Occlusive coronary thrombosis and oral anticoagulants.

The results of post-mortem examination in 173 patients followed over an average period of five and a half years after their initial myocardial infarction are described. These 173 patients were divided into four groups according to whether or not they had received an oral anticoagulant and if so how adequately. An index of coronary and myocardial lesions was established for each heart. Recent occlusive coronary and myocardial lesions was established for each heart. Recent occlusive coronary thromboses were four times less frequent in the group of patients who had received adequate anticoagulant therapy than in the other three groups of patients (p less than 0,001). There was no significant difference between the inadequately treated groups and the untreated group. The recurrences of myocardial infarction were associated in 90 per cent of the cases with a recent occlusive thrombosis in the corresponding coronary artery and were found four times less frequently in the group subjected to effective long-term anticoagulant therapy (p less than 0,001).


Is the antithrombotic activity of "antiplatelet" drugs based on protection of endothelium?

In only five "antiplatelet" agents has the antithrombotic activity been confirmed both clinically and experimentally. These include acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamole, clofibrate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfinpyrazone. Whereas only acetylsalicylic acid has a demonstrable effect on platelet aggregation in doses usually applied, the effects of all remaining drugs are more easily explained by their influence on the vessel wall. This assumption is supported by the finding that all five drugs possess a stabilizing effect on endothelium in doses corresponding closely to the clinical dose range. The method based on counting detached endothelial cells in blood after a standard stimulus was used to demonstrate this effect.


The shape of the fibrinogen molecule: sausage or banana?

The experimental results and the interpretation of small angle X-ray scattering measurements by the author and Hammel (1975) and of small angle neutron scattering measurements by Marguerie and Stuhrmann (1976) on dilute solutions of bovine fibrinogen are compared. The potential of both methods to discern straight and bent cylindrical structures is demonstrated. The study arrives at the conclusion that the question whether the fibrinogen molecule resembles more a banana or a straight sausage cannot be safely decided by the available data. This justifies the previous suggestion of the author to imagine the fibrinogen molecule as a swollen sausage 450 A long and 90 A thick with conceivable flexibility, a molecular model of sufficient universality to include the banana-shaped model of Marguerie and Stuhrmann (1976) as a special case.


Fibrinogen: agreement of experimental and calculated hydrodynamic data with electron-microscopic models.

There is no general agreement on the size and shape of the fibrinogen molecule. We have studied the diffusion of the fibrinogen in solution by means of dynamic light scattering, nanosecond fluorescence depolarization and analytical ultracentrifugation. The results obtained under physiological concentration, pH an ionic strength are DT = 2.0 X 10(7) cm2sec-1, DR perpendicular = 40'000 sec 1. Nanosecond fluorescence depolarization yielded DR parallel = 1.6 x 10(6) sec-1. Tentatively this value is interpreted as DR parallel, namely rotational diffusion about the major axis of the molecule. The sedimentation coefficient is 8.1 S. The hydrodynamic parameters derived from our measurements were compared with those calculated on the basis of the models proposed by Hall and Slayter, Hudry-Clergeon and Marguerie et al., Bachmann and Lederer, and Köppel. The agreement is poor even if the degree of hydration is varied within wide limits. However, satisfactory agreement can be achieved by assuming a flexible molecule of about 900 A length corresponding to two end-to-end bound trinodular structures of the Hall and Slayter type, with a nodule diameter of about 45 A. Experimental evidence indicates that the discrepancies between the different models might be due to different techniques of sample preparation leading to different conformations of the molecule.


Separation of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) by means of adsorption to insolubilized fibrinmonomer (FM-ag).

The phenomenon of complex formation between fibrinmonomer and fibrinogen degradation products was investigated by means of adsorption of FDP to insolubilized thrombin-modified fibrinogen (FM-ag). Since it could be demonstrated that there are different adsorption characteristics for early FDP and late FDP, the possibility of separation of FDP by means of affinity chromatography on FM-ag columns was evaluated using plasmic digests of 3H-Ac-labelled fibrinogen. The identification of FDP was performed by disc-electrophoresis. The results indicate that the adsorption of early FDP is comparable to the behaviour of fibrinogen, whereas late FDP show essential difference in the affinity towards FM-ag, evident by the result that fragment E adsorbs only to a minimal extents. Fragments D and E derived from fibrinogen as well as from non-crosslinked fibrin, revealed identical adsorption characteristics. Under specified conditions the procedure is suitable as a preparative method for the separation of fragments D and E.


Adsorption of fibrinogen and fragment D of fibrinogen onto the insolubilized alpha-chain of fibrin.

After thrombin treatment insolubilized fibrinmonomer, which is obtained from insolubilized fibrinogen covalently bound to agarose, adsorbs soluble fibrin and its derivatives from solutions. The immobilized proteins are attached to the agarose by the 'A' alpha-chain. After reduction of the disulfide bridges the beta- and gamma-chains can be removed from the agarose. After thrombin treatment the immobilized alpha-chain adsorbs fibrinogen and fragment D. To some extent the beta- and gamma-chain do not seem necessary for the adsorption. The amount adsorbed increases, when thrombin treatment of the insolubilized protein follows the reduction process. This may indicate that the fibrinopeptides 'A' of the insolubilized alpha-chain are better accessible after the removal of the beta- and gamma-chains.


A thiocholine ester of cinnamic acid inhibits crosslinking of fibrin without specific binding to donor lysines.

In the presence of activated factor XIII, 2-diethylbenzyl-aminoethylthiol-14C-transcinnamate bromide completely inhibited the crosslinking of fibrin. However, all three fibrin chains bound the cinnamic acid, and, in the alpha- and gamma-chains, the binding of label was not restricted to the crosslinking donor sites as might be expected. Furthermore, even in the absence of activated factor XIII, fibrinogen and fibrin incorporated cinnamic acid. Thus, as well as reacting with the functional thiol group of factor XIII, the thiocholine ester of cinnamic acid is incorporated non-specifically throughout the fibrinogen and fibrin subunit chains. The thiocholine ester used differs in this respect from dansyl cadaverine which is incorporated enzymatically and exclusively to the (acceptor) sites involved in crosslinking. Thiocholine ester of cinnamic acid cannot be used as a label for localization of specific crosslinking donor sites.


Fibrinogen Zurich I: impaired release of fibrinopeptide A.

Fibrinogen Zurich I is characterized by an abnormal fibrin monomer polymerization. It consists of two fractions of molecules, one with a normal aggregation and one not aggregating at all and interfering with the aggregation of the normal population. Using a radioimmunoassay for fibrinopeptide A, only approximately half of the expected fibrinopeptide A could be recovered after thrombin or Defibrase proteolysis. The defective fibrinopeptide A release could be confirmed by measurement of the N-terminal Gly/Tyr ratio. It is likely that the abnormal fibrin monomer aggregation of the abnormal fraction of fibrinogen Zurich I is due to the defective fibrinopeptide A release of this fraction.


Separation of plasminogen activators from human plasma and a comparison with activators from human uterine tissue and urine.

Normal human plasma contains acid-stable as well as labile plasminogen activators. The activity of activators in plasma euglobulins was inhibited by EACA in an uniform pattern, similar to that obtained with the major activators in human uterine tissue or with the purified porcine tissue activator, but different from the patterns obtained with plasmin or with urokinase. Gel filtration at high ionic strength separated activators corresponding to particle sizes of 60,000 dalton and about 10,000 dalton, corresponding to two activators similarly obtained from human tissue. The 60,000 dalton activator was precipitated in the euglobulin fraction. Its concentration increased in plasma after exercise. The 10,000 dalton activator was found mainly in the supernatant. Gel filtration in 0.15 M solutions yielded activators in fractions of molecular sizes of 100-140,000 dalton and 200,000 dalton or larger. The activity of normal and exercise euglobulins was inhibited by antiserum to a plasminogen activator prepared from porcine tissue, but it was not inhibited by antiserum to urokinase. Plasminogen activators in human plasma euglobulins resembled immunochemically the activators in human uterine tissue.


Influence of moderate and strenuous daily physical activity on fibrinolytic activity of blood: possibility of plasminogen activator stores depletion.

Fibrinolysis was studied in 10 alpinists during regular physical activity of different intensity. Blood was sampled at rest and after exposure to submaximal workload on the treadmill on three occasions: before and after 6 months physical conditioning (moderate physical activity), and after 6 weeks of an alpinistic expedition (strenuous physical activity). Measurements included submaximal working capacity, fibrinogen, euglobulin clot lysis time (ELT), whole plasma clot lysis time, and estimations derived from ELT--percent increase in fibrinolytic activity after exercise (RFS), and absolute increase in fibrinolytic activity after exercise (PAR). Regular moderate activity increased the resting level of ELT, but strenuous activity decreased is. After each treadmill testing, a marked increase in fibrinolytic activity was observed. RFS was unaltered at all three testings. PAR increased after moderate activity, but decreased after strenuous activity. The results indicate that regular physical activity can lead from enhanced to decreased resting activity of plasminogen activator in blood. It is presumed that increased release of activator during prolonged stress causes partial depletion of endothelial stores with the consequence of decreased activator activity in the blood.


Factor XII-dependent fibrinolysis: a double function of plasma kallikrein and the occurrence of a previously undescribed factor XII- and kallikrein-dependent plasminogen proactivator.

Fibrinolytic studies in euglobulin fractions of Fletcher trait plasma (deficient in prekallikrein) revealed reduced activities as compared to normal plasma. A quantitative assay for total plasminogen activator plus proactivator in plasma showed that the amount in Fletcher trait patients is about half of normal (normal = +/- 100 blood activator units [BAU]/ml). Plasma kallikrein partially purified in a high and low molecular weight form exerted plasminogen activator activity amounting to 10-15 BAU/ml plasma. So, the absence of kallikrein in the deficient plasma cannot fully account for the reduction in activator activity. Additions of kallikrein preparations or normal plasma fractions resulted in additional activator activity in Fletcher trait plasma which was assessed at 30-40 BAU/ml. This activity was assumed to originate from a previously undescribed plasminogen proactivator whose activation is kallikrein- and factor XII-dependent. Fractionation experiments demonstrated the presence of two major activities and a minor activity caused by kallikrein in normal plasma. It is concluded that plasma kallikrein has two functions in the generation of factor XII-dependent fibrinolytic activity: one as a direct plasminogen activator and another as a factor in the activation of a major factor XII-dependent plasminogen proactivator.


Ionophoretic activities of phospholipids on human platelets.

The effects of phospholipids on calcium uptake by human platelets were investigated utilizing 45CaCl2. Among the phospholipids tested, cardiolipin and phosphatidic acid exerted a significant increase of calcium uptake by platelets. Calcium uptake was dependent upon cardiolipin concentration and incubation time. These phospholipids enhanced platelet aggregation induced by ADP (2 microM) or epinephrine (0.5 microgram/ml). Cardiolipin caused the significant release of serotonin from platelets in the absence of externally added calcium in the medium. These results may suggest that phospholipids activate platelets through their ionophoretic activities.


Abnormalities of platelet adenine nucleotides in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

Platelet aggregation and adenine nucleotides in platelets have been studied in thirteen patients with myeloproliferative disorders. ADP induced aggregation was abnormal in two patients, but collagen induced aggregation was impaired in 11 patients. The concentrations of ATP and ADP in resting platelets in the patients with abnormal aggregation were significantly less than those in normal subjects. Marked reduction of the amounts of both nucleotides released into plasma was also observed after stimulation of collagen in these patients. Platelets in the patients with normal functions contained almost normal amounts of adenine nucleotides. We discussed the relationship between platelet dysfunction and adenine nucleotides in platelets of myeloproliferative disorders and concluded that platelet dysfunction was mainly attributable to reduction of releasable ADP.


Immunohistochemical and histochemical investigations on in vivo thrombolysis with urokinase in rabbits.

Using human urokinase in vivo thrombolysis was studied in autologous artificial thrombi in the pulmonary circulation of rabbits by immunofluorescence and Todd's fibrinolysis autography techniques. As compared to the control thrombi of the untreated rabbits, a small increase of thrombolysis was found in the rabbits treated with urokinase. Urokinase fluorescence was observed in the leukocytes, but not along the fibrin fibrils in the thrombi of the rabbits treated with urokinase. By Todd's fibrinolysis autography, lytic areas were observed around aggregated leukocytes in the thrombi of the rabbits treated with urokinase. The small lysis of autologous artificial thrombi of rabbits by human urokinase may be caused by (1) low affinity of human urokinase for rabbit plasminogen, (2) weak adsorption of human urokinase to rabbit fibrin, (3) phagocytosis of human urokinase by leukocytes and (4) high level of antifibrinolytic activity of rabbit plasma.


A case report of the immunodysplasia syndrome and heavy chain disease associated with subacute bacterial endocarditis.

A 36-year-old man was admitted to Saitama Medical School Hospital, because of a remittent fever which had continued for approximately 6 months, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. He had direct Coombs' test positive auto-immune hemolytic anemia associted with subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). The lymphnode demonstrated focal diffuse proliferation of immunoblasts and arborizing vessels with a few small germinal centers, which resembled histological features of the immunoblastic lymphadenopathy. The immunochemical analysis revealed the presence of free IgG Fc fragments in serum. From the above results the patient was diagnosed as immunodysplasia syndrome (IDS) and heavy chain disease (HCD) associated with SBE. It was suggested that the chronic antigenic stimulation due to SBE might have some role in the mechanism of the development of the IDS and HCD in our patient.


Chronic hypernatremia associated with holoprosencephaly.

Two patients ( 1 7/12-year-old and 1 11/12-year-old girls) with chronic hypernatremia were studied. Neuroradiological findings and mildine facial defects  showed characteristic features of holoprosencephaly. Water deprivation tests showed clear evidence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion. The responses to hypertonic saline infusion and acute water loading were abnormal. In one case, the impaired osmotic regulation of ADH secretion was demonstrated by measuring urinary ADH by a radioimmunoassay. In this case, the volume regulation of ADH secretion seemed to be also incomplete since chronic water loading for a period of six days induced water retension.


Effect of aminophylline on regional perfusion distribution in the lungs.

Using ten normal dogs, the right upper lobe of the lung was isolated in vivo by a balloon catheter and was artificially ventilated with nitrogen, air, 60% oxygen in nitrogen, and 60% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide in nitrogen, while the rest of the lungs maintained a spontaneous breathing of ambient air. Aminophylline did not show a vasodilating action under severe alveolar hypoxia (PAO2: ca. 40 mmHg); on the contrary, it seemed to potentiate hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. When the regional alveolar oxygen tension became less hypoxic (PAO2: ca. 70 mmHg) or higher than that in the rest of the lungs which spontaneously breathed ambient air, aminophylline showed a definite vasodilating action. Aminophylline also showed a vasodilating action in alveolar hypercapnia in the presence of alveolar hyperoxia.


Effects of pantetheine on cholesteryl ester synthesis in the arterial wall of rats on high cholesterol diet.

Increase of acyl-CoA synthesis was observed when extracts of rat arterial wall were incubated with pantetheine [D-bis-(N-pantothenyl-beta-aminoethyl)-disulfide]. Cholesteryl ester synthesis from palmitate in the arterial wall extract in vitro was higher with arteries from rats on high cholesterol diet than with those from rats on normal diet, but the synthesis was reduced in the arteries of rats on high cholesterol diet with pantetheine. Triglyceride synthesis was higher with arterial wall extracts of rats on high cholesterol diet than with preparations from rats on normal diet and was not reduced with those of rats on high cholesterol diet plus pantetheine. The value of the effects of pantetheine on lipid metabolism in the prevention of atherosclerosis is pointed out.


One case of Burkitt's tumor.

A 15-year-old Japanese female with complaints of abdominal tumor and exophthalmos underwent surgery. Histologically, the tumor showed a starry-sky pattern with the macrophages interspersed among undifferentiated lymphoblastoid cells. Considering the clinical aspects, distribution of tumor deposits, and cytological findings, the tumor was diagnosed as Burkitt's tumor. The patient expired on the 42nd day of hospitalization due to general dissemination.


Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol exchange proteins in rat liver.

The phospholipid exchange proteins in rat liver that stimulate the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol between membranes were separated into three fractions and partially purified by acid pH precipitation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-75, and ionexchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose. Throughout the steps of the purification, both the phosphatidylcholine exchange activity and the phosphatidylinositol exchange activity were measured by a liposome-liposome assay system, which used concanavalin A in the separation of donor and acceptor liposomes. One of the fractions was purified 172-fold and stimulated the phosphatidylcholine exchange but not the phosphatidylinositol exchange. The other two fractions were active in the stimulation of the phosphatidylinositol exchange as well as the phosphatidylcholine exchange and were purified 62-fold and 58-fold over the cell supernatant fraction with respect to the phosphatiylinsitol exchange activity. These two fractions stimulated the transfer of phosphatidylinositol from donor liposomes to acceptor liposomes initially deficient in this phospholipid.


Normal cardiac output in relation to age and body size.

The resting cardiac output was measured in 151 healthy persons (109 males and 42 females) of 4 to 78 years of age by the earpiece dye-dilution method by using an automatic calibration device of dye concentration. Cardiac index had a significantly inverse correlation to age in 105 cases with the age higher than 20 years: r=-0.491 and y=-4.874-0.023x, where y is cardiac index (liters/min/m2) and x is age (years). Stroke index also decreased linearly by aging throughout all ages: r=-0.426 and y=71.0-0.26 x, where x is stroke index (ml/m2) and x is age. There is no significant difference between males and females. A significant difference was found between the young group below 14 years of age and the other group older than 15 years when cardiac output was correlated to body sizes such as height, weight and surface area. The former which is corresponding to the growth age showed significantly higher cardiac output than the latter. From these results, age-matched normal predicted values were presented. It is suggested that the measured cardiac index and stroke index should be taken as abnormal if those values deviate from the normal value by 30% or more.


Nasopharyngeal malignant lymphoma: clinico-pathologic studies.

Forty-eight cases of malignant lymphoma in the nasopharyngeal regions collected from the file of the Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Hospital, over 10 years period were reviewed from the clinico-pathologic standpoint. Males outnumbered females in a ratio of 3.3 to 1. The age distribution ranged from 13 to 83 years, and the mean age was 51 years. A nasopharyngeal malignant lymphoma without lymph node involvement seemed to be a highly curable tumor by irradiation, showing 10 out of 12 survived 5 years or more. On the contrary, almost all the patients with an involvement of the cervical lymph nodes revealed early recurrences and short survivals. No cases of well-differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease were found in the series of the present study.


The effect of non-narcotic analgesic, tramadol, on cardiac contractility in dog.

The effect of a non-narcotic analgesic, tramadol, 5 mg/kg i.v. on cardiac contractility was studied in intact dog. The maximal intrinsic velocity of contraction of the ventricle, dP/dt/K P at P=O(Vmax) which is a most sensitive and reliable index of cardiac contractility, was decreased significantly 5 and 10 min after the injection, suggesting that the drug is a mild myocardial depressant at this dose and by this route.


[Direct determination of clonazepam (Rivotril) and 7-amino clonazepam in plasma by gas-chromatography (author's transl)].

A method is developed for direct gas-chromatographic determination of clonazepam (Rivotril) and its main metabolite, 7-amino clonazepam, in plasma, using desmethylflunitrazepam as internal standard. Following selective extraction, the benzodiazepines are analyzed by gas-chromatography, with a glass column filled with 3% OV17 on Gas Chrom Q and 63Ni electron capture detector. The procedure, which requires neither hydrolysis nor derivatisation, has a good selectivity. The sensitivity is 5 ng/ml of plasma for a valid quantitative determination. We have to improve this limit for fine pharmacokinetic studies, but the method is already available for therapeutic and pharmacovigilance controls. It is also suitable for diagnostic of eventual overdosing or poisoning, based on plasma or urine analysis.


[Influence of dental amalgams on the concentration of mercury and silver in biological fluids and hair (author's transl)].

The influence of the extraction and fixing of dental amalgams on the metallic concentrations of different biological samples was studied by atomic absorption spectrometry on a subject. The levels of mercury obviously increased in urine, saliva and slightly in blood, with a maximum on the second or third day after the intervention; on the other hand, in the hair, the increase was very low even at the end of 40 days. The urinary and salivary kinetics of silver were practically similar to the ones of mercury. The determination of silver in these fluids could reveal with more specificity the part of dental amalgams on the increase of the metallic biological concentrations. A study with 25 other subjects carrying amalgams permitted to put in evidence some factors facilitating a slight increase of the mercury contents of the saliva, urine and blood.


[Neurological toxicity of colistine methane sulfonate, about a case (author's transl)].

The authors report a case to call attention on a Neurological Accident happening in a patient with normal renal functions, after administration of a single and strong dose of Colistine. The authors report their case and make a review of the literature on the frequency of these isolated neurological (accidents) and their supposed (pathogenesis).


[A simple and rapid method for blood gas extraction for the measurement of carbon monoxide by infrared spectrometry (author's transl)].

Carbon monoxide is extracted along with other blood gases, in a plexiglass syringe, at room temperature, by vacuum in the presence of phosphoric acid. The gases liberated are transferred to another plexiglass syringe where they are diluted with air. The carbon monoxide content of this gazeous mixture is determined by infrared spectrometry. This simple and rapid extraction procedure provides reliable results and is performed with robust equipment which is easy to clean and maintain.


Comparison of two rapid cortisol radioimmunoassays for use in the fetal sheep.

Cortisol radioimmunoassays (RIA's) utilizing highly specific antisera combined with a simple ethanol protein precipitation procedure (ETOH-PPT) are widely utilized to measure cortisol in human plasma. This same type of RIA has been assumed specific for measurement of cortisol in the plasma of several different species of experimental animals. In order to test this assumption as applied to fetal ovine plasma, we compared an ETOH-PPT cortisol RIA with another rapid cortisol assay which utilizes a dichloromethane extraction (DM-E) step. The DM-E assay in turn was compared with a chromatographic assay previously shown to be highly specific for measurement of fetal plasma cortisol in this species. Fetal ovine plasma cortisol concentrations determined by the DM-E method were nearly identical to the concentrations obtained by the specific chromatographic RIA procedure. On the other hand, the ETOH-PPT RIA grossly overestimated cortisol concentrations when compared with the DM-E RIA. While the rapid DM-E RIA appears to be suitable for use in fetal ovine plasma, the widely used ETOH-PPT RIA yields spuriously high and unpredictable values and must be considered unreliable. These comparisons demonstrate the need for careful reassessment of steroid assays prior to their application in experimental animals even though they have been previously documented as specific in human plasma.


Hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in neonatal guinea pig.

Optimal assay conditions for hepatic HMG-CoA reducatase activity and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in the guinea pig were determined. These two enzyme activities were studied in the liver of newborn guinea pigs during the first three postnatal weeks. Hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity of neonatal guinea pigs was similar to that of adult animals. However, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity of newborns was about one-third of that in adult guinea pigs. This finding suggests that the system for bile acid synthesis in the neonatal guinea pigs is underdeveloped.


Isolation and partial synthesis of a new metabolite of medroxyrogesterone acetate.

3 alpha-Hydroxy-17-acetoxy-6 alpha-methyl-5 beta-pregnan-20-one (IIIa) has been isolated from urine of patients receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). It was characterized by partial synthesis from MPA by catalytic reduction with palladium-charcoal to 17-acetoxy-6 alpha-methyl-5 beta-pregnan-3,20-dione (IV) and reduction of the latter with sodium borohydride. The isolation of 6 beta, 17,21-trihydroxy-6 alpha-methyl-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (IIc) is reported for the first time. The 17- and 21-monoacetates of this compound have been isolated and characterized earlier by other investigators. 7 alpha-3H-Medroxyprogesterone acetate was administered to 4 subjects by intravenous and intramuscular injections and by mouth. The ring A saturated metabolite IIIa was excreted in 0.1% to 4.0% of the administered dose; the highest excretion was after the intravenous dose and lowest after oral ingestion. 6 beta, 17,21-Trihydroxy-6 alpha-methylpregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (IIc) and its 17- and 21-monoacetates were excreted in about 5% of the doses in all subjects. No increase in 6 beta-hydroxylation was observed in the patient treated with o,p'-DDD,2,2-bis(2-chlorophenyl, 4'-chlorophenyl)-l,1-dichloroethane.


Bile acid sulfates in serum bile acids determination.

Some bile acid sulfates were synthesized and characterized. The configuration of sulfate groups at C-3, C-7 and C-12 positions was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis. These sulfates were utilized in a study of their chemical behaviour in different analytical procedures currently used for serum bile acids determination. Procedures for bile acids extraction from serum with ethanol or Amberlite XAD-2 result in an important loss of the most polar sulfated bile acids. Complete separation of unsulfated from sulfated bile acids on Sephadex LH-20 is not achieved when deconjugation of the most polar bile acid sulfate is slow but does not produce artifacts. Enzymatic determination of bile acids gives positive response with some bile acid sulfates. The current procedures of serum bile acids determination are discussed in consideration of these results.


The binding of sterol sulfates to hamster spermatozoa.

Spermatozoa obtained from the cauda epididymidis possess twice the ability to take up sterol sulfates in vitro when compared to sermatozoa obtained from the caput. This would suggest that a modification of the membrane composition of the spermatozoa occurs during passage through the epididymis. Free sterols are taken up in a similar pattern. Radioautographic studies reveal that, for sterol sulfates, this uptake occurs selectively in the regions of the head and mid-piece of the spermatozoa whereas the free sterols are distributed evenly throughout the length of the spermatozoa. The binding of sterol sulfates to spermatozoa appears to involve sites that are unsaturable. The possibility exists that sterol sulfates, previously implicated in membrane stabilization, may play a similar role in spermatozoa.


Evaluating acceptance strategies for timing of postpartum contraception.

What is the best time after childbirth to accept contraception? The problem is to reduce overlap with postpartum anovulation, during which contraception is redundant, but simultaneously to reduce the proportion of women conceiving before contraception is inaugurated. Efficiencies of three classes of acceptance strategies at resolving this dilemma are investigated. Particular attention is paid to the postpartum acceptance rule because of its special administrative advantages. Its efficiency relative to those of other rules is found to be enhanced by conditions of short postpartum anovulation, a high proportion of ovulatory rather than anovulatory first menstrual cycles, a high level of natural fecundability, and, especially, a high level of contraceptive continuation.


Survey of abortion providers in Seoul, Korea.

A survey of abortion providers in Seoul in late 1977 reveals a threefold increase in the rate of abortion and a greater than threefold rise in the ratio of abortions to live births since 1970. The survey findings also show that the overwhelming proportion of these abortions are performed in private clinics, by obstetrician-gynecologists, during the first trimester. The Seoul figures, which are similar to those of Romania and are higher than those of Japan in the early 1960s, indicate that abortion has contributed substantially to Korea's reduced fertility.


Past and current contraceptive use in Pakistan.

Despite a vigorous national family planning program and such innovations as the Continuous Motivation System, there has been little change in contraceptive use in Pakistan in recent years. Data from the 1968-69 National Impact Survey and the 1975 World Fertility Survey for Pakistan show that, while use rates increased by a small amount in urban areas, the rates in rural areas seem to have declined. Even in urban areas contraceptive use is low in comparison with other developing countries that began family planning programs around the same time. Although this is probably due to differences in economic development, further investigation of program structure and inputs is recommended.


Suicide in pregnancy: the Hedda Gabler syndrome.

A review of forty-seven suicides in women of child-bearing age revealed that two women were pregnant, two were within the first year post-partum and two falsely believed themselves pregnant. The search revealed two additional pregnancy-associated suicides which had not been reported as suicide. Previous studies asserting that pregnancy protects against suicide would seem to be challenged by these data. Pregnancy-related suicides are similar to each other and to the literary suicide of Hedda Gabler and fit into a continuum of pregnancy-related disorders.


Dependent children and suicide of married parents.

In an attempt to analyze the relatively neglected relationship between the presence of dependent children and suicide of married parents, the suicides of both married and single persons in the Chicago-Cook County region for 1970 and 1974 were examined. Single suicides and married suicides with dependent children were compared to similar groups in the general population. It was found that while marrieds with dependent children experienced the lowest average suicide rate, they also had a larger mean number of children than the population as a whole and exhibited a tendency for having children at a very young age or children at an older age in life. These findings contradict contemporary notions that an increasing number of children in a marriage tend to inhibit suicide potential. It appears that the relationship between marital suicide and dependent children is far more complex than previously indicated and requires further research for elaboration.


Some sociopsychological factors in attempted suicide among urban black males.

This study tests three hypotheses relating to suicidal behavior among urban black males: that black consciousness and group cohesiveness will be lower and depression will be higher. Inner-city, young adult black males with a suicide attempt in the last 6 months, and matched controls were examined. Hypothesis was one supported; the other two received partial support. The validity of the theory of black self-hatred as the basic cause of suicidal behavior among blacks is questioned. Atwo-factor theory of suicide, focusing on forces moving the person away from suicide toward positive subgroup ties, is proposed.


Cognitive aspects of suicidal behavior.

Recent efforts to quantify various aspects of suicide ideation are described. The Suicide Intent Scale, Hopelessness Scale, and the Scale for Suicide Ideation all assess components of the individual's suicidal ruminations. Hopelessness seems to account for the bulk of the relationship between depression and suicidal intent. The Scale for Suicide Ideation seems to show promise as a predictive instrument, as a dependent variable in research on treatment efficacy, and as a tool for clinical assessment of suicide potential. Implications for further research and clinical practice are discussed.


Chronic callers to a suicide prevention center.

Records of 67 chronic callers to the Cleveland Suicide Prevention Centers over the past 9 years are reviewed. Of this group, 51% were diagnosed as drug or alcohol dependent. It was also noted that 4 of the 67 were known to have committed suicide and that another 37 (55%) had made suicide attempts. A surprising finding was that 47% of the group was eventually referred to an ongoing treatment resource. Agency strategies for dealing with the chronic caller are discussed.


Peripheral nerve allografts. I. Distinctive histological features of nerve degeneration and immunological rejection.

Sequential sections were prepared from isografted or allografted sciatic nerves in adult female DBA/2 mice and were compared with the wallerian degeneration in the same inbred strain. Transverse sections were studied by qualitative and quantitative histology. Rejection was manifested by an important infiltration of mononuclear cells, including large pyroninophilic cells, around the grafted nerve, followed by the appearance of irregular infiltrates around the neovessels within the nerve. In parallel, the number of endoneural nuclei increased less rapidly in allografts than in isografts up to day 15 and diminished thereafter, in association with a possible reduction of neural vascularisation.


Specific destruction of human endothelial cell monolayers by anti-DRw antisera.

Human endothelial cells were separated by collagenase digestion from the umbilical vein of newborns. The cytotoxic effect of antisera against HLA-DRw antigens was tested on monolayers of endothelial cells, using a 51Cr retention microcytotoxicity assay in the presence of rabbit complement. Of the endothelial monolayers tested, significant concordance between the typing results obtained using cord blood-derived B lymphocytes and endothelial cell monolayers was observed. A rabbit anti-human polyspecific B cell antiserum was also capable of completely lysing the endothelial monolayers tested. In addition, 51Cr-labelled dissociated endothelial cells were lysed by nonimmune peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of DRw antisera having a specificity for the target endothelium.


Pharmacological protection of rabbit kidneys from normothermic ischemia.

This study investigated the influence of the administration of pharmacological agents on the recovery of rabbit kidneys from the effects of 1 hr of situ normothermic ischemia, utilizing acute and chronic models. The agents tested included the diuretics mannitol and furosemide, the vasoactive agents phenoxybenzamine, propranolol, and dopamine, and the membrane stabilizers chlorpromazine and methylprednisolone. A beneficial effect was detected only with the diuretic agents and propranolol when given prior to the ischemic insult.


Activity of syngeneic complement for revealing antibody-induced cytotoxicity against a rat hepatoma.

The cytotoxicity of tumour-bearer serum against a transplanted aminoazodye-induced rat hepatoma was revealed using normal rat serum as the source of complement as assessed using a short-term 51Cr release test. The tumour-bearing rat was not deficient in a functional complement system and direct cytolysis against hepatoma cells was demonstrated following admixture of tumour cells and serum with no additional complement. No tumour growth was observed in animals receiving subcutaneous transfer of cells treated with tumour-bearer serum, although when heat-inactivated (56 C for 60 min) or normal sera were used, there was no modification of tumour development. The present findings indicate that the tumour-bearing animal contains both antibodies and complement sufficient for tumour lysis, although the full contribution of serum-mediated cytotoxicity in imposing immunological constraints upon tumour growth remains to be elucidated.


Action of complement in the lysis of mouse sarcoma cells sensitized with H-2 alloantibody.

A modified cytotoxicity assay was adapted from classical erythrocytolytic assays, in which complement components were added in sequence to antibody-sensitized cells. This assay was applied to a model system in which mouse sarcoma cells were sensitized with H-2 alloantibody. The stepwise presentation of complement components combined with the stabilization of C2 by iodine treatment considerably augmented the lytic efficiency of human complement. More generally, the techniques adopted for this study provide a new model for obtaining basic information about selective reaction steps concerned in lysis of nucleated cells by alloantibody and complement. Comparisons of the lysis of sheep erythrocytes by xenoantibody with the lysis of mouse sarcoma cells by H-2 alloantibody, in our assay system with oxidized or untreated human complement, disclosed a difference in the kinetics of C142 formation, manifest in a lag phase and a protracted tmax for the sarcoma cells. These data may suggest that multiple complement-mediated functional lesions are necessary for immune lysis of nucleated cells.


Platelet transfusion tolerization by liver membrane treatment.

A nontoxic murine model has been developed in which sensitization to allogeneic platelet transfusions in adults can be prevented. This model is based upon allogeneic liver membrane (LM) induction of specific humoral tolerance to major histocompatibility alloantigens. In normal mice of the C3H background, syngeneic and H-2-incompatible congeneic platelets had a t1/2 = 15 +/- 3 hr; for mice of the C57BL background, the comparable t1/2 was 33 +/- 6 hr. Platelets of C3H background transfused into C57BL background recipients, and vice versa, had t1/22 midway between, 24 +/- 3 and 24 +/- 2 hr, respectively. These data suggest genetically determined variation in normal platelet survival. In passively immunized C3H background mice, the t1/2 was decreased to 10 +/- 2 hr. In C57BL background mice actively immunized i.p. with allogeneic lymphoid cells, t1/2 was decreased to 18 +/- 4 hr. When allogeneic LM was given concomitantly with the allogeneic cells, however, sensitization to foreign H-2 antigens was blocked, and survival of both C3H and C57BL background allogeneic platelets remained normal. These data demonstrate that in this free cell allograft system LM treatment is a safe and effective method for preventing adult sensitization to allogeneic platelets.


Mass control of ascariasis with single oral doses of levamisole. A controlled comparison in 3,056 subjects between three incomplete population coverages.

Ninety-, 60-, and 40-percent population coverages with levamisole 2.5 mg/kg of body weight were compared for their effects on Ascaris lumbricoides, ancylostoma, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura infections. They were shown to be effective in maintaining a reduced prevalence of A. lumbricoides in the treated subjects for 9, 6, and 3 months, respectively. Nine months after treatment, the prevalence of ascariasis was still lower than before treatment both in the levamisole and in the control subjects, regardless of the population coverage. This was probably because the egg output had been reduced. It is concluded that mass treatment with single oral doses of levamisole repeated at 3-month intervals might help control ascariasis, and that population coverages between 60 and 90% might be appropriate. No clear-cut effects against hookworms could be shown, possibly because the first follow-up examinations were performed three months after treatment. No changes in the prevalence of S. stercoralis and T. trichiura could be demonstrated. There were no adverse exp


Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughter pigs in India.

A serological and cultural investigation on the occurrence of T. gondii amongst slaughter pigs in north India has been carried out. Toxoplasma antibodies were found in the sera of 31.5% of the 178 pigs examined by the indirect haemagglutination test. Seropositivity at titres of 1:128 or more was shown by 11.8% of the animals. Isolation by mouse passage was successful in one out of the 26 tissue samples from 17 pigs. This is the first isolation of T. gondii from pigs in this country.


Dengue hemorrhagic shock in the western hemisphere.

A 39-year-old man after visiting an endemic dengue area during a local outbreak developed a febrile illness complicated by skin petechiae, bleeding, shock, hemoconcentration, and death. The presumptive diagnosis of dengue was made based on hemagglutination inhibition and complement fixation titers in a single sample. The serologic evidence and ancillary laboratory findings are compatible with a secondary antibody response.


Oesophagostomiasis in man.

A case of oesophagostomiasis in an 8-years-old Africa girl is reported. The patient presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Examination revealed multiple abdominal masses most of which were resected. The difficulties in differential diagnosis are discussed especially with reference to the need for increased awareness of this disease. The extant world literature on this subject is tabulated.


Rehabilitation of xeropthalmic children. A follow-up study in southern India.

Two hundred and seventy-five children were admitted to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), Madurai in 1975; 213 had xeropthalmia and 62 showed no eye signs. All were malnourished, the largest single group being less than half their expected weight for age. A follow-up study was made both by means of recall to the NRC and by means of house visits to children of Madurai town. Less than half the total, but 55% of town children were found. The distribution of eye signs on admission in those who were later followed-up, corresponded with that in the total. Weight improved while at the NRC and also after return home. All existing cases of corneal xerosis healed but conjunctival xerosis remained in some. Major corneal damage through ulceration, keratomalacia and scars was present in 94 children at admission, 34 of these were followed-up. Four were blind and five had severely limited vision in both eyes, but useful vision was present in one or both eyes of the other 25 (73%) children. For example, of 15 children found blind in one eye, 13 had good vision in their other. The mortality among xerophthalmic children children while at the NRC was 6.6%, and among those visited later at home was 20%. Almost all mothers questioned, said they gave their children green vegetables, but apart from this very important precept, few other dietary suggestions were followed.


Factors associated with low birth weight in the population of Dar es Slaaam, Tanzania.

Factors associated with low birthweight in Dar es Salaam have been evaluated. The incidence of low birthweight is higher among female infants and infants belonging to parents of a low socioeconomic status. Primiparity, short stature of the mother, a multiple pregnancy, "toxaemia" of pregnancy are some of the factors influencing the growth velocity of the foetus leading to an increased indidence of small-for-dates infants. Low maternal age and antepartum haemorrhage mainly affect the duration of gestation and lead to a preponderance of preterm appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. However, in 66% of the mothers with low birthweight infants no associated maternal complication of the pregnancy could be detected.


Pulmonary tuberculosis in childhood. An analysis of 263 cases seen at Ibadan, Nigeria.

The salient features of pulmonary tuberculosis in 263 Nigerian children are presented. Attention is drawn to the little known diagnostic presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy which is often accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis. In the childhood population where early diagnosis of tuberculosis is sometimes difficult and depends mostly on a high index of suspicion, the finding of such a sign is highly significant and useful. Even though phlyctenular kerato-conjunctivitis has been reported to be caused more often by bacterial antigens other than tuberculosis, the experience in this part of the world is that its presence is still almost pathognomonic of tuberculosis. Outpatient ambulatory management though successful was associated with a high default rate. Suggestions are made on ways to reduce this rate.


Prednisolone in the treatment of pneumococcal meningitis.

The results of a steroid on 52 Nigerians (27 males, 25 females, aged 10 to 59 years) with bacteriologically proven pneumococcal meningitis are presented. Twenty-four of the patients were treated with steroids in addition to a standard regime. The clinical features on admission in the two groups were comparable and management other than steroid administration identical. Personality change with impairment of intellect was more frequent and mortality higher in the steroid-treated group although the differences wre not statistically significant. It is concluded that steroids apparently have no beneficial effect and may worsen the prognosis in pneumococcal meningitis.


Haemorrhagic pleural effusion in Nigerians.

Experience with haemorrhagic pleural effusion in Nigerians is described. Sixty three cases selected from 283 cases of pleural effusion over a 15-year period were analysed. Haemorrhagic pleural effusion accounted for 22% of all cases of pleural effusion. Malignant cells were found in haemorrhagic fluid in 21% of cases. The commonest cause of haemorrhagic effusion was neoplasm followed by tuberculosis and trauma. Among neoplasms carcinoma of the bronchus was responsable for about half of such cases.


Colorectal carcinoids in South India.

Twenty cases of colorectal carcinoids are reviewed in this report. Among the South Indian Asiatic, the colorectal carcinoids are apparently more common than appendicular and small intestinal carcinoids. The data obtained in this survey and the experience in America, citing increased incidence of such carcinoids in Negroes, suggest that racial factors are responsible for certain differences. The tendency to involve younger age groups and many cases having aggressive potentialities are other variations encountered in this review. A brief summary of its characteristic histopathology is given.


Intrauterine growth of live-born Tanzanian infants.

The incidence of low birthweight infants, the effect of intrauterine growth retardation on anthropometric measurements, and local standards of intrauterine growth curves for weight, crown-heel length and head circumference together with curves of body measurement ratios of weight/length, weight/head circumference and weight/length x head circumference are presented for the population of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Acomparison is made with a standard composed for a Caucasian community with completely different socio-economic and nutritional status. From 28 to 34 weeks of gestation weight gain in Dar es Salaam foetuses was reduced, while length and head circumference were relatively less affected. However, an increased intrauterine growth velocity was recorded from 34 to 38 weeks of gestation.


Urolithiasis in Sudan. Geographical distribution and the influence of climate.

Urolithiasis is common throughout the Sudan with the exception of the southern region where it is rare. The latter region is cooler and decidedly more moist than the other provinces during the hot months of the year (May-October). In the northern provinces urolithiasis is commoner in areas with lower relative humidity.


Leg ulceration in sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Leg ulceration was found in only 14 of 834 (1.7%) sickle cell patients seen in a Lagos Hospital. Ulcers were seen only in patients above the age of 12 years in whom the prevalence was 5.4%. Affected males outnumbered females 6 to 1. The aetiology was traumatic in 12 patients, spontaneous in three and due to furuncle in one. The commonest sites were around the ankles. Ulceration was not commoner in patients with low socioeconomic status. The simplest forms of aseptic treatment resulted in as variable a healing time as more complex forms of treatment, but a high recurrence rate of ulceration (71.4%) was the major problem. There remains no acceptable reason for the lower prevalence of leg ulceration in Africans with sickle cell disease, but the role of zinc in susceptibility to the ulcers deserves further investigation.


The D-xylose absorption test in different ethnic groups.

Fifty-nine hospital in-patients in England, Saudi Arabia and Zambia had 5-h urinary xylose measured after a 25 g oral load; in 47 of them blood xylose concentration at 90 min. was measured. All of them came from an urban environment and none had significant organic disease. Exactly similar methods were used in each country; the investigator was the same in all of them. Mean xylose excretion was very similar in the English, Asians and Africans. The high incidence of abnormal xylose absorption tests in indigenous populations in tropical countries is due to environmental factors; it does not have a genetic basis.


Plasma insulin and human growth hormone patterns in an African population.

Low fasting blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity have been consistently reported in Africans. To study the role played by insulin and growth hormone (HGH) in the genesis of this state, plasma insulin and HGH levels were measured in 40 healthy fasting Africans. Mean plasma insulin and HGH were 10.7 +/- 1.3 muU/ml and less than 1 muU/ml respectively. These are in the same range reported for Caucasians in the literature. The response of plasma insulin and HGH to a menal was further studied in 80 healthy Africans. While insulin response was brisk and adequate, the HGH response was rather sluggish. The significance of these findings is discussed.


Quantitative aspects of the development of mosquito transmitted Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi and their distribution in Jirds, Meriones unguiculatus.

Twenty-two jirds, Meriones unguiculatus, were exposed to the bites of 2250 females of Aedes aegypti carrying an estimated total of 2464 larvae of Brugia malayi, and 13 jirds were offered for blood feeding to 1450 mosquitoes infected with about 4460 larvae of Brugia pahangi. On necropsy of the jirds, four months after feeding of the mosquitoes, a total of 88 adult filariae of B. malayi and 143 of B. pahangi were recovered in 20 and 13 jirds respectively. The majority of the adult filariae was obtained from the testes (48,9% of B. malayi and 53,2% of B. pahangi), from the heart-lung-system (26,1% and 45,6%), and additional in B. malayi from the tail (19,3%). It can be estimated that 3,6% (3,2%) of all infective larvae of B. malayi (B. pahangi), carried by Aedes aegypti females before feeding, reached maturity in the jird host after they had left the vectors during the blood meal. Microfilariae were found in the peripheral blood in seven of B. malayi infected jirds and in eleven of the jirds infected with B. pahangi.


[A method to detect microfilariae of Dipetalonema witei in the peripheral blood of mastomys natalensis (author's transl)].

A new cheap and time saving procedure is described for the detection of microfilariae of Dipetalonema witei in the peripheral blood of Mastomys natalensis. A special apparatus delivering an ether-air mixture is used to anesthetize the experimental animals for a short period in a very careful way and without side effects. The ether wapour induces a rapid shift of microfilariae within one minute from the lung to the peripheral blood.


[Demonstration of Precipitating antibodies in patients with echinococcosis using a counter immunoelectrophoresis (author's transl)].

A counter immunoelectrophoresis was used for the demonstration of antibodies to echinococci. The antigen was prepared from hydatid fluid obtained from liver cysts of sheep. After concentration the antigenic material contained 1800 to 2900 micrograms of nitrogen per milliliter fluid. One or more precipitating lines were regarded as positive. Serum samples of 184 patients with surgically proven echinococcosis gave positive results in 80,4% of the cases. Among them, patients with hydatid disease of the liver were positive in 83,2% of the cases, and patients with hydatid disease of the lung were positive in 78,6 of the cases. The arithmetric mean of the number of lines was 2,4. Sera of 1182 patients with other diseases (among others diseases of the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tract, allergies, neuro-psychiatric, gynecologic and parasitic diseases) reached in 4,6% of the cases with the formation of precipitating lines. The described test is simple to perform, it can be read after a short period of time and it can be used as a screening test for mass case finding.


Trypanosome infections in domestic animals in Liberia.

In 5 domestic animal species of the Liberian rain forest, investigations were done on the infection rates with trypanosomes of the subgenera Nannomonas, Duttonella and Trypanozoon and on possible reservoir hosts for Trypanosoma (T.) brucei gambiense. Serological screening (indirect fluorescent antibody test) revealed that infection rates with Trypanosoma spp. were in N'Dama cattle 80.4%, in pigs 76.0%, in dogs 48.5%, in goats 35.1% and in sheep 28.1%. In N'Damas, antibodies to T. (N.) congolense and to T. (D.) vivax predominated and were distributed homogeneously; in pigs, antibodies to T. (N.) congolense were found most frequently. In dogs, antibodies to T. (N.) congolense and to T. (T.) b. brucei, and in goats and sheep antibodies to all 3 species were distributed homogeneously. Strong serological reactions (titres greater than 1:320) to T. (T.) b. brucei antigen were found most frequently in pigs (20.0%), in cattle (9.8%) and in dogs (9.5%). As suspicious reservoir hosts for T. (T.) b. gambiense, pigs (117) and dogs (105) were examined parasitologically in order to isolate Trypanozoon stocks for further infraspecific characterization. 56.4% of the pigs (14.5% Trypanozoon, 23.1% mixed Trypanozoon/Nannomonas, 18.8% Nannomonas), and 38.2% of the dogs (2.9% Trypanozoon, 14.3% mixed Trypanozoon/Nannomonas, 21.0% Nannomonas) were found to be infected. The sensitivities of the thick smear, the haematocrit centrifugation technique and the animal inoculation using Mastomys natalensis were described. 32 trypanosome stocks containing Trypanozoon were stabilized.


Ecological studies at Hofuf, Eastern Saudi Arabia, in relation to dermal leishmaniasis.

Field and laboratory investigations were carried out in connection with an epidemic of dermal leishmaniasis in Hofuf, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, during 1977. In this present note emphasis is laid on description of the population dynamics and species spectrum of the sandflies, the occurrence of the vector and the course of the epidemic of Leishmania tropica in correlation with the sandfly population and the natural reservoir and the rodent population.


Inhibition of bovine bone marrow granulocyte/macrophage colony formation in vitro by serum collected from cattle infected with Trypanosoma vivax or Trypanosoma congolense.

Serum collected from cattle infected with Trypanosoma vivax or Trypanosoma congolense inhibited bovine granulocyte/macrophage colony formation in methyl cellulose cultures. Maximum inhibition was caused by serum collected two and three weeks post infection. The degree of inhibition appeared to be related to the degree of parasitemia. Inhibition of erythroid colony formation by serum collected from these animals was not observed.


Evaluation of a new long-acting oxytetracycline formulation against anaplasmosis in colombian cattle.

A long-acting injectable (Terramycin/LA) forulated to contain 200 mg/ml of oxytetracycline was tested and compared to a commercially available oxytetracycline injectable (Emicina) containing 50 mg/ml in the treatments of experimentally induced Anaplasma marginale infection in Colombian cattle. Group 1, consisting of 10 infected calves, served as non-treated controls. Ten infected calves (Group 2) were treated with two doses of Emicina, each at 10 mg/kg, intramuscularly (IM), and another ten infected calves (Group 3) were treated once IM, with 20 mg/kg of Terramycin/LA. All treatments were given during the acute phase of infection after A. marginale parasitemia was demonstrated and when the packed cell volume (PCV) had decreased to 60-64% of normal value. Two treatments with Emicina and one with Terramycin/LA were both effective in moderating the course of A. marginale infection and in preventing serious clinical signs of disease under laboratory conditions.


Pancarditis in Trypanosoma vivax infection in cattle.

In cattle chronically infected with T. vivax Y 58, a mononuclear pancarditis with extravascular trypanosomes is described. It has been considered as a local immune response to these extravascular trypanosomes. No autoantibodies for heart tissue have been found.


[A new lung fluke from the coastal range of ecuador: Paragonimus ecuadoriensis n.sp. (paragonimidae, trematoda) (author's transl)].

P. ecuadoriensis in the first lung fluke described from Ecuador. The description is based on 10 adult flukes from a natural infected Coati (Nasua nasua), 23 adults from 2 experimentally infected cats, and 200 metacercariae from the second intermediate host, the freshwater crab Hypolobocera aequatorialis. The new species is characterized by the following features: mouth succer larger than acetabulum or nearly of the same size; integument spines ("cuticular" spines) single; ovary with 5-6 short branches, which divide into more or less short broad lobes; testes larger than ovary with 5-6 simple or polymorphic lobes; eggs longish-ovoid, shell thin and uniform in thickness; surface undulated. Metacercariae not encysted. The adults of the new species are differentiated from probably related lung flukes P. peruvianus, P. mexicanus, and P. inca by the different morphology of ovary and testes, and by the size and form of the eggs. The metacercariae of P. ecuadoriensis are located not only in the hepatopancreas of the crab host - as it is in the case of P. peruvianus - but also and more frequently in the musculature. Paragonimus-eggs from sputum of two patients show partly the same characteristics as the eggs from animal hosts. One may therefore assume that P. ecuadoriensis is infecting humans in the investigated area.


[Action of x-ray irradiation on the nuclear envelope of rat liver cells].

X-irradiation of isolated nuclear envelopes (NE) has revealed their high radiosensitivity, while irradiation of isolated intact nuclei in vitro, in the doses up to 5000 r 18--20 hours after partial hepatectomy, produced no morphological changes in NE. The damaging effect of irradiation on both nuclei and mitochondria (Mt) was revealed only with a decrease in cytochrome-c-oxidase (CO) activity in parallel with an increase in the radiation dose. One hour after the whole body irradiation of rats in the beginning of S-period, the damaging effect was recorded in both NE and Mt at the doses of 50 and 150 t, and was enhanced with the increase of irradiation dose. Morphological changes were observed mostly in the outer nuclear membrane, which lost its distinct outline and disappeared from some nuclear regions. Lethal radiation doses produced a decrease in the number of pore complexes (PC) with their evident segregation from the membranes. After irradiation in a dose of 1200 r, only the residue or "ghosts" of the PCs remained. After irradiation in doses up to 400 r, the CO-activity recovered during the first hour in Mt and during first two hours in the nuclei.


[Change in the ultrastructure of hepatocyte contacts in mechanical deformations of liver tissue].

Rat liver specimens were deformed by compression between two parallel plates up to the state of plastic deformation to study with the electron microscope. The mechanical deformation was followed by a destruction of intercellular contacts and separation of hepatocytes. According to the pattern of destruction, all the contact elements can be divided into two groups. 1. Simple junction, desmosome, intermediate junction which exibit a wide range of structural changes prior to the moment of destruction. In this case, the process of cell separation proceeds in the adhesive way. 2. Tight and gap junctions which exibit a higher structural stability. In this case the process of cell separation appears to be of the cohesine nature.


[Changes in hepatocyte ultrastructure under the influence of chronic furacillin administration to rats].

The ultrastructure of rat liver cells was studied during a 6 months' furacilline (5-nitro-2-furtfurilsemicarbazon) feeding in dose of 40 mg per day, and also during the next 8 months after the treatment cessation. An irregular swelling of membranous structure in addition to disorganization and partial reduction of the granular endoplasmic reticulum were found in the hepatocyte cytoplasm after the prolonged furacilline feeding as well as glycogen depletion and the tendency of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum to enlargement. These changes rarely reached the essential intensity with the transition to necrobiosis. They disappeared already a month after the cessation of furacilline treatment. In all the terms of experiment, the nucleoli were hypertrophied and retained their loose nucleoloneme structure. No sings of furacilline carcinogenic activity were found in rat liver during the 14 months of investigation.


[Sex ratio and survival rate in embryogenesis and the perinatal period].

Sex ratio was studied among abortuses and infants who died perinatally (9972 cases). Sex begins influencing mortality in the perinatal period, in which a significant increase in the sex ratio is shown (106 males: 100 females--antenatal; 136 males: 100 females--intranatal; 159 males:100 females--within the first 6 days of life).


[Cells with unusual mitochondria in the thyroid gland of an old rat].

Thyroid glands of 3 year old rats have been studied by electron microscopy. The cells with changed mitochondria were found next to the typical thyrocytes in the follicle walls. The large mitochondria with dense matrix and tubular cristae often occupy the major part of the cytoplasm in these cells. On this basis, the author considers the changed cells to be the Askanazy cells, or oncocytes. Mitochondria-rich cells were found also among calcitocytes. The origin of oncocytes from usual thyrocytes and calcitocytes is under discussion.


[Effect of heredity on cattle morbidity from brucellosis].

A high constancy of diversity was found in the genealogical groups in respect to the brucellosis incidences. It is caused by the influence of sires. The frequency of brucellosis is significantly dependent on the year of birth, paternity and the interaction of the father's genotype with the year of birth of the daughters.


[Variability of Chinese hamster clones in resistance to 8-azaguanine].

The stability of the 8-azaguanine resistance marker during the number of cell generations has been analyzed for 63 clones of Chinese hamster cells. The resistant clones analyzed were spontaneous or induced after the treatment of parent cells by 5-BUdR, EMS, or histone H1. The clones have revealed different levels of AG-resistance as well as different ability to maintain the above level, under the cultivation in the drug-free medium. Subclones, isolated from the unstable clone, were found to be different in both the resistance level and the stability of resistant state.


[Electrophoretic study of the protein makepup of the muscles in Zenker's necrosis].

Changes of protein composition within necrotic areas of muscle at the late stages of Zenker's necrosis (3--5 hours after damage) have been studied using the disc-DSN-electrophoresis method. These changes are presumably associated with a disarrangement of the structure of thick and thin fillaments. The disturbance of the contractile system is accompanied by the loss of water soluble protein specific fractions.


[Results of a cytogenetic examination of population groups with intensive and limited use of pesticides].

Cytogenetic examination was carried out in two representative groups of teenagers living in zones with intense and limited use of pesticides. The average frequency of chromosome aberrations in the experimental zone was 1.35%, which exceeded significantly that in the control group. The found cytogenetic effect shows a potential genetic hazard of intense use of pesticides for the population.


Regional lymph flow in unanesthetized rabbits.

Determinations were made of the 2-hour 22Na space and the 1 and 2 hour 51Cr EDTA spaces in a number of tissues. In regions where the two 51Cr-EDTA spaces were similar and smaller than or similar to the 22Na space the former spaces were regarded as measures of the extra-cellular volume. Using previously published data for plasma volumes, extravascular plasma-equivalent albumin and IgG spaces and the turnover rate constants for the extravascular proteins, it was possible to calculate extravascular protein concentrations and rates of net filtration from the capillaries or lymph flow in some tissues. The albumin concentrations, probably underestimated, were about 40% of the plasma concentrations in small intestine, lung and skeletal muscle, higher in heart muscle and lower in stomach wall. The net filtration or lymph flow, probably overestimated, was 0.81, 1.5, 0.53, 0.61 and 0.12 microliters/min per g in heart muscle, small intestine, lung, stomach wall and skeletal muscle, respectively.


On how macromolecules reduce hemoglobin loss in hypotonic hemolysis.

When human red cells are hemolysed in hypotonic solutions containing macromolecules, the hemoglobin loss from the individual cells is reduced although the number of cells hemolysed is not affected. The evidence strongly suggests this is a colloid osmotic effect but an additional condition is also necessary if hemoglobin is to be retained. The cell must reseal, at least to hemoglobin and macromolecules. There is some evidence which points to the role of the macromolecule in this process. Further, at least in the case of dextrans, a minimal size of about 2000 daltons is required for suppression of hemoglobin liberation and it is suggested that this limit may be set by the diffusion coefficient.


Effects of various environmental temperatures on effort angina.

Eleven patients with effort angina and a history of cold intolerance performed short-term bicycle exercise tests at various room temperatures, 20, 10, 0 and -10 degrees C, and a few patients also at -30 degrees C. A significant reduction of maximal working capability (expressed as maximal work load, MWL), limited by moderately severe angina, was found at -10 degrees C (7% +/- 1, SEM, P less than 0.05) compared with normal room temperature. At 0 and 10 degrees C changes of MWL were small and not significant, and at -30 degrees C no further decrease of MWL was seen. About half of the patients, however, showed a tendency toward a decrease in MWL with decreasing environmental temperature, and and the decrease in MWL correlated significantly with an increase in rate pressure product (RPP) during exercise at both 0 and -10 degrees C. Thus, the decrease in working capability on exposure to cold could be explained by an increase in heart work. Warming up effects of exercise, counteracting the cold-induced increase in peripheral vascular resistance, were indicated by a diminishing difference in systolic blood pressure between a cold and normal environment with increasing work time.


Reaction to cold of patients with coronary insufficiency.

Twenty six patients with angina pectoris and coronary insufficiency as judged by an exercise ECG test were examined. About half of the patients had more pronounced ECG changes in a cold room at -15 degrees C than at room temperature. They worked less, their subjective rating of exertion during exercise was higher and the heart performed less work, expressed as the heart rate blood pressure product. The other half of the patients was not much influenced by cold. During an exercise test in the supine position almost all patients got more pronounced ECG changes, worked less and the heart performed less work than in the sitting position. It is suggested that cold exposure as well as a supine body position may to a considerable part exert their effect, i.e. lower the anginal threshold and increase ECG changes, by increasing the central blood volume and the diastolic volume of the left heart and thus ceteres paribus the myocardial oxygen consumption.


Method for measurement of maximal isometric muscle strength with special reference to the fingers.

A method for measurement of the maximal isometric muscle strength in the fingers is presented. Details of the apparatus designed for avoidance of hysteresis in mechanical components on measurement of low strengths are given. The measurement of low strengths is described. The measurement procedure is simple both for examiner and for the subject. Values for finger muscle strength in normal persons are presented.


Complications of pelvic lymphadenectomy and retropubic prostatic 125I implantation.

Pelvic lymphadenectomy was accomplished in 75 patients with localized prostatic cancer at the time of retropubic prostatic implantation with iodine-125. Twelve (16 per cent) surgical complications were encountered in 11 patients and included 1 death. Late complications which persisted six months or longer occurred in 5 (8 per cent) of 61 patients. The most serious and as yet unquantitated complication appears to be pelvic vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. PELVIC LYMPHADenectomy may be accomplished safely and with minimal morbidity in the vast majority of prostatic cancer patients.


Critical appraisal of routine supraclavicular lymph node biopsy in staging of testicular tumors.

Supraclavicular lymph node biopsy was performed as a staging procedure in 36 patients with germ cell tumors of the testis and nonpalpable supraclavicular nodes. Of 28 patients with clinical Stage A or B disease, 1 patient (4 per cent) was found to have supraclavicular metastases. Of 8 patients with clinical Stage C disease, 2 (25 per cent) had supraclavicular metastases. The apparent infrequency with which subclinical supradiaphragmatic disease is documented with this procedure and the current use of adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with pathologic Stage B nonseminomatous tumors suggest that supraclavicular lymph node biopsy should be abandoned as a routine staging procedure.


Transurethral electroincision of bladder neck in female patients with neurogenic bladder.

Transurethral electroincision of the bladder neck in female patients with neurogenic bladders has not been widely reported. We have performed this operation on 21 patients who have failed to achieve balanced bladder function through other treatment modalities and who have presented with recurrent urinary tract infections, high postvoid residual urine, and evidence of upper urinary tract deterioration. Eighty-five per cent of female patients treated in this fashion have demonstrated significant improvement in bladder emptying. The rate of complication has been low, and no cases of persistent incontinence have occurred. We recommend this operation in difficult cases of neurogenic bladder in females.


Critical appraisal of oral calcium load test for indirect assessment of intestinal calcium absorption.

Two methods of oral calcium load or tolerance test for the indirect assessment of calcium absorption were compared. In 16 patients in whom the diagnosis of absorptive hypercalciuria was made independently, an exaggerated urinary total calcium excretion during four hours following calcium load, indicative of increased calcium absorption according to the method of Pak et al., was found in 15 patients. An abnormally high increment in urinary calcium during third and fourth hours post-calcium load, suggestive of enhanced calcium absorption by the criteria of Broadus et al., was encountered in 14 patients. However, an exaggerated urinary total calcium following calcium load was found in all 7 patients with renal hypercalciuria, whereas only 4 were shown to have an enhanced increment in calcium excretion. It is concluded that both methods are equally reliable in the detection of increased calcium absorption in absorptive hypercalciuria. However, the technique of Broadus et al. is probably superior to that of Pak et al. in the disclosure of increased calcium absorption in renal hypercalciuria.


Home monitoring of penile tumescence for erectile dysfunction. Initial experience.

A technique using nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring has been developed to gather objective data on an outpatient basis. Patients have readily accepted the procedure and have easily learned to operate the monitor. Data from this group of controls and subjects are consistent with previously published reports by others. Suggestions are made from possible further refinements in technique.


Paradoxical increase of renal blood flow in anesthetized hypertensive dog treated with indomethacin.

To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin inhibition on the renal blood flow of the ischemic kidney, we administered indomethacin to 10 anesthetized dogs with renal artery stenosis and contralateral nephrectomy. Following the operation to produce renal ischemia, there was an increase of blood pressure associated with an increase of renin and the prostaglandins F1 (PGF1), and E (PGE). The administration of indomethacin to the intact, normotensive animals caused the anticipated decrease of prostaglandin E, renin, and renal blood flow. However, in the hypertensive dogs, indomethacin caused a paradoxical 45 per cent increase in the renal blood flow, despite a 44 per cent decrease of prostaglandin E. PGF1, PGE, renin, and erythropoietin exhibited the anticipated decreased levels. The study suggests that prostaglandins may not be the sole important factor in the regulation of renal blood flow in the presence of ischemia. Other important factors likely include the renin-sensitive angiotensin, the adrenergic, and the kallikrein-kinin systems.


Adenocarcinoma of rete testis.

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare tumor of the genital tract. An advanced case of adenocarcinoma thought to arise from the rete testis is presented. We believe this is the eighteenth reported case.


Ureteral obstruction after aorto-femoral bypass surgery.

A case of ureteral obstruction from bypass surgery is presented with review of the literature. A pathogenesis for the obstruction has been suggested and specific treatment recommended. More importantly, however, a plea is made to place the ureter anterior to the graft and to study the patient both pre- and postoperatively to prevent obstruction of the ureter in these patients.


Intratesticular papillary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

The first case of intratesticular papillary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is described. The tumor was histopathologically different from other types of papillary carcinoma related to the testicle and is believed to have originated from an intratesticular müllerian duct remnant.


Multifocal fibrous pseudotumor of testicular tunics. Possible clinical dilemma.

A morphologic characterization of a tunical multifocal fibrous pseudotumor is presented because of the clinical dilemma this rare entity causes urologists and pathologists. This report demonstrates the necessity for familiarity with testicular pseudotumors in order to avoid an unnecessary orchiectomy. If histopathologic examination of biopsies from every pseudotumor nodule fails to demonstrate malignancy, excision of the entire tunics including the pseudotumors is appropriate therapy.


Unusual benign bladder tumor of Brunn nest origin.

An unusual bladder tumor consisting of proliferating benign Brunn nests is described. The tumor occurred in a forty-five-year-old man who presented with hematuria. The tumor recurred in the same location one and one-half years later and again caused hematuria. The tumor is distinguished from inverted papilloma of the bladder.


Arterial embolization of bleeding pseudoaneurysm caused by percutaneous renal biopsy.

A pseudoaneurysm of a primary branch of the renal artery with massive hemorrhage developed in a patient who underwent percutaneous needle renal biopsy. He was treated successfully by embolization of the artery with gelatin sponge (Gelfoam).


Common origin of inferior mesenteric and accessory renal artery.

Arteriography performed in the preoperative evaluation of a patient with horseshoe kidney and renal calculi revealed a common origin of the inferior mesenteric artery and an anomalous left lower polar renal artery. The origin of the anomaly and its clinical significance are reviewed.


Clinical use of biocompatible ultrasonic bladder volume sensor.

A biocompatible ultrasonic bladder volume sensor has been developed and successfully employed to sense bladder fullness in healthy volunteers. It is anticipated that it will be of practical use in patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy as well as in patients employing self-intermittent catheterization.


Experience of the metabolisable energy system.

Advisory experience concerning the metabolisable energy standards for cattle and sheep introduced in 1976 is reviewed. The change appears to have proceeded smoothly, the new terminology and units being mastered and then used in discussions on dairy cow feeding. The system proposed has thrown new light on some old problems and also on established methods of feeding dairy cattle. "Feeding according to yield" and "lead feeding" need to be reinterpreted in the light of the probable dry matter intakes and live-weight changes of cows in early lactation. These parameters also affect the calculated levels of protein received in dairy compound feeds in early lactation. Group feeding of cows by stage of lactation, level of milk yield and live-weight change is readily accepted by managers of the larger dairy herds. Confidence in the accuracy of the dairy ME system has been built up, and its application to suckler cows has also proved successful. The variable net energy system for growing cattle enables ration formulation to be accomplished speedily and linear programming if desired. Published experiments have been used to confirm the accuracy of predicted live-weight gains when compared with observed gains. No sex effects are included in the system, although differences of +/- 10 per cent have been recorded in natural or hormone induced sex effect trials. The requirements for pregnant ewes have been shown to be too low and liable to reduce lamb birth-weights. In the case of growing lambs, a review of published experiments has shown that lambs grew faster than predicted, suggesting that the energy allowances are too high.


Pet health insurances and contract services: the potential for practice involvement.

Pet medical insurance has appreciable advantages and the existing policies appear to provide a beneficial service. But administrative costs of the small premiums involved make it of doubtful commercial attraction or benefit to the client. However, practice contract service schemes reduce administrative costs and can provide many of the advantages of insurance. Such a scheme is described. A coordinating agency outside the practice to produce promotional material, contracts, formulae for setting premiums and exclusions and to act as an arbitration agency for disputes could be established given the demand.


Hormonal and histological studies in a 61XXY bull.

A Friesian bull with bilateral testicular hypoplasia was diagnosed as having a pure 61XXY karyotype. The bull displayed normal sexual behaviour but was azoospermic. At 17 months, the animal's peripheral plasma androgen levels appeared to be lower than normal, and one testicle removed one month later showed small seminiferous tubules totally lacking in germ cells. The Leydig cell volume of this testis was well within the normal range but the tubule length was rather short. At 33 months of age an increase in peripheral plasma androgen levels was noted. In the remaining testis there had been both a considerable rise in Leydig cell volume and a fall in tubule length. These findings may be explained by the interaction of three factors; the effects of the abnormal karyotype, the increased maturity of the animal at 33 months and the reaction of the remaining testis to unilateral castration.


[Time of doubling of the volume of malignant tumors as a criterion of the effectiveness of their treament].

The authors have studied the rate of growth and determined the time for volume doubling in 31 primary and metastatic tumors. There was found a considerable time variation for the doubling of different tumors and identical tumors in different patients. In 15 patients the period of time during which multiple pulmonary metastases doubled their volume was determined. Considerable time variations were noted in 10 of them. It is suggested to use the variations in the time of doubling as an index of the therapy efficacy. There is a statistically reliable correlation between the time of the tumor volume being doubled and patients' survival.


[Results of the surgical treatment of lung cancer].

Clinical observations and autopsy findings indicate that radical surgery for lung cancer is followed in most cases by tumor progression. The first signs of the progression would more frequently develop during two years postoperatively, and these were due to metastases in distal organs (49.6%) and lymph nodes (35.2%), more rarely due to the recurrence (11.2%) or implantation metastases (4.0%). According to atuopsy findings in patients, died in late terms after radical surgery, the signs of lung cancer progression were revealed in 87.9% of cases. Among these surgical therapy rendered no effect on the frequency and localization of metastases as compared with untreated patients.


[Principles of the clinical study of new antitumor perparations].

Clinical studies on new antitumor drugs are characterized by a number of features different from testing other drugs and may be divided into 3 phases, each having its specific aims. Of greatest importance for adequate estimation of a new cytostatic is selecting a primary dosage and its increase, selecting of the so-called "signal" tumors, elaborating the regimen of using the drug which agrees with the mechanism of its action and pharmacokinetics. The methods of randomization and stratification may be used for the third phase, but some elements of the latter are essential for the second phase to compensate the effect of different factors (age and general patients' status, the degree of proliferation and intensity of the process) on the results of chemotherapy. To compare the results of clinical trials, it is necessary to have a unified system of estimating the effectiveness of new chemotherapeutic antitumor drugs.


[Ultrastructural stereometry of highly differentiated transitional cell tumors of the bladder].

Cytomorphometric examination of the normal urothelium, 3 primary, 3 recurrent papillomas of the urinary bladder and 3 cancers of stage I indicated that average relative volumes of the nucleus and cytoplasm in their cells are nearly similar. Since these bolumes increase simultaneously in the tumors concerned, there is no change in the "nucleus-cytoplasm correlation" or "index" described above. Cytomorphometric indices of the nucleus and cytoplasma in papillomas are more close to those of high-differentiated cancer than of the normal urothelium. In histologically indistinguishable primary and recurrent transitional cell papillomas the indices would differ: in primary papillomas compared with the norma the amount of mitochondria is reliably increased statistically, but the volume of each of them is diminished, whereas in recurrent ones--vice versa.


[Effect of sex and age on the frequency of tumors arising in nonlineal mice under total gamma irradiation].

Single total 1 beta 7Cs irradiation of mice of colony SHK increases the incidence of tumors in female animals. Ovarian tumors would develop irrespective of the mice age to the moment of irradiation. The increased frequency of appearance of tumors of the mammary glands was noted in older female animals. Radiation enhances the development of tumors of the hematopoietic system in female animals and hepatic and pulmonary tumors in males. An average life survival is decreased in young females exposed to the irradiation.


[Possible carcinogenic action of chromogen dicarboxidine].

In chronic experiments on 208 rats and 127 mice tne carcinogenic activity of dicarboxidine was examined. The substance was administered percutaneously and by leeding it during two years in the dosage: 20 mg -- 45 mg for rats, 3 mg -- 4 mg for mice. In late terms of the experiment (following one year and a half) the rats developed sarcomas at the site of its injection as well as tumors of other organs, including the urinary bladder. The substance was found to render no appreciable effect on mice. A conclusion is drawn on an insignificant carcinogenic activity of the substance under test, taking into account the late terms of tumors appearance and the induction of tumors only in one species of animals.


[Blastomogenic action of combined total x-ray irradiation and the administration of 131I on young rats].

The combined irradiation of rats, aged 36--42 days (the thyroid uptake--6900 rad) would induce the development of neoplasms characteristic of each factor exposure. The incidence of thyroid tumors (75.0%) was close to that induced by a separate 131I exposure (72.5%) the thyroid uptake being 6200 rad.


[Lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase isoenzymes at different stages of the mitotic cycle in Ehrlich tumor cells].

LDH is represented in the tumor almost exclusively by an extremely slow migrating isozyme LDH-5. There is actually no LDH-1, LDH-2, LDH-3 in the spectrum, while LDH-4 is in small amounts. MDH is represented by cytoplasmic isozyme (S-MDH) and a mitochondrial fraction (m-MDH). The activity of LDH-5 and S-MDH is altered in a synchronous way: it shows a very sharp increase at the very beginning of the mitotic cycle and reaches the maximum value already by the mid-S-phase. The m-MDH activity through the cycle is enhanced twice: at the beginning of the cycle and following the termination of S-phase. There was found a direct correlation between the activity of m-MDH and the rate of anaerobic glycolysis through the mitotic cycle of Ehrlich tumor cells.


[Effect of the nucleic factor on lymphocyte cytotoxicity].

Under study was the influence of the nucleic factor, isolated from Ehrlich tumor ascitic fluid, on cytotoxicity of in vitro lymphocytes of CC57Br mice immunized by L-cells. In a dose of 5--10 mkm/ml this factor was shown to suppress cytotoxicity of splenic cells as well as that of lymph nodes cells of previously immunized mice. Cellular DNA of non-lineal SHR mice, hepatic RNA of normal mice C3Ha (their genotype being similar to L-cells), of non-lineal SHR mice and syngeneic CC75Br in the same concentration failed to produce such effect.


[Quantitative aspects of the relationship of the antitumor activity and toxicity of diaziridinyl-sym. triazines to their physicochemical properties].

The experiments on rats have shown that there is a linear dependence of the logarithms of reciprocal molar toxic (LD50) and therapeutic (ED50) for sarcoma 45 doses of 6-oxyalkyl-amino-2,4-bis(I-aziridinyl)-sym-triazines and 6-(5-substituted-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)-amino-2,4-bis(I-aziridinyl)-sym-triazines upon the induction constants of substituents at tertiary carbon, the antitumor activity being more sensitive to the substituent effect compared with the toxicity. The dependence of the logarithms of reciprocal molar therapeutic (ED50 for sarcoma 45 and ED95 for Walker sarcoma) and toxic (LD50 and LD100) doses of the compounds, both synthesized by us and taken from the literature, upon the logarithms of their distribution coefficients in the octanol-water system (IgP) shows a parabolic character with the maximum effect at the extreme point of the parabola. The antitumor activity was more sensitive to a changed IgP than the toxicity.


[Cryotherapy of precancerous diseases of the cervix uteri].

In the COR of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences cryotherapy was employed in 54 patients with pretumor lesions of the uterine cervix. The cryotherapy was performed by a "Spembly" machine (England) and a national apparatus. As a cryoagent nitrogen monoxide was used, which provided the cooling of a cryosonde up to -89 degrees C. This method offers such advantages as the absence of pain, bleeding and complications. An analysis of the immediate results of the treatment allows cryoexposure to be considered an effective method and to employ it under out-patient conditions.


[Experience with the organization of prophylactic oncological examinations].

Mass prophylactic examinations among the population to early recognize oncological diseases may be perfected in the following way: by making them less time-consuming, regular and actually total. To this end they should be available for everybody referring to therapeutic specialists during a year, an appointment with the doctor is to be proceeded by a fluorographic check, while in females--by a visit to the women's diagnostic department. For this examinations to be really total as well as to exclude the cases of double examination the record of each person should be kept.


[Tumors in children].

Biopsy and autopsy findings obtained at the Tartu autopsy department for a 35-year period (from 1941 to 1975) are analysed. Within this period tumors in children under 16 years of age were observed in 1183 cases. Benign tumors (970) were predominating over malignant ones (213). Among benign tumors hemangiomas were in the first place and more frequently observed in girls. Among malignant tumors sarcomas were most frequently detected. Malignant tumors in girls were as frequent as in boys.


[Endometrioid ovarian neoplasms with epidermoid structures].

Under study was the intraoperative material from 32 patients with endometrial ovarian neoplasms having an epidermoid structure. Epidermoid foci were found to be pathognomonic only for the endometrioid epithelium. This fact may be used for the differential diagnosis with serous neoplasms. Biologically adenoacanthomas may be qualified as borderline processes, i.e. potentially a low grade of malignancy.


[Complex x-ray, gastroscopic and cytological diagnosis of malignant gastric ulcer].

Under discussion are some aspects of the diagnosis of malignant gastric ulcers established by means of a complex gastrologic examination of patients with ulcerous pathology of the stomach. Errors, difficulties and possibilities of roentgenological, gastroscopic and cytologic methods for recognition of malignant gastric ulcers are analysed. It is emphasized that cytological assay is highly efficient in ascertaining a malignant nature of the ulcer. A careful complex investigation of patient with gastric ulcer is felt to be indispensable to recognize its early stages.


[Use of large-frame fluorography in the diagnosis of stomach cancer].

A comparison of the results of non-aimed large-frame fluorography (LFF) and roentgen study of the stomach in 301 patients enabled ascertaining more precisely the opportunities of LFF in diagnosing gastric cancer. It was found by checking (fibrogastroscopy with biopsy or surger) that irrespective of the technic of non-aimed LFF, despite the diagnosis being known previously, cancer of the stomach still far from being in early stage may be recognized only in 62-63%. Therefore use of non-aimed LFF to diagnose gastric cancer during mass prophylactic examinations seems to be not rational.


[Incidence of stomach cancer in the USSR].

The authors have studied some tendencies in the morbidity and mortality due to malignant neoplasms of the stomach for the period from 1970 to 1975. The age-sex indices of the morbidity are reported as well as some data on a contingency of gastric cancer patients under dispensary control. There is noted a reduced morbidity and mortality rate due to gastric cancer among the population of this country.


[Oxidoreductase activity in the cells of stomach cancer].

NAD- and NADP-dependent dehydrogenases in gastric adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated cancer cells were studied comparatively. The activity of NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was found to be high in gastric adenocarcinoma, while there was noted a more high activity of succinate dehydrogenase and NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase in undifferentiated cancer. Differences ni the activity of oxido-reductive enzymes in adrenocarcinoma and undifferentiated cancer are discussed from the standpoint of various histogenesis of these forms of gastric cancer.


[Cancer of the greater curvature of the stomach].

The analysis of 102 observations indicated the clinico-roentgenological features of cancer of the greater curvature of the stomach, thus enabling the possibilities of a roentgenological method of examination to be ascertained in the complex of methods for examining patients with the pathology involved. It was noted that in cancer of the larger curvature of the stomach the character of the lesion is not infrequently masked by the symptoms observed in ulcerous disease, chronic gastritis or Menetrie disease. Accessory methods of roentgenodiagnosis: pneumogastrography, double and triple contrasting technic contribute to pinpointing the true character of the process. Application of the mentioned technics allowed the precise diagnosis to be established in 87.2% of cases. When using fibrogastroscopy the correct diagnosis was made in 86.5% of patients. Use of the complex examination allowed the precise preoperative diagnosis in 92.1%. Some problems of the differential diagnosis between cancer of the larger curvature of the stomach and ulcerous gastric disease are discussed.


[Clinical x-ray diagnosis of gastric leiomyomas].

Under observation were 23 patients with leiomyomas of the stomach. Leiomyomas were more frequently observed in females, in the proximal segment these were as frequent as in the distal one, but more frequently in the posterior wall. Submucous endo gastric localization was typical for most leiomyomas. The possibilities of clinico-roentgenological diagnosis were studied. The clinical picture of leiomyomas of the stomach shows pains in the epigastric region, general disturbances, acute profuse gastric hemorrhages. The most typical roentgenological sign of gastric leiomyoma is an oval or round filling defect with even margins around 5-6 cm in size. Not infrequently there are one or several ulcerations on the leiomyoma surface like "a niche" of oval or semioval shape. The mucosa folds around the filling defect are moved apart but not destroyed. Some information on gastroscopic examination of 8 patients with gastric leiomyomas is reported.