Modification of induced airway constriction in healthy subjects.

Unlike asthmatics, healthy persons are relatively unresponsive to airway constrictors. By using partial expiratory flow-volume (PEFV) curves the authors have demontrated, in healthy subjects, dose-related decreases in flow rates following challenge with histamine and methacholine aerosols. With the use of semilogarithmic dose-response curves they have shown that 80 mg oral propranolol augmented, whereas oral pretreatment with 400 mg W10294A (an experimental bronchodilator) decreased, histamine and methacholine-induced airway constriction. However, 300 mg of orally administered aminophylline failed to modify the airway constrictor effects of histamine and methacholine. Moreover, variation was noted in induced airway constriction in healthy subjects with decreases in flow rates being greater in the morning than in the afternoon. The authors conclude that (1) propranolol augments whereas theophylline fails to prevent nonspecific induced airway constriction in healthy subjects. This suggests that the bronchodilator action of theophylline may be unrelated to its phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity, (2) control of volume history, by use of partial expiratory flow-volume curves, is useful in quantifying pharmacologic protection and augmentation of nonspecific induced airway constriction in healthy subjects and (3) conclusions resulting from observations of induced airway constriction in healthy subjects may be dependent upon the effects of diurnal variation.


Neonatal IgE values in the black population.

Ninety-three cord blood samples from black neonates were evaluted for the total IgE level using the PRIST method. The results reveal values comparable to the IgE levels in other racial groups, suggesting that the influence of racial differences was not obvious at this stage.


A prospective classification of the respiratory manifestations of pollen sensitivity.

Twenty pollen sensitive subjects were classified historically as Groups I-III based upon the elicitation of lower respiratory symptoms at (I) no time of the year, (II) only during the pollen season or (III) during and apart from the pollen season respectively. Neither antigen skin sensitivity nor antigen or mecholyl inhalational sensitivity was useful in delineating these three groups. However, pulmonary function tests during the season demonstrated changes in MMEFR and airflow at 25% vital capacity in Group II subjects, confirming our classifications.


Aerosol bronchodilator therapy: a comparison of the effects of bronkometer with isoetharine, isoproterenol and phenylephrine.

The bronchodilator action and cardiovascular toxicity of aerosols of (1) isoetharine, (2) isoetharine in combination with phenylephrine, (3) isoproterenol, and (4) phenylephrine were compared in a group of severe stable ambulatory asthmatics. All preparations except phenylephrine produced reduction in specific airway resistance and increased flow rates which peaked at 15 minutes. The action of isoproterenol and the two isoetharine preparations peaked at 15 minutes while the peak effect of isoetharine and isoetharine in combination with phenylephrine continued for 60 minutes. The difference between isoproterenol and isoetharine alone or in combination with phenylephrine was not statistically significant. None of the drugs produced any cardiovascular side effects. The authors conclude that isoetharine, though less potent than isoproterenol on a weight-for-weight basis, is an effective and safe bronchodilator. Addition of phenylephrine to isoetharine does not potentiate or prolong the action of the latter.


A comparison of cancer occurrence in allergic and nonallergic populations.

Patients with significant allergy were surveyed with regard to the incidence of malignancy and a control group of nonallergic individuals was similarly reviewed. In the allergic population of 500 persons in the cancer-bearing age group, there were 12 malignancies, while the nonallergic group of 421 individuals had 14 malignancies. The Chi-squared test of these data gives a value of 0.75, which indicates that there is no significant difference in the incidence of malignancy in the allergic and nonallergic groups. As one would expect, the test of independence between age, cancer and allergy using the Chi-squared statistic is rejected.


Dinitrochlorobenzene sensitization in children with bronchial asthma.

Twenty-one patients with bronchial asthma were tested by dinitrochlorobenzene. Eleven did not react (52%). Five of the patients had been previously BCG vaccinated but did not react to PPD. The results indicated that some impairment of cell-mediated immunity in asthmatics exists. The correlation between this finding and pathogenesis of asthma is discussed.


[Diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia: contribution of an air-driven ultracentrifuge associated with an original tube-slicer (author's transl].

Diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia requires preparative ultracentrifugation in order to measure the cholesterol/triglyceride molar ratio into isolated d less than 1.006 lipoproteins. The authors describe an ultracentrifugation micromethod which needs 600 microliter of serum and can be completed within three hours (Airfuge Beckman instruments). An original tube-slicer allows the separation of the d less than 1.006 lipoproteins located into top fractions. This simple micromethod might confirm diagnosis of type III in patients and would be useful for clinical laboratories.


[Application of adsorption chromatography to the colorimetric determination of urinary estrogens in late pregnancy (author's transl)].

A new extraction procedure of urinary estrogens, based upon adsorption chromatography on Amberlite XAD-2, was deviced for a selective and complete extraction of these components. Estrogens were then quantified, without preliminar hydrolysis, by the colorimetric Kober reaction, modified by Ittrich. The reliability of this method has been established by comparison with four other methods.


[Detection of rubella specific IgM on gel filtration through Sephadex G 200: use of dithiothreitol and limits with MnCl2-heparine pretreatment (author's transl)].

The detection of rubella haemagglutination inhibiting antibody, in the IgM fraction of the serum, on gel filtration through Sephadex G 200, needs precautions to exclude false results. Treatment with dithiothreitol is a satisfactory method for confirming the content of rubella IgM antibody. The failure of MnCl2-heparin pretreatment to remove non specific inhibitors of rubella hemagglutinin is unfrequent (7/108) and so do be repeated. Rarely (1/108) aggregated IgG fractionates with IgM and yield false positive results.


[Determination of alphaxalone in serum and urine by gas-liquid chromatography. Application in anaesthesiological pharmacology (author's transl)].

The authors propose a simple and reliable method for determination of alphaxalone [3 alpha-hydroxy(5 alpha)pregnane 11,20 dione] in serum and urine, during long-duration anaesthesia using Althesin, mixture of alphaxalone and alphadolone acetate [21 acetoxy, 3 alpha-hydroxy(5 alpha)pregnane 11,20 dione]. If assays of alphadolone appear difficult and without any precision, because of numerous interferences, the determination of alphaxalone in serum and urine seems interesting for pharmacokinetic and metabolic investigation. We confirm the quick rate of disappearance of alphaxalone from blood, associated with a very active metabolism in the liver. The results show that it exists a relation between the concentration of alphaxalone in blood and the value of anaesthesia judged on clinical and electrical criteria. We cannot however conclude that Althesin presents a cumulative effect, because we used important amounts of anaesthetic agent.


[An automated spectrofluorometry method for urinary estrogens determination in pregnant and non-pregnant subjects (author's transl)].

An automated method has been developed for the measurement of estrogens in the urine of pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. Using the Kober-Ittrich fluorescence procedure, this automated method was applied to the assay of estrogens in the purified urinary extracts of non-pregnant women, men or children. For pregnant-women it had been possible to simplify the purification of urinary extracts, and the reaction was performed directly on the sodium hydroxide fraction. The precision, accuracy, and sensitivity of the method had been analysed.


[Erythrocyte bilirubin determination (author's transl)].

The erythrocyte bilirubin value is of great interest in neonate pathology. Its sudden rising reflects the overbinding capacity to plasmatic albumin. A colorimetric, simple and accurate micromethod with 2-hydrazino-benzothiazol as reagent leads to its quantitative determination. Hemolysis interference is removed. The authors have determined a mean value of erythrocyte bilirubin/total plasmatic bilirubin ratio for newborn population without clinical or biological risks of kernicterus.


Percutaneous recording of evoked spinal cord potentials of dogs.

Using a signal-averaging system, potentials evoked by stimulation of nerves in the limbs or tail of dogs were recorded through needle electrodes placed adjacent to the vertebral column. Cord dorsum potentials (consisting of a small triphasic wave followed by a large negative peak and a subsequent slow positive phase) were recorded at the level of the lumbar enlargement after stimulating nerves in the pelvic limb or tail, and at the cervical enlargement after forelimb nerve stimulation. Ascending volleys were recorded from appropriate levels of the spinal cord or from regions of the cauda equina. After forelimb nerve stimulation, a large slow potential, reflecting activation of an unidentified neuronal pool, was recorded at the level of the first cervical vertebra. Percutaneously recorded potentials were closely similar to those recorded directly from the dura mater, suggesting that the method accurately recorded spinal cord electrical events and, therefore, might be of use in studying clinical or experimental spinal cord disease.


Ocular hypotensive effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in normotensive and glaucomatous Beagles.

Four carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, ethoxzolamide, and methazolamide) cause ocular hypotony in normotensive and glaucomatous Beagles. Four dosages of acetazolamide and methazolamide and three dosages of dichlorphenamide and ethoxzolamide were evaluated. The extent of ocular hypotony after these carbonic anhydrase inhibitors was usually greater in glaucomatous Beagles than it was in normotensive Beagles.


Abnormal canine bone development associated with hypergravity exposure.

Chronic centrifugation of 85- to 92-day-old Beagles at 2.0 X g and 2.6 X g for 26 weeks during the time of active skeletal growth caused skeletal abnormalities in the radius and the ulna of ten of 11 dogs. The pattern of change mimicked that found in naturally occurring and experimentally induced premature distal ulnar physeal closure or delayed growth at this physis. Minimal changes in bone density were detected by sensitive photon absorptiometric techniques. Skeletal abnormalities also were found in five of the six cage-control dogs, although the run-control dogs were radiographically normal.


Asynchronous growth of the canine radius and ulna: effects of retardation of longitudinal growth of the radius.

After 2,000 rads of x-radiation to the right distal radial physis of eight 70-day-old dogs, the longitudinal growth of the right radius was retarded 42.1% when compared with the growth of the nonirradiated left radius. Asynchronous growth of the right radius and ulna resulted. The gross and radiographic changes that occurred over the subsequent 75 days were described. Subluxation of the humeroradial and humeroulnar joints occurred and was first observed 31 days after irradiation. By 75 days after irradiation, the radius was puller 7.8 mm distally by the radioulnar ligament. However, subluxation of the humeroradial joint was minimized by accelerated growth from the proximal radial physis and articular cartilage. Acceleration of growth also occurred at the distal radial articular cartilage. Growth from the distal ulnar physis and styloid process was retarded. It was thus apparent that after retardation of growth from the distal radial physis, considerable adjustment occurred in the relationship between the radius and the ulna and also in growth from their other physes, which reduced the deleterious effects of the growth retardation.


