[Attempt at the prevention of respiratory syndrome by rearing calves with a minimum morbidity rate].

Under the conditions of a pilot experiment on two farms the authors tested the system of calf rearing in which the calves were separated from their mothers immediately after birth to be kept in specially equipped rearing facilities. In calf-house K with a semi-continual system of operation the total number of calves reared on milk nitrition was 959 and the average daily weight gain in individual groups (41 to 75 days from birth) ranged, with the exception of four groups, from 0.50 to 0.78 kg, depending on the deterioration or improvement of the conditions of operation, tending, or hygiene, In calf-house D with the all-in all-out system of operation where 391 calves were reared, the average daily weight gain in individual groups (55 to 84 days from birth) was 0.70 to 0.87 kg, with the exception of four groups. The calves reared in this way maintained good growth ability also in fattening, showing the average weight gain of 1.00 kg and 1.08 kg in groups transferred from the vegetable-nutrition department of the houses to a disinfected stable, in comparison with the 0.77 kg and 0.85 kg gains in groups, transferred to stables with the continual system of operation. Heifers were ready for the first insemination at the age of 20 to 23 months. The method of calf-rearing without mothers, based on controlled supply of colostrum to calves reared in closed populations in clean environment disinfected in advance, enables the production of "minimum-morbidity animals" giving excellent results in all parameters of production.


[Effect of various breeding conditions on the development of respiratory syndrome in calves].

In two experimental rearing houses with new-born non-colostral calves, separated from their mothers at birth and artificially fed colostrum or colostral whey, the epizootological situation was very favourable throughout the time of observation. The respiratory syndrome occurred in both cases as a result of the long-term worsening of microclimatic conditions and failure to adhere to the principle of the all-in all-out system. The etiology of the disease was of a complex character, involving virus PI-3, IBR, and bacteria, and its arising reminded of the exacerbation of latent virus infection. The primary role of the PI-3 virus in the arising of the disease was documented by complex laboratory examination. As distinct from the large-capacity calf-house with continual operation where the PI-3 virus and the same bacteria participated in the arising of the respiratory syndrome, which was not controlled, in the experimental calf-houses it was sufficient to adjust the microclimatic conditions, to disinfect the stables, and to adhere strictly to the priniciple of the all-in all-out system. The proposed method of the rearing of "minimum-morbidity calves" appears to be promising for use in the prevention of respiratory infections in calves and its further testing in large-capacity calf-houses is considered as desirable.


[Levels of osteotrophic mineral elements (total calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium) in the blood plasma of calves up to the age of 4 months].

In the post-natal period (up to the age of four months), healthy heifer calves of the Bohemian Spotted breed (n = 204) were studied for the levels of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium in the blood plasma. The calves were divided into 17 age groups (n = 12), the age interval between the groups being one week. The highest level of total calcium was found in the calves in the first week after birth (11.77 mg%); this level significantly decreased with higher age of the calves. The minimum was recorded in the fifth week (10.13 mg%). The level of inorganic phosphorus was almost unchanged throughout the period under study, ranging about 9 mg% with insignificant variation. The level of magnesium in the plasma was also fairly stable in the first month of age (2.14--2.29 mg%), a slight increase being observed only from the fifth week on. The comparison of the valves measured in the calves with those obtained in cows indicated that the level of calcium (except the value measured in the fifth week) was higher in the valves than in the cows throughout the experimental period, and that the level of phosphorus was also significantly higher than in the cows throughout the same period. Average values of magnesium in the plasma of the calves were mostly lower than in the plasma of the cows; only in the last third of the experimental period were the magnesium levels very close to, or higher than, the levels in the cows. The dynamics of the development of the cations studied in calf plasma, the Ca/P, Ca/Mg, P/Mg, (Ca+Mg)/p ratios, and the ion product Ca. P reflect the function of these osteotrophic minerals in the process of the growth of skeleton.


[Endoparasites of calves in large herds].

The authors present preliminary results of the coprological examination of calves in large-capacity calf-houses. In a new large-capacity calf-house in the Benesov district in the Central-Bohemian region, 200 samples of faeces were examined according to Breza (1957) and further examinations were performed regularly in a group of 42 calves from the age of 0.5 to 6 months. The tests revealed 13 species of endoparasites, including eight species of coccidia: Eimeria auburnensis, E. alabamensis. E. bovis, E. cylindrica, E. elliposidalis, E. subspherica, E. zuernii, Isospora spp., and five species of helminths: Strongyloides papillosus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Trichocephalus ovis, Cooperia spp., and Ascaris suum. The following conclusions were derived from these findings: 1. The calves may carry the germs of coccidia and helminths on their hooves already during transportation to the new calf-house; 2. twelve- to twenty-day-old calves, coming to the calf-houses, are often already attacked by several species of coccidia and helminths; 3. the number of parasite species increases and the extensity of invasion rises with age; 4. it has been demonstrated that the invasion process of eight species of coccidia and five species of worms can take place under the conditions of modern calf-house; 5, stronglyloidosis, oesophagostomosis, and trichocephalosis can be treated as typical stable helminthoses; 6. some other speceis of helminths and coccidia occur in calves after transition to green forage with which they are probably carried to the calf-house.


[Relationship between the volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen and nitrogen secretion into isolated sheep's rumen].

Two sheep with a ruminal fistula and an isolated small rumen were studied for the secretion of ammonia nitrogen, urea nitrogen, and amino nitrogen into the isolated rumen at different levels of volatile fatty acids (VFA) (50, 133-97, and 97-66 M Mol 1(-1)) in the rumen. The VFA level in the rumen was found to exert a great influence on the quantitative secretion of endogenous nitrogen from the blood through the rumen wall into rumen content. When the VFA level in the rumen was increased by administration of a single dose of acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, the secretion of ammonia nitrogen and amino nitrogen abruptly dropped and the secretion of urea into the isolated rumen slightly increased. The over-all amount of nitrogen (NH3-N + urea-N + amino-N) that had passed into the isolated rumen in the course of an hour showed a highly significant correlation with the passage of nitrogen in the form of ammonia and amino nitrogen and was greatest before the application of VFA to the rumen, i.e. at the level of 50 m mol 1-1. Of the metabolites under study, which were passing to the isolated rumen, amino nitrogen shared the greatest proportion (45.38-46.54%). When the VFA level in the rumen was raised, the proportion of ammonia secreted to the isolated rumen decreased and the proportion of urea in the total amount of nitrogen increased.


[Passage of amino acids through the minimal wall in sheep].

Three sheep with a small isolated rumen (after Gridin et al., 1964) were studied for the passage of amino acids from the blood to the isolated rumen before feeding and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours after feeding. It was found that, on an average for all the time intervals mentioned above, the passage of glycine was the largest of all the amino acids studied (0.512 muMol per 100 ml), followed, in descending order, by lysine, alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, leucine, threonine, isoleucine, arginine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine (0.038 muMol per 100 ml). Before feeding and one hour after feeding, lysine shared the greatest proportion of all amino acids that had passed into the isolated rumen (0.565-0.43 muMol per 100 ml), followed, in descending order, by glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine, serine, threonine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine; arginine was, in this case, represented by the smallest proportion (0.042-0.030 muMol per 100 ml). It is inferred from the results that the amount of amino acids passing from the blood through the rumen wall changes with the time that has elapsed from feeding, and that before feeding this passage is more intensive than after feeding. These changes are held to be related with an increased passage of endogenous nitrogen to the rumen in the period of a relative deficiency of substances which are derived from the feed and are essential for maintaining homeostasis in the rumen.


[Effect of wood waste on the digestibility of glycides and level of volatile fatty acids in sheep].

Sheep were subject to an experiment concerning the effect of treated beech sawdust and thickened aqueous hydrolyzate of beech wood (xylocel) on the digestibility of glycides and on the level of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen content. The results prove that the use of treated beech sawdust as a replacer for ground barley straw favourably influenced the digestibility of monosaccharides, cellulose, lignin and total dry matter of the diet. Sawdust reduced the concentration of total VFA in the rumen content but the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (A:P) was lower and the energetic efficiency of the VFA produced was higher in the diet containing sawdust. The addition of urea to the diet with beech sawdust conditioned less effectively, as distinct from the case mentioned above, did not give a clear effect. Urea encouraged the digestibility of pentosanes, glucose and cellulose, but reduced the energetic efficiency of the VFA produced. Xylocel had no clear effect on the digestibility of sugars either. The higher A:P ratio and the lower energetic efficiency of the VFA produced testify to the fact that xylocel in combination with beet molasses was not a sufficient replacer of sugar-beet glycides.


[Submicroscopic structure of small intestine cells of lambs during a course of experimental inflammation].

The changes observed in the submicroscopic structure of the enterocytes of the jejunum of lambs in which inflammation has been chemically evoked justify the assumption that 12 hours after application of the chemical agent some differences exist, particularly in cellular reaction in the submucosa, in comparison with inflammations evoked by the infective agent. The submicroscopic changes in the enterocytes correspond to acute inflammation and indicate alterations on cell components which considerably reduce the absorptive area of the intestinal epithelium, and on organellae essential for the function of the enterocyte. In this way the natural barriers in the intestinal wall are damaged, leading to derangements in the absorption and passage of the nutrients taken in.


[Effect of DDT, intensive use of the floor surface and post-incubation stress on the development of immune response in chickens].

We studied the long-term effect of civilization factors, DDT, high stocking rates, and post-incubation stress on the antibody response to the administration of Newcastle disease vaccine. The chickens were divided into three groups after hatching. The first group was fed a mixture with an addition of commercial DDT (100 mg per 1 kg of feed). The second group was given the same feed and, in addition, was kept at a high stocking rate. Half the experimental chickens of each group were tied in the third post-natal week, to subject the birds to another stress. Those in the control group remained intact. The results indicate that DDT administered with food increased the immunity response to the antigen stimulus. The additive stress from high stock densities reduced the immunity response, and decreased the response raised by DDT administration to the level of the control. The post-incubation stress was found to modify the long-term effect of DDT and high stocking rate upon the immunity response of the chickens.


[Weight gains in rats of different ages after administration of insulin].

