[Pathophysiological mechanisms in stagnant hypoxia with special reference to myocardial ischaemia (author's transl)].

The extent of biochemical changes arising from hypoxia due to slowed circulation and the rate at which they occur are closely related to the degree of functional and morphological impairment of the affected organ. The pathophysiological mechanisms operating in stagnant-type hypoxia are reviewed with special reference, on account of its practical importance, to myocardiac ischaemia. Differences between regional hypoxia and damage to the whole organ, and also the additional damage caused by stoppage of the circulation are discussed in detail. The importance of adjusting the therapeutic measures to the pathophysiological regulatory mechanisms when treating ischaemic cardiac arrest or myocardiac infarction is stressed.


[Parenteral nutrition. Experience of 2 years].

Total parenteral nutrition is a new method, in our media, that permits the direct administration to the blood stream of all the necesary elements for cellular synthesis. Total parenteral nutrition finds in the field of gastroenterology a wide range of indications to correct and prevent malnutrition in a patient who can not eat. Treatment, by the Department of Hyperalimentation, at the Hospital General del Centro Médico Nacional, during a two years period, of 150 patients, has permitted us to evaluate the results and complications of the method and to insist on the importance of a good nutrition in the overall treatment of a patient with a gastro-intestinal disease.


Heart preservation by means of a complex artificial perfusion fluid.

Heart storage for different time intervals of up to 72 hours was carried out using a complex perfusion fluid elaborated according to a personal new theoretical concept. The recovery of the hearts stored by means of this fluid was practically integral as shown by the measurements and recordings of several cardiac functional parameters within a period of 5-7 hours of ex vivo functional testing subsequent to the storage. This fluid was also found to allow repeated heart storages for 24 hours alternating with efficient ex vivo functional testing for periods of 5-7 hours. Such performances in heart preservation were not yet reported elsewhere. This fluid was thought to allow an efficient ex vivo heart conditioning before transplantation by immunological or pharmacological treatments throughout repeated short-term or long-term alternating storages and recoveries.


Increasing the incidence and the size of successful experimental composite ear grafts by advance preparation of the recipient bed.

Composite grafts were transferred from one ear to the other in adult macaque monkeys. Evidence was found that preparation of the recipient bed (cutting a wedge-shaped hole from the rim inward, 10 or 11 days ahead of transfer) would increase the incidence of complete takes and would also increase the size of grafts that could be transferred successfully.


Effect of tannic acid on excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.

Toe muscles of the frog were exposed to the action of solutions containing 60-300 micrometer tannic acid (TA). The effects of K-induced contractures of the muscle and on the resting potential of the fibres were studied. After an initial transient potentiation, K contractures are progressively slowed and depressed, the effect being irreversible. After their abolition, caffeine is still able to induce a mechanical response with a reduced amplititude and a pronounced slowing in both tension development and relaxation after withdrawal of the drug. The blocking effects on excitation-contraction coupling are independent of the presence or absence of Ca from the bath. During the initial potentiation the muscle acquires the ability to respond by a contracture to EDTA solutions. TA induces a moderate membrane depolarization with a more rapid fall in resting potential during the first tens of minutes. EDTA contracture appears to be initiated at the level of T tubules, being not associated to a rapid membrane depolarization. These results suggest that TA effects on excitation-contraction coupling are primarily due to a surface mechanism involving probably the signal transmission at the level of T system as well. These effects may be the result of its capacity to crosslink protein macromolecules, interfering with conformational changes underlying initiation and propagation of excitation from membrane to the interior of muscle fibre.


The energy transductions at the level of the acetyl-coenzyme A and of cytochrome molecules.

According to the model presented in this paper, the free energy necessary to the synthesis of the ATP molecules is delivered by a unique mechanism. This mechanism consists in the formation of an (Y:X) orbital, which turns with an angle, having the X atom as a pivot point, such that the Y atom is left out from the covalent bond and is replaced by a proton, released from a water molecule. Thus, a new (X:H) orbital is formed. In this first stage, within the newly formed (X:H) orbital the proton is situated at an internuclear distance equal to the length of the hydrogen bond (X...H). Then, the proton moves towards the nucleus of the X atom until it reaches the internuclear distance corresponding to the minimum energy. By the proton displacement, the two electrons of the (X:H) orbital arrive on an excited state level. Then they fall on their corresponding fundamental orbital, releasing two waves of electronic excitation. The two waves of electronic excitation are further transmitted to an acceptor of energy molecule.


The energetics of the active ionic transport across biomembranes.

A model of the energetics concerning the active ionic transport across biomembranes is presented. According to this model, the transfer of energy is made between a donor molecule and a receiver molecule, this being the manifestation of some electronic transitions, with the release, transfer and storage of two quanta of electronic excitation. The transfer of energy is accompanied by an exchange of ions between the donor molecule and the receiver molecule. If the two coupled molecules are fixed in the structure of a biomembrane, this ionic shift produces an active ionic transport across the respective membrane. The energy necessary to the accomplishment of the active ionic transport results from the difference between the energy released by the donor molecule and the energy stored by the receiver molecule.


Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by indoprofen.

Many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs appear to produce their effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. These investigations were undertaken to determine whether a new anti-inflammatory compound, indoprofen, inhibited prostaglandin synthesis in vitro when present in incubation medium or following systemic administration. The results indicated that indoprofen effectively inhibited prostaglandin synthesis in kidney and uterus. Indoprofen was equally effective as indomethacin and aspirin in inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. The relative potency of the drug was intermediate between indomethacin and aspirin.


Report on a trial of SCG 2% nasal solution (metered dose) in hayfever.

An analysis has been performed on the results from 18 patients treated with SCG and 14 patients treated with placebo in a double-blind placebo-controlled group comparative trial of SCG 2% nasal solution (metered dose) in hayfever. The two treatment groups were found to be similar with respect to relevant characteristics and pre-trial symptomatology. Analysis of clinician's symptom scorings demonstrated statistically significant differences in favour of SCG for the symptoms Sneezing, Running and Itching. No significant differences between the treatments were found in the statistical analysis of patient diary card total scores. Five assessments of overall response made at the end of treatment gave results highly significantly in favour of SCG.


Cross-idiotypic reactions among anti-Rh (D) antibodies.

In a series of experiments several idiotype-specific rabbit antisera produced against different IgG anti-Rh (D) antibodies reacted with other anti-Rh (D) antibodies and thus showed cross-idiotypic reactions. Some of the antisera agglutinated almost all types of anti-D-sensitized erythrocytes, whereas other idiotype-specific antisera agglutinated only a few anti-D-sensitized erythrocytes. Anti-D-antibodies showed several different cross-idiotypic reaction patterns. The cross-idiotypic antigens were, in most instances, localized to the heavy chains only. In a few cases, however, the cross-idiotypic antigens were dependent on the interaction between heavy and light chains.


[Retrospective study of 99 cases of ovarian carcinoma, stages I to IV].

A retrospective study on the survival of 99 patients with ovarian carcinoma stages I-IV has been conducted. A bad prognosis for early stages is emphasized. 38 of the 64 patients treated by chemotherapy presented an objective therapeutic response: 24 cases showed complete or partial remission of a duration between 4 to 26 months, while 14 cases showed no change or progressive disease. The effects of chemotherapy on survival have been statistically analyzed for these 38 cases and have shown a longer survival for responders. These results suggest that the use of chemotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery in ovarian cancer deserves further investigation.


Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in a municipal wastewater treatment plant and environs.

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in sewage wastes at a municipal sewage treatment plant was studied, showing that the great bulk of PCBs entering such a treatment plant become adsorbed onto the grit chamber solids and the sludge that is passed from the anaerobic digesters. When appreciable quantities of PCBs are present in sewage, as was the case in this study, significant quantities can nevertheless pass with the effluents discharged from the treatment plant. The PCB concentrations in the treatment plant waters undergoing secondary and tertiary treatment tend to be consistent with the limited solubility properties of the PCBs. However, appreciably higher concentrations can be found in the sediments of waters receiving treatment plant discharges and bioaccumulation in fish is demonstrated readily. Also described are quantitative data on PCBs in soils fertilized with PCB-contaminated sludge.


Release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in a salt-wedge estuary as induced by dredging or contaminated sediments.

An evaluation of the input of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in the Duwamish River, Seattle, Wash., resulting from the dredging of contaminated sediments is presented. The mean concentrations of PCB during the monitoring period were 12.8 to 24.5 ng/liter in water and 1.03 to 1.77 microgram/g dry weight in suspended particulate matter. These values were within the ranges normally observed in the river, suggesting that the dredging operations did not induce a significant PCB pulse of potential hazard to the estuary. The fractionation of PCB in suspended particulate matter was determined by computing component concentration ratios, KN(d). These quantities indicate an enrichment factor of 10(5) from ambient water. Based on the ambient PCB load and normal discharge, the input of PCB into Puget Sound via the Duwamish River was estimated to be 36 kg/year.


Magnification in striate cortex and retinal ganglion cell layer of owl monkey: a quantitative comparison.

Magnification, the relative size of the neural representation of a portion of the visual field, decreases more rapidly with increasing visual field eccentricity in striate cortex than in the retinal ganglion cell layer of the owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus); the proportion of the cells in striate cortex devoted to central vision is much larger than the comparable proportion of retinal ganglion cells. Magnification in striate cortex is a power function of magnification in the retinal ganglion cell layer. A formula for convergence (ganglion cells to cortical neurons) follows from this relationship.


Instrumentation trends in nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine instrumentation requires use of various configurations of photon detectors for the purpose of in vivo and in vitro measurements of flow and metabolism. Computed tomography has solved a previous limitation of an ambiguous volume of interest intrinsic to projection images. Selection of instruments involves first, a definition of the medical problem to be solved; then an evaluation of the following characteristics of the candidate instruments: sensitivity, spatial resolution, saturation performance, dead time, uniformity of resolution, uniformity of sensitivity, data processing capabilities, and cost. New developments include dynamic imaging in transverse section with either single photon or positron annihilation photons, and whole-body quantitative imaging of sequential changes in radiopharmaceutical concentration.


Appearance of a gastric ulcer during diphosphonate therapy in a woman with CRST syndrome.

