Selective inhibition of mandibular growth and induction of cleft palate by diazo-oxo-norleucine (DON) in the rat.

A high percentage of cleft palates can be induced in rat fetuses by a single injection of the glutamine analog diazo-oxo-norleucine (DON) on day 15 of gestation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of DON in vivo on craniofacial growth and spatial relations in order to identify factors that may contribute to the palatal defects. Sprague-Dawley rats in the experimental groups were given a single IP injection of 2.0 mg DON (6 mg/kg maternal body weight) on day 15 and were killed on day 16 or 17. Control fetuses were collected on days 15, 16 and 17. Fetal heads were fixed in Bouin's solution, embedded in Paraplast and serially-sectioned. Midsagittal and coronal sections were projected at 30 X and a series of linear and angular measurements were made. DON had limited effect on growth of the cranial base, nasomaxillary complex, and palatine processes, but dramatically reduced the length of Meckel's cartilage. Treatment with DON delayed shelf elevation approximately 24 hours, and tongue position remained high in the oronasal cavity. Growth retardation in Meckel's cartilage therefore may contribute to delayed shelf movement by retarding downward and forward positioning of the tongue-mandibular complex.


Is there a fetal gasoline syndrome?

Two children from a small Amerindian community presented with profound retardation, initial hypotonia progressing to hypertonia, scaphocephaly, a prominent occiput, poor postnatal head growth, and additional minor anomalies. Abuse of gasoline by inhalation was a widespread problem in the community, and gasoline inhalation during the pregnancy could be documented in both of the pregnancies. We are raising the question as to whether inhalation of gasoline during pregnancy may be teratogenic in humans.


Selective proliferation and accumulation of chondroprogenitor cells as the mode of action of biomechanical factors during secondary chondrogenesis.

Secondary cartilage fails to differentiate on membrane bones of embryonic chicks which have been paralyzed by the in ovo injection of D-tubocurarine chloride at ten days of incubation. A planimetric analysis of serial sections of a membrane bone (the quadratojugal) from control (mobile), and from paralyzed embryos, indicated that osteogenesis was not slowed in paralyzed embryos. However the rate of accumulation of periosteal progenitor cells was significantly lower in paralyzed than in mobile embryos. Quantitative analysis of 3H-thymidine-labelled progenitor cells indicated that the slowed accumulation of progenitor cells was the result of fewer progenitor cells initiating DNA synthesis and mitosis. Between 10 and 11 days of incubation, 60 to 75 more 3H-thymidine-labelled progenitor cells accumulated in mobile embryos than accumulated on each quadratojugal in paralyzed embryos. This subpopulation of cells could represent the chondroprogenitor cells which produce secondary cartilage in mobile embryos. If this is so, then biomechanical factors control the ability of the embryo to produce secondary cartilage by allowing the selective accumulation of chondrogenic progenitor cells.


Cerebral embryopathy in late first trimester: possible association with swine influenza vaccine.

An infant girl was born with cerebral malformations characterized by developmental arrest late in the first trimester of gestation. These features included persistent pontine flexure, cerebellum developed only around the rhombic lip, failure of migration of inferior olive, absence of basis pontis and of corticospinal and corticopontine tracts, and agenesis of olfactory bulbs. The cerebral cortex was thin and poorly laminated, and primary and secondary sulci had failed to form. The choroid plexus contained vascular malformations, hemorrhages, and infarcts. The leptomeninges contained foci of primitive mesenchyme. The mother had received an inoculation of swine influenza vaccine six weeks after conception, followed by a 2-week illness. The temporal relation to the timing of the cerebral malformation suggests a teratogenic effect of the vaccine, but may have been coincidental.


Running, walking, and hyperventilation causing asthma in children.

To examine further the relation between type of exercise, workload, ventilation, and exercise-induced asthma, we compared treadmill walking with treadmill running and treadmill running with isocapnic hyperventilation in separate studies in children and adolescents. Inspired air conditions were identical during each pair of tests. Walking and running with similar minute ventilation and oxygen consumption were followed by similar falls in peak expiratory flow rate as were running and hyperventilation with similar minute ventilation and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension. This study supports the concept that hyperventilation is a central mechanism in exercise-induced asthma.


Peripheral vascular resistance and angiotensin II levels during pulsatile and non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass.

The effects of pulsatile and non-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on levels of peripheral vascular resistance and plasma angiotensin II (AII) have been studied in 24 patients submitted to elective cardiac surgical procedures. Twelve patients had conventional non-pulsatile perfusion throughout the period of CPB (non-pulsatile group), while 12 had pulsatile perfusion during the central period of total CPB, using the Stockert pulsatile pump system (pulsatile group). There were no significant differences between the groups in respect of age, weight, bypass time, cross-clamp time, or in mean pump flow or mean perfusion pressure at the onset of CPB. Peripheral vascular resistance index (PVRI) and plasma AII levels were measured at the onset of total CPB and at the end of total CPB. In the non-pulsatile group PVRI rose from 19.6 units to 29.96 units during perfusion. In the pulsatile group PVRI showed little change from 20.89 units to 21.45 units during perfusion (P less than 0.001). Plasma AII levels (normal less than 35 pg/ml) rose during perfusion from 49 pg/ml to 226 pg/ml in the non-pulsatile group. The rise in the pulsatile group from 44 pg/ml to 98 pg/ml was significantly smaller than that in the non-pulsatile group (P less than 0.01). These results indicate that pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass prevents the rise in PVRI associated with non-pulsatile perfusion, and that this effect may be achieved by preventing excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system, thus producing significantly lower plasma concentrations of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.


Surgery of the ascending aorta: five years' experience at a regional cardiac centre.

Between 1972 and 1978, 31 patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta, with or without aortic valve surgery, at the Wessex Regional Cardiac Centre. The commonest indications for operation were aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta causing aortic regurgitation and acute dissection of the ascending aorta. Eleven of the 31 patients had features of Marfan's syndrome. The overall hospital mortality was 19.4%, a figure comparable with those reported in other series; ventricular failure secondary to ischaemia during operation was the commonest cause of death. The long-term symptomatic results were excellent, except in the two patients who underwent resuspension of the aortic valve for aortic regurgiation associated with acute dissections. For aneurysms of the ascending aorta with associated aortic regurgitation, replacement of the valve and ascending aorta with a combined valve prosthesis and synthetic tube graft, with reimplantation of the coronary ostia, is the procedure of choice if the aortic valve ring is diseased. Experience to date indicates that replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve with separate prostheses, leaving the coronary ostia undisturbed, is a satisfactory alternative provided the aortic annulus is of suitable size and quality; this is more likely to be the case in dissections than in aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta. Replacement of the ascending aorta may also be indicated in some cases of dilatation of the ascending aorta secondary to aortic valve disease if the aortic wall is unusually thin.


Dissection of an aneurysmal ascending aorta in association with coarctation of the aorta.

A previously fit 21-year-old man presented with severel central chest pain. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examination confirmed a dissection of an aneurysmal ascending aorta in the presence of previously undiagnosed severe aortic coarctation. Initial aortic dissection had occurred five days before admission. The medical and staged surgical management of the case are presented. Surgical survival with such a combination of lesions does not appear to have been previously recorded.


Surgical management of bronchial carcinoma invading the chest wall.

