A new dimension in suspension fusion techniques with polyethylene glycol.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces the hybridization of mammalian cells at a much higher frequency when the cells are attached to a substrate during treatment than when the cells are treated in suspension. Since many cell types, e.g., lymphocytes, cannot attach to a substrate, a new technique for the PEG-induced fusion of cells in suspension was developed. This technique, referred to as "pancake fusion," is based on the centrifugation of suspended cells onto a coverslip and the PEG treatment of the cells on the coverslip as if they were attached to a substrate. With this technique, the frequency of hybridization of human white blood cells, which are incapable of attaching to a substrate, can be greatly increased.


A cytological procedure to screen mammalian temperature-sensitive mutants for cell-cycle-related defects.

Interphase cells stained with quinacrine dihydrochloride show distinctive fluorescent nuclear patterns according to their position in the cell cycle. These patterns were used to determine whether temperature-sensitive growth mutants of the Syrian hamster cell line BHK-21 are blocked at specific stages of the cell cycle. These cytological studies confirmed the previous conclusion that ts Af8 cell line derived from BHK cells is a GI cell-cycle mutant. The method promises to be of use as an initial probe in screening for cell-cycle mutants.


Assignment of the structural genes for the alpha subunit of hexosaminidase A, mannosephosphate isomerase, and pyruvate kinase to the region q22-qter of human chromosome 15.

Concordant segregation of the expression of the alpha subunit of human hexosaminidase A, human mannosephosphate isomerase, and pyruvate kinase was observed in somatic cell hybrids between either thymidine kinase-deficient mouse cells or thymidine kinase-deficient Chinese hamster cells and human white blood cells carrying a translocation of the distal half (q 22-qter) of the long arm of chromosome 15 to chromosome 17. A positive correlation was established between the expression of these human phenotypes and the presence of the distal half of the long arm of human chromosome 15.


Isolation of a lactic dehydrogenase-A-deficient CHO-K1 mutant by nylon cloth replica plating.

A mutant Chinese hamster ovary cell deficient in lactate dehydrogenase A activity has been isolated using a nonselective technique. The method uses histochemical staining to examine colonies directly for enzyme activity and nylon cloth replica plating to recover particular clones. The mutant cell has an apparent Km (pyruvate to lactate) that is nearly tenfold higher than the parental cell, while its Vmax has been reduced more than 80-fold. In mutant cell extracts with added porcine LDH-B enzyme, molecular dissociation and recombination of subunits produces two new active LDH tetramers (A1B3, A2B2). The electrophoretic mobility of at least one of the tetramers (A1B3) was different from those formed in the parental extracts. The evidence suggests the variant cell contains a mutation in the structural gene for LDH-A.


A randomized prospective evaluation of orally administered antibiotics in operations on the colon.

In this randomized, prospective study of 91 patients undergoing operations on the colon, we found that neomycin, neomycin-phthalylsulfathiazole and neomycin-erythromycin base all provided adequate intestinal antisepsis. Wound infection rates for all groups were also similar and close to the national average for operations on the colon. A detailed analysis of the wound infections in our series revealed that 60 per cent of these infections were from organisms different from those found on the colonic mucosa. This evidence indicates the possible advantage of parenteral antibiotic therapy to achieve adequate tissue levels of antibiotics not presently possible with orally administered agents.


Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac performance in patients with arteriovenous fistulas.

This noninvasive echocardiographic study of cardiac performance in 27 patients with chronic renal failure and vascular access documented the magnitude of forward cardiac output to be 65 per cent of the observed index. Hemodialysis resulted in acute hemodynamic changes, including an average fall in the cardiac index of 57 per cent, presumably because of a 40 per cent decrease in left ventricular filling volume. In patients in whom the vascular access had functioned longest, a time related cardiac decompensation is suggested by a cardiac index of significantly less than normal, p, 0.0013, with occlusion. Ventricular function was suboptimal three months post-transplant, as reflected by a continued low cardiac index and depressed ejection fraction, although the general reduction in cardiac index and diastolic volume on postoperative day 7 was of the magnitude expected from arteriovenous access occlusion.


The relationship between biliary tract infections and postoperative complications.

The hospital records of 870 consecutive patients undergoing elective biliary tract operations during an eight year period were reviewed. Bacteriologic cultures of the biliary tract obtained on 451 patients were correlated with specific biliary tract abnormalities and with postoperative complications. The incidence of positive biliary tract cultures was higher in patients with common duct disease than in those with chronic gallbladder disease without common duct disease. Choledocholithiasis and partial obstruction of the common duct are viewed as important factors in causing a high incidence of postive biliary tract cultures. Eighty-eight per cent of patients who had undergone previous biliary tract decompression procedures had positive cultures. There was no difference in the yield of postive cultures taken from the gallbladder wall and the gallbladder bile. Forty-nine per cent of patients with common bile duct disease and positive biliary tract cultures had no history of clinical cholangitis. Postoperative wound infections were more common in patients with common duct disease. The microorganism responsible for postoperative cholangitis and septicemia can usually be cultured from the biliary tract at operation. Antibiotics significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative cholangitis and septicemia.


Treatment of colloid cysts of the third ventricle by stereotactic aspiration.

Four patients are described with a colloid cyst in the anterior part of the third ventricle, causing obstruction of the foramina of Monro. Stereotactic aspiration of the cyst was performed after exact neuroradiological localization, including CT scan. The great advantages of the technique presented are discussed.


Effect of a synthetic analogue of PGE2 on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function in the rat.

The effect of 16,16-dimethyl PGE2-methyl-ester (di-M-PGE2, a long-acting synthetic analogue of PGE2) on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic secretion was studied in rats with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Under basal conditions as well as after stimulation with secretin and OP-CCK, pancreatic exocrine secretion was inhibited markedly by intravenous injection of di-M-PGE2 at 10 microgram/kg and 100 microgram/kg. Secretory volumes and bicarbonate and protein outputs decreased within 10 minutes after the administration of di-M-PGE2, and this inhibitory effect persisted throughout the following 40 minutes. The smaller dose of di-M-PGE2 (10 microgram/kg) inhibited the volume of pancreatic secretion by an average of 47.7% and decreased bicarbonate and protein output by 41.1% and 70.5%, respectively. The larger dose (100 microgram/kg) caused a mean 48.3% inhibition of pancreatic secretory volume and decreased bicarbonate and protein outputs by 41.7% and 64.5%, respectively. Plasma insulin levels were lowered markedly after injection of di-M-PGE2 under basal conditions (mean inhibition 63.1% by PG-10 and 55.3% by PG-100) as well as after secretin stimulation (mean inhibition 89.5% by PG-10 and 82.4% by PG-100). These observations document that di-M-PGE2 is a potent inhibitor of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function in the unanesthetized rat. In these actions the PGE2-analogue antagonized the stimulatory effects of both secretin and OP-CCK.


Percutaneous drainage in the treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae lung abscess.

Seven cases of lung abscess involving Klebsiella pneumoniae with or without other pathogens presented with gross expansion of the involved lobes or segments and severe clinical illness despite medical treatment. Operative management by rib resection and tube drainage was successful in each case, one of which was found to be an infected cryptococcoma. Postoperative bronchograms were made in six cases.


A trial of clenbuterol in bronchial asthma.

Clenbuterol is a beta 2-sympathomimetic bronchodilator. In a double-blind cross-over trial in 19 asthmatic patients with reversible airways obstruction, oral administration of both clenbuterol (40 microgram) and salbutamol (4 mg) caused significantly greater increased in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) than placebo, that of clenbuterol lasting longer. The patients' subjective assessment also suggested the relief of their symptoms by the active drugs. Side-effects were minimal.


Participation of Hageman factor dependent pathways in human disease states.

Abnormalities of Hageman factor dependent pathways have been described in a wide variety of human disease states. Congenital deficiencies of factor XII (Hageman trait) prekallikrein (Fletcher trait) and high molecular weight kininogen (Williams, Fitzgerald and Flaujeac traits) although resulting in profound in vitro changes, do not cause in vivo difficulties. In contrast, deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor (hereditary angioedema) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Acquired diseases may exhibit decreased synthesis of these three proteins in cirrhosis and dengue fever. In vivo activation of factor XII initiated pathways occur in septic shock, disseminated or localized intravascular coagulation, typhoid fever, polycythemia vera, hyperbetalipoproteinemia, coronary artery disease, nephrotic syndrome, transfusion reactions, hemodialysis and extracorporeal bypass. Activation of both the intrinsic system and tissue mediators contribute to the vasomotor phenomena in carcinoid syndrome and postgastrectomy dumping. Roles for factor XII, prekallikrein and kininogen have been suggested in gouty arthritis, allergic disorders and cystic fibrosis but the evidence is not yet convincing in these disorders.


[Salmonella in minced meat from ten meat inspection services in the Netherlands (author's transl)].

Throughout a period of thirteen months, samples of minced meat from ten different meat inspection services in the Netherlands were examined weekly for the presence of Salmonella. One hundred samples of 150 g. of each meat inspection service were studied by six different methods. Marked differences in contamination of minced meat with Salmonella were observed between the various localities. These were differences in the proportion of contaminated samples from each meat inspection service (lowest 10%, highest 39%) on the one hand and differences in the number of contaminated sub-samples of each sample of minced meat (smallest 18, largest 139) on the other. Moreover, the season obviously was a factor in contamination of minced meat with Salmonella, the contamination rate increasing with the outside temperature. As a rule, contamination by Salmonella was less common in minced beef than it was in minced beef and pork mixed. Contamination of minced meat with Salmonella usually was less common in minced meat from butchers' shops in which slaughtering was done by the butcher himself than it was in minced meat from slaughterhouses. The organisms most frequently isolated in the present study were S. typhi murium phage type II 505, S. panama and S. brandenburg. Of the methods of isolation used, those with pre enrichment and direct enrichment in TBB at 43 degrees C were found to produce the most satisfactory results.


Monolayer cultures for immunofluorescent staining from tumor primary explants.

