive fibrinogen scan, in 43 patients an elective venogram was obtained on the seventh postoperative day to evaluate the operated thigh (a blind area for scanning). Thrombosis (by scan or venogram) was found in 17/68 (25%) in the control group, and in 23/64 (36%) in the treated group. Overall incidence was 40/132 (30%). Correlation of scan with venography was 90%. There were no clinically significant pulmonary emboli in either group. The combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dipyridamole as given in this study is not effective prophylaxis in elective total hip replacement.


Effects of doxepin on perception of laboratory-induced pain in man.

Beneficial effects have been observed in University of Washington Pain Clinic patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants, but such effects occur much earlier than predicted mood elevation. A laboratory investigation of pain perception was employed to test the hypothesis that doxepin, a tricyclic antidepressant, has analgesic properties. Healthy, normal volunteers were tested over a 4-week period during which they repeatedly performed Sensory Decision Theory tasks while undergoing painful dental stimulation. Doxepin and a placebo were administered after baseline measurement for 4 weeks under double blind conditions. No significant changes due to drug administration were observed in detection threshold or sensory sensitivity indices, but response bias against reporting the stimuli as painful changed dramatically after subjects began ingesting capsules. This effect was evident in both drug and placebo groups, and it was maintained across repeated weeks of testing. These observations suggest that the instructions given patients when the drug is administered have a profound effect on pain report.


Color subtraction arthrography in the diagnosis of component loosening in hip arthroplasty.

While component loosening in arthroplasty of the hip joint may not always be associated with pain, the painful total hip arthroplasty frequently can be shown to be associated with loosening of one or both components. The application of color subtraction techniques to routine arthrography of the hip has greatly increased the authors' accuracy in identifying component loosening in the painful total hip. The technique and its method of application are described in this preliminary report. Several examples of its use are presented. The authors have found this technique to be a useful adjunct to routine arthrography of the hip in selected instances. It has improved overall diagnostic accuracy and is more rapid and less costly than standard photographic subtraction techniques.


The pain profile: a computerized system for assessment of chronic pain.

A computer-based system to assess and quantify three components of the chronic pain experience is described. The system produces a Pain Profile and classification for each patient based on a mathematical comparison of the pathophysiologic, psychological and behavioral aspects of chronic pain. This computer-based evaluation assists the researcher in analyzing the relative importance of the chronic pain components and helps direct the clinician to the appropriate emphasis of therapy.


Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2b.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2b, is a disorder of unknown etiology with major involvement of the thyroid and adrenal glands, the autonomic nervous system, and connective tissue. It is transmissible with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, but since most cases are not familial, they presumably represent mutations. The thyroid gland exhibits bilateral medullary carcinoma, which is a metastasizing lethal neoplasm in the syndrome requiring total thyroidectomy once abnormal basal or stimulated concentrations of plasma immunoreactive calcitonin have been demonstrated. The adrenal medullary tumors--pheochromocytomas--although rarely malignant, are potentially lethal because of their cardiovascular effects. Since the adrenal involvement is usually bilateral, total bilateral adrenalectomy with excision of any extraadrenal paraganglioma is the surgical treatment. Parathyroid hyperplasia occurs rarely in the syndrome. Treatment of it should be conservative, that is, limited to excision of enlarged parathyroid glands. Major portions of the autonomic nervous system, both sympathetic and parasympathetic, nerves and ganglia, exhibit hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and disorder of structure--a group of changes designated ganglioneuromatosis. This may be largely responsible for the striking eye and oral findings--the hallmarks of the syndrome--and also for some of the serious symptoms and complications of the syndrome, particularly those referable to the alimentary tract. Ganglioneuromatosis is also found in the salivary glands, pancreas, gallbladder, upper respiratory tract, and urinary bladder. The connective tissue abnormality is manifested by increased growth of long bones, ribs, and skull, resulting in a marfanoid habitus, and also by skeletal and joint abnormalities together with increased laxity of ligaments. Ninety cases of MEN 2b have been reported, and although follow-up information is incomplete, 27 patients (30 percent) are known to be dead because of the syndrome. The causes of death have been medullary thyroid carcinoma (15 deaths), pheochromocytoma (10 deaths), and alimentary tract complications (2 deaths). An additional 21 patients (22 percent) are known to have metastatic MTC. We are aware of only 2 patients who, 5 years after thyroidectomy, have apparently been cured of MTC, but both are still at risk for adrenal medullary disease. MEN 2b is, therefore, a very serious disorder that requires urgent treatment of the endocrine tumors. Fortunately, the majority of patients with the syndrome are easily recognized because of an abnormal phenotype typified by thick, bumpy lips and a marfanoid habitus. Since these findings signal high risk for the potentially lethal endocrine neoplasms, patients having the characteristic appearance need evaluation of thyroidal C-cell and adrenal medullary function.


