Edwin Chadwick, the market ideology, and sanitary reform: on the nature of the 19th-century public health movement.

This article is an attempt to place the origin of sanitary legislation in England, and its chief proponent, Edwin Chadwick, in the overall dynamics of 19th-century social development. It examines the public health movement in light of the transition of English society into the domination of the market ideology, and the effect that this had on health. Emphasis is placed on explaining the utilitarian movement, of which Chadwick was an instrumental part, and its role in promoting the market system through the enactment of the New Poor Law in 1834. The article suggests that the enactment of sanitary reform in the 1848 Public Health Act was the unplanned reaction to the detrimental effects that the market ideology had on health in the industrial centers. The main intent of this article is to go beyond the prevailing belief that sanitary reform was a humane contribution of publicly spirited men. It concludes that this state intervention was materially necessitated: it was forced by the contradictions inherent in the market system.


Community medicine under imperialism: a new medical police?

This paper explains the historical reasons for the reappearance, since the middle of the 20th century, of social issues in the medical context of capitalist countries. The author interprets the rise of a community trend in medicine as one of the solutions that capitalism is proposing for the problems of public health. He considers that primary care coverage extension projects provide a means to attend to minimal levels of social demand, as well as basic conditions for the protection of previously neglected populations, without changing social relations or significantly diminishing productive investment. On the contrary, the consumer market will in many cases be expanded by new forms of demand. The contradictory nature of "community" services under capitalism is analyzed so as to provide a basis for the design of a strategy that takes into account the interests of the people.


Myelofibrosis--pathophysiology and treatment.

A case of myelofibrosis successfully treated by the use of splenectomy has been reported. The feeling of the authors is that splenectomy should be considered at a much earlier stage of the disease, when the patient is a better risk with a longer survival. We see no valid physiological reasoning for leaving a spleen in, which is valueless to the patient in addition to causing multiple side effects, directly and indirectly from its size and overactivity. This is especially true when attempts to reduce the size have potential hazards, none are completely effective and when the physiological necessity for this reticulo endothelial site seems to be unnecessary. Perhaps it would be of greatest value if all cases of myelofibrosis should be seen at the inception and throughout by the hematological and surgical service together.


Fenfluramine, vitamin C and weight loss.

Forty-two female patients with refractory obesity completed a 20-week double-blind study during which they were given a diet designed to provide not more than 40 mg vitamin C and 1000 kcal (4.2 MJ) daily. Twenty-two of the patients took 600 mg of supplementary vitamin C daily and the remainder, a matched placebo. All were given their highest tolerated dose of fenfluramine up to a maximum of 160 mg daily. There was no significant difference in the mean weight loss of the two groups. This study fails to support the hypothesis that the anti-obesity effect of fenfluramine is influenced by the vitamin C intake.


Proteolytic susceptibility and methionine modification of monodeamidated ribonuclease A.

The susceptibility of a monodeamidated RNAaseA (RNAaseAa1) towards carboxypeptidaseA , alpha-chymotrypsin and pepsin has been studied. Similar to RNAaseA, the C-terminal of RNAaseAa1 is not available for carboxypeptidaseA hydrolysis. The thermal stability of RNAaseAa1 as probed through chymotryptic digestion is found to be less than that of RNAaseA. Preliminary chromatographic analysis of the digested material, however, suggests that the nature of thermal transition might be the same in the two proteins. Pepsin inactivates RNAaseAa1 more slowly than does RNAaseA. Accordingly, less peptide bonds, almost half that of RNAaseA, are cleaved by pepsin in RNAaseAa1. The accumulation of RNAase-P type intermediates is not evident during peptic digestion of RNAaseAa1. Reaction with O-benzoquinone at low pH shows that methionines of the deamidated protein seem to have higher reactivities. These observations indicate a different structure for RNAaseAa1 at elevated temperature and low pH.


Influence of chlortetracycline feeding on salmonellosis in calves. I. Rate and duration of shedding. II. Severity of illness.

Studies were conducted to test the influence of the feeding of chlortetracycline (CTC) on the fecal shedding of S. typhimurium subsequent to experimentally induced infection in calves. Levels of 0, 20, 50, and 100 gm CTC per ton of feed were fed to groups of calves for a two-week period before inoculation and the resulting level of shedding of S. typhimurium quantified. At the 50 gm/ton level, the feeding of CTC was associated with a significantly higher level of shedding than in non-CTC fed controls, and the duration of shedding was longer. Calves fed at 50 and 100 gm CTC/ton were affected much more severely by the inoculation than calves receiving no CTC. The same was true to a lesser extent in the calves fed 20 gm/ton. Observations made on each calf included changes in body temperature, time of onset, severity and duration of diarrhea, straining, and anorexia. Since the fecal output of salmonellae is increased at the level of 50 gm/ton, the authors conclude that this commonly used level of CTC feeding in calves contributes to the size of the salmonella reservoir in nature, thus increasing the risk of exposure to both man and animals alike and otherwise complicates the problems of salmonellosis.


Re-establishing a dialectic of madness.

Historical evidence indicates that until the seventeenth century, a dialectical conception of madness existed; it combined the elements of loss of reason and idiocy with prophecy and clairvoyance. The onset of the Age of Reason marked the end of man's communication with madness and the accompanying dissolution of the dialectic--madness became solely a symbol of opprobrium and the insane were herded off into houses of confinement. Because mad people are returning to the streets again, it is important that we begin to explore the potential benefits that can be derived from re-establishing our communications with madness, i.e. reconstituting the dialectic. An examination of the formerly valued aspects of madness can serve as a useful point of departure.


Expression of Ia antigen-like molecules on cells in the corneal epithelium.

Ia antigens, known to be expressed preferentially on cells of the immune system, have been shown to be present on cells in the cornea. By immunofluorescence studies, it was shown that a specific rabbit anti-Ia antigen serum stained cells in the corneal epithelium. The stained cells were well integrated into the corneal epithelial architecture and displayed short dendritic processes. Their location in the cornea and corneal limbus and their morphological appearance make it reasonable to suggest that the Ia antigen-expressing cells of the cornea are equivalents of the Ia antigen-bearing Langerhans' cells of the epidermis.


Transient hypoaldosteronism after renal allotransplantation.

Studies were performed to investigate the nature of the hyperkalemia and hypokaliuria observed in two patients after renal allotransplantation in both of whom the graft was functioning and urinary output was adequate. In the first patient, examinations in the upright position revealed low values for plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone. The second patient showed similar findings, and, in addition, an angiotensin II (Hypertensin) infusion was ineffective in stimulating aldosterone secretion during the hyperkalemic state. In both patients, short-term administration of 9 alpha-fluorohydrocortisone caused kaliuresis with a definite decrease in serum potassium. There was a spontaneous correction of the biochemical and hormonal abnormalities six weeks after transplantation and the response to an angiotensin II infusion normalized. We suggest that the hyperkalemia in both of these patients was due primarily to the transient failure of the renin-angiotensin system of the transplanted kidney.


["The drunken Silen" with symptoms of liver insufficiency].

In an oil painting by Rubens "The Drunken Silen" in possession of the Alte Pinakothek (old picture gallery), Munich, characteristic symptoms of hepatic insufficiency can be diagnosed.


[An unusual clinical form of pemphigus vulgaris].

A 36-year-old woman developed bullous skin lesions which clinically seemed most likely to be dermatitis herpetiformis or bullous pemphigoid. However, histological examinations as well as immunofluorescence and electron microscopic observations substantiated the diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris.


The comparison of two agar media for germ tube and chlamydospore production by Candida albicans.

A simple (2% oxgall) agar medium is described for the production of both germ tubes and chlamydospores by over 500 clinical isolates of Candida albicans. In comparison studies between the 2% oxgall agar and the more complex "cream of rice" infusion-oxgall-Tween 80 agar (RIOT), germ tubes were formed by 478 isolates in both media, by 9 isolates in only the oxgall medium and by 11 isolates in only the RIOT medium. Chlamydospores were formed by 481 isolates in both media, by 2 isolates in only the oxgall medium and by 9 isolates in only the RIOT medium. The data also show that both the germ tubes and chlamydospores were needed for the presumptive clinical identification of C. albicans.


Model-fitting approaches to the analysis of human behaviour.

Model-fitting methods are now prominent in the analysis of human behavioural variation. Various ways of specifying models have been proposed. These are identical in their simplest form but differ in the emphasis given to more subtle sources of variation. The biometrical genetical approach allows flexibility in the specification of non-additive factors. Given additivity, the approach of path analysis may be used to specify several environmental models in the presence of assortative mating. In many cases the methods should yield identical conclusions. Several statistical methods have been proposed for parameter estimation and hypothesis testing. The most suitable rely on the method of maximum likelihood for the estimation of variance and covariance components. Any multifactorial model can be formulated in these terms. The choice of method will depend chiefly on the design of the experiment and the ease with which a data summary can be obtained without significant loss of information. Examples are given in which the causes of variation show different degrees of detectable complexity. A variety of experimental designs yield behavioural data which illustrate the contribution of additive and non-additive genetical effects, the mating system, sibling and cultural effects, the interaction of genetical effects with age and sex. The discrimination between alternative hypotheses is often difficult. The extension of the approach to the analysis of multiple measurements and discontinuous traits is considered.


Redistribution of pulmonary blood flow in the dog with PEEP ventilation.

The effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) at 20 cmH2O on the distribution of pulmonary blood flow was studied in intact dogs and isolated lung preparations. Measurements were made of a) the continuous distribution of ventilation-perfusion ratios (VA/Q), b) the vertical distribution of pulmonary blood flow, and c) the dimensions of the microvasculature. Without PEEP the distributions of ventilation and perfusion were unimodal and centered on a VA/Q close to one. Dependent regions received 5-10 times more of cardiac output than uppermost regions. With PEEP the distribution showed a bimodal character, one mode of normal VA/Q and the other comprising one-third of ventilation, lying between VA/Q of 10 and 100. Cardiac output was reduced two- to threefold and blood flow in the uppermost regions was grossly reduced but not eliminated. Bimodal distributions were also found in isolated lungs with PEEP, and histological examination of rapidly frozen lung tissue showed that alveolar capillaries were closed in the uppermost, poorly perfused regions, whereas alveolar corner vessels remained open. We suggest that the blood flow through these corner vessels is responsible for the additional, high VA/Q mode during PEEP.