Interferon induction in dogs.

A synthetic complex of poly (I)-poly (C) with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethyl cellulose (poly ICLC), as well as UV-inactivated Newcastle disease virus, B-1 strain, was used to induce interferon production in dogs. Several criteria were used for interferon specificity. The interferon response depended on dosage and route of inoculation. Serum interferon concentrations usually reached a peak by 8 hours after inoculation (AI), rapidly declined thereafter, and were nondetectable in most instances at 24 hours AI. Dogs responded less to interferon inducers when reinoculated 2 days after primary induction. The interferon response was biphasic (2 and 8 hours AI) when reinoculated 1 week after primary inoculation. Reinoculation 2 weeks after primary inoculation simulated the first response. Although both inducers caused severe lymphopenia in dogs, the toxic side effects would limit clinical use (in dogs) of poly ICLC, but not of UV-inactivated Newcastle disease virus.


Halothane anesthesia in calves.

Because of the calf's popularity as an experimental animal and its often noted sensitivity to anesthetics and anesthesia, the potency of halothane was studied in eight, young (x = 5.85 weeks), healthy, male Holstein-Friesian calves. The minimal alveolar halothane-O2 concentration (MAC) which just prevented calf movement in response to a tail clamp was 0.76 +/- SEM 0.03 vol% and is less than predictions based on studies in man. The addition of 50% N2O to inspired gases decreased the halothane MAC to 0.59 +/- 0.03%. In the absence of common modifying factors of anesthesia, halothane-O2 caused cardiopulmonary depression in these calves in proportion to anesthetic dose. Only two (total protein and albumin) of 17 selected blood clinical biochemical values were significantly (P less than 0.05) altered from base line within seven days of anesthesia, indicating insults to major organ systems did not occur.


Critical anthelmintic trials in ponies with oxfendazole and caviphos and concomitant studies on the spontaneous elimination of small strongylids.

The efficacy of the benzimidazole, oxfendazole, and the organophosphate, caviphos, against gastrointestinal parasites of ponies was evaluated by the critcial test method. Oxfendazole (10 mg/kg of body weight) given in single oral doses was 100% effective against adult large strongylids (Strongylus vulgaris, Strongylus edentatus, and Strongylus equinus), 99% effective against adult small strongylids, and 97% effective against 4th-stage small strongylids (genera identified in order of frequency: Cylicostephanus, Cyathostomum, Cylicocyclus, Triodontophorus, Poteriostomum, Oesophagodontus, Cylicodontophorus, Gyalocephalus, and Craterostomum). Caviphos (40 mg/kg of body weight) admixed in the grain ration (horse crunch) was 89% effective against adult large strongylids (S vulgaris and S edentatus) and 99% effective against adult small strongylids (genera identified earlier in order of frequency above), but only 35% effective against 4th-stage small strongylids. Both drugs were effective (100%) against adult and immature pinworms (Oxyuris equi) but ineffective against Habronema spp and Draschia megastoma. Oxfendazole was only 11% effective against stomach bots (Gasterophilus spp); caviphos was 73% effective against these species. During a three-day pretreatment interval, about 34% of the total population of small strongylids was lost spontaneously from the 29 ponies.


Effects of feeding cull domestic onions (Allium cepa) to sheep.

Twenty crossbred Panama yearling ewes were used to determine the effects of feeding cull onions (Allium cepa) to sheep. Ten test ewes were fed onions free choice with supplemntal alfalfa hay and grain, whereas ten control ewes were fed only alfalfa hay and grain. Anemia developed within 3 weeks in the test ewes, but was not seen in the controls. All ewes remained clinically normal during the study. Onions were fed for about 130 days. Recovery of the erythrocyte system began before the end of the feeding period. Even though onions were fed during most of the gestation period, the numbers of lambs born in the test and control groups were essentially the same.


Serum proteins of normal goats and goats with caseous lymphadenitis.

Values for total serum proteins and relative percentages of albumin, alpha 1-globulin, alpha 2-globulin, beta-globulin, and gamma-globulin were determined for the goat. These normal values were compared with those obtained for goats infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Goats chronically infected with C pseudotuberculosis show significantly higher total serum protein values than normal goats, apparently due to increased gamma-globulins. This higher protein value is also associated with a decrease in serum alpha 2- and beta-globulins.


Emory milkvetch (Astragalus emoryanus var emoryanus) poisoning in chicks, sheep, and cattle.

A severe outbreak of Emory milkvetch poisoning in cattle and sheep occurred near Roswell, New Mexico, in the spring of 1975. Mortality averaged 2% to 3% and morbidity averaged 15% to 20%. Emory milkvetch collected from the infested area contained miserotoxin measured as 5 to 9 mg of NO2/g of plant (dry weight). Chicks fed extracts of Emory milkvetch showed toxic signs when fed one dose as 300 mg of NO2/kg of body weight, and died within 5 to 8 hours when fed milkvetch as 400 mg of NO2/kg. A sheep fed Emory milkvetch for 7 days in the form of 38 mg of NO2/kg/day developed signs of nitro poisoning on the 7th day. Cattle were poisoned or died when fed Emory milkvetch as 12 to 20 mg of NO2/ig for several days. The toxic signs observed in the field and under experimental conditions were similar.


Transmission of transmissible venereal tumor of the dog to the coyote.

Three coyotes experimentally implanted with cells from a transmissible venereal tumor of a dog developed neoplasms. Histopathologic appearances of the tumors in the coyotes were similar to those described in the dog. Attempts to transmit the tumor to suckling mice, rats, hamsters, kittens, and opossums were not successful.


Epizootiologic features of canine hydrocephalus.

In a retrospective study of hydrocephalus (of congenital origin) diagnosed in 564 dogs, 11 breeds (including 8 "toy" breeds) were identified as being a significantly high risk. An inverse relationship between risk and body size was detected. The smaller the dam at maturity, either in height at the shoulder or body weight, the greater the risk of hydrocephalus in the offspring.


Complement activity and conglutinin activity in stored bovine sera.

Complement activity and conglutinin activity were measured in bovine sera stored under four conditions: phenolized (3 C), lyophilized (3 C), frozen (-23 C), and frozen (-57 C). The complement activity was lost after 12 weeks in phenol (3 C). The other three conditions, ranked in order of increasing effectiveness, are lyophilized (3 C) and frozen (-23 and -57 C). Conglutinin activity was lost after 23 weeks in phenol (3 C). The other three conditions, ranked in order of increasing effectiveness, are frozen (-23 C), lyophilized (3 C) and frozen (-57 C). Thus, the most effective condition to preserve complement and conglutinin simultaneously is freezing at -57 C.


Evaluation of four forms of oxfendazole against nematodes of cattle.

Oxfendazole, methyl [5-(phenylsulfinyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl] carbamate, was evaluated in calves naturally infected with endoparasites. The compound was used as a drench, a paste, a bolus, and as top-dress crumbles at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. The four formulations produced similar effects and were 99% to 100% effective in removing the following adult parasite genera: Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus. Cooperia, Bunostomum, Oesophagostomum, and Dictyocaulus. Mean efficacy against Trichuris spp varied from 87% to 95%, depending on the formulation used.


Regulation of bovine labor with a long-acting carba-analog of oxytocin: a preliminary report.

The long-acting oxytocin (OT) analog 1-desamino-1-monocarba-E12-Tyr(OMe)]-OT(dCOMOT) was given IV to 13 pregnant cows near to term, but not in actual labor. The animals were para 1 to 5. Of these cows, four were treated with 20 mg of dexamethoasone 48 hours before the peptide was injected; the remaining nine animals were given no other medication. The animals usually were given a single injection of 5 mg of dCOMOT into the jugular veiw (5 to 7 micrograms/kg of body weight). In those instances where delivery was not complete within six hours, a second injection of peptide was given. In all instances, the first injection initiated labor as judged by the behavior of both uterus and cow. In most instances, there was also intermittent spurting of colostrum from the udder over a six-hour period after injection. In the four cows treated first with dexamethasone, the mean duration of induced labor was 4.35 hours after dCOMOT injection. In the nine non-treated cows, the mean duration of induced labor was 14.25 hours. The difference between the two values was significant. For both groups separately, and all data together, there was a linear inverse relation between the size of the external ostium uteri at injection and the duration of labor after peptide injection. All calves were healthy with no signs of hypoxia and the dose rates used did not result in any instance of uterine tetany or tachyphylaxis.


Actions of oxytocin and a long-acting carba oxytocin analog on the porcine myometrium in vitro and in vivo.

The contractile actions of oxytocin and its analog 1-desamino-1-monocarba-[2-Tyr(OMe)]-oxytocin were compared on in vitro (experiment 1) and in vivo (experiment 2) preparations of porcine uterine horns. In both experiments, sows in estrus were selected for maximal sensitivity. Despite the loss of peak amplitude associated with the substitution at sequence position 2 of O-methyltyrosine for tyrosine, the two remaining alterations (N-terminal desamination and replacement of the 1-6 S-S bridge by CH2S) prolonged the action of single-dose presentations. Thus, instead of having a response lasting minutes when the parent hormone is given, an IV dose of about 5 micrograms of the analog/kg of body weight in the intact anesthetized sow resulted in a response lasting two hours.


Comparative efficacy of ten commercial Campylobacter fetus vaccines in the pregnant guinea pig: challenge with Campylobacter fetus serotype A.