5-(125I)-iododeoxyuridine and the Auger effect: biological consequences and implications for therapy.

If the full potential for the use of radionuclides in the treatment of cancer is to be realized, the problem of locating internal emitters with a short range of action in the sensitive targets of the cell must be solved. It is already clear that only two types of radioactivity will satisfy these requirements: alpha decay and, as this review has attempted to demonstrate, electron capture with subsequent Auger cascade. Although mechanisms have yet to be clarified, it is clear that an Auger emitter located within the genetic apparatus is extremely radiotoxic with as little as a single disintegration being lethal in some organisms. Moreover, the available experimental evidence suggests that the extreme lethality is confined to a very small volume, probably that of molecular dimensions. These facts highlight the advantages as well as the limitations of using the Auger effect for cancer therapy. A favorable feature is that extreme damage is confined only to the cell in which radioactive decay takes place; a disadvantage is that the biochemical specificities are very great. Not only must the radioactivity be directed specifically to malignant calls, but it must also be very closely approximated to their genetic structures as well. This circumstance has its counterpart in considering the use of electron capture emitters for diagnostic purposes since their potential hazard depends in large measure on their cellular localization. These microscopic considerations have largely been neglected in traditional radionuclide dosimetry but, considering the magnitude of the effect and the widespread use of such radionuclides as chromium-51, gallium-67, selenium-75, iodine-123, and thallium-201, they should be reexamined. In some cases, such as with 67Ga, we may find that standard dosimetric calculations have overestimated the hazard. In others, the opposite may be true. Whichever the result, it should serve as an impetus to obtain data on the cellular localization of commonly employed radionuclides and on the microscopic distribution of dose. Lastly, it is clear that Auger emitters can be used as ultramicroscopic probes to define the radiosensitive targets of the cell and to destroy regions of subcellular dimensions. This potential use in radiation and cellular biology has only now begun to be exploited.


Adiaspiromycosis.

We have then a disease that, for many years (since 1942), was known only to infect lower animals; after a sporadic encapsulated adiaspore was observed by Doby-Dubois in 1964 in a patient's lung, a widely disseminated, clinically symptomatic case was reported from Czechoslovakia, rapidly followed by three mildly disseminated cases, one from Russia and two from Guatemala, with innumerable granulomas similar to the patient of Kodousek et al. patient. Alert observers contributed descriptions of single adiaspores in arrested granulomas of the lung. The finding of presumed adiaspores in the lumen of an appendix seems unique. The reaction to the adiaspores is a tubercular granuloma, with fibroblast, (few) epithelioid, and giant cells representing the main component of the tissue response. Most observers agree on the absence of necrosis--one reason why the lesions do not calcify. The natural history of the disease seems to be self-limited, even if the extent of the involvement of the lung parenchyma determines the gravity of symptoms. The sudden flurry of reports makes it likely that cases previously had been mistaken for C. immitis or infestation by parasites.