Fimbriae of Escherichia coli K-12 strain AW405 and related bacteria.

Fimbriate strains of Escherichia coli K-12 of the AW405 series agglutinated erythrocytes of several animal species. The hemagglutination was mannose senstivie, and the fimbriae were type 1. When cultured for extended periods in static broths, they did not form fimbrial pellicles but formed thick, nonfimbrial pellicles, the appearance of which was not associated with the selective outgrowth of fimbriate-phase bacteria.


Levallorphan-tolerant mutants of Excherichia coli with altered morphologies.

The penetration of levallorphan, a synthetic morphinan known to interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli, is seriously limited by the outer membrane. To select target-resistant mutants rather than outer membrane mutants, a two-step procedure was developed, which involved the selection by penicillin of an "intermediate" parental strain with a decreased penetration barrier and a subsequent positive selection of levallorphan-tolerant pseudo-revertant clones. Unlike the direct selection, this technique yielded various types of mutants in which the morphology, the septation ability, and the growth rate were greatly affected.


Differential inhibition of bacterial growth and hemolysin production by lincosamide antibiotics.

Lincomycin and clindamycin, at concentrations below those which partially inhibited bacterial growth, completely suppressed the production of streptolysin S. Chloramphenicol and erythromycin had no effect on hemolysin production.


Effect of growth medium on the relative polypeptide composition of cellular outer membrane and released outer membrane material in Escherichia coli.

When ratios of the major polypeptides of the outer membrane isolated from cells of Escherichia coli B grown in minimal medium containing either a single amino acid or several amino acids were compared, no difference was observed. However, the ratio of these polypeptides in outer membrane material released into the medium during logarithmic phase growth on these two media was markedly different.


Regulation of N-acetylglutamate synthesis in Salmonella typhimurium.

N-Acetylglutamate synthase was purified to homogeneity from Salmonella typhimurium. The enzyme is subject to repression and feedback inhibition by arginine. Inhibition studies indicated that arginine exerts its effect primarily by reducing the affinity of the enzyme for glutamate.


Synthesis of ribosomal proteins during the cell cycle of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Centrifugal elutriation was used to separate yeast cells by their cell cycle position. The rate of synthesis of ribosomal proteins showed a constant exponential increase through the cell cycle.


Microtiter plate assay for sexual agglutination in the yeast Hansenula wingei.

A fast method is described for determining the mating type of yeast spore clones independent of genetic complementation between auxotrophic markers.


Amber suppressor mutations in Pseudomonas acidovorans.

Almost 50% of the clones of Pseudomonas acidovorans(pLM2) selected for resistance to tetracycline supported the growth of an amber mutant of bacteriophage PRD1.


The relA locus specifies a positive effector in branched-chain amino acid transport regulation.

The regulation of branched-chain amino acid transport and periplasmic binding proteins was studied in Escherichia coli strains which were isogenic except for the relA locus, the gene for the "stringent factor," which is responsible for guanosine tetraphosphate synthesis. The strain containing the relA mutation could not be derepressed for the synthesis of leucine transport or binding proteins when shifted from a medium containing all 20 amino acids in excess to one in which leucine was limiting. The relA+ strain showed normal derepression under these conditions.


Chromosomal regulation of sexual expression in Escherichia coli.

We report a genetic analysis of a recessive chromosomal mutation of Escherichia coli K-12 that is responsibel for masking the sexual expression of an F factor that it carries. We call this new bacterial gene, which is closely linked to thr, fex, for F expression.


In vitro incorporation of molybdate into demolybdoproteins in Escherichia coli.

When Escherichia coli was grown in the presence of tungstate, inactive forms of two molybdoenzymes, nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase, accumulated and were converted to their active forms upon incubation of cell suspensions with molybdate and chloramphenicol. The conversion to the active enzymes did not occur in cell extracts. When incubated with [(99)Mo]molybdate and chloramphenicol, the tungstate-grown cells incorporated (99)Mo into protein components which were released from membranes by procedures used to release nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase and which migrated with these activities on polyacrylamide gels. Although neither activity was formed during incubation of the crude extract with molybdate, (99)Mo was incorporated into protein components which were released from the membrane fraction under the same conditions and were similar to the active enzymes in their electrophoretic properties. The in vitro incorporation of (99)Mo occurred specifically into these components and was equal to or greater than the amount incorporated in vivo under the same conditions. Molybdenum in preformed, active nitrate reductase and formate dehydrogenase did not exchange with [(99)Mo]molybdate, demonstrating that the observed incorporation depended on the demolybdo forms of the enzymes. We conclude that molybdate may be incorporated into the demolybdo forms both in vivo and in vitro; some unknown additional factor or step, required for active enzyme formation, occurs in vivo but not in vitro under the conditions employed.


Deoxyribonucleic acid-membrane interactions near the origin of replication and initiation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli.

A previously reported salt-sensitive binding of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to the cell envelope in Escherichia coli, involving approximately one site per chromosome near the origin of DNA replication, is rapidly disrupted in vivo by rifampin or chloramphenicol treatment and by amino acid starvation. DNA replication still initiates with this origin-specific binding disrupted, even when the disruption extends over the period of obligatory protein and ribonucleic acid synthesis that must precede initiation after release of cells from amino acid starvation. Thus the origin-associated membrane-DNA interaction is not necessary either for the initiation event itself or for the maturation of a putative initiation apparatus in E. coli.


Control of the receptor for galactose taxis in Salmonella typhimurium.

The chemotactic response to galactose in wild-type Salmonella typhimurium is not inducible by galactose, but is inducible by fucose, a non-metabolizable analog. In a galactokinase mutant, however, the galactose receptor is inducible by galactose. These data indicate that the concentration of free galactose in the cell controls the levels of the galactose receptor. The intensities of the chemotactic responses were found to vary in proportion to the concentration of galactose receptors. In bacteria with higher levels of galactose receptors, the ribose response is inhibited by galactose. This supports the model in which the ribose and galactose receptors compete for a common component of the signaling system.


Membrane-bound deoxyribonucleic acid from Escherichia coli: effects of replication, protein synthesis, and ribonucleic acid synthesis.

The experiments presented in this paper suggest that the shift observed in sedimentation of deoxyribonucleic acid from cells of Escherichia coli subjected to amino acid starvation is related to inhibition of ribonucleic acid synthesis rather than to its release from the membrane at the termination of replication.


Promoter-like mutants with increased expression of the Escherichia coli uridine phosphorylase structural gene.

From an Escherichia coli K-12 strain lacking adenylate cyclase (cya) and cyclic AMP receptor protein (crp), two mutants were isolated that synthesize uridine phosphorylase constitutively. The mutations differ from one another and also from a wild type in the maximum rate of uridine phosphorylase synthesis. They have constitutive expression of the uridine phosphorylase gene (udp) in the presence of repressor protein coded by the cytR regulatory gene and decrease the sensitivity of the udp gene simultaneously with catabolite repression. Both mutations cause a high level of udp expression whether they are in a cya crp or in a cya+ crp+ background. Another mutation (udpP1) isolated previously alters the response of udp gene to the ctyR repressor and produces a higher constitutive level of uridine phosphorylase in a cytR+ than in a cytR background when bacteria are grown in glucose. The synthesis of uridine phosphorylase in this mutant is dependent on an intact cyclic AMP-cyclic AMP receptor protein complex. All mutations studied are cis-acting and extremely closely linked to the udp structural gene, and appear to affect the uridine phosphorylase promoter-operator region. The data obtained are in accordance with a suggestion that the cytR repressor protein normally asserts its function by preventing the positive action of cyclic AMP-cyclic AMP receptor protein complex.


Lipoprotein synthesis in Escherichia coli spheroplasts: accumulation of lipoprotein in cytoplasmic membrane.

Synthesis of cell envelope proteins was studied in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-lysozyme spheroplasts of Escherichia coli ML30. The rate of incorporation of [3H]arginine into proteins in spheroplasts was about 30% of that of intact cells. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins synthesized in spheroplasts revealed the preferential synthesis of five polypeptides, one of which has been identified as the free form of murein lipoprotein. Lipoprotein synthesized in spheroplasts was found to be of same molecular size as that of mature lipoprotein. No prolipoprotein was observed even with a short pulse-labeling with [3H]arginine. On the other hand, significant accumulation of newly synthesized lipoprotein in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction of spheroplasts was observed. These results suggest that the processing of prolipoprotein occurs in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction of the cell envelope.


Effect of host lex, recA, recF, and uvrD genotypes on the ultraviolet light-protecting and related properties of plasmid R46 in Escherichia coli.

The ability of plasmid R46 to reduce the lethal but enhance the mutagenic effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was tested in sets of Escherichia coli K-12 derivatives, wild type or with different mutations affecting DNA repair capacity, but otherwise isogenic. UV protection and enhancement of UV mutagenic effect were obtained in uvrA6, uvrB5, uvrD3, and recF143 hosts, but not in a recA56 strain. The plasmid gave some UV protection in two lexA1 and two lexA101 strains and in one lexA102 host, but produced no such effect in another lexA102 host. The plasmid restored UV mutagenic effect in a lexB30 strain, the yield of induced mutants per survivor of irradiation (10 J/m2) being about the same for the lexB30(R46) and lex+(R46) strains; by contrast the plasmid, though it reduced the UV sensitivity of the lexB30 strain, did not make it as UV-resistant as the lex+ R-strain.


Acetohydroxy acid synthase I of Escherichia coli: purification and properties.