A 46-year-old woman with the CRST variant of scleroderma (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis) was treated with a diphosphonate (disodium etidronate) in an effort to reduce her dystrophic calcifications or retard their progression. After 18 months of therapy, no improvement in her calcinosis was noted. In addition, she developed bloody diarrhea, epigastric burning, and weight loss during the last two months of Therapy. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed a gastric ulcer. Endoscopy with biopsy proved it to be benign. Gastric ulcerations has been seen in animals given disodium etidronate but only at much higher doses than are currently recommended for humans. Although a cause and effect relationship cannot be established with certainty in this patient, it is suggested since she was not receiving other ulcerogenic drugs chronically. This information may be important to other investigators of disodium etidronate.


Septicemia following barium enema.

Reported is a case of septicemia following a barium enema. This is the fourth such case reported. Several factors may predispose to septicemia, including host factors and technical factors related to the barium enema procedure itself.


Chigger (Acarina:Trombiculidae) surveys of the west coast beaches of Sabah and Sarawak.

Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) arenicola Traub, a vector of scrub typhus, had previously been found to occur in the coastal vegetation behind the edge of open sand along the beaches of Peninsular Malaysia. Surveys of the west coast beaches of Sabah and Sarawak were conducted to determine if this species occurs in similar habitat in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Leptotrombidium (L.) arenicola was not collected from the eighteen sites studied. Of the 11,982 mite larvae collected, 55 per cent were L.(L.) deliense (Walch), a well-known, widespread vector of scrub typhus.


Numbers of Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) deliense (Acarina: trombiculidae) and prevalence of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in adjacent habitats of peninsular Malaysia.

Numbers of L. (L.) deliense larvae were determined in adjacent habitats over a 16 month period. Both R. argentiventer and R. tiomanicus were highly efficient hosts for L. (L.) deliense. R. argentiventer was host to significantly greater numbers of chiggers per rat than was R. tiomanicus. The 2 habitats were similar in numbers of chiggers collected. No consistent correlation was apparent between numbers of chiggers and any single weather factor, but the chigger population seemed to be adversely affected by a 2 month period during which total evaporation greatly exceeded total rainfall. Direct fluorescent antibody examination of tissues from unfed L. (L.) deliense showed that 2 of 420 larvae (0.5%) contained organisms morphologically resembling R. tsutsugamushi. Considering the vector load and numbers of chiggers being returned to the ground by a given host, a rate of 0.5% appeared adequate to account for the prevalence rate of R. tsutsugamushi observed in the 2 host species.


The life history of a colony of Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) fletcheri (Womersley & Heaslip) infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi.

The life cycle of 5 generations of Leptotrombidium (L.) fletcheri infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi and reared under ambient temperatures in Malaysia was presented and compared with a colony reared at a constant 27 degrees C (Neal and Barnett, 1961). In general our colony had a longer generation time (average of 54 days from engorged larvae to adult compared with 37 days) and produced fewer eggs (average of 127.9 compared with 900.0) than the comparison colony. Possible factors causing these differences are discussed.


Virulence and antigenic properties of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in a naturally infectei laboratory colony of Leptotrombidium (leptotrombidium) arenicola.

Over 1,200 isolations of R. tsutsugamushi were obtained over 7 generations of L. (L.) arenicola and no reproducible differences in virulence or antigenic markers could be detected among these isolations. The F8 generation yielded rickettsia with the same antigenic makeup and virulence properties as the original female parent mite. When these isolates were inoculated into mice they elicited the same predominant antibody specificities, i.e. they all produced antibody which reacted with the TA 763 and Karp strains. These were the same as the major antigens detected by direct fluorescent antibody staining of the isolates.


Presence of antibodies to scrub typhus and murine typhus in dogs from Selangor, Peninsular, Malaysia.

Dog sera, collected from different communities throughout Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia, were investigated for the presence of antibodies to R. tsutsugamushi and R. typhi. Scrub typhus antibodies were present in animals from the rural areas only, whereas murine typhus antibodies were observed in equal numbers of dogs from both rural and metropolitan areas. Greater percentage of dogs from suburban areas had demonstrable antibody titers to murine typhus than from the urban area.


Experimental Brugia malayi infections in the rhesus monkey.

Twenty-eight rhesus monkeys in 3 groups were exposed to single (Group I), double (Group II), and multiple (Group III) inoculations with B. malayi infective larvae. Infections were monitored by microfilarial and blood counts, selected biochemical tests, IFA responses, and records of body temperature and lymphadenopathy before and/or after treatment with DEC. As a whole, the highest microfilaraemia levels were observed in Group II and lowest in Group III monkeys. Eosinophilia was a common occurrence but reached the highest mean levels in Group III. Intermittent fevers and lymph node enlargements were observed in all groups of monkeys and the occurrence of these appeared to be correlated. No definite pattern of antibody production was discernable among groups, but an inverse relationship existed between microfilaraemia and detectable microfilarial antibodies. Treatment with DEC produced a microfilaraemia-taxic effect within the initial half hour and responses to treatment varied according to individuals. Although post-treatment reinfection appeared to cause lymphoid responses and tissue eosinophilia, no substantial resistance to reinfection was observed.


The 2-deoxy-D-glucose-neutral red test and vagotomy: an experimental study.

The 2-deoxy-D-glucose - neutral red test proved to be successful in assessing completeness of vagotomy in the baboon both intra- and postoperatively. There were no deleterious side-effects and we found that both products could be sterilized adequately. So far we have used this test of 5 patients in the immediate postoperative phase; in 1 patients, on whom the surgeon thought he had done an incomplete parietal cell vagotomy, the test was found to be positive within a week of the operation.


The significance of pulmonary changes associated with cerebral perfusion with hypoxic blood in monkeys.

Parameters of cerebral and pulmonary function were studied in ten animals whose brains were perfused with hypoxic right atrial blood according to the Moss method. All animals died as a result of cerebral hypoxia at about 95 minutes after the onset of perfusion. Gross pulmonary congestion, edema, and leukocyte plugs occurred in the seven animals breathing spontaneously, but positive pressure ventilation prevented these changes in three. The resumption of cerebral perfusion with oxygenated blood after 30 minutes of the Moss procedure did not prevent the pulmonary changes and, of more importance, did not prevent cerebral swelling and death at about the same time as that of all the other animals. There were no changes in oxygen uptake or in arterial oxygen tension to indicate that progressive pulmonary failure contributed to death. It is concluded that this model produces brain swelling and brain death with incidental pulmonary pathological changes indistinguishable from early findings in hemorrhagic shock models and that the cerebral hypoxic perfusion model in monkeys is not suitable for studying the effects of "shock lung" therapy.


Small bowel morphology and epithelial proliferation in intravenously alimented rabbits.

Intravenous (IV) alimentation of experimental animals has been associated with an attenuation of the small bowel mucosa. To determine whether alterations in epithelial renewal accompany the morphological changes, we studied cell proliferation as well as the light and electron microscopic appearance of the small bowel in intravenously and orally alimented rabbits. After 10 days of either IV or oral alimentation, 3H-thymidine was given intravenously to all animals to label proliferating cells, and 1 hour later sections of duodenum, upper jejunum, and distal ileum were taken for autoradiography and light and electron microscopy. IV alimentation was accompanied by significant reductions in epithelial cell proliferation and mucosal thickness in the proximal small bowel. The density of goblet cells was greater in the duodenum and jejunum, but less in the ileum, of intravenously alimented rabbits than in corresponding areas of the oral controls. Furthermore, ultrastructural changes in the villous absorptive cells of intravenously alimented rabbits, such as lengthened microvilli and increased numbers of multivesicular bodies, suggested that epithelial migration also may be slowed during IV alimentation.


The surgical management of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Twelve infants with necrotizing enterocolitis were treated surgically in the 2 year period from 1973 to 1974. Resection of gangrenous intestine and proximal enterostomy was preferred in 11 patients. There were four deaths: two were grossly premature infants, one died from electrolyte disturbances related to the proximal enterostomy, and one was an apparent cot death. Intravenous nutrition was used routinely in all cases in the postoperative period. The problems of recommencement of enteral feeding and ileostomy dysfunction are discussed briefly.


Some effects of Bunnell suture on otherwise uninjured tendons in subhuman primates.

An experimental study was performed in rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) to examine the contribution of Bunnell tendon suture to the production of postoperative tendon adhesions. It was found that Bunnell suture used with atraumatic technique caused a significant depression of in vitro tendon surface plasminogen activator activity, allowing the in vivo persistence and fibrous organization of fibrinous postoperative adhesions to sutured areas. Bunnell suture also produced coagulation necrosis of the sutured area of tendon. Collagen, which replaced the destroyed areas, was oriented randomly and frequently was continuous with surface tendon adhesions to surrounding connective tissues. Bunnell suture appears to be a cause of tendon adhesions in subhuman primates. The importance of fibrin and depressed local fibrinolysis in the relationship of tendon ischemia and adhesion formation is discussed.


Tissue distribution and residues of aminoglycoside antibiotics in normal dairy cows.

The concentration and persistence of streptomycin, dihydostreptomycin (DHS), neomycin, and kanamycin in the body organs of normal dairy cows following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) injections were determined by qualitative and quantitative assay methods. The most sensitive qualitative procedure, i.e. Bacillus subtilis BGA at pH 8.0, failed to detect kanamycin in the meat of cows slaughtered 4 hours after i.m. and 6 hours after i.v. injections. This test, however, was positive for the kidneys of cows slaughtered 144 hours after the i.m. administration of neomycin. Low concentrations of neomycin were measured in the meat of cows slaughtered 2 hours and 7 hours after injection. Treatment with streptomycin i.v. resulted in significantly lower renal cortex drug levels than after the i.v. administration of other drugs. Injection of neomycin in a formulation containing benzylpenicillin procaine resulted in higher neomycin concentrations in the renal cortex compared to the levels of the drug found after i.v. injection of the drug. Results are discussed the possible role played by drug interaction on the persistence of aminoglycoside antibiotics in the kidneys after treatment with different dosage forms of these drugs.


[Economic aspects of diseases and dairy herd health programs in the Netherlands with special reference to mastitis (author's transl)].