Epithelial migration in organ culture. A morphological and time lapse cinematographic analysis of migrating stratified squamous epithelium.

The migration of stratified squamous epithelium in organ cultures of rat palatal explants has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning microscope revealed plate-like folds at the margins, and microvilli on the bodies of cells. These structures were most highly developed on those cells nearest the leading edge of the sheet of cells and are interpreted as an index of cells that are migrating. The cells at the leading edge have broad flat pseudopodia in direct contact with the collagen bundles. A time lapse cinemicrographic study showed that the net forward movement of cells (nuclei) remote from the leading edge was at least as great as that at the leading edge immediately in front of them and the distance they travelled was greater than that of the leading edge. In transmission electron micrographs of these migrating epithelial cells from in vivo wounds, profiles that could correspond to the microvilli and plate-like folds could be found on the surface of the migrating cells. The results of this study suggest a simple model for the particular type of movement that occurs in stratified squamous epithelium in healing wounds where a mass of cells is produced that can both migrate into the wound and undergo stratification and cornification. A tracked vehicle shedding a broken track is used as an analogy of the model proposed.


The tissue reaction to implanted foreign bodies in levan-treated mice.

The effect of local administration of levan on the reaction to foreign bodies was studied in the subcutaneous tissues of mice implanted with sterile cotton wool pellets or Melenex plastic coverslips. Treatment with levan reduced leucocytic invasion of the implanted pellets as well as the vasoproliferative response of the surrounding tissue. Reduction in the thickness of the capsule surrounding the implant in levan-treated mice provided further evidence for the latter. Assessment of cells attached onto implanted coverslips showed that levan treatment diminished the number of macrophages attaching to the plastic and significantly reduced the number of nuclei within the multinucleate giant cells formed at the site of implantation. This reduction indicates that levan also exerts an inhibitory action on fusion between macrophages.


Experience with a simplification of the petroff method for laboratory diagnosis of mycobacteria in sputum.

In the original Petroff procedure sputum is digested with NaOH and the centrifuged deposit neutralized with HCl before culturing. A modification in which digestion is arrested by dilution with water and the sediment is seeded on buffered media is simpler, quicker, safer and in our hands seems to give a greater number of positive smears and cultures for mycobacteria with less overgrowth by contaminants. The usefulness of regular smear examinations for excluding tuberculosis in nonspecific chest complaints is questioned.


Enzymuria as a marker of renal injury and disease: studies of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in the general population and in patients with renal disease.

Urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) was shown to be reproducible in random urine specimens when expressed as the ratio of NAG to milligrams of urinary creatinine. The enzyme/creatinine ratio in 815 healthy people was relatively constant throughout childhood and adult life except for the first two years after birth and in individuals 56 years or greater. High ratios in the young children may be explained by low urinary creatinine excretion probably related to small body mass and reduced glomerular filtration rate at this age. The ratio was increased in adult uremic patients and children and adults with a variety of neurologic and obstructive lesions of the voiding mechanism. The presence of bacteriuria did not appear to increase the ratio. Significant enzymuria (greater than 2 SD above the mean for age and sex) was detected in 38 of 81 children with well-characterized renal disease. Among patients with predominantly glomerular disorders there was a close relationship between activity of the disease and enzymuria. In patients with tubulointerstitial disease enzymuria was frequent even in the absence of proteinuria. One of the highest enzyme/creatinine ratios was observed in a child with cystinosis. These studies indicate that NAG enzymuria is a sensitive indicator of activity of renal disease and may prove to be a suitable screening test for significant renal disease or injury in childhood.


Furosemide in hyaline membrane disease.