Several properties of the three acetohydroxy acid synthases of Escherichia coli have been compared in crude extracts. The three enzymes can be readily distinguished from each other. Acetohydroxy acid synthase I, the product of the ilvB gene, has been purified to near homogeneity. The purification was made possible by the fact that the enzyme was maintained in buffers of a high ionic strength or in buffers containing glycerol. Density gradient centrifugation studies indicated that the enzyme exists as a dimer of subunits of similar (60,000) molecular weight in buffers containing glycerol with or without two of the cofactors. Mg2+ and thiamine diphosphate. When flavine adenine dinucleotide was added along with Mg2+ and thiamine diphosphate, an increase in the rate of sedimentation occurred that was thought to be due to a rapid tetramer-dimer interconversion. The addition of pyruvate, the substrate, along with the three cofactors, resulted in a further increase in sedimentation rate, due presumably to an increase in the tetramer-to-dimer ratio. The addition of valine to the complete system resulted in maintenance of the enzyme in the dimeric state concomitant with inhibition of enzyme activity.


Biochemical characterization of nonintegrated plasmid-folded chromosome complexes: sex factor F and the Escherichia coli nucleoid.

The existence of nonintegrated plasmid-chromosome complexes has been deduced in previous work from the cosedimentation of covalently closed, circular plasmids with host folded chromosomes. In the present work, it is shown that about 70 to 90% of the covalently closed, circular F deoxyribonucleic acid could be released in vitro from chromosome complexes by ribonuclease treatment but not by protease, Sarkosyl, or ethidium bromide. Consistent with the in vitro studies, Escherichia coli cells treated for 5 min with rifampin, an inhibitor of ribonucleic acid initiation, released upon lysis 90% of their plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid as freely sedimenting molecules.


Simplified preparation of mycoplasmas, an acholeplasma, and a spiroplasma for scanning electron microscopy.

A simple, effective procedure was developed for scanning electron microscopic examination of mycoplasmas and similar organisms. Cultivation of several mycoplasmal species, an acholeplasma, and a spiroplasma in broth media in Leighton tubes with cover slips resulted in attachment of the organisms to the cover slips. The attached cells were easily processed for either scanning electron microscopy or light microscopy. By eliminating the need for centrifugation, which was used in previously described techniques, physical stress on the cell is minimized. The effects of different preparative procedures on the morphology of Mycoplasma gallisepticum are described.


Transposition of a duplicate antibiotic resistance gene and generation of deletions in plasmid R6K.

Transformation experiments showed that spontaneous deletions which result in loss of streptomycin resistance and an increase in conjugal transfer efficiency are present at a frequency of about 10(-4) in plasmid molecules of R6K. Similar deletions were thus readily selected by conjugal transfer of R6K, and their appearance was dependent upon recA+ activity in either donor or recipient host. The deoxyribonucleic acid segment deleted in four mutants examined was concluded to extend from the same terminus of the transposon, TnA, in the same direction, but to different extents, and to retain the TnA region intact. Insertions of a duplicate TnA element were found in R6K plasmids isolated from strains selected for increased ampicillin resistance, which were unstable in recA+ strains. In four plasmids examined after transfer to a recA host, an inverted repeat of the preexisting TnA element was shown to have been inserted at a similar location and was in two instances associated with deletions which extended from the same direction as those described above. The deletions are ascribed to the result of recA+-dependent recombination between direct repeats of TnA.


Location of an ampicillin resistance transposon, Tn1701, in a group of small, nontransferring plasmids.

By restriction endonuclease cleavage mapping and electron microscopic examination of heteroduplexes, we have identified an ampicillin resistance determinant transposon, designated Tn1701, in a group of small, nontransferring plasmids which confer resistance to ampicillin (Ap), sulfonamide (Su), and streptomycin (Sm). Plasmid NTP1, which mediates Ap resistance, contains Tn1701. Recombinant plasmids NTP3 (Ap Su) and NTP4 (Ap Su Sm) contain Tn1701, indicating that they were derived by transposition of Tn1701 from NTP1 to an unrelated plasmid, NTP2 (Su Sm). The transposon Tn1701 is very similar to the known ampicillin resistance transposons Tn1, Tn2, and Tn3 in its size (3.2 x 10(6) daltons), base sequence homology observed by heteroduplex formation, restriction endonuclease cleavage sites, and possession of a short inverted repeat sequence at both ends. Like the other TnA elements, Tn1701 also specifies a type TEM beta-lactamase.


A double-blind comparative study of desipramine hydrochloride and diazepam in the control of mixed anxiety/depression symptomatology.

The comparative therapeutic effects of desipramine hydrochloride and diazepam on the various symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated in a double-blind, parallel 4 week study of 53 psychoneurotic outpatients who manifested moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety. The median daily dose for the desipramine treated group was 150 mg; for the diazepam treated group, 20 mg. Patients who received desipramine scored significantly better than diazepam treated patients on 26 of the total of 51 variables derived from The Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression, The Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Anxiety, and 2 clinical global impressions. Patients who received diazepam scored significantly better on 1 variable, an item pertaining to sleep.


Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase of Escherichia coli. The role of lysyl residues in the catalytic and regulatory functions.

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase [EC 4.1.1.31] of E. coli was inactivated by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonate (TNBS), a reagent known to attack amino groups in polypeptides. When the modified enzyme was hydrolyzed with acid, epsilon-trinitrophenyl lysine (TNP-lysine) was identified as a product. Close similarity of the absorption spectrum of the modified enzyme to that of TNP-alpha-acetyl lysine and other observations indicated that most of the amino acid residues modified were lysyl residues. Spectrophotometric determination suggested that five lysyl residues out of 37 residues per subunit were modified concomitant with the complete inactivation of the enzyme. DL-Phospholactate (P-lactate), a potent competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, protected the enzyme from TNBS inactivation. The concentration of P-lactate required for half-maximal protection was 3 mM in the presence of Mg2+ and acetyl-CoA (CoASAc), which is one of the allosteric activators of the enzyme. About 1.3 lysyl residues per subunit were protected from modification by 10 mM P-lactate, indicating that one or two lysyl residues are essential for the catalytic activity and are located at or near the active site. The Km values of the partially inactivated enzyme for PEP and Mg2+ were essentially unchanged, though Vmax was decreased. The partially inactivated enzyme showed no sensitivity to the allosteric activators, i.e., fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (Fru-1,6-P2) and GTP, or to the allosteric inhibitor, i.e., L-aspartate (or L-malate), but retained sensitivities to other activators, i.e., CoASAc and long-chain fatty acids. P-lactate, in the presence of Mg2+ and CoASAc, protected the enzyme from inactivation, but did not protect it from desensitization to Fru-1,6-P2, GTP, and L-aspartate. However, when the modification was carried out in the presence of L-malate, the enzyme was protected from desensitization to L-aspartate (or L-malate), but was not protected from desensitization to Fru-1,6-P2 and GTP. These results indicate that the lysyl residues involved in the catalytic and regulatory functions are different from each other, and that lysyl residues involved in the regulation by L-aspartate (or L-malate) are also different from those involved in the regulation by Fru-1,6-P2 and GTP.


Effect of a serine protease on isolated myofibrils.

Morphological changes occurred in myofibrils prepared from the glycerinated psoas muscle of rabbit during incubation with a serine protease crystallized from rat skeletal muscle. Two notable phenomena were observed: (1) loss of the Z band in the early stage of incubation and (2) complete disappearance of the A band after swelling of the myofibrils. The results indicate that the serine protease has an action on myofibrils different from that of Ca2+-dependent neutral protease.


Identification of a high molecular weight actin-binding protein in skeletal muscle.

A large polypeptide having a molecular weight of 240,000 as determined by electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate has been identified in whole cell homogenates from chick skeletal muscle myoblasts and the rat myoblast L6 cell line. A similar polypeptide was identified in both thigh and breast chicken skeletal muscle, but the latter contained less of this protein per g of tissue. Antibodies made to gizzard filamin (an actin-binding protein having a molecular weight of 240,000) cross-reacted with the partially purified Mr = 240,000 protein from chicken skeletal muscle. With use of the indirect immunofluorescence technique, the filamin antibody localized in the Z-line region of chicken skeletal muscle myofibrils. These results indicate that skeletal muscle contains a filamin-like protein that may form an integral part of the myofibril structure.


Methanol formation in vivo from methylated chemotaxis proteins in Escherichia coli.

Chemotactically wild type Escherichia coli were incubated with L-[methyl-3H]methionine to label the methyl groups of their methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins. Cells were then treated to specifically demethylate these proteins. We have identified the end product of this demethylation as [3H]methanol in the cell-free medium from treated cells.


Compartment syndrome as a complication of the Hauser procedure.

A compartment syndrome developed in eleven patients who had undergone the Hauser procedure. The residual disabilities ranged from mild weakness and contracture of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg to complete muscle necrosis necessitating above-the knee amputation in two patients. Dissections of ten cadaver limbs demonstrated that the anterior tibial recurrent vessels have numberous leash-like branches that terminate along the lateral border of the tibial tubercle. When these vessels are sectioned they retract laterally and distally under the fascia and within the muscles of the anterior compartment. It is postulated that continued postoperative bleeding from these vessels after the Hauser procedure may lead to an ischemic compartment syndrome in the leg.


The operative treatment of elbow dislocation in the adult.

Operative treatment of traumatic dislocation of the elbow joint is indicated when there is proved gross instability or osteochondral fractures and loose bodies, or both. We performed a capsule-ligament repair in twenty-eight patients, and no cast was applied postoperatively. Satisfactory results were achieved with an average follow-up of two and one-half months. In all patients postoperative assisted range-of-motion exercise was begun after the operative wound and healed. The functional outcome depended on the osseous lesions involving the articular surface and on the time interval between the accident and the operation.


Pyogenic non-tuberculous spinal infection: an analysis of thirty cases.

Thirty patients with non-tuberculous pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine are reported in all of whom the diagnosis was confirmed bacteriologically, histologically or serologically. The clinical and radiological features and investigations are analysed. Back pain, localised to the level involved, was the predominant symptom. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was raised in all cases, and a characteristic sequence of radiological features is described.


alpha-Actinin localization in the junctional complex of intestinal epithelial cells.