Animal diseases cause considerable losses among dairy cattle in the Netherlands. Model calculations show that the loss on farm level from animal diseases is approximately Dfl 440.--per cow per annum. Increasing attention is being paid to one of them e.g. mastitis. This disease causing an annual loss on farm level of approximately Dfl 125.--per average cow present (a.c.p.). Currently, a Mastitis Control Program (MCP) is being advocated. When the expected profits and cost of the MCP are analysed, different economic levels can be distinguished. Analysis on farm level showed that, when the MCP is carried out, the average calculated losses can be reduced by half, so that, with the exception of the first years, an increase in income of Dfl. 30.--per a.c.p. is anticipated. When less than 12.5 percent of the quarters are infected and less than 2 or 3 per cent of the quarters show clinical mastitis in a period of twelve months, the expected profits of the MCP are less than the cost. When all the farmers (the "sector") reduce the incidence of mastitis, the expected increase in income will be smaller because of price-effects. From the national point of view, the profitability of the MCP will primarily depend on the national-economic net price of the additional milk production, which should be higher than Dfl. 30.--per 100 kg. to make it pay. Finally, it was evident that production of the same quantity of milk by fewer animals, resulting from a reduction of the incidence of mastitis, is profitable on a national level, because of a decrease in the import of concentrates.


On the pathogenesis of simple renal cysts in the adult. A microdissection study.

The simple cyst in the adult seems to be mainly an acquired disorder. Microdissection of the nephron in the adult kidney points to the presence of diverticula on the distal tubule as the starting point of the affection. A degree of obstruction in the urinary tract together with normal involutional phenomena of the basal membrane, both typical of the aging process, are believed to be precipitating factors.


Leiomyosarcoma of urinary bladder in von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis.

A case of leiomyosarcoma of the urinary bladder is reported in a sixty-six-year-old black male with associated von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis.


[Effect of parenteral nutrition on the nucleic acid content in normal rat tissues and in thyrotoxicosis].

The content of nucleic acids in tissues of healthy animals and those suffering from thyrotoxicosis was studied as affected by parenteral administration of amino acid mixture of moriamine S-2 and casein hydrolysate. The content of RNA in the skeletal muscles, heart and liver is established to change considerably under the effect of nitrogenous media. With administration of moriamine S-2 or caseine hydrolysate the higher level of RNA in tissues with thyrotoxicosis, is normalized, especially in the skeletal muscles. The character of changes depends essentially on properties and composition of the administered preparations.


Preoperative irradiation of renal cell carcinoma.

Since 1967 we have been using preoperative radiation therapy for renal cell carcinoma as proposed by Riches. Radiation therapy, to include the para-aortic lymph nodes, is given in 250-rad increments four times weekly to a total dose of 3,000 rads. After an interval of three weeks following radiation therapy, we performed radical nephrectomy. The object of this preoperative treatment is devitalization of growing cells in the periphery of the tumor, thus preventing metastases and local recurrence, and and decreasing the size of the tumor and thereby facilitating surgery. In one third of the cases there is radiologically demonstrable decrease in the size of the tumor, probably secondary to obliteration of the dilated veins in the capsule. The delay of six weeks has had no adverse effect on the outcome of metastases.


[Age difference of bone collagen in hydrolysis by Streptomyces griseus protease].

Hydrolysis of the cattle bone insoluble collagen was studied as affected by Streptomyces griseus protease. The enzymic hydrolysis was performed before and after protein decalcination. The amino acidic composition of collagens in young and old animals is the same. Calcium-containing collagen of a young animal is hydrolyzed by Str. griseus protease more intensely than that of an adult one. However protein decalcination not only increases, on the whole, the degree of its splitting by Str. griseus protease but also changes the picture completely: hydrolyzeis of adult animal collagen is much more rapid and deep. Perhaps, collagen protein of bone is more labile with the age, and its strength and resistance increase due to the presence of calcium


Transvesical submucosal diverticulectomy. Experience with 48 cases.

An intravesical, submucosal technique, without peri- or transvesical drainage, for surgical treatment of large bladder diverticula was successfully used in 48 patients. This is a recommeded procedure, easily performed, without fear of endangering the adjacent organs.


[Vitamin E serum levels in calves after various methods of administration].

We observed the levels of vitamin E in the blood serum of calves after peroral application of Combinal E (1 ml contains 20 mg of tocopherol acetate in water solution), after application through a fistula into the rennet stomach and after an intramuscular injection of Erevit (1 ml contains 300 mg of tocopherol acetate in vegetable oil). The fastest increase in the vitamin E level was recorded after the application of Combinal E directly into the rennet stomach. The application of Combinal E per os resulted in the same level of vitamin E in the ninth hour after application as in the third hour after application into the rennet stomach, the intramuscular injection of Erevit had a much lower effect on raising the vitamin E level in the blood serum of calves. It was confirmed that for a faster supplementing of vitamin E to the organism it is more suitable to give Combinal E perorally.


[Incidence and mobility of R plasmids, Col plasmids and Hly plasmids in E. coli isolated from healthy calves and calves with diarrhea].

Within the set of 200 strains of E. coli isolated from healthy calves and 60 strains of E. coli isolated from calves suffering from diarrhoea we compared the incidence and transfer of determinants of antibioticoresistance, colicinogenesis and hemolytical activity. A significant difference in the incidence and independent mobility of the agents under examination in favour of E. coli from calves suffering from diarrhoea was determined in the case of resistance to chloramphenicol. The increased incidence and independent mobility of the chloramphenicol element in the antibioticoresistent strains of E. coli isolated from calves suffering from diarrhoea can be explained by the three to five-day therapy with a chloramphenicol product.


[Treatment of sperm samples for the diagnostic examination of the ultrastructure of bull spermatozoa].

Methods proposed by various authors for the treatment of spermatozoa for ultrastructural study were tested under the conditions of our laboratory. The methods were studied as to their applicability to the diagnostic examination of fresh and frozen sperm under electron microscope. A suitable method was developed and proposed for diagnostic purposes; the method consists of double fixation, 1.25% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer, or the formaldehyde fixative PAF (Stefanini et al., 1967), being used for the first fixation, and 1% osmium tetroxide (OsO4) after Caulfied (1957) being used for postfixation. The suspension of spermatozoa is filtered through the Sympor milipore filters and the sediment is embedded in the Durcupan ACM embedding medium. Ultrathin slices are contrasted by means of uranyl-acetate and lead citrate. This method also enables a quantitative evaluation of samples and is suitable for fresh and deep-frozen bull semen.


[Extracorporeal perfusion of the sheep rumen].

We constructed a modified perfusion apparatus and elaborated a method of extracorporal perfusion of the rumen of sheep. As perfusates we used the bovine plasma diluted in a ratio of 1:1 of an isotonic sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and the whole autologous blood. Transaminases GOT and GPT, ammonia and pH were determined in the perfusate. The different perfusions were evaluated according to previously determined perfusion conditions and criteria. A subject for discussion is the question of suitability of the parameters under examination for judging the state of the perfused organ. The described method is suitable for the study of metabolical processes in the rumen wal.


[Veterinary and sanitary expertise in the USSR on the intoxication of animals with carbamate pesticides].

Pigs, sheep and rabbits were given carbamates per os. The animals were slaughtered one to thirty days after application. The examination of the slaughtered animals and meat was supplemented by determining the residues of carbamates in the meat and by physico-chemical, bio-chemical and bacteriological examinations. In the case of sevin, TMTD and/or zineb intoxication, pigs and sheep may be slaughtered after 20 to 30 days and rabbits seven to 12 days after intoxication. Meat containing sevin, TMTD and/or zineb may not be used for human consumption. After long-term storage of meat in freezing units and two-hour boiling the substance in the meat is not destroyed. From the veterinary and hygienic aspect the meat of the intoxicated animals may be used only after a complex examination.


[Eradication of brucellosis in the beagle].

An infectious disease caused by the Brucella canis germ was determined in Czechoslovakia in 1973 in laboratory breeding stock of the beagle dog. The clinical symptoms were slinking between the 50th and 57th day of pregnancy and six-week serosanguinolent discharge or greenish gray mucoid discharge after the abortion and extensive hemorrhages and edemata under the skin of the aborted fetuses. The disease was proved serologically and also by isolating the B. canis germ. Histological symptoms found in bitches--were only non-specific inflammatory changes in nodes and some organs, in dogs--inflammation of the prostate, epididymides and testicles. Measures taken to eradicate this disease involved isolation and culling of the serologically positive dogs, creating a new, repeatedly negative breeding stock and strict hygienic and work procedures. The incidence of positive serological findings decreased from 43.0% in 1974 to 8.0% in the first half of 1976. As a positive titre of antigens we consider titres starting from 1:20 though the presence of the B canis germ was found in titres even higher than 1 :160, but we must expect the possibility of the initial stages of the disease.


[Effect of non-antibiotic stimulators on laboratory rats].

The stimulative effect of Carbadox, Nitrovin and Glypondin substances was tested on juvenile rats. A stimulative effect relative to physical weight was proved only with Carbadox at a dose of 2 mg kg-1 and Nitrovin (only in males) in doses of 10 and 50 mg kg-1 p. o. An overdosing of Carbadox revealed rather a negative effect, because already a dose ten times higher had a negative effect on physical growth and a dose fifty times higher caused obvious toxical symptoms. Glypondin was ineffective in each of the tested doses. The consumption of food per unit of weight increase was reduced after supplying carbadox dosed at 2 mg kg-1 by 25.6% in males and by 10.8% in females. After Nitrovin the intake of food was reduced most after a dose of 10 mg kg-1 in both sexes (8.6 and 8.4% respectively). The most frequent effect on the change of physical weight was the relative reduction in weight of the thyroid gland. For the screening of stimulators laboratory rats are not very suitable.


[Antibody reaction to inhalation vaccination of poultry against Newcastle disease].