An experiment was made to examine the body weight gains after administration of deposit insulin (40 units per kg of live weight) in rats at the age of 1-12 days, 8-10 weeks and 18-20 weeks. The administration of insulin to suckling young (aged 11-12 days) did not influence the weight gains. Eight- to ten-week old rats showed a reduction and 18- to 20-week old rats showed a reduction and 18- to 20-week old rats an increase of weight gains in the course of the experiment.


[Frequency-voltage dependence in the region of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus of rats fed various diets].

Adult rats (males) of the Wistar species and of SPF origin were studied for the dependence of frequency on the electric potential on EEG records of the region of the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus and lateral hypothalamus of animals fed high-protein and high-fat diets. Similar values of control animals were used for comparison. Each group comprised seven animals. In the control animals, constantly fed the basic diet, the values of the frequency-voltage dependence remained unchanged. In the animals fed high-protein diet frequency increased with rising voltage whereas in those fed high-fat diet frequency declined with increasing voltage in both body regions under study.


[Isolation and cold resistance of enterococci in ice cream].

Studies were a total of 85 samples of ice-cream assortments. It was found that the presence of enterococci was reduced--up to 21 per cent of the samples only had from 101 to 2000 microbial cells per cu. cm of the ice-cream mass. Enterococci of the fecal group predominated--81 per cent. The regime of thermal treatment applied to the ice-cream melange produced bactericidal effect on the Enterococcus microflora. After pasteurization, however, the product became contaminated with a secondary Enterococcus infection due to the improperly cleaned glassware and equipment. In freezing the ice-cream melange the amount of Enterococcus microflora dropped from 3.2 to 3.3 times. No changes in the microbial count were established after the deep-freezing storage of ice-cream for 24 months at -18 to -25 degrees C. The Enterococcus titer is suggested as an index in the hygiene evaluation of ice-cream.


Cell kinetics of mouse urinary bladder epithelium. IV. Changes in cell proliferation, nuclear DNA content, and number of diploid, tetraploid and octoploid cells after a single dose of dibutylnitrosamine.

The initial effect of a single subcutaneous injection of 0.01 ml of dibutylnitrosamine on the mouse (hr/hr strain) urinary bladder epithelium was a block in DNA synthesis in the diploid cells followed by a regenerative reaction. This did not, however, lead to a subsequent wave of increased DNA synthesis among the tetraploid cells. Later, a new wave of DNA synthesis occurred among the diploid cells, and again there was no subsequent wave of tetraploid DNA synthesis. The total cell number was not affected. These disturbances resulted in periods of reduced numbers of octoploid cells. This effect was unlike that obtained in previously published experiments using cyclophosphamide, which led to considerable hyperplasia, especially of octoploid cells, and no disturbance of tetraploid DNA synthesis. Thus the action of a single dose of dibutylnitrosamine on the epithelial cells in the mouse urinary bladder is very different from that of cyclophosphamide in a single dose, but it is not possible to say whether this has anything to do with the carcinogenicity of the nitrosamine.


Cellular events during partial cerebral ischemia. I. Electron microscopy of feline cerebral cortex after middle-cerebral-artery occlusion.

The feline right cerebral hemisphere was subjected to regional (incomplete) ischemia after clipping the middle cerebral artery for 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 min, respectively. After each ischemic episode, a 10-min recirculation period was allowed, following which the brain was fixed and processed for electron microscopy. The earliest alterations, detected in the cerebral cortex after 15 min, increased in severity with longer ischemic episodes and were distributed multifocally. There was: (a) marked neuronal mitochondrial matrical swelling and progressive condensation of cytoplasm and nucleoplasm; (b) cytoplasmic swelling of astrocytes with preservation of glial mitochondrial volume; (c) capillaries, oligodendrocytes, myelin sheaths and axis cylinders did not change significantly, even after the longest interval studied: 60 min. This type of tissue reaction appears to be common for those forms of cerebral ischemia, in which circulation is either sustained partially (via collateral arteries) or restored after a period of absolute ischemia. Under these conditions, as yet undefined permeability changes in cell membranes lead to pronounced volumetric alterations of cellular compartments. Although no softening is detectable by digital examination, we suggest that such a set of structural abnormalities constitutes encephalomalacia, or the earliest stage of a lesion which is designated infarction, once it reaches irreversibility.


The ultrastructure of "brain death". II. Electron microscopy of feline cortex after complete ischemia.

Permanent, complete global cerebral ischemia was induced in cats by filling the cardiovascular system with a plasma substitute (37 degrees C). At variable intervals and up to 120 min thereafter, these feline brains were perfused with aldehydes and processed for electron microscopy. The resulting cellular alterations were homogeneous and uniform throughout the entire brain; they included early chromatin clumping, gradually increasing electron lucency of the cell sap, distention of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi cisternae, transient mitochondrial condensation followed by swelling and appearance of flocculent densities, and dispersion of ribosomal rosettes. The marked contrast between the structural alterations in permanent, complete ischemia and incomplete cerebral ischemia, suggest differences in their pathogenesis. A basic determinant factor of the structural changes appears to be the volume of flow (serum, plasma, other) which is available at the time of the injury. This analysis of global cerebral ischemia provides some insight on the nature of cellular changes occurring shortly after somatic death.


Ultrastructure of experimentally produced subcutaneous haematomas in the rabbit.

Haematomas were produced in rabbits by subcutaneous injection of autologous blood. Clotting and marked lysis of erythrocytes was noted in these haematomas, but there was no evidence of fragmentation of erythrocytes prior to or after ingestion by macrophages as has been reported in other sites such as the peritoneal cavity and the joint cavity. The phagocytosis of intact erythrocytes, lysed erythrocytes and haemoglobin led to the formation of three main types of lysosomal bodies; (1) myelinosomes containing whorled osmiophilic membranes, (2) siderosomes containing haemosiderin, and (3) myelinosiderosomes containing a mixture of osmiophilic membranes and haemosiderin.


Facultative polyploidy in endocrine tissues.

Adrenal tissue from 44 autopsies and 30 biopsies of thyroid gland were analyzed by flow--and scanning-cytophotometry. Most nuclei were diploid and the 4C fraction ranged from 1.9 to 6.1% according to the technique, but with no significant difference between controls and adenomas, hyperplasias, adenomatous goiters, or two carcinomas of the thyroid gland. The only significant increase of 4C fraction was found in normal adrenals of patients above 50 years of age (P less than 0,025). Similarly constant was the proportion of 8C nuclei which ranged from 0.5 to 1.3 per thousand. However, in one of 23 adenomatous goiters a total polyploidization was was observed. Comparable results in the literature show that the thyroid gland like the epithelium of seminal vesicles can facultatively become polyploidized, in contrast to the obligatory polyploid orgnas namely the liver and heart. This is not related to malignancy.


Formation of basement membrane in extracapillary proliferates in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

In the extracapillary proliferations (crescents) of the glomeruli in glomerulonephritis, basement membranes appear and in addition "secretory bodies" are formed in the cisternae of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum. The findings permit the conclusion that proliferated visceral epithelial cells are involved in the crescent formation to a greater extent than previously assumed.


Hypovolemic models of acute tubular necrosis in the rat kidney.

Studies were undertaken to determine whether a hypotensive episode under variable conditions is capable of inducing experimental acute renal failure in rats. Animals were subjected to hypovolemic shock by withdrawing volumes of blood necessary to maintain a systolic pressure of 30-40 mm Hg for 105-110 min. The blood was then reinfused and the animal was allowed to recover for 48 h prior to sacrifice. In an attempt to increase the injury, a second group of animals was salt-depleted prior to injury, a third group was volume-depleted by being deprived of H2O for 72 h prior of injury, a fourth group received 7.5 mg/kg indomethacin 30 min prior to injury, and a fifth group had 30% of the blood which was removed to produce shock hemolyzed and returned following the injury. In all groups examined, light microscopy revealed a moderate to severe acute tubular necrosis localized mainly in the outer stripe of the outer zone as defined by Peter (1909). Tubular damage was confined to the medullary pars recta of the proximal tubule and only in the most severe cases did injury involve the cortical pars recta and pars convoluta. Casts were present in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Despite these significant histologic alterations, BUN values from all experimental groups remained within control levels. These studies clearly show that extensive necrosis of the medullary pars recta can be dissociated from the development of acute renal failure.


[Tilorone, a synthetic immunostimulator possessing antitumor activity].

The authors report the results of studies on antitumor, immunostimulating and interieron-inducing properties of diethylamine fluorene derivative--tiloron, synthesized at Odessa laboratories of IGIC of the Ukrainian SSR Academy of Sciences by the originally elaborated method. It was found that tiloron does not suppress leucopoiesis, stimulates a number of protective reactions of the organism, including the factors of humoral and cell immunity, especially manifested under immunosuppression. Tiloron is shown to possess the definite antitumor activity being retained in peroral administration of the drug. Tiloron used together with cytostatic agents results in enhanced suppression of experimental tumors growth. Antitumor and immunostimulating action of tiloron on the experimental patterns under study is believed by the authors to be somewhat related with its interieron-inducing ability.


[Substrate specificity, inhibitors and kinetics of deamidase AG (asparaginase-glutaminase) from Pseudomonas fluorescens AG].

Deamidase AG (asparaginase-glutaminase) from Pseudomonas fluorescens AG was shown to hydrolyze 1-glutamine and 1-asparagine highly effectively. Besides, the enzyme exhibited the rather high rate of deamidation of D-asparagine and D-glutamine (70% and 100%, respectively), Nalpha-butyl asparagine (63%) and among peptides -- of glycyl-L-asparagine (40%). L-glutamic acid gamma-methyl ester was hydrolyzed only slightly (5%). Effect of several substrate analogues on the deamidase AG activity was studied as well. Albiciine (alpha-amino-beta-ureide propionic acid) proved to be the strongest inhibitor (100%). Beta-Methyl aspartic acid, S-carbamoyl cysteine, alpha-ketoglutaric acid showed the slight inhibitory effect (20%). Amount of active centres per enzyme molecule was estimated by means of 14C-albiciine. Deamidase AG had apparently only one active centre. In estimation of relationship between the rate of reaction and substrate (L-asparagine) concentration, the reaction was found to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics, K(m) = 4.5 with 10-4 M.