We have used antibody to chicken gizzard alpha-actinin to identify and localize this molecule in chicken intestinal epithelium. The antibody binds only to alpha-actinin when tested against a crude extract of chicken gizzard. Extracts of purified epithelial cells contain a molecule which has a subunit molecular weight of 100,000 on sodium dodecyl sulphate gels and which is able to inhibit the interaction of alpha-actinin antibody and 125I-labeled chicken gizzard alpha-actinin. By indirect immunofluorescence, alpha-actinin is localized in the apical portion of chicken intestinal epithelial cells. Ethanol-fixed cryostat sections of intestine taken through the apical portion of the epithelial cells and in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the cells show that alpha-actinin is organized in a polygonal pattern which corresponds to the outlines of the polygonally packed epithelial cells. We interpret the data as indicating that alpha-actinin is a component of the tight junction (zonula occludens) and/or the belt desmosome (zonula adherens), both of which are membrane structures known to encircle the cell and to be confined to its apical portion.


Do human spermatozoa reactivate in the cytoplasm of somatic cells?

The morphological changes following Sendai virus-enhanced interaction of purified fractions of human spermatozoa with various types of fibroblast lines were examined over a period of several days. The incorporation of spermatozoa was monitored by a variety of immunofluorescent staining techniques, including one for protamin. The initially high incorporation frequency (30--40%) was accompanied by swelling of the acrosome and nucleus, which, in most instances, was followed by gradual lysis of the sperm components. However, a small proportion of all incorporated spermatozoa (2%) exhibited chromatin decondensation, accompanied by a shift from a protamin to histone content and induction of RNA and DNA synthesis. These latter cells appear to fit the criteria for true reactivation and electron-microscope studies show that they do not undergo phagocytosis as do the majority of incorporated spermatozoa.


Insect axopods.

Using the elctron microscope we have found axopods, a cell organelle previously undescribed in multicellular animals, in the lower Malpighian tubule of the insect. Rhodnius prolixus. The axopods, which are 0.2 to 0.8 micrometer in diameter and 10 or more micrometer in length, derive from the luminal surface of the tubule and contain an array of 1 to about 46 microtubules each. These microtubules arise within the cell near the cell junctions or near clumps of mitochondria. Uric acid crystals which occur naturally in the lower tubule have been observed to move down the tubule under experimental conditions where peristalsis and fluid secretion can be ruled out. We suggest that the axopods are motile and serve to transport the crystals along the narrow tubule lumen. Since cilia are not found on somatic cells of arthropods, we suggest that axopods have evolved in the lower tubule to perform a function analogous to a ciliated epithelium in other animals.


Cell differentiation during fruiting body formation in polysphondylium pallidum.

The spatial pattern of cellular differentiation was studied during fruiting body formation in Polysphondylium pallidum using 3 different staining methods: Calcofluor fluorescence (cellulose accumulation), neutral red (prestalk cells) and immunofluorescence (prespore cells). Neutral-red staining revealed the existence of a clear prestalk region which becomes evident during aggregation and continues throughout culmination. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that cells in the prestalk region gradually lose their presporeness (fluorescence) as they are transformed into differentiated stalk cells. Calcofluor staining revealed that stalk cell differentiation begins during the mid-aggregation phase and that the mode of formation of the main stalk and the side branches differs slightly in morphology. Calcofluor staining also demonstrated the development, during aggregation, of a thick cellulosic girdle with lateral tubular extensions which surround the aggregation streams. The above results are discussed in terms of our present knowledge about differentiation and morphogenesis in cellular slime moulds.


Plasma membrane vesiculation in 3T3 and SV3T3 cells. I. Morphological and biochemical characterization.

3T3 and SV3T3 mouse embryo cells and a variety of other monolayer cell lines can be induced to form and shed plasma membrane vesicles by exposure to sulphydryl blocking agents including formaldehyde and N-ethyl malemide. Morphological studies show that multiple vesicles are formed and released from individual cells and that the vesicle membrane is continuous with the plasma membrane of the cell. Vesicles measure from o.1 to 15 micrometer in diameter and are free of detectable contamination with cytoplasmic membranes and organelles. Vesicles also show a 10-fold enrichment in the plasma membrane marker enzyme 5'-nucleotidase and are devoid of detectable NADH-cytochrome C reductase and succinic dehydrogenase activity which are marker enzymes for endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, respectively. Vesicles have a high cholesterol: phospholipid ratio and show enrichment in sphingomyelin content. They contain receptors for Con A and WGA, approximately 20 size class polypeptides and intramembranous particles. These results suggest that vesicles are derived from and have the general characteristics of plasma membranes.


Altered patterns of ribonucleic acid synthesis during the cell cycle: a mechanism compensating for variation in gene concentration.

In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a series of diploid mutants divides at smaller cell sizes than wild type. In these smaller strains, the mean gene concentration (defined by previous authors as the DNA to protein ratio) is higher than in wild type. Such an increase in gene concentration should also increase the concentration of those components such as messenger and ribosomal RNA, whose rate of synthesis is determined by gene dosage. We show that the mean concentrations of these 2 RNA species in the small cells are not increased, but are the same as in wild type. The small mutant cells are thus able to compensate for changes in gene concentration. This compensation is shown to operate through differences in the patterns of synthesis of RNA during the cell cycle. In all the strains of the diploid series, the rates of synthesis of messenger and ribosomal RNA double as steps once in each cell cycle. The timings of the steps in the cell cycle appear to be cell-size related, since the smaller the cell at division, the later are the steps in the cell cycle. In contrast, there is comparatively little variation in the timing of DNA replication in the cycles of cells of different sizes. We propose that after DNA replication, there is a delay before doubling in the rate of transcription. Such a cell mass-related delay is all that is required to compensate for increased gene concentration, and results in the same mean functional DNA concentration in all strains. This mechanism will maintain the same mean messenger and ribosomal RNA concentrations in cells dividing at different sizes. Ways in which the cell size-related control over transcription may operate are discussed.


Electron microscopy of spermatocytes previously studied in life: methods and some observations on micromanipulated chromosomes.

A new method is offered for combined living cell and electron-microscopic studies of spermatocytes (or other cells) which normally do not adhere to glass. The key step is micro-injection of glutaraldehyde near the target cell whenever desired during observation in life. Fixation begins and simultaneously the cell is stuck very firmly to the underlying coverslip. The method is easy and reliable: cells are almost never lost and are well preserved, except for membranes. The application of the method is illustrated by studies of micromanipulated grasshopper spermatocytes. A chromosome was detached from the spindle and placed in the cytoplasm. Before or after the beginning of chromosome movement back toward the spindle, the cell was fixed, sectioned and the manipulated chromosome observed in the electron microscope. If the detached chromosome had not moved by the time of fixation, no or only one or two microtubules were seen at its kinetochore, but if movement had occurred, a few microtubules were always present. The arrangement of these microtubules corresponded to the direction of movement, but they commonly were at an unusual angle relative to the kinetochore. The origin and role in chromosome movement of the microtubules seen near moving chromosomes far from the spindle is not yet established, but a speculation is offered. A goal for future work is the detailed analysis of the microtubules associated with individual moving chromosomes. Such an analysis is feasible because the moving chromosome is far removed from the confusing mass of spindle microtubules, and its value is enhanced because the direction of movement at the time of fixation is known.


Botulism: a pyrolysis-gas-liquid chromatographic study.

Forty samples of dried Clostridia bacteria were subjected to pyrolysis-gas-liquid chromatography (PGLC). Examination of the key fingerprint peaks enabled the analyst to differentiate the samples into their respective antigenic groups. Peaks occurring at the high boiling end of profile could be used to distinguish proteolytic from non-proteolytic strains of C-botulinum. PGLC has proven to be a highly reproducible as well as a rapid specific method for differentiating and identifying samples of Clostridium botulinum.


The effect of methysergide, pimozide, and sodium valproate on the diazepam-stimulated growth hormone secretion in man.

Diazepam-induced GH secretion was tested on 28 male volunteers before and after a 3-day treatment with methysergide, pimozide, or sodium valproate. Serum GH, diazepam, and blood glucose levels were determined. Without prior medication, the mean serum GH level increased 336% 1 h after diazepam administration. Treatment with the serotonin antagonist, methysergide, had no effect on the diazepam-stimulated GH secretion, whereas pimozide, the selective dopamine receptor-blocking agent, reduced the GH response to diazepam by 50% (P less than 0.05). Sodium valproate, a gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase inhibitor, also inhibited diazepam-induced GH secretion; stimulated GH levels were 51% at 30 min (P less than 0.025), 39% at 60 min (P less than 0.025), and 46% at 90 min (P less than 0.025) relative to the stimulated levels without medication. No difference was found in blood glucose or serum diazepam levels after the drug treatments relative to the values obtained under basal conditions. It is suggested that diazepam-induced GH secretion is at least partly mediated via dopaminergic mechanisms. Serotonin does not seem to be involved. It is further proposed that gamma-aminobutyric acid plays an inhibitory role in GH secretion.


Metabolically deficient dwarf-colony mutants of Escherichia coli: deficiency and resistance to antibiotics of strains isolated from urine culture.

Sixteen metabolically deficient dwarf-colony mutants of Escherichia coli were isolated from urine culture and represented about 2% of all E. coli isolated during the same period. In 14 cases, mutants were isolated from debilitated patients: elderly persons or patients in the terminal stages of a chronic disease. In 15 of these subjects, deficient dwarf-colony mutants appeared to be the true cause of urinary tract infection, since there was leukocyturia and important bacteriuria, and organisms were obtained in pure culture. Study of metabolic deficiencies on Davis synthetic medium and nutritive agar resulted in the identification of eleven deficiencies in cysteine, two in thiamine, two in thymidine, and one in glutamine. Study of resistance to antibiotics revealed that nine were susceptible to all antibiotics, three were resistant to tetracycline alone, two were resistant to two antibiotics (chloramphenicol-tetracycline, streptomycin-tetracycline), and two were resistant to three antibiotics (ampicillin-chloramphenicol-tetracycline, ampicillin-streptomycin-tetracycline). Resistance was coded for by conjugative plasmids in five strains.


Multi-laboratory evaluation of an automated microbial detection/identification system.