Efficacy of ten commercial Campylobacter fetus vaccines was tested in pregnant guinea pigs and compared with that of an experimental vaccine prepared from the challenge-exposure strain. If the first lot of vaccine failed to protect 50% of the guinea pigs, one or two additional lots of that vaccine were purchased and retested. Three vaccines for cattle, evaluated, as the most effective of those tested, protected 62%, 72%, and 89% of the guinea pigs from abortion; the experimental vaccine protected 98%. The two vaccines for sheep protected 50% and 61% of the guinea pigs from abortion. With the other five vaccines produced for immunizing cattle, protection was from 0% to 36%, with the exception of one lot of a vaccine that protected 74%. Blood infection was found at necropsy in only 6% of the guinea pigs given vaccines that protected 50% or more from abortion, but was found in 66% of those given vaccines that protected less than 50%. Similarly, tissue infection was found at necropsy in only 18% of the guinea pigs given vaccines that protected more than 50%, but was found in 91% of those given vaccines that protected less than 50% from abortion. Oil-emulsion adjuvants appeared to enhance protection from abortion and infection. Nodules persisted at the injection site in most of the guinea pigs immunized with vaccines containing oil-emulsion adjuvants, but rarely persisted in guinea pigs given aqueous-phase adjuvant vaccines. Comparison of efficacy of the vaccines in guinea pigs with efficacy in sheep and cattle remains to be made.


A computerized system for retrieval of case information in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Morbidity and mortality data are necessary bases for the decision-making processes relevant to allocation of public funds for animal disease diagnoses and research. A system for information storage and retrieval capable of handling diagnostic data such as results of microbiology, parasitology, necropsy, and histopathology as well as demographic data such as owner, species, sex, breed, or geographic origin of the animal is described. This information is available to veterinarians, epidemiologists, herdsmen, and others involved in disease prevention or control efforts. The system described utilizes natural language, thus overcoming difficulties encountered in systems with numerical intermediates. Used and revised for the last 10 years, the system described has proved useful for annual administrative quantitation of services performed. In fact, the Concordance Index serves as the annual report of the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Having accurate detailed information on individual cases, as well as a variety of composite data, has been extremely helpful in the documentation necessary for attracting funding for study of specific disease states.


Improved method for obtaining streptomycin-dependent mutants from Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella haemolytica, using N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine was used in a modified and improved procedure to obtain streptomycin-dependent mutants of type A Pasteurella multocida and type 1 Pasteurella haemolytica. The relative virulence of these mutants was determined by mouse inoculation with and without streptomycin.


Cyanide intoxication in sheep: enhancement of efficacy of sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, and cobaltous chloride.

For treatment of cyanide intoxication of ruminants, the present recommended doses of sodium nitrite (5 mg/kg of body weight) and sodium thiosulfate (25 to 50 mg/kg) are smaller than those recommended for other animals; the decrease is partially attributed to the greater susceptibility of ruminants to the toxic effects of sodium nitrite. Based on the high tissue concentration and activity rate of rhodanese in ruminants, sulfur donors such as sodium thiosulfate could be utilized more efficaciously. Doses of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate (up to 22 and 660 mg/kg, respectively) were evaluated in the present studies. Adjustment of the antidotal combination provided almost three times the protection afforded by the previously recommended doses. Moreover, under the conditions tested, the newly adjusted dose levels of sodium thiosulfate alone were more effective than the previously used antidotal combination of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate and this protective effect was enhanced by cobaltous chloride (10.6 mg/kg) or sodium nitrite. The present recommended therapeutic approach to cyanide intoxication in sheep should be based primarily on administration of a much higher dose of sodium thiosulfate in combination with sodium nitrite or cobaltous chloride (or both).


Trypanosoma theileri Laveran, 1902, in Wyoming cattle.

Trypanosoma theileri Laveran, 1902, a cosmopolitan blood parasite of cattle, was found in 86 of 377 Wyoming cattle. Acute infection was experimentally produced in 22 cattle, with blood stream trypanosomes reaching peaks (up to 8,00/ml) in the first 2 weeks of infection. Infection subsided after 3 to 4 weeks. In studies of animals with chronic infection, the parasites reappeared in the blood 4 to 6 months after initial exposure and again at 8 months. Morphologically, three trypomastigote forms were seen: short-thin forms, long-thin forms, and long-broad forms. It is considered that the first two types derived from the last. Comparisons of bloodstream trypomastigotes were made with chicken embryo culture forms, and it was concluded that identification and description of trypanosomes from cattle can be made only by examination of bloodstream stages.


Hemodynamic effects of unilateral segmented lumbar epidural analgesia in cattle.

Hemodynamic measurements, arterial and mixed venous blood gas tensions, and pH were determined in 12 adult cows (mean weight 538 kg) following the injection of 8 ml of 5% procaine between the first and the second lumber vertebra into the epidural space. Comparison of base-line data with obtained during unilateral segmented lumbar analgesia between T(13) and L(3) segments indicated significant decreases (P is less than 0.05) in total peripheral resistance and diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, and significant increases (P is less than 0.05) in heart rate and cardiac output. Arterial and mixed venous blood gas tensions and pH, O(2)-uptake, stroke volume, left ventricular stroke work, left ventricular minute work and hematocrit did not change significantly (P is less than 0.05). Cardiovascular and respiratory values in two cows (mean weight 700 kg) given xylazine (50 mg, IM), were depressed from base-line data, but did not change significantly (P is less than 0.05) during unilateral segmental epidural analgesia of segments T(13 to L(3). The nonsedated healthy cow tolerates sympathetic vasomotor blockade between T(13) and L(3) segments well and is able to mobilize circulatory mechanisms effectively.


In vitro killing of Pasteurella multocida: the effect of rabbit granulocyte and specific antibody source.

In vitro granulocyte-killing assays were performed to examine the ability of granulocytes from pasteurella-free or immunized rabbits, the in combination with specific immune serum, to kill Pasteurella multocida. Granulocytes from healthy rabbits and from rabbits with P multocida infections were equally competent. Granulocyte source, serum source, and specific antibody titer had no effect on granulocyte phagocytic activity. Moreover, serum containing specific antibody and complement supported the growth of the bacterium. These data suggest that chronic P multocida infections are not attributable to defective granulocytes or lack of serum antibody production.


Renal sodium and potassium excretion in sheep given amiloride.

When amiloride was given (IV) to unanesthetized ewes, potassium excretion decreased to one-third of baseline values, and sodium excretion increased 6- to 180-fold. Potassium excretion during amiloride administration was relatively invariant with respect to duration (0 to 270 minutes) or rate of amiloride administration (0.125 to 2.0 mg/minute), but sodium excretion clearly increased with both duration and dose rate in individual experiments. This increase was independent of the rate of concomitant saline administration. Thus, sheep fed a normal ration (about 600 mEq of potassium per day) respond to amiloride as do man, dogs, and rats. The relationship of sodium excretion to rate and duration of amiloride administration is not unique to sheep, but has not been stressed in previous studies on other species.


Sequestration and phagocytosis of Haemobartonella felis in the spleen.

Spleens of two cats infected with Haemobartonella felis were examined by electron microscopy to determine the means by which the organism was sequestered in this organ. The principal means of sequestration occurred when H felis, located on the erythrocytes was removed by phagocytosis by a cordal macrophage, apparently preceded by the adhesion of extended processes of the macrophage to H felis. The second and least frequent means of removal of H felis was by pitting, a process that did not cause destruction of the host erythrocyte. The H felis was pitted from the parasitized erythrocyte when H felis passed through gaps between reticular cells or when the parasitized erythrocyte passed among the cytoplasmic processes of the reticular cells in the splenic cords. Some H felis were closely associated with the plasmalemma of cordal reticular cells and also were located in intracytoplasmic vacuoles of the cells without being influenced by the phagocytic process.


Ventricular wall thickness in the fetal dog.

Ventricular wall thickness of 21 50-to 60-day canine fetuses was determined by direct measurement with calipers. Measurements were made of the left and right ventricular walls and of the interventricular septum, perpendicular to the apico-basilar axis at the location just below the aortic valve, and midway between the coronary sulcus and the apex. Mean determiniations were used to characterize the wall thickne-s at the various levels. The right wall was found to be thickpreciable thickness differences between the septal and left wall at this location. At the level of the midventricular wall, the septal wall thickness exceeded that of the left and right wall. Left and right wall thickness at this level were similar.


Effect of fenbendazole on Toxocara canis larvae in tissues of infected dogs.

The effect of fenbendazole therapy was studied in six dogs fed 10,000 embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. At 47 days after they were fed T canis, four dogs were given fenbendazole in two divided doses totaling 50 mg/kg of body weight each day for 14 days. Two infected dogs were not given fenbendazole. All dogs were necropsied at the end of treatment and the foci were counted in the lungs; their skeletal muscles were digested in 1% trypsin for the recovery of larvae. The T canis larvae were not recovered from the skeletal muscle of the four infected dogs treated with fenbendazole; 15 and 42 larvae/100 g of skeletal muscle were recovered from the two nonmedicated infeected dogs. The number of grossly visible foci on surfaces of lungs in treated dogs was markedly less than in the nonmedicated infected dogs. The results indicate that fenbendazole might be effective in preventing prenatal infection in dogs.


Efficacy of injectable and tablet formulations of praziquantel against immature Echinococcus granulosus.

Efficacy of an injectable formulation of praziquantel (given intramuscularly or subcutaneously at a dosage level of 5 mg/kg of body weight) or a tablet formulation (5 mg/kg) against immature Echinococcus granulosus was studied in experimentally infected dogs. The compound was efficacious (100% clearance) if injected via either route or if administered orally.


Evaluation of a soluble sustained-release ophthalmic delivery unit in the dog.

A 5-mg hydroxypropyl cellulose soluble ocular insert was evaluated by placement in the upper and the lower conjunctival and bulbar nictitating membrane fornices in normal dogs. The insert was easily placed in the conjunctival fornices, but was difficult to place in the bulbar nictitating membrane fornix. The conjunctival inserts did not produce irritation of the cornea and the conjunctiva. Placement of the inserts beneath the nictitating membrane produced local irritation and chemosis. The sites of highest to lowest retention for the insert were upper conjunctival fornix, bulbar nictitating membrane fornix, and lastly, lower conjunctival fornix. Dissolution was nearly complete in 8 hours.


Maintenance of physiologic concentrations of plasma testosterone in the castrated male dog, using testosterone-filled polydimethylsiloxane capsules.

