The organization and isolating function of insect rectal sheath cells: a freeze-fracture study.

In termites and roaches the well-defined rectal papillae each comprise a layer of columnar principal cells specialized for active transport and a layer of basal cells. The whole cell group is entirely surrounded by several series of flattened 'sheath cells' (formerly termed 'junctional cells') which abut onto the basal components of the papilla. The sheath cells secrete a specialized sclerified cuticle which forms the framework of the papilla. Their regularly pleated apical membrane is closely apposed to the cuticle and contains parallel and closely spaced rows of intramembranous particles. at this level, no subcuticular space is present and hence the space associated with the apical surface of the principal cells is defined as an isolated compartment. Typical septate junctions are present between the sheath and basal cells; however those linking adjacent sheath cells are structurally unusual: they extend to the basal surface rather than being restricted to the apical zone, are frequently interrupted and in replicas are represented by relatively short and irregularly oriented particle rows. Moreover, lateral sheath cell contacts display two further peculiarities: absence of an apical desmosomal ring and paucity of gap junctions. Structural observations suggest that the sheath cells isolate the principal cells from communication with the hemolymph, consequently enhancing their efficiency in water and ionic regulation. Comparable cells have been described in a number of insects, but the 'isolation' system presents varying degrees of complexity, for which an evolutionary scheme is proposed.


Vitellogenesis stimulated by thoracic ganglion implants into destalked immature spider crabs, Libinia emarginata.

Since destalked immature female Libinia emarginata fail to molt to maturity (Hinsch, 1972) and implants of thoracic ganglion of adult females into young females of Potamon dehaani caused a doubling of ovarian weight and differentiation of yolk granules (Otsu, 1963), the effects of the thoracic ganglion implantation on sexual maturation in Libinia was investigated. Destalked immature Libinia with a maximum carapace length of 4-5 cm received two implants of adult female thoracic ganglion at 10-day intervals. All of the surviving experimental animals and destalked controls molted to immaturity. Most of the experimental animals failed to complete a successful molt and few survived longer than 3-4 days. The experimental animals that survived for over a week showed signs of yolk deposition not observed in the destalked controls. Eggs in several stages of vitellogenesis were scattered throughout the gonad in the animal showing the most pronounced effect. This was not observed in any of the destalked controls.


Occluding-like junctions at mesaxons of central myelin in Anolis carolinensis are not 'tight'. A freeze-fracture-protein tracer analysis.

The junctional complexes of the myelin sheath of central nervous system axons in the American chameleon, Anolis carolinensis, exhibit an intramembrane ridge and groove construction in freeze-fracture replicas that has usually been interpreted in other organisms as evidence for an occluding or tight intercellular junction. Close examination of PF fracture face ridges, however, shows them to be made up of discontinuous rows of particles of variable length separated by frequent gaps of non-uniform width. Introduction of horseradish peroxidase into the intercellular milieu of the lizard central nervous system is followed by appearance of this protein in interlamellar spaces of the myelin sheath and in the intercellular spaces containing focal membrane fusions that correspond precisely in position and center-to-center spacing to the ridges and grooves in platinum replicas of the same tissue. Since the junctional ridges on PF fracture faces in these mesaxonal junctional complexes are conspicuously discontinuous and since the areas within the myelin sheath where these junctional complexes are located inner and outer mesaxons) are readily permeated by exogenous protein tracer, it is concluded that the junctional complexes of central myelin mesaxons, heretofore incorrectly interpreted as functionally tight, are actually very leaky and probably contribute only to the structural stability of the myelin sheath architecture.


Octopus microvasculature: permeability to ferritin and carbon.

The permeability of Octopus microvasculature was investigated by intravascular injection of carbon and ferritin. Vessels were tight to carbon while ferritin penetrated the pericyte junction, and was found extravascularly 1-2 min after its introduction. Vesicles occurred rarely in pericytes; fenestrae were absent. The discontinuous endothelial layer did not consitute a permeability barrier. The basement membrane, although retarding the movement of ferritin, was permeable to it; carbon did not penetrate the basement membrane. Evidence indicated that ferritin, and thus similarly sized and smaller water soluble materials, traverse the pericyte junction as a result of bulk fluid flow. Comparisons are made with the convective (or junctional) and slower, diffusive (or vesicular) passage of materials known to occur across the endothelium of continuous capillaries in mammals. Previous macrophysiological determinations concerning the permeability of Octopus vessels are questioned in view of these findings. Possible reasons for some major structural differences in the microcirculatory systems of cephalopods and vertebrates are briefly discussed.


Post natal side effects in rats induced by hypolipidaemic treatment during pregnancy.

Maternal, foetal and peri- and post-natal toxicity studies of a hypolipidaemic agent, 2-[p-(2,2-dichlorocyclopropyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl propionic acid (WIN 35833), were performed on different animal species during animal evaluation of this new drug. In teratology studies in rats, mice and rabbits, no adverse effects were detected following drug exposure during the organogenesis period. In peri-natal studies, a neonatal abnormality related to treatment just before term was shown in rats. This modification, previously observed with other hypolipidaemic drugs, seems to be species specific and characteristic of compounds in the aryloxyalkanoic acid series.


Dose-related alterations in growth and mineral disposition by chronic oral cadmium administration in the male rat.

The effect of cadmium (1, 10, or 100 ppm) administered to male rats in drinking water for 13 weeks on body weight and mineral disposition (Cd, Mg, P and Zn) in several body tissues was examined. Most alterations observed in these parameters occurred only at the 100 ppm dose of Cd. Terminal body weight was decreased by 10% in rats ingesting Cd at 100 ppm resulting from decreased food intake since weight gain/food consumption ratio was the same for all treatment groups. In serum, cadmium ingestion resulted in an inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity at all concentrations and phosphorous was elevated only in animals receiving 100 ppm Cd. No changes were observed in Ca in urea. In bone, Cd decreased zinc content, increased Ca content, but did not influence bone ash, Mg or P and roentgenographic examination revealed no bone abnormalities. In both liver and kidney, cadmium ingestion did not influence intestinal absorption of Ca, Mg, P, or Zn or the renal excretion of Ca, P, or urea. The results of this study indicate that alterations in body weight and tissue mineral disposition resulting from chronic Cd ingestion are dose-related.


Effects of mercuric chloride on the resting membrane potentials of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) muscle fibers.

The effects of concentrations of mercuric chloride ranging from 3.68 to 368 microM (1--100 ppm) on the resting membrane potentials of muscle fibers in the extensor muscle of the carpopodite in walking legs of adults blue crabs were investigated in vitro. Glass micropipettes filled with saturated solutions of potassium chloride and conventional electronic equipment were used. Resting membrane potentials in uncontaminated artificial sea water averaged -78 mV +/- 4 mV (S.E.M.). Mercuric chloride added to the control bath at 3.68 or 9.2 microM did not affect the resting membrane potentials. At 18.4 microM threshold effects were obtained in 50% of the preparations. At concentrations ranging from 25.7 to 368 microM progressive deterioration of membrane polarization occurred as the mercury concentration was increased. This effect was irreversible despite multiple washes with normal sea water. We conclude that mercuric chloride has very powerful toxic effects at the peripheral motor effector elements in blue crabs. These results do not, of course, rule out more central effects on enzymatic systems or neuronal networks.


Chromium-induced hyperglycemia in the rat.

The acute administration of chromium chloride (Cr) produces hyperglycemia in rats. Adrenalectomy prevents the hyperglycemic effect but not the glucose intolerance. Subacute exposure of rats to Cr for 7--23 days does not change the resting blood glucose nor is there an acute or subacute effect on tolerance to glucose load. Administration of Cr does not influence acute insulin hypoglycemia. Thus contrary to Cr deficient animal, at the concentrations tested, Cr appears to be a hyperglycmiec agent to rats with minimal subacute effects.


In vivo and in vitro changes in renal function caused by ochratoxin A in the rat.

Ochratoxin A has been suggested to be an important, environmentally prominent nephrotoxin. Possible involvement in both human and animal disease states has been indicated. This study was designed to examine under controlled laboratory conditions, the nephrotoxic potential of ochratoxin A in the rat. Daily administration of ochratoxin A in doses of 0.75 and 2.0 mg/kg caused persistent urinary hypoosmolality coupled with excessive glucose and protein excretion. In addition the renal slice transport of several organic compounds also was altered. Renal slice tissue electrolytes and water were unaffected by ochratoxin A pretreatment. Direct addition of ochratoxin A to fresh renal cortex slices also depressed transport of some organic compounds. Although rats pretreated with ochratoxin A lost large amounts of body weight, the weight loss alone did not account totally for the changes in renal function. These data indicate that ochratoxin A has the capability of producing alterations in renal function suggestive of nephrotoxicity. However, the pattern of response is different than that observed with citrinin.


The influence of ethanol treatment of cytogenetic effects in bone marrow cells of Chinese hamsters by cyclophosphamide, aflatoxin B1 and patulin.

Chromosomes were investigated from the bone marrow of Chinese hamsters which received 10% (v/v) ethanol as the only liquid supply for a period of 9 weeks. At the end of the ethanol drinking period 1 group of animals received 2 oral doses of 80 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP), a second group received 2 oral doses of 25 mg/kg aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a third group 2 oral doses of 20 mg/kg patulin (PA). The 2  applications were separated by 24 h. The intake of ethanol had no effect on the bone marrow chromosomes, and had no potentiating effect on CP induced aberrations. 9 weeks consumption of 10% (v/v) ethanol revealed likewise no influence on the frequencies of chromosomal aberrations induced by the indirect mutagen AFB1. However, the rate of chromosomal aberrations induced by the direct mutagen PA was clearly suppressed in ethanol drinking animals.


Absorption, distribution and metabolism of propyl anthranilate.