Epithelial cells growing around primary explants of carcinomas in plastic ware are well-suited for modern incident light immunofluorescence microscopy. Epithelial outgrowths in growth culture medium are flushed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and absolute ethanol and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen-isopentane. The walls of the plastic containers bearing the dried monolayer outgrowths are cut out to form microscopic slides. Immunofluorescence tests are made on circular areas demarcated on the monolayers by using small metal cylinders to mask against a water-repellent plastic spray. More than 20 immunofluorescence tests can be performed on a culture 40 X 50 mm.


[Effect of the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen in the treatment of advanced mastocarcinoma (author's transl)].

Today the endocrin therapy of the advanced mastocarcinoma is in common use. Besides the already known therapy by estrogens, androgens, gestagens, and steroids, Tamoxifen, and estrogen antagonist, is a very promising therapeutic drug. In the presented study, Tamoxifen was submitted to a critical clinical control during a period of one year from 1st October 1975 until 1st October 1976. After a three months' treatment, a rate of 41% of objective remissions could be obtained. The criteria of success were estimated according to the scheme of Karnofsky. The average remission time is 5,5 months. By a determination of the estrogen receptors it would be possible to realize a therapeutic selection and to achieve a higher remission rate. The authors made an interesting observation, i.e. a probably immuno-stimulating effect which, however, still has to be submitted to further examinations. The side effects are described in detail and the indications are established. Its is astonishing that the subjective ameliorations, i.e. cessation of pains in case of generalized formation of metastases in the bones are much more frequent than the objective remissions. We came to the conclusion that the treatment by Tamoxifen is a valuable alternative in the therapy of the mastocarcinoma, above all in the postmenopausal period if the disease is advanced and incurable.


[Follow-up studies and clinical evaluation of model cast dentures with periodontal and periodonto-gingival support].

The authors examined 746 cast denture constructions with an average wearing time of 6 years to study the influence of cast denture constructions on caries increment. The mode of wear of the cast denture constructions had no influence on caries incidence, whereas effects exerted by the duration of wear and the presence of soft deposits could be detected. The evaluation of the functional performance of cast denture constructions showed that the clinical serviceability amounts to more than 8 years.


[Prosthetic aspects in endosseous implantation].

Since 1975, 12 intra-osseous titanium blade implants have been applied to patients with unilateral or bilateral edentulousness of the terminal region of the mandible or with combined mandibular edentulousness. After taking impressions by means of individually fabricated transmitting copings and medium-flow silicone impression compounds, the temporary plastics bridges and the definite telescope bridge prostheses were made of precious metal alloys, using the "Biokop-Orthomat". Essential prerequisites for optimal functional performance of the implant bridge constructions are: creation of optimal occlusal conditions, tangential blocking of the remaining teeth by splinting one implant abutment with at least two natural teeth, and gingiva-free modelling of the telescope and crown margins at the implant abutment.


Transplantation unresponsiveness induced by allogeneic serum in combination with allogeneic cells and hydrocortisone in adult rats.

Attempts were made to optimize the treatment by using serum as antigen source for the induction of transplantation unresponsiveness in adult rats. With the scheme described it was possible to induce by serum injections the transplantation unresponsiveness not only in the week non-H-1, but also in the strong H-1 antigenic difference; this shows that there is no essential difference in the presence of H-1 and non-H-1 antigens in the serum. Allogeneic serum in conjunction with allogeneic cells was most effective in the non-H-1-different strain combination, whereas the combined treatment consisting of allogeneic serum, allogeneic cells, and hydrocortisone produced the longest skin graft survival in the H-1 antigenic difference. Some paradoxical results are discussed.


Biliary sludging following liver transplantation in man.

Following orthotopic liver transplantation in man biliary, obstruction has been produced by masses of inspissated bile--biliary "sludge." Bile studies in two groups of patients following transplantation show that bile is lithogenic in the early postoperative period but that reestablishment of the entero-hepatic circulation of bile salts corrects this. Such changes, however, do not appear to be important in sludge formation and biochemical and histological studies of bile sludge show a major constituent to be necrotic collagen from the donor bile duct walls.


Prolonged survival of human skin allografts following thermal injury.

We have studied the immune response of six patients admitted to the San Diego Regional Burn Treatment Center for treatment of major thermal injuries. Three of the patients retained skin allografts from unrelated donors for long periods (37, 47, and 67 days) while the remaining three rejected their grafts at 8, 10, and 12 days, respectively. Allograft survival appeared to be directly related to the immunosuppressive activity of patient sera on phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis of normal lymphocytes in vitro. Survival did not appear to be related to patient lymphocyte number or reduced reactivity, nor was graft prolongation accompanied by reduced immunoglobulin production. Our work thus supports the hypothesis that spontaneous immunosuppression may be of importance in the clinical consequences of thermal injuries.


Regional brain blood flow in the conscious gerbil.

Regional brain blood flow was determined in 23 awake, unparalyzed gerbils with a simplified indicator-fractionation technique. The use of intravenous 14C-butanol, an indicator that is freely diffusible into the brain, eliminated the need for repetitive sampling of arterial and cerebral venous blood and reduced the period of indicator circulation of 10 seconds. Gerbils spontaneously breathing room air (PaCO2 = 32 +/- 1 (SE) mm Hg) had blood flows in whole cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem of 102 +/- 4, 93 +/- 5, and 114 +/- 6 ml/100 gm/min respectively. Cerebral blood flow increased linearly with elevations in PaCO2 (r=0.969) and averaged 3.14 +/- 0.17 ml/100gm/min per mm Hg increase in PaCO2. Interpolated cerebral blood flow at a PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg was 127 +/- 2 ml/100 gm/min. This technique is easy and convenient to use, involves no intracranial surgery, requires steady state conditions for only 10 seconds, and minimizes blood loss in small animals. In more discrete brain regions a less volatile indicator is needed.


Influence of HLA matching and blood transfusion on renal allograft survival.

One hundred and seven consecutive cadaver kidney transplants have been followed for up to 6 years. The beneficial effect of HLA matching, shown in previous studies, has been confirmed. The 2-year failure rate from rejection was 29% for grafts with less than two incompatibilities, in comparison with a figure of 52% where there were two or more incompatibilities. In contrast to some reports, the presence of HLA antibodies did not have an adverse effect on the survival of first grafts. Patients not transfused prior to transplantation had a much higher 1-year graft failure rate (72%) than those given either frozen-thawed red cells (29%) or whole blood (23%). This apparently beneficial effect of blood transfusion was no greater in patients transfused with more than five units compared with those given less than five units. We believe that blood transfusion has an important influence on the outcome of renal transplantation.


Serologic diagnosis of extraintestinal amebiasis: a comparison of stick-ELISA and other immunological tests.

The sera of 37 patients with amebic liver abscess and of 20 healthy donors were tested in Stick-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and the results compared to those obtained with complement fixation, indirect hemagglutination, counterelectrophoresis, and latex agglutination. Stick-ELISA results correlated positively with those of complement fixation and indirect hemagglutination at the one percent level.


[Properties of cell water].

An attempt was made to analyse and summarize findings concerning water properties of animal and plant cells. From the physical evidence of surface influence on the structure of vicinal water layers, a conclusion is drawn that the structure and properties of cell water are likely to be affected by intracellular interfaces.


[Cortico-cortical connections in the motor cortex of the brain; a study using the peroxidase method].

Using a method based on retrograde axonal transport of horse-radish peroxidase (HRP), the cortico-cortical afferents of the motor cortex were studied. After enzyme injection into the posterior sigmoideus gyrus, the HRP product was found in the first and the second somatic sensory areas and in parietal cortex (fields 5a, 5b). The HRP-positive neurons occurred in layers II, III and V of the cortex and belonged to the pyramidal cells.


[Oscilloscopic control of the microvibration occurring in the preparation of sections for electron microscopic study].

For purposes of control and timely elimination of microvibration arising during the cutting of ultrathin tissue slices, a method is proposed using the piezocrystal, which is secured to the epoxy block with the help of melted paraffin. The elimination of microvibration is carried out by changing the angle of inclination or the speed of cutting in a broad range from 1 to 15 degrees, and from 0.5 to 5.0 cm/sec, resp. The noise and vibration outside the ultratome does not induce microvibration during the ultrathin slice preparation.


[Controlled cell culture. I. A modified perfusion chamber].

The construction of a modified perfusion chamber is presented, which can be used for a prolonged cultivation of mammalian cells and tissues, for observation of the behavior of living cells as well as for the study of different effects on these cells. The chamber is made as non-demountable of optical glass, with a diffusive barrier separating the pericellular zone from that with a perfusion medium. The scheme of the equipment for cultivation of cells and tissues in this diffusion chamber on controlling the composition of nutrient medium and gas phase is given.


Smear-positive and culture-negative results of routine sputum investigations for the detection and therapy control of pulmonary tuberculosis.

The frequency of smear-positive and culture-negative results (M + C-) is an important factor in the supervision by the Central Laboratory of its own activities and those of the laboratories in the periphery. Under the conditions of the present study, which included evaluation of 6415 specimens positive on smear during 5 years and studied simultaneously by microscopy and culture, about one half of the M+C- results (3% of the total) were thought to be probably laboratory errors and the other half were from patients being treated by chemotherapy. It is necessary to know, at least approximately, the size of this latter group of persons before the contribution of laboratory errors can be estimated and the necessary action taken to reduce their frequency.


Characteristics of lymphomas in the BALB/cfRIII mouse strain.

The occurrence of 392 lymphomas in 1607 BALB/cfRIII mice from F0 to F45 is analyzed. Lymphoma incidence increased rapidly in the first 5 generations, reached a high plateau from F6 to F20 and then decreased slowly until it disappeared altogether. After F35, only sporadic cases of lymphoma have been observed. The morphologic characteristics of 350 of these lymphomas observed from F0 to F20 are described. Three main types of lymphomas have been recognized on the basis of gross morphology, histology and age: a) early, lymphocytic, with thymic involvement; b) early, lymphocytic, without thymic involvement; and c) late, histiocytic, without thymic involvement. The first 2 types are virus-induced and thymus-dependent, and the third type is both virus and thymus independent. Lymphomas without thymic involvement and histiocytic lymphomas increased with the generations. The source of causative virus, the interference with mammary tumors, and the possible cell types of origin of lymphomas are discussed.