In a 20-year period (1958-77) 43 patients underwent combined pulmonary and chest wall resection for bronchial carcinoma with local invasion of the thoracic wall. The clinical data, symptoms, surgical procedures, pathology, and results are reviewed. Pain was the usual presenting symptom. The operative mortality was 16%, respiratory complications causing most of the postoperative morbidity and mortality. These complications were less common after pneumonectomy. Long-term survival was achieved in only three cases with a corrected three-year survival rate of 10%. The survivors had certain pathological and operative features in common that may have prognostic significance. Recurrent carcinoma was responsible for most late deaths. Despite the poor overall prognosis, surgical management provided reasonable palliation and occasionally resulted in prolonged disease-free survival.


Resection of proximal left main bronchus carcinoma.

A carcionoma at the orifice of the left main bronchus is generally considered inoperable. Since 1963, in six patients, we have mobilised the transverse aortic arch and, working above the aortic arch, cut the left main bronchus off the trachea and closed the stump. The operation is completed as a pneumonectomy; it is referred to as a supra-aortic pneumonectomy. The indications, technique, and results are described.


Cellular aggregation and trauma in cardiotomy suction systems.

Experiments in dogs showed that the high levels of cellular aggregation and trauma caused by cariodtomy suction can be considerably reduced by the avoidance of air aspiration. A hypothesis is proposed to explain this on the basis of shear stresses in the inlet cannula. Roller pump suction was also found to be slightly more traumatic than vaccum suction, but contact of the blood with the pericardium had no effect so long as the pericardium and epicardium had been previously washed with saline.


Chronic lung disease in the Papua New Guinea Highlands.

In the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea 46 men and 24 women with chronic lung disease underwent clinical and lung function investigations. In all cases the sole or predominant abnormality was irreversible airways obstruction, probably from chronic bronchitis with variable amounts of acompanying emphysema. There were close similarities to chronic obstructife lung disease in European populations in terms of symptoms, airways obstruction, transfer factor, and radiographic emphysema and inflammatory changes. Bronchiectasis and local fibrosis were present in a few subjects, but previous reports that pulmonary and pleural fibrosis are features of the disease were not confirmed. Possibly environmental and genetic factors may increase the associated blood gas disturbances leading to pulmonary hypertension. Unlike chronic obstructive lung disease in European populations, tobacco smoking is not an important aetiological factor. Although there is no direct evidence, the most likely possibilities are domestic wood smoke and acute chest infections.


Cardiac and respiratory function before and after spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Ten girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were studied before and 17-23 months after spinal fusion. None had any cardiac or respiratory disease complicating the scoliosis. They underwent a range of resting lung function tests and a progressive exercise test. The mean angle of scoliosis decreased from 65.8 to 27.3 degrees after operation but the only significant physiological benefit detected in this study was a decrease in the submaximal minute ventilation. The physiological benefit of spinal fusion was therefore much less prominent than the anatomical improvement of the spinal curvature.


Local excision of pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae including the feeding artery and draining vein.

Two cases of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula were treated by local anatomical dissection and excision. This technique is preferable to pulmonary resection when the fistula is localised and superficially situated. The feeding vessels must be included in the resection to avoid possible recurrence. The history of the surgical removal of arteriovenous fistulae is discussed, and the reasons for preferring local excision are given.


Tracheal laceration with massive subcutaneous emphysema: a rare complication of endotracheal intubation.

Our patient sustained a laceration of the membranous portion of the trachea associated with massive subcutaneous emphysema after an apparently uneventful intubation. The patient was successfully operated on within seven hours. The importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment in the event of this rare complicatoin and the different causative factors are discussed.


Histocompatibility antigens in asthma: population and family studies.

One hundred and twenty-two patients with intrinsic asthma, extrinsic atopic asthma, or asthma with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis were tissue typed for the HLA A, B, and C loci. No associations were found with any of the clinical groups, or with serum total IgE concentrations. Sixty-eight members of 10 families where more than one member was affected by asthma were studied. The segregation of haplotypes in siblings of the propositi who were or were not affected by asthma did not differ from the predicted segregation, and there were no differences when atopy or serum total IgE were considered. No biologically important association between HLA and asthma has been shown.


[Nematodirus battus definitely established in the Netherlands (author's transl)].

After Nematodirus battus infection had been detected in sheep imported from Britain into the Netherlands in January 1978, Dutch lambs and sheep on seven farms in the Province of Gelderland were also found to be infected with N. battus later in 1978. The possible origin of the infection was investigated. Three flocks had been in contact with British sheep, two farms were trading farms, one farm had purchased its sheep from various sources a few years previously, on another the cause continued to be obscure, recently purchased rams possibly having played a role in this case. Severe infections were not (sor far) observed. It was difficult to differentiate between clinical symptoms of N. battus infection, if any, and those due to coccidiosis which was diagnosed in a number of flocks.


[Fractures of the vertebrae in newborn calves (author's transl)].

A letter to the Editor on fractures of the vertebrae in newborn calves is commented upon (Tijdschr. Diergeneesk., 104, 557, (1979)). Supplementary data is supplied and a theory regarding the pathogenesis is suggested. Intense muscular contractions during an attack of asphyxia could be the cause of these fractures of the vertebrae. Although non-genetic factors are bound to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asphyxia, genetic factors (probably showing a hereditary pattern which is more complex than singly recessive) also may help to produce these fractures.


[Veterinary drugs and extravascular injections (author's transl)].

Significantly increased levels of ampicillin were recorded in the serum of nine normal dwarf goats following injection of ampicillin trihydrate (Penbritin, 20 mg per kg of body weight) into the lateral cervical muscles compared with injection into the gluteal region (semimembranosus muscle). The differences observed serve to emphasize the fact that more attention should be paid to the effect of the site of intramuscular injection on the biological availability of the drug, with particular reference to studies on clinical effectiveness.


[Dog breeding in the Netherlands (author's transl)].

The present report is a review of the history of dog breeding and of the current status of breeding dogs in the Netherlands. Breeds of dogs were previously subjected to methods of breeding in which survival and reproduction of the animals depended on the usefulness of dogs for various duties. Today, animals of these breeds are mainly kept as pets. Although serious breeders try hard to preserve the original characteristics of the animals, the breeds are nowadays subjected to strong forces of fashion and the pressure of public opinion. A marked increase in interest in special breeds is resulting in a reduction of the pressure of selection and thus in a wide variety of undesirable traits. In the opinion of the present author improvement of knowledge and in the understanding of dogs provides the best weapon to combat these unwanted effects.


[Conclusions and recommendations of the FVE (Federation of Veterinarians in the EEC) on animal welfare (author's transl)].

During the past thiry years, systems were developed in animal husbandry which raise serious questions for animal welfare with regard to nutrition and housing. The main cause of these problems consists in the fact that the development of these systems is governed solely be economic, expense - saving principles. The livestock breeder is not mainly to blame for these systems, nor is the agricultural scientist who invented them. Society as a whole is responsible for the fact that the welfare of production animals is in conflict with the expressed demand for cheap mass-production. Veterinary surgeons cannot avoid these questions, because their co-operation is requested in these intensive animal husbandry systems. They are also asked to preform interference procedures or mutilations to render animals suitable for these systems. As only decisions on EEC level can lead to the beginning of a solution of the above problems, the FVE has attempted to reconcile the views of national associations in order to provide precise veterinary advice to the EEC Commission. As a result, the Federation formulated thirty-three conclusions and recommendations, which are reviewed in detail in this paper.