In a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of diuresis on infants with hyaline membrane disease, seven infants were treated with furosemide (2 mg/kg intravenously) and five received 5% dextrose water in 0.225% sodium chloride (control group). Arterial blood gas analyses performed before and during the six hours after treatment showed no significant difference between control and treated infants. Urine output and urine sodium and calcium loss were significantly increased (P less than .05) in the infants receiving furosemide. The diuresis seemed to have no effect on left atrial size determined echocardiographically, whereas measurements of dynamic skinfold thickness suggested mobilization of subcutaneous water. One infant became seriously dehydrated and hypotensive secondary to a massive diuresis. We concluded that furosemide had a potent diuretic effect in infants with hyaline membrane disease but does not improve cardiorespiratory function acutely. This may be because of failure to mobilize pulmonary interstitial fluid in the time period tested. It may also be possible that the presence of pulmonary interstitial fluid does not play an important role in the impairment of gas exchange in the acute stage of hyaline membrane disease.


American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Nutrition. Calcium requirements in infancy and childhood.

Various aspects of calcium metabolism and methods for estimating total body calcium content in man were reviewed. From the data available, it is possible to make an estimate of the retention of calcium that is needed to sustain normal growth in body composition. However, the dietary requirements for different periods of growth cannot be defined precisely. Dietary calcium needs are most critical during those periods of life when requirements are known to be high. The low-birth-weight infant, the lactating woman, and the adolescent boy all have requirements. Individuals whose milk intake must be restricted should receive advice on nonmilk foods that are high in calcium.


Pathophysiology of aspirin overdosage toxicity, with implications for management.

The principal pathophysiologic effect of toxic doses of salicylates are characterized by (1) stimulation of the respiratory center of the brain, leading to hyperpnea and respiratory alkalosis; (2) uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, leading to increased oxygen utilization and glucose demand, increased oxygen utilization and glucose demand, increased glyconeogenesis, and increased heat production; (3) inhibition of Krebs cycle enzymes, leading to decreased glucose availability and increased organic acids; (4) alterations in lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, enhancing metabolic acidosis; and (5) increased fluid and electrolyte losses, leading  to dehydration, sodium depletion, potassium depletion, and loss of buffer capacity. The principal toxic manifestations of respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, altered glucose availability and depletion, fluid and electrolyte losses, and hypermetabolism result in serious morbidity and are potentially fatal. Therapy of salicylate intoxication should be aimed principally at replacement of fluid electrolytes, correction of acidemia, administration of glucose, and prevention of further salicylate absorption and enhancement of salicylate elimination.


Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in children.

Acetaminophen absorption may occur at a somewhat greater rate in children if the syrup form is utilized. The overall plasma elimination of acetaminophen is somewhat slow in the neonate, but is comparable to that of adults in both children and adolescents, as judged by half-life determinations. This would suggest that the frequency of acetaminophen administration in children should be similar to the schedule recommended for adults and that a dosing interval of four hours should not result in drug accumulation. The question of a toxic quantity of acetaminophen for young children must remain open until adequate metabolic or retrospective toxicologic data become known. Since the volumes of distribution appear to be the same in both adults and children, the same dose should apply in both groups; currently, 10 mg/kg is considered to be both safe and effective for antipyresis.


Aspirin and acetaminophen: a comparative view of their antipyretic and analgesic activity.

Aspirin and acetaminophen have excellent and essentially similar antipyretic activity. For the child, lowering of temperature will be indicated for excessively high temperature and when there is a history of febrile seizures. Specific clinical contraindications will often dictate the selection of one drug over the other. Aspirin has some advantage over acetaminophen for analgesia. The need for either drug for analgesia in the pediatric patient, however, will be infrequent; when required, a drug with greater analgesic activity than either aspirin or acetaminophen may be indicated.


Aspirin in pregnancy: maternal and fetal effects.

Recent surveys of prenatal drug consumption indicate that aspirin is the most frequently consumed drug in pregnancy. Over the past several years, numerous reports have suggested a possible association between prenatal aspirin ingestion and adverse effects in the pregnant woman and her developing fetus. This review summarizes the available experimental animal and human epidemiological data on the possible teratogenicity of aspirin, its effects on fetal lethality, its effects on the duration of pregnancy and parturition, and its ability to alter hemostatic mechanisms in both the mother and newborn. From an analysis of the data, it appears that, although direct conclusive evidence of adverse effects in humans is lacking, a potential hazard does exist and thus "the indiscriminate use of aspirin during pregnancy is contraindicated."