Renal failure associated with vesicoureteral reflux.

In a review of over 600 charts with a major diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux only 21 were found to have coexisting azotemia. Nine of 11 patients treated surgically with technically successful operations had either improvement or stabilization of their renal function. All such cases had moderate degrees of azotemia (creatinine of less than 3.5 mg. per 100 ml.). Surgery is recommended in cases of gross reflux and in cases with evidence of parenchymal damage, before deterioration in renal function has become irreversible.


Reconstruction of male external genitalia with elephantiasis.

The surgical rehabilitation of a patient with severely deformed and functionally disabled genitalia due to long-standing lymphedema and infection is described and illustrated. The term "elephantiasis" has been applied to such gross lesions. Appropriate surgery to the penis, scrotum, and perineum has yielded a gratifying result. The principles and techniques of the surgical approach in such an undertaking are presented and discussed.


Cystourethritis.

We believe this review lists the major factors and mechanisms considered responsible for producing cystourethritis. Knowledge of these factors and mechanisms is essential before effective investigation of this disease can be undertaken. We suggest a rational scheme for investigation of these patients. We believe successful treatment depends on establishing the probable cause in each individual patient. In view of the multifactorial etiology of the disease, attempts to find a single effective medical or surgical therapy will be doomed to failure.


Studies of renin-aldosterone axis in stable normotensive and hypertensive renal allograft recipients.

Functional aspects of the renin-aldosterone axis were investigated in long-term normotensive and hypertensive renal allograft recipients. Unstimulated plasma renin and aldosterone levels were within control range in all patients and rose significantly in response to sodium depletion. However, no difference in the stimulated renin and aldosterone values between normotensive and hypertensive patients was noted. Baseline aldosterone secretory rates were elevated in all patients, but were higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensive patients. In both groups sodium depletion failed to augment this already elevated aldosterone secretion rate. Possibly, changes in the body pool and/or metabolic clearance rate of aldosterone account for elevations in plasma levels despite a relatively fixed secretory rate, though the role played by the lack of normal innervation of the kidneys cannot be ignored. It is unknown whether these observations may be causal or affected by other presently unknown or unmonitored factors. This in part may reflect unfolding problems in the understanding of nonrenal transplant hypertension.


Ruptured human renal allograft. Pathogenesis and management.

From January, 1963, to January, 1977, 4 cases of acute allograft rupture occurred in 474 renal transplants performed at the Cleveland Clinic, an incidence of 0.8 per cent. Rupture developed between the fifth and sixteenth day after transplantation during a period when the patients required dialysis because of poor allograft function. All patients had surgical exploration and successful repair of the laceration. Biopsies in each case at the site of laceration revealed findings consistent with acute allograft rejection. The rejections were mild in 2 cases, moderate in one, and severe in another. Two kidneys failed to sustain function, and the patients were returned to chronic hemodialysis two to five months later. None required a nephrectomy. The other two kidneys are functioning well, with serum creatinine values of 1.3 and 1.5 mg./100 ml. one year after allograft rupture. Since rupture of a renal allograft does not appear to increase the intensity of rejection nor does it represent a severe type of rejection, transplant nephrectomy can be avoided unless hemorrhage is uncontrollable from the site of laceration.


Salmonellosis in young calves due to Salmonella enteritidis.

The clinical and epidemiological features of an outbreak of salmonellosis due to Salmonella enteritidis in a group of calves are described. The major clinical signs were dullness, pyrexia and diarrhoea. Five of the 15 calves died but deaths were mainly confined to the younger members of the group. The recovery of salmonella organisms from rectal swabs was maximal shortly before four of the five deaths occurred and declined rapidly thereafter. Only two of the surviving 10 calves developed significant flagellar agglutination titres.


[Practical aerogenic immunization of swine against plague].

A total of 3,500 pigs were immunized against hog cholera (swine fever) using an aerosol lapinized vaccine strain K, immediately after weaning the animals in the fattening sectors of two cooperative swine-breeding farms. Ordinary premises for pigs were used as chambers where the vaccine was dispersed at the rate of 10 ml per cu. m with the aid of the Soviet-made apparatuses DAG-2. This type of immunization proved effective, being well tolerated, causing troubles whatever in the treated animals. The immunity produced protected them from swine fever in the course of at least ten months, which was sufficient for the pigs in the fattening sector. This positive result is obtainable at a single aerosol treatment both for pigs of sows that have not been immunized and for pigs of sows that have regularly been immunized against hog cholera.


[Trials to obtain precipitating antisera against heat-treated soy protein, sodium caseinate and dry milk].

Developed were two patterns for the production of precipitating sera needed in the demonstration of thermically treated (70 degrees C for 30 minutes) soya-bean proteins, sodium caseinate, and dry milk. The immunization with antigens was carried out at low rates, the immunizing agents being treated after Smidt. According to the first pattern the antigen is first applied subcutaneously with Freund's adjuvant, then subcutaneously on the 15th day, and venously on the 16th and 17th day. According to the second pattern, which is intended for the production of precipitating sera against milk protein the antigen (dry milk) is applied on the 1st, 8th, and 15th day, peritoneally. The test animals are bled on the 26th, resp.21st day. The sera produced are of a high precipitating titer, and show no unspecific reactions with other proteins. They are applied for the demonstration of protein additives in cooked meat products.


[Agents and methods for the disinfection of the integument of animals before slaughter].

Experiments were carried out to test the disinfection effect of some agents, such as chloramine B, chloramine B+ surface active substances, vofasteril (peracetic acid), perfumaric acid, and bradofen on a dry skin or when applied immediately after washing--in buffaloes, cattle, and swine. Parallel trials were conducted under conditions of the practice as well. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used as model organisms. Results showed that best disinfection effect have 1.5 percent chloramine B and 0.5 per cent peracetic acid (for dry skins), and 3.0 and 0.8 per cent of the same agents when applied on wet skins (immediately after washing). The animals should be slaughtered not earlier than 10 min and not later than 30 min following disinfection. The effect of disinfection is read best on impression preparations of agar (in aluminum folio).


[Comparative studies of methods for the bacteriological diagnosis of mastitis in cows].

Comparative studies were carried out on some methods and nutrient media used for the isolation and identification of mastitis causative agents. Milk from normal andmastitis-affected udder quarters was aseptically sampled and treated under various conditions. Individual samples were simultaneously seeded in different media. The following conclusions were drawn: 1. Milk samples for the diagnosis of mastitis of a subclinical character can be taken at the beginning and at the end of milking. 2. Direct seedings of milk have equal diagnostic value as those of the sediment. With the former the process of bacteriologic treatment of the samples is shortened in time, and the isolation and differentiation of the mastitis agents is rendered feasible. 3. At the present etiologic structure of the subclinical types of mastitis in this country most suitable has proved the blood agar medium in which almost all mastitis causative agents can be demonstrated. 4. Kartashova's medium and the TKT-medium possess a pronounced selectivity with special reference to streptococci and have higher diagnostic value for farms where streptococcus mastitis is prevailing.


The nature of human blood group A3 erythrocytes.

A population of human erythrocytes (free A3 cells) which was entirely unagglutinable with anti-A hemagglutinins was successfully separated from human blood group A3 erythrocytes by affinity chromatography on a column of lima bean anti-A hemagglutinin (LBH)-Sepharose. The hemagglutinating and the binding properties of free A3 cells with purified LBH and purified eel serum anti-H hemagglutinin (ESH) were investigated. It has been revealed that there exists a bulk of H antigens on free A3 cells, whereas the number of A antigens on a free A3 cell is only 9% of that on an A1 cell. However, no appreciable difference was observed in the binding constants of A1 and free A3 cells to LBH and ESH. From these results it is assumed that the structure of the A antigens on free A3 cells is identical with, or at least similar to, that on A1 cells, but the density of the antigens on the surface of free A3 cells is too low to induce the agglutination of the cells with LBH or anti-A serum.


125 I-anti-immunoglobulin test: a new tool for the detection of drug-allergic platelet antibodies.

It is shown that the 125I-anti-immunoglobulin test with platelets is as sensitive and reproducible for the detection of quinidine-associated antibodies as platelet complement fixation. Because of its independence from complement activation, this test might prove most valuable for the demonstration of non-complement-fixing, drug-associated antibodies.


[Treatment of hemihyperkinesis by stereotaxic surgery on the basal ganglia].

Hemihyperkinesia develops in childhood as a rule as a consequence of meningoencephalitis. The authors operated on 60 patients, performing 76 stereotaxic interventions on the basal ganglia of the brain. It is established that these operations are the only effective method of treatment of the disease. A marked therapeutic effect was noted in over 70 percent of patients, which persists for many years. There were neither fatal outcomes nor stable complications. The best results were produced in one-stage stereotaxic cryodestruction of VL and subthalamic area.


[Cryosurgery of cerebral arteriovenous aneurysms].

The use of stereotaxic cryothrombosis is sparing and sufficiently safe for the management of arteriovenous aneurysms of the brain. On the basis of experience in performing 21 operations on 15 patients, groups of patients for whom the method is recommended are distinguished (with an aneurysm no larger than 6 cm in diameter and up to 35 cm3 in volume). The method is especially promising in the treatment of small deep lying anteriovenous aneurysms. In large aneurysms the considerable blood flow makes it impossible to produce a sufficient hypothermal effect.


Cellular and plasma-associated phagocytic defects amongst Iranian blood donors.

Peripheral blood leucocytes from 30 grossly anaemic professional blood donors were investigated for phagocytosis, intracellular killing and chemotaxis. The nitro-blue tetrazolium test was positive in 29 donors and negative in 1. Professional donors' cells in the presence of normal plasma were unable to phagocytose successfully and Candida killing and opsonization were defective when donors' plasma was used in the presence of normal cells. Chemotaxis of professional donors' cells to Ag/Ab-treated normal plasma was reduced as was chemotactic activity of normal cells in both Ag/Ab- and LPS-treated professional donors' plasma.