[Studies on the epizootiology of maedi/visna in sheep (author's transl)].

The transmission of maedi/visna from a severely infected flock to their progeny was studied. At birth, the lambs were divided at random in four groups of approximately forty animals each, which were exposed to the parent flock for zero hours, ten hours, six weeks and one year respectively. Although more than 80 percent of the ewes were affected with maedi, lambs which were separated from the ewes immediately after birth continued to be free from maedi/visna virus infection during an eight years period of observation. In addition, antibodies to the virus were not detected in this group. It is therefore concluded that congenital infection, if any, is of minor importance in the epizootiology of the disease. The number of sheep in which serological, virological and histopathological studies were positive, the onset of the disease and the severity of the lesions in the three other flocks increased with the period for which they had been exposed to the ewes. A separate trial did not supply any evidence to suggest that larvae of Muellerius capillaris are capable of transmitting infection with maedi/visna virus.


One-year time sequence inhalation toxicity study of vinyl chloride in rats. I. Growth, mortality, haematology, clinical chemistry and organ weights.

Wistar rats were exposed to atmospheres containing O (control) or 5000 ppm vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), 7 h/day, 5 days/week, for a period of 52 weeks. After 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks each time 10 rats/sex/group were killed and subjected to extensive examinations. The present paper deals with growth, mortality, haematology, clinical chemistry and organ weights. Slight growth retardation throughout the experimental period and high mortality in the second half of the study were observed in VCM-exposed animals. Some of the haematological parameters and biochemical blood parameters were slightly influenced by VCM after an experimental period of 52 weeks only. Blood clotting time was generally slightly shorter in VCM-exposed rats than in controls. There were minor indications of increased potassium contents of the blood serum in VCM-exposed animals during the first half of the test period. The kidneys were adversely affected by VCM as appeared from increased blood urea nitrogen levels and relative kidney weights. After 52 weeks increased weights of heart and spleen, and slight signs of anaemia were noticed in VCM-exposed rats. The present study did not produce obviously suitable parameters for early diagnosing "VCM-disease" in man.


Distribution of chromium in poisoned rats.

The effect of dose and duration of treatment with chromium on its distribution in certain vital organs and the blood of rats has been investigated. The accumulation of metal was highest in liver and kidneys, followed by testes, brain and blood and was rather more dependent on the dose than on the duration of exposure. The sub-cellular distribution in liver revealed greater concentration of the metal in the nuclear fraction than in the mitochrondrial or the post mitochondrial fraction. The uptake of the metal by the mitochondrial fraction however, increased with the increase in the dose of chromium from 1 mg/kg to 2 or 3 mg/kg.


Toxicological studies of ammonium sulfamate in rat after repeated oral administration.

A 90-day study involving administration of O (group 1), 100 (group 2), 250 (group 3) and 500 mg/kg (group 4) of ammonium sulfamate to rats 6 days a week was carried out. No adverse effect was observed in respect of appearance, behaviour or survival of animals. No significant difference in the body weights of rats was observed except in case of adult rats (group 4) where the body weight was significantly less than the controls after the end of 60 days. In all the groups food intake gradually reduced whereas water intake increased as the experiment proceeded. No significant change in relative organ weights were noticed in all groups of rats. Haematological examination conducted at 30, 60 and 90 days revealed non-significant increase in the neutrophils in the adults and male weanling rats (group 4) after 90 days. In the histological examination, organs in all the groups of animals appeared normal except that the liver of 1 rat in adults (group 4) showed slight fatty degenerative changes after 90 days.


Early biochemical liver changes following thiobenzamide poisoning.

Administration of thiobenzamide in a single dose (25 mg/100 g body wt by stomach tube) to male rats induced centrilobular necrosis, which became evident 10 h after the poisoning. In the meantime liver weight and water content underwent changes, glycogen was lost, triglycerides accumulated in the liver while decreasing in serum, [3H] leucine uptake in proteins was impaired and the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase and aminopyrine demethylase decreased. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase remained unchanged, whereas a reduction of the microsomal cytochrome P-450 occurred. The liver amount of reduced glutathione underwent no significant changes. Pretreatment of the animals with cobalt chloride or 20-methylcholanthrene decreased the liver damage caused by the drug. The in vitro addition of thiobenzamide to liver microsomes resulted in a spectral change. The appearance of conjugated dienes among microsomal lipids from drug-treated rats indicated for a lipoperoxidation taking place in vivo.


One-year time-sequence inhalation toxicity study of vinyl chloride in rats. III. Morphological changes in the liver.

Wistar rats were exposed to atmospheres containing 0 (control) or 5000 ppm vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), 7 h/day, 5 days/week, for a period of 52 weeks. After 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks each time 10 rats/sex/group were killed and subjected to extensive examinations. The present paper describes the morphological changes found in the liver. The major parenchymal changes comprised swelling and malformation of mitochondria, an increased amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, necrosis, nuclear and cellular polymorphism of hepatocytes, "foci of cellular alteration", neoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinomas. A reduced glucose-6-phosphatase activity in hepatocytes and a strong sinusoidal activity of alkaline phosphatase were found within "foci of cellular alteration". The non-parenchymal alterations included focal dilatation of sinusoids, focal proliferation of atypical sinusoidal cells and multicentric angiosarcomas. The effects of VCM on the hepatic parenchyma seemed to precede those on the hepatic stroma.


Short term bioassay of cigarettes containing Cytrel tobacco supplement.

The toxicity of smoke from cigarettes containing tobacco, Cytrel tobacco supplement, or mixtures of the 2 materials, was investigated using 6 short term test methods. The tests used were rat trachea organ culture and mouse skin thickening tests, which may provide information on carcinogenicity, a ciliatoxicity test, an alveolar macrophage viability test, a haemolysis assay and a thiol inactivation test to provide measures of irritant and cytotoxic effects. In each case a response to the smoke from cigarettes containing tobacco alone was detected, while the magnitude of this response declined as the proportion of tobacco supplement in the blend increased. The least response was found with smoke from cigarettes containing Cytrel tobacco supplement alone.


Perinatal toxicity of endrin in rodents. I. Fetotoxic effects of prenatal exposure in hamsters.

The potential of the insecticide endrin to induce fetal toxicity was determined in hamsters exposed to the compound on either day 8 or days 5--14 of gestation. Endrin was administered by oral gavage as a solution in corn oil. Doses used included 0.5--10.0 mg/kg on day 8 and 0.75 to 3.5 mg/kg/day on days 5--14. Exposure to a single dose of endrin resulted in significant incidences of fused ribs and meningoencephaloceles at levels of 5 mg/kg or greater. No significant effects were noted in either maternal mortality and weight gain or in fetal mortality or weight gain. The administration of multiple doses of endrin resulted in few fetal defects, although a significant dose-related increase in fetal mortality and decrease in fetal weight was seen. Significant maternal lethality and weight reductions were noted at doses of 1.5 mg/kg/day or greater. At sacrifice, maternal liver and fetal tissues were collected and subsequently analyzed for endrin and a major metabolite, 12-ketoendrin. Endrin was found to cross the placenta and 20 ppb were found in fetuses from litters exposed to 2.5 mg/kg/day. Maternal livers from this dose group contained an average of 2500 pbb of endrin.