Effects of various numbers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) capsules filled with testosterone (PDS-T) on plasma testosterone (PT) in castrated male dogs were studied. Dogs were implanted with 1 empty PDS capsule or 1, 3, or 5 PDS-T capsules. Blood samples were collected prior to and after implantation, after castration with capsules in situ, and after capsule removal. The PT was determined in these samples by radioimmunoassay. One empty capsule had no effect on PT concentration; after castration, PT values fell to nondetectable amounts. One PDS-T capsule maintained PT at concentrations above nondetectable amounts after castration, but these concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than were preimplantation values. Three or five PDS-T capsules were capable of maintaining PT concentrations in the castrated male dog similar to those concentrations seen in the intact dog.


Evaluation of methods for localization of urinary tract infection in the female dog.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) was induced in the left kidney of seven female dogs and in the urinary bladder of eight female dogs. Several methods advocated for localization of UTI in other species were tested in the infected dogs. Although fever, renal pain, and leukocytosis were detected in some dogs with renal infection, findings were transient. Radiographic changes in the kidneys and ureters were detected in some dogs with renal infection, but were absent in others. Bladder washout studies were not reliable for differentiating renal infection from bladder infection. Antibody coating studies were positive in dogs with bladder infection and in dogs with renal infection. The positive results from dogs with bladder infection may have been because of nonspecific binding of immunoglobulins to Staphylococcus aureus after leakage of serum immunoglobulins into urine. Studies of six dogs of both sexes with naturally occurring UTI indicated that their serum contained antibody against common urinary pathogens and that this antibody gained access to the urine in some dogs. It was concluded that the antibody coating test was unreliable for localization of UTI in the dog.


Pharmacokinetic study of sulfadimethoxine depletion in suckling and growing pigs.

Sulfadimethoxine was administered (IV) to suckling pigs (1 to 2 weeks old) and to growing pigs (11 to 12 weeks old) at a dosage of 55 mg/kg of body weight (single dose). Blood samples were collected over a 48-hour period, and the animals euthanatized were used for measurements of plasma and tissue concentrations of the drug. The blood data were described, using a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The blood concentration curves for the two groups of pigs had a consistent depletion pattern with greater than therapeutic concentrations (50 micrograms/ml) of the drug persisting through 12 hours after the drug was given. Sulfonamide blood concentrations were 4 and 11 times that of the method sensitivities in the older (growing) and younger (suckling) pigs, respectively, at 48 hours after treatment. In four of the five pharmacokinetic variables studied, a significantly higher (P less than 0.01) degree of efficiency was observed in the ability of the older pigs to eliminate the drug than in the younger pigs.


Appearance of 15N-labeled intestinal microbial amino acids in the venous blood of the pig colon.

Two experiments were done to determine whether pigs possess the ability to absorb amino acids synthesized from urea nitrogen by indigenous microbes in the large intestine. Incorporation of [15N]urea into amino acid fractions of bacterial cells from the rectum and of the deproteinized incubated medium were examined in an experiment in vitro. The isotope was incorporated into 17 amino acids and the ammonia fraction of these samples. The absorption of the microbial amino acids from the colon was investigated by determination of the 15N concentration of the free amino acids in the venous blood of the colon after infusion of the 15N-labeled microorganisms into the cecum. The increase of 15N concentration was also observed in the plasma-free amino acids (threonine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, serine, alanine, cystine) of the blood from the colic branch of the ileocolic vein. The results of these experiments indicated that pigs have the ability to utilize the microbial amino acids synthesized from urea nitrogen in the large intestine.


Method for repeated or prolonged rumen infusion without establishing an open fistula.

A method was developed for repeated or prolonged infusion of substances into the rumen. A blind rumen fistula was surgically formed so that the unopened rumen compartment was easily accessible immediately beneath the skin. A cardiac catheter was inserted into the rumen and was tied to a canvas patch cemented to the animal's coat. This method has been used in cattle and sheep for continuous infusion periods of one to six weeks. This surgical preparation also has been used to put plant material directly into the rumen and to obtain rumen contents. Thus, a large number of fistulated animals can be maintained over long periods without the disadvantages of maintenance required for animals each having an open fistula fitted with a closure device.


Reference values for a field test to estimate inadequate glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium status in the blood of cattle.

A clinical screening procedure was developed for estimating glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and selenium status in the blood of dairy and beef cattle. The test is based on the rate of defluorescence under long waveform UV irradiation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate in a coupled enzyme reaction involving glutathione reductase. Defluorescence rates were significantly correlated with blood GSH-Px activity and blood selenium concentrations as determined by conventional laboratory procedures. Blood selenium concentrations and blood GSH-Px activity in several herds were compared with the selenium content of the complete ration consumed to establish reference or base-line values for these blood characteristics under field conditions. The GSH-Px screening procedure provides rapid results, is relatively inexpensive, and appears to be useful in differentiating between the reference values and grossly inadequate selenium status in cattle.


Thermal inactivation of hog cholera virus in ham.

Experiments were conducted to determine the temperatures required to inactivate hog cholera virus (HCV) in fresh ham after 1 minute and in cured and processed (canned) ham after 90 minutes. A momentary or "flash" temperature of 71 C for 1 minute caused inactivation of the virus in 15 of 15 cubes (2 cm3) of ham. Hog cholera virus was destroyed in 21 of 21 canned hams (weighing 0.91 kg each) when an internal temperature of 65 C was sustained for 90 minutes. Pigs were found to be more sensitive than tissue culture cells for detecting viable HCV in heat-processed fresh hams. Virus was isolated by tissue culture technique only from those hams exposed to temperatures below 61 C. The relative concentration of HCV in unheated cured hams of experimentally infected pigs varied over a wide range; these pigs were inoculated with the virulent Ames strain and were killed on postinfection day 6 or 7.


Critical tests and clinical trials on oxibendazole in horses with special reference to removal of Parascaris equorum.

The efficacy of oxibendazole given at dose level of 10 mg/kg of body weight was determined by 10 critical tests in foals and by 2 clinical trials in 20 foals (16 treated, 4 nontreated), with special interest in the drug activity against Parascaris equorum. The drug was uniformly efficacious (100%) against P equorum in the 10 critical-test foals, each having between 22 and 236 ascarids. Posttreatment reductions of ascarid egg counts in fecal samples were also 100% in suckling foals treated with oxibendazole given as a drench. Ascarid eggs did not reappear in fecal samples until the 8th week after foals were treated. A paste formulation of oxibendazole at 10 mg/kg also eliminated ascarid eggs from feces of 12 suckling foals. Strongyle EPG were markedly reduced by oxibendazole in the 10 critical-test foals and in 16 treated sucklings in the clinical trials. Egg and larval count data on foals in both the critical tests and the clinical trials also indicated oxibendazole was active against Strongyloides westeri. Untoward effects of treatment with oxibendazole were not observed.


Comparative lethal effects on mice of ruminal fluid from cattle fed hay or grain.

Strained ruminal fluid from cattle fed hay or grain was lethal to mice when injected intraperitoneally, but the fluid from grain-fed cattle was approximately 3.7 times more toxic than that from hay-fed cattle. The lethal factor(s) was not resistant to heat, was nondialyzable, was retained on Seitz and membrane filters, and was associated with the bacterial fraction of ruminal fluid. We concluded that death of the mice resulted from infection produced by facultative bacteria normally in ruminal fluid. Ruminal fluid from grain-fed cattle contained a greater number of facultative bacteria than did that from hay-fed cattle.


Infection and immune kinetics of Trichostrongylus axei in calves.

In one experiment, 21 calves were given daily oral immunizing inoculations of 1,000 infective larvae (L3) of Trichostrongylus axei, an abomasal nematode parasites, for 35 weeks. Calves were euthanatized in groups of three every 5 weeks to determine infection kinetics. Worm populations steadily increased through week 30, but the percentage of total inoculum that became established was about the same through week 30. At week 35, the number of worms dropped markedly. In a second experiment, 27 calves given daily oral inoculations of infective larvae were allotted to three groups comprised of three subgroups each: (A), challenge-exposed vaccinated; (B), nonchallenge-exposed vaccinated; and (C), challenge-exposed nonvaccinated. Calves of subgroups A and C were given single challenge inoculums of 200,000 L3 after the 10th, 20th, and 30th weeks. All calves were necropsied 35 days after challenge exposure. When immunity was determined from the equation: [(No. of worms in [(B + C)-A])/No. of worms in [B + C])] X 100, immunity was 35% at 10 weeks, 52% at 20 weeks, and 100% at 30 weeks.


Characterization of the inclusion limiting membrane of anaplasma marginale by immunoferritin labeling.

Purified anti-erythrocytic membrane antibody (PAMA) was prepared from rabbit anti-bovine erythrocyte serum by an adsorption and elution technique, utilizing bovine erythrocytes. Lysed and washed anaplasma-infected erythrocytes were incubated with PAMA or control reagents. Specimens were then subjected to immunoferritin labeling with ferritin antiglobulin conjugate. Upon examination by electron microscopy, specimens incubated with PAMA showed heavy ferritin labeling of erythrocytic membranes and also the limiting membranes of anaplasmal inclusions. Anaplasmal initial bodies freed from their inclusion membranes were not labeled. Negative control specimens, incubated with normal rabbit serum or PAMA which had been absorbed with erythrocytes, did not show specific ferritin labeling. Intact bovine erythrocytes, which were used as a positive control of anti-bovine erythrocytic membrane specificity, were heavily ferritin-labeled. Avian erythrocytes, a negative control of specificity, remained unlabeled. The results of this study indicate that the limiting membrane of the anaplasmal inclusion is derived from the erythrocytic membrane.


Cardiovascular effects of intravenous administration of propylene glycol and of oxytetracycline in propylene glycol in calves.

Comparisons were made of the acute cardiovascular effects of oxytetracycline, oxytetracycline in propylene glycol, and propylene glycol alone given to conscious dairy calves. The calves were chronically instrumented with intravascular catheters and electromagnetic flowmeter transducers in and on the pulmonary and renal arteries. Injection (IV) of aqueous preparations of oxytetracycline produced no statistically significant (P greater than 0.05) cardiocirculatory changes in these calves. Oxytetracycline in propylene glycol and propylene glycol alone both produced transient (1 to 4 minute) periods of cardiovascular depression characterized by cardiac asystole, systemic hypotension, and decreased pulmonary and renal arterial blood flow. The two preparations, in equivalent doses and volumes, produced statistically similar hemodynamic changes in the calves. The data from this study support the conclusion that the monitored cardiovascular effects of the commercially available oxytetracycline in propylene glycol in the intact, awake calves were due to the solvent propylene glycol. This conclusion is consistent with reports of other injectable products containing the same solvent.