[Dependence of the phosphorus and calcium metabolism of infants in the 1st year of life on the qualitative makeup of the food rations].

An important role of balanced nutrition with the use of new milk "vitalakt" in preventing upsets of the phosphorus-calcium metabolism in nurslings is shown. A significant part played by poly-unsaturated fatty acids, against the background of moderate protein loads (up to 3.0-4.0 g per kg of the child's body weight per day) in upholding the calcium homeostasis is suggested.


Granulocyte transfusion therapy: a clinical trial in patients with acute leukemia and sepsis.

The effect of granulocyte transfusions on the course of infection in patients under treatment for acute leukemia was evaluated by comparing 19 febrile episodes in 15 patients receiving antibiotics alone with 18 febrile episodes in 13 patients receiving antibiotics in combination with granulocyte transfusions from ABO-matched donors. Both groups had a similar age, sex distribution and duration of disease prior to the febrile episode. About two-thirds of the patients in both groups had acute myeloblastic leukemia. 94% of the patients in the transfused group and 74% of the control group survived the febrile episode. In patients with positive blood cultures all transfused patients survived as compared to only 57% in the control group (p=0.05). In patients with persistent bone marrow failure 92% of the transfused patients survived as compared to 73% in the control group. Granulocyte transfusions had no effect on the outcome of febrile episodes in patients with negative blood cultures or early recovery of marrow function. These data appear to support the contention that granulocyte transfusions are beneficial in patients with blood culture-proved sepsis with persistent neutropenia.


[Comparative studies of food product contamination with carcinogenic aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons (APH) in the USSR and the GDR (defining the problem)].

The article is the first in a series of joint publications relating to work carried out in the USSR and GDR in studying possible carcinogenicity of alimentary products and pertinent preventive measures to exclude it. It contains brief information on the effect produced by carcinogenic additives in nutritional products upon the cancer involving the gastro-intestinal tract (in workers of meat packing plants and smokehouses). Under discussion is the relation between the disease-incidence and nutritional specificity. Major sources of possible carcinogenicity of alimentary products, such as additions of some dyestuffs, admixtures of some natural substances (cycsdine, thiourea, etc), contaminations of biological origin, with mycotoxins, carcinogens finding their way from the environment and, what is most important caused by specific technology of manufacturing the nutritional product (smoking, direct drying, frying, etc) are considered. The significance of carcinogenic PAH and benzpyrene, nitrose-amines and mycotoxins is discussed. The possibility and the need for determining carcinogenic compounds, of PAH above all, and their technical limitations in alimentary products with a view of preventing cancer of the gastro-intestinal tract are considered.


The use of low ionic strength solution (LISS) in elution experiments and in combination with papain-treated cells for the titration of various antibodies, including eluted antibody.

The investigation presents evidence for the value of suspending red cells in a low ionic strength medium for elution experiments since this has the effect of increasing the uptake of antibodies by the red cells. In addition it has been shown that for the titration of low affinity antibodies, and also of eluted antibodies, the combining capacity of which may be impaired through the elution process, it is an advantage to use a LISS-enzyme (papain) technique.


[Treatment of hypertension with the preparation Tendor].

The hypertensive preparation "Tendor" of the Hungarian firm "Chinoin" was applied in the treatment at the Clinic of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases. For the period from 1975-1977, 28 hospital patients and 8 out-patient department department patients with essential hypertension were followed up. Especially good effect was obtained among the patients in II and II stage with light and moderate hypertension degree among the group followed up. The favourable effect of the preparation is manifested as early as the first 10-12 days after treatment, without the combination of "Tendor" with some other hypotensive remedies.


[Therapeutic qualities of a lente preparation of swine insulins manufactured by Pharmachem].

The therapeutic effect of swine insulin preparation Lente, "Pharmachim" production was studied in 50 diabetics. Its hypoglycemizing activitis compared with that of standardized insulin Lente--"Novo", extract of bovine pancreas. The Bulgarian preparation was found to be very similar to the preparation Lente-Novo in its pharma-codynamic properties and could successfully be used in the diabetes melitus treatment. Insulin Lente Pharmachim is presumed to have lower antigenicity as an extract of swine pancreas, which is actually its great advantage for the therapeutic practice.


[Psychotherapy: present state and developmental trends (author's transl)].

Psychotherapeutic theories and techniques are multiplying explosively. However, the newer developments are reducible to a few basic concepts, namely 1. training, learning, conditioning and information, 2. suggestion, 3. persuasion, 4. counselling, 5. insight (making conscious), 6. group-effects, 7. cartharsis, ecstasis and acting-out. In the present situation a therapeutic schedule based entirely on methods and theories is no longer acceptable and has been replaced by a patient-centred approach, i.e. the method is chosen on a pluralistic basis according to optimum fulfilment of the requirements of patient, therapist and institution. Apart from psychotherapy in the narrower sense, a psychotherapeutic attitude is recommended as an essential method of secondary prevention in all health and social services.


[Recurrence of pseudotumour cerebri (intracranial hypertension) after renal transplantation (author's transl)].

The case report is presented of a 24-year-old male who developed the clinical signs and syptoms of pseudotumour cerebri (intracranial hypertension) twice during the course of protracted rejection 1 and 4 months after renal transplantation. Clinically, headache, nausea, hypertensive crisis and, finally, severe coma with an acute mid-brain syndrome was observed. Neurologically a mild left-sided hemiparesis was found on the second occasion. Examination of the fundi revealed bilateral papilloedema. Electroencephalograms showed pathological changes of a diffuse nature, later followed by abnormal delta range activity in the right frontotemporal projection. The withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy may have been responsible for the pseudotumour cerebri in this case.


In vitro susceptibility of selected bacteria to cefaclor.

Cefaclor is an orally absorbed cephalosporin antibiotic chemically and pharmacologically similar to cephalexin. It appears to be more active than cephalexin against susceptible strains. The in vitro sensitivity of 230 clinical bacterial isolates to cefaclor was studied. Most isolates of S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and indole negative Proteus species were inhibited at clinically attainable serum and urine concentrations. Like cephalexin, cefaclor was less active against isolates of Enterobacter species, indole positive Proteus species and enterococci although many of these isolates were inhibited at concentrations achievable in urine.


[Significance of suprapubic puncture of the bladder as a diagnostic method].

In 650 cases for the purpose of a methodical comparison was examined urine got by paracentesis of the bladder and midstream urine. The most important results were: 1. Urine got by paracentesis of the bladder was infected in 30.9%, midstream urine in 51.7%. 2. Further 39.4% of the samples of midstream urine were poor in germs; in 2.3% these findings corresponded to an infection. 3. Only 69.7% of the kinds of germs and 38.8% of the numbers of germs were identical. 4. 28.4% of the samples of midstream urine with a significant bacteriuria and 60.6% of those ones in the region of suspicion showed sterility in the corresponding urine got by paracentesis of the bladder. 5. On the other hand 30.8% of the infected urine got by paracentesis of the bladder did not reveal a significant bacteriuria in the midstream urine. These results confirm the relevance of the quickly performable and complicationless suprapubic paracentesis of the bladder as diagnostic method. It should more be taken into consideration in clinic and outpatient department.


[Distribution spaces and catabolism of insulin].

Exact knowledge of the distribution spaces and the loss rate of insulin is the prerequisite of the clinical use of an artificial B-cell. A critical review of the literary findings concerning these problems is performed and the still open problems are shown.


[The thoracic radiographic picture in routine monitoring following unilateral allogenic lung transplantation in the dog].

Undesired effects of nonspecific immunosuppression may be delimited by individual dosage. Early recognition of allograft rejection is the presupposition for that steering. As long as immunologic test methods require a great expense of equipment, personnel, and time, and as other methods (bronchospirometry, lung puncture) after lung transplantation additionally endanger the recipient, clinical routine examinations are particularly important, primarly thorax x-ray examinations. The authors report on serial chest radiographs during the courses after 71 unilateral orthotopic allogenic pulmonary transplantations in dogs with regard to the findings at obduction. Possibilities of differential diagnosis shall be found by that, and the limits of interpreting x-ray films after lung transplantation shall be disclosed. Certain distinctive marks in the x-ray findings indicate the various possible complications; they can not be relied upon, however, when they only extend to the graft (hemorrhage, infection, rejection).


Comparative studies on orthotopic liver allotransplantation in pigs after intoxication with extracts from amanita phalloides and after a long-term preservation of transplants.

The paper deals with results obtained in two experimental groups of pigs after orthotopic liver allotransplantation. The first group involved recipients intoxicated with a lethal dose of extracts from Amanita phalloides before the transplantation. The other was not given toxins from Amanita phalloides; the transplanted livers, however, were preserved for a long time. The authors briefly describe the surgical procedure, method of liver preservation and application of toxins from Amanita phalloides. Results of orthotopic allotransplantations are discussed with regard to the survival period, death causes, clinical findings, and some biochemical values.


Antiviral therapy.

The current status of antiviral therapy is reviewed, including discussion of older approaches together with more recently developed chemotherapy. Following the introduction dealing with pathophysiological aspects of virus disease, the different approaches to antiviral therapy are presented. The reasons for the slow progress in antiviral therapy are discussed. These include: 1. the necessity of intracellular penetration of drugs acting on viral replication; 2. the severe toxicity of most antiviral drugs; 3. the narrow antiviral spectrum of most of these agents; 4. the difficulty of making a rapid etiological diagnosis in view of the necessity of starting (specific?) treatment early in the course of the disease; 5. the difficult evaluation of beneficial as compared with deleterious effects of antiviral therapy. After a detailed review of clinically tested substances, including immunoglobulins, synthetic antiviral drugs (amantadine, nucleoside analogs, thiosemicarbazones and photodynamic dyes) and interferon, a guide concerning indications and application of specific antiviral therapy is presented. Although at present there are few indications, clinicians should be aware of the (present and future) possibilities of antiviral therapy.