Aerosol preparated from the AVIPEST vaccine by means of three types of aerosol generators was used for vaccination of 294 chickens of different age against the Newcastle disease in laboratory tests and 30 000 chickens at the age of two and three weeks under field conditions. The general and local antibody reactions to vaccination were evaluated on the basis of the determination of the content of hemagglutination-inhibition and neutralization antibodies in the blood serum and in respiratory-tract flushings. The level of secretory antibodies in the flushings from the respiratory tract, determined by the described original method, is an important parameter of the resistance level of the organism to infection. The highest average levels of antibody titres in serum and in flushings were obtained 14 to 21 days from vaccination (7-10 log2). The La Sota vaccination strain was eliminated from the organism after spray vaccination and immunized the non-vaccinated contact chicken. Revaccination increased and greatly prolonged immunity. All the chickens inoculated showed resistance to challenge infection whereas the control birds died within four to six days.


[Possibilities of Marek's disease transmission by dust in contaminated hatcheries].

A short-term test in vivo was performed with dust collected in hatcheries on a contaminated farm. The results proved the presence of infective agents of Marek's disease (MN) in the dust. The chickens hatched in these hatcheries and taken to disease (MN) in the dust. The chickens hatched in these hatcheries and taken to a disease-free environment also showed microscopic MN-specific changes. In the set of 50 chickens of the Leghorn White (LW) breed, line 44, infected aerogenically with the dust from hatcheries, MN-specific changes were found in 26 birds, i. e. in 52.0%. The non-infected control birds were MN-negative. In the set of 182 White Cornish X White Plymouth (WC X WP) hybrid chickens, hatched in contaminated hatcheries, MN-specific changes were observed in 41 birds, i. e. in 22.5% of the chickens tested.


[Biopsy of the liver in the duck].

A method is being described for percutaneous aspiration biopsy in duck using the modified underpressure set according to Menghini. The optimum puncture site for sample collection from the left liver lobe is in the cranial part of the left chest opening whereas for collection from the right liver lobe is the puncture site in the caudal part of the right chest opening or behind the sternum medially from the right chest opening. Collection from the left lobe is to be preferred. The technique is simple, rapid, with some 80 per cent security. The average weight of biopsy samples varies from 40 to 110 mg.


[Urea formation in kidneys of the domestic fowl in early postincubation ontogenesis].

The nitrogen secretion is not limited in any animal species to one final nitrogenous metabolite only. In the organism of uricotelic birds, besides other products, urea is produced. It was revealed that it developed also in the kidney of the domestic fowl. In the experiments with 130 cockerels of the White Leghorn breed--a commercial Primant hybrid at the age from 0 to 62 days--we determined the urea concentration in the supernatant of kidney homogenate and in the heparinized blood plasma by diacetylmonoxim according to Homolka (1971). In the kidney we observed a moderate insignificant increase of urea concentration from 0 to 62 days of post-incubation life (zero-day: 34.77 +/- 9.20 mg per 100 g; the 62nd day: 36.46 +/- 14.66 mg per 100 g). In the heparinized blood plasma the urea concentration was increased significantly from the initial values of 16.66 +/- 3.17 mg per 100 ml (zero-day) to 54.03 +/- 3.19 mg per 100 ml (the 62nd day).


[Effects of herbicides (Gramoxone and Defenuron) on the development and protein levels of quail (Coturix coturix japonica)].

The herbicides Gramoxone (active substance paraquat dichloride) and Defenuron (active principle N-phenyl-N'-methylurea) were studied as influencing the development of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and the proteins in their blood serum. The aqueous solution of Gramoxone (500 ppm), applied to the egg surface, reduces the hatchability percentage and delays hatching. Under similar conditions, Defenuron has no inhibitory effect on embryonal development. Gramoxone in drinking water (100 ppm) causes 100% mortality of young quail within a week's time whereas the same amount of Defenuron does not affect the vitality of the birds. Sublethal concentrations of Gramoxone in drinking water (40 ppm) cause great quantitative changes in the proteinogram of the blood serum of the birds. The herbicide Defenuron does not influence the proteinogram even at a concentration of 100 ppm of the active substance in drinking water.


[Postnatal development of enzyme activities of nitrogen catabolism in the liver of Japanese quail].

In the course of postnatal development from the hatching up to the age of 84 days, the activities of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and arginase were examined in the liver of Japanese quail. The observation in weekly intervals showed a gradual character of XDH development whereas the conclusion of the first degree correlated to some extent with the period of achieving the sexual maturity of animals. The GLDH activity increased in the course of the growth with attainment of the maximum value in the same period. The course of the development of hepatic arginase activity indicated the potential changes of this enzyme.


[Influence of hypokinesis on the physiological functions in fowl].

The authors examined in the submitted paper the effect of hypokinesis and post-incubation stress (which are characteristic for modern technologies of poultry cage keeping) on the endocrine functions, metabolic reactions, body weight growth and proteosynthesis in the muscle of cocks. The stress due to hypokinesis was observed in growing cocks housed in metallic cages in which they could hardly turn round. The findings obtained indicate that a 35-day hypokinesis did not exert any more significant influence both on physiological functions and body weight growth as well as on proteosynthesis in the muscle of cocks under study, however, it speeded up the protein metabolism in the muscle. But the postincubation stress modified significantly the hypokinesis effect. The findings recorded in birds differed considerably from the findings obtained in laboratory mammals, in which the hypokinesis induced significant changes in endocrine functions, body weight decrease and proteosynthesis disorders. A good tolerance of hypokinesis by fowl can be interpreted not only by the phylogenetic remoteness of the compared species but also by the domestication.


[Influence of Ascaridia-galli invasion on amino acid, protein and aminotransferase (GOP, GTP) levels and activities in chickens].

A negative influence of the helminths Ascaridia galli on the level of free plasma amino acids and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities was demonstrated in the host chick serum. Despite the above negative influence single experimental Ascaridia galli invasion failed to influence the serum protein level or weight increments in chicks. At low invasion intensity the experimental chicks were able to compensate for the pathogenic effect of the helminth Ascaridia galli, manifested by decreased amino acid and aminotransferase activity levels, provided that they were given a full-value and the chicks were kept under suitable zoohygienical conditions.


The effect of immaturity of the calf on immunological responses to strain 19 and killed 45/20 adjuvant vaccines.

Thirty brucellosis free calves with zero titres to the serum agglutination test (SAT), complement fixation test (CFT) and antiglobulin test (ABGT) were vaccinated with strain 19 at ages from seven hours to 198 days. Calves 75 days of age and older responded with normal serological patterns, developing high titres to all three tests. At 45 days and younger most calves responded with much reduced titres, some were negative to the SAT and CFT but all develped titres to the ABGT. Two of the younger group were subjected to an anamnestic test at about a year old and gave a positive response, indicating that the calf may be effectively primed with S19 as early as the first day of life. Three of the group were colostrumdeprived yet the patterns of their responses were similar to those of the colostrum-fed calves. Seventy-four zero titres calves were vaccinated with killed 45/20 adjuvant vaccine at ages from 60 to 320 days. Up to 200 days of age only seven of 33 calves gave positive response. From 200 to 280 days 18 of 29 responded and from 280 days of age all calves a positive response. The late development of competence to respond to this adjuvant vaccine is somewhat unusual and is discussed. It is suggested that the rough strain 45/20 may be a very weak antigen in cattle.


Diseases of aquarium fish--2: skin diseases.

Brief descriptions are given of the common skin diseases in aquarium fishes. Many of these diseases are secondary to poor water quality and aquarium conditions and this primary cause should always be considered.


A method for the collection of nasal epithelial cells and secretion from domestic animals.

A method for aspirating nasal and genital epithelial cells and secretion using a vacuum pump is described. The samples obtained are suitable for diagnosis of infectious diseases by isolation of bacteria and viruses and by demonstration of the organisms by immunofluorescent techniques.


[Study of the interrelationships of amprolium-thiamine, Coccidia and coccidiosis in chicks].

A total of 180 birds, divided into 9 groups of 20 each, were used in tests to elucidate the prophylactic value of the coccidiostatic drug Amprolium in the suggested dose of 125 g per ton feed, and given at the rate of a four-fold high dose (500 g/ton), with and without additional amounts of thiamine incorporated into the standard mixtures. It was found that Amprolium could hardly suppress to a full extent the excretion of oocysts in doses which were as high as 500 g/ton. When using additional amounts of thiamine such effect could not be produced. It is believed that thiamine contributes to the lowering of the activity of the preparation as well as to be prolongation of the parasite development in the intestine and the increase in the asexual populations and oocyst excretion by 66 per cent. In cases where poultry farms are infected despite the use of Amprolium it is suggested to make it clear with objectivity to what extent coccidiosis is due to the resistance phenomenon or the lowering in the activity of the preparation as a result of the higher concentration of thiamine in the feed mixture, and to effect the respective correction so as to reach an optimal ration of the components.


[Value of the Ouchterlony reaction in experimental trichinelliasis in swine].

The double diffusion method after Ouchterlony was employed for the diagnosis of swine trichinellosis. Studied were sera of 12 experimentally infected pigs from the 15th to the 365th day after their treatment with moderate and massive doses of Trichinella spiralis. The antigen used was an extract of freeze-dried decapsulated muscular trichinellae, obtained by Tanner and Gregory's method modified according to the institute's laboratory conditions. Results showed that Ouchterlony's double diffusion reaction is specific and can used for the diagnosis of trichinellosis in pigs within the period cited above. The reaction has proved to be most strongly expressed when used between the 30th and 120th day.


[Content of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid antigens and antibodies in mice in early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis].

By means of a qualitative and quantitative method of precipitation it was found possible to record 3-OAA-antigens in mice receiving ortho-aminoazotoluene. the authors obtained some additional data indicating a similar kinetics of binding for exogenous and endogenous carcinogen. The elaborated method of quantitation of 3-OAA-antigens in the urine may be used for studying the kinetics of this index in cancer patients.


A human antibody to Gm (26): an antigen usually present on the gamma-3 chain of IgG when Gm (15) is absent.

An antibody to an antigen on IgG was found in the serum of a healthy American Negro, whose phenotype is Gm (1, 13, 15, 17). (When tested for Gm [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21].) Subsequent tests of serum samples from US blacks and whites, from Japanese, Ainu, San (Bushmen), Negros, Asiatic Indians and Jews from Cochin India demonstrated that the antibody detects an antigen that is usually present in a haplotype when Gm (15) is absent from it. This antigen had been identified using an antibody produced in a baboon. Tests of isolated myeloma proteins and of Fc and Fab fragments of IgG confirmed that the antigen [Gm (26) or Gm (u) - originally Gm (Pa)] is carried by the Fc portion of the gamma3-chain.