Analysis of the gut contents of rats killed at intervals after dosage with propyl anthranilate or anthranilic acid suggested that both acid and ester were absorbed rapidly; the chief site of absorption was the stomach. Not more than a trace of the ester was hydrolysed in the stomach but of the dosed ester detected in the small intestine (less than 7%) a considerable proportion, increasing with time after dosing was present as anthranilic acid. Measurement of the level of radioactivity in the blood after administration of 14C-labelled propan-1-ol, propyl anthranilate or anthranilic acid showed that the alcohol was absorbed more rapidly than either the ester or acid. Unchanged propyl anthranilate was readily detected in the blood of rats dosed with the ester and some unhydrolysed ester was excreted in the urine. The level of radioactivity of the organs of rats 2 h and 4 h after administration of the 14C-labelled compounds was measured. Velocity constants for the excretion of 14CO2 by rats dosed with 14C-labelled propyl anthranilate were significantly lower than those found for rats dosed with [14C]propan-1-ol indicating a limiting step in the metabolism of the propyl moiety of the ester which did not occur in the metabolism of propan-1-ol. The urinary metabolites of anthranilic acid excreted by rabbits and rats dosed with the acid were qualitatively the same as those excreted by these species after dosing with propyl anthanilate; some quantitative differences were however, observed.


Wholebody elimination of 75SeO2-3 and 203HgCl2 administered separately and simultaneously to mice.

A study of wholebody elimination of mercury (203HgCl2) and selenium (75SeO2-3) given separately or simultaneously in single doses by intraperitoneal injections to mice has been performed. The conclusion of this study can be summarized as follows: there seems to exist a homeostatic mechanism for selenium, but not for mercury; increased retention is observed for both elements when administered simultaneously. Maximum retention of 1 element is observed, when the other is given in excess or equimolar ratio to the other. Excess mercury provokes a pattern of selenium retention similar to that found in case of selenium deficiency. The wholebody molar ratio of mercury and selenium tends towards 1. When this happens, mercury as well as selenium are eliminated at a rate different from what is seen when the elements are administered separately. Selenium therefore seems to play a direct role in metabolism of inorganic mercury.


Effects of methylene chloride, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and toluene on the development of chick embryos.

Toluene and 5 aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbons of wide industrial use were injected into the air space of fertilized chicken eggs at 2, 3 and 6 days of incubation. The embryotoxicity was evaluated as survival and death incidences after 14 days of incubation, and also the weights and lengths of the embryos were recorded. The approximate LD50 value for trichloroethylene and trichloroethanes varied between 50 and 100 mumol/egg while for toluene, tetrachloroethylene and methylene chloride it was over 100 mumol/egg. Macroscopic malformations of various kinds were produced with doses of 5-100 mumol/egg. The teratogenic potential of the tested compounds decreased in the following order: 1,1,1-trichloroethane greater than trichloroethylene greater than methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane greater than toluene greater than olive oil control.


Studies on the mechanism of paracetamol-induced protection against paracetamol hepatotoxicity.

In rats, 3 days treatment with paracetamol (1 oral dose of 1 g/kg daily) produced a complete protection against the hepatotoxic actions of a further dose of paracetamol as documented by determination of serum enzyme activities (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), bromsulphthalein retention and histological investigations. Subacute paracetamol treatment decreased liver glutathione levels by 46%, liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content by 23%, hepatic hydroxylation of aniline by 29% and hepatic demethylation of aminopyrine by 46%. It afforded also some protection against the hepatotoxic actions of carbon tetrachloride, bromobenzene and thioacetamide, but did not influence the antiphlogistic activity of paracetamol (carrageenan paw edema test). Plasma and liver concentrations of free paracetamol after oral administration of 1 g/kg paracetamol were somewhat higher in the subacutely paracetamol-pretreated rats than in the non-pretreated control animals whereas no differences in the concentrations of conjugated paracetamol were found between the 2 groups. Pretreatment with paracetamol did not influence the urinary excretion of free paracetamol but caused some shift in the urinary excretion of paracetamol conjugates: pretreated rats excreted 23% less of the paracetamol glucuronide and sulfate and 33% more of the paracetamol mercapturate than the control animals. A depression of the microsomal mixed-function oxidase activity is presumed to be the main cause of the paracetamol-induced protection against paracetamol hepatotoxicity.


Effect of methyl substitution on the irritancy of dibenz[b,f]1,4-oxazepine(CR).

The irritant properties of 3 methylated derivatives of dibenz[b,f]1,4-oxazepine (CR) have been investigated, using the guinea-pig blepharospasm test and isolated cat eye preparations, and compared with the irritancy of the unsubstituted CR molecule. In both tests, the 11-methyl derivative was non-irritant whereas 3 Me-CR and 9 Me-CR retained some irritancy although both were less potent than CR itself. The possible significance of these results are discussed in relation to earlier biochemical studies.


Liver injury by the false morel poison gyromitrin.

After oral application of the mushroom poison gyromitrin a time and dose dependent decrease of cytochrome P-450 was found in rat liver microsomes. The maximal decrease to about 50-60% of the control (after 200 mg/kg, 80% of LD50) was observed 8-12h after application, a normalization after 48 h. The inhibition of cytochrome P-450 mediated metabolism of aminopyrine and p-nitroanisole corresponds to the decrease of cytochrome P-450. The specific activity of cytochrome P-450 remains unchanged while that of cytochrome P-448 is decreased as shown by means of the metabolism of ethoxycoumarin or ethoxyresorufin. Comparable results were obtained after application of N-methyl-N-formylhydrazine (MFH) which is formed from gyromitrin rapidly by hydrolysis. An attack on the endoplasmatic membrane with a stimulation of lipid peroxidation is discussed.


Whole-body autoradiography of 63Ni in mice throughout gestation.

Whole-body autoradiography was used to study nickel uptake and retention in mice throughout gestation. After an intraperitoneal injection of 50 muCi 63NiCl2 into a 16-day-pregnant mouse, nickel appeared rapidly in connective tissues. Prominent sites of radioactivity 72 h after injection included the visceral yolk sac, lung, gastrointestinal tract and kidney. Nickel crossed the placental barriers throughout gestation, i.e. the visceral yolk sac during early gestation, the visceral yolk sac and chorioallantoic placenta during late gestation. A marked uptake of nickel was seen already in the 5- and 6-day embryo. Fetal accumulation of nickel took place up to 16 days gestation. Whereas nickel was distributed throughout the early embryo, distribution became more differentiated with increasing gestation, imitating that in the mother. Penetration of nickel into the mouse conceptus makes possible a similar ability in the human conceptus.


Testicular lesions of coprine and benzcoprine.

The effect on the testis of the disulfiram-like compounds benzcoprine (N-[1-ethoxycyclopropyl] benzamide) and coprine (N5-[1-hydroxycyclopropyl]-L-glutamine) was studied in rats and dogs. Severe degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium was induced in rats by subacute oral administration of each compound. 60 days after termination of treatment with benzcoprine most seminiferous tubules contained only occasional spermatogonia and the testicular weight was markedly decreased. The blood-testis barrier was unaffected in the benzcoprine-treated rats as judged by a lanthanum tracer technique. In dogs, oral administration of benzcoprine for 1 month caused impaired spermatogenesis, degeneration of germ cells and a decrease in the testicular weight. The results indicate that both compounds act directly on the germ cells. The effect is similar to that of alkylating compounds. Other effects of benzcoprine and coprine (bone marrow depression, lymphocytopenia, positive Ames test in organisms sensitive to base-pair substitution) are well-known properties of alkylating agents. In conclusion benzcoprine and coprine were found to cause severe changes in the testis in rats and dogs, probably due to a direct effect on the germ cells.


[ECG-changes following postoperative irradiation of patients with mammary carcinoma (author's transl)].

Systematic ECG-analyses and determinations of serum creatin-kinase were performed in 32 patients with mammary carcinoma of the left, prior to and immediately after postoperative radiation therapy. Treatment was done with a gammatron, during this, the average load to the anterior cardiac wall amounted to 3600 rd. Eleven cases exhibited coronary-negative T-waves in at least two chest leads after treatment, seven other cases had flat negative or isoelectric T-waves. Two patients additionally revealed prolongation of the relative QT-period by more than 115%. These changes are interpreted as a sign of radiation-induced myopericarditis. Pericardial effusions did not appear during the follow-up period, furthermore no modifications of creatin-kinase activity. Clinical injury to the patients developed in no case.


[Electroencephalographic findings in the late stage after CNS-irradiation for malignant neoplasms in children (author's transl)].

Of forty children having undergone two or more years ago an irradiation of the brain case with cobalt-60 delivering doses between 1800 and 2400 R TD (n = 20) or a dose above 3500 R TD (n = 20), as a matter of fact ten presented pathological EEG findings which, however, may be interpreted as genetically determined characteristics, or instead in connection with a recurrence of the tumor just manifesting itself, or else as the consequence of a residual tumor or of the surgery performed. Pathological EEG findings on the account of radiation therapy apparently are much less frequent than morphological changes of the brain after radiation therapy. It is not necessary to assume that the latter need always have an effect upon the function of the infantine brain.


Roentgen treatment of calcified deposits. A special technique.

Radiation treatment of benign ailments has seriously been questioned in recent years. A decision for or against can only be based on a "cost-benefit" analysis. In the treatment of calcified deposits in the shoulder or hip region, the authors have used radiation qualities assuring optimal absorption in the deposits and having demonstrable beneficial effects. In order to minimize the "cost", the irradiation parameters have been considered with special care.


[Study on the dose distribution of 8-MeV bremsstrahlung in mantle field techniques (author's transl)].

The dose distribution within the patient was studied with 8-MeV bremsstrahlung from a linear accelerator during mantle field irradiation using molded shielding blocks. Doses and dose distributions in the different layers of a modified Alderson phantom were measured by means of film dosimetry and related to the dose in the central ray beam at the middle of the body. Dose distribution within unshielded regions perpendicular to the central ray beam generally being relatively homogeneous, the highest relative doses, amounting to ca. 115%, are found in the region of the mandibular angle and in the supraclavicular region; the dose to superficial lymph nodes at the supraclavicular region reaches 100% of the dose in the central ray beam. As a cause for these important doses near the surface of the body are discussed the extension of mantle fields as well as the increased exit dose of the opposed field and the oblique incidence of radiation.