[The importance of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection pregnancy and the period following birth (author's transl)].

The Type 2 herpes simplex virus is mainly localized in the genital region and is transmitted by sexual intercourse. A distinction must be made between primary and recurrent infection. During pregnancy, infection of the generative tract with HSV-2 can be expected in 0.1% of cases, depending on the patient's social status. It was possible to culture HSV-2 from the cervical secretion in 0.65% of an investigated group of pregnant women. Fifty percent of all infections in pregnancy are asymptomatic. Miscarriages are common before the 20th week of pregnancy (33%), while later there is a slight increase in premature confinement. Where HSV-2 infection exists at the time of birth, cesarean section is the method of choice for delivery. If rupture of the amnion has occurred over 4 hours previously surgical delivery to prevent infection is no longer justified. A start has been made on therapy for herpes genitalis and neonatal herpes, although sufficient experience for therapeutic recommendations has not yet been gathered.


[Asynchronous maturation of the placenta in dependence on the parity and the age of the parturient (author's transl)].

5143 findings of the placenta are arranged according to the ripeness of the placenta and the parturient's age and parity; the correlations between the age of the mother at her child's birth and the findings of the placenta, illustrated more exactly in the following, prove to be statistically significant in the chi2-test for primipara and multipara without exception: In the case of primiparae asynchronous maturations of the placenta are most frequently observed after the age of 34, whereas in the case of multipara an augmentation to this extent does not begin until the age of 40, slighter disturbances, however, are already stated after the age of 29, with the primiparae already after the age of 24. Complications such as premature delivery, precocious rupture of the membranes and increased mortality of newborns are possibly caused by precociously matured placentas which especially occur in the age classes of the old and the very young parturients. The diminished functional capacity of a retarded maturity of the placenta (often observed with retarded birth and overweight children) is connected with the frequent occuring of the following complications in the corresponding age groups: cephalopelvic disproportion, prolonged duration of labour, possibly caused by the latter, retarded birth, more frequent asphyxia of newborns and increased perinatal mortality. The described findings confirm the clinical experience, made up to now, and permit a prospective application for the pre-natal supervision of especially young or old pregnant women.


[Diflucortolone valerianate (Nerisona) in the treatment of corticoid-sensitive dermatoses in childhood].

The efficacy and tolerance of 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (Nerisona) in cream, ointment and fatty ointment formulations were investigated in a study in which no control preparations were used. The study was conducted in 657 children over a period of three weeks. The results were compared with those of a trial with the same design conducted with 4,878 adults. Our observations were mainly concentrated on the two groups eczema/dermatitis and neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis). Nearly 90% of the children taking part in the study exhibited these clinical pictures. By far the best therapeutic results were obtained in neurodermatitis. There was only one therapy failure among 198 patients (99.5%). Overall the results obtained in children were markedly better than those recorded for adults.


[The osteomyelitis of the hip in newborns and its functional treatment with "extensionsreposition" and "Hanausek-Retention" (author's transl)].

Since 1969 all our patients below the age of three years with congenital dislocation of the hip are treated by a modified overhead-traction (Extensionsreposition) and the "Hanausek-Apparat" for retention. Because of good results of careful reduction and retention in a mitigated Lorenz-position we also treated osteomyelitis of the hip-joint in newborns and following dislocation by this method. It is reported of 3 cases, different types of osteomyelitis of the hip and the method are described.


[Urology and nephrology in the USSR during 60 years of Soviet power].

It can be established that in the USSR during 60 years of Soviet power, but especially in the last 10 years, urology and nephrology can record significant progress and success in scientific research work as well as in practical special care of the population. From a very small speciality nephrology has changed into a comprehansive clinical subject which is constantly developing.


[Preparation of the patient for kidney transplantation].

1. Before the kidney transplantation the renal insufficient patient should be tended in a chronic dialysis program, because only in this way all possibilities of the prolongation of his life are treated fully and favourable presuppositions can be provided for success of the transplantation. 2. The age of the patients above 50 years and a bad clinical condition are the most important risk factors for a kidney transplantation. Both of them must be avoided, if possible. 3. Part of the preparation of the transplantation is the rehabilitation of the patient. It has the following priorities in diagnostic and therapeutic relation: a) sanitation of the infection b) correction of complications of the terminal kidney insufficiency c) normalization of the function of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract and of the cardiovascular system.


[Problems in the determination of pathogens in prostatovesiculitis].

In patients with prostatovesiculitis the qualitative proof of microorganisms from experiment or ejaculate has only an insignificant diagnostic value on account of the lacking possibility of the recognition of contamination germs, It may be concluded to a prostatitis caused by bacteria, when the number of germs established in the exprimate is unequivocally larger than this one in the middle stream urine. In order to use successfully also the differences of the number of germs of ejaculate and middle stream urine for the differentiation between bacterial contamination and prostatovesiculitis, it must be presumed that bacteria of the physiological flora of the urethra may be cultivated in about the same quantity by investigations of the ejaculate as well as of the middle stream urine. Of 100 males without inflammatory disease in the region of the urogenital tract, therefore, middle stream urine and ejaculate or exprimate-containing urine were examined bacteriologically. Hereby was recognized that the number of germs in the different ejaculte specimens of healthy men considerably varied in comparison to the middle stream urine or the exprimate-containing urine and, consequently, is scarcely taken into consideration as diagnostic criterion for the prostatovesiculitis.


Effect of clays on the microbe adsorption.

The non motile Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria are much more adsorbed on the bentonite than the motile Gram-negative rods. The motile bacteria adjance to clays in the phases of their rapid multiplication only. The dependence of the clay adsorption of motile microbes by the substrate and/or intermediate adsorption has been suggested.


[Operative therapy of Dupuytren's contracture (author's transl)].

After the description of various possibilities of our operative procedure and post-treatment, the postoperative complications and operation results of 124 patients with Dupuytren's contracture are analysed. In 20% of cases passageric back-hand oedemas and in 2.4% Sudeck's diseases occurred post operation. In 97% of operated patients good and very good functional results could be achieved.


[Role of B streptococci in perinatal medicine].

Vaginal swabs from 1140 women were investigated for presence of group B-streptococci. In nonpregnant women the carriage rate was 3.3%. During the pregnancy the highest colonisation rate was in the second trimenon. The serotypes were distributed approxmiately the same in both groups of patients, with the exception of types III and R. All strains were sensitive against ampicillin and lincomycin, in 6 cases we found a reduced sensitivity against penicillin. These results are compared with those from other authors and discussed in regard to sepsis and meningitis of the newborn.


On the metabolic characteristics of Shigella flexneri X Escherichia coli, devoid of ability for intracellular multiplication in epithelial cells. III. Oxygen uptake and dehydrogenase activity.

The oxygen uptake and dehydrogenase activity of avirulent xyl+ and xyl- str hybrids (KCP-), obtained from virulent strains Sh. flexneri (Sh. flexneri 222 5 a and Sh. flexneri M42-432a) and donor strain E. coli AB 313, devoid of ability for intracellular multiplication in epithelial cells are studied. Some tricarboxylic acid intermediates, hexoses and pentoses were used as substrates. A definite tendency has been established, indicating a decreased rate of oxygen consumption and dehydrogenase activity of the hybrids, compared to the respiratory activity of the virulent recipient strains tsh. flexneri in all substrates used.


Investigation into the immunoglobulin class responsible for the polar staining of Toxoplasma gondii in the fluorescent antibody test.

Bipolar staining of the trophozoites of Toxoplasma gondii has been observed with a number of sera from patients. It has been demonstrated that the serum factors involved are IgM. The majority of sera demonstrating this phenomenon had raised nonspecific IgM levels.


[The influence of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants on the resistance against infectious diseases (author's transl)].

Groups of female NMRI-mice inhaled nine weeks 12.4 or 81.8 microgram Pb/m3 24 h per week, while other groups inhaled 0.3 mg NO2 + 5 mg flame soot/m3 or 5 mg NO2 + 0.3 mg flame soot/m3 for 45 h/week. Five animals of each group were randomly selected in weekly intervals and bacterial elimination determined 5 hours after inhaling a Serratia marcescens-aerosol. Bacteria in lung sections were determined by means of the "sandwich-method", using an anti-Serratia-serum and a FITC-loaded antirabbit-gammaglobuline. Inhalation of leadchloride caused a time and dose-dependent deterioration of bacterial elimination, which showed to be statistically significant already after three days of treatment with 81.8 microgram Pb/m3. A time dependent function between bacterial elimination and exposure could not be shown under treatment of the mixed pollutants NO2 and flame soot, although the lung clearance was deteriorated especially in the group treated with 5 mg NO2 + 0.3 mg flame-soot/m3. The experiments give evidence that lead exhibits a cyto-toxic effect on alveolar macrophages while the combined pollutants NO2 and flame-soot exhibit their adverse effect on the mucociliary-system. Nitrogen dioxide is shown to be a more hazardous pollutant than flame-soot within the given combination.


[Contamination of the Czechoslovak section of the Danube by bacteria of the Salmonella group (author's transl)].

120 water samples taken during 1972 and 1973 from 8 profilen of the Danube as well as 15 samples taken from the Morava and the Váh rivers have been examined for salmonella contamination. Salmonellas were present in 60-93.3% of examined water samples taken along the whole Czechoslovak section of the Danube. The results point on the longterm survival of salmonellas and consequently their long-distance contribution by the Danube. We recovered altogether 769 salmonellas belonging to 11 serological groups and to 55 serotypes and lysotypes. The most frequent serotypes were S. enteritidis, typhimurium, agona, derby and panama.


[Duration of bacterial discharge in Sonne dysentery].

The authors report on the results of their observations during 3 epidemic outbreaks. Despite different intervals at which the bacteriological examinations were carried out comparable data were obtained: during 2 outbreaks when no chemotherapeutic agents were used in 78.0 and 79.9% of children shigella discharge ceased in 4 weeks. Daily bacteriological examinations carried out in the course of the 3rd outbreak showed the maximal intermittent bacterial discharge for up to 79 days in individual cases.