An automated and computerized system (Automicrobic System [AMS]) for the detection of frequently encountered bacteria in clinical urine specimens was tested in a collaborative study among six laboratories. The sensitivity, specificity, reliability, and reproducibility of the AMS were determined, and the system was compared with conventional detection and identification systems. In this study, pure cultures and mixtures of pure cultures were used to simulate clinical urine specimens. With pure cultures, the sensitivity of the AMS in identifying the nine groups of organisms most commonly found in urine averaged 92.8%. The specificity averaged 99.4%, and the reliability of a positive result averaged 92.1%. The latter value was strongly influenced by a relatively high occurrence of false positive Escherichia coli results. The AMS was capable of detecting growth of most organisms, including those which it was not designed to identify. However, it identified some of these incorrectly as common urinary tract flora. Reproducibility of results, both within laboratories and among different laboratories, was high. Fast-growing organisms, such as E. coli and Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, were detected often at cell populations well below the AMS enumeration threshold of 70,000/ml. In mixed culture studies, high levels of sensitivity and specificity were maintained but when Serratia species were present in mixtures with other organisms, there was often a false positive report of E. coli. The overall performance of the AMS was considered satisfactory under the test conditions used.


Effects of storage in an anaerobic transport system on bacteria in known polymicrobial mixtures and in clinical specimens.

An anaerobic transport system (ATS) which provides for catalytic removal of oxygen was evaluated by using in vitro-prepared polymicrobial mixtures of logphase bacteria and clinical specimens. Inoculated swabs were stored at room temperature in (i) aerobic, (ii) anaerobic glove box, and (iii) ATS environments, and bacteria were quantitated after 2, 24, 48, and 72 h. Bacteria in a three-part mixture of Bacteroides fragilis, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Escherichia coli and in a five-part mixture of B. fragilis, P. anaerobius, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa survived 72 h of storage in the ATS and anaerobic glove box environments, but the anaerobic species were inactivated in the aerobic storage except for B. fragilis in pure culture or in the three-part mixture. Changes in relative proportions among the species in a mixture were least in the ATS and anaerobic glove box environments and greatest during the aerobic storage, particularly in the five-part mixture. Bacteria present in pure or mixed culture in clinical specimens generally survived 72 h of storage in the ATS. These data indicate that changes in relative proportions occur with prolonged storage even under anaerobic conditions, but that the ATS would be most effective for preserving anaerobic bacteria and preventing drastic concentration changes and overgrowth of facultative and aerobic bacteria.


Evaluation of the Repliscan system for identification of Enterobacteriaceae.

The Repliscan system, a semiautomated method for identifying gram-negative bacilli, was evaluated for its potential usefulness in clinical microbiology laboratories. A total of 1,877 isolates, including 1,712 fermentative and 165 nonfermentative organisms, were tested in parallel with the Repliscan and Enterotube methods of enteric identification. Discrepancies were retested in each system as well as with conventional methods. The Repliscan method correctly identified 91%, misidentified 2%, and failed to identify 7% of the fermentative orgamisms tested. Of the genera under study, Enterobacter posed the greatest problem to the system in terms of overall identification rates. The Repliscan appears to be an efficient, economic, and effective laboratory tool for identification of Enterobacteriaceae.


Increased Escherichia coli enterotoxin detection after concentrating culture supernatants: possible new enterotoxin detectable in dogs but not in infant mice.

The heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) of Escherichia coli can be detected by infant mouse or dog intestinal loop tests. These tests differ in that the dog assay uses concentrated culture supernatants and is based on measurements of net intestinal absorption, whereas the mouse test uses unconcentrated supernatants and depends on gross fluid accumulation. To compare the relative sensitivities of these assays, culture supernatants of randomly selected E. coli isolates from 34 Bangalee diarrhea patients were tested for ST in dog loops and infant mice. Supernatants were also tested for heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) in dog loops, Y-1 adrenal cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells. E. coli supernatants that produced positive responses for both ST and LT in the dog loop assay (ST+/LT+) also produced positive responses when tested for ST in infant mice and for LT in cell lines. Supernatants of strains negative for ST and LT in dog loop (ST-/LT) were also negative in other assays. Of 10 strains positive for just ST in the dog loop test (ST+/LT-), only 5 were ST positive in the standard infant mouse test. Supernatants of the other five strains (dog loop positive, mouse test negative) were then concentrated 100-fold and retested in mice. Three of these five gave consistently positive results after concentration, and two were only intermittently positive. Concentrated supernatants of negative control strains (ST-/LT-) were all negative in mice. The dog assay detects more strains producing ST than the infant mouse test. The infant mouse test, which detects only gross fluid accumulation, failed to detect approximately half of the 10 strains which produced ST alone (ST+/LT-; P = 0.025). Concentrating supernatants for the mouse assay increases sensitivity for detection of ST, but certain E. coli strains produce a variety of ST to which infant mice do not respond.


Enzyme-linked immunospecific antibody test for detecting antibody to Klebsiella.

The enzyme-linked immunospecific antibody  test was performed in standard test tubes and microtiter plates to meausre high-titer antibody against Klebsiella capsular polysaccharide. Initial studies were conducted with rabbit sera; other studies were conducted with the serum of a patient infected with type 9 Klebsiella. Both immunized rabbits and an infected patient disclosed high titers of anticapsular antibody. Control sera from other immunized rabbits and other infected humans failed to show this substantial antibody titer against type 9 Klebsiella. Comparisons between counterimmunoelectrophoresis and indirect immunofluorescence disclosed that the sensitivity of the enzyme-linked immunospecific antibody test for anti-Klebsiella antibody ranged between 400 and 10,000 times that of these tests.


Typing methods for Proteus rettgeri: comparison of biotype, antibiograms, serotype, and bacteriocin production.

Two hunderd five strains of Proteus rettgeri from epidemic and nonepidemic sources were differentiated by a new biotyping scheme, agglutination in O antisera, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and a new scheme based on bacteriocin production. The P. rettgeri were divided into 10 groups by their fermentation of lactose, sucrose, D-mannitol, and salicin. These groups were then subdivided into 19 biotypes by other biochemical reactions. Bacteriocin production was tested by the cross-streak method. Thirty-four bacteriocin-sensitive indicator strains were evaluated, and 16 were selected for the final scheme and used to type the 205 P. rettgeri, which were divided into 15 bacteriocin types. Serologically, 43% of the P. rettgeri were O42, 13% were untypable, 4% were O15, and 3% each were O33, O64, and O84 in addition to 31 remaining serotypes. Strains of P. rettgeri from known outbreaks contained fewer biotypes, O groups, and bacteriocin types and were more resistant to antimicrobial agents than endemic strains. Strains with common patterns with all four marker systems were frequently associated with outbreaks. A strong correlation between multiple antibiotic resistance and bacteriocin production was shown.


Serological identification of group A streptococci from throat scrapings before culture.

The use of a microtechnique (modified nitrous acid extraction) to test samples from 150 school children and from patients with acute follicular tonsillitis has indicated that group A streptococci in the throat can be identified from tonsillar scrapings in 30 min. The results are comparable to the grouping results obtained by standard throat culture techniques and the Lancefield procedure for grouping. No cross-reaction with other bacteria or cellular material occurs. Study has also shown that the nitrous acid extraction yields three- to fourfold more polysaccharides than the Lancefield hot-HCl of Fuller formamide techniques. The use of the microtechnique leads to another 20-fold concentration of the antigen. Immune salting-out effect could be obtained with 1.00 M sodium acetate. Such molarity is too low to cause nonspecific slating out. It leads to a strong ampliciation of the precipitin reaction.


Rapid entry port for an anaerobic glove box.

A rapid entry mechanism for an anaerobic glove box is described. The entry port is practical for entry or removal of one or two items and requires only seconds to operate. No deleterious effect on isolation or growth of anaerobes has been encountered since installation of the rapid entry port 3.5 years ago. Details for its construction are given.


Phagocytic resistance of Escherichia coli K-1 isolates and relationship to virulence.

Blood culture isolates from 133 episodes of Escherichia coli bacteremia were typed for K-1 capsular antigen by immunodiffusion, utilizing equine antiserum raised against meningococcal group B polysaccharide. Twenty-six percent (34 of 133) of these isolates were positive for K-1 antigen. These 133 strains, 34 K-1 and 99 non-K-1, were tested for susceptibility to phagocytosis. K-1 strains were found to be more resistant to clearance (27%) than non-K-1 strains (71%) when tested in an in vitro opsonophagocytic/killing assay containing normal human granulocytes and plasma. Additional studies demonstrated that resistance was due to decreased phagocytosis rather than diminished intraleukocytic killing. K-1 strains obtained from stool showed a similar degree of resistance to phagocytosis when compared with K-1 blood isolates. A comparison of clinical data on non-neonatal patients with E. coli K-1 and non-K-1 bacteremia showed no significant differences in mortality for these two groups. The incidence of shock for patients bacteremic with K-1 strains (74%) was significantly greater than that for patients bacteremic with non-K-1 strains (33%). These differences are attributed to the increased resistance to phagocytosis observed for K-1 versus non-K-1 E. coli isolates.


Esterase activity in Candida species.

The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the lipolytic activities (specifically, esterase) of those species of Candida that are most commonly isolated from human infections. Eight species of Candida were surveyed for their ability to hydrolyze various polyoxyethylene sorbitan compounds (Tweens). Of the 64 isolates tested, each had activity for at least one of the substrates. Most of the isolates hydrolyzed Tweens 40, 60, and 85. In contrast, none hydrolyzed Tween 80. Only one species hydrolyzed Tween 20. The patterns of precipitation resulting from reactions of fatty acids hydrolyzed from Tweens 40, 60, and 85 with calcium ions in the media were also useful in distinguishing some of the species. In the past, such reactions have been reported as being dependent on esterase activity.


Evaluation of a routine anaerobic subculture of blood cultures for detection of anaerobic bacteremia.