Ultrastruct of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the dog in a sodium-balanced state.

The ultrastructure of juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) from four dogs in a state of sodium balance were examined. Plasma renin activity and urinary sodium excretion in the dogs were within normal values. At the vascular pole of the glomerulus, circumferentially oriented smooth muscle cells in the wall of the glomerular arteriole were abruptly replaced by modified smooth muscle cells with complicated interwoven cell processes. These modified cells were indistinguishable from the juxtaglomerular cells of the lacis region (extraglomerular mesangium). The basal lamina surrounding these modified smooth muscle cells in the wall of the glomerular arteriole was continuous with the basal lamina of the juxtaglomerular cells of the lacis (extraglomerular mesangium) and the macula densa. The most striking differences in the JGA of the dog, when compared with the JGA of other laboratory animals, are related to the observation that cytoplasmic secretory granules are less abundant in the dog, are generally smaller than the practical resolving capability of the light microscope, and are restricted to cells of the lacis area in the JGA.


Pathophysiologic response of the juxtaglomerular apparatus to dietary sodium restriction in the dog.

Pathophysiologic changes in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) of the dog were induced by 10 days of dietary sodium restriction (less than 1 mEq of Na+/day). Plasma renin activity increased 12-fold and plasma aldosterone values increased 60-fold, whereas urinary sodium excretion decreased precipitously. Urinary potassium excretion remained within normal values throughout the period of sodium restriction. The JGA cell counts, determined by light microscopy, were significantly (P = less than 0.05) increased after 2 days of sodium restriction and remained increased through day 10. Adrenal gland weights and the cross-sectional width of the zona glomerulosa were not altered. Ultrastructurally, JGA cells showed progressive hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The Golgi apparatus became more prominent. The endoplasmic reticulum increased, as did the number of ribosomes. Cytoplasmic secretory granules increased in number and size from day 2 through day 6. On days 8 and 10, fewer and smaller secretory granules were encountered, even though plasma renin and aldosterone values continued to increase. In the dog maintained in a balanced sodium state, little renin is stored in cytoplasmic granules of the juxtaglomerular cells. Short-term stimulation results in increased plasma renin values and increased production and storage of renin in JGA cells. Continued stimulation results in depletion of cytoplasmic stores, although plasma renin content continues to rise, suggesting that renin is produced and secreted directly during more prolonged stimulation.


Thyroid gland and arterial lesions of Beagles with familial hypothyroidism and hyperlipoproteinemia.

Primary hypothyroidism with marked hyperlipoproteinemia and modest to severe atherosclerosis was described in a family of Beagles. The disease was familial and probably hereditary, but the mode of inheritance was unknown. Signs of the disease occurred as early as 1.5 years of age and as late as 5 years of age. The onset of the disease was heralded by reduced concentrations of serum thyroxine, increased binding capacity of thyroxine-binding globulin, and reduced response to injected thyroxine-stimulating hormone. Thereafter, serum lipids, particularly serum cholesterol, increased markedly even though the dogs consumed a diet low in fats and cholesterol. Thyroxine administration resulted in a precipitous decline in serum cholesterol concentrations. Microscopic changes in the thyroid glands included neoplastic transformation, adenomatous hyperplasia, lymphocytic thyroiditis, and atrophy. Moderate to severe atherosclerosis occurred mainly in the coronary and renal arteries. Atherosclerotic arteries were stenotic but patent, and there was no evidence of prior occlusion or thrombosis.


Transmission and control of Filaroides hirthi lungworm infection in dogs.

Transmission of Filaroides hirthi among cagemate pups was demonstrated to occur through the ingestion of first-stage larvae in recently passed feces. It was suggested that coprophagia is the principal mechanism of transmission of F hirthi and that transmission from brood bitches to their litters occurs by this mechanism during and after the fourth or fifth week of the nursing period. Medication of 15 infected brood bitches with two courses of albendazole at a dosage rate of 50 mg/kg of body weight twice each day for 5 days resulted in complete absence of F hirthi infection among all 21 of their progeny, whereas 16 of 19 progeny (84%) from 14 nontreated infected dams harbored F hirthi worms.


Free amino acids in the plasma and urine of dogs from birth to senescence.

Plasma and urinary amino acid concentrations were determined from a cross-sectional sample of dogs of all ages. Reference or base line values for these components were established for five different age groups. A general decrease in urinary excretion of amino acids for each gram of creatinine was found during the developmental period. This decrease was not correlated to changes in plasma concentrations, which varied for the individual amino acids. The decrease did appear to be related to the functional maturation of the kidney. Several methylated basic amino acids were identified in the urine. Of these, NG, NG- and NG,N'G-dimethylarginine, and trimethyllysine had not been previously reported as constituents of dig urine, but are major components of the urinary amino acids, expecially in newborn animals. The 3-methylhistidine is also excreted in large amounts by dogs and measurable quantities of this compound appear in the plasma. These findings suggest an active metabolic function for methylated amino acids in the dog.


Chronic active hepatitis in dogs associated with leptospires.

Chronic active hepatitis was diagnosed in five American Foxhounds from one kennel. Spirochetes were demonstrated in the liver in four of the dogs. A rising titer to Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa was found in the fifth dog, although spirochetes were not demonstrated in tissues. A serologic survey at the kennel revealed evidence of exposure of 6 of 13 dogs to grippotyphosa. This is the first report of an association between chronic active hepatitis leptospiral infection in any species.


Uveoscleral flow of aqueous humor in the normal dog.

Fluorescein-labeled dextran and sodium fluorescein perfused in the posterior chamber of the normal dog eye egressed through the trabecular meshwork and intrascleral plexus, as well as posteriorly through the ciliary body into the suprachoroidal space and the sclera. Intraocular pressures of 20, 25, 30, and 60 mm of Hg did not produce detectable changes in the fluorescein-labeled dextran movement. Topical 1% atropine and 10% phenylephrine did not affect posterior passage of sodium fluorescein; 2% pilocarpine impeded posterior passage, causing an accumulation of sodium fluorescein and associated fluorescence in the anterior ciliary body.


Evaluation of data from mitogen studies in CBA mice: comparison of counts per minute, stimulation index and relative proliferation index.

Lymphocyte proliferation assays were conducted on splenic lymphocytes collected from CBA mice that had been exposed to lead acetate or cadmium chloride for 10 weeks. The ability of mitogens concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide, as well as purified protein derivative, to induce proliferation in vitro in the presence or absence of macrophages was assessed. Data were compared by using counts per minute (cpm), stimulation index, and relative proliferative index. Data varied considerably within treatment groups performed on different days, which is a typical characteristic of mitogen proliferation investigations. According to cpm data, only 3 of 21 treatments were significantly (P less than 0.05) altered when compared with controls. The stimulation indices were highly influenced by background counts and frequently did not correlate with cpm. The relative proliferative index, on the other hand, calculates net cpm, closely corresponds to cpm, compensates for background counts and is affected less by variation than is the stimulation index, and selected cutoff values give a more sensitive measure for determination of altered proliferative responses when statistical procedures are not applicable. Effects of macrophages, carbon dioxide, and bovine fetal serum on lymphocyte transformation are discussed.


Age-related variations in cortical bone-remodeling measurements in male Beagles 10 to 26 months of age.

Age-related variations in bone-remodeling rates in the male Beagle were unknown. Variations were examined in 28 male Beagles whose ages were evenly distributed between 10 and 26 months. Results were analyzed by computer and regression lines for a best fit line for each determination were given; the 95% confidence limit for the best-fit line and the 95% confidence limits for the individual measurements were calculated. The results are graphically presented in this paper. There was a slight increase in total cortical area, although there was a decrease in the ratio of total-to-cortical area. Osteoid seams showed a frank decrease. Relatively little variation was found in circumference of osteoid seams and appositional rate. The number of resorption spaces decreased. There was a decrease in radial closure rate. Marked decreases were found in activation frequencies and bone formation rate. Increases were observed in osteon formation times and ratio of resorption to formation. The width of osteoid seams and the percentage of systems labeled decreased slightly. As a result of these experiments concerning variations in bone-remodeling activity carried out on Beagles (using the same dogs as their own controls), it was concluded that results obtained should be compared with the expected age-related activity of bone remodeling and not with the initial preexperimental biopsy results.


Intraluminal esophageal sphincter manometry in dogs immobilized with xylazine.

The pressure in the pharyngoesophageal and the gastroesophageal sphincters in six normal dogs immobilized with xylazine was studied, using a single side hole catheter continuously perfused with distilled water by a compressed air pressure pump. Mean maximal resting pressures of the pharyngoesophageal and the gastroesophageal sphincters were 6 +/- 1.2 mm of Hg and 11 +/- 2.9 mm of Hg, respectively. The technique and results will enable better definition of esophageal sphincter abnormalities.


Echocardiography in the domestic cat.

Echocardiographic examinations were performed on 25 normal healthy cats placed in left lateral recumbency. The cats were representative of serveral breeds, consisted of 12 males and 13 females, and weighed between 2 and 6.5 kg. Twelve measurements from the echocardiograms of each cat were made for the purpose of compiling a small data base (reference values). These measurements included wall thicknesses, luminal dimensions, and contractile indices. Left ventricular wall thickness averaged 0.37 +/- 0.08 cm, and the septal wall thickness averaged 0.45 +/- 0.09 cm. The average left ventricular lumen in diastole was 1.48 +/- 0.26 cm, and in systole, it was 0.88 +/- 0.24 cm, which resulted in an average shortening fraction of 41 +/- 7.3%. Velocity of circumferential shortening, an index of contractility, averaged 2.86 +/- 0.78 cm. In eight additional cats, both ventricles were catheterized for echographic chamber identification and then cineangiographic procedures. Then these cats were euthanatized, and postmortem measurements were compared with echocardiographic and cineangiographic measurements. According to the three methods of determining wall thickness, differences were less than 15%, where the range of deviations was between 0 and 0.5 mm and the average deviation was -0.01 +/- 0.26 mm.