[Experimental study, using a pulmonary model, of the pathogenic properties of genetically related strains of Sh. flexneri, differing in their ability to cause keratoconjunctivitis].

Complex microbiological and morphological study of the genetically connected Sh. flexneri strains, avirulent by keratoconjunctival test showed that the greatest extent of the virulent loss was revealed in shigellae with mutation in the area glpK-gene: they lost the capacity to penetrate into the cells of the bronchial epithelium, to resist local leukocytic reaction and to produce an injurious action on the pulmonary vessels. Shigellae with the replaced kcpA- gene area mostly lost the capacity to penetrate into the epithelial cells of mouse bronchi and were eliminated from the epithelium by the 9th hour after the administration. Xyl--avir-hybrids obtained from crossing of Sh flexneri with the streptomycin-resistant E. coli K12 donors were characterized by the loss of the capacity to prolonged reproduction in the organism of mice with the retention of the capacity to penetration into the epithelium, of the influence on the development of the leukocytic reaction and of the damaging effect on the pulmonary capillaries.


Transduction of M+- and SOR+-markers in group A streptococci.

Phagolysates obtained in passage of the virulent phage CA1 on M+ SOR+-cultures of streptococcus, serotype 22, offered a possibility of transduction of the M22+-sign to M-SOR--strains of serotype T12. Transductants were selected in direct bactericidal test with subsequent determination of their type in the indirect bactericidal test with homo- and heterologous immune sera. The UV-lysates of the lysogenic M+ SOR+-cultures of serotypes 4, 22, and 49 offered a possibility of transducing both signs conjointly. In this case transductants were selected by the SOR-phenotype in the dishes with serum agar. All the transductants retained the T-serotype of the recipient's strain and segregated M-- and SOR--clones with high frequency. There were for the first time obtained in streptococcus of group A proofs of transduction of M+- and SOR+-signs pointing to their determination by different, but closely conjoint genes. Conditions of the marker transduction, selection and study of transductant were chosen, they opened new possibilities for genetic analysis of the virulence of streptococcus, group A.


[Principles for optimizing and guaging several processes in the technology of vaccine production. II. Modeling processes of thermal inactivation of microorganisms].

The paper treats of some problems pertinent to modelling of thermal inactivation of the microbes serving as a theoretical foundation for the achievement of guaranteed sterility of the equipment, communications and fluids. The principal attention is devoted to the problems of quantitative assessment of the efficacy of the mentioned processes. The advantages and the drawbacks of some deterministic and probability models which found application in microbiological laboratories are assessed. The expediency of orientation on a model proposing the use of characteristics of thermal resistance of the microorganisms and considering the heterogeneity of the actual populations by the thermoresistance index was demonstrated.


[Indications for surgical treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency in patients with occlusive lesions in the brachiocephalic vessels].

The authors studied and operated on 172 patients with cerebro-vascular insufficiency due to occlusional lesions of the brachiocephalic vessels. According to the pre-operational signs of cerebro-vascular insufficiency 4 clinical groups were distinguished; 1) with asymptomatical oclusions; 2) transient disorders of cerebral circulation; 3) with chronic cerebro-vascular insufficiency and 4) with ischemic strokes. On the basis of an analysis of the direct and remote results of reconstructional operations indications to surgical treatment were determined. The best results were obtained in patients of the 1st and the 2nd groups, where the blood flow in the reconstructed vessel was restituted in 74 and 92% of the cases. Poor result of surgical treatment was seen in patients with severe brain lesions, especially after repeated ischemic strokes. However, in patients of the 3d and 4th groups with moderately crude cerebral changes it was possible to restitute the blood flow in 57% of the cases most frequently on the side contralateral to the lesion. The conclusion is made that surgical treatment is definitely indicated in asymptomatic occlusions and transient disorders of cerebral circulation as well as in chronic cerebro-vascular insufficiency and ischemic strokes, if however, the neurological deficiency is moderate.


Optical polarization reveals different ultrastructural molecular arrangement of polysaccharides in the yeast cell walls.

The topo-optical aldehyde bisulfite-toluidine blue (ABT) reaction of vicinal OH and amino-OH groups offers new ways to study the ultrastructure of polysaccharides in different biological substrates. Through oriented dye binding on the reacting groups, the ABT reaction induces strong birefringence on the linearly ordered polysaccharides, which is negative with respect to their chain length. Using this method, two types of molecular order of the polysaccharides could be distinguished in the cell walls and capsules of yeasts. (1) The optically negative spherulitic character of the yeasts after the ABT reaction indicated that the toluidine blue molecules were bound tangentially (in a surface-parallel pattern) while the polysaccharide chains of the cell walls and capsules were oriented mainly radially. This structural pattern may be explained as resulting from a helicoid conformation of the polysaccharide component. (2) Acid or alkali hydrolysis removed the radially oriented polysaccharide component of the cell wall. The remaining, resistant polysaccharides showed up in the form of optically positive spherulites indicating radially oriented dye molecules on a circularly ordered, micellar polysaccharide texture.


Anion transport across the red blood cell membrane and the protein in band 3.

The paper reviews existing evidence for the participation of the protein in band 3 (nomenclature of Steck, [1]) in anion transport across the red cell membrane and discusses the possible role of common binding sites on band 3 for 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 2-(4'-aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzenethiazol-3',7-disulfonic acid and dihydro 4,4'-diisothiocyanato stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid in the transport process.


[Study of coronary flow in man].

Especially for the last decade, measurement of total and regional coronary blood flow has raised a considerable interest. Various techniques resorting to indicators introduced into the systemic or the coronary circulation are used. Measurement of the coronary blood flow is derived from the pattern of myocardial indicator uptake or washout curves. The currently available techniques for quantitating coronary flow include inert diffusible gases, radioisotopes and continuous thermodilution; each of these has some methodological limitations. Moreover, regulation of coronary circulation depends upon several factors, and quantitative assessment of coronary perfusion in patients with ischemic heart disease has raised appreciable difficulties. Recently, however, measurement of myocardial blood flow during stress in subjects with coronary artery disease has yielded promising results. The importance of these techniques, in assessing the functional consequences of coronary stenoses, is multifold and their clinical applications will grow quickly.


Dopamine uptake by platelets in hepatic encephalopathy; evidence for a possible depletion of brain dopamine.

A decrease in H3-dopamine uptake was demonstrated in the blood platelets of 22 hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patients when compared to that of patients with liver cirrhosis, but without HE, and controls. There was a direct correlation between the stage of HE and the decrease in H3-dopamine uptake. As blood platelets have characteristics similar to neurons which contain amines, they have been proposed as a model for the study of amine metabolism in neurological, as well as liver diseases. A defective dopamine uptake by the HE platelets suggests that a similar biochemical derangement is, also, present in the nerve cells of the dopaminergic system. This could account for the clinical evidence of extrapiramidal dysfunction and the arousal effect of levodopa in HE. Platelets from 10 cirrhosis, but HE-free, patients had a dopamine uptake which was intermediate between the HE patients and controls. When octopamine was added at the same concentrations as in serum of HE patients, the blood platelets from five controls showed a decrease in dopamine uptake proportional to the concentration of octopamine added. Octopamine may impair dopamine uptake by platelets from HE patients.


Immunofluorescence studies of intra cytoplasmic immunoglobulin binding lymphoid cells (CILC) in the central nervous system. Report of 32 cases including 19 multiple sclerosis.

In 32 cases of human neurological disorders, including 19 cases of Multiple Sclerosis, an analysis was performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded brain tissue by using fluorescein labelled antibodies and Nomarski optics. This method, which allows the reduction of technical artifarcts, permitted to establish the presence of intracytoplasmic immunoglobulin binding lymphoid cells with IgG and IgA, more rarely IgM, in the majority of the multiple sclerosis cases. This supports the theory of the intrathecal secretion of antibodies within the central nervous system but does not allow to explain the function of those B. Lymphocytes. The same immunological picture was found in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis. On the contrary, it was different in Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy.


Observations on the distribution of canine distemper virus in the central nervous system of dogs with demyelinating encephalitis.

The distribution of canine distemper virus in the central nervous system was examined in 11 dogs with demyelinating encephalitis by the direct fluorescent antibody technique on paraffin sections of brain and spinal cord. In the grey matter there was a good correlation between the presence and severity of lesions and presence and amount of viral antigen. Large concentrations of virus were found in neurons and their processes. In most demyelinating lesions only small amounts of viral antigen were found, mostly located in astrocytes. The potential importance of the role of the astrocyte in demyelination in canine distemper virus infection is stressed.


Inhibition of puerperal lactation. A double blind study of bromocriptine and placebo.

Bromocriptine and placebo were randomly allocated for three weeks to 52 postpartum patients requiring lactation suppression. Bromocriptine significantly lowered plasma prolactin levels and suppressed breast milk, breast pain and engorgement quicker than placebo. No side-effects were noted and rebound lactation did not occur. Menstruation appeared to re-start sooner when Bromocriptine was given.


Trial of a new analogue of LH-RH in normal subjects and in cases of anovulatory sterility.

A new and potent analogue of luteinizing hormone releasing-hormone (LH-RH), the des-gly-6-D-trypt-LH-RH which was synthesized in 1975 by Schally and his group, was assessed in normal volunteers, both men and women and in six cases of anovulatory sterility. The new substance seems to be one of the most active FSH and LH releasing factors. Its effect is stronger in the female than in the male, acting more actively on LH than FSH release. The magnitude of the effect is greater not only in amount but also in time, the levels of gonadotrophins after the injection being higher and remaining much longer. This last property, makes the new substance specially suitable for the treatment of anovulatory sterility. Of six sterile women, one ovulated and two became pregnant.


Some methodological aspects in the psychosomatic gynaecology.

Psychosomatic medicine--and thus psychosomatic gynaecology--is presented as an approach to be used by doctors when meeting the patient. At the same time it is a method, a technique, trying to elucidate the mechanisms in the most complicated interplay between the psychological, somatic and social "parts of the whole". Some diagnostic methods which can be used in this connection are discussed. The basic aim of the paper is to show the necessity and the possibility for the gynaecologist to use new technique from the psychodiagnostic field in his daily practice in order to achieve a better understanding of his patient's complaints and needs.