Induction of sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster cells by the reducing agents bisulfite and ascorbic acid.

Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) are induced in Chinese hamster cells by a 2--3-h exposure to ascorbic acid or bisulfite in the concentration range 10(-4)--10(-2) M. This activity of these 2 chemicals was intensified when cell cultures were exposed to each agent for longer time periods (24 h). The divalent metal cation, Cu2+, was effective in potentiating the ability of ascorbic acid to induce SCEs and toxicity, suggesting that the autooxidation of ascorbic acid was involved in this action. The ability of sodium bisulfite to induce SCEs was not affected by variation in the concentration of 5'-bromodeoxyuridine used as a labelling compound. This was interpreted as supporting the view that bisulfite, not a synergistic reaction between bisulfite and BrdU, was responsible for the elevated SCE levels.


Light insensitive physical developers.

Within the pH range 2.5-6.5 tungstic acid (an isopolyacid) prevents the reduction of silver ions by ascorbic or hydroquinone more effectively than either gum acacia or other protective colloids. The colloid state of tungstic acid can be stabilized with nonionic detergents, especially with Triton X-100. For buffering the system a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate is optimal. Physical developers constituted on the basis of these observations are, in contrast to those commonly used in histology, light insensitive, and remain clear for about 30 min at room temperature, 2-5 times as long as the time required for development.


Separation of fuchsin analogs using thin layer chromatography.

The four analogs comprising basic fuchsin have been separated using thin layer chromatography (TLC). Mixtures spotted on reverse phase TLC plates were developed with a solution of 25% methanol, 10% ammonium hydroxide, and 65% distilled water. The Rf values of the analogs were for pararosaniline, 0.54; rosaniline, 0.41; magenta II, 0.31; new fuchsin, 0.19.


[Cobalt teletherapy of the carcinoma of the urinary bladder (author's transl)].

A three-year survival rate of 40% of a group of 287 patients was achieved by a standardized Co-60 teletherapy. This survival rate and the radiogenic late effects observed over a ten-year period are compared with results communicated in literature. Important prognostic factors were the findings of a pretherapeutic urogram, the tumor localization, histologic findings, the stade and the surgical proceeding. In this connexion, the W.H.O. classification containing the stades of penetration and the degrees of malignity proved to be valuable. Taking into consideration the own results and those found in literature, the authors propose a therapy depending on the stade and based on modern diagnostic methods and a reliable histologic classification.


[Growth rate of pulmonary metastases (author's transl)].

The growth of 148 untreated metastases to the lung was determined in 47 patients. Pulmonary metastases of squamous-cell carcinomas, sarcomas and malignant melanomas exhibited exponential growth, the doubling times were distributed log-normally, the geometric mean amounted to six weeks. The growth rate of adenocarcinomas decreased with increasing tumor size approximately in accordance with a Gompertzian function.


[Tumor-specific immune response of hypernephroid renal carcinoma after in vitro irradiation (author's transl)].

It is possible to reproduce in vitro the induction in the leucocyte migration test of an immune response specific to hypernephroid carcinoma by preoperative radiation treatment of this neoplasm. The leucocyte migration is inhibited by soluble extracts of the tumor, prepared from hypernephroma-tissues (of 11 patients nontreated preoperatively) after in vitro irradiation either with electrons or with 60Co. This effect depends on the dose. The radiation dose producing a maximal inhibition following in vitro irradiation is nearly equal to that delivered by us before surgical treatment.


[Irradiation planning with computer tomograph and treatment planning equipment (author's transl)].

Using individual body cross-sections for purposes of irradiation (obtained by computed tomography with the Siemens-Somatom) in combination with a system for treatment planning (TPS, Phillips), a marked improvement of irradiation planning is achieved. Thus, an advance in the quality of radiation therapy may be expected. Some inconvenience with this combination of instruments, due to the necessity of enlarging the CT cross-sections up to life-sized cross-sections suitable for the TPS, is unavoidable so far.


[Investigations into the clinical significance of beta-glucuronidase as tumour indicator during radiation therapy of patients with carcinoma of the bladder (author's transl)].

We examined the activity of beta-glucuronidase in serum and urine in two different patient groups with carcinoma of the bladder. In one group the tumour was excised totally, in the other group tumour material was left. There was no correlation to be found between extension of the tumour and enzyme activity, or between the enzyme levels in urine and serum. This seems to be due to multiple factors like postoperative restitution, cystitis and radiation effects on bladder tissue.


Dosimetry of normally and obliquely incident cobalt-60 teletherapy beams.

Standard isodose charts are generally given by the manufacturer for normal incidence of radiation beams of various qualities. These charts are used for routine treatment planning in a radiotherapy department. Due to the enormous variety of the cases encountered in the department, the physicist often runs short of appropriate charts required for specific treatment planning. Besides, the plan sometimes needs a beam directed at an angle to the patient's surface. As a result, isodose charts for individual treatment plans are desirable for precise delivery of the requisite dose to the tumour volume. In this paper a computer method is described for determining dose distributions for normally and obliquely incident 60Co beam. The experimental verification of the computed results using a 0.4 cm3 ionization chamber and a perspex water phantom assembly is also presented. The results are found to be in good agreement.


Relationship between dose rate and oxygen enhancement ratio.

Born [1] concluded that the D0 values of dose-effect curves from cells irradiated under chronically hypoxic conditions were not much influenced by the dose rate and that the oxygen enhancement ratio was decreased from 3.9 at 3.64 Gy. min-1 to 1.8 at 0.07 Gy.min-1. These conclusions, however, are not supported by properly performed experiments. Comments on the paper by Born [1] are provided and a method of obtaining realistic oxygen enhancement ratios at low dose rates is described.


RBE of d(50)-Be neutrons for induction of chromosome aberrations in Allium cepa onion roots.

RBE/absorbed dose relationship of d(50)-Be neutrons was determined for the induction of chromosome aberrations in Allium cepa onion roots. Neutrons are produced at the cyclotron "Cyclone" by bombarding a thick beryllium target with 50 MeV deuterons. Two biological criteria were selected: (1) mean number of aberrations (mainly breaks) per cell in anaphase and telophase, (2) fraction of intact cells in anaphase and telophase. For the two criteria, RBE increases continuously from about 7 to 12 as the neutron absorbed dose decreases from 0.4 to 0.1 Gy. RBE values for the first criterion are slightly higher than for the second one. This observation is interpreted in terms of the analysis of the distribution of the aberrations in the cells. In logarithmic coordinates, RBE/absorbed dose relationships for the two criteria are almost linear with a slope close to -1/2. RBE values observed for induction of chromosome aberrations in Allium cepa are higher than those generally observed for biological effects related to mammalian cell lethality.


Crypt cell population kinetics in mouse jejunum under continuous beta irradiation from tritiated water.

The behaviour of crypt cell population in mouse jejunum under continuous beta irradiation from tritiated water (HTO) has been studied. Adult mice were maintained on tritiated drinking water of the activity of 1.25 muCi/ml, after priming injection. The crypts were studied at 1, 5, 7, 15 and 30 days after the initiation of treatment. It is observed that there is a partial recovery in proliferative activity after the first day of the treatment. Again there is a decrease in the crypt cells on the 7th day, after which this population appears to achieve a near-steady-state level at about 8% below normal at the last interval studied. Crypt cell population and mitotic figures showed a simultaneous dip and recovery, while dead cells showed inverse relationship.