On the measurement of low-voltage therapeutic X-ray units.

Skin exposure rate was measured on 22 low-voltage therapeutic X-ray generators at an FSD of 15 cm at each of four standard kV steps. The measurements of two consecutive years were compared and their variance was analyzed. The statistical fluctuation of these field measurements due to the ionization method was 2.58%. According to the present measurements the high inaccuracies of low-voltage X-ray therapy are mainly due to the lack of reproducibility of the X-ray generators and an insufficient calibration of the dosemeters.


Radiation effects on the parotid gland of mammals. Part 2: Modifications of plasma and parotid amylase activity.

The early modifications of the activity of plasma and parotid amylase have been evaluated in rats after whole-body irradiation in different experimental conditions. The modifications observed in the rat are less evident than in humans. The results have shown an initial decrease and a subsequent increase appearing significant 74 hours after irradiation. This could be due to a direct action of ionizing radiation on the parotid glands. However we cannot exclude that the increase of alpha-amylase could be determined by the intestinal radiation syndrome. In fact, this syndrome leads to a reduced food uptake, and consequently alpha-amylase could accumulate in parotids.


The effect of preirradiation application of aspartic acid salts on hemopoietic recovery in X-irradiated mice.

The possibility of radioprotective action of K and Mg aspartate administered in tap water for ten days prior to X-irradiation was investigated in male mice of the strain C 57 Bl/10. In normal animals, thymus weight was found to be increased by 10-day treatment with K and Mg aspartate. The postirradiation regeneration of spleen weight and incorporation of radioactive iron into the spleen and femoral marrow following sublethal irradiation was favorably modified by the treatment used. Pretreatment of mice with K and Mg aspartate delays the onset of early deaths at irradiation with an absolutely lethal X-ray exposure and raises the percentage of surviving animals after nearly lethal exposures.


Investigation of a valuable biochemical indicator in radiotherapy. II. Plasma free hemoglobin and haptoglobin level changes.

The hemoglobin level of blood plasma is a sensitive tool in measuring radiation effects. Its value has increased in most of the cases during radiotherapy of cancer patients even applied at low doses. Haptoglobins behave similarly, the time-dependent changes during radiotherapy are almost identical at both parameters.


Do intentions predict fertility? The experience in Taiwan, 1967-74.

Are responses to survey questions about desire for additional children useful in predicting future fertility? Data from Taiwan covering the years 1967--74, a period of rapid fertility decline and increasing contraceptive practice, indicate that reproductive intentions and contraceptive use were very good predictors of subsequent fertility. Whether more children were wanted was itself the most important determinant of contraceptive use. Aggregate consistency between attitudes and behavior was higher than found in US surveys during the same period. Similar studies are needed to determine whether statements of intentions have predictive value in other settings as well.


Abortion decision making: some findings from Colombia.

The reasons why some women seek to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, while others do not, were investigated in interviews with 108 women in Cali, Colombia (where abortion is illegal but reportedly widespread). All the women in the study had experienced an unwanted pregnancy, and in more than half the cases one major or several minor attempts were made to end it. The prospects for economic support from the father of the child emerged as the most important factor in decision making. Single women, separated women, and women in unions that seemed in danger of dissolving were most likely to take strong steps to terminate the unwanted pregnancy.


Black suicide in the seventies: current trends.

In the most recent decade, the suicide rate among young blacks has risen to the point where it is nearly as high as that of their white peers. The data in this analysis reflect the striking contrast in age distribution in the suicide patterns of whites and blacks. Whereas white suicide increases in direct relation with advancing chronological age, suicide among blacks reaches its peak in the youthful years. Current statistics fail to reflect a "dramatic" or significant increase in the suicide rate of black women. Contrary to popular belief, black men in their twenties represent the most suicide-prone group. Young black males have been committing suicide at a steadily increasing rate during the past six years. Regionally, black suicide rates are highest in the North and West and lowest in the South. White suicide rates reflect a slightly different regional distribution. The highest rates occur in the West and the lowest in the North.


Some notes on conducting a psychological autopsy.

This paper outlines procedures for conducting interviews with relatives of suicide victims or survivors of equivocal deaths, by means of the "psychological autopsy." A number of methodological recommendations are made which deal with training interviewers, contacting survivors and using experimental controls.


Durkheim revisited: "Why do women kill themselves?".

Durkheim divided suicide into four social types; egoistic, anomic, fatalistic, and altruistic assigning the first two to modern, western society while relegating the last two to pre-industrial social orders. However, contemporary studies of female suicidal behavior and depression show that such women exhibit personality characteristics of low self-esteem, passivity, dependence and living vicariously for others which correspond to the behavioral indices of impersonalism, submissiveness, passivity, and obedience that produce the lack of individuation characteristic of Durkheim's altruistic/fatalistic suicide categories. On this basis, the author suggests that altruistic/fatalistic suicide may even in the modern world be relevant to the explanation of female suicidal behavior, a hypothesis which, if true, would support the contention that "men and women inhibit different social worlds."


Suicide in France: some hypotheses.

The relatively high suicide rate in France is investigated and a number of influences are hypothesized as causative. These include, on a societal and demographic level, a history of high immigration, low emigration, a high proportion of old people, high urbanization, extraordinarily high alcoholism, and the extreme gap in income between upper and lower classes. The rigid bureaucracy of the state can leave the individual feeling infuriated and defeated. The legal system produces many injustices, such as long imprisonment without charges. The Church is liberal and supplies little prophylaxis against suicide. Overall, social integration must be judged to be low. Culturally, French values include an underlying pessimism, no strong fear of death, strong pressures to behave correctly and much malice toward neighbors. The modal personality structure contains defensive, constricted elements producing a vulnerable pseudo-autonomy. French child-rearing practices are effective in producing such personalities.


Religiosity, fear of death and suicide acceptability.

The present research was an attempt to test two hypotheses derived from a recently proposed social psychological model of suicide: The acceptability of suicide is a decreasing function of religiosity and fear of death. Questionnaire data were collected for 205 undergraduates at a midwestern university in 1978. The questionnaire included several measures of religiosity, a factor analysis multidimensional fear of death scale, and a suicide acceptability scale. Results, showing that all of the religiosity measures and certain types of fear of death were significantly related to the acceptability of suicide, supported to the hypotheses under examination.


New approaches to crisis intervention.

Constant efforts to improve crisis services have led to many innovative programs. Some have proven their feasibility and become established procedures. Others are now in a developing stage and still others represent new approaches. A survey of 50 suicide prevention and crisis services around the world provides evidence of a trend toward a broadening range of services, a more active case-finding approach, greater visibility, increased integration into the community care system, and creative leadership by newer and smaller centers as well as the well-established ones. This is being accomplished without relinquishing the traditional respect for anonymity, ever-present availability, and a nonjudgmental regard for each person's need.


The problem of human leptospirosis in Barbados.

The results of a retrospective study of human leptospirosis cases occurring in Barbados during the period 19-68-74, and of serological findings among high risk occupational groups, fever cases and health centre patients monitored for the disease during 1975-77, indicate that infection by serotype fort-bragg of the Autumnalis group is widespread in this Caribbean island. The occupational groups most affected are sanitation workers and sugar-cane workers. Results of serological tests conducted at the principle hospital are comparable with the results obtained by the microscopic agglutination reference test procedure conducted at the Pan American Zoonosis Centre (CEPANZO).


Intestinal perforation in ascariasis--case reports.

Two cases of intestinal perforation in association with ascariasis are described. In both cases adult ascarids were found either in the gut or lying free in the peritoneal cavity. Neither patient had typhoid fever, one had Hodgkin's lymphoma. The authors believe that the perforation were directly caused by the ascarids. Both patients died.


The surface antigen (HBsAg) and the e-antigen (HBeAg) in Somalian patients with acute viral hepatitis.

Serum samples from 55 Somalian patients with acute viral hepatitis were examined for the presence of the surface antigen (HBsAG) and the e-antigen (HBeAg) and the corresponding antibodies (anti-HBs and anti-e). No e-antigen was detected in patients with viral hepatitis or in controls (47 cases); anti-e was found in 23.6% of hepatitis cases, all of whom were HBsAg carriers, and in 10% of the controls. The HBsAg was found in 60% of cases with hepatitis and 34% of controls; the anti-HBs was detected in 18% of the patients with hepatitis, all except one of whom were negative for HBsAg; in the one exception the HBsAg and anti-HBs were present simultaneously; the anti-HBs was found in 44.6% of controls. The frequency of serological evidence of hepatitis B infection (HBV) based on the presence of antigen/antibody HBs was 78.2% among patients with acute viral hepatitis; only 30% of these patients showed evidence of anti-e antibody.


The pathology and pathogenesis of fatal hepatic amoebiasis--A study based on 79 autopsy cases.

The present study is based on a retrospective analysis of 79 autopsy cases of hepatic amoebiasis. An attempt has been made to reconstruct the sequence of events starting from intestinal infection to invasion and transport of amoebae along the radicles of the portal veins, the formation of early Zahn's infarct and the proliferation of amoebae in such foci leading to the formation of small abscesses. The coalescence of small abscesses gives rise to the apparently large abscesses. Apart from direct contiguity, more distant extension leading to a satellite abscess is due to involvement of the hepatic and/or portal venous radicles. It seems that obstruction of the hepatic vein contributes substantially towards the enlargement of the liver and its exaggerated nutmeg appearance. Signs and symptoms of hepatic vein obstruction sometimes overshadow the abscess pathology. Thrombosis or pressure of a neighbouring abscess over the portal vein obstruction sometimes overshadow the abscess pathology. Thrombosis or pressure of a neighbouring abscess over the portal vein and bile-duct lead to development of portal hypertension and jaundice. Both cell-mediated and humoral immunity are depressed in fatal cases of hepatic amoebiasis.


Malaria and haemoglobin A2 levels in northern Liberia.

The influence of malaria on HbA2 levels was investigated in two groups of children aged two to nine years from the Mano tribe of northern Liberia. One group, 174 children living in a town where there is malaria control, had a parasite rate of 6.5%, only a few having palpable spleens, but 282 children living in an area of intense malaria transmission had a parasite rate of 92%. All but one child in this group had enlarged spleens. However, the difference in proportions of elevated HbA2 values within the limits for beta-thalassaemia, 8% and 10.3% respectively, was not statistically significant (0.5 greater than P greater than 0.1). It was concluded that the influence of malaria on HbA2 levels is not significant and that this parameter is valid for detecting beta-thalassaemia trait in this population. Further, iron deficiency may be a more important factor than malaria to consider when assessing the results of HbA2 estimations.


Electrophoretic isoenzyme patterns of the pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal amoebae of man.

Cultured stocks of Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba buetschlli and Dientamoeba fragilis were compared with the four Entamoeba histolytical groups already described (SARGEAUNT et al., 1978), by the electrophoretic patterns of three enzymes: glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and L-malate: NADP+ oxidoreductase (oxalacetate-decarboxylating) (ME). All the species were easily distinguished by their characteristic patterns.


Epidemiological characteristics and clinical findings in patients with serologically proven toxocariasis.

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Toxocara canis larva-specific antigens was used to confirm a presumptive clinical diagnosis of visceral larva migrans in patients whose serum specimens were submitted to the Center for Disease Control. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with diagnostic ELISA titres (greater than or equal to log2 5) were compared with patients who had less or no detectable antibody. The typical patient with serologically confirmed toxocaral visceral larva migrans was about five years of age and resided in the southern half of the USA. Clinical findings were likely to include leucocytosis, eosinophilia, an increased anti-A or anti-B isohaemagglutinin titre, and an elevated serum IgG level. Pica, as ascertained by a physician questionnaire, was not a consistent finding and both sexes were nearly equally represented.


Isoelectric focusing of some enzymes from Echinococcus granulosus (horse and sheep strains) and E. multilocularis.

Extracts of the horse and sheep strains of Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis were compared on the basis of their isoenzyme patterns for 10 enzymes by means of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels. The enzymes examined were: acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, phosphoglucoseisomerase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, adenylate kinase, aldolase and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. Interspecific and intraspecific differences are apparent in the isoenzyme profiles of all the enzymes except adenylate kinase; the pattern and activity of adenylate kinase are identical for both strains of E. granulosus but this enzyme clearly distinguishes these forms from E. multilocularis. The absence of electromorphic variation in any of the enzymes from either form of E. granulosus may be a result of the self-fertilizing hermaphraditism of these organisms.


Effect of corticosteroid and irradiation on caecal amoebic infection in rats.

Albino rats (Wistar strain) were pretreated with corticosteroid, irradiation or both to study the effect on the outcome of amoebic infection given intracaecally. The number of animals with lesions amongst "treated" groups was not significantly different from that amongst untreated control animals (P greater than 0.05) but amoebic pathology was markedly exacerbated amongst the treated animals. It is thus thought that once the amoebic infection is established, amoebae become better established for penetration in the immuno-depressed host. The study further suggests that corticosteroid therapy could aggravate an otherwise sub-clinical amoebic infection in man.


Skin sensitivity tests in Nigerians with bronchial asthma.

Skin sensitivity tests using the prick method were performed on 174 patients with bronchial asthma and 160 controls, using 20 common allergens. The results revealed a high incidence of positive skin test reactions to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, grass and flower pollens, feathers, and some ingesta such as cow's milk and fish. The difference in the reactions between the asthmatic patients and the controls was statistically significant. The results suggest that house-dust mite allergy is the most significant factor in the aetiology of bronchial asthma in Nigerians.


Maternal deaths in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.

The maternal deaths in a supra-regional reference hospital between 1971 and 1977 are reviewed and avoidable factors discussed. Improvements in ante-natal care have diminished the number of deaths from obstetric causes and as a result deaths from associated diseases are assuming greater significance. Particular attention is drawn to the enterocolitis group of diseases which account for 15% of the total deaths in this series. The effect of pregnancy on amoebic colitis has not been widely appreciated.


A new species of Leishmania parasite from the Venezuelan Andes region.

A new form of Leishmania is described from the Venezuelan Andes region. L. garnhami n.sp. is proposed for this parasite with amastigote stages showing a peculiar and unique organelle seen with light and electron microscope. It produces cutaneous lesions in people living at a height of between 800 and 1,8000 m. in urban and rural areas; the disease is associated with Lutzomyia townsendi, the main anthropophilic sandfly in the region. The parasite is easily inoculable into hamsters and grows slowly in vitro in blood-agar media with glucose, but more prolifically without glucose.


Leptospirosis in patients from Grenada, West Indies.

Evidence of leptospirosis in humans from Grenada, W.I., is reported here for the first time. Of 139 hospital patients with pyrexia of undetermined origin, 94 were jaundiced, and 16 (17%) of these were positive for hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) and not examined further. 20 of the remaining 123 (16%) febrile patients were positive for leptospiral antibodies; 11 of them were current or recent cases. 25 of 182 (14%) afebrile out-patients showed evidence of previous exposure to leptospiral organisms. The most frequently encountered serogroups in the 45 seropositive in- and out-patients were Icterohaemorrhagiae (38%), Panama (24%) and Canicola (11%).


Faecal pollution of surface waters in Jakarta.

Profuse numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were found in samples of surface waters from the Ciliwung River and adjoining canals which criss-cross metropolitan Jakarta and are used widely for domestic purposes by the poorer sections of its population. 15 of the 20 specimens gres E. coli, Klebsiella were isolated from seven and Citrobacter from four. Using enrichment culture procedures, Salmonella sp. were grown from 10 (48%) of 21 water samples examined, and 12 (63%) of aquatic sediments collected at the same sites. Altogether 14 serotypes and 37 Salmonella isolations were recorded. This high degree of faecal contamination of the environment is a major cause of the immense problem of gastro-intestinal infections in that city and probably in many similar cities in developing countries in the tropics.


Incidence of abnormal haemoglobin traits among Gambian children.

The electrophoretic mobility of haemoglobin from 343 Gambian children between the ages of two months and ten years has been investigated. The incidence of Hb-S and Hb-C traits is described and compared with earlier reports on the distribution of these traits in The Gambia. One child was identified as having the rare haemoglobin, Hb-A + N.


Trypanosoma brucei: Miniature anion-exchange centrifugation technique for detection of low parasitaemias: Adaptation for field use.

The miniature anion-exchange/centrifugation (AEC) method, originally developed for the detection of submicroscopic trypanosomaemias in laboratory rodents, has been adapted for the diagnosis of trypanosomiasis in man in the field using blood samples obtained by finger-prick. It has been tested in a survey in The Gambia. The method is shown to be highly sensitive and to fulfil the first essential criteria for exploitation in the field, namely, that it can be operated in the open air under tropical conditions, and that an adequate number of subjects can be examined in a normal working day at an acceptable cost. The method also offers two advantages over the other highly sensitive method applicable to small blood samples, the microhaematocrit buffy-coat microscopy (MBCM) method, namely, that it minimized the requirements for highly critical microscopy and provides, in the same operation, samples of diluted plasma which can be used for serological study.


Discocyte--echinocyte reversibility in blood stored in CPD over a period of 56 days.

Blood collected with CPD and stored was examined with optical (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after reversal of echinocytes into discocytes. Reversal was achieved by incubation of the red blood cells at 37 C in an adenosine containing medium. The transformation of discocytes into echinocytes occurred rapidly during the first three weeks of storage. A shape/density relationship was observed in the various fractions. The denser cells were found to have the more advanced echinocytic changes. After incubation with adenosine, most of the cells reversed into discocytes and early stages of stomatocytes. When spheroechinocytes I and II were present, they reversed into spherostomatocytes. No echinocytogenic property was found in plasma during 5 weeks of storage at 4 C and no immediate reversion of echinocytes was obtained in fresh plasma, therefore the initial discocyte--echinocyte transformation was explained by intracellular changes. The data from the various fractions showed that the more dense cells were more spherocytic. We suggest that removal of this part of the population of stored red blood cells might improve the survival of transfused cells.


Factors that influence the process of 51chromium labeling of human granulocytes isolated from blood by counterflow centrifugation.

The uptake of 51chromium by human granulocytes isolated from blood by counterflow centrifugation is influenced by the composition of the suspension medium, the incubation period, the temperature and the amount of 51chromium used. Counterflow centrifugation-elutriation isolated approximately 98 per cent of the granulocytes from the blood. Acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) plasma, citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) plasma and heparinized plasma as resuspension media produced similar labeling results, whereas phosphate-buffered saline resulted in three times greater uptake in 51chromium. The greatest uptake of 51chromium (4%) was achieved after incubation of 37 C for one hour in autologous plasma, and granulocyte integrity and metabolic function in vitro were not adversely affected.


The role of disseminated intravascular coagulation in shock induced by transfusion of human blood in dogs.

Hemolytic blood transfusion reactions were produced in 20 dogs. Animals transfused with human blood twice in a two-week interval demonstrated a significant increase in anti-human red blood cell agglutination titer at the time of the second transfusion. Eighteen dogs that survived from the first transfusion reaction were divided into two groups with or without heparin treatment. The hemolytic transfusion reaction in the sensitized animals was characterized by shock and multiple coagulation abnormalities. Heparin failed to prevent shock, hemoglobinemia and thrombocytopenia, and decreased the mortality rate in heparinized animals. Pathologic examination revealed that the thrombi in the splanchnic organs were less common in the heparinized dogs.


Target inventory levels for a hospital blood bank or a decentralized regional blood banking system.

For any blood type, there is a complex interaction among the optimal inventory level, daily demand level, the transfusion to crossmatch ratio, the crossmatch release period and the age of arriving units that determine the shortage and outdate rate. The blood bank administrator should establish optimal target inventory levels based on a simple equation (decision rule) relating these factors. Evaluation of this rule indicates that its implementation can lead to a very low shortage rate and a reasonable low outdate rate if the blood bank administrator makes efforts to control the crossmatch release period and the average transfusion to crossmatch ratio.


Therapeutic transfusions of previously frozen washed human platelets.