Molar absorbance of cyanmethemoglobin from blood of different animals.

The molar absorbance of cyanmethemoglobin at 540 nm was measured in 35 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Values obtained were compared with those measured on human cyanmethemoglobin by the same procedure. There was no significant difference (P greater than or equal to 0.1) between the human and animal blood values observed in 29 samples. In six cases (4 mammals, 1 reptile, and 1 bird), the significant difference (P greater than or equal to 0.05) did not exceed 5% of the human value. The practice of applying the accepted absorbance of 1.10 x 10(4) M-1 cm-1 per mole of iron in human cyanmethemeglobin for the analysis of animal blood will not cause more than 5% uncertainty. Such results are satisfactory for use in clinical veterinary medicine except for those research projects concerned with animal hemoglobin function and structure.


Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin in blood plasma of quail, pheasants, and cranes.

Rate of appearance, peak concentration, and the biological half-life of gentamicin in the plasma of quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were studied. Gentamicin was given IM in doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of body weight. Peak plasma concentrations occurred earliest in the quail, latest in the cranes. The peak concentrations varied directly with the administered doses in all species. The biological half-life of gentamicin was 42 +/- 12 minutes in the quail, 75 +/- 15 minutes in the pheasants, and 165 +/- 37 minutes in the cranes. On the basis of the present data, dosage regimens for gentaminic of 5 mg/kg every 8 hours in pheasants and cranes, and 10 mg/kg every 6 hours in quail, would be expected to give constant plasma concentrations greater than 4.0 micrograms/ml.


A four-year follow-up study of lung mechanics in smokers.

We performed a prospective study of pulmonary function in 21 smokers, 9 ex-smokers, and 12 nonsmokers. The smokers and ex-smokers were preselected, because they were participants in a smoking cessation clinic. An average interval of 4 years separated the first and second (follow-up) studies. The smoking group showed a significant decrease in maximal expiratory flow measured at low lung volume, loss of elastic recoil, increase in lung compliance, increase in total lung capacity; increase in the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity, and an increase in the ratio of functional residual capacity to total lung capacity. The ex-smokers showed changes similar to those of the smokers, but of lesser magnitude. The nonsmoking group demonstrated few changes in function during the study interval. Commonly measured parameters of function, including the ratio of the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to the forced vital capacity and the maximal expiratory flow after exhalation of 50 per cent of the vital capacity, did not change significantly in any group. Sensitive tests of lung function were abnormal in a very high percentage of the combined group of smokers and ex-smokers when measured at the time of the second study; only a small number of abnormalities in these parameters were noted in the nonsmoking group. We conclude that there was a deterioration of lung function in smokers far in excess of that predicted by age. These changes suggest the development of emphysema and were predictable for the group as a whole by a high prevalence of abnormality of dynamic compliance, closing volume, maximal mid-expiratory flow, and residual volume at the time of the initial study.


Relationship between the single-breath N test and age, sex, and smoking habit in three North American cities.

This report describes a collaborative study conducted in Montreal, Canada, Portland, Ore., and Winnipeg, Canada, to establish the relationship between the single-breath N2 test and age, sex, and smoking and to determine the prevalence of functional abnormalities in these populations. In nonsmokers, age-related regressions for closing volume, closing capacity, and the slope of phase III obtained from the single-breath N2 test, plus the ratio of the I-s forced expiratory volume to the forced vital capacity had very similar slopes, suggesting that differences in geographic location, climate, air pollution, and occupation had no effect on lung function detectable by these tests. Among the 6 city/six groups there was no systematic difference in the prevalence of functional abnormalities between the cities, but closing capacity expressed as a percentage of total lung capacity was abnormal most often in men and the slope of the alveolar plateau was abnormal most often in women. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms within different smoking categories was similar in the 3 cities. Although the number of cigarettes smoked had a significant effect on every test except the ratio of the I-s forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity in men, the effect of age was considerably greater than the effect of smoking, and the dose-response relationship was weak. We conclude that additional factors may interact with smoking to place a smoker at risk of developing chronic airflow limitation.


Controlled exposures of human volunteers to sulfate aerosols. Health effects and aerosol characterization.

Our laboratory has undertaken the study of possible acute adverse health effects of sulfate aerosols through controlled exposures of volunteer human subjects. Both healthy and asthmatic adult men were exposed for 2-hour periods (with intermittent exercise) to ammonium sulfate, ammonium bisulfate, and sulfuric acid of particle size distributions and concentrations intended to simulate "worst case" exposures during Los Angeles smog episodes. Lung function tests were performed by the subjects on entering and before exiting from a carefully controlled environmental chamber. Subject symptoms were evluated in a standardized manner. Aerosol concentrations and size distributions were determined by an on-line computer/aerometric monitoring  system; gravimetric and chemical analyses were performed on impactor and total filter samples after test exposures. We found little or no evidence of adverse health effects from 2-hour multiple-day exposures to any of the compounds at "worst case" ambient concentrations.


Metronidazole in the treatment of anaerobic infections.

Using metronidazole in oral dosages of 1.5 to 2 g daily, we treated 13 adults who had anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections, including 11 with lung abscess, one with necrotizing pneumonia, and one with thoracic empyema. Five patients (four with lung abscess and one with necrotizing pneumonia) were cured. The lung abscesses of 5 patients did not respond. For 3 patients (one with epigastric distress who refused metronidazole, one with undrained empyema, and one who died while receiving metronidazole), therapy could not be evaluated. Side effects included leukopenia (2 patients), leukopenia and neutropenia (one), neutropenia (one), dark urine (two), bitter taste (two), and epigastric distress (one). In light of our findings, metronidazole is not uniformly effective in the treatment of anaerobic pleuropulmonary infections.


Influence of dose and fiber type on respiratory malignancy risk in asbestos cement manufacturing.

This investigation provides information concerning the risk or respiratory malignancy in relation to duration, degree, and fiber type of exposure to asbestos in a manufacturing cohort of 5,645 with long-term follow-up. Excess mortality for this cause was found in groups with moderate and high cumulative exposure (standard mortality ratios of 290 and 226). Analysis of the influence of components of total exposure dose (duration, average concentration) revealed no detectable excess risk in persons employed for less than 2 years or with low-degree average exposure. Exposure to corcidolite (blue) fiber in addition to the predominantly used chrysotile in pipe making appeared to be associated with higher risk than was exposure to chrysotile alone.


The effects of sodium substitution and ouabain on ion transport by dog tracheal epithelium.

Using ouabain and sodium removal, we studied the mechanism of chloride transport by dog tracheal epithelium. When applied to the submucosal side of the tissue, 2 x 10(-4) M ouabain decreased the short-circuit current, the net chloride flux toward the lumen, and the net sodium flux toward the submucosa to zero after 30 min. Applied to the luminal side, ouabain had little effect. Potassium-free medium, like ouabain, decreased the short-circuit current when present in the submucosal bath; on the luminal side ti produced a slight increase (7.0 +/- 1.5 per cent; n = 6) in short-circuit current. Replacement of sodium in the submucosal bathing medium by choline led to a decrease in net chloride flux of 84 per cent. Sodium replacement in the luminal bath produced no change in net chloride flux. It is proposed that chloride secretion by this tissue depends on active basolateral sodium pumps, and that a component of chloride entry into the transporting cells from the submucosal medium may be sodium-linked.


Alveolar-capillary membrane permeability. Correlation with functional, radiographic, and postmortem changes after fluid aspiration.

An index of permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane was derived from the relative extraction from the lung into arterial blood of 2 tracers, 125I-antipyrine and 51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetate. The effect on this index of aspirating 2 ml of isotonic saline, distilled water, or 10(-1) M hydrochloric acid per kg of body weight was studied in 3 groups of rabbits. The severity and time course of changes in the permeability index were correlated with changes in lung mechanics, gas exchange, serial chest roentgenograms, ratio of extravascular lung water to dry weight, and histologic findings. Aspiration of saline produced no change in the permeability index; aspiration of water produced a large mean +/- SEM increase in the index, from a baseline of 0.025 +/- 0.002 to 1,050 +/- 0.054 (P less than 0.001), but this value returned to baseline 15 min later. After hydrochloric acid, the permeability index increased from a baseline of 0.027 +/- 0.003 to 1.068 +/- 0.098 (P less than 0.005), with no evidence of resolution after 60 min. Changes in lung mechanics, gas exchange, and roentgenograms were smallest after aspiration of distilled water and greatest after aspiration of hydrochloric acid. The functional changes after aspiration of water and saline recovered at a rate proportional to the known clearance rates of these liquids from the lung. The changes after hydrochloric acid either showed no tendency toward recovery or, in the case of the roentgenograms, worsened with time. There were no detectable histologic abnormalities or an increase in the ratio of extravascular lung water to dry weight after aspiration of water or saline, but there were extensive histologic abnormalities and a 70 per cent increase in lung water after acid. The increase in the permeability index after aspiration of water was too transient to exert a deleterious effect. In contrast, the persistence of the increase in the permeability index after hydrochloric acid was associated with persistent functional changes attributable to the considerable increase in lung water.


Ultrasonographic evaluation of ventilatory effect on inferior vena caval configuration.

Ventilatory effect on inferior vena caval configuration was studied by ultrasonography in 14 subjects, including 5 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3 with cardiac tamponade due to carcinomatous pericardial effusion, one with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis, and 5 normal subjects. The inferior vena caval lumen decreased in the early inspiratory phase, reached a minimum at the end of inspiration, distended again during expiration, and closed transiently 2 to 3 cm below the diaphragm during maximal inspiration. These ventilatory changes of the inferior vena cava reversed with increase in intrathoracic pressure during the Valsalva maneuver and positive-pressure ventilation. When the central venous pressure was increased, as in cardiac tamponade, the inferior vena cava was fully distended through the entire phase of inspiration and expiration. Collapsibility of the inferior vena cava was inversely proportional to central venous pressure when the pressure was less than 10 cm H2O, but not when the pressure was greater than approximately 10 cm H2O. Our results suggest that the study of inferior vena caval configuration with ultrasonogrphy is a valuable noninvasive clinical aid for estimating central venous pressure and for analyzing inferior vena caval hemodynamics in various clinical conditions.


Attenuation of prazosin effect on cardiac output in chronic heart failure.

The persistence of the hemodynamic effects of prazosin was studied in 12 patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Multidose evaluation involving five 5-mg doses showed the initial decrease in systemic vascular resistance and increase in cardiac index, stroke work index, and stroke volume index to be transient. Doubling the dose did not restore effect. Modest decreases in pulmonary capillary-wedge and mean arterial pressures persisted throughout the study. In six patients, plasma prazosin concentration measured at times of hemodynamic observations showed the initial hemodynamic effect of prazosin to attenuate upon further administration despite mean plasma concentrations that exceeded those measured after the first dose. In patients with chronic heart failure, resting hemodynamic studies suggest a rapid attenuation of prazosin-mediated hemodynamic effect in the presence of adequate plasma concentration. Recognizing this phenomenon, if long-term prazosin therapy for congestive heart failure is contemplated, we suggest the hemodynamic response in individual patients be monitored.


Coronary artery narrowing in coronary heart disease: comparison of cineangiographic and necropsy findings.

Of 10 patients with fatal coronary heart disease undergoing coronary angiography 0 to 69 d (average, 21) before necropsy, the amount of narrowing in 61 coronary arteries observed angiographically (diameter reduction) during life by three angiographers was compared with that observed histologically (cross-sectional area) at necropsy. No overestimations of the degree of narrowing were made angiographically. Of 11 coronary arteries or their subdivisions narrowed 0 to 50% in cross-sectional area histologically, none were underestimated angiographically; of eight narrowed 51% to 75% histologically, seven had been underestimated, and of 42 narrowed 76% to 100% histologically, 17 were underestimated angiographically. The coronary atherosclerotic plaquing was diffuse (greater than 25% cross-sectional area narrowing) in 90% of 467 five-millimetre segments of coronary artery examined (24 cm per patient), and this diffuseness of the atherosclerotic process seems to be the major reason for angiographic underestimation of coronary narrowings.


Reproducibility of hemoglobin AIc and sensitivity to various degrees of glucose intolerance.

To establish a normal range of hemoglobin (Hb) AIc, and ascertain the sensitivity and reproducibility of this test, three groups were studied: patients with suspected diabetes undergoing a standard oral glucose tolerance test, diabetic outpatients, and subjects with normal carbohydrate tolerance studies on two separate occasions. In Group 1, the mean Hb AIc (+/- SD) in 165 carbohydrate-tolerant subjects was 4.97 +/- 0.50% and the normal range was the mean +/- 2 standard deviations (4.0 to 6.0%). The mean Hb AIc (+/- SD) of the 63 carbohydrate-intolerant subjects was 6.45 +/- 1.14, significantly greater than the normal subjects. In both subgroups, Hb AIc correlated significantly with the fasting blood glucose but not with the glucose areas of the oral glucose-tolerance test. In Group 2, the Hb AIc values were normal in 39% of those diet treated, 10% of those on oral agents, and none of those on insulin therapy. In Group 3, the mean coefficient of variation of the two Hb AIc values for each subject was 6.86% but was 7.15% for the fasting blood glucose. These findings suggest that Hb AIc is highly reproducible and responsive to minor degrees of abnormality of glucose tolerance and may provide an alternative method for defining carbohydrate tolerance or the degree of blood sugar control.


Q fever endocarditis in the United States.

A patient with Q fever endocarditis, which is almost unknown in the United States, was followed for a total of 32 months; the study was begun 3 1/2 months before aortic valve replacement. Diagnosis was confirmed by serology, visualization of Coxiella burnetii in excised aortic valve tissue by direct and immunofluorescence staining, and isolation of C. burnetii from aortic valve tissue. Serum antibodies against phase I and phase II antigens of C. burnetii were identified. Almost all phase I and phase II antibodies were IgG. These findings are compared with those in an uncomplicated case of acute Q fever. New findings on the immune response to chronic Q fever are presented.


Low-pressure cardiac tamponade.

An elderly man developed cardiac tamponade from a tuberculous pericardial effusion but without such typical manifestations as pulsus paradoxus and jugular-vein distension. This case illustrates the difficulties in clinical recognition of low-pressure cardiac tamponade, which can develop in the presence of dehydration and hypovolemia. The hemodynamic factors that account for this phenomenon are discussed.


Transient thyrotoxicosis associated with acute hemorrhagic infarction of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

Two patients with nontoxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodules had transient hyperthyroidism after acute hemorrhagic infarction. Previously solid "hot" nodules were converted to cystic "cold" nodules. Aspiration confirmed the hemorrhagic nature of the process. There was marked regression in nodule size, marked reduction of nodular autonomous secretory activity (indicated by a change from a blunted to a normal response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone), and spontaneous recovery of function in the previously suppressed extranodular thyroid tissue. Confusion of this entity with a nontoxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule that has progressed to the toxic stage may be avoided if the loss of nodular function is noted on imaging. The possibility of granulomatous thyroiditis may be excluded by blood aspiration.


Coccidioidomycosis of the thyroid.

In two patients with thyroiditis caused by Coccidioides immitis, presented thyroid symptoms and findings were characteristic of subacute thyroiditis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid proved useful in establishing the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. This is the first report of coccidioidomycosis presenting as thyroiditis.


How cardiologists learn about echocardiography. A reminder for medical educators and legislators.

Mandatory continuing medical education, because of the need to validate participation, rewards classroom activities but not self-education. To determine if self-education is still a major study method for practicing physicians, we surveyed 158 cardiologists to learn how they first heard of, and continued their education in, echocardiography, a technique in which 81% of the physician-sample receiving no training in medical school, residency, or fellowship. Initial and continuing sources of information included professional journals and literature, meetings and conferences, discussion with colleagues, and courses. Professional journals ranked first in use; individual and group learning activities were used about equally by physicians. Recent legislation requiring validation of attendance may cause educators and legislators to ignore the self-learner. This study should remind educators and legislators that variations in learning style must be considered when planning and legislating approaches in continuing medical education.


[Conduction abnormalities after single heart valve replacement (author's transl)].

A total of 300 patients were operated upon for heart valve disease by the same surgeon. The affected valve was the aortic in 200 cases and the mitral in the other 100 patients. The tricuspid valve, coronary arteries, and myocardium were not involved. This report attempts to define the frequency progression, prognosis, and significance of conduction abnormalities which appear during the course of this operation. In 35 cases, of which 16 were post-operative deaths, a histological examination of the conduction pathways was possible. The conclusions to be drawn from these observations are: Conduction abnormalities after single aortic or mitral valve replacement are frequent (1 out of 3 patients).


[Use of urokinase during surgery: a new approach to the treatment of vascular obliterative disease (author's transl)].

Thrombolysis occurred in five out of eleven patients treated with intra-arterial urokinase for recent raterial obliteration. These positive results were accompanied by perfect tolerance and absence of systemic fibrinolysis. In some cases, therefore, surgical revascularization can be associated with fibrinolytic treatment.


[Foot lesions in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. A report on 25 cases (author's transl)].

Diabetic lesions in 25 patients with maturity-onset non-insulin-dependent diabetes, but with neuropathy and even other complications in spite of previous treatment, were studied. Distribution according to the duration of the diabetes and the age of the patients was comparable to that seen in insulin-dependent diabetes. The most frequent lesions are osteoporosis of the metaphysial line, interphalangeal arthrosis, and hallux valgus. A total of 7 perforating plantar ulcers were noted, and the physiopathology was similar to that described in insulin-dependent diabetes. Lowered insulin levels and the neuropathy which this produres are the major etiological factors, but foot deformities such as talipes equinus and/or flat-feet play a determining role. Treatment consists of insulin administration and avoidance of plantar pressure at the site of the lesions.


[Pulmonary mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium chelonei: a report on a new case (authors' transl)].

Mycobacterium chelonei is a saprophytic germ usually devoid of pathogenic activity. Over a period of about the last ten years, however, several cases have been reported, including twelve cases of bronchopulmonary affections, in which it has been the infecting organism. The radiographic appearance is in every respect similar to that observed in pulmonary tuberculosis. A positive diagnosis of infection due to this germ can be made by the absence of Kuch's bacillus the lack of therapeutic effect of antituberculous medication, a positive skin reaction to specific antigens, and positive Mycobacterium Chelonei cultures from biopsy specimens. A new case of this infection is reported.


[Zollinger-Ellison syndrome with high blood calcium levels resembling the neoplastic type (author's transl)].

A patient with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome was found to have increased blood gastrin levels associated with the secretion of a compound which produced high blood calcium levels. This compound differed from immunoreactive parathormone, and caused the clinical picture of primary neoplastic hyperparathyroidism. This case is compared with other cases of multiple-secreting Zollinger-Ellison syndrome reported in the published literature, within the framework of the "A.P.U.D." system.


[Is the primary lesion in Behcet's disease a venous "tropism" vascularity? (author's transl)].

The authors studied eight cases of Behcet's disease, all of which were characterized by different degrees of phlebitis disorders. They also reviewed the anatomical and clinical features of a similar type, reported in the published literature. They stress the frequency and severity of changes in the veins in the localization of the various symptomatic lesions of the affection. From these results, they conclude that the primary lesion in this disease could be a phenomenon of vascularity of mainly venous-"tropism" which would explain the proteiform clinical features of Behcet's aphthosis.


[A case of distal mesenteric arteritis (author's transl)].

A case is reported of distal mesenteric arteritis discovered during operation and confirmed by arteriography. The arteritis was probably not inflammatory in origin, but could have been due to atheroma. Only one other case of this type has been reported.


[Acute and chronic tuberculosis of the liver and hematopoietic system (author's transl)].

The authors report three cases of tuberculosis affecting the liver and hematopoietic system. The difficulty in diagnosing the chronic progressive forms of the disease and the severity of the acute forms is stressed. Liver biopsy is considered to be the most effective examination for confirming the nature of the disease. Acute and chronic forms can also be distinguished histologically, as the former produce nectotic lesions rich in tubercle bacillus but with only slight surrounding cellular reaction, while the latter lesions are productive and are rich in epithelioid histocytic cells.


[Constrictive pericarditis complicating quiescent rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)].

A brief report is given of an extremely rare case of pericardial constriction in a patient with quiescent sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. Pericardectomy was only partially completed as it was impossible to divide the bands joining the peri- and epicardium.


[Grawitz's tumor and provoked hyperlipemia (author's transl)].

After reporting a case of a patient aged 69 years with an inoperable hypernephroma, in whom the presence of a polycythemia and a reduction in the provoked hyperlipemia curve was found to co-exist, the authors review the data in the published literature on the influence on the small intestine of cancers other than those in the gastro-intestinal system. Basing their comments on studies of hypernephromas, they stress that a reduction or delay in the hyperlipemia curve was found in 23 out of 28 patients. This abnormality can only be explained by hypotheses at the present time.


["In vitro" interactions between influenza virus and mouse lung alveolar macrophages (author's transl)].

Interactions between influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H0N1) and Balb/c mouse lung alveolar macrophages have been studied in vitro. One day after initiation of alveolar macrophage culture in 35 mm Falcon dishes, the virus suspension was allowed to adsorb to the cells for 1 h. Detachment of cells from the plastic substrate, morphological changes in adherent cells and decreased phagocytosis of heat-killed Candida albicans occured slowly as compared to control cultures. These facts appeared to be directly correlated to the concentration of viruses in the inoculum. Data yielded by virus titrations, electron microscopy and immunofluorescence suggest that mouse lung alveolar macrophages are able to take up a large amount of viral particles and inhibit their replication, allowing only an abortive viral cycle.


Perithecial ultrastructure and formation of ascospores of Ceratocystis stenoceras (Robak) C. Moreau.

Fine details of perithecial morphology and aspects of ascospore formation of Ceratocystis stenoceras (Robak) C. Moreau are shown in electron micrographs of ultrathin sections. The envelope of the perithecial body proper consisted of two zones of cells which differed morphologically one from another. Loose aggregates of small electron opaque particles were present at the outer wall surface which may be responsible for the characteristic pigmentation of the body and neck. Cells comprising the ostiolate neck may arise as modifications of spindle-shaped cells of the inner zone of the perithecial envelope. Cell walls of the neck and of zones 1 and 2 may be composed in part of periodic acid-reactive polysaccharide. The perithecial envelope and ascogenous cells were separated by a band of several parallel, double-layered membranes which may function in some manner with biosynthetic activities of ascospore production. In general, the mechanics of ascospore formation by C. stenoceras were in most ways in agreement with recent reports of ascospore outogeny in other ascomycetous fungi. Mature ascospores were somewhat lenticular in shape and the outer space wall was finely sculptured.


Salmonella 38:g,z51:-, a new Salmonella of sub-genus IV: a serological study on the complex H-antigen g,z51 which can be divided into three sub-genus specific factors.

A new Salmonella of sub-genus IV with the antigen formula 38:g,z51:- has been isolated from a boa. Comparative studies of the H:g,z51 revealed that this phase only occurs in the sub-genera I, III and IV but not in sub-genus II. Furthermore it became evident that there exist typical serological differences between the g,z51 phases of Salmonella sub-genus I, III and IV which are of significance for the differential diagnosis.


[First steps in the bacterial colonization of the digestive tract of neonates (author's transl)].

Meconium samples obtained from 14 children aged 18 to 51 h were subjected to a quantitative differential analysis. The meconium of one of the children (47 h old) was sterile; in those of the 11 infants aged less than 47 h the dominant flora was composed of either enterobacteria, mainly Escherichia coli sensitive to usual antibiotics, or of streptococci. The genus Acinetobacter constituted the dominant flora in one case only. Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Clostridium (C. perfringens), Bacteroides, Peptococcus, when present in the meconium, represented a very small proportion of the total flora. In the two children aged 48 h and more, the flora was more complex and Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Veillonella, Peptostreptococcus, Clostridium and Staphylococcus were associated to streptococci and enterobacteria. A very small number of lactobacilli was found in one child only. No yeasts were detected. The sequence of establishment of the various bacteria was studied in a child (OG) by an analysis of 8 samples obtained between 0 and 74 h after its birth. E. coli and Streptococcus became established 24 h after parturition, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides the 2nd and 3rd day, respectively. Lactobacillus and Peptococcus were only present in very low number in the first 2 meconium samples and did not become established in the child, although they were present in a rather large number in the vaginal and faecal samples from the mother. In addition, use of axenic mice inoculated with the 3rd meconium from the infant OG revealed the existence of certain genera of bacteria probably of faecal origin which had not been detected by the direct analysis of the meconium. These genera did not become established in the child. The hypothesis according to which the meconium chooses among the fortuitous contaminations before true colonization of the digestive tract is established, is discussed. It was also observed that the evolution of the ratio between the number of E. coli and Proteus morganii in the successive samples obtained from OG was very different from that observed in the mice inoculated with these samples.


[Glycosylation and isoelectric properties of complete and defective rabies viruses (author's transl)].

From a structural point of view an essential distinction between complete and defective rabies viruses is difference in size. In addition, isoelectric properties differ. The complete virus has an isoelectric point approaching neutrality, whereas the defective virus focuses between pH 3-4.7. The isoelectric points of the glycoprotein from complete and defective viruses differ in a corresponding fashion. The Pasteur virus cultivated on BHK21C13 cells, contains glycoproteins, the glycopeptides of which have a structure containing the following five monosaccharides: sialic acid, D-galactose, (N-acetyl)D-glucosamine, D-mannose and L-fucose. The glycosylation of the glycoproteins is different, at least in so far as the relative sialic acid/glucosamine ratio is concerned.


[Effects of starvation on incorporation of glycine in organs of Philosamia cynthia walkeri].

The influence of starvation on protein synthesis in organs from growing Philosamia larvae has been determined. In the fat body, a rapid and continuous decrease in synthesis begins at the onset of starvation. A decrease also occurs in the carcass, but of lesser extent. In the intestine and silkgland, the synthesis increases significantly during the first 12 hours and decreases thereafter. In all organs, the acid soluble glycine pools are drastically modified by starvation for 48 hours: this amino-acid accumulates in the silkglands, remains at a rather stable level in the intestine but decreases in the fat body and carcass. No adjustement of these pools is found at the level of haemolymph acid soluble glycine which increases during the 48 hours. These results are discussed in the context of regulatory mechanisms on metabolic level during feeding or food deprivation periods.


[An assessment of caustic oesophageal burns in the child (author's transl)].

68 patients who might have had a caustic oesophageal burn were observed in the E.N.T. department of Enfants Malades Hospital between 1973 and 1977. We describe the causes, the age, the character of the burns analysed after systematic oesophagoscopy, and treatment. The results are studied taking into account the depth of the burn, the nature of the toxic agent and the therapeutic possibilities.


[Nasopharyngeal fibroma (author's transl)].

The authors report 17 cases nasopharyngeal fibroma treated between 1966 and 1978. Half of the cases developed before the age of 16, the other half occurring between 16 and 28 years. Arteriography was performed in only 8 cases and embolisation in 4 cases with 2 vascular accidents. Surgery was performed in 16 cases (15 Rouge Denker, 1 paralatero nasal). Invasion of the pterygomaxillary fossa was invariably found at operation. Amongst the patients treated by surgery, there was only one local recurrence and reoperation was successful. Finally, one patient with a very large fibroma with invasion of the temporal fossa was successfully treated by radiotherapy at a dose of 4 000 R.


[The use of a chondro-metallic prosthesis when the ossicular chain is destroyed (author's transl)].

The author describes a new prosthesis used in functional rehabilitation when the chain is destroyed. It consists of a tripod part in gold, anchored in the attic region with its foot resting on the plate of the stapes. This prosthesis is covered with a piece of autologous cartilage freshly removed from the tragus which forms the junction with the tympanic membrane or covering fascia. 60 cases are presented, some with a follow-up of 4 years. All of the patients were suffering from the sequelae of chronic otorrhoea, with varying degress of destruction of the chain and tympanic membrane, leaving a mobile plate. Functional rehabilitation in one stage was good in 66% of cases, poor in more than 8% of cases and nil in 25% of cases. Tolerance of the prosthesis was comparable to that of other metallic or plastic materials used in the middle ear. The plate of the stapes would appear to tolerate the prosthesis perfectly since no secondary labyrinthisation was seen. The author suggests the use of this chondro-metallic prosthesis was a reliable means of ensuring functional rehabilitation in the presence of a post-otitic empty middle ear.


[Audiovestibular exploration of the brain stem (author's transl)].

In the context of a postgraduate lecture for specialist physicians, the author describes techniques of objective audiology used on a daily basis in the exploration of the brain stem in the ENT department of Lariboisiere Hospital. The following are reviewed for each of them: --the corresponding anatomical pathways, --the principles and techniques used. The results are illustrated by examples. Increase in the threshold of stapes acoustic reflex above 95 dB on a frequency of 1,000 Hz is highly suggestive of acoustic nerve involvement or the lower part of the brain stem (bar sign). By contrast, the threshold is normal in endocochlear and supratentorial disorders. Comparison of abnormalities in stapes acoustic reflex in ipsi and contralateral stimulation, and in particular analysis of changes in their dynamics, often makes it possible to localise the problem to the acoustic nerve, the facial nerve or the brain stem itself. Recording of brain stem evoked auditory potentials (BERA), combined if necessary with that of the electro-cochleogram, is a delicate technique. This is the most useful and most precise audiological tool available to make a precise diagnosis of acoustic neuroma and to localise brain stem disease.


[Three case histories of cortical and sub-cortical auditory lesions. Audiological and tomodensimetrical confrontations (author's transl)].

The authors describe three case histories of auditory lesions involving the cortex or subcortex of the temporal lobes. In two of the cases there are minor lesions of the hemisphere producing an amusia without verbal deafness or agnosia of non-verbal sounds. In one of the two patients, the total transitory deafness makes the use of the term cortical deafness debatable. In the third case, a bilateral vascular lesion of the temporal lobes had produced a pure verbal deafness without loss of tone discrimination or loss of the capacity to recognise changes in rhythm or sound frequency. In these three patients in whom there was no anatomical verification, the data given by the scanner and the study of evoked cortical potentials recorded over the two cerebral hemispheres allowed a fairly good study of the correlations between the topography of the lesions and their semiotic consequences.