[Investigations on combined injuries, 24th communication: response of blood circulation and respiratory function in mice upon whom was inflicted whole-body irradiation in combination with open skin wounds (author's transl)].

Combined injuries were inflicted upon NMRI-mice, hurting each with an open skin wound subsequent to sublethal exposition to X-rays. Lethality among animals with combined injuries was between 40 and 60%, while animals only irradiated and those with only a skin wound had lethalities between 10 and 20% and 0%, respectively. Blood circulation and respiration of animals injured with combined lesions were studied in an attempt to understand the cause of the high lethality in this group. The blood volume and the oxygen transport capacity were drastically reduced in animals with combined injuries as compared to those in animals only irradiated, although plasma volume, vascular permeability and distribution of the blood volume remained similar in both groups. Analyses of gases and acid/base composition of blood revealed neither respiratory nor metabolic acidosis. These findings indicate that combined injuries hardly impair blood circulation and respiratory function.


[Radiation lesions of the skin and mucous membrane and their treatment (author's transl)].

The therapy of mucocutaneous lesions in the course of radiation therapy of malignant tumors is most important for lasting recovery in a successful combat against the primary tumor. The application of the different dermatological agents and of adjuvant therapy has to conform to the principles of dermatotherapy because of the necessary adaptation to the pathophysiology of the injured organ. Underlying principles and the requisite instructions for the combination of preparations are specified.


[Radiosensitization with metronidazole. Pharmacocinetical comparison by means of blood level curves after administration of "metronidazol" in the form of tablets, suppositories, and enemas (author's transl)].

Severe acute gastrointestinal side-effects following high oral doses of metronidazole (6 g/m2) could be avoided by a combined oral and rectal application. With tablets and an enema (1 g metronidazole/2 ml) in a ratio 1:4 and an increased dosage of 10 g/m2, maximal serum concentrations of about 200 micrograms/ml are obtained like after an oral dosage of 6 g/m2. The maximal radiosensitizing effect on hypoxic tumor cells is seen five hours after oral application and seven hours after the combined oro-rectal application. No longterm toxicity was found following six high doses of metronidazole.


Growth fraction of tumors estimated by continuous labeling.

The labeling index of tumors, when labeled continuously, was analysed kinetically and theoretically with regard to the growth fraction. The increase in the labeling index was composed of three slopes and was affected largely by the growth fraction. A method to estimate the growth fraction from the labeling index was presented.


Gap corrections for brachytherapy.

With discrete radiation sources, it is a deliberate treatment policy to provide gaps between two implantations of radioactive sources. Gap correction formulae have been arrived at to evaluate the ultimate biological effect on tissue. These formulae do not maintain the identity of the CRE and TDF concepts and hence Supe and Supe have chosen for external beam treatments appropriate gap corrections which maintain the equivalence of the concepts. During the continuous radiation therapy the tissue cells have a tendency to clump together in the sensitive phase and hence the radiation dose is more effective in this mode of treatment. Consequently the mathematical expressions for the CRE and TDFs for continuous radiation therapy differ from those for external beam therapy. The formula for complex treatment schedules of external beam therapy will not apply to those in brachytherapy, have been arrived at. In order to simplify the evaluation of the effective biological effects Tables for value of (T1+G1/T1)-0.155 and CRE0.71 have been prepared. The formulae developed for the resultant CREs and TDFs for the combination of brachytherapy treatments with gaps are different than those for combinations of external beam therapy. The powers of CRE and the terms of the type (T1+G1/T1) have changed appreciably.


[Investigations on combined injuries, 25th communication: renal function and energy metabolism in mice with injuries combined of whole-body irradiation and an open skin wound (author's transl)].

In NMRI-mice injured with combined lesions (whole-body irradiation with 500 R and, two or seven days later, an open skin wound), lethality increased from 10 or 20% following sole irradiation up to 60%. Investigations of urinary excretion and serum levels in animals with combined injuries did not show undue elevations of the levels of electrolytes, creatinine, urea, uric acid and acid or alkaline equivalents. Analysis of lactate, pyruvate, ATP and ADP in liver tissue and blood serum indicated no significant changes in the energy metabolism in animals with combined injuries in comparison with mice irradiated only. These findings and those of our last communication (24. Mitteilung) seem to be incompatible with the presence of a shock state as cause of the high lethality of mice with combined injuries.


Post-irradiation enzyme activities of the rat small intestine: effects on circadian fluctuations.

The effects of ionizing radiations on circadian fluctuations in the activities of small bowel mucosal enzymes were studied. The fluctuations in activities of brush-border enzymes disappeared after irradiation coincidentally with changes in their activity. This change was particularly pronounced with leucinaminopeptidase. At longer periods after irradiation (50 and 74 hours) when the whole epithelium showed morphological changes, the activity of brush-border enzymes was very low. The activity of lysosomal enzymes (which do not show circadian fluctuations) increased when the epithelium showed marked morphological modifications and the stroma contained numerous inflammatory cells.


Effect of cystamine on rat tissue GSH level and glutathione reductase activity.

Reduced glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione reductase activity were determined by means of the spectrophotometric method in various rat tissues after i.p. administration of cystamine (50 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg). GSH amount dropped in the spleen and kidney at 10 and 20 min; following this interval, an increase of GSH level was observed in the liver at 20--30 min, in the spleen and kidney at 60 min after the treatment with a radioprotective cystamine dose (50 mg/kg). The changes in GSH level induced by a non-radioprotective cystamine dose (20 mg/kg) had an opposite tendency. The activity of glutathione reductase was decreased in all tissues studied. As to the mechanism of the radioprotective action, both the inactivation of glutathione reductase activity and the changes in GSH level seem to be the factors contributing to the radioprotective effect of cystamine by strengthening the cellular radioresistance.


Reference compounds for the study of moxestrol metabolism.

Reference compounds for the subsequent identification of the metabolites of the potent estrogen, moxestrol (R 2858) , in various species were isolated from the bile of phenobarbital pretreated rats or obtained via enzymatic hydroxylation by microorganisms. A few of them were prepared by chemical synthesis. The structures of all these compounds were determined by physical and chemical methods.


Metabolism of androstenedione by human ovarian tissues in vitro with particular reference to reductase and aromatase activity.

The ability of granulosa and theca cells of the human ovarian follicle at different stages of development, as well as stromal and luteal tissues from human ovaries to metabolize androstenedione (delta 4) to testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) with or without exposure to additional amounts of folicle-stimulating hormone was investigated by in vitro experiments. The results show that all the aforementioned ovarian tissues metabolized delta 4 to DHT. Indeed, with the exception of estrogen-secreting granulosa cells from large antral follicle (greater than 10 mm diameter) and possibly also luteal tissue from mid-luteal phase ovaries, the various ovarian tissues preferentially metabolized delta 4 to DHT instead of E (E1 + E2). Although thecal tissue is a major source of delta 4 in human ovaries it is concluded that the granulosa cells do not interact with the theca for the synthesis of E as the follicle enlarges from 1 to 10 mm in diameter. Indeed, excessive thecal delta 4 during this growth phase probably inhibits normal follicular development. However, as the follicle enlarges beyond 10 mm in diameter, and as the granulosa cells begin to preferentially metabolize delta 4 to E, the two cell-types of the follicle may increasingly interact to enhance the follicular output of E.