Transient LW-negative red blood cells and anti-LW in a patient with Hodgkin's disease.

LW-negative (LW4) red blood cells and anti-LW antibody were discovered in the blood of a 50-year-old white male with Hodgkin's disease and blood type O. Compatible red blood cells for transfusion could not be obtained because available LW-negative cells were either type A, LW4, or type O, LW3. Following cytotoxic therapy for his basic disease, the anti-LW disappeared and his red blood cells developed normal reactions with anti-LW sera.


[1 case of anorexia nervosa].

After a brief survey on etiopathogenesis, clinic, paraclinic and differential diagnosis of the disease, the authors describe a patient, who at the age of 18 developed Anorexia nervosa, with a progressive body weight reduction from 70 to 30 kg. After the consultation with a psychiatrist the patient was admitted to a psychoneurological dispensary for treatment. Attention is drawn to the diagnostic difficulties and the internist was underlined, has to think and diagnose that, even though rare disease.


[Physico-chemical properties of deamidase AG from Pseudomonas fluorescens AG possessing antitumor activity].

Homogenous deamidase AG from Pseudomonas fluorescens AG was found to be a glycoprotein with molecular weight of about 13,000 daltons. The molecule consists apparently of four similar or identic subunits with molecular weight of about 30,000 daltons. The amino acid composition, N-terminal amino acids, the amount of chymotryptic peptides, containing 14C-carboxymethyl cysteine were studied. The enzyme exhibited distinct antitumoral effect on cells of Burkitt's lymphoma, sensitive to asparaginase, but did not exhibit marked cytotoxic action on cells of human ovarium cancer CaOV line, resistant to asparaginases.


[Isolation of influenza strains identical to influenza virus A/Anglia/42/72 from semisynanthropic bird species in Rovno Province, the Ukrainian SSR].

Two strains of influenza virus, A/wagtail/Ukraina/107/74 and A/dove/Ukraina/111/74, were isolated in virological studies of semisynanthropic species of birds shot near villages in the Rovno region (Western Ukraine). Both strains were found to be antigenically identical with influenza A/England/42/72 virus.


[Effect of a poly I-poly C complex with poly-L-lysine on experimental tick-borne encephalitis].

The influence of the poly(I)-poly(C) complex with poly-l-lysine on the development and course of experimental tick-borne encephalitis was studied in Macaca rhesus monkeys. Prophylactic administration of the substance under study, although not preventing the disease, modified its course and facilitated recovery of the animals. Poly(I)-poly(C) and its complex with poly-l-lysine were shown to have no effect on production of infectious virus or its antigen demonstrable by the immunofluorescence procedure in HEp-2 cells chronically infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus.


[Causative agent of benign lymphoreticulosis].

A causative agent ("D" strain) was isolated from the contents of an affected lymph node of a patient with beningn lymphoreticulosis. According to the biological and antigenic properties this agent is identified with Chlamydia but is a distinct species. The chlamydial etiology of benign lymphoreticulosis is determined also by the complement-fixation test with sera from convalescents.


Lactate dehydrogenase and transaminase activities in the cerebrospinal fluid of protein-energy malnourished children.

The present study is aiming to assess whether there are variations in the activities of the enzymes glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). In this respect, serum and CSF activities of GOT and LDH were assayed in thirteen cases suffering from kwashiorkor and ten normal cases serving as controls. Increased activities of both enzymes in sera and CSF of PEM children compared with normals were observed. The significance of these variations was discussed.


Total parenteral nutrition in pediatrics.

Parenteral nutrition (p.N.) is indicated whenever oral food intake is partly or completely disturbed. The objective of this type of treatments is to provide the organism with sufficient nutrients and maintain the structure and growth. The supply of an optimum mixture of water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and trace elements is a prerequisite for this. In the following parts of this study the indications for p.N., the technique and requirements for different nutrients, minerals, trace elements and vitamins are presented. A type of amino acid mixture especially prepared for pediatric use is prevented and new results of t.p.N. are discussed. In the following parts of this study the indications for p.N., the technique and practice of the infusion programme, the clinical and laboratory investigation of t.p.N., the complications and their prophylaxis during the p.N. are discussed. The goal of better total parenteral nutrition is approached when dosage, infusion rate, contraindications and the guidelines discussed here are observed. We will, however, continue the work for a further improvement of intravenous nutrition.


[Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis].

Due to the unknown etiology of the ankylosing spondylarthritis up to now a causal therapy is not possible. By complex methods of treatment, consisting of chemo- and physiotherapeutic measures we succeed in controlling the course of the disease in as far that the most severe morphological lesions may be prevented. Decisive is the use of a basis therapeutic, in which case chlorochine has been proved favourable. In the last years by optimum dispensary care of these patients with regular controls of the course and controls of the therapy as well as use of all possible rehabilitation measures the premature rate of invalidisation could be reduced from about 50% to 10%. When the disease is recognized in the prodromal phase there exists established hope of preventing severe morphological lesions.


[Chemotherapy of microbial diseases of the respiratory tract].

It is given a survey on the chemotherapy of the microbial diseases of the respiration tract. A chemotherapy is taken into consideration only for such cases in which a bacterial etiology is ascertained or is assumed with a great probability. The antimicrobial chemotherapy is of particular importance for the acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchiectases, pneumonias, pulmonary abscess and empyema of the pleura. The author deals with the special problems of bacteriological findings of the respiratory tract. The choice of the chemotherapeutic remedy is done in most cases according to the empirical points of view, in which cases development of resistance, side-effects and changing of the infection must be taken into consideration. Apart from the otherwise usual oral and parenteral application special forms of application, such as aerosol therapy and intrapleural instillation are used. It is referred to atypical pneumonias, such as the mycoplasma pneumonia which gives a good response to tetracyclines. Apart from the sulphonamides and trimethoprim penicillins, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, cephalosporines, more rarely streptomycin and linkomycin are the most important antimicrobiotics.


Fixation of trypanosomatids for electron microscopy with the glutaraldehyde-tannic acid method.

Epimastigotes from Trypanosoma cruzi and promastigotes from Herpetomonas samuelpessoai were fixed with glutaraldehyde-tannic acid. Different concentrations of tannic acid were tested. With this technique the cellular membranes appear in negative contrast offering the same aspect as seen in cells fixed in glutaraldehyde only without post-fixation in osmium tetraoxide. An electron-dense deposit appears on the surface which possibly represents positively charged groups. The structure of the sub-pellicular microtubules appears well defined and it was possible to distinguish the 13 protofilaments which compose the microtubule wall.


[Enzymatic breakdown of linoleic acid hydroperoxides to volatile carbonyl compounds by isomerase from barley (author's transl)].

Barley protein fractions with active isomerase, purified by means of gelchromatography were incubated at room temperature with linoleic acid hydroperoxides (LHPO), containing 9-hydroperoxy-10-trans,12-cis-octadecadienoic acid (9-LHPO) and 13-hydroperoxy-9-cis,11-trans-octadecadienoic acid (13-LHPO) in the ratio of about 1:1. The volatile compounds resulting from the reaction have been isolated, concentrated and investigated by means of gas- and radio-gaschromatography. In the case of incomplete LHPO-breakdown remaining hydroperoxides and nonvolatile breakdown products have been separated before gaschromatographic analysis. In addition to hexanal as main product, traces of 2-tr-heptenal and 2-tr-octenal were found; about 6% of the converted hydroperoxides were transformed to carbonyl compounds. By numerous additional experiments it was confirmed that the volatile compounds are formed by enzymatic catalysis.


[Immunoglobulin content of cervical secretion].

The content of immunoglobulins in the cervical mucus has been determined quantitatively by the method of radial immunodiffusion. IgG and IgA has been ascertained in all samples, whereas IgM was not measurable. The concentrations of IgG and IgA in the cervical mucus was compared with those of mucous--membrane and of blood-serum. It was discussed the importance of periodical changes of cervical mucus for the penetration of spermatozoa.


[Characteristics of the agents of acute suppurative destruction of the lungs in children].

The authors carried out bacteriological studies of the blood, the pleural cavity puncture material, the discharge from the bronchi in bronchoscopy, and also of smears from the nasopharynx of 40 children with acute purulent destruction of the lungs. Staphylococci, often in association with various Gram-negative bacilli, chiefly of the Pseudomonas genus, and Enterobacteriaceae family, prevailed in the cultures of the pathological material. Pathogenic staphylococcus was found in the nasopharynx of patients in 65% of cases. Along with staphylococci in over half of the patients there were revealed Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast-like Candida fungi. In the majority of patients the microbes isolated from the pharynx and the lungs were identical. In these cases bacteriological examination of pharyngeal smears can serve as an auxiliary method of laboratory diagnosis. The isolated straphylococcus strains possessed the majority of the pathogenicity signs; in the great majority of cases they were resistant to the antibiotics the most widely used in the therapeutic practice; among them strains of phage types 80, 54, 75, 77, and 81 prevailed. Thus, at different periods of the disease various types of the microbes prevailed in the materials obtained from the patients. In acute purulent destruction of the lungs bacteriological examination should be carried in dynamics.


[Serologic and immunogenic properties of staphylococcal protein A].

Protein antigen A was isolated from the microbial cells of Cowan I strain of Staphylococcus aureus by hot extraction method. Ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose-32 and gel-filtration on sephadex F-100 were used for purification of protein A. Microprecipitation in agar test against homologous immune rabbit serum and normal human serum showed purified protein A to be identical by serological specificity to the standard preparation obtained from Prof. Oeding's laboratory. In order to assess the immunogenic properties of protein A by various doses of the preparation (from 2 to 1000 microgram) mixed with A1 (OH)3 albino mice were immunized and then infected with the microbial culture of the homologous strain. As revealed, protein A not only failed to protect the animals from death, but even aggravated the course of infection.


[Influence of several experimental conditions on the quantity of E- and EAC-rosette forming cells in peripheral human blood].

The authors analysed the influence of some conditions of studying the rosette-formation between the human peripheral blood lymphocytes and sheep red blood cells, not loaded (a) and loaded with antibodies and a complement (b). It was shown that rosette formation depended on the temperature at which the experiment was conducted. Thus, after the incubation of a mixture of cells at 37 degrees C, and then at 4 degrees C the number of rosette-forming cells was greater than after the incubation at 4 degrees C alone. Substances used for their fixation also influenced the formation of rosettes: in the treatment of erythrocytes with formalin, tannin and glutaraldehyde, as well as introduction of the latter into the mixture of erythrocytes and leukocytes considerably increased the number of a and b (the sum of T- and B-lymphocytes exceeded 100%). Among a and b in such experimental conditions there was seen a great number of monocytes and of segmented leukocytes. Fixation of smears prepared from a mixture of cells after the incubation in formalin vapour did not lead to such increase in the number of rosette-forming cells. Apparently in case of using glutardehyde, formalin and tannin cells for the treatment of cells additional investigations are necessary with the purpose of identification of a and b as T- and B-lymphocytes.


[Humoral immunity aspects of meningococcal infection. I. A method of performing and the characteristics of the immune bacteriolysis reaction].

Immune bacteriolysis test with meningococcus, group A, was used for the purpose of serum antibody study. Meningococcus cultures with a bright orange fluorescence of the colonies in oblique illumination (the I type) proved to possess the greatest lysability. Guinea pig serum sorbed with meningococcus suspension was found to be the best source of the complement. Sera obtained after 1 to 3 days of rabbit immunization, containing mostly IgM antibodies, had the greatest bactericidal capacity. Only those fractions which contained IgM possessed bactericidal activity in the hyperimmune rabbit sera with a high IgG antibody concentration. No lytic activity was displayed against meningococcus by unfractionated hyperimmune sera.


[Regulatory properties of digestive enzymes and the biology of multiple substrate digestive processes].

Characteristics of functional organization and autoregulation of natural polysubstrate digestion in various animals are largely defined by regulatory properties of the enzymes ensuring membrane digestion. This has been demonstrated for both the animals which are at different evolutional levels and those specialized for different types of food. The effective organization of the digestive and transport processes in time and space is provided by an interaction of food substances at the stage of membrane digestion.


[Insulin in mollusks and its role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism].

Some experiments including glucose loading, insulin or antiinsulin serum injection and in vitro investigations on bivalve freshwater molluscs Anodonta cygnea and Unio pectorum were carried out. All the treatments used were found to cause shifts in glycaemic level, glycogen content in muscles and glycogen-synthetase activity in the same organ, glucose uptake by muscle slices, IRI content in the haemolymph and in gut extracts and PAF-positivity in the gut cells. It was demonstrated earlier that PAF-positive cells located in the gut epithelium of the same molluscs show immunostaining with mammalian anti-insulin serum which indicates the production of insulin or insulin-like substance. The above data prove the important role of insulin or insulin-like substance produced by molluscs in regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in these animals.


[Immunochemical properties of the extracellular hydrolases (protease and alkaline phosphatase) of Coccidioides immitis].

Extracellular hydrolases (protease and alkaline phosphatase) of the coccidioidal fungus possessed antigenic properties and caused production of the corresponding antibodies. Phosphatase-antiphosphatase-substrate system apparently has future prospects for the elaboration of immunobiochemical methods for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis.


[Preservation of Neisseria genus microbes by a deep freezing method].

A method of meningococcus and of vaccine gonococcus strains preservation under conditions of deep freezing with polyethyleneoxide of mol mass 400 was developed. Peculiarities of phasic transitions were studied by the method of differential thermal analysis; hydration properties of polyethyleneoxide were investigated by nuclear magneticresonance (spin-echo). The main cultural and biochemical properties after freezing and after one year of storage in 8 strains of the microbes under study remained unchanged; their survival constituted not less than 90%.


[Fatty acid makeup of various Brucella species and its relationship to the culture medium].

Gas chromatographic method was applied to the study of the fatty acid composition (in Br. melitensis, Br. abortus, Br. suis, and Br. ovis strains. Fatty acid composition was similar in the mentioned brucellae species, except Br. suis No. 1330 significantly differing by this sign. Methyleneoctadecanoic acid content was considerably elevated, and that of octadecenoic -- reduced in brucellae grown on liver agar with the addition of serum and on meat-peptone agar in comparison with brucellae grown on liver agar; apparently this represents one of the mechanisms of the microorganism adaptation to the less favourable conditions of the nutrient medium. Passage of Br. ovis strain through the guinea pig organism led to the appearance of brucellae forming two types of colonies when grown on liver agar with the addition of serum. The fatty acid composition of brucellae forming small transparent colonies was the same as that of the initial culture with the prevalence of methyleneoctadecanoic acid; as to brucellae with larger colonies with irregular margin and nontransparent centre of the colony--octadecenoic acid prevailed in their fatty acid composition, i.e. their composition was similar to such in brucellae of the melitensis and abortus species grown on liver agar.


[Antigen detection in substrates containing immune antigen-antibody complexes].

Treatment of immune complexes consisting of different antigens and corresponding IgG with low doses of hydrochloric cystein led to the antibody inactivation, to the complex splitting, and to the release of the antigen. Antibodies being a part of the complex retained their capacity to react with the antiglobulin serum. The optimal doses of cystein leading to the complex splitting and to the IgG inactivation in the immune complex composition failed to act on unbound IgG. The effect of other reducing agents (glutathion and sodium sulfite) on the immune complex was similar to that of cystein. The differences in the effect of cystein on unbound and antigen-bound antibodies indicated that apparantly the combining site of antibody served as a point of cystein application.


[Extracellular material of some representatives of the genus Corynebacterium (the electron microscopic aspect)].

At the active developmental phases (up to 2 days) cells of toxigenic and nontoxigenic corynebacteria form extracellular vesicle-like material of two types which can be revealed both on whole cells set off by metal and stained negatively, and in ultrathin sections. Extracellular material of the first type is a derivative of an extensive membranous coat of corynebacteria and is formed as a result of its fragmentation. Vesicles of this type are devoid of electron microscope-dense content, have no tendency to coalescence, and fail to promote cell agglutination. Extracellular material of the second type is primarily formed by local thickening of the surface wall layer limited by its external dense layer and the main massif. These thickenings are filled with a microgranular substance of medium electron optic density; after accumulation this substance is released into the external environment. Vesicles of this type promote cell agglutination. Undoubtedly, extracellular material of the second type has a direct relation to the cell metabolic processes. Extracellular material of both types is encountered in all the cultures grown both on hard and in fluid nutrient media. However, in the latter case the process is apparently much more intensive. There is strict correlation between the morphology of the extracellular material and strain signs of the culture, although material of the second type is found to prevail in the cells from cultures possessing toxigenic activity.


[Clinical neurophysiology of epilepsy (according to findings from stereoelectroencephalographic studies)].

A clinico-electrophysiological study of epileptic patients demonstrated that a significant part of the so-called primary generalized seizures are focal. It was established that the probability of development of a focal subclinical discharge or a generalized seizure may be determined by the degree of an involvement of the mesencephalic reticular formation. The authors stress the topical diagnostis importance of behavioral phenomena, which are expressed on the remote stage of a generalized epileptic seizure.


Infusion thrombophlebitis in a surgical department.

In hospitals where 5% glucose is the solution most often infused, the incidence of thrombophlebitis has been found to be 27-43%. In an attempt to reduce this incidence, the following principles for the administration of intravenous solutions were established in a surgical department: (1) No cannula to be placed in the same vein for continuous infusion for a period of more than 24 hours, (2) All sugar solutions to be neutralized with a phosphate buffer. (3) The thinnest possible cannulas are to be used. (4) Vein irritant solutions to be given as quickly as permissible. (5) Veins with the largest diameter to be used first. These principles were adhered to for a period of 4 months. The daily infusion period was 11-14 hours. Of 196 patients who received infusions for a total of 529 days, infusion thrombophlebitis developed in 6.1% (3-10%). 113 of these patients received (among other solutions) 1000-2000 ml 10% invertose per day. This solution was given for an average of 4 days. 9.7% (5-17%) of the patients in this group developed infusion thrombophlebitis. No patient had more than one episode of infusion thrombophlebitis.


Inactivation of thyrotrophin releasing hormone by human and rat serum.

The inactivation of thyrotrophin releasing hormone (pGlu-His-Pro-NH2, TRH) and its deamidated analogue pGlu-His-Pro-OH (TRH-OH) in human and rat serum has been studied using specific radioimmunoassays. No difference was apparent between human and rat serum with regard to proteolytic activity towards TRH and TRH-OH. It was found that the inactivation of both peptides is a saturable process. The disappearance of TRH was clearly inhibited by TRH-OH, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and dithiothreitol. The suppressive action of these compounds was observed to be dependent on their concentration. Proline and EDTA showed little inhibiting activity. Proline amide and pyroglutamic acid left the reaction unaffected. In no single instance could any production of TRH-OH from TRH be demonstrated.


Failure of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and insulin to further augment thyrotrophin release in primary hypothyroidism.

The effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia on the release of thyrotrophin (TSH) was studied in five patients with primary hypothyroidism. All five patients had elevated TSH levels with an exaggerated rise in response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH). No rise over control values was found after LH-RH or insulin indicating that despite the augmentation of TSH release in primary hypothyroidism there is no alteration of the specificity of the thyrotroph response.


Thyroliberin and gonadoliberin tests during pregnancy and the puerperium.

Highly specific and sensitive radioimmunoassays for HTSH, HFSH and HLH have been used in order to investigate pituitary thyrotrophic and gonadotrophic functions of pregnant and puerperal women. The radioimmunoassay system for HFSH, using reagents prepared in our laboratory, is described. Thirty-three women were studied during pregnancy and post-partum. Forty-one TRH tests were performed. Basal levels of TSH, and increase in serum TSH after intravenous injection of TRH were similar in pregnant and puerperal women and in a control group. Thirty-three LH-RH tests were also performed. Basal levels of LH and FSH remained undetectable throughout pregnancy and in early puerperium. Furthermore, after intravenous injection of LH-RH neither LH nor FSH activity could be detected. It has thus been demonstrated that pituitary responsiveness to TRH during pregnancy and the puerperium is similar to that of non-pregnant young women. In contrast, a complete cessation of pituitary gonadotrophic functions is observed during the same period.


The effect of 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine and 2-chloro-alpha-methylergoline-8beta-acetonitrile (lergotrile mesylate) on the prolactin secretion of the ewe.

The effects of two ergot alkaloids, 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine methane-sulphonate (CB154, Sandoz) and lergotrile mesylate (LM, E. Lilly & Co.), on the basal secretion of prolactin and on the prolactin response to TRH or the milking stimulus was investigated in the sheep. Both CB154 (c. 0.5 mg/kg) and LM (c. 0.75 mg/kg) markedly reduced basal levels of prolactin and inhibited the TRH-induced prolactin release in ewes in the mid-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. Both compounds also suppressed basal levels of prolactin in lactating ewes and inhibited the prolactin response to the milking stimulus in lactating ewes.


Partial chemical and immunological characterization of pepsin-solubilized collagen from the tunica albuginea of rat testis.

A pepsin-solubilized collagen was isolated from the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Intrinsic viscosity, amino acid and carbohydrate composition were similar to data reported for other soluble collagens. An antiserlm to the pepsin-solubilized collagen was obtained and by indirect immunofluorescence an antigen-antibody reaction was observed in the collagen fibers of the tunica albuginea and in the intertubular collagen fibers of rat testis. By serological and immunofluorescence techniques, cross-reactions with other collagens indicates a lack of organ specificity. A strong cross-reaction between this antiserum and basement membranes from different organs of the rat was also found.


[The fixation of intracellular carbohydrates in the chondrocytes (author's transl)].

The chondrocytes of the epiphysis contain several polysaccharides, not only glycogen, but also proteoglycans (MPS). Therefore the fixation of chondrocytes is difficult. In regard of fixation we must consider, that macromolecules of proteoglycans have a considerable water content (the effective hydrodynamic volume), furthermore the MPS are easily soluble. We examined the preservation of chondrocytes after application of 44 several fixation fluids with the aid of phasecontrast, the electronmicroscope and after staining. The fixation with familiar methods is unsufficient. Consequently we used a double or successive fixation with two different mixtures, once for fixation the proteins (formalin-alcohol-mercuric chloride-acetic acid), another for polysaccharides (LILLIE's alcoholic lead nitrate formalin alternative basic lead acetate). The degree of fixation, the precipitability of the various polysaccharides is quite different and may be characteristic like their staining or solubility feature.


Ontogenetical and histochemical studies on the translator apparatus in Calotropis procera R. Br. I. The retinaculum.

Translator apparatus consists of 2 parts--the corpusculum, which is attached to the margin of the stigmatic head between the anthers, and a pair of arms by which the corpusculum is attached to the pollinia of the adjacent anther halves. Retinaculum spans the lateral blade of the corpusculum to the acellular beak of the pollinium. Ontogenetically, it is the secretory product of the stigma along the secondary stigmatic groove. Histochemically, it is composed of lipid, lignin, cutin and a little amount of proteins. Retinaculum, like corpusculum, is stigmatic in origin, but differs histochemically from the latter being composed mainly of lipo-protein complex and lacking phenolic compounds.


[Attempt at evaluating the HL-A system relationship with Rh-D antigen-stimulalated immunological response].

In 96 subjects immunized artificially with antigen D HLA system antigens were determined. In 21 cases antibodies were not produced, in 70 good response to antigen D was observed, in 5 cases antibodies were produced with considerable delay. The method of two-step lymphocytotoxicity test of Terasaki was used. The reference panel included 90 sera with antibodies to antigens: 1, 2, 3, 11, W23, W24, W25, W26, W28, W29, W30, W31 from first sublocus, and 7, 8, 12, 13, W5, W10, W14, W15, W16, W17, W18, W21, W22, W27 from second sublocus. Seventy of the immunized volunteers responded by production of antibodies (group I). and 21 failed to respond (group II). The frequency of different HLA antigens was analysed statistically in both groups using the chi square test and comparing the results with the frequency in a random population of healthy non-immunized subjects. Statistically significant differences were found in antigens 2, 3 and W24 from sublocus HLA-A (LA) and W16 from sublocus HLA-B (Four). In the non-responding group antigens HL-A3 and W24 were more frequent than in the group producing anti-D antibodies. In the latter group antigen HL-A2 prevailed. It seems that the gene determining rapid recognition of antigen D is connected with presence of HL-A2 antigen.


Lactate dehydrogenase content related to cross-sectional area in muscle fibres.

Cross-sectional areas and lactate dehydrogenase activity were determined of separate muscle fibres of mouse rectus femoris muscle in both ventral and dorsal parts of the muscle. The lactate dehydrogenase activity was measured quantitatively by microscope photometry using a tetrazolium staining in absence or presence of either vitamin K3 or phenazine methosulfate. If the observations are restricted to a relatively small area of the muscle cross section, one can distinguish categorically narrow ("red") and broad ("white) fibres with average values for cross sectional area and LDH content that depend on the part of the muscle chosen (higher LDH and smaller area in ventral part). However, if these data from the different parts or from the whole muscle are added together, no categorical distinction between the fibre types is allowed. On the basis of the observations a categorical division of muscle fibres within relatively large muscle areas or in a whole muscle is rather dubious. A relation is suggested between the subjective impression of different muscle fibre types in a field of observation with the number of motorunits present in that field.


Immunohistochemical staining using coupled immunofluorescence and immunocomplex technique.

An immunomicroscopic method combining the use of fluorescent antibodies and enzyme immunocomplex technique is presented. The basic steps of this procedure are: 1. Rabbit antiserum (IgG) to the antigen to be determined, 2. FITC-conjugated antirabbit globulin, 3. Peroxidase + antiperoxidase complex, 4. 3,3-diaminobenzidine + H2O2. The method renders it possible to study simultaneously in the same section antigens and antibodies that are to be localized, and that both by immunofluorescent and immunoenzymatic techniques, it provides means for further elimination of some of the deficiencies of immunofluorescent technique, and in suitable cases it also makes electronoptic examination available.


Staining of human pituitary glands with lead hematoxylin in comparison with other histochemical procedures, including the immunoenzyme technique.

Human pituitary glands and pituitary adenomas, obtained by surgery or at autopsy, have been stained with lead hematoxylin and the results were compared with those of other histochemical procedures, including the immunoperoxidase technique. Lead hematoxylin positivity was found in the cytoplasm of melanocorticotroph, thyrotroph as well as gonadotroph cells, indicating that lead hematoxylin has no selective affinity for melanocorticotroph cells. Lead hematoxylin positive cells also stained with the PAS technique. Lead hematoxylin positivity was not revealed in growth hormone cells or in prolactin cells. Basophilic adenomas, composed of melanocorticotroph cells and associated with Cushing's disease or with Nelson's syndrome or unaccompanied by hormonal hypersecretion, showed intense lead hematoxylin positivity. Thus, no correlation was evident between lead hematoxylin positivity and secretory activity. Acidophilic or chromophobic adenomas consisting of growth hormone cells, prolactin cells, stem cells, undifferentiated cells or oncocytes, however, were negative. It can be concluded that the lead hematoxylin staining techniques a reliable, easy and reproducible histochemical method, and its use can be recommended in studies related to adenohypophysial cytology.


One-sided gingival hyperplasia after treatment with diphenylhydantoin.

After treatment with diphenylhydantoin for 2 years because of post-infarct focal motor epileptic seizures, a 35-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of symptoms of intoxication. Almost every sign of the previous left-sided paresis and hypaesthesia had disappeared. A pronounced gingival hyperplasia was found almost exclusively in the left side. The concentration of immunoglobulin A in serum was found far below normal. Admitting that she had not been careful brushing her teeth in the left side because of the strange feeling there (dysaesthesia), the patient had actually carried out a controlled trial proving that she, being predispposed to gingival hyperplasia with a low level of immunoglobulin A in serum, could almost prevent the gingival hyperplasia in the right side by brushing her teeth carefully there.


Limb blood flow in the presence of a tourniquet.

There is little accurate data on the blood flow to a limb distal to the site of application of a tourniquet. This has been studied in Rhesus monkeys with 50 mu diameter microspheres labelled with 51Cr and by the washout of 22Na injected into the tissues. One limb was exsanguinated and the circulation occluded with a pneumatic tourniquet and the opposite limb used as a control. The results show that blood flow to the occluded limb is less than 1 per cent of the flow to the control limb. It is unlikely that this relieves the ischaemia in any way as has been suggested.


Para-articular ossification following hip replacement. 70 arthroplasties ad modum Moore using McFarland's approach.

Seventy patients, representing all the survivors from a group of 117 consecutive Moore arthroplasties, were examined 2 years after the operation. A high incidence of para-articular ossification was observed. The ossification was associated with impaired function of the hip joint. The separation of periost and fascia from the greater trochanter in McFarland's approach may be responsible for the high incidence of bone formation. This theory is compatible with experimental evidence.


Antibody response in marasmic children during recovery.

The I, II and III antibody responses to tetanus and diphtheria were assessed in marasmic and moderate protein-calorie malnourished children and compared to that of controls. The results suggest that during recovery marasmic children are capable of responding adequately to tetanus and diphtheria vaccines.


Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Results of treatment with hemodialysis.

The characteristics of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome in 7 children living in a well defined area in the south of Sweden are described. All the patients had a severe form of the disease and were critically ill. The clinical activity could best be followed by measuring blood platelets and urinary FDP. Early institution of hemodialysis treatment, given almost daily until normalisation of platelet count and urinary output, is the most important live-saving measure. Full dosage heparin seems not to be necessary. Six patients survived and were followed-up for 1-7 years. When last seen they all had normal renal function and blood pressure.


Urinary hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid excretion in newborn infants with perinatal complications.

The concentration of hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid in the first 24-h urine of 105 newborn infants was measured densitometrically by thin-layer chromatography. 45 of them had moderate or severe perinatal complications. Among these newborns, 26 infants with perinatal complications (58%) and 4 infants without perinatal complications (7%) had an elevated urinary excretion rate of hypoxanthine. Urinary xanthine was not increased, uric acid was slightly higher in the group of infants with perinatal complication. It seems that a crucial mark is involved, if the rate of hypoxanthine exceed 15% of the total urinary oxypurine excretion, or, if related to urinary creatinine, more than 0.075 mumol hypoxanthine/mumol creatinine. Apparently, with hypoxic newborns increased values of urinary hypoxanthine excretion can be used to quantify the lack of oxygen retrospectively.