[Role of phospholipase A2 in anoxic injury to the energy-dependent functions of the mitochondria].

An increase in concentration of free fatty acids was observed simultaneously with a decrease in energy dependent functions of mitochondria (oxidative phosphorylation and Ca2+-accumulating ability) after their preincubation under anoxic conditions in vitro with Ca2+ ions (11-14 nmol/mg of mitochondrial protein). Impairment of mitochondria and accumulation of fatty acids were prevented by inhibitors of phospholipase A2 from mitochondria. The anoxic impairment of mitochondria appears to be caused by Ca2+-activated phospholipase A2.


[Additional observations to the biology of Hepatozoon erhardovae Krampitz 1964 in bank voles from the south-western Styria and from areas around the Neusiedlersee (Burgenland) (author's transl)].

The incidence of Hepatozoon erhardovae in the blood of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) captured in the investigated areas is examined. The biology of schizonts, their distribution in the lobes of the lung and the further development of natural infections in vertebrate hosts kept strictly free of ectoparasites are observed. The accumulation of gametocytes in larvae of the tick Ixodes ricinus and of the mite Neotrombicula zachvatkini after sucking on strongly infected bank voles is pointed out. Occasionally a parasitaemia is produced in the non-specific host (Apodemus flavicollis), but only with a specific transmitter (Megabothris turbidus).


[The importance of Laelaps agilis C.L. Koch 1836 (Mesostigmata: Parasitiformae) as a vector of Hepatozoon sylvatici Coles 1914 (Sporozoa: Haemogregarinidae) (author's transl)].

The importance of the mite Laelaps agilis (Parasitiformae) for the transmission of the Hepatozoon species living in the blood of Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis (Hepatozoon sylvatici) is examined. With this mite the experimental transfer of the parasite to bred hosts of the same species was successful five times; for once, the transmission to a non-specific host (Clethrionomys glareolus) was also possible. Besides, an eventual stimulating effect emanating from the gonads of female mites to the development of parasites can be considered. Differences in the morphology of schizonts in the bone marrow and in the liver of infected Apodemus flavicollis are especially pointed out.


Transmission of Nosema kingi to offspring of Drosophila willistoni during copulation.

Transmission of the microsporidian Nosema kingi to offspring of Drosophila willistoni during copulation was investigated. Offspring from matings of infected females and non-infected males, infected males and non-infected females, and both infected females and males were parasitized with N. kingi. 28% of the offspring were infected when the parents mated immediately after exposure to the parasite. However, 43--93% of the offspring were infected with the microsporidian when copulation was delayed 2 weeks post-infection.


[Co-oxidation of beta-carotene and canthaxanthine by purified lipoxygenases from soya beans (author's transl)].

Isolation and purification of soya bean lipoxygenase (linoleate: O2 oxidoreductase, EC, 1.13.11.12) on Sephadex G-200, DEAE-cellulose and by isolectric focusing yields two isoenzymes of the L- 2 type (optimum pH 6.5) and two of the L-1 type (optimum pH9.0). Different crude extracts from soya beans as well as the purified L-2 isoenzymes exhibit the same capacity for co-oxidation of beta-carotene and canthaxanthine, when the comparison is based upon equal lipoxygenase activities. In contrast to L-2 the alkaline lipoxygenase L-1 is a poor "carotene oxidase".


[On lipoxygenase and enzymes which decompose linoleic acid hydroperoxides in rye (author's transl)].

An enzyme fraction from rye containing lipoxygenase activity was investigated. The molecular weight of lipoxygenase was found to be about 102000. Two bands groups with isoelectric points between 5.1-5.5 and 5.8-6.4 were obtained by isoelectric focusing. Three isoenzymes could be separated by ion exchange chromatography. Lipoxygenase has optimum activity at pH 7.3-7.5 and predominantly forms 13-hydroperoxy-9-cis, 11-trans-octadecadienoic acid (13-LHPO). In rye the 13-LHPO is converted to alpha-ketols by a high molecular protein fraction. This isomerase converts the LHPO formed by rye lipoxygenase predominantly to 12,13-ketohydroxy acids. The Michaelis Constant of isomerase is 3-5 X 10(-5), using LHPO as substrate. At low protein concentrations the reaction velocity of LHPO-conversion increases linearly with protein concentration.


[Co-oxydation of linoleic acid to volatile compounds by lipoxygenase isoenzymes from soya beans (author's transl)].

Lipoxygenase isoenzymes L-1 (optimum pH 9.0) and L-2 (pH 6.5) were incubated with linoleic acid. The extracted volatile compounds were separated by gas-chromatography and analysed by mass spectrometry. The relative amounts of volatile carbonyl compounds, which were formed during catalysis were determined (mole percent). L-1 yielded hexanal (greater than 90% at pH 7 and 70% at pH 8.5). L-2 at pH 7 yielded hexanal (31), two geometric isomers of 2,4-decadienal (40), 2-trans-heptenal (12) and 2-trans-octenal (10).


Conjugation in lysogenic, multiple-drug resistant, nosocomial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing a hemolytic toxin.

From incubators and children in a premature-born unit, a number of red-pigmented Ps. aeruginosa strains, resistant to kanamycin, streptomycin and lividomycin and producing haemolytic toxin II, were isolated and investigated for transfer of resistance in mixed cultures. Streptomycin, kanamycin and lividomycin resistance was co-transferred, from some strains, together with the ability of toxin production. Transfer ability was also co-transferred which might have genetic as well as epidemiological significance. Strains do produce "Autoplaques" and transferability of this property as well as of lysogeny is under investition.


[Ability of monkeys to predict the direction of a movement].

The capacity of chimpanzees and baboons for extrapolating the rectalinear direction of the movement of food was studied by means of a specially evolved method. It was found that the chimpanzees have greater extrapolation capacities than baboons both in the case of immediate and delayed decision. The factors which determine the effectiveness of extrapolation are as follows: relation between the lengths of visible and invisible sections of the trajectory, as well as the angle of trajectory deflection from the vertical line. The longer the visible trajectory section, and the smaller the deflection angle, the easier the extrapolation problem.


Immunofluorescent identification of Listeria monocytogenes.

A fluorescent antibody technique for the rapid diagnosis and identification of L. monocytogenes in smears, impression smears from tissues of animals dead from listeriosis, and in meat and milk is described. The technique could well be exploited for detecting L. monocytogenes in meat and meat products, animal tissues, and in milk provided that it is supplemented with adequate controls. The technique has been compared with conventional cultural technique and found to be superior as far as the time factor is concerned. The use of the technique also demonstrates the possibility of actually determining the serological type concurrently.


[On the possibility of a rapid method for sensitivity testing of mycobacteria by determination of H3-uracil incorporation (author's transl)].

Dubos-Tween Albumin cultures (8.0 ml) were set up with 10(6) viable bacteria per ml. After incubation for 48 hours 0.25 muC H3-uracil per ml was added. At the same time the antituberculoticum was introduced. The final concentrations were 1 microgram, 0.25 microgram and 0.025 microgram for INH; 4.0 microgram for SM; 32 microgram and 0.32 microgram for RMP; 2.0 microgram and 1.0 microgram for ETH; 0.5 microgram and 0.25 microgram for PAS. The incorporation rate clearly depended on the degree of sensitivity of the bacteria. Determing the incorporation rate of H3-uracil allowed the result to be read after only one week (fig. 1 and fig. 2) instead of 4 to 6 weeks using the conventional method on solid media. It was also found that turbidity measurements of the cultures (fig. 2) gave an equaly reliable result enabling this latter method to be performed in less well equipped laboratories.


[Safety and immunologic effectiveness of polyantigen from shigellae for oral immunization of monkeys].

Clinical, morphological, and immunological study was carried out in monkeys given shigellae antigen in tablets orally. Each tablet contained 0.5 mg of the antigens obtained by Boiven's method from Sh. flexneri 2a, 3, 4a, 4b, 6 and Sh. sonnei. Daily administration of the preparation for 4 days and then 4 times at the interval of 5 days proved to be harmless for monkeys. A marked immunomorphological reaction in the form of hyperplasia of the lymphoid elements of the wall of the large intestine and the lymph nodes occurred in response. There was found a resistance of the great majority of the immunized animals to the infection with the virulent Sh. flexneri 2a strain, this corresponding to the accumulation of cells secreting IgM and IgA in the wall of the large intestine.


[The species C. diphtheriae].

Corynebacteria (C. diphtheriae var. gravis, mitis, minimus, intermedius, C. belfanti, C. ovis, C. ulceraus) producing diphtheria toxin are found as variants sharply differing from one another morphologically (from long branching rods to coccobacilli), culturally, biochemically and by other signs. The toxin synthesis in them was determined by genetically heterogeneous prophages tox+; tox+ virus exchange is possible between the corynebacteria. Since production of specific toxin, the cardinal sign of C. diphtheriae species, is connected with the genoms of genetically heterogeneous viruses tox+, the circle of whose hosts is very wide, it can be supposed that there is no genetically homogeneous taxonomic category "diphtheriae species". Several species of corynebacteria--lysogenized (toxigenic) or capable of being lysogenized (nontoxigenic) with tox+ viruses are included into the composition of the corynebacteria groups which medicine considers as "species" for over 80 years. A possiblity of becoming a diphtheria causative agent is determined by the capacity of corynebacteria to become infected with the circle of viruses tox+ the DNA of which can become stably integrated with the gene of this bacterium. The mentioned approach to taxonomy is possibly applicable to microorganisms in which the pathogenicity signs (the toxin) were determined, as in C. diphtheriae, in the virus genoms (Bac. botulinus).


[Certain data on the protoplast ultrastructure].

A study was made of the structure of Bac. subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes protoplasts by the method of scanning electron microscopy. The mechanism of protoplast formation in Gram-positive bacteria and in spheroplasts of Gram-negative bacteria proved to differ. A loss of the rigid form of the cell, round protrusions on cell surface, and an escape of the cytoplasm through the ruptured cell wall in some one place was noted in case of protoplasts. Individual cells can coalesce with one another with the formation of shapeless masses. The formation of small spheroid bodies by budding, and also a division of protoplasts by constriction was described.