Role of the pituitary and the adrenals in mediating the effects of alcohol on testicular steroidogenesis in mice.

We have previously demonstrated that intragastric administration of alcohol (1.24 g/kg body wt) to adult male mice results in suppression of testosterone production. We now report that the decline in peripheral testosterone levels in alcohol-treated mice is not accompanied by changes in plasma levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone or estradiol-17 beta, and that it is markedly attenuated in adrenalectomized or adrenalectomized-corticosterone treated males.


pKa values of estrone, 17 beta-estradiol and 2-methoxyestrone.

The acid ionization constants of estrone (10.77), 17 beta-estradiol (10.71) and 2-methoxyestrone (10.81) have been determined spectrophotometrically and shown to be consistent with the additivity of substituent effects of the phenol ring. Previously published values for estrone (10.914) and 17 beta-estradiol (10.078) are shown to be incorrect, at variance with the established trend for phenols, and inconcsistent with the similarity of the compounds.


Steroid structure and function V. A-ring conformation in 17-hydroxy-6 alpha-methylprogesterone.

The molecular conformation of 17-hydroxy-6 alpha-methylprogesterone has been determined crystallographically and is compared with 17-hydroxy-progesterone, 17-acetoxyprogesterone and 17-acetoxy-6 alpha-methylprogesterone (MPA). The analysis demonstrates that the 6 alpha-methyl substituent is not sufficient by itself to induce inversion of the A-ring. Consequently, the inverted form observed in MPA and proposed to be responsible for high affinity binding to the progesterone receptor appears to be induced by the combined long range influence of 17 alpha-acetoxy substituent and the direct interaction of the 6 alpha-methyl group with the flexible A-ring.


In vitro metabolism of possible ecdysone precursors by the prothoracic glands of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

3 beta, 14 alpha-Dihydroxy-5 alpha-7-en-6-one (5 alpha-ketodiol) (1) is metabolized by the prothoracic glands to 2,22-dideoxy-5 alpha-ecdysone (4) and 2-deoxy-5 alpha-ecdysone (3) but not to ecdysone (5) or any other 5 beta-metabolites. Similarly, 3 beta,5 alpha,14 alpha-trihydroxy-cholest-7-en-6-one (5 alpha-ketotriol) (8) is hydroxylated at C-22 and C-25 (9,10) of the side chain. However, 3 beta,14 alhpa-dihydroxy-cholesta-4,7-diene-6-one (ketodienediol) (11) is not metabolized. The absence of 2 beta-hydroxymetabolites for substrates (1) and (8) implies that hydroxylation at C-2 can occur only when the A-B rings are cis fused (5 beta-configuration). By contrast, the enzyme complexes that introduce hydroxyls at C-22 and C-25 do not exhibit a preference for cis over trans fusion and appraently cannot recognize the planar A-B ring configuration.


Rat thymic dihydrotestosterone receptor: preparation, location and physiochemical properties.

Castration in the male rat has been shown to produce enlargement of the thymus gland while treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) results in a decrease in thymic size in these animals. To determine if these changes might be receptor mediated, thymus tissue from castrate male rats was removed and homogenized in buffer and centrifuged to produce cytosol. By Scatchard plot analysis, it was shown that a specific DHT receptor was present at a concentration of 0.24 +/- 0.02 pmoles/g tissue and it possessed a KA of 2.51 +/- 0.45 x 10(9)M-1. This thymic DHT receptor sedimented on 5--20% sucrose gradients in the 8s region. By competition analysis it was found that testosterone only partially competed (25%) for this receptor, with virtually no binding noted for estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol. The receptor was found to be localized in the reticuloepithelial matrix of the thymus and was not present in the thymic lymphocyte fraction.


C26-analogs of naturally occurring bile alcohols-II. Preparation of 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,23-tetrols (23R and 23S) and 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,26-tetrols (25R and 25S) by a hydroboration procedure.

A convenient procedure for the synthesis of 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,23-tetrol (23R and 23S) and 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12alpha,26-tetrol (25R and 25S) starting from 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,25-tetrol was developed. Dehydration of 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha, 25-tetrol with glacial acetic acid and acetic anhydride yielded a mixture of 24-nor-5 beta-cholest-23-ene-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol and the corresponding delta 25 compound. Hydroboration and oxidation of the mixture of unsaturated nor-triols resulted in the formation of 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,23-tetrols (23R and 23S) and 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,26-tetrols (25R and 25S). In addition, smaller amounts of 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,22 xi-tetrol and 24-nor-5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol were also obtained. The C26 bile alcohols epimeric at C-23 and C-25 were resolved by analytical and preparative TLC and characterized by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Provisional assignment of the configurations of the C-23 and C-25 hydroxyl groups were made on the basis of molecular rotation differences. These C26 alcohols will be used to test the stereospecificity of the hepatic enzymes that promote oxidation of the cholesterol side chain.


Conformational analysis of synthetic androgens. IV. 1,2-seco-a-bisnor-5 alpha-androstan-17 beta-ol acetate.

The crystal and molecular structure of 1,2-seco-A-bisnor-5 alpha-androstan-17beta-ol acetate has been determined to evaluated the conformational importance of the intact steroid nucleus. The resulting tricyclic compound retains nearly the same steric profile for the remainder of the molecule when compared to the structures of dihydrotestosterone derivatives with intact A-rings. This may help to explain why these types of molecules retain a significant level of androgenic activity.


Steroids and related products. XLVI. The regiospecific alpha-hydroxymethylation of saturated carbonyl compounds via preformed enolate ions. An improved synthesis of 17-hdyroxymethyl 20-keto steroids.

As demonstrated for pregnenolone, saturated ketones are conveniently alpha-hydroxymethylated by their transformation into a lithium enolate and by the reaction of the latter with formaldehydr. The 17-hydroxymethylpregnenolone prepared by this method in very good yield was readily converted to 17-hydroxymethylprogesterone; either by selective acetylation in position 17(1) and subsequent Jones oxidation, followed by hydrolysis, or by conversion to the 4,5-dibromo 3-ketone - by bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide-bromine oxidation or by dibromination and oxidation with N-bromoacetamde - and debromination with zinc and acetic acid.


New frontiers in the relationship between suicidology and law enforcement.

This paper reviews some historic ties between crisis intervention and the beginning of suicidology. It reviews the author's involvement in suicidology and law enforcement, in terms of crisis intervention, management of the man with a gun, studies of suicide among police, bereavement of widows of slain police officers, jailer stress, psychological aspects of kidnapping, kidnappers, victim survival in kidnapping, hostage negotiation, and application of the psychological autopsy to homicide investigation. In addition, the development of a program to offer survivor counseling for those whose loved ones have been killed and for those whose loved ones were the killers is described. Other new areas for suicidology application are outlined in terms of survivors, industry, and school.


Suicide ideation: its relation to depression, suicide and suicide attempt.

A random sample of 3,935 adults from a general population were interviewed and asked to report how often they had thoughts of suicide as well as their opinion on the frequency of suicide ideation in others. Depression was found to be related to the respondent's reports of his/her own suicidal thoughts and to reports of frequent suicide ideation in others. A total of 5.4 percent of the respondents reported some degree of suicide ideation in the previous month and 9.1 percent reported that others think about suicide once a month or more. When the demographic characteristics of those who report suicide ideation in themselves or others were compared to those of suicide attempters and committers, some consistencies were found, suggesting that such questions may be useful in identifying those "at risk." Nevertheless, sufficient discrepancies were found which suggest that there may be a number of factors which increase or decrease the likelihood that someone with thoughts of suicide will attempt or commit suicide. Follow-up studies are necessary to uncover such factors and the degrees to which they influence the occurrence of suicide.