Premalignant and malignant uterine changes in immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients.

29 female immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients were examined gynecologically. In 2 cases the epithelium of the portio was found to be dysplastic, while endometrial carcinoma was present in 1 patient. A review of the literature suggests that immunosuppressed patients are more likely to develop tumors than others. The authors stress the need for gynecological and cytological examinations at short intervals, to identify premalignant and early malignant uterine changes at a time at which these can readily be treated without discontinuation of the immunosuppressive therapy.


Vaginal agenesis: an analysis of ninety cases.

This study of 90 cases of vaginal agenesia showed the following results: 50% of the patients sought medical advice when between 16 and 20 years of age; 71.1% of the patients were not married; amenorrhea was present in 100% of the cases, with hypogastric pains in 20%; the uterus was not palpable clinically in 77.7% of the cases; 77.7% of the patients had agenesis, 11.1% had partial agenesis and 7.7% had homatometra; through laparotomy, 75.5%% were found to have normal ovaries, 92.5% of the cases were histologically normal; laparotomy showed the uterus as solid rudimentary in 55.5% of the cases and absence of the uterus in 24.4% of the cases; the Fallopian tubes were normal in 32.22% of the cases and rudimentary in 46.6%; excretion urography disclosed renal anomalies in 17.5%; surgical treatment by the McIndoe technique, carried out in 90 cases, gave 90.5% satisfactory results; the follow-up made between one and 5 years, in which the long-term use of an acrylic mould is recommended in those who do not have sexual relations, showed permanence of the satisfactory results 91.3% of the cases, of which 83.3% were after one operation only; neovaginal cytology, done between one and 6 years, showed 72.2% of the cases with acidophyl cells between 5 and 20% with acidophily between 21 and 40%.


Association of some enterobacteria with the intestinal mucosa of mouse in relation to their partition in aqueous polymer two-phase systems.

The association of enterobacteria with mouse intestinal mucosa has been investigated by pumping heat-killed, radioactively-labelled bacteria through the gut lumen in vitro. Approximately 20 cm of the small intestine proximal to the ileo-caecal valve was rinsed, excised and maintained in an organ bath. By using two different bacteria labelled with different radioactive isotopes, the relative association of the two bacterial pumped through the same piece of gut was determined. Cross-labelling showed that choice of isotope did not affect the association. Salmonella typhimurium 395 MR10 was used as reference and the other bacteria investigated related to it. S. typhimurium MR10 and Escherichia coli O 14 K7, which are relatively lipophilic, showed greater association than S. typhimurium 395 MS and E. coli O 111 K58, which are more hydrophilic. Prolonged incubation of bacteria with the length of intestine in vitro leading to damage of the brush border of the mucosal epithelium enhanced the association of the bacteria. These data suggest that similar physico-chemical surface properies govern the association certain enterobacteria to the intestinal mucosa as in phagocytosis with professional phagocytes.


Endocytosis of Salmonella typhimurium 395 MS and MR10 by HeLa cells.

Monolayer of HeLa cells were examined for their ability to endocytose Salmonella typhimurium 395 MS (wild) and MR10 (chemotype RD). Monolayers treated with the glycolytic inhibitors iodoacetic acid (IAA) or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) or the respiratory inhibitor sodium azide (NaN3) or cytochalasin B (CB) were incubated with S. typhimurium. The numbers of cell-associated (intracellular plus cell-membrane attached extracellular) and intracellular bacteria were determined by viable counts, together with the HeLa cell ATP levels. IAA and NEM at concentrations 10(-4)M and 10(-3)M decreased significantly the number of intracellular MR10 and the cellular ATP levels, but did not influence significantly the total number of cell-associated bacteria except for 10(-3)M IAA which slightly increased the association. On the other hand, NaN3 at concentrations 10(-4)M and 10(-3)M did not affect the number of associated or intracellular bacteria, or the cellular ATP levels. CB at concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 microgram/ml increased the number of associated bacteria, decreased the number of intracellular bacteria and caused a small decrease in cellular ATP levels. Thus, HeLa cells may internalize S. typhimurium by an energy-requiring, glycolysis-dependent process. CB had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the internalization without influencing significantly the HeLa cell ATP levels. This indicates that CB might affect the internalization process by some means other than decreasing the ATP content.


Single-cell protein as a bacterial substrate.

It was found that the pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria tested were able to grow and produce extracellular enzymes and toxins in substrates based on extract from various products of Single-cell protein (SCP), as well as in suspensions of SCP. In addition to the hygienic aspects of these findings the possibility of utilizing SCP as substrate for cultivation of bacteria is pointed out.


A simple blood agar plate medium for demonstration of the streptococcal serum opacity reaction.

Blood agar plates for demonstration of the streptococcal serum opacity reaction were prepared by pouring into Petri discs four layers, one above the other, in the following sequence: 1. agar; 2. horse-sheep blood mixed with agar; 3. porcine serum in agarose; and 4. agarose. The strains to be tested were streaked with a loop on the plates and a control medium was prepared as described above, but without porcine serum. After incubation for 18 hours at 37 degrees C, the streptococci producing opacity factor showed greenish zones around the colonies or else no haemolysis at all on the plates containing porcine serum, in contrast to a clear betahaemolysis on the control plates. Opacity reaction negative steptococci showed the same clear beta-haemolysis on both plates. Concordant results were obtained by this method and a standard method for demonstration of opacity factor.


[Double-blind trial of 2 antidepressive drugs].

The results of a double blind trial of Viloxazine and Desipramine in 30 hospitalized depressives are reported. Hamilton's Rating Scale for Depression was the outcome criterion. No statistically significant differences were found between drugs in efficacy and onset of action. Patients on either drug showed a significant reduction in symptoms after one week of treatment and at the end of the trial. Side effects reported with Viloxazine were predominantly nausea and dizziness of a transient nature. Patients on Desipramine reported the usual side effects associated with antidepressant use and two of them had to be withdrawn from the trial because of an allergic rash. Laboratory values and EKG tracings did not show any trend of abnormalities. It is concluded that Viloxazine is an effective and safe antidepressive drug and seems to be particularly indicated in geriatric and cardiovascular patients with a concomitant depression.


Characterization of Escherichia coli serogroups causing meningitis, sepsis and enteritis. I. Serological properties and animal pathogenicity of O18, O78 and O83 isolates.

Escherichia coli O78: K80 strains isolated from an outbreak among premature and newborn infants with meningitis, sepsis and enteritis, from sporadic cases of enteritis and from healthy carriers were compared with one another and with different E. coli serogroups. The O78: K80 cultures uniformly failed to give the rabbit intestinal loop test and the guinea pig eye reaction and none of them contained L1 antigen. After intraperitoneal injection into mice, the organisms multiplied in the peritoneal cavity and caused bacteriaemia lasting at least 2 weeks. E. coli strains originating from septicaemia (O78: K80, O18a,c: K?, O83: K?) showed significantly lower LD50 values for mice (9 x 10(3)--7 x 10(5)) than did E. coli serogroups associated with infantile enteritis only (3 x 10(8)--7 x 10(8)). It is assumed that the isolates differ in pathogenicity not only from E. coli strains associated with "cholera-like" disease and with "dysenteriform" infection, but also from L1 antigen-containing cultures described in neonatal meningitis, and constitute a separate group characterized by an ability to cause meningitis, sepsis and enteritis within the same outbreak.


Characterization of Escherichia coli serogroups causing meningitis, sepsis and enteritis. II. Classification of Escherichia coli O78 strains by phage sensitivity, colicin type and antibiotic resistance.

Escherichia coli O78: K80 strains isolated from an outbreak of meningitis, sepsis and enteritis in infants, were compared with O78: K80 strains from sporadic cases of enteritis, healthy carriers and animals. The strains were uniform in antigenic structure and phage pattern but differed in colicinogenicity. The epidemic strains and calf-pathogenic cultures produced colicin V, the remaining isolates were characterized by other types of colicin or were not colicinogenic. Col V+ strains multiplied in the mouse peritoneal cavity more readily and killed the animals at significantly lower doses than did col V- strains. One half of antibiotic resistant O78: K80 strains carried R factor. The spread of R factor could be followed by phage restriction experiments.


Phenotypic correction of nonsense mutation carrying non-converting PE5 phages in Shigella flexneri with suppressor gene.

(i) Phenotypic suppression by aminoglycoside antibiotics of a polyauxotrophic Shigella flexneri var. Y strain on partially completed minimal medium has shown that its Thr dependence is associated with nonsense mutation. Induced Thr+ revertants selected from the culture yielded clones correcting the lytic cycle of nonsense T4 mutant phages. Transfer of R1am plasmid to these clones carrying a nonsense mutation of ampicillin resistance was performed. In this manner a S. flexneri var. Y derivative was isolated which, on the basis of the phenotypic correction of T4 phages and R1am factor, proved to be a suppressor positive clone. (ii) From phage PE5 responsible for conversion of type antigen V, mutants were isolated that had lost their converting capacity. Selected Sup+ and control Sup- strains were treated with the mutant phages and examined for the appearance of type antigen V. Three phage mutants were found to induce antigen conversion only in Sup+ strains. (iii) The data suggest that, at least with phage PE5, the information for type antigen conversion is carried by phage genome.


Distribution of 32P-labelled endotoxin in the frog.

Distribution and elimination of 32P-labelled endotoxin were studied in normal frogs and in frogs pretreated with a high dose of unlabelled endotoxin 24 hr previously. Like in other animals, the spleen and the liver of the frogs were found the most active R.E.S. organs. The alimentary tract too exhibited considerable R.E.S. activity. Pretreatment with unlabelled endotoxin resulted in a decrease of 32P-endotoxin uptake by the liver, the spleen and the alimentary tract. Evidence was obtained that the well-known effects of endotoxin on the R.E.S. of the mammals can be demonstrated in the frog as well.