An instrument for monitoring stump oedema and shrinkage in amputees.

A new system for measuring the cross-sectional area profiles of amputation stumps and whole limbs has been designed at the Amputee Research Centre. The instrument consists of a cylindrical tank supported on an elevator. The tank is raised to the height of the amputation stump and filled with water. A graph of the cross-sectional area profile of the amputation stump is generated by a mini-computer as the elevator descends. The cross-sectional area (A) is calculated from the expression: formula: (see text) where Hw = height of water in the tank He = height of the elevator Ac = a constant, related to the size of the measuring tank. This paper describes the instrument, which may find application in many other areas where there is a need to study shape.


Neonatal infections in puppies caused by Escherichia coli serogroups 04 and 025.

Three cases of neonatal E. coli infection in Newfoundland dogs are described. The serological examination showed that the implicated E. coli belonged to sero-group 04 in two outbreaks while sero-group 025 was responsible for one outbreak. In one of the kennels with implication of 04, this 0-group was also isolated from adult dogs with diarrheal conditions.


[Pathology of mastitis in cows, goats and swine. A review].

The literature concerning pathogenesis, pathological physiology and pathological anatomy in bovine, caprine and ovine mastitis is reviewed. The evoluation of infectious mastitis is divided in the three following phases: transmission-, invasion- and establishphase. The pathological anatomy about Mastitis acuta haemorrhagica et necroticans, Mastitis catarrhalis acuta, Mastitis catarrhalis chronica, Mastitis suppurativa and Mastitis granulomatosa is discussed.


[Closure of the vagina after colpohysterectomy using an automatic suture forceps (author's transl)].

Closure of the lower third of the vagina using a TA 55 automatic suture forceps is an easy procedure which offers the best guarantee from a septic and haemostatic standpoint during the peroperative phase. We have used the technique on 50 occasions. In all cases, it gave a linear vaginal scar without granuloma. Used in association with sub-peritoneal suction drainage it brings about a reduction in the number of lymphoceles and their complications.


[Lassa, Marbourg and Ebola viruses: new features of African tropical pathology. II. Epidemiology. Public health problems (author's transl)].

Lassa, Marbourg and Ebola viruses are characterised by their endemo-epidemicity in tropical Africa, by their potential of inter-human transmission, by their gravity (30 to 50% mortality in cases admitted to hospital) and by the difficulty of their aetiological diagnosis. This results in a public health problem for countries in non-endemic regions receiving travellers coming from Africa. This problem is related to the risk of importation of cases, a risk which should not be exaggerated but nor should it be underestimated. Appropriate measures may be suggested in the light of assessment of the risk: organisation of specialised hospital facilities, laboratory and coordination service.


[Controlled trial of levamisole in rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and immunological study of 22 cases (author's transl)].

The results of a controlled trial in 22 patients indicated that levamisole, administered in a dose of 150 mg per day for 2 months, was more effective than a placebo on the clinical symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects were seen in 8 of the 12 patients treated with levamisole. They necessitated the premature interruption of treatment in three, but were never serious (no cases of agranulocytosis were seen). In the group treated with levamisole, there was a slight decrease in sedimentation rate, a significant fall in levels of the C3 fraction of serum complement and of circulating immune complexes (detected by polyethylene glycol), and a significant increase in cutaneous reaction to tuberculin and to candidin. By contrast, there were no significant variations in levels of rheumatoid factor, serum immunoglobulins, C4 fraction of complement, lymphocyte transformation indices in the presence of six dilutions of phytohaemagglutinin, nor in the percentages of T and B lymphocytes. The effectiveness of levamisole in rheumatoid arthritis would appear to be demonstrated, but its mode of action remains open to discussion, in the absence of any definite correlation between therapeutic activity and the immunostimulant effects of the drug.