[Immunological properties of the preparations of the anti-anthrax antigen].

The results of examination of immunological properties of the preparations of anthrax protective antigen on laboratory animals (guinea pigs) confirmed the efficacy of using the lactic-peptone medium for obtaining the anthrax protective antigen. Incubation for 18 hours at 37 degrees C of the strain-producer (STI-1) and a double immunization scheme with the antigen obtained proved to be the most rational conditions for inducing the immunological response in the vaccinated laboratory animals. Three fractions of the anthrax protective antigen obtained possessed weaker immunobiological properties than the whole preparation of this antigen.


[Initial manifestations of cerebrovascular insufficiency (clinico-electrographic studies)].

Fifty patients with the clinical diagnosis of initial manifestations of the deficiency of the brain blood supply and 30 normal persons of the corresponding age (the control group) were studied. The main group consisted of patients from 40-67 years. Along with the similar clinical study rheoencephalographic and electroencephalographic studies with the aid of various functional samples were conducted. The initial manifestations of the inadequacy in the brain blood supply frequently developed on the background of cerebral atherosclerosis of a different type of expressiveness, hypertensive disease and their combination, vegetovascular dystonia. With the help of the functional samples the peculiarities of reactivity of the vascular system were established in these patients. The antiorthostatic and nitroglycerin samples appeared to be informative. The combined REG and EEG registrations demonstrated in these patients signs of a deficit of brain blood supply causing in a number of cases changes in its functional states. The clinical (seldom electrographic) changes are of a reversible character and regress during the treatment of the main vascular disease. The obtained data permit to recommend the method of functional electrography (REG and EEG) in order to reveal the initial forms of brain vascular diseases. These patients must be supervised by a dispansary.


On the concept of biomathematics.

The increasing complexity of biological problems and the increase of mathematical means to handle them on the one hand, and the possibility of automatized computation at the other, necessitate a revaluation of the present interactions between biology and mathematics; in this connection interrelations occur which can be divided into three kinds: mathematical biology, biological mathematics, and 'general biomathematics' or methodology of the biomathematical sciences, by which are meant those scientific branches which arise from the said interactions.


[Relationship between the conformation of isolated rat liver mitochondria and their susceptibility to rabbit reticulocyte lipoxygenase].

Lipoxygenase from rabbit reticulocytes cause disruption of mitochondrial membranes and peroxidation of their lipids as judged by electronmicroscopy, release of matrix enzymes and formation of malonyldialdehyde. Without substrate mitochondria become orthodox and strong lysis by lipoxygenase appears. The lysis is prevented by ATP or ADP plus succinate; in this case mitochondria remain condensed or partly condensed. The protection by substrate was even observed in the presence of 2,4-DNP, although the mitochondria were transformed to the condensed state. Lysis was more pronounced in hypotonic than in hypertonic sucrose, condensed mitochondria are also attacked. No relation seems to exist between lipoxygenase attack and the conformational state of mitochondria. Lysis of mitochondria is dependent on the susceptibility of the fatty acid moiety of phospholipids, which may be influenced by both metabolic and structural events via alteration of protein-lipid interactions.


Parenteral nutrition in surgical and medical gastroenterology. Clinical review.

A number of medical and surgical conditions in gastro-enterology are important indications for modern parenteral nutrition. In such conditions only parenteral nutrition can provide adequate nourishment and prevent malnutrition. It is important in these cases to provide complete intravenous nutrition, comprising amino acids, carbohydrates, fat, electrolytes and vitamins. Furthermore, a special infusion technique must be used in order to reduce such complications as catheter sepsis to a minimum.


Extrathyroidal effects of propylthiouracil and carbimazole on serum T4, T3, reverse T3 and TRH-induced TSH-release in man.

A possible extrathyroidal effect of propylthiouracil (PTU) and carbimazole on serum levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3) and on thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) induced thyrotrophin (TSH) release was estimated in 19 patients with severe hypothyroidism treated with T4. During PTU medication a significant decrease in serum T3 from 90 +/- 16 (SD) to 79 +/- 23 ng/100 ml (P less than 0.01) and a reciprocal increase in serum reverse T3 from 51 +/- 14 (SD) to 58 +/- 20 ng/100 ml (P less than 0.025) were found. No significant changes in serum T4, basal serum TSH or response to TRH could be demonstrated. Carbimazole did not change any of the parameters studied.


Acquired aplastic anaemia in adults. I. A retrospective analysis of 40 cases: single factors influencing the prognosis.

In a retrospective analysis of 40 aplastic anaemia patients, an attempt was made to determine prognostic parameters permitting discrimination between short survivors (less than 6 months) and long-term survivors (greater than 6 months). Short survival proved to be significantly associated with a persistently low reticulocyte index and progressive neutropenia. Other factors such as bone marrow cellularity, HBF level, aetiology, or presenting signs were not indicative. Chromosomal aberrations were found in one third of the cases examined, but none had developed into a leukaemic stage after an observation period of 2--5 years. None of the patients with cytogenetic aberrations showed complete restoration of haematopoiesis, in contrast to several of the patients without chromosomal abnormalities. In this series, drug-associated aplastic anaemia was found more often in the short-survival group. These clinical findings indicate that the term 'aplastic anaemia' covers a heterogenous group of disorders.


Congenital hypoplastic anaemia with unusual dyserythropoietic features. A case report.

A case of severe congenital anaemia (Hb levels 3--4 g/dl) is presented. The patient, a 21-year-old female, requires, since the age of two, periodical blood transfusions, but is nevertheless able to lead a normal life as a housewife. Although the case has to be considered as a form of congenital hypoplastic disorder of the erythroid tissue, some of the clinical and haematological features are compatible with a congenital dyserythropoietic state. On the basis of clinical findings it is suggested that it may represent a previously undescribed form of anaemia which shares the features of both hypoplastic and dysplastic congenital affections of erythropoiesis.


Hemophiliac with hemolytic anemia resulting from factor VIII concentrate.

Bilateral herniorrhaphy was successfully performed on a group AB hemophiliac with cirrhosis of the liver. Adequate hemostasis was maintained with infusions of commercial factor VIII concentrates and fresh frozen plasma. An anti-A antibody mediated hemolytic reaction occurred in the postoperative period. Hemolysis subsided after the cessation of commercial factor VIII infusions. The risk of such hemolytic reactions could be eliminated through the use of group-specific cryoprecipitated factor VIII.


Further observations on the incidence and properties of lymphocytotoxins in leukaemia.

54 our of 112 patients with leukaemia have been shown to produce a lymphocytotoxin in their serum when the number of malignant cells present in the peripheral blood was considerably raised but the normal blood cells were low. This lymphocytotoxin reacts with all normal cells. It is a high molecular weight protein, though not an antibody. Partial purification was achieved by elution from DEAE-52-cellulose at about pH 6.9.


Macroglobulinemia of Waldenström associated with severe osteolytic lesions.

Osteolytic lesions are not known to be associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and are rare in macroglobulinemia of Waldenström. In the present paper we report a patient suffering from macroglobulinemia associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in whom osteolytic lesions, resembling those of multiple myeloma were found. Treatment with chlorambucil resulted in normalization of the peripheral blood smear, but the malignant infiltration of the bone marrow continued and manifested itself by appearance of new osteolytic lesions, though some of the old lesions underwent recalcification after treatment.


Effect of cancer chemotherapy drugs on platelet aggregation in children.

The effect of vincristine (VCR), cytoxan and actinomycin-D on platelet aggregation was studied in 30 children with solid tumors. 2 h after administration of these drugs, a statistically insignificant reduction in the primary wave of aggregation was observed with the exception of ADP-induced aggregation after VCR injection. Unobtainable secondary wave aggregation was seen in 28, 33 and 40% of the patients after administration of VCR, cytoxan and actinomycin-D, respectively. However, none of the patients had clinical bleeding. It was concluded that after the intravenous administration of therapeutic dosages of these drugs, the bleeding tendency caused by inhibition of aggregation is not to be expected.


Systemic mastocytosis: a case report. Cytological, cytochemical and ultrastructural considerations.

A case of systemic mastocytosis with unusual clinical manifestations, appearing as an isolated splenohepatomegaly, is described. The proliferative character is evident from the cytological characteristics of immaturity and the presence of a moderate percentage of mast cells in the peripheral blood. These cells make up 40% of the total cells in the bone marrow. Special attention is given to the optical, morphological, cytochemical, and ultrastructural studies of the disease. Some anomalies were found at the subcellular level which apparetnly have not been recorded until present. Various dyshematopoietic features of this case are reported, which may be considered as manifestations of a paraneoplastic syndrome.


Bone marrow morphology in patients on regular haemodialysis treatment.

Bone marrow smears from 57 patients with chronic renal failure were morphologically analysed. In 55 patients on regular haemodialysis there was a slight 'shift to the left' and a significant eosinophilia within the granulopoiesis concurrently with slight megaloblastic changes of the erythroblasts. It is suggested that these abnormalities are caused by the dialysis procedure and not by the uraemia per se.


Acquired aplastic anaemia in adults. II. Conventional treatment: retrospective study in 40 patients.

The effect of conservative treatment of aplastic anaemia was evaluated retrospectively in 40 patients. No significant beneficial effect was provided by long-term high-dose oxymethalone in 20 patients or by metenolone, adrenstonolone, or testosterone in 14 patients. Splenectomy gave no improvement in the majority of cases, although in some it decreased the transfusion requirement. Immunosuppressive treatment was successful in 1 patient with a positive LE phenomenon. Until a specific treatment becomes available, the possibility offered by alternative treatment, e.g. bone marrow transplantation, in cases with poor prognostic parameters should be considered.


Fletcher factor deficiency--detection of a severe case in a population survey.

The first case of Fletcher factor deficiency from the African continent is described. This was the only case of symptomatic Fletcher factor deficiency detected in a total population survey of 40,522 persons. This patient differs from other reported cases in that the child had symptoms of severe bleeding defect such as recurrent haemarthrosis and haematoma. The clinical features appear to improve with age. Both the PTT 'time course' and cold-induced EACA acceleration of the thromboplastin time are useful diagnostic tests for detecting homozygous patients. Our results confirm an earlier report that the EACA test is a sensitive test for detecting heterozygotes.


Subcellular distribution of calcium within root meristem cells.

The barley root (Hordeum vulgare) of 3-day old seedlings were treated with potassium oxalate to study the distribution of calcium among plant cell organelles. The best results were obtained by previously treating the root with 10(-3) M CaCl2 followed by an incubation for 20 min with potassium oxalate. The unstained sections for electronmicroscopy showed the deposits of calcium oxalate as a granular or a dark layer on the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleare envelope. Within all the cells, dark bodies, like vacuoles, were noticed.


The composition and nature of cuticular proteins in parasitic copepods.

1. The protein components of the cuticle of the two parasitic copepods Pennella elegans and Caligus savala were studied electrophoretically and histochemically. 2. The amino acid composition and the chemical nature of the proteins of the cuticle in the two species were also studied. 3. The fast-moving protein fractions found in the cuticle of C. savala were absent in the cuticle of P. elegans. 4. The similarities and differences in the protein components of the cuticle and their relations to the functions of the cuticle in both species are discussed.


[Argentaffinity and argentophilia. I. A critical review about the technique and the possibilities for histochemical research (author's transl)].

The author begins by dealing with a number of general questions on argentaffinity and argentophilia. He then goes on to analyze the individual phases in which the methods are performed, distinguishing and analyzing certain characteristics: a) of the materials fixation, b) of the steps preceding the argentic reaction, c) of the argentic treatment, d) of the development, e) of the fixing, f) of the toning, and g) of the after-treatments and counter-colorations. In particular, as regards the argentic treatment, he recalls some anomalous or little-known methods of impregnation, and, as regards the development, deals not only with the chemical, but also with the physical development, which is important, although less used. Next, he considers certain deductions that can be made from the results of hypo- and hypertreatments. Lastly, he discusses the possibility of comparing different methods within the framework of each type, as well as between types. In conclusion, the author recalls the value, in histochemistry, of argentaffinity and argentophilia reactions, and stresses the importance of the importance of the analysis of treatment by phases, both in order to arrive at a more precise critical evaluation of the date obtained, and with regard to possible further research.


[Electrophoretic separation and properties of acid phosphatase isoenzymes from rat brain (author's transl)].

Following agar gel electrophoresis of the 20 000 X g supernatant of rat brain homogenate a single band with acid phosphatase activity could be visualized by means of azo dye techniques. By adding Triton X-100 to the homogenate, a second band with enzymatic activity was demonstrable. A third isoenzyme could be identified in the presence of zinc ions. A fourth band visible only when employing lead methods has to be considered an artefact as its appearance does not depend on the presence of a substrate. The substrate specificity of the isoenzymes and the possibilities of influencing their activity were examined. By specific choice of substrates and effectors, conditions could be defined rendering possible a selective identification of the individual isoenzymes.


Histochemical studies on the mucins of the vertebrate tongues. XI. Histochemical analysis of mucosubstances in the lingual glands and taste buds of some birds.

The tongues of six birds were investigated histochemically to determine the distribution and nature of mucosubstances in the lingual glands and taste buds. The anterior lingual glands in sparrow, kingfisher, parrot and pigeon hawk contained only one type of cells (seromucous) elaborating a mixture of neutral mucosubstances, sialomucins and sulfomucins. The anterior lingual glands in fowl and owl contained three distinct types of cells elaborating separately neutral mucosubstances, sialomucins and sulfomucins. The posterior lingual glands in most of the birds investigated except fowl contained only seromucous cells identical to the cells in the anterior lingual glands, while in fowl two distinct cell types were identified: one elaborating sulfomucins and the other sialomucins. Taste buds were found to be restricted in the glandular areas of the tongue in all the birds and always in close association with the gland ducts. Special adenomere cavities were seen only in the tongue of sparrow.


Uptake of L-DOPA by the cells of organotypic culture from chick-embryo brain hemispheres.

With the use of the histofluorescence method investigations were performed on L-DOPA uptake by the cells of an organotypic culture from chick-embryo brain hemispheres and newborn rats. It has been found that in chick-embryos between the 8th to 11th day of development and 5 to 14 days in culture in vitro, with a concentration of 0.1 mg/10ml of L-DOPA applied to the culture, intense fluorescence in cell membranes, perinuclear region and sometimes in the whole cell body and the initial parts of the cell processes can be observed. It is supposed that in the stage of development of chick-embryos and newborn rats under study neural elements and glial cells take up the amino-acid applied. The authors suggest that the uptake of L-DOPA proceeds rather through the uptake II mechanism.


Ultrastructural localization of choline acetyltransferase in the CNS of rat.

The ultrastructural localization of choline acetyltransferase in various regions of rat's CNS is studied. It is established that the reaction product is located in some structures of the neuronal perikarya--on the outer surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum sacs, along the vesicular profiles and in the mitochondria. Electron dense material is found in the axon terminal as well as, where enzyme activity is detected in the cytoplasm, on the membrane of spherical and flat synaptic vesicles and in the mitochondria. These findings, the control results and literature data are discussed.


Relation between the composition and the acid-sensitivity of some cytochemical reactions of chloragosomes in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L.

Parallel biochemical and cytochemical examinations of chloragosomes were made. Ethanol-HCl extract of delipidized chloragosome fraction contains phosphatides, metalloporphyrins, further on polyphenolic and aminophenolic compounds, probably related to flavonoids and pteridines, proved by UV-spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The last 2 compounds were separately extracted by 0.1 N HCl. Previous extraction of sections by 0.1 N HCl resulted in a significant decrease of sudanophilia and in a total abolishment of basophilia and argentophilia in chloragosomes while their eosinophilis and peroxidase reactions become mroe intensive compared with those of the control sections. The role of phenolic compounds in the sudanophilic, basophilic and argentophilic reactions and their masking effect for the eosinophilia and the peroxidase reaction were discussed in relation to the chemical organisation of chloragosomes. Relation of chloragosomes to the lysosomal matrix was suggested.


Cytoenzymologic activities of some oxidreductases in thyreopathies.

The authors studied in cryostat sections and in smears from thyroid aspirates the cytoenzymic pattern of the following thyreopathies: euthyroid goitre, GRAVES' disease, hyperthyroidized goitre, HASHIMOTO's thyroiditis and folliculo-papillary carcinoma. A biochemical study was simultaneously performed. According to the investigated thyreopathies the highest enzymic activity was found in the GRAVES' disease especially for peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase. Lactate dehydrogenase showed a great activity in thyroid cancer. The lowest activity was found in the HASHIMOTO's thyroiditis with strong fibrosclerosis. The same pattern was found in thyroid smears from fine needle aspirates. The biochemical analysi revealed a strong parallelism with cytoenzymic results. The isozymic pattern of lactate dehydrogenase showed no significant differences between the thyreopathies.


Histochemical evaluation of thiamine pyrophosphatase activity during first molar odontogenesis of the neonatal hairless mouse.

Localization of thiamine pyrophosphatase activity has been evaluated in the developing first molar of the neonatal hairless mouse. Postnatal animals from parturition to five days of age were decapitated and the severed heads frozen and sectioned in a frontal plane on a cryostat. 14 micron thick sections were fixed and subsequently incubated for thiamine pyrophosphatase activity according to the method of GOLDFISCHER et al. (1971). The tissue was visualized, dehydrated, cleared and mounted. Light microscopy was utilized in evaluating thiamine pyrophosphatase activity. Thiamine pyrophosphatase activity in the first molar of the hairless mouse is presented in tabular form and compared to similar data for the Swiss albino mouse. Enzyme activity increased as the metabolic activities of various cell layers increased. Thus, thiamine pyrophosphatase activity appeared to be related to the degree of differentiation and functional completency of the odontogenic tissues in the hairless mouse.


[Morpho-histochemical characterization of the connections between the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the brain stem of albino rats) (author's transl)].

After selective application of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the albino rat, cells were labelled through the retrograde transport of the enzyme in the following nuclei of the brain stem: 1. Ncl. raphes linearis, 2. Nel, raphes centralis, 3. Ncl. raphes dorsalis, 4. Ncl. ventralis rostralis lemnisci lateralis, 5. Ncl. coeruleus. Using the glyoxylic acid method to demonstrate biogenic amines we could find serotonine in following areas of the brain stem: 1. region B 7 (Ncl. raphes dorsalis) positive cells; 2. region B 8 (Ncl. raphes centralis) mainly positive fibres; 3. region B 9 (dorsal of the Lemniscus medialis) a few positive cells; 4. mesencephalic reticular formation (Area cuneiformis) network-like fibre structures; 5. dorsal LGN, in the lateral part mildly fluorescing fibres, the remaining LGN showing diffuse fluorescence, 6. Substantia nigra, fluorescing cells. The monosynaptic connections between the mesencephalic raphe nuclei and the dorsal part of the LGN, demonstrated by means of the HRP-method, are characterized as being serotoninergic with the help of fluorescence histochemistry. The character of the transmitter of these connections is compared with results of biochemical and pharmacological investigations.


Association of precipitins and coeliac disease.

Four fractions, fraction A,B, C, and D, were isolated from the aqueous extract of wheat flour on a Sephadex G-75 column. It was found that the repeated gel-filtrated fraction A reacts as an antigen with the sera of coeliac patients. On the basis of its molecular weight and amino acid compositions, it is gliadin. Each of the 28 coeliac patients had heat-stable precipitating antibody and higher than normal IgE levels were found in the sera of only three individuals. Specific antigliadin IgE in low quantity was found in only one case. The sera  reacting with antigens in high titres were absorbed by anti-IgG and anti-IgA whereupon the antibody level considerably decreased. The main circulating antibody of the patients was IgG.


Oral disodium cromoglycate in food allergy. An open trial in four patients.