The value of a routine 48-h anaerobic subculture of blood cultures was assessed in our laboratory over a 4-month period. Excluding presumed contaminants, anaerobes represented 51 (6.9%) of the total number of 734 positive cultures. Sixteen isolates (all Bacteroides) from six patients were detected by the anaerobic subculture. All but one of these were also detected macroscopically. Excluding the one isolate, the routine anaerobic subculture hastened the identification of anaerobic organisms by only 1 day in two patients. We conclude that a routine anaerobic subculture is not indicated for the detection of anaerobic bacteremia.


Simultaneous nosocomial outbreaks caused by multiply resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae types 2 and 30.

Two simultaneous Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreaks resistant to multiple antibiotics are reported. The closely related strains were distinguished by comparing the zone diameters obtained by disk diffusion susceptibility testing but not by interpretations of susceptible, resistant, or intermediate. Similar conclusions were made when minimal inhibitory concentrations were considered. The separation was subsequently confirmed by capsular serotyping into types 2 and 30. The data presented suggest that routine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns obtained from disk diffusion and/or minimal inhibitory concentrations may serve as an inexpensive and reliable typing system for epidemiological investigations.


Tests of gender feelings and behavior in homosexuality, transvestism and transsexualism.

Categorized 64 male transsexual and transvestite Ss into two groups on the basis of the strength of their feminine gender identity. The two groups were compared to a homosexual group and a control group on four tests designed to measure gender feelings and behavior, namely: the California Personality Inventory Femininity Scale, the Draw-A-Person test, the Franck Drawing Completion test, and the Information and Vocabulary subtests of the WAIS. It was found that the CPI-Fe scale and DAP test significantly correlate with the degree of feminine gender identity reported by the Ss. However, the two tests appear to measure different aspects of gender feelings and behavior in some Ss.


A curvilinear relationship between alcoholic withdrawal tremor and personality.

Many studies cite no more than 80% incidence of hand tremor during withdrawal in known alcoholics, although this symptom is one of the diagnostic signs of addiction. We found that of 48 patients tested, hand tremor increased in 29 Ss after the application of a passive relaxation technique while it decreased in 28. It was found that MMPI data obtained for both groups fitted the inverted U curve in that the most distressed Ss tremored as little as did the least distressed originally, while the tremor increased in the high stress group after relaxation therapy while it decreased in the least stressed group. Implications for alcoholism research and theory were discussed, and the possible superiority of the CES to drug therapy for withdrawal was noted.


Acute hemodynamic effects of tocainide in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

To characterize the acute hemodynamic effects of tocainide hydrochloride, a new antiarrhythmic agent, 11 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization were given intravenous infusions of the drug for 15 minutes at rates of 0.50 (six patients) or 0.75 (five patients) mg/kg/min. The hemodynamic status of these subjects was determined before, during, and for 15 minutes after treatment, and blood levels of tocainide were followed during and after treatment. Tocainide blood levels at the end of the infusions were 14.9 +/- 1.6 microgram/ml (S.E.) and 15 minutes later were 6.0 +/- 0.7 microgram/ml. In these subjects treatment was not associated with significant changes in Ao or PCW, but it was associated with a statistically significant but small decrease in LV dp/dt. At the same time, LVED was not significantly elevated. Treatment was also accompanied by small increases in PA diastolic and mean pressures, but RA and RV were unchanged. Significant changes were not seen in HR, CO, CI, SV, SVR, or PVR. Thus, the intravenous infusion of 0.50 and 0.75 mg/kg/min of tocainide for 15 minutes produced small but statistically significant depression of left ventricular function without producing changes in CO or clinical evidence of congestive heart failure.


The effect of psychotomimetics on therapist--patient matching of speech "rhythms".

This study examined the effects of lysergic acid (LSD) and dextroamphetamine (DA) on therapist--patient matching of speech rhythms (mean phrase period) in psychotherapy. LSD, DA, and placebo (PL) were administered repeatedly over a 1 1/2-year period to seven patients in a randomized double-blind design. The second, fourth, and sixth encounters with LSD, DA, and PL were analyzed. These therapy dialogues were processed by an on--off detector of speech which computed probabilities of vocalizing when already talking (T), when listening (L), and when pausing (P) for therapist and patient, respectively. The mean phrase period for the therapist and the patient was calculated from the vocalization probabilities (T, P). The results show that both LSD and DA significantly enhance therapist-patient matching of mean phrase period in the earliest (second) session, an effect that disappears for both drugs, but later for DA (sixth session) than for LSD (fourth session). At no time was this effect observed in PL sessions, nor was the matching a simple function of a therapist--patient convergence of the components (T, P) of the mean phrase period.


Comprehension training with aphasic subjects: the development and application of five automated language programs.

Automated comprehension training was utilized to present five original language programs to seven aphasic adults. Subjects were required to attend to visual and auditory stimuli and to solve problems through language comprehension by pressing transparent panels over four pictured choices. Subjects were pre- and posttested with an automated probe containing those linguistic structures presented in the training programs. Results indicated significant improvement in the comprehension of certain linguistic structures as measured by performances on repeated program trials and by probe testing. Qualitative information relative to program construction and administration is included in the discussion.


Phase I 1/2 evaluation and methodology of RO 20-2230 in postoperative patients.

This report presents the rationale and methodology of our "phase 1 1/2" model for drug evaluation and reports the results of a typical study. We found that Ro 20-2230, and investigational agonist-antagonist analgesic, was well tolerated in therapeutic doses, with 15 mg intramuscular Ro 20-2230 approximately equivalent to 10 mg intramuscular morphine sulfate.


Evaluation of a new diuretic, diapamide, in congestive heart failure.

The diuretic response of patients with congestive heart failure to establish doses of diapamide (750 mg) and furosemide (80 mg) was compared in an open, crossover study. Peak urine output occurred in the first 6 hours after administration of furosemide but somewhat later (12 to 18 hours) with diapamide. Both agents produced active diuresis and natriuresis in most patients. Comparisons of drug effect during the first days of each treatment period and analysis of the entire first treatment period indicated that urine output with furosemide was significantly greater than with diapamide. Urinary sodium excretion on the first day of treatment was not significantly greater with furosemide than with diapamide, nor were the differences significant on subsequent days. The observed differences between drugs on urinary potassium and chloride excretion were not statistically significant. The most frequently occurring adverse reaction was mild to moderate nausea, which was reported by five patients receiving diapamide and two patients receiving furosemide. Diarrhea and vomiting were also more frequent with diapamide. Diapamide would appear to serve a role between the milder thiazide diuretics and the more effective furosemide.


Immunoelectron microscopy of skin in lupus erythematosus.

A multistep immunocytochemical method, utilizing horeradish peroxidase as an immunological bound marker enzyme, was employed to demonstrate in vivo fixed immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) in the skin of three patients with CDLE and three patients with SLE. The immunoglobulin deposits were confined to the uppermost strata of the dermis, i.e. the area just below the basal lamina. Small amounts of immunoglobulin were visible within the lamina lucida and the basal lamina. Only quantitative differences were observed between deposits of immunoglobulins in CDLE and SLE. I CDLE, the reaction product covered a wider area of the superficial dermis and extended deeper down into the dermis. IgG and IgM deposits exhibited an identical fine structural morphology.


Replicate studies comparing the relative efficacies of aspirin and indoprofen in oral surgery outpatients.

The results from the present studies confirm that indoprofen is an orally effective analgesic drug. Both the 100- and 200-mg dosages of indoprofen demonstrated superior analgesic activity when compared to 600 mg aspirin.


Survival of Escherichia coli, strain W, during the manufacture of cottage cheese.

Cottage cheese was manufactured in 10-liter experimental vats by the direct-acid-set method from milk that was inoculated with a heat resistant strain of Escherichia coli. Growth or survival of Strain W (ATCC 9637) E. coli was determined at various stages of the cheese making operation after the cheese-skim milk was inoculated to give counts of 2.5 X 10(4) or 4.0 X 10(5) cells/ml. Numbers of coliform organisms remained constant at the inoculated concentration in the cheese milk up to a cooking temperature of 43 C. At 43 C, when curd was separated from the whey, the curd (not washed) had coliform counts that were two log cycles greater than the whey. These trends were in milks with both cell counts. Washing of the curd with acid and 10 ppm chlorine reduced the number of coliform cells in the curd at all cooking temperatures as compared with unwashed curd. Acid wash of the curd at pH 5 did not reduce the coliform counts below those of unwashed curd. Cooking temperatures of 54 C were necessary to destroy (less than 1 cell/ml) E. coli Strain W, in either the unwashed or acid-chlorine washed curd. Holding curd with an initial average log count of 6.26 coliform cells/ml at constant temperatures of 38, 43, 49, and 54 C confirmed that 54 C for 50 min was necessary to reduce the average count to less than 1 cell/ml in isolated curd. Coliforms in whey were reduced to that concentration after 10 min at 54 C.


Axial stiffness of retention pins in human dentin.

Axial deflections of pins, anchored in specimens of human dentin by five different procedures, were measured by a specially constructed apparatus to an accuracy of 0.1 mu. Axial stiffness values calculated from these measurements were found to be significantly different for different methods of anchorage. Cemented pins displayed the lowest axial stiffness when compared with friction-locked and self-threading pins.


A photoelastic study of stress concentrations produced by retention pins in amalgam restorations.

Photoelastic models of pin-amalgam restorations were constructed to simulate different pin-dentin-amalgam relationships. The stress-raising effect of a pin is influenced by the axial stiffness of the pin and its capability of bonding with the amalgam. The stress produced by a very stiff non-bonded pin could cause failure of the restoration.


Adhesive bonding of various materials to hard tooth tissues. XVIII: synthesis of a polyfunctional surface-active comonomer.

An oligomeric diglycidyl ether was allowed to react first with one mole of acrylic acid and then with one half mole of lithium o-aminobenzoate. The nature of the complex product was estimated by probability statistics. This appears to be the best method, so far, for synthesis of a PolySAC (poly-functional surface-active comonomer).


A randomised controlled trial of the effect on middle-aged men of advice to stop smoking.