The platelets used in this study were collected by serial centrifugation, and within four hours of collection were frozen with 5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at an overall rate of 2 to 3 C per minute by storage in a mechanical refrigerator at -80 C. The frozen platelets were stored for four to ten weeks before thawing and washing. After washing, the units were kept at room temperature for six to eight hours before transfusion. The units were pooled, and an average of eight units was given to each of four patients, with a range of three to 14 units per transfusion. In vitro recovery after washing was about 65 per cent and in vivo recovery of the 51chromium labeled (51Cr) platelets was about 35 per cent. The infusion of these previously frozen washed platelets corrected prolonged bleeding times in patients. The homologous platelets were transfused along with other blood products to treat patients with hematologic disorders. The circulation and function of the donor platelets were influenced by compatibility of the platelets, the quality of platelet preservation and the patient's disease state.


A regional blood management system with prescheduled deliveries.

The prescheduling of blood deliveries from regional blood centers can improve blood availability at all transfusion services while reducing outdating, delivery costs and inventories maintained at region blood centers. A procedure for determining optimal distribution policies that maintain the highest possible blood availability at transfusion services while holding the achievable outdating level to a small percentage of the total usage is described. The manner in which this plan is being implemented in Long Island, New York, is presented, as well as a discussion of some preliminary results.


Blood donorship and psychological reactance.

Research in social psychology suggests that expressing urgent need in requests for blood donation may result in less volunteering to help, not more. In addition, there is evidence that requests for several donations over a period of time are more likely to meet with refusal than requests for only one donation. These issues were investigated within the framework of a social psychological theory known as reactance theory.


Platelet glycolysis in platelet storage. II. Levels and turnover of metabolic intermediates.

The metabolism of freshly collected platelets and platelets stored for three or four days at room temperature has been investigated. The levels of glycolytic intermediates were measured in platelets before and after incubation for 15 minutes in a buffered aerobic medium. Platelet intermediates were relatively well maintained, and levels of intermediates that were partially depleted, such as ATP, were restored toward normal after short term incubation even after storage for four days. Incorporation of 32PO4 into fresh and stored platelets during incubation in aerobic buffered medium was also studied. The incorporation pattern was only very modestly influenced by storage. These studies suggest that changes in glycolytic capacity do not play a major role in the loss of viability of platelets during storage at room temperature.


Filtration leukapheresis: the influence of granulocyte counts upon the donors' yield.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of granulocyte count on the yield of granulocytes. Healthy adult volunteer donors underwent filtration leukapheresis without premedication. The granulocyte count was measured before and immediately after the procedure. In 73 donors, there was an increase and in 67 donors there was a decrease in the granulocyte counts. In this study of nonmedicated donors those with high initial granulocytes counts and those in which there was a large increase in the postleukapheresis granulocyte counts provided the best yield with the filtration leukapheresis technique.


Three additional examples of anti-Xga and Xg blood groups among the Japanese.

Three examples of anti-Xga identified in Japanese donors are reported. Two of these were stimulated by pregnancy, while the antibody stimulation of the other one remains unknown. All of these antibodies had the ability to bind complement. A dosage effect was observed in an anti-Xga serum. The Xga gene frequency for 529 unrelated Japanese was 0.681, similar to that for Caucasians. Tests on 125 Japanese families with 242 offspring for Xga antigen are also reported.


Priapism during filtration leukapheresis.

Priapism has been observed during two out of 3,680 filtration leukapheresis procedures in male donors and has been reported during hemodialysis. Both procedures are associated with enhanced granulocyte adhesion and aggregation presumably due to C5a. During both procedures, heparin is administered and this drug has been shown to cause heparin-dependent anti-platelet antibodies. It is suggested that complement mediated venous leukostasis or immune-induced platelet aggregates might impair the normal blood flow from the penis and result in a state of priapism.


Tuberculous osteitis of the talus.

A case of tuberculous osteitis of the talus in a 6-year-old white male is reported. Osteitis of the talus is uncommon and tuberculous disease of this bone is now rare. There was a delay of 5 weeks between presentation and final diagnosis and the reasons for this delay are discussed. Further investigation showed the presence of tuberculosis of the fifth lumbar vertebra and of the left kidney. With prompt chemotherapy and early surgery, the long term results of this once crippling disease are now excellent.


Infections with Mycobacterium malmoense in England and Wales.

Mycobacterium malmoense has been isolated from 11 patients in England and Wales. It was thought to be the cause of pulmonary disease in 9 of them and cervical adenitis in 2. The cultural and biochemical characters of the species are described and its position in relation to the avium-intracellulare complex and the non-chromogenicum-terrae-triviale complex determined by matching coefficients using 88 characters. Brief details are given of the 11 cases.


Water: the natural habitat of Mycobacterium kansasii?

It has been demonstrated that, after inoculation, Mycobacterium kansasii will survive in water up to 12 months without any change in cultural or lipid characteristics. The organism failed to survive in soil. It is suggested that the natural habitat of M. kansasii is water.


Lymph node tuberculosis: a comparison of treatments 18 months after completion of chemotherapy.

Ninety patients with lymph node tuberculosis were treated with either rifampicin and isoniazid or ethambutol and isoniazid for 18 months, supplemented by sheptomycin for the first two months. No differences emerged between the two regimens, either during treatment or during an 18 month post-chemotherapy follow-up. In 7% of patients lymph nodes enlarged transiently after the end of treatment and in 7% enlarged nodes persisted. No patient required further treatment. One patient was left with an intermittently discharging sinus in an operation scar.


A comparison of Mantoux and tuberculin Tine testing in a chest unit.

Simultaneous Mantoux (10 T.U.) and Tuberculin Tine tests were performed on 393 in-patients on a chest unit. The results were read by the same observer between 48 and 72 hours later. The overall agreement between the tests was 78%; this rose to 90% if patients categorised as 'doubtful' reactors were reclassified as positive. Where one test was 'doubtful' the other was more than 3 times as likely to be positive as negative. It is suggested that the 'doubtful' category by abandoned for both tests and readings in this range be reclassified as positive. In patients expected on clinical grounds to be positive reactors, over one-third were negative to both tests; in those expected to be negative over one-fifth were positive. The Tine test is convenient and gives results which seem to correlate well with the Mantoux test, although neither test appears to be highly specific.


[Production and properties of trypsin immobilized on a polyurethane matrix].

Two methods were used to immobilize trypsin on the polyurethane carrier on the basis of toluylenediisocyanatepolyoxypropylene glycol due to interaction between the lyzine free amino groups and the enzyme arginine guanidine group and the prepolymer isocyanate group. The amount of the enzyme chemically bound by the two methods is about 50 and more than 70%, respectively. The substrate specificity of the initial and washed samples of the immobilized trypsin was studied with respect to three highly molecular substrates with different molecular weight and different charges--protamine, casein, hemoglobin. It is shown that independently of the method of binding the activity of the immobilized trypsin is the highest with respect to hemoglobin and is the lowest with respect to protamine. The samples of trypsin immobilized on the polyurethane carrier may be used in biology and medicine when creating the prolonged forms of the enzymic preparations.


[Trypsin immobilization on organo-silica surface].

The methods are suggested for immobilizing trypsin on the organo-silica surface by means of cyanuric chloride and maleic anhydride. The analysis of kinetics of the enzyme carrier coupling shows that at 22 degrees C the immobilization time on the surface of organo-silicas activated with cyanuric chloride and maleic anhydride is 70 and 35 min, respectively. The immobilized trypsin is shown to be more thermostable as compared to the soluble one. The half-life of the immobilized trypsin at 55 degrees C is about 40 h.


[Affinity sorbents for obtaining plasminogen].

Using immobilization of l-lysine on cellulose and CM-Cellulose activated with bromo-cyanogen and dicyclohexyl carboxyimide, respectively, the affined sorbents are obtained and possibility of their application for obtaining the high-purified plasminogen is studied. According to the yield and activity of plasminogen, l-lysine-cellulose and l-lysine-CM-cellulose are not inferior to the known l-lysine-sepharose. With electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate the plasminogen preparations obtained by the method of affined chromatography are homogeneous and their molecular mass is 87 000 Daltons.


[Growth of rat fibroblasts in tissue culture as affected by trypsin immobilized on polyurethane substrates].

The growth of fibroblasts of the rat subcutaneous tissue was studied as affected by different doses of trypsin, free and bound, on polyurethane substrates. The method of tissue culture provides essential criteria for estimating the degree of bioincompatibility of polymeric alloimplants in particular when immobilizing biologically active substances on them. Trypsin adsorbed on the polyurethane substrate diffusing gradually into the culture medium is established to inhibit the cell growth. Chemically bounded trypsin in the composition of the polymeric matrix at the early stages of cultivation stimulates for a long time the division of fibroblastic elements and further accelerates their degeneration. It is shown that on polymeric substrates containing no trypsin, the growth character and dynamics of the fibroblastic elements are similar on the whole to these indices for cultures grown in the plasm clot without the substrate.


[Catalytic properties of immobilized cells of methane-oxidizing bacteria].

The article deals with conditions for immobilization of methane-oxidizing bacteria cells as well as with catalytic properties of the immobilized cells. The method of immobilization in polyacrylamide gel is shown to be not suitable for cells of methane-oxidizing bacteria. The greatest number of cells (85%) is immobilized on sylochrome modified by cyanuric chloride. However, the catalytic properties of the methane-oxidizing bacteria are better retained when the bacteria are immobilized on sylochrome modified by isocyanate. A stand installation is created for studying the catalytic properties of the immobilized cells oxidizing substrates in the gas phase.


[Application of immobilized animal liver microsomal fraction to the reaction of 1,4-benzdiazepine-2-one conversion].

The albino rat strain Wistar and Shynashylla rabbit liver microsomal fraction was immobilized by incorporation into polyacrylamide gel. It is shown, that the microsomal fraction immobilized by such a method catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-benzdiazepine-2 ones, 3-acetoxyderivatives, hydroxylation in position 3 of 1,4-benzdiazepine-2-ones and reduction of nitrazepame. The storage thermostability and stability of the immobilized preparations were studied. Immobilization of the animal liver microsomal fraction was conducted on sylochrome by cyanuric chloride and 2,4-toluylenediisocyanate.