The effect of DSCG olution per os was studied in four infants with immediate hypersensitivity reaction to cow's milk and egg, manifested by digestive and cutaneous symptoms. Previous administration of a 1 per cent DSCG solution by mouth resulted in diminution of both the digestive and cutaneous symptoms associated with allergen challenge. The best time interval between oral DSCG and the allergen challenge was about 30 min. The drug lost effectiveness when the solution was prepared more than a week in advance of its administration. A 2-year follow-up in two of the patients revealed the reappearance of cutaneous and digestive symptoms and, for the first time, the onset of wheezing while continuing to administer the allergens and despite continuous oral DSCG. The characteristics of these cases raise questions about the means of sensitization, and the possible mechanism of action of oral DSCG in the inhibition of non-digestive symptoms. Clinical indications for its use are discussed.


The ciliary body and the suspension of the lens in a monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops). A scanning electron microscopic study.

The zonules of Zinn and their insertion on the ciliary body and the lens in a monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) have been studied with the scanning electron microscope. The specimens were dissected after drying by the critical point method, and the lens was separated from the ciliary body by simple traction. The pars plana was completely covered by a mat which consisted of meridionally directed zonule-like fibers. Most of these fibers inserted at the base of the posterior end of the ciliary processes, and some of them radiated into the valleys between the processes. About two fibers for each process split off from the mat and became attached to the sides of the processes near their posterior ends. The true zonules spanned from the sides of the processes to the pre- and post-equatorial region of the lens. They were clearly separated into an anterior and a posterior row with no fibers crossing over from one row to the other. Usually four true zonules joined each process, i.e. one zonule of the anterior row and one of the posterior row attached to each side of the single ciliary process.


Thyroid function in malignant lymphoma.

Thyroid function was studied in 36 patients with various stages of malignant lymphoma. Stage IVB patients exhibited characteristic changes in thyroid biochemistry in the form of lowered triiodothyronine (T3) and elevated free thyroxine (FT4), but normal thyroxine. Moreover, the concentration of thyroxine-binding prealbumin and albumin was lowered, whereas thyroxine-binding globulin was normal. Thyroid-stimulating hormone was slightly elevated but showed a normal increase after administration of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone. Patients with less extensive disease differed only slightly from the controls. The results agree with previous studies of patients suffering from other chronic diseases. The mechanisms underlying the hormonal changes have been only partially elucidated. When investigating patients with disseminated malignant disease for thyroid disease, the above mentioned changes in thyroid biochemistry must be borne in mind. Single analyses of FT4 and T3 may give rise to a false assumption of hyper- or hypothyroid states in patients who are in fact euthyroid.


Studies on reflex control of breathing in pigs and baboons.

In 8 pigs and 4 baboons, spontaneously breathing, anaesthetized with halothane, Hering-Breuer reflex was tested by means of a total obstruction of the airway preventing either inspiration or expiration. Subsequently animals were paralysed and maintained on phrenic nerve driven servo-respirator. The response of phrenic motoneurone output to various degree of lung inflation, introduced for one breath only, was then carefully studied. This was achieved by varying the gain of servorespirator. Additionally in baboons, identical series of gain manoeuvres was performed against a background of different levels of the initial gain setting. Changes in both inspiratory time and peak amplitude of phrenic signal were monoexponentially dependent on gain of servorespirator and linearly dependent on tidal volume (all negatively correlated). The relationship between inspiratory time T(1) and subsequent expiratory duration T(E )existed only within a range of growing T(1). Vagal positive feedback phenomenon was apparent in pigs and negligible in baboons. It is postulated that inspiratory cut-off mechanism terminates inspiration when excitatory function are outbalanced by their integral.


Structural changes in Hancock porcine xenograft cardiac valve bioprostheses.

Gross and histologic observations are described in 51 Hancock glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine heterograft bioprostheses from 41 patients: 33 valves from 25 patients had been in place for less than 2 months (early) and 18 valves from 17 patients were examined at later periods up to 75 months (late) after implantation. The major gross changes were cuspal thrombosis (5 bioprostheses) and cuspal degeneration (3 bioprostheses). Major histologic changes observed in 44 bioprostheses (26 early and 18 late) examined histologically were: (1) fibrin deposits on inflow and outflow surfaces of the cusps; (2) inflammatory cell infiltrates; (3) histiocyte deposition; (4) giant cell formation, and (5) focal disruption of the fibrocollagenous structure of the cusps. These observations indicate that porcine bioprostheses are not biologically inert in the human circulation. Valve failure, however, is rare at the implantation periods studied.


[Evaluation criteria of antitubercular drugs from microbiological view].

In the years from 1954 to 74 sensitivity tests with about 12 000 strains of tubercle bacilli isolated from patients have been performed by the serial dilution method. From the results of the tests shown in the table one can see a remarkable shift in the frequency of strains sensitive against the so-called major drugs Streptomycin and INH, whereas only slight variations have occurred with the recent drugs Ethambutol and Rifampicin. The well known change of clinic and epidemiology of tuberculosis in the past two decades is indeed accompanied by changed results of microbiological tests. In conclusion the present chemotherapeutical situation proves much better than in 1954: to-day a more sensitive and even smaller reservoir of mycobacterium tuberculosis is facing twice as much highly effective drugs than formerly.


Alcohol withdrawal reactions in rhesus monkeys.

The magnitude of the ethanol withdrawal reaction was assessed in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) following 96 hours of either constant or systematically fluctuating blood ethanol concentrations (BEC) using both physiological tremor and scores on a behavioral checklist as dependent measures. Although specific BEC (50, 100, 200 or 300 mg/dl) were not reliably related to changes in mean frequency of tremor, this measure was a statistically significant curvilinear function of time as measured before and after zero BEC during the withdrawal period. Further, scores from the behavioral checklist demonstrated a dose-response relationship with respect to BEC. The data also suggest that systematically fluctuating BEC are associated with less severe withdrawal reactions when compared with appropriate data from the constant BEC condition.


Long-term anabolic therapy in the elderly.

The anabolic agent stanozolol has been used to increase weight and activity in the elderly, but its long-term effect are largely unknown. A double-blind trial of stanozolol against placebo was continued for 12 months. Measuremtnes of weight, fat, fat-free mass, behaviour and activity were made at regular intervals, plus detailed biochemical and haematological profiles. There were no differences between the two groups in respect of weight, fat, fat-free mass and activity levels. There were significant increases in haemoglobin at six and 12 months and packed cell volume at 12 months in the active group. No androgenic side-effect were encountered.


Thiamine dependency in a patient with congenital lacticacidaemia due to pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.

A patient with congenital lactic acidosis, muscular hypotonia and severe ataxia is reported. The aetiology of his disease was found to be a deficiency of pyruvate dehydrogenase (E.C. 4.1.1.1.). Thiamine treatment (1.8 g/day) was successful in correcting biochemical and clinical symptoms. The mechanism of its action is probably based on activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase through interference in the physiologic regulation.


Gray scale ultrasound evaluation of popliteal artery aneurysms.

GRAY SCALE B-scan ultrasonography is accurate in identifying and assessing morphologic features of popliteal artery aneurysms. Eight patients with suspected popliteal aneurysms had 12 aneurysms demonstrated by ultrasonography, including two not visualized by arteriography due to proximal occlusive disease and three covert aneurysms opposite a contralateral palpable popliteal mass. Half the patients had bilateral aneurysms demonstrated by ultrasonography. Popliteal artery ultrasonography is useful to: (1) evaluate suspected aneurysms in patients who cannot or should not be subjected to invasive arteriographic studies or operation; (2) confirm or refute equivocal diagnoses of aneurysms generated by arteriographic studies or physical examination; (3) detect contralateral clinically covert aneurysms or small aneurysms in patients with generalized extrapopliteal aneurysmal diseases; (4) delineate the extent of intraaneurysmal thrombus and determine exact aneurysm size in all dimensions; and (5) define a thrombosed aneurysm or one noe opacified because of limited contrast material passing through proximally obstructed arteries. The latter two uses of ultrasonography represent significant advantages over arteriography.


Pitfalls in the angiographic management of hemorrhage: hemodynamic considerations.

Selective arterial infusions of vasopressin have often been successful in controlling arterial bleeding. When bleeding occurs in an area with a dual blood supply through a vascular arcade, situations may arise which can compromise angiographic management. These include: (1) artifacts caused by pressure injections of contrast material inaccurately depicting the usual distribution of blood flow in the arcade; (2) catheter-induced vasospasm altering the flow dynamics through the arcade; (3) vasopressin-induced constriction of the proximal portion of an arcade changing the origin of blood flow to the distal arcade; and (4) proximal occlusion of one limb of an arcade permitting continuation of bleeding through collateral channels. When angiographic techniques fail to control bleeding because of these circumstances, hemostasis may be achieved by treating both limbs of the vascular arcade.


Angiography of pancreatic arteriovenuos malformation.

Three cases of pancreatic arteriovenous malformation are presented. This entity is known to be a part of Osler-Weber-Rendu disease. However, asymptomatic pancreatic arteriovenous malformation also occurs. The angiographic features are specific and consistent of dilated and tortuous feeding arteries, racemose intrapancreatic vascular network, and early filling veins. Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage is a frequent complication. The importance of preoperative localization of the lesion and postoperative confirmation of complete resection by angiography is stressed.


Pulmonary angiography for pulmonary emboli: rational selection of oblique views.

In the performance of pulmonary arteriography, the anteroposterior projection may be insufficient for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, and additional views, usually oblique, are required. Of 57 positive pulmonary arteriograms which were reviewed, additional views were necessary in 26 cases. The efficacy of the additional views in each case was assessed with regard to the demonstration of the segmental arteries of the various lobes of the lung. Following an inconclusive anteroposterior injection, the best visualization of the arteries of the right lung can generally be obtained with an injection made in the right posterior oblique projection. Similarly, following an inconclusive anteroposterior injection, the left posterior oblique or lateral view is recommended for optimal visualization of the pulmonary vasculature of the left lung.


Contrast medium reactions correlated with time of day.

Dynamic physiologic and psychological changes occur in patients awaiting excretory urography. A total of 2,000 patients were studied to see if rates of reaction to urographic contrast materials are influenced by the time of day such injections are given. Examinations performed between 7:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. were evaluated. The data suggest that reactions to radiographic contrast medium occur randomly and that a "safe" or "safer" time of day cannot be defined.