Quantitation of seven elements in Mycobacterium phlei and Mycobacterium bovis by neutron activation analysis.

Quantitative determination of the elements potassium, sodium, manganese, magnesium, iron, cobalt and zinc was performed in mycobacteria by neutron activation analysis. Mycobacterium phlei ATCC 19 249 at different phase of growth (4, 8, 13, 23 and 37 days old cultures), and 14 days old Mycobacterium bovis BCG cultures and uninoculated semi-synthetic Sauton culture media were examined. The elements studied could be divided into three groups; sodium, potassium and magnesium could be regarded as major, iron as minor, and zinc, manganese and cobalt as trace elements. M. phlei contained, with the exception of zinc, higher amounts of elements than M. bovis. Other metals (aluminium, antimony, rubidium) could also be detected.


Pathogenic effect of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli causing infantile diarrhoea.

Macroscopic, light and electron microscopic alterations in ligated rabbit intestinal loops challenged with five standard enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and twenty-three enteropathogenic E. coli (EEC-I) strains, freshly isolated from infantile enteritis cases, were investigated. Only two O26 : K60 : H11 strains produced enterotoxin. Their living cultures, sterile filtrates of the fluid medium and ultrasonic lysates of the bacteria resulted in pronounced hypersecretion of the intestinal epithelium followed by fluid accumulation and loop dilatation. These two E. coli strains, similarly as the other loop-negative EEC-I strains, were able to penetrate into the intestinal epithelium. In contrast to the standard ETEC strains, the EEC-I bacteria, adhering to the brush border, intruded into the microvilli, multiplied on the outer epithelial cell membrane making close contact with it and, causing, shedding of microvilli, penetrated into enterocytes becoming enclosed in membrane-bound phagosome-like vacuoles, appeared in the lamina propria and elicited mild focal polymorphonuclear infiltration.


Influence of hypothermia on the generalized Shwartzman reaction.

In normothermic rabbits the generalized Shwartzman reaction can usually be elicited by two intravenous injections of endotoxin spaced 24 hr apart. The reaction could be prevented by cooling the rabbits. Hypothermia is effective only at the time of the second injection. The protective effect can clearly be demonstrated by gross and histologic examination. The possible mechanism of the protective action of hypothermia is discussed.


Surveillance of R-plasmids.

The surveillance of R-plasmids consists of: (1.) Ecological and epidemiological investigations. (1.1.) Prevalence of R-plasmids in pathogenic and apathogenic bacteria occurring in the biotic environment (man, animal); in the abiotic environment (sewage, food, feed); under high selection pressure (hospital, animal production, plant production). (2.) Biological investigations. (2.1.) Genetic properties of R-plasmids: (2.2.) Plasmid induced variations of the properties of the host bacteria (virulence, phage pattern, antigenic pattern, serological properties). The problems resulting from plasmid-mediated drug resistance call for a strict chemotherapeutic drug policy with the regard to ecological processes.


Indole positive variant of Shigella boydii 1.

In a home for mentally handicapped children indole positive variants of Shigella boydii 1 were isolated beside indole negative strains of the same serotype. The variants differed from the indole negative counterparts in fermenting dulcitol, raffinose, and in the absence of splitting trehalose. In antigenic structure the indole positive variant was identical with the type strain. The isolates gave positive guinea pig eye test.


A pathophysiologic basis for the diagnosis and treatment of the renal hypertensions.

Hypertension is a major medical problem with significant short- and long-term sequelae. Previous investigators have reported childhood hypertension to be secondary and when sexondary, renal. However, recent studies have shown primary (essential) hypertension to be more prevalent than secondary. Children with blood pressures at the 95th percentile for age deserve comprehensive evaluation and follow-up. Those with systemic evidence of side-effects will require therapy. Modern therapy should be based on pathophysiologic principles which include an understanding of volume-dependent and renin-dependent hypertension. The stepwise approach to therapy will produce the maximal therapeutic benefit.


[Beverages of children and youth in the 16th to 19th century, documented by contemporary recollections (author's transl)].

227 remarks on beverages, found in biographies, personal recollections, letters a. s. o. from the 16th to the 19th century are reviewed. As early as in the children's age alcoholic drinks are represented in 27%. There is a slight trend to a reduction of alcoholic drinks in the 19th century compared with three centures before. Remarks on tea and coffee and chocolate resp. cocoa are increasing in 19th century, especially in children.


Use of a double atrial-triggered standby pacemaker system for a patient with a biventricular bypass heterotopic cardiac homograft.

In a patient who had a biventricular bypass heterotopic cardiac homograft a double atrial-triggered standby pacemaker system was implanted to allow sequential atrial pacing of both hearts. The system design permitted either the recipient or the donor heart to dictate the rate of its fellow, depending on which heart had the faster spontaneous sinus rate at any time. Alternative methods for achieving sequential pacing are discussed.


Immunocytochemical localization of epidermal growth factor during the postnatal development of the submandibular gland of the mouse.

The time of appearance and the pattern of localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in submandibular glands of mice was studied during postnatal development immunocytochemically. EGF was first detectable in the granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells in the glands of males at 20 days of age and of females at 30 days of age. Development of GCT cells containing EGF was rapid in males, approaching adult conditions by 45 days of age. In females EGF- containing GCTs developed more slowly and irregularly, and did not reach adult status by 45 days of age. It is concluded that EGF is restricted during postnatal development to the GCT cells, and that these cells and the distribution of EGF are represented dimorphically from their first appearance in the submandibular glands of both sexes.


Studies of the cellular cure for osteopetrosis by transplanted cells: specificity of the cell type in ia rats.

Spleen cells from normal rats are known to cure osteopetrosis in ia littermates within 3 weeks. In this study cell suspensions from liver, thymus, bone marrow, salivary gland, skeletal muscle and brain from normal rats were tested for their ability to cure osteopetrosis in ia littermates whose ability to reject these cells had been suppressed by whole-body irradiation. Cells from liver, thymus and bone marrow cured the disease as effectively as spleen cells from normal littermates. Mutants that received cells from salivary gland, muscle and brain remained osteopetrotic. These data suggest that some cell found in spleen, liver, thymus and bone marrow of 10-day-old normal rats, such as a lymphoid cell or stem cell, can restore hemopoiesis and bone resorption in osteopetrotic (ia) rats.


The effects of various hormones on the surface morphology of testicular cells in culture.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of various hormones on the surface morphology of 20-day-old rat testicular cells in culture. Aggregates containing primarily Sertoli cells and germinal cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion. The surface morphology of the cells composing these aggregates was characterized under various culture conditions using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The cytoplasmic processes of Sertoli cells became highly branched and filamentous after being cultured in the presence of rat, human or ovine FSH. Identical branching and filamentation was observed when Sertoli cells were cultured in rat TSH. Finally, numerous large blebs were observed on the surfaces of germinal cells cultured in the presence of insulin. These results suggest that the branching and filamentation of Sertoli cell cytoplasm observed after FSH stimulation are not specific for that hormone.


Carnitine metabolism in human subjects. I. Normal metabolism.

Carnitine (vitamin BT) is a compound which is involved with lipid metabolism. This article deals with the carnitine content of foods and diet, the absorption, transport, storage, and excretion of carnitine in humans. The metabolic functions and biosynthesis of carnitine are also reviewed.


A technique for analyzing clinical data to provide patient management guidelines.

This article describes a technique for analyzing clinical data in order to guide patient management decisions. The technique is illustrated by considering a specific decision problem encountered in the management of possible meningitis, namely, whether or not to administer antibiotics while awaiting the results of a CSF bacterial culture. Data from 303 patients with meningitis are analyzed in order to determine which combination of clinical variables best discriminates between bacterial and aseptic cases. From these variables, a probability tree is constructed that indicates the probability of bacterial meningitis, depending on a patient's clinical characteristics. In addition to identifying the most important variables, the analysis reveals that a number of tests performed routinely on patients with meningitis are of questionable diagnostic value.


Controlled trial of a new dosage form of carbenoxolone (Pyrogastrone) in the treatment of reflux esophagitis.

A new preparation combining carbenoxolone sodium with alginate antacid (Pyrogastrone), taken for 8 weeks, was compared with alginate antacid alone (Gaviscon-like) in a controlled double-blind study in 37 patients with endoscopically proved reflux esophagitis. Complete remission or persistence of only minimal symptoms was obtained in 89%, and esophageal ulcer healing was achieved in 100% of subjects taking Pyrogastrone, compared with only 50% (P less than 0.025) and 33% (P equal 0.02), respectively, on control treatment. Complete endoscopic healing or persistence of only minimal inflammation was seen in 95% on Pyrogastrone and 67% of controls (P less than 0.05). Mild biochemical and clinical changes were noted in 9 of 19 patients on Pyrogastrone and 6 of 18 on the control drug, but none required treatment or alteration in regime. Thus Pyrogastrone is more effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis than the most efficacious compound in current use.


In vitro morphological studies on antibody-dependent nonimmune lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity in chronic active liver disease.

Using an in vitro system of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), the killing effect of chronic liver disease sera on target Chang cells, mediated by effector nonimmune lymphocytes (NLy), was studied. NLy destroyed Chang cells in monolayers pretreated with sera of patients with chronic active liver disease (CALD). Sera from these patients with CALD, after receiving steroid therapy, demonstrated a significant decrease of the cytotoxic action of NLy. The target cells treated with sera of normal subjects or patients with chronic persistent hepatitis were only minimally affected. Morphological observations of the cytotoxic action in a CALD serum-treated group showed intimate contact between NLy and the target cells in the areas of the plaques, where large numbers of the target Chang cells were injured and were closely associated with effector NLy. The Chang cells developed cytoplasmic swelling. The surface became ruffled, and intracytoplasmic organelles displayed vesicular degeneration. Thereafter, cell rupture, and fragmentation occurred. The sera in patients with CALD appear to possess a membrane reactive factor, presumably antibody, against the surface membrane of Chang cells. This immunological mode of reaction between the effectors and target cells (ADCC) may be important in the perpetuation and pathogenesis of hepatocyte death in CALD.