The occurrence and origin of DDT in human milk.

Gas chromatography has been applied for the analysis of organochlorine compounds of 49 samples of human milk. The average total DDT (2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)1,1,1-trichloroethane) content in human milk was found to be 0.058 mg/kg (1.57 mg/kg milk fat, with a range of 0.54-4.00 mg/kg). Thirty-four cases contained traces of dieldrin, but the content of dieldrin reached 0.008 mg/kg in only one milk sample. The average content of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) was 0.024 mg/kg of human milk, with a range of 0.011-0.054 mg/kg (0.65 mg/kg of milk fat with a range of 0.33-1.10 mg/kg). The ratio of DDT metabolites/DDT varied from 1.1 to 7.8 (mean 2.8). Studies were also made of the effect of the weight, weight loss, diet, smoking habits and parity of the nursing mother upon the content of organochlorine compounds in human milk. A significant positive correlation was observed between the DDT content of human milk fat and cigarette smoking. The average daily intake of total DDT for Finnish breastfed babies was calculated to be 0.0093 mg/kg, 1.9 times more than the daily intake of 0.005 mg/kg indicated by FAO/WHO as the acceptable value.


Gel-precipitating measles virus antibodies in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: relation to oligoclonal IgG proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and the occurrence of two separate fractions of antibody to virus nucleocapsids.

Two to five separate gel-precipitating (GP) antibody activities to sonicated measles virus cell pack antigen were detected by double immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis of sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). The major GP activity was identified as antibody to measles virus nucleocapsids, and a weaker activity as antibody to the virus haemagglutinin. The specificities of the other activities were not determined. Evidence is presented that measles GP antibody activities of both serum and CSF from patients with SSPE are carried by IgG proteins of restricted heterogeneity. Two separate and differently charged homogeneous IgG proteins with antibody activities to partially different measles nucleocapsid antigens were detected in about half the patients. The combined use of agarose electrophoresis and measles GP antibody immunoelectrophoresis of serum and CSF proved helpful in establishing rapidly the specific diagnosis of SSPE.


Inhibition of prolactin  secretion and synthesis by dopamine, noradrenaline and pilocarpine in cultured rat pituitary tumour cells.

Clonal strains of rat pituitary tumour cells (GH3-cells) synthesize and secrete prolactin into a chemically defined culture medium. Short time treatment (0.5-2 hrs) of cell cultures with noradrenaline (10(-3) M) and dopamine (10(-3 M) reduced the spontaneous secretion of prolactin by 50% and 30%, respectively, while pilocarpine (10(-3) M) had no effect. Long-term treatment (20 hrs) with noradrenaline (10(-3)M) or with pilocarpine (10(-3) M) inhibited prolactin synthesis by 45% and 65% of control cultures, respectively. Neither compounds affected  cell growth. The inhibitory effect of noradrenaline, but not that of pilocarpine, was completely reversed 4 hrs after cessation of treatment. Adrenaline, dopamine and acetylcholine in concentrations up to 10(-3) M did not change prolactin synthesis. In contrast thyroliberin treatment (2 X 10(-8)M) caused a 45% increase in prolactin secretion, and resulted in a 40% increase in hormone synthesis after treatment for 20 hrs. It is concluded that both noradrenaline and dopamine are able to inhibit prolactin section. Prolactin synthesis could be inhibited by noradrenaline and pilocarpine. How, only the effect of noradrenaline is easily reversible on cessation of treatment.


Absence of restricted diffusion in cutaneous capillaries.

Capillary permeability in cutaneous tissue for 57Co-cyanocobalamin (57 Co-B12) was determined by the single injection, external registration method. The capillary diffusion capacity, CDC (the permeability--surface area product, PS) was 2.3 ml/100 g-min. Capillary extraction was 0.48 at a plasma flow of 4.1 ml/100 g-min. Results were compared to 51Cr-EDTA data from a previous study with identical method and preparation. As CDC(51Cr-EDTA)/CDC(57Co-B12) was 1.61 and as D(51Cr-EDTA)/D(57Co-B12), the ratio between the free diffusion coefficients in water at 37 degrees C, was 1.79 it is concluded that restricted diffusion does not occur in cutaneous tissue for 57Co-B12 as compared to 51Cr-EDTA, i.e. 51Cr-EDTA and 57Co-B12 diffuse across the capillary membrane of cutaneous tissues at rates proportional to their respective free diffusion coefficients in water. The Pappenheimer equivalent pore radius estimate of 30 A and the Karnovsky interendothelial 40 A slit width are both defective in explaining the experimental data. The transendothelial patent  channel system of fused vesicles (Simionescu, Simionescu and Palade 1975) is a possible structural equivalent for the present findings. The results support the hypothesis that capillaries of continuous type exhibit similar permeation characteristics regardless of the tissue in which they are located.


Low-dose insulin treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Twenty-four consecutively admitted episodes of acute diabetic dysregulation in 22 patients were treated with a low-dose insulin regimen, given as hourly i.m. injections of 5 IU insulin. The fall in blood glucose was almost linear during the first 8 hours of treatment, on an average 10 percent per hour of the initial value. The hyperglycemia and acidosis were corrected by 2-12 hours of treatment. The deficiency of water and electrolytes, especially potassium, was treated with infusion from the beginnning, and the fluid balance was corrected within 12-16 hours. A severe fall in plasma potassium was never seen, but hypokalemia (less than 3.6mEg/I) was still present in some cases after 24 hours of treatment. One patient died on account of a large myocardial infarction, but otherwise the patients were restored to habitual condition in 1-4 days. The regimen was found to be simple, safe and effective in all cases, without risk of late hypoglycemia or severe hypokalemia. The study indicates, however, that the parenteral supply of potassium advocated previously, 12.5 mEq/hour, is not sufficient when the plasma potassium on admission is below 5.0mEq/I. In such cases it is recommended that the rate of potassium infusion is increased.


The dynamic shear modulus of bone in dependence on the form.

Torsional testing of fresh cortical bovine bone showed highly divergent shear moduli at various sites in the middle part of the diaphysis of the right metacarpus. Two hundred samples taken from twenty-five bones were investigated with a free oscillating torsional pendulum to determine the dynamic shear modulus. The results clearly demonstrate the mutual dependence between the shape of the metacarpus and the modulus of the material. On the basis of the analysis of forty-eight samples, a positive correlation was found between the amount of Ca2+ and PO4(3)-ions in the bone and the shear modulus. The hypothesis is put forward that in bone, normal adaptation to increasing stress is obtained by a change in the modulus values, Wolff's law only being operative for extreme cases.


Chromosomal damage by alcohol in vitro and in vivo.

Alcohol has no damaging effects on human chromosomes in vitro. The chromosomes of alcoholics, however, show a significant elevation of aberrations. Alcohol inhibits cellular and cell free RNA synthesis. One possible reason for the mutagenic activity of alcohol in vivo may be an inhibition of cellular repair.


Possible genetic predisposition for alcohol addiction.

In a group of male addictive alcoholics, some palmar and fingerprint characteristics were determined, as well as the ABO, MN, Ss, Kell, Duffy, Lewis, and P blood groups, Rh and Hp phenotypes, HLA and Au antigens, immunoglobulins, blood sugar, cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, and karyotypes. In comparison with the normal population the alcoholics show increased occurrence of whorls and arches on the fingers, decrease in the total ridge count, sharpening of the atd angle, and separation of the lower from the upper transverse line. Genetic markers in the blood of alcoholics show different frequencies of A, Lewis a-b+, Lewis a-b-, Duffy a-, Duffy a+, SS, and M blood groups, CcD-ee, Hpl-1, Hp2-1 phenotypes, and HLA-5, HLA-7, w10, w16, and w5 antigens. These findings may be expected to lead soon to detection of the predisposition to the development of alcohol addiction caused by some genetic malformations.


Introduction of new crosslinks into proteins.

Analysis of the crosslinks epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl) lysine and epsilon- (beta-aspartyl) lysine present in treated wool has been improved by modifying the enzymic digestion. Treatment of wool with either monocarboxylic acid chlorides in dimethylsulfoxide or with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in the presence of acetate considerably decreased epsilon-amino groups and solubility. Since no information of interchain amide crosslinks was observed, the hypothesis of so-called self-crosslinking postulated by ZAHN has to be withdrawn. The effects of both treatments are explained in the light of new results. The reaction of wool with glutaraldehyde leads to a stabilization of the fiber. Experiments with glutaraldehyde and  primary alkyl amines as model componds revealed that the cyclic form of the aldehyde gave the unstable N-alkyl-2,6-dihydroxypiperidine, which either looses water to give N-alkyldihydropyridine or condenses with 2,6-dihydroxytetrahydropyran to yield a copolyether which was isolated. According to recent publications, crosslinking of proteins by glutaraldehyde is due to the formation of quaternary pyridinium compounds.


Chemical modificiation of collagen and the effects on enzyme-binding: mechanistic considerations.

The effect of structural modification on the enzyme-binding capacity of collagen has been studied using beta-galactosidase (E. coli K12) immobilized to collagen membrane by the impregnation procedure. The apparent steady-state activities of the resultant collagen-enzyme complexes were determined as a means of evaluating the enzyme-binding capacity of the modified collagen. In addition, the amount of enzymic protein bound to the collagen support was determined by the tryptophan content of the complex. The tertiary structure of the collage matrix was modified by cross-linking with the difunctional reagent, glutaraldehyde, and by aging in the dry state. Such structural modifications were found to markedly reduce the enzyme (beta-galactosidase) binding capacity of collagen films. The enzyme-binding capacity of the crosslinked collagen membrane was completely restored by proteolytic enzyme treatment of the aged film but only partly so for the glutaraldehyde treated films. Proteolytic enzymes used to treat a dispersion of collagen microfibrils prior to casting into a membrane also resulted in an increase in enzyme-binding. The effect of structural modification of collagen on enzyme-binding and the locus of enzyme attachment are discussed.