RNA-RNA interactions in the binding site of protein L24 on 23S ribosomal RNA of Escherichia coli: 1. Evidence for their occurrence between widely separated sequence regions.

Protein L24, from the Escherichia coli ribosome, protects a large region of 23S RNA against ribonuclease digestion. This protected RNA consists of a series of non-contiguous subfragments encompassing about 480 nucleotides at the 5' -end of 23S RNA (1). The present work demonstrates that this RNA moiety remains intact, after removal of protein L24, indicating that the subfragments are maintained together by RNA-RNA interactions. Using a urea washing procedure, the weakly bound RNA subfragments were selectively removed leaving more strongly interacting subfragments that were identified, by gel electrophoresis and oligonucleotide fingerprinting, and shown to derive from widely separated sequence regions.


Thermodynamics of a stable yeast 5.8S rRNA hairpin helix.

The 5. 8S ribosomal RNA of bakers yeast contains one particularly stable hairpin helix which is isolated by partial T1 ribonuclease digestion. Thermal hyperchromism analysis of the hairpin fragment showed that it dissociates cooperatively with 18% hyperchromism, with a Tm of 83 degree C at 2.7 mM sodium ion concentration, and with a hyperchromic difference spectrum indicative of over 90% G + C content. The probable secondary structure for the fragment was used to predict a helix free energy, delta G = -16.2 kcal/mole, which was the same as that determined from the melting equilibrium. The predicted enthalpy however, was 77% of the value, delta H = -114 kcal/mole, determined from the van't Hoff relationship. The effect on these data of a G.U base pair within the 9 base pair helix is discussed.


Small-angle X-ray titration of the complex formed between the ribosomal protein S4 and its 16S binding site, S4-RNA: a central core in the 30S subunit.

X-ray scattering titrations at 21 degree C and in ribosomal reconstitution buffer indicate that the S4-RNA and the protein S4 from a 1:1 complex with a stability constant, log  K approximately 6.5. When the complex forms, there is only a limited change in the scattering curve indicating that S4-RNA essentially retains its conformation during the complex formation. The increase in the gyration radius as a result of the complex formation, delta R = 4 +/- 3 A, as well as the experimental scattering curve of the complex can be explained by models where the protein S4 is supposed to interact with the periphery of the S4-RNA.


Large-scale isolation of a native deoxyribonucleohistone complex from baker's yeast.

A method for large scale isolation of a native deoxyribonucleohistone complex from yeast is described. Crude chromatin, obtained after disrupting yeast cells at low ionic strength, contains a large amount of lipids, partially due to contaminating membranes. Most of them are removed by a Triton X-100 treatment, followed by step-gradient centrifugation. About 90% of the pellet may be solubilized by mild procedures, the composition of the soluble material being: histone/DNA = 1.0;nonhistone proteins/DNA = 0.55; RNA/DNA = 0.18. Histones can be obtained with high purity. Micrococcal nuclease digests DNA to yield a series of oligomeric fragments, with an average repeat length of about 160 base pairs. Circular dichroism spectra show that (theta) 270 is reduced by about 30% when compared to pure DNA and that chromosomal proteins are not denatured. These results indicate that the components of the complex conserve the native state.


A computer aided oligonucleotide analysis provides a model sequence for RNA polymerase-promoter recognition in E.coli.

A novel computer procedure has been used to search for homology among 17 known procaryotic promoter sequences. A model sequence, :formula: (see text), is compatible with the properties of all known promoter and operator mutations, predicts base positions for the initiation of RNA synthesis coinciding with those determined experimentally, is compatible with current models for the regulation of transcription, suggests that RNA polymerase could recognize the DNA double helix firstly in the B conformation then in the A.