Accuracy of bipedal lymphography in Hodgkin's disease.

Bipedal lymphography was used as part of the initial staging evaluation of 145 patients with Hodgkin's disease. Histologic correlation was available in 131 patients. The accuracy of interpretation was 95%. A review of other large series confirms that at least 85%-90% accuracy can be expected. Reasons for false positive and false negative interpretations are discussed.


Primary chylopericardium: the role of lymphangiography.

Primary chylopericardium is often a benign asymoptomatic disease, but patients with associated mediastinal lymphatic tumors may develop cardiac tamponade. Lymphangiography demonstrates mediastinal lymphatic abnormalities in these high risk patients on whom subtotal pericardiectomy and thoracic duct ligation should be performed. Since such tumors have been found in half of reported cases and because extrathoracic lymphangiomas may coexist, lymphangiography with skeletal survey is recommended in all cases. These conclusions are based on a review of 31 published cases and an additional case of our own. Lymphangiographic findings were available in 17 of these patients.


Left adrenal neuroblastoma with normal-appearing urogram.

Adrenal neuroblastomas are usually diagnosed by intravenous urography because of the displacement of the kidney or distortion of its contour. This report describes five children with left adrenal neuroblastoma where the mass was purely anterior to the kidney and produced displacement vectors similar to tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.


Acute appendicitis with abscess stimulating carcinoma of the sigmoid.

Acute appendicitis with abscess often produced a distinctive extrinsic pressure deformity of the cecum. If the abscess is large or disseminated, other parts of the gastrointestinal tract may be secondarily involved. Abscesses usually produce extrinsic compression defects with benign radiologic characteristics, but occasionally the lesions may simulate malignant disease. Even careful evaluation of the clinical symptoms and signs may not be helpful in the differentiation of benign from malignant disease. Three examples of atypical acute appendicitis are described in patients with clinical and radiologic findings strongly suggestive of malignant disease.


Ultrasonography in tumors arising from the spine and bony pelvis.

Gray scale ultrasonography is a useful tool in evaluating pelvic and abdominal soft tissue masses that may be associated with bone neoplasms. Four patients are described: two with giant cell tumors, one with Ewing's sarcoma, and one with a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Ultrasound is especially helpful in assessing the extent of disease, treatment planning, and in following the results of therapy.


Radiographic diagnosis of acute peroneal tendon dislocation.

Acute dislocation of the peroneal tendons at the ankle is accompanied, in a significant proportion of cases, by a characteristic small shelllike avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus, rendering the lesion diagnosable radiographically. This small fracture is usually best seen on internal rotation oblique or occasionally on anteroposterior films of the ankle. It is seen as a bone flake only a few millimeters thick but often 1 cm or more in vertical diameter lying adjacent to the posterolateral surface of the lateral malleolus. It is an infrequent injury, now usually the result of a ski accident. Failure to recognize and treat the lesion can result in chronic disability.


Subchondral pseudocysts in rheumatoid arthritis.

Subchondral cyst formation (geode) is a not uncommon manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis which may at times impede correct radiologic interpretation. Four patients with rheumatoid arthritis who demonstrated striking subarticular cystic erosive disease are described. These cases emphasize the nature and appearance of this interesting finding.


Angiographic features of osteosarcoma.

Arteriography was carried out in 64 cases of pathologically confirmed osteosarcoma to evaluate the angiographic features of this lesion. This investigation proved that a variety of angioarchitectures exist in osteosarcomas, mainly related to the histologic type of tissue as well as the degree of differentiation of a tumor. Fibroblastic and chondroblastic osteosarcomas proved to be less vascular than the osteoblastic type, while the most differentiated tumor appeared to be the least vascular. This technique proved useful in choosing the proper site, or sites, for biopsy as well as for determining the intra- and extraosseous extension of the tumor. Instances were also encountered in which it was of assistance in differentiating osteosarcoma from pathologically similar bone lesions.


Occurrence of lung granulomas in patients with stage I sarcoidosis.

Granulomas were found in the lungs of 21 consecutive patients with stage I sarcoidosis who underwent open lung biopsy. The extent of granulomatous disease and fibrosis was significantly less (P less than .05) than seen in open lung biopsies from larger groups of patients with stage II and stage III sarcoidosis. The results of this study support what had previously been widely suspected: that is, if sufficient lung tissue is studied microscopically, granulomas will be found in the lungs of all patients having sarcoidosis with mediastinal lymphadenopathy but not radiographically demonstrable lung abnormalities.


Preliminary results using twice-a-day fractionation in the radiotherapeutic management of advanced cancers of the head and neck.

Twenty-four cases of advanced T4 cancers of the head and neck were treated using a twice-a-day treatment fractionation delivering a 1,200 rad weekly tumor dose and 7,000 rad total tumor dose in 5 1/2-6 weeks. Acute normal mucosal reactions and skin reactions were plotted weekly and corresponded to reactions observed when delivering 1,000 rad per week in five treatment sessions. Chronic problems have been limited to severe neck fibrosis appearing in three of five patients who underwent a planned neck dissection 6 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. Local control was observed in 14 of 23 patients (61%) and regional control in 22 of 23 patinets (96%).


Gray scale ultrasonography of the gallbladder: an evaluation of accuracy and report of additional ultrasound signs.

Ultrasound examinations of 76 patients with suspected gallbladder disease were compared with radiographic, surgical, and pathologic findings to determine the accuracy of the ultrasound examinations. In 13 of the 76, the gallbladder was not visualized by ultrasound. Diagnosis of the presence or absence of gallstones was correctly made by ultrasound in 56 of 63 visualized gallbladders, for an accuracy rate of 89%. A high proprtion of nonvisualized gallbladders (10 or 13) contained gallstones. Previously unreported ultrasound findings of a stone impacted in the proximal cystic duct and findings of a collection of bile in the lesser sac associated with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis are illustrated.


Accuracy of biliary duct ultrasound: comparison with cholangiography.

Thirty patients were studied by diagnostic ultrasound and percutaneous transhepatic or surgical cholangiography to evaluate diagnostic accuracy in differentiating obstructive from nonobstructive hepatobiliary disease. Correct recognition of biliary duct caliber was accomplished by ultrasound in 86% of cases, and was most accurate (89%) in patients with dilated intrahepatic biliary radicals. Diagnostic ultrasound is sufficiently accurate to be a useful screening tool for determining the caliber of the biliary duct system and, on this basis, obstructive from nonobstructive hepatobiliary disease.


Gray scale echographic patterns of hepatic metastatic disease.

Abnormal gray scale hepatic echograms in 76 patients with known or suspected metastatic disease were reviewed. A varied echographic pattern was found, with the gray scale appearances falling into three identifiable categories (dense, lucent, and bulls-eye) and a fourth group difficult to characterize. Prior chemotherapy seemed to have little consistent effect on echographic patterns. A pattern of dense lesions was associated in a large percentage of cases with adenocarcinoma. Carcinoma of the colon commonly produced this appearance. The remaining echographic patterns showed little correlation with specific primary sites or cell types.


Isodense masses on CT: differentiation by gray scale ultrasonography.

Alterations in echo patterns enable isodense structures and lesions to be clearly identifiable by gray scale ultrasonography when they are not distinguishable by computed tomography (CT). In certain clinical situations this capability is a distinct advantage of ultrasound over CT. Findings in three cases with abnormalities visualized by ultrasound, but not by CT, are presented. In addition, a cadaver was scanned with CT and ultrasound and then sectioned in corresponding transverse planes for anatomic correlation.


Myelolipoma of the adrenal: two cases with ultrasound and CT findings.

Myelolipoma of the adrenal gland is a rare tumor composed of varying proportions of fat and bone marrow elements. In about half of the reported cases with radiologic findings the mass was radiolucent, indicating the presence of fat; the remainder were of soft tissue density or calcified. Arteriography is of limited value in diagnosis, since myelolipomas are typically avascular. With the advent of gray scale ultrasound and computed tomography (CT), fat can be detected in lesions which do not appear radiolucent on radiographs. Two cases of myelolipoma are reported in which ultrasound showed a markedly echogenic mass, an appearance chracteristic of lipomatous tumors. In the second case, the mass was of soft tissue density on radiographs, markedly echogenic on sonogram, and definitively fatty on CT scan. Ultrasound and CT are valuable techniques for making a preoperative diagnosis of this tumor.


Ultrasound-guided drainage of fluid-containing masses using angiographic catheterization techniques.

A new method combining experience of ultrasonic diagnostic and puncture technique with the use of existing angiographic tools is described. Using this method, intraabdominal fluid-containing mass lesions were drained for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In three patients, severe life-threatening lesions were successfully diagnosed and treated solely by this  method. In one other case the method greatly facilitated major surgery. The importance of integration of diagnostic radiology and ultrasound is stressed.


Isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate (bucrylate) in obliteration of gastric coronary vein and esophageal varices.

Percutaneous transhepatic portography was performed in 22 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. All patients had bled or were bleeding from presumed esophageal varices. One or more veins feeding esophageal varices were occluded with bucrylate. Follow-up examination in eight patients 1-12 months later showed recanalization of previously obliterated veins in six; however, these veins were markedly smaller than before the procedure. In patients where veins were still occluded, new veins had opened up and carried blood to the esophageal varices, which were filled to a lesser degree than before. In our experience, bucrylate is superior to Gelfoam, thrombin, and Etolein in producing venous occlusion.


Pluridirectional tomography in the evaluation of pituitary tumors.

A series of 110 patients with suspected pituitary tumors was recently evaluated by endocrinologic and neuroradiologic studies. Of the 77 patients in this series who underwent surgery, 74 had confirmed pituitary adenomas, two had suprasella tumors of the influndibulum, and one had an empty sella not previously diagnosed at pneumoencephalography. All 17 patients with normal plain skull films but abnormal thin section tomography who underwent surgery had documented pituitary tumors. This includes six patients who presented with amenorrhea and/or galactorrhea and normal baseline serum prolactin levels; the only abnormality was found on tomography of the sella. In the preoperative evaluation of these patients, pluridirectional tomography of the sella was the most sensitive indicator of intrasellar pathology.