[Transformation of substrates not used for growth by the immobilized methane-oxidizing bacteria].

The article deals with the theoretical problems of obtaining certain substrates transformation products using immobilized cells of the methane-oxidizing bacteria. This process is based on the ability of these bacteria to cometabolize the substrates which are not used for growth. The methane-oxidizing bacteria are shown to utilize ethane during growth on methanol. Cometabolism of ethane and methanol occurs due to the presence of conjugated points of these substances oxidizing reactions as well as of the oxidation products assimilation reactions. The optimal concentrations of ethane and methanol are established for the methane-oxidizing bacteria growth and for formation of the ethane oxidation products by means of the immobilized cells.


[Studies of sorption and interaction of chlorophyll and chlorophyllase on methylaerosil].

The article deals with the possibility of chlorophyll and chlorophyllase immobilization on methylaerosil and also with the effect of this carrier on the enzyme-substrate interaction. Chlorophyll and chlorophyllase are shown to be able to hydrophorbic interaction. It is established that the ultimate saturation of methylaerosil with chlorophyll is 16.1 mg per 100 mg of the carrier. The chlorophyllase reaction is the most active under conditions when the enzyme and substrate are in soluble states. The hydropholic binding of chlorophyll with methylaerosil decreases the intensity of its hydrolysis for the period of reaction and the preliminary immobilization of chlorophyllase on methylaerosil inhibits the reaction to a still greater extent. This evidences for the significance of the reaction system organization for interaction of chlorophyllase with chlorophyll.


[Role of the molecular environment in chlorophyllase functioning during its immobilization on organic carriers].

Immobilization of chlorophyllase was performed on aminohexadecyl sepharose, aminoundecyl sepharose and heptyl sepharose. The enzyme activity lowers considerably and is rather close for all carriers. Essential differences are manifested in stability of the preparation during storage. On aminohexadecyl sepharose, the most hydrophobic carrier, the activity of chlorophyllase is 1.4 times as low for a month, on aminoundecyl sepharose for the same period it is 2.1 times as low and on heptyl sepharose--4.8 times as low. The covalent binding of chlorophyllase with sepharose activated by bromo-cyanogen with the subsequent fixation of diethyl amine or dodecyl amine possessing different hydrophobic properties showed that diethyl amine favours to a greater extent manifestation of the chlorophyllase activity and stabilization of the enzyme in time than dodecylamine. The data obtained evidence for a considerable role of the enzyme sstate and its molecular environment in manifestation of its functional activity and in providing its stability.


[Prospects of applying immobilized enzymes in medicine].

The paper deals with evidence on main trends for using immobilized enzymes in medicine. The lyposomes are shown to be means for delivering enzymes to a cell under certain hereditary diseases. The prospects are considered for using the bound enzymes for treating some pathologic processes (py0-inflammatory, thrombosis, malignant tumors, etc.). The data are presented on possibilities of applying the immobilized enzymes as specific reagents for determining substrates and metabolites in the disease diagnostics.


[Age peculiarities in the content of nucleic acids, collagen (as oxyproline) and other proteins in rat skin and lung tissues].

It is established that in old animals, as compared to the young ones, the content of nucleic acids, the total content of protein and the content of the peptide-bound oxyproline in the collagen soluble fractions in the skin and lungs tissues decrease, whereas the content of peptide-bound oxyproline in the insoluble collagen and of free oxyproline, vice versa, increases.


[Physiocochemical properties of blood serum proteins of coal miners].

Using disk electrophoresis in the polyacrylamide gel, blood serum proteins were studied in miners working under conditions of the combine (the control group) and drilling-and-blasting (the contact with carbon oxide, nitrogen oxides) driving technique under normal temperature conditions. 26--27 protein fractions characterized by mobility, thermolability under definite conditions of the experiment and the contitative content were obtained. It is shown that the contact with carbon oxide and nitrogen oxides causes changes in the rpoperties of certain proteins (II3, globulins--2 alpha 1, 3 alpha 1, 2 beta, 2 alpha 2, 5 alpha 2, 6 alpha 2, 7 alpha 2) of miners blood serum. Some of these proteins are supposed to participate in the adaptation reactions of the organism.


[Quantitative method of estimating the conformation changes in blood serum albumin].

The method of residementation with trichloracetic acid followed by dissolution in ethanol of preparations of the human serum albumin with changed conformation under conditions of pathology was suggested for determining the amount of modified albumin. The conformationally changed albumin is separated by the mentioned method and it changes to the insoluble form. According to the content of albumin in the sediment it is possible to estimate the amount of the modified part of this protein which was determined previously by the labour-consuming method of optical rotation dispersion.


Radiation damage of purple membrane at low temperature.

The intensities of diffracted electron beams for the purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium are found to decay exponentially as a function of the accumulated electron exposure, both at room temperature and at -120 degrees C. This permits us to define the "critical dose" Ne(h,k) for the (h,k) diffracted beam, as being the electron exposure (electrons/A2) at which the diffracteed intensity has fallen to e-1 of its initial value. The critical of purple membrane is found to increase from the room temperature value by at least a factor of four when the specimen is maintained at a temperature of -120 degrees C on a liquid-nitrogen-cooled stage. A relationship derived between the critical dose, Ne, and the dose for optimum imaging, Nopt. Both Ne and Nopt depend, of course, upon the spatial frequency, or resolution. The derivation is valid only for the case in which all sources of noise other than quantum fluctuations are neglected. In this case, Nopt approximately equal to 2.5Ne. Finally, Nuclear Track Emulsion plates have been shown to be advantageous for recording high resolution electron diffraction patterns of small (1 micrometer 2) patches of crystalline biological materials.


Ultrasonic pulsed Doppler transoesophageal measurement of aortic haemodynamics in humans.

Centreline blood velocity and exterior wall motion were measured in the descending aorta of humans using an oesophageal probe, a pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meter and an ultrasonic echo tracking system. The development of a method for easily measuring haemodynamics in the thoracic region using an oesophageal probe will provide an essentially non-invasive method for the assessment of cardiac function and the nature of blood vessels in that region. Detailed anatomical studies of the thorax were conducted by cross-sectioning of the thorax of a cadaver. Blood velocity waveforms were recorded from the descending aorta both during rest and exercise. In one volunteer, the peak centreline velocity increased from a resting value of approximately 30 cm s-1 to an exercise value of approximately 50 cm s-1. Vessel diameter waveforms similar to those for pressure were also recorded showing diameter changes of 1.8 mm. The accuracy and resolution of the technique would be improved by multicrystal probes and multigate ultrasonic flowmeters allowing for accurate calculation of the Doppler angle, imaging of vascular flow regions, and measurement of pulse wave velocity.


An investigation of a spread energy method for medical ultrasound systems. Part two: proposed system and possible problems.

A medical ultrasound device using a Golay code is proposed and investigated theoretically. The code enables the spread energy method to be used to help overcome the restraints of the parameters of resolution, peak power and penetration.


A new delay technique with application to ultrasound phased-array imaging systems.

In ultrasound phased-array imaging systems the receiver directivity pattern is steered by controlling the delay of echoes from the array elements. A new processing technique is introduced that provides the required delay first by properly phasing the echo carrier, and successively by delaying the echo envelope. This latter operation is based on a new analogue sampled-data delay-line. Independent control of phase delay offers a simple means of compensating for random phase errors due to non-uniformity of the array elements response.


Urethral pressure profile and retrograde urethrography in diagnosis of urethral strictures.

In 20 male patients with urethral strictures, urethral pressure profile was compared with retrograde urethrography. There was good accordance between the two methods with only minor discrepancies in multiple or very distal strictures. Urethral profile did not provide more exact information than did urethrography.


Comparative analysis of the results of suspension-urethroplasty according to Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz and of urethrovesicopexy with adhesive.

A comparative analysis is presented of the results of adhesive urethrovesicopexy and the conventional suspension method according to Marshall, Marchetti and Krantz. It appears that the results are less favorable when compared to those mentioned in the literature, and no doubt attributable to the difficult differential diagnosis of stress and urge incontinence. The adhesive method supplies significantly less favorable results than the conventional method according to Marshall, Marchetti and Krantz.


Functional abnormality of 'non-provocative' bladder instability in children.

In the last years the symptom of unstable bladder behaviour has been interpreted with increasing clinical importance, sometimes being regarded as a diagnosis or as a causative factor for different complaints (1, 3-6, 16, 18, 20). The term 'unstable bladder' is still not precisely defined (17). Few investigations on this topic had been done in children, therefore, the urodynamic findings of 216 children were analysed to look for co-findings of bladder instability and, if possible, to demonstrate some causative factors. The investigations revealed that unstable bladder behaviour seems to be a secondary cystometric phenomenon (directly or indirectly induced). The treatment of unstable bladder should be concentrated on the causative disorder rather than on the cystometric symptom


Serum xanthine oxidase in bladder carcinoma.

This study comprises of 48 normal men as control group and 49 patients with various stages of bladder carcinoma. Serum xanthine oxidase and uric acid levels were determined. Assessment in terms of changes of the enzyme xanthine oxidase was carried out prior and after surgery as a short-term follow-up. There was a significant fall of serum xanthine oxidase in patients with bladder carcinoma; it also varied with the stage of cancer.


[Desobstructive sodium and water diuresis: pathophysiologic and clinical aspects of bilateral obstructive nephropathy (author's transl)].