A randomised controlled trial of smoking cessation is reported in 1445 male smokers aged 40-59 at high risk of cardiorespiratory disease. The 714 men in the intervention group were recalled for a series of personal interviews with a doctor. After one year, 51% of the intervention group reported that they were not smoking any cigarettes, and most of the others reported a reduction. Compared with the "normal care" group, the men in the intervention group showed a decline in the prevalence of sputum production and dyspnoea; ventilatory function did not improve but its rate of decline was significantly slowed. There were no evident effects on blood pressure levels, nor on electrocardiographic findings over three years, nor on sickness absence over one year. Mortality follow-up has continued for an average of 7.9 years; 98 (13.7%) of the intervention group have died, compared with 94 (12.9%) of the "normal care" group. The 95% confidence limits on mortality range from 2.63% in favour of intervention to 4.37% in favour of normal care. The power of the trial has been reduced by smoking cessation in the "normal care" group. It is concluded that smoking cessation in these middle-aged men improved the symptoms and progress of chronic bronchitis; but the reversibility of the risk of cigarettes to the smoker's life may have been overestimated in observational studies.


A double-blind crossover comparison of topical anesthetics.

Three topical anesthetics and a placebo were compared in 102 separate trials. The degree of anesthesia produced with each agent was determined by placing a needle in the palate near the palatal foramen. Pain produced was rated by the participants on a scale from 1 to 5.


How to maintain quality in economy dentures.

A method for constructing custom dentures using minimum time at the chair is described. Efficiency with this or any technique is gained only through experience. Although there are many ways of achieving the same goal, the basic principles of sound prosthodontic procedures must be followed for the service to be professionally acceptable.


Review of training and evaluation studies in expanded functions for dental auxiliaries.

A review of the literature on research in expanded functions for dental auxiliaries is presented. Summaries of each of the training and evaluation studies sponsored by both private and government agencies are given. Wide variation in research methods of these studies and the failure to report important details make it difficult to interpret and use the research findings. Results from all studies indicate that dental auxiliaries can, with the proper training, perform selected reversible and irreversible dental procedures at an acceptable level of quality. Future research should be conducted in private practice settings and in new oral health care delivery systems with various configurations of expanded function dental auxiliaries.


Free vascularized bone grafts in surgery of the upper extremity.

Free vascularized fibular grafts were employed in five patients with segmental bone defects following trauma or resection of tumors of the upper extremity with excellent results in three patients and satisfactory results in two. No donor site morbidity was experienced. A comparison with rib and iliac crest grafts indicates that the fibula is more suitable for reconstruction of long bone defects. The advantages of this technique are stability without sacrificing viability and a shorter immobilization period with more rapid incorporation and hypertrophy of the graft. The disadvantages are prolonged operating time, difficulty in assessing patency of anastamoses in the immediate postoperative period, and sacrifice of a major vessel in the lower extremity.


Aneurysmal bone cyst involving the hand: a review and report of two cases.

Two cases of aneurysmal bone cyst occurred in the hand. One involved the distal phalanx and followed a crushing injury to the tip of the finger; amputation of the part resulted in cure. The other involved almost all of the first metacarpal and was resected and replaced by an iliac bone graft. The appearance of an aneurysmal bone cyst in roentgenograms and after angiography usually is not diagnostic, although benign, progressive growth and potential for recurrence require complete removal.


Molecular characteristic of antibodies in the blood serum and in the lymph nodes during fractional immunization with small doses of bacterial vaccines.

An experiment on 58 rabbits demonstrated that only macromolecular agglutinins 19S are present in extracts from the lymph nodes after fractional immunization with small doses of typhoid vaccine or some dysentery vaccine. At the same time, antibodies in the blood serum are distributed in fractions of different molecular weight, starting from the 14th day of experiment. It is very probable that this distribution of antibodies is associated with the occurrence in the blood of an inhibitor of the activity of macromolecular antibodies.


An immunofluorescence assay for human antibodies to Ross River virus.

A rapid reliable immunofluorescence assay for antibodies to Ross River virus has been developed. Its particular benefit is in aiding a differential diagnosis to be made by rapid detection of IgM antibodies to this virus.


Preparation of stable erythrocyte target cells suitable for detection of the antibody response to the haptens azobenzenearsonate, azophenyltrimethylammonium and azophenylphosphorylcholine by plaque-forming cell assay.

The preparation of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) which have been sensitized with the haptens azobenzenearsonate, phosphorylcholine and azophenyltrimethylammonium, and are suitable for use in a plaque-forming cell assay, is described. Each hapten is first coupled to a phenolic imidoester (methyl-p-hydroxybenzimidate) and the substituted imidoesters are employed to prepare target SRBC. Details are presented concerning synthesis and purification of the imidoesters, as well as conditions for coupling to SRBC. The hapten-SRBC prepared by this method are very stable and offer significant advantages over other procedures for coupling these haptens to red blood cells.


Luminescence immunoassay (LIA): a solid-phase immunoassay monitored by chemiluminescence.

A luminescence immunoassay (LIA) has been developed utilizing the chemiluminescent luminol reaction with heme as catalyst. Rabbit antibody against human serum albumin was quantitated in antigen coated plastic tubes using commercially available goat anti-rabbit IgG conjugated to horseradish peroxidase which was the source of heme. The measurable range of antibody is considerably wider by LIA than by enzyme immunoassays. The time to develop and measure activity is short and constant which makes LIA suitable for automation. In its present form, LIA is slightly less sensitive but has better day-to-day reproducibility than corresponding enzymes immunoassays.


Purification of peroxidase-conjugated antibody for enzyme immunoassay by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A.

Preparation of peroxidase-conjugated antibody contaminated with very small amounts of unconjugated antibody for highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays is described. The purification process is dependent upon the differential affinity of antibody and peroxidase-conjugated antibody for concanavalin A (Con A). Application of peroxidase and radioactive labelled IgG alone or as a mixture to Con A-Sepharose columns showed that 62-83% of IgG and 0% of peroxidase could be eluted under starting conditions, while 70-83% of peroxidase and about 6% of IgG could be eluted with appropriate buffer. The contamination of the conjugate with unconjugated antibody is dependent on the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated antibody in the mixture to be purified. Using this procedure on IgG conjugated with peroxidase with a ratio of unconjugated to conjugated IgG of about 2 : 1 a preparation was obtained where the ratio was changed to 0.1 : 1.


Human monocyte chemotaxis: a quantitative in vivo technique.

This report describes a new quantitative technique for evaluating monocyte chemotaxis to a site of superficial epidermal abrasion. Micro-acrylic chambers containing 50% Zymosan activated autologous serum were separated from a 5-mm diameter epidermal abrasion by 2 Nucleopore filters which entrapped migrating monocytes but allowed free neutrophil migration. Monocytes were specifically identified by alpha napthyl acetate esterase activity. Monocytes accumulated within the filters by 4 hr and maximized at 16 and 20 hr. This technique is superior to previous skin chamber techniques in the high yield of monocytes and in specific histochemical identification of monocytes. In contrast to the Rebuck window, it does not generate attractants and has greater reproducibility. This technique will be useful in the study of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, in contrasting the function of peripheral blood monocytes to those available in the skin, and in testing the effects of drugs, immunodeficiency and infection on monocyte function in vivo.


Subsets in systemic lupus erythematosus.

In recent years, evidence from several laboratories has indicated that various subsets of systemic lupus erythematosus exist. Some of these subsets have distinctive mucocutaneous features but more importantly they have different prevalence of renal disease--thus different prognosis. These subsets are defined by the specificity of the serum antibodies the SLE patient possesses.


A microprocessor controlled timing device for cardiac electrical stimulation.

A microcomputer controlled device for delivering precisely timed stimuli to cardiac chambers is described. Stimulation patterns are determined by software, rather than hardware design, resulting in enhanced flexibility. Additionally, by providing timing inputs to conventional laboratory stimulators, this instrument can convert these limited use devices into ones capable of generating complex cardiac stimulation patterns at moderate cost.


A method for isolating uncontaminated nuclei from all stages of developing Xenopus laevis embryos.

A method for isolating nuclei from Xenopus laevis embryos has been developed. This procedure enables the isolation of nuclei, free from contamination with yolk and pigment granules, at all stages of embryoic development. Using this method the nuclear yield is 60--70% of the estimated number of cells in the embryo. The DNA, RNA, histone and non-histone protein content of these nuclei during embryogenesis (from early cleavage to the swimming tadpole stage) has been measured.


Cell contacts and sorting out in vivo: the behaviour of some embryonic tissues implanted into the developing chick wing.

The interaction of cells from embryonic liver, neural retina and mesonephros with cells from limb-bud mesenchyme has been investigated in vivo by grafting these tissues into the developing chick wing-bud. The implanted cells were in all cases from quail tissue which can be recognized histologically. As embryonic liver and neural tube are tissues that sort externally to limb-bud mesenchyme in mixed aggregates, it would be expected, from a differential adhesiveness hypothesis, that heterotypic adhesions along the borders of graft and host would be favoured over cell-cell adhesions in the graft. No morphological signs of this were evident: rather the grafted cells maximized like-like contacts. The cells of the grafts, including those from control mesenchyme, did not invade into the wing. The results were the same irrespective of whether the graft was a fragment of tissue or a pellet of reaggregated cells. This supports the idea that cells within tissues are not actively moving around and also provides controls for assaying the invasiveness of other cell types, such as malignant cells into the wing.


Toxicity studies with decamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide.

Decamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that has been under investigation by the World Health Organization for use in some vector control programs. Decamethrin proved to be a highly toxic pyrethroid ester. The acute LD50 for adult female rats was 31 mg/kg by the oral route and 4 mg/kg by the intravenous route of administration. The LD50 was observed to be sex and age dependent, with higher values recorded for weanlings and males. Initial signs of decamethrin poisoning include profuse salivation and convulsive movements. Weakness, dyspnea, anorexia and staining of the fur were observed beyond the first day following compound administration. Absorption of decamethrin was rapid by the inhalation route and minimal by the dermal route of administration. No evidence of teratogenic activity was found in rats or mice at dose levels that produced marked maternal toxicity, and no persistent toxicity was observed in neonatal rats that received perinatal exposure to decamethrin. No mutagenic activity was detected in three different in vitro assays, with or without metabolic activation.