Computed tomographic brain scanning in intraparenchymal pyogenic abscesses.

Retrospective analysis of 25 pyogenic brain abcesses diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) revealed relatively specific morphologic characteristics of these infections. The ability to obtain an early accurate diagnosis resulted in a dramatic decrease in patient morbidity and mortality. Repeated examinations by CT permitted close monitoring of the response of the abscess to antibiotic therapy. In some instances the need for surgical intervention was eliminated or the surgical approach was modified as a result of these studies.


Mammographic spectrum of traumatic fat necrosis: the fallibility of "pathognomonic" signs of carcinoma.

Five cases are presented which illustrate the spectrum of mammographic features of traumatic fat necrosis. The appearances vary from one indistinguishable from carcinoma to single or multiple lipid-filled cysts with or without calcified walls. Branching, rodlike, or angular microcalcifications associated with fat necrosis may resemble the calcifications associated with carcinoma. A location close to the skin or areola is a clue that the lesion may have resulted from blunt or surgical trauma. A review of these cases leads us to the important conclusion that while breast carcinoma in some cases has characteristic radiographic findings, there are no "pathognomonic" findings.


Hematogenous osteomyelitis of metaphyseal-equivalent locations.

Flat and irregular bones have anatomic subdivisions comparable to long bones. This concept is useful in the radiograpic evaluation of solitary bone lesions. Areas adjacent to cartilage are metaphyseal-equivalent locations. Prior to skeletal maturation, metaphyseal-type vascular anatomy predisposes these sites to involvement by hematogenous osteomyelitis. Approximately 30% of cases of hematogenous osteomyelitis affect these metaphyseal-equivalent sites and often present difficult diagnostic challenges. Forty-nine patients with this condition are described.


Acute skin reactions in postoperative breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy.

A group of 26 patients with operable carcinoma of the breast received postoperative radiotherapy plus adjuvant chemotherapy. Acute skin reactions were studied by clinical observation. There was a statistically significant difference (P less than .01) in the acute skin reactions in the chest wall area in those who received chemotherapy (81%) compared to the controls who received only radiotherapy (33%). Acute skin reactions began at the completion of postoperative radiotherapy and reached maximum severity 1-2 weeks later. They usually subsided after 4-6 weeks. No skin reactions were observed in the parasternal, supraclavicular fossa, or axillary regions. On the basis of these findings, postoperative radiotherapy combined with adjuvant chemotherapy is probably beneficial.


Survival and complications in cervical cancer treated by pelvic and extended field radiation after paraaortic lymphadenectomy.

Over a 3 year period, 49 patients with invasive cancer of the cervix underwent paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Of this group, 18 were stage lb, with cervix 3 cm or smaller, and were treated by radical hysterectomy. All had negative paraaortic nodes. The remaining 31 patients had more advanced disease and underwent radiation therapy in addition to the paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Thirteen patients with positive paraaortic nodes were treated with extended field radiation to the level of the diaphragms with 4,500 rad plus intracavitary radium applications. The remaining 18 patients with negative paraaortic nodes were treated to the fifth lumbar vertebra with 5,000 rad plus radium applications. The age of the patients and stage of the disease were similar for both groups. After 13-36 months of follow-up, the survival rate was 38% for patients with positive nodes compared to 72% for those with negative nodes. About half of both groups suffered complications. More study must be given to alternative treatments of advanced carcinoma of the cervix.


Alterations in whole saliva flow rate induced by fractionated radiotherapy.

Sequential changes in flow rate of whole saliva are detailed in 13 patients. Samples were collected without exogneous stimulation during a course of fractionated radiotherapy involving major portions of the salivary glands. Flow rate decreased markedly during the initial 3 treatment days and gradually thereafter until a minimal flow rate was reached. Early in the treatment, variable degrees of recovery were seen on Mondays following a weekend (Friday-Sunday) without treatment. After a minimal flow rate was reached, no such recovery was observed. Radiation needed to produce minimal flow varied from 450 to 4,050 rad. Patients with higher initial flow rates required higher dosages to reach the minimum. No return of secretory function was noted after extended periods of time.


A study of dose distribution patterns from cobalt-60 and Varian Clinac-4 beams.

Dose distribution patterns of 4 MV x-rays from a Varian Clinac 4 linear accelerator are compared with those from a 60Co teletherapy machine. Field flatteners of lead and depleted uranium were used. Dose distribution maps display the off-axis high dose or "horns" with lead filters and circular dose distribution patterns. The uranium field flattener clearly "clipped the horns" and eliminated circular dose distribution patterns with larger fields.


Popliteal vein thrombosis secondary to popliteal artery aneurysm.

Two patients with popliteal vein thrombosis secondary to popliteal artery aneurysm are described. The association of venous abnormalities in 623 reported cases of popliteal artery aneurysm is reviewed. The high morbidity from popliteal vein thrombosis would seem to justify preoperative leg venography in patients with popliteal artery aneurysm.


Tantalum tracheography in upper airway obstruction: 100 experiences in adults.

A total of 100 tantalum cine laryngotracheograms were performed in adults with documented or suspected upper airway obstruction. With appropriate precautions, tantalum powder proved to be a safe material for delineating tracheal and laryngeal abnormalities. A cine recording to document tracheomalacia as well as a careful evaluation of the larynx are useful extensions of examination of patients with suspected upper airway obstruction. Tracheomalacia was found in 35% of our series; 29% showed laryngeal abnormalities. With modifications to correct for magnification, the tantalum tracheogram gives the surgeon the exact length of trachea to be resected. When tantalum becomes approved by the Food and Drug Administration, we expect that tantalum cine laryngotracheography will be the preferred means for study of upper airway obstruction.


pH-tested reflux without hiatus hernia.

Gastroesophageal reflux was tested for with a pH telemetry capsule. In 29 individuals in whom no hiatus hernia was demonstrated on barium esophagram, the transverse diameter of the intrahiatal esophagus was compared to that of the intrathoracic. When the width of the intrahiatal esophagus was two-thirds or less that of the intrathoracic, pH-proven reflux was an infrequent event. When wider, reflux occurred with high frequency.


Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children: a useful classification and reliable physiologic technique for its demonstration.

A radiologic method for the demonstration of gastroesophageal reflux in children is described, and, while recognizing limitations and pitfalls of any classification, a clinically useful system of grading of reflux is presented. The system is based primarily on the extent of retrograde flow of barium, ranging from reflux into the distal esophagus only (grade 1) to reflux with aspiration into the trachea or lungs (grade 5). The availability of a standardized radiologic technique for the demonstration of gastroesophageal reflux and a system for grading its severity may be useful in understanding the true incidence and significance of this disorder.


Lymphoid follicular pattern: a normal feature of the pediatric colon.

Tiny nodular filling defects up to 2 mm in diameter were seen in 12 of 27 patients under the age of 15 years undergoing double contrast enema. The pattern was particularly common in children under 5 years in whom a good quality double contrast study was obtained. While this pattern has been termed lymphoid hyperplasia, we believe it represents a normal lymphoid follicular pattern in the pediatric colon. The term lymphoid hyperplasia should be reserved for cases in which the lymphoid follicles are greater than 2 mm in diameter; this will usually represent an abnormal condition in response to infection, allergy, or immunologic disorders. The differential diagnosis of the lymphoid follicular pattern and lymphoid hyperplasia is briefly discussed.


Transverse colon in adult umbilical hernia.

The transverse colon may extend into an umbilical or other ventral hernia. An unusual configuration, extra anterior loops, outpouchings, narrowing, or nonmalignant-appearing obstruction in the involved segment of the colon should suggest possible herniation. Clinical or radiographic confirmation is easily accomplished. Five cases are presented to illustrate some of the deformities of the transverse colon due to involvement in an umbilical hernia.


New cholangiographic sign of common bile duct obstruction: initial opacification of intrahepatic ducts.

A previously undescribed sign of common bile duct obstruction during intravenous cholangiography - initial visualization of proximal intrahepatic ducts - was observed in 26 patients with surgically proven obstructive disease of the distal common duct. In all cases, opacification of intrahepatic biliary radicles occurred on standard interval films prior to visualization of the extrahepatic common bile duct, the reverse of the normal sequence. The abnormal opacification pattern reflects stasis of bile flow in the presence of distal obstruction and seems analogous to the urographic finding of opacified intra-renal calyces as the initial manifestation of distal ureteral obstruction. Recognition of the alteration in the initial cholangiographic opacification sequence signals the need for delayed films to confirm the diagnosis of a distal choledochal obstruction.


Diagnosis of gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.

Conventional radiographic procedures are not helpful in the preoperative documentation of gangrenous cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation. Three cases in which preoperative diagnosis was accomplished by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography are described. Gangrene was identified in all three by a shaggy outline of the gallbladder wall with amorphous debris and stones in the lumen. Perforation was identified in two of the cases by extravasation of contrast material into a pericholecystic abscess. This information, as well as the status of the common duct, was important to the surgeon.


Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in angiography of tumors of the extremities.

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a potent vasodilator. The value of this agent as an adjuvant in angiography of tumors of the extremities was evaluated in 10 patients. Except in one case involving a hemangioma, the diagnostic information concerning tumor vascularity and delineation of the extent of disease decreased after the use of PGE1. The visualization of small normal muscular arteries was improved. Therefore, the effect of PGE1 may be to preferentially increase the blood flow in normal tissues relative to the tumor. PGE1 seems to be of little value in enhancing the angiographic demonstration of neoplasms of the extremity.


Percutaneous nephrostomy: a series and review of the literature.

A series of 53 percutaneous nephrostomies and a literature review of 516 such procedures are presented. The selection of patients with supravesical urinary obstruction, urinary fistulas, and renal calculi is discussed, and the concept is advanced that percutaneous nephrostomy is more than a temporizing preoperative procedure. The available techniques are compared; modified instrumentation for balloon catheter insertion, a combination of fluoroscopic with real-time ultrasound guidance, and some additional principles of subsequent management are introduced. Successful results can be expected in over 90% of percutaneous nephrostomies, with major complications limited to 4% and minor complications to 15%. The limitations of percutaneous nephrostomy and the role of surgical nephrostomy are discussed.