The measurement of sodium and water loss after relieve of the obstruction shows that the obstructive nephropathy originates in three pathogenetic mechanisms. (1) Acute complete bilateral ureteric obstruction causes tubular atrophy, prevents both resorption and glomerular filtration, reduces the renal blood flow and increases the extracellular space by retention of water and products subject to urinary excretion. (2) Relieve of obstruction results in excess polyuria as blood flow and glomerular filtration recover rapidly, the extracellular space gets rid of its osmotic load, and the tubular dysfunction of resorption continues for several days until the epithelium has recovered from its pressure atrophy. All this will result in a high loss of sodium and water which requires adequate substitution; otherwise, natriuretic shock will result. (3) The chronic (bilateral) obstruction behaves in a similar way, yet is less reversible. The tubular damage is the same. Moderate polyuria occurs already during the stage of obstruction. Hereby the extracellular space decreases. After relieve of the obstruction the polyuria increases significantly, yet less rapidly than after acute obstruction as the glomerular function does not recover completely. The renal blood flow remains diminished, the vascular calibers stay narrowed, and the kidney remains shrunken. Loss of sodium and water will endanger the patient with chronic obstruction. Furthermore, the patient will be at risk due to dehydration, acidosis, anemia and uremia. The infusion therapy of the desobstructive nephropathy syndrome is based upon the venous pressure and the serum electrolytes which are measured twice daily.


Indication and value of bladder neck incision.

200 bladder neck incisions in 172 patients with mechanical or functional outlet obstruction of neurogenic and nonneurogenic etiology are reported. The incision was performed with an electric cautery needle at 5--7--12 o'clock. Parameters of success were, beside the subjective reports, residual urine, urinary flow and a sophisticated urodynamic study. 71% of the women and 76% of the men showed improvement or relief of symptoms. Retrograde ejaculation was observed in only 7% of the men; the rate of complications was 2.5%. Despite limited experience and the lack of long-term follow-up, this technique is recommended for routine use.


Epidemiological study of 314 cases of cancer of the bladder in the administrative department of Bas-Rhin, France.

This study is composed of two epidemiological investigations. The first concerns the geographical distribution of cancer of the bladder in the department of Bas-Rhin. The geographical distribution of 314 cases of cancer of the bladder in eight districts of the Bas-Rhin has been studied. The resultant map shows considerable variations in morbidity. The urban predominance may be due to environmental factors. The second enquiry concerns the frequency of multiple cancers of different primary sites occurring in cases of cancer of the bladder. Nine such cases have been identified. There may be a common predisposing factor in such cases. All patients were heavy smokers.


Effect of intralesional and systemic BCG-application or a combined cyclophosphamide/BCG treatment on experimental bladder cancer.

Infiltrating transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder were induced by ingestion of 0.188% N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl] formamide (FANFT) in 145 female Wistar rats. After 8 months of carcinogen exposure, the animals were divided into different treatment groups. They received cyclophosphamide intraperitoneally as a single injection or BCG either once intralesionally or weekly subcutaneously or a combination of cyclophosphamide followed by subcutaneous BCG. The treatment effect was determined by body weight measurements and bladder tumour weight after 12 months. Compared with a control group statistically significant differences of bladder tumour weights were found after treatment with BCG alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide. Intralesional BCG resulted in an insignificant increase of tumour weights.


Post-irradiation total cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Treatment with radiotherapy (6000 rad) followed by total cystectomy was carried out in 125 patients with T1-T3 bladder cancer, the tumour being poorly differentiated (grade III-IV) in 115 cases. Survival was significantly better, if the irradiation had resulted in complete tumour regression before cystectomy, and if the tumour at the initial examination was of category T1. The relative cumulative survival after 5 years for patients with T1-tumours was 60%, as opposed to 40% for patients with T3-tumours. 4 patients (2.4%) died within 30 days of the cystectomy, but 13 patients (10%) died within 3 years from complications of the treatment regime. 83 patients (66%) experienced non-fatal complications such as infected cavity and urinary or intestinal stenosis. 3 years after the cystectomy 62 patients (50%) were dead from recurrent tumour or from other causes.


Grading of transitional cell tumours of the urinary tract by urinary cytology.

1122 cytological diagnoses have been made on 2500 Papanicolaou stained cytological slides from Patients with urothelial carcinomas. The cytological accuracy was 78% for G1 tumours, 94% for G2 and 96% for G3 carcinomas. A histologically diagnosed G1 carcinoma was cytologically G1 in 81% of cases, a G2 carcinoma was recognized in 64% and G3 carcinoma in 48%.


Reliability of lymphography as a diagnostic aid in the planning of treatment for bladder carcinoma.

To assess the accuracy of lymphography, 90 lymphograms were compared with surgical and histological findings. Histological correlation with the initial report was found in 65 to 90 cases (72%). Comparison of the original radiologist's report with a recent re-examination showed agreement between the two radiological evaluations in only 74%. Although improvement in diagnostic accuracy can perhaps be obtained, we cannot yet recommend lymphography as an aid in the planning of treatment for bladder carcinoma.


Prognostic significance of peritumoural inflammation in invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma.

Peritumoural inflammation consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells and lymph follicles is present in two thirds of invasive urothelial bladder carcinomas. This type of inflammation is significantly rarer in advanced tumour stages (P3, P/) and its presence is a favourable prognostic factor. The mean survival time in patients with this type of inflammation is 26.1 months compared to only 14.8 months in patients without. All other forms of inflammation e. g. eosinophilic or polymorphonuclear leukocytes have no relation with prognosis. The significant prognostic value of lympho-plasmocytic inflammation may be considered as local expression of immunological host resistance.


[Improvement of male fertility through ligation of varicocele? A study of 100 subfertile varicocele patients three months after ligation (author's transl)].

With 100 subfertile varicocele patients, three months after ligation (high ligation of the left internal spermatic vein in accordance with Bernardi) had control spermiograms made. An improvement of sperm count (upgrade in a higher class according to MacLeod's partition) was found in 28% of the cases, whereas an improvement of progressive motility was found only in 13%. The percentage of patients reaching the normal value in sperm count of over 40 mill./ml increased from 23% to 39%. The increase in these patients came primarily from the class of 20--40 mill./ml. In progressive motility, there was an increase of patients reaching the standard value of over 40%, from 6 to 11. However, if sperm count and progressive motility together were evaluated in the individual patients after ligation, only 6 patients presented a normospermia, i.e. a sperm count of more than 40 mill./ml with normal progressive motility. Thus 94 of the 100 patients must be considered as subfertile three months after ligation. A significant fertility improvement through ligation of varicocele has not yet taken place.


[Pathogenesis and therapy of varicocele (author's transl)].

During the last 13 years 519 patients were operated upon for varicocele in the refertilisation center Hamburg. Out of 209 cases examined thereafter, 174 showed an improved spermiogram, and only in this group 40 children were fathered. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and surgical treatment are presented. A persisting varicocele (in our clientele in 1 per cent) was corrected in 18 patients. The reasons for recurrent surgery were overlooked branches of the V. spermatica interna and not yet described collaterals to neighbouring venous systems. For optimal surgical planning the latter are best demonstrated by preoperative phlebography.


[The conservative therapy of urolithiasis (author's transl)].

Some common conservative treating methods of urolithiasis are critically discussed. Based on physico-chemical relationships of solubility and cristallisation of stone-forming compounds our own methods of conservative treatment of urolithiasis is presented.


[Potency disturbances following saphenocavernous bypass in priapism (Grayhack procedure) (author's transl)].

Five patients with priapism operated by the Grayhack procedure are presented disturbances were explored. Two of these patients having no fibrosis of the cavernous bodies had total impotence 8 months and 14 months after the operation. The cavernosogram revealed a patent shunt. Potency returned after ligation and division of the saphenous vein. In the other cases cavernosogram revealed normal venous return and thrombosis of the shunt. Fibrosis of the cavernous tissues was here the cause of the impotence. In all cases where erection does not occur within 3 months of the Grayhack procedure the shunt should be ligated.


[Obstructive aspermia. successful treatment by transurethral resection of the verumontanum. A case report (author's transl)].

After a barren marriage for 2 1/2 years the 22 years old male patient presented for consultation. The examinations confirmed obstructive aspermia with acceptable spermatogenesis. The site of obstruction involved the colliculus seminalis. Transurethral resection of the colliculus was performed. Following a protracted postoperative andrological treatment pregnancy ensued with uncomplicated delivery.


Useful technique for long-term urinary drainage by inlying ureteral stent. Six-year experience.

Endoscopically placed inlying ureteral stents have proved useful in the conservative management of patients with ureteral obstruction, urinary fistula, and malignancy and have obviated the need for operative intervention. In high-risk symptomatic patients with widespread malignancy, internal urinary diversion offers the opportunity for an improved quality of life without the surgical risk or potential morbidity of supravesical diversion. Potential candidates for this simple, safe, and effective technique include: those with postsurgical obstruction and/or fistula, retroperitoneal fibrosis, metastatic carcinoma, congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction, as well as those with reversible obstruction from lymphoma and carcinoma of the prostate who are undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. The focus of this report is on the technique we have found successful in providing us with stents that fit our individual patients. Readily available fabricated graduated ureteral catheter can be cut and shaped to particular measurements unlike prefabricated catheters. Minimal preparation time is demanded, and there is no need for extensive stocking of various catheter sizes.


Revascularization of corpus cavernosum for erectile failure.

Revascularization of the penis for erectile disability was performed in 10 patients in whom arterial obstruction had been documented. Inferior epigastric artery anastomosis to the corpus cavernosum was not successful, although bypass grafts from the femoral artery to the corpus cavernosum have helped restore potency in 4 of 6 patients. Complications included embolus to the leg, postoperative hemorrhage, and three small hematomas. This procedure can be considered a clinical experiment and would call for more study to assess its ultimate value.


Simplified coagulum pyelolithotomy using cryoprecipitate.

Coagulum pyelolithotomy has been beneficial in removing calyceal calculi when the diameter of the infundibulum and pelvis is adequate. By utilizing a simple, precise ratio of cryoprecipitate, thrombin, and calcium chloride (25:4:1), an effective coagulum was obtained in 7 consecutive cases with complete stone removal in 5.


Quantitative radiology for staging and prognosis of patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma. Correlations with other pretreatment characteristics.