Investigation of the potency of cells from the postimplantation mouse embryo by blastocyst injection: a preliminary report.

Chimaeric conceptuses have been produced by injection of 5 1/2-and 6 1/2-day extra-embryonic ectoderm and 5 1/2-day embryonic and extra-embryonic endoderm into 3 1/2-day mouse blastocysts. Extra-embryonic ectoderm cells contributed only to the ectoplacental cone and/or trophoblast giant cell fractions, reflecting the probable trophectoderm origin of these cells. Proximal (visceral) endoderm cells overlying both the embryonic and extra-embryonic ectoderm contributed cells only to the endoderm of the visceral yolk sac, indicating that the definitive embryonic endoderm has not formed by 5 1/2 days p.c.


Lead retention in ancient Nubian and contemporary populations.

The lead concentration in bone and tooth has been determined in 105 well-preserved Nubian skeletons from the period 3300 B.C. - 750 A.D., as well as in 17 individuals from present-day Denmark. The analyses were performed blind in two different laboratories, and the results were in close agreement. Compared to contemporary lead levels in Denmark, the oldest Nubian bones contained about 10 times less lead, while the teeth contained about 30 times less lead. Small increases in lead retention of Nubians during historical time periods were associated with early uses of lead.


Cocaine and benzoylecgonine excretion in humans.

Maximal urinary excretion of unchanged cocaine occurred within 2 h of the intranasal absorption of 1.5 mg/kg body weight of cocaine hydrochloride, and diminished rapidly thereafter. Excretion of benzoylecgonine was maximal 4 to 8 h following administration of the drug and diminished slowly over an interval of several days. Peak cocaine and benzoylecgonine concentrations observed were 24 and 75 microgram/ml, respectively. Benzoylecgonine/cocaine ratios were too varied to allow estimation of cocaine concentrations from benzoylecgonine concentration data or vice versa. Benzoylecgonine concentrations generally exceeded the corresponding cocaine values by a wide margin, but excretion of free cocaine in the absence of benzoylecgonine was observed in one subject. Cocaine was generally detected for only approximately 8 h, and for a maximum of 12 h, whereas benzoylecgonine was generally detected by chromatographic or enzyme immunologic assays for 48 to 72 h. Benzoylecgonine was positively identified in urine by raidoimmunoassay for 96 to 144 h after dosing.


The use of step enzymes as markers during meiosis and ascospore formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The activities of ornithine aminotransferase, sucrase and acid and alkaline phosphatases have been studied throughout sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The same enzymes were monitored during synchronous vegetative growth. Each of these enzymes has been demonstrated to increase in a 'step' manner during both growth and sporulation. Alkaline phosphatase increased in a two-step manner whereas the others increased in a single step. The times of increase of these enzymes formed a similar sequence during both sporulation and growth. It has been proposed that these enzymes are under a common mechanism of control during growth and sporulation and that the sequence of enzyme appearance may be used as markers of the sporulation process.


Relationships between strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subspp. mycoides and capri studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of cell proteins.

Strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides have been divided into small colony (SC) and large colony (LC) types (Cottew & Yeats, 1978). The protein patterns of representative strains of these two types and of M. mycoides subsp. capri were compared by a high resolution, two-dimensional gel electrophoretic method. The results suggest that the LC strains are more closely related to M. mycoides subsp. capri than to the SC strains of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides.


Thermosensitive H1 plasmids determining citrate utilization.

Twelve thermosensitive H1 plasmids from strains of Salmonella typhi that had caused outbreaks of chloramphenicol-resistant typhoid fever in Vietnam, Thailand and India mediated citrate utilization (Cit+) in a prototrophic Escherichia coli K12 strain but not in the S. typhi strains from which they were derived. Four H1 plasmids from a similar outbreak in Mexico differed from the Far Eastern plasmids in not mediating citrate utlization but in mediating mercury resistance. H1 plasmids resembling the Far Eastern and the Mexican plasmids in regard to citrate utilization and mercury resistance were found in sewage in Britain. Citrate utilization was transferred to eight pathogenic strains of E. coli and to one strain each of Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei. Cultures of Cit+ bacteria grew more rapidly in citrate media at 28 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. Plasmid mutants that were more efficient at utilizing citrate were present in all such cultures--they grew equally well or better at 37 degrees C than at 28 degrees C. None of 222 strains of E. coli or Shigella that contained a variety of different plasmids were able to utilize citrate. This property was not transferred to the prototrophic E. coli K12 strain from Citrobacter (3 strains), Salmonella (39 strains), Proteus (44 strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae (33 strains) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (44 strains).


Chromosomal location of the mop (groE) gene necessary for bacteriophage morphogenesis in escherichia coli.

The chromosomal location of a host gene, mop (groE), which is essential for the morphogenesis of several bacteriophages in Escherichia coli, was determined by two- and three-factor transductional crosses using phage P1. Cotransduction frequencies beteen mop and other markers were: aspA, 90%; ampA, 77%; frdA, 73%; mel, 24%. The sequence of markers in the corresponding segment (mel to purA; 91.5 to 93.5 min) of the E. coli linkage map was shown to be mel--aspA--mop(groE)--ampA--frdA--pur A.


Formation of concatemeric DNA as an intermediate in the replication of bacteriophage T1 DNA molecules.

The structure of intracellular DNA extracted from phage T1 infected cells was analysed by sedimentation through sucrose gradients. DNA labelled with 3H-dThd during a short pulse given at any time during T1 DNA synthesis sedimented in neutral gradients as a broad heterogeneous band with a large fraction of the label sedimenting more rapidly than mature T1 DNA molecules. Rapidly-sedimenting label was also observed when pulse-labelled DNA was denatured and analysed on alkaline sucrose gradients. Electron microscopy of intracellular T1 DNA revealed linear molecules of variable length the longest of which were three to four times the mature genome length. The distribution of lengths derived from electron microscopy are consistent with the molecular length distributions calculated from the sedimentation coefficients. We conclude that the rapidly-sedimenting DNA is in the form of concatemers consisting of linear tandem repeats of the T1 genome. The concatemeric form of replicating T1 DNA is a precursor of progeny T1 genomes since in pulse-chase experiments it was converted efficiently into mature, infectious T1 phage particles. The identification of this concatemeric form of T1 DNA provides supporting evidence for the model proposed by Gill & MacHattie (1976) to account for the formation of the very limited number of cyclic permutations of gene sequence found for mature T1 DNA molecules.


Experiences with L-deprenyl in Parkinsonism.

In about 2/3 of the cases studied (152 patients), the combination of deprenyl and the substitution-therapy has a favourable effect as it tends to normalize motor activity. Although the administering of deprenyl renders neither L-Dopa nor the decarboxylase inhibitor superfluous, their side effects can be slightly reduced as their dose is reduced. Therefore it is advised to give all patients a trial with this drug.


Physiological study of presumed ventralis intermedius neurons in the human thalamus.

Unitary or a group of unitary responses recorded extracellularly in the rostral part of the thalamic sensory nucleus during the course of thalamotomy for parkinsonian and other kinds of tremor were studied. They were the first sensory neurons encountered in the frontocaudal approach of the stereotaxic needle to the therapeutic target at the lower border of the ventralis intermedius nucleus. The spike discharges, isolated from high neural noise background, responded to passive and/or active movement of joint or muscle on the contralateral extremity but never to light tactile stimuli. In five cases, electrical stimulation of the corresponding peripheral nerves elicited the same spike discharge at short and fixed latency of about 12 msec. Weak electrical stimulation given to each thalamic point produced paresthetic or electric sensation around the receptive field, and stronger stimulation induced tremor-like movement in the area involving the receptive field. Finally, a small coagulation lesion in this thalamic point resulted in immediate relief of tremor without any sensory deficit. From these findings, the possibility is considered that in the human, this particular thalamic zone could be the ventralis intermedius nucleus, which is separable from the surrounding nuclei and is related to tremor mechanism.


Further data on the acute effect of intravenous steroids on canine CSF secretion and absorption.

Considerable difference of opinion has arisen as to whether intravenously administered steroids affect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production in the acute laboratory animal undergoing ventriculocisternal perfusion. Our experiments with ventriculocisternal perfusion in dogs indicate that, when given intravenously, neither dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, nor aldosterone result in a significant, acute effect upon CSF production. Similarly, CSF absorption and outflow resistance mechanisms are not acutely affected by intravenous methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and aldosterone. Dexamethasone also probably does not produce an immediate effect upon CSF absorption.


Group B beta hemolytic streptococcal sepsis and the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome: a comparison.

The clinical features of 27 patients with early onset group B beta hemolytic streptococcus sepsis were reviewed. Fifteen presented with a clinical pattern indistinguishable from the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome and were compared with 15 patients with IRDS. Rupture of membranes for greater than 12 hours prior to delivery occurred more often in patients with GBS (33%) than in the patients with IRDS (16%). Hypotension was more commonly seen in the patients with GBS (56%) than in the patients with IRDS (36%). There was no difference in the incidence of apnea or the respirator peak inspiratory pressure requirements between the two groups of patients, but there was a tendency for a decline in the total white blood cell count in the first 24 hours of life in those patients with GBS sepsis.


Epidemiologic and bacteriologic evaluation of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in our neonatal unit has varied from 4.7% to zero to 4.4% during three time periods. Simultaneously, significant changes have occurred in the spectrum of bacterial species in the gastrointestinal tract of unaffected infants in the same unit. During the first period of increased attack rate, 82% of gastric and 88% of fecal Enterobacteriaceae were E. coli and K. pneumoniae. When the attack rate decreased the frequencies were 11% (gastric) and 47% (fecal), and P. mirabilis was retrieved with increased frequency. The return of E. coli and K. pneumoniae as the dominant organisms was associated with an increase in NEC. Infants with NEC, compared with controls, had a statistically significant increased frequency of retrieval of E. coli and K. pneumoniae from gastric and fecal samplings. The data suggest an active role for certain enteric bacteria in the pathogenesis of NEC.