The suicide rate among psychiatrists revisited.

A review of the literature which examined the suicide rate among psychiatrists and other doctors was made. Particular attention was given to statistical and methodological problems. Common problems include small research sampling, inappropriate comparisons, lack of controls for age, sex, or other relevant factors, interpolating rates from a level per 10,000 to a level per 100,000, and inclusion of a number of unwarranted assumptions. The review did not find evidence that the suicide rate among psychiatrists is higher compared to the population as a whole; nor is there any evidence that the rates of any medical specialty are above average, controlling for the relevant variables. The materials reviewed included all published studies. In order adequately to assess the suicide rate among psychiatrists, a systematic and extensive study must be made, controlling for the relevant methodological variables.


A comprehensive client management system for crisis intervention services.

This paper presents and evaluates a comprehensive client management system for suicide and crisis intervention services. The management system consists of five service designations: self-injury, crisis, active support, general support, and single contact. These designations determine the extent and type of activity engaged in, as well as the scope of follow-up and monitoring. As intended, self-injury clients received more contacts, longer periods of involvement, and more time in direct service. There was little difference in the length of each contact and the ability to ascertain outcome. While the management system established valuable service guidelines and priorities, it did not resolve approaches to some of the idiosyncratic problems presented to suicide and crisis intervention services.


Clinical observations of play of hospitalized suicidal children.

This paper emphasizes the usefulness of play observation for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding suicidal behavior of children. Predictive indicators of play for potential suicidal behavior are themes of separation and loss, repetition of dangerous and reckless behavior, misuse and destruction of toys, and repetitive acting out of omnipotent fantasies. The selection of a suicidal method is partly derived from unconscious motivations that are illustrated in play themes. This study revealed a characteristic suicidal technique of latency age children seems to be jumping from heights.


The relation of new Samaritan clients and volunteers to high risk people in England and Wales (1965-1977).

The declining English and Welsh suicide rates are associated with increased Samaritan efforts and detoxification of household gas during the pre-1972 era. The resulting debate has been heuristic. The author reviewed annual rates of new callers, volunteers and suicidal deaths between 1965 and 1977 and computed ratios of new clients to high risk people. This reveals an asymptotic progression towards 27 percent since 1972. Similarly, the ratio of new clients to volunteers has been constant at 11 for the same period. These consistencies help to explain the constant suicide rate at eight per 100,000 live people after 1972 despite increasing Samaritan efforts. The author recommends an effort to increase the percentage of high risk served as a test for the hypothesis of Samaritan causality in explaining the reduced English suicide rates.


Morphology and function of isolated hepatocytes transplanted into rat spleen.

Hepatocytes isolated by the collagenase digestive method were transplanted into the spleens of syngeneic rats. Morphology and function of the hepatocytes in the spleen were investigated for 12 to 17 months after transplantation. The transplanted hepatocytes proliferated and reconfigured in the spleen without direct perfusion of portal venous blood and with the presence of an intact host liver. Fourteen to 17 months after transplantation, the hepatocytes which had formed a demarcated nodule occupied approximately 40% of the area of the splenic parenchyma without undifferentiation on microscopic examination. However, the weight of the hepatized spleen did not increase beyond the weight of a normal spleen and the weight of the host liver that had normal morphology also did not differ from a normal liver. Light and electron microscopic studies demonstrated differentiated cord structure and normal architecture for each heptocyte. Furthermore, the hepatized spleen synthesized albumin and glycogen as demonstrated by immunofluorescence and histochemical studies. Ammonia tolerance and indocyanine green clearance tests revealed functioning hepatocytes in the spleen proper. These results indicate that our experimental model lends itself well to investigations in cell growth mechanism and that hepatocellular transplantation has potential clinical application to compensate for impaired hepatic function.


[Intraspecies variability of the normal human karyotype].

On the basis of data from literature the number of different normal structural variants of each human chromosome is calculated. Assuming independent combination of chromosome variants, the number of possible combinations of variants of all 22 pairs of autosomes and the probability of an individual to be hormozygous for the most frequent variants of all the autosome pairs simultaneously are estimated. The results obtained show that nearly each individual possesses a unique karyotype--a unique set of properties of chromosome heterochromatic regions.


[Cytophotometric determination of the DNA content in epithelial and connective tissue cells of the human prostate].

A study of the quantitative parameters of DNA in cells nuclei of epithelium and connective tissue allowed establishing certain periods which are characterized by an increase in the percentage of ploidy. The causes and importance of this phenomenon for the development of pathological processes in tissues of the prostate gland and the possibility of its use for the diagnosis are discussed.


[Intranuclear and cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in the polyploid giant cells of the trophoblast].

Intranuclear and cytoplasmic annulate lamellae in polyploid giant cells of the trophoblast have been studied in rat placenta on days 12--17 of development. The annulate lamellae are present in the cytoplasm within a limited time, being visible on day 12 only. These are arranged in bundles near the nucleus to be moving then to the cytoplasm. The end parts of annulate lamellae are broadened to make cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Unlike the cytoplasmic annulate lamellae, those found within the nucleus are seen in part of the nuclei investigated throughout the whole period examined to look as single structures (not gathered in bundles), they can be branching, separating closed spaces within the nucleus (making local swellings in the loci of branching; the latter having electron dense or transparent vesicles). Association with nuclear chromatin in some regions is a peculiar feature of the intranuclear annulate lamellae. This association is especially obvious at endoprophase in the cycle ofthe polytene nucleus during the somatic conjugation--chromonemes unite in a bundle and condense. Ultrastructural changes of the annulate lamellae is noted throughout the polytene nucleus cycle and during the cell differentiation. It is supposed that in the case of temporary labile chromosome polyteny in the nuclear cycle, which is characteristic of mammalian trophoblasts, annulate lamellae can well compare, in their function, with the synaptonemal complex--these prevent from too tight associations of homologues in the course of somatic conjugation of chromosomes.


[Antibody-dependent cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes and the cytological characteristics of immune cell complexes in vitro].

Bovine blood lymphocytes showed a high antibody-dependent (AD) cytotoxicity against target cultured L cells. The cytological analysis of immune cellular complexes, formed by affector lymphocytes with target cells during the cytotoxic reaction in vitro, revealed that adsorption of AD lymphocytes to target cells was completed within the first hours of incubation. Temporal parameters of contact between effector and target cells and dissociation of adsorbed lymphocytes varied widely, but after 48 hours of incubation the number of immune cellular complexes decreased by 5.6%. The morphological modification of AD effector lymphocytes during interaction with target cells is described.


[Ultrastructural equivalents of postburn anuria].

Dystrophic and degenerative disturbances in tubular epithelium are established by electron microscopy. Ultrastructural changes suggested that transport mechanisms in the proximal tubule are enhanced by cytoplasm vesiculation and dilation of intercellular spaces. Transepithelial pinocytosis is the basic process in distal tubules.


[Cytogenetic activity of the pesticide, Valexon, and its effect on the mutability of mouse bone marrow cells].