Quantitative radiology of metastases is compared with other pretreatment characteristics in ability to predict survival in 102 patients with advanced Stage IV prostatic carcinoma. Using only two films, the posteroanterior chest and pelvis, radiologic quantitation of metastases is more precise than the other pretreatment characteristics in separating high-risk and low-risk patients. Quantitative radiology is a simple, noninvasive, effective method of stratifying patients in clinical trials or before aggressive therapy. The comparative ability of quantitative radiology and quantitative bone scans to separate high-risk and low-risk patients with advanced prostatic carcinoma can now be assessed.


Impotence caused by pudendal arteriovenous fistula.

Partial impotence in a twenty-year-old was found, on angiography, to be the result of an arteriovenous fistula of the internal pudendal artery. This condition was corrected by corpus cavernosum revascularization.


Adenocarcinoma of gallbladder producing unilateral ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral obstruction is a common problem facing the urologist. Tumors, either primary in the urinary tract or metastases from other organs, may be the causal agent. Herein we present the first case reported of ureteral obstruction caused by metastases from adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder.


Hemangiopericytomas in male pelvis.

All cases of hemangiopericytomas involving the male pelvis which have been reported in the English literature with clinical data have been reviewed. Their clinical features, roentgenographic findings, pathologic features, and treatment are presented with an illustrative case. The tumor is an aggressive neoplasm which characteristically produces late local recurrences or metastases. Since the clinical behavior cannot be reliably predicted from its histologic appearance, all must be regarded as malignant. Primary treatment should be en bloc excision since a high recurrence rate results when simple enucleation or excision is performed. Long-term follow-up is mandatory, and local recurrences or metastases should be resected whenever feasible. Radiation and chemotherapy may convert a nonresectable lesion into a resectable one and provide significant palliation.


Renal angiomyolipoma; polycystic kidney, and renal cell carcinoma in patient with tuberous sclerosis.

A patient with tuberous sclerosis presented with renal failure secondary to bilateral angiomyolipoma. The angiomyolipoma was associated with polycystic disease and a foci of renal cell carcinoma. This unusual combination has not been reported previously, although each entity has been described separately in tuberous sclerosis.


Oncocytoma of kidney.

Two cases of oncocytoma of the kidney are presented. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of this rare tumor are described and compared with those of renal cell carcinoma.


Renal oncocytoma. Study of eight cases.

Eight renal oncocytomas are described. Clinical manifestations were present in 3 cases, with hematuria occurring in 2 and flank pain in 2. Tumors were between 2.5 and 10.0 cm. in diameter and showed considerable variation in histologic pattern. The tan coloration of some tumors may permit a naked-eye distinction from renal cell carcinoma. All tumors appeared to be benign.


Epithelioid sarcoma of penis.

A rare case of an epithelioid sarcoma of the penis arising as a superficial plaque in the glans and causing pain on erection is reported. This tumor is characterized by a slow growth and infiltrative pattern with a high propensity for local recurrence. Proper treatment is wide local excision.


Widespread dissemination of gelfoam particles complicating occlusion of renal circulation.

Embolization of renal circulation by Gelfoam particles in a thirty-two-year-old man with renal carcinoma was followed by retrograde regurgitation of the injected particles upstream, with resultant occlusion of the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery. This was followed by a stormy clinical course, which the patient survived. Several possible explanations are offered for the occurrence of this complication.


Pathologic vascularity of renal angiomyolipoma: cast corrosion and angiographic study.

Angiomyolipomas of the kidney at times have been preoperatively identified by the interlobar or interlobular artery eneurysms in the early vascular phase of renal arteriograms. A case report is presented in which a plastic cast corrosion technique was used postnephrectomy to demonstrate the presence of aneurysms identified angiographically prior to surgery. Portions of a cast corrosion model of a hypernephroma are also exhibited to compare and contrast pathologic vascular features of both types of tumors.


Artifactual urethral stricture in male child.

Artifactual urethral obstruction at the suspensory ligament of the penis may be produced if the penis is left in its normally dependent position during a urethrogram. We present 2 such cases to re-emphasize this phenomenon so that caution is taken in interpreting distal bulbous urethral strictures.


Compliance of the bladder: an attempt to establish normal values.

A study of 100 normal cystometries was undertaken to establish compliance values. The results seem to discourage the practical application of this parameter due to the absence of normal distribution and extreme scatter of values.


Secondary bone tumours in the dog.

During a 2 1/2-year period 209 dogs with 218 malignant tumours were examined for skeletal metastases. There were 77 malignant tumours without visceral or skeletal metastases. Twenty-four (17%) of the 141 tumours with visceral metastases also had skeletal metastases. Ninety-eight of these tumours were of epithelial origin, and of these 21 (21.4%) had skeletal metastases. In 14 dogs, more than one bone had a metastatic tumour. The humerus, femur and vertebral column were most frequently involved. The lung was the most frequent site of metastatic tumours; then, in order, the liver, kidney and skeleton. The incidence of primary and secondary bone tumours was similar. Metastatic bone disease in the dog is far more common than is generally realized.


Intraocular melanoma in a horse.

Sudden unilateral blindness occurred in a 7-year-old grey gelding Quarterhorse. Ophthalmoscopy revealed a pigmented mass arising from the nasal ciliary body of the right eye and extending around the posterior surface of the lens, and there were pigmented particles in the vitreous. Examination of the enucleated globe showed a circumscribed, black, dense and symmetrically ovoid mass with sessile attachment to the nasal ciliary region and extension to posterior lens capsule, vitreous and along the vitreal face of the detached retina to the optic papilla. The mass was composed of heavily pigmented, plump, polyhedral cells that invaded the vitreous and the inner limiting membrane of peripapillary retina and optic papilla. It was considered to be a primary, malignant, intraocular melanoma arising from a large uveal nevus.


Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas in a cat.

A feline pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma studied by light and electron microscopy was characterized by three growth patterns: acinar formation, colloid production and sheets of neoplastic cells. Ultrastructurally, the acinar origin of the tumor was determined by the presence of zymogen granules, some of which contained and released microfibrillar material.


Spontaneous aortic atherosclerosis in sheep.

Aortas of 334 sheep 6 months to 6 years old were stained with Sudan IV. Sudanophilic lesions resembling early fatty streaks of man were detected in 50% of these aortas. Metastatic calcification was seen in eight (2.3%) aortas.


The pregnant Syrian hamster as a model to study intravascular trophoblasts and associated maternal blood vessel changes.

In pregnant Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) used as an animal model for studying the migration of fetal trophoblasts and the associated changes in maternal blood vessels, intravascular trophoblasts migrated well beyond the blood vessels of the uterus and into the vessels of the mesometrium. They migrated beyond the decidua of the uterus, into the lumina of maternal uterine and mesometrial arteries, but not into veins. The arterial changes, which were often segmental, resembled those seen in the decidua and consisted of a replacement of normal smooth muscle cells by poorly differentiated stromal cells. Ultrastructurally, the trophoblasts were either above or below maternal endothelial cells. They occurred also as single or multiple layers within the lumina of arteries that lacked an endothelial lining. Apparent penetration of the elastic membrane by the fetal trophoblasts brought them into close apposition to maternal cells in the arterial wall. Histochemical studies showed heightened metabolic activity of the intravascular trophoblasts as suggested by strong histochemical reactions to nonspecific esterase, succinic dehydrogenase and the glycerophosphate dehydrogenase reactions. Thus, these metabolically active fetal trophoblasts actively migrate into the maternal arterial system, resulting in loss of endothelial cells and changes in the wall of the maternal arteries similar to those in the decidua at the uteroplacental junction.


Studies on the pathogenesis of swine dysentery. II. Search for a cytotoxin in spirochetal broth cultures and colon content.

Broth cultures of Treponema hyodysenteriae and colonic content from pigs with swine dysentery were tested for cytotoxicity in cell cultures, erythrocyte suspensions and in ligated segments of pig colon. Live cells of T. hyodysenteriae attached to the surface of cells in all cultures tested but did not penetrate them nor cause morphologic change detectable by light microscopy. Only live T. hyodysenteriae caused erythrolysis. Broth cultures or colonic content sterilized by filtration or by disruption with ultrasound had no visible effect on the cell cultures, erythrocyte suspensions or the mucosa of ligated colonic segments.


Mesotheliomas and proliferative lesions of the testicular mesothelium produced in Fischer, Sprague-Dawley and Buffalo rats by methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine (DMN-OAc).

A single intraperitoneal dose of methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine (13 mg/kg body weight) given to 78 5-week-old male rats induced 25 mesotheliomas; two mesotheliomas were found in 67 control rats. All mesotheliomas arose from the peritesticular mesothelium and had a typical microscopic appearance of branching papillary fronds with a collagenous core covered by one or many layers of plump tumor cells. Cytoplasm of tumor cells contained material that reacted positively to a colloidal iron stain and was labile to hyaluronidase. In addition to frank mesotheliomas, 16 lesions, which we called atypical mesothelial proliferations, were found. These consisted of a single focus of plump mesothelial cells overlying an area of thick stroma. Often these foci included short, non-branched papillary projections above the surface of adjacent normal mesothelium. Twelve of the 16 lesions occurred in methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine-treated rats.


Mycotoxicosis produced in swine by cultural products of an isolate of Aspergillus ochraceus. I. Clinical observations and pathology.

Pigs fed a ration, 25% of which was rice culture, of Aspergillus ochraceus lost weight or failed to gain and became depressed. Some pigs died and most developed subcutaneous edema, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum, pulmonary atelectasis, edema of the mesentery and perirenal edema. Microscopic lesions in addition to edema were primarily renal and consisted of tubular degeneration and necrosis, hyaline tubular casts, interstitial fibrosis and tubular cell regeneration. The first change found after 3 days was cytoplasmic vacuolation of the convoluted and straight segments of the proximal tubules. Necrotic proximal tubules were found after 4 days and after 9 days degeneration and necrosis involved predominantly proximal tubular segments. Pigs fed a ration, 12.5% of which was rice culture, for 8 weeks did not develop perirenal edema but had firm kidneys. Extensive interstitial fibrosis of the cortical labyrinth was the principal change. Within the fibrous connective tissue, some tubules were necrotic and others were atrophied.