Cytogenetic activity of organo-phosphorous insecticide, Valexon, and its influence on the mutability of mice bone marrow cells were studied. Mice repeatedly treated with low doses of Valexon are determined to possess a higher bone marrow cytogenetic sensitivity to the action of the known mutagen rubomycin (daunomycin).


Tuberculosis in Kenya: follow-up of the second (1974) national sampling survey and a comparison with the follow-up data from the first (1964) national sampling survey. An East African and British Medical Research Council co-operative investigation.

A total of 1,490 newly diagnosed patients admitted to a national sampling survey of tuberculosis conducted in 11 of 30 districts in Kenya in 1974 have been followed up after a year under the routine tuberculosis treatment services. The results are reported and compared with those observed in the follow-up of a similar survey in the same districts 10 years previously. The main follow-up concerns 1,351 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis of whom 803 had a positive culture at the start of treatment, 283 a negative culture, and 265 had no specimen examined. At 1 year or later, 57% of the 1,351 patients were culture negative, 8% were culture positive, 16% had died in the year of follow-up, 5% were permanently lost from observation and 14%, although known to be alive, had no bacteriological results. Of the 803 patients with a positive culture initially, 11% had a positive culture at 1 year or later, as had 3% of the 283 with a negative culture initially. The policies of therapy practised in the routine treatment services were studied in 1,207 patients; 95% were admitted to hospital at the start of chemotherapy for an average duration of 39 days, 95% were prescribed isoniazid and thiacetazone supplemented initially by a course of streptomycin, the average duration of which was 36 days. There was little variation in the policies applied in different district. Only 24% of the patients received or attended to collect a 12 months' supply of chemotherapy and 72% a 6 months' supply. The therapeutic results achieved in 1974 compare favourably with those observed in the 1964 survey. The estimated culture negativity rate at 1 year or later for the patients who had bacteriologically confirmed disease initially was 63% in the earlier survey and 71% in the 1974 survey. The proportion of patients lost from observation was 9% in 1964 and 5% in 1974. The policies of therapy were much more standardised in the second survey. In 1964 hospital admission, its duration and the usage of streptomycin varied considerably from district to district, but in the second survey nearly all of the patients were admitted to hospital and received the nationally recommended regimen of isoniazid and thiacetazone supplemented initially by streptomycin. Even so, the duration of chemotherapy received did not improve, only 28% in 1964 and 24% in 1974 receiving a 12 months' and 74% in 1964 and 72% in 1974 receiving a 6 months' supply. The transfer of patients from one district to another was more often successful in 1974 than 1964.


[UV-sensitive mutants of Streptomyces olivaceus VKX].

14 UV-sensitive (uvs) mutants of S. olivaceus VKX isolated by replica-plating technique among 45780 survivors after the induction of mutations nitrosoguanidine or UV (about 0.03%). The sensitivity of uvs-mutants to UV-irradiation was 5-10 times higher than in the initial strains and in 4 uvs-mutants it was 100 and more times higher. One of the mutants was supersensitive to UV radiation.


Efficiency of address cards, experienced health visitors and motivated registry clerks in obtaining the home address of urban patients in South India.

The address card, a card on which the patient's home address is asked to be recorded by the local postman, or by a knowledgeable and literate neighbour, relative or friend, was investigated for acceptability and efficiency in 4 tuberculosis out-patient clinics, in an urban community with substantial levels of illiteracy in Madras City. In the 4 clinics combined, 96% of the patients who reattended returned the completed card. Letters posted to the address on the cared were received by 85% of 419 patients, while 5% were returned by the post office as undelivered and a further 4% were, in all probability, not delivered; no information was available about the remaining 6%. A formal comparison in 392 of the above patients demonstrated the address card method to be significantly more efficient than interrogation by experienced health visitors. A retrospective comparison suggested that the efficiency of experienced health visitors was slightly better than that of highly motivated registry clerks, the proportions of letters received being 72% and 65% respectively.


[Morphometric study of the spleen in C57BL strain mice during pregnancy with syngeneic or allogeneic embryos].

A morphological study of the spleen in the C57BL line female mice on the 16th day of pregnancy showed a significant increase in the relative area of generative centres and red pulp and a decrease in the white pulp relative area as well as a rise in the amount of plasmatic cells and blast forms in red pulp during allogenic pregnancy (BALB embryos). Such changes are supposed to favour both the preservation of the intact mother-extrafetal organs-fetus system and the improvement of allogenic embryos trophics.


Tuberculoma of the central nervous system in Eastern Nigeria.

Although tuberculosis is prevalent in Eastern Nigeria, only 5 cases of tuberculoma of the central nervous system (CNS) were recorded over a 5 year period in a hospital in which about 4000 tuberculosis patients were treated. All the patients were Igbo males. In 4 cases the tuberculoma was supratentorial and in 1 case there was an extradural extraosseous spinal tuberculoma.


Ethambutol in pregnancy--foetal exposure.

We report a case of miliary tuberculosis in a pregnant Jamaican woman in whom foetal exposure to ethambutol has been assessed. The mother received 15 mg/kg ethambutol as part of her antituberculosis therapy. Immediately after delivery, amniotic fluid, maternal, placental, and cord blood specimens were obtained and analysed for ethambutol concentrations. The levels were within the therapeutic range in all 4 samples. The concentrations indicate that the placenta is not a significant physiological barrier to the transfer of ethambutol to the foetus.


[Effect of a live measles vaccine on the chromosome apparatus of mouse bone marrow cells].

Vaccination of albino mice with live measles vaccine caused an increase in the chromosome aberrations frequency during the period from the 30th till the 120th day of the experiment. The maximum increase in the number of chromosome aberrations as well as in centromeric and telomeric chromosome associations was observed 60 days after immunization. Chromatid breaks were main type of the structural aberrations observed.


Vulval tuberculosis.

A patient with chronic tuberculous ulceration of the vulva is reported. Tuberculosis of the external genitalia is unusual and primary infections are rare. Venereal transmission of the infection could not be proven in this patient, but appears the most likely origin of the disease. Complete healing of the vulval ulcer, with rapid relief of symptoms, followed antituberculosis chemotherapy. The importance of biopsy in the diagnosis of chronic genital ulcers is emphasised.


Role of operative trauma: explosive metastases of similar size following amputation of the primary leg tumor.

Trauma produced by amputation of a limb bearing the primary tumor influenced pulmonary metastases of the Carcinosarcoma of Walker 256 of the rat. This enhancement was present in 38% of the animals following the removal of a limb bearing the primary tumor; and in 29% of those in which the controlateral limb without tumor was amputated. A significant prolongation of the clotting time, an elevation of fibrinogen factor II and VII and a rapid consumption of factor VIII present soon after trauma may have been the parameter responsible for the increase of pulmonary metastases seen in this study.


Experimental study on bone marrow CFUs following anticancer drug administration to plethoric mice.

The effect of some cycle-dependent anticancer drugs on CFUs has been studied in transfused polycythemic mice. In untreated animals during passive plethora erythropoiesis is depressed but the content of CFUs per femur remains constant. In treated plethoric mice the femural content of CFUs is similar or higher than that found in treated controls after administration of adriamycin, vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, it is lower when the mice receive azathioprine or hydroxyurea. These results suggest that suppression of erythropoiesis does not uniformly affect the susceptibility of pluripotent stem cells to anticancer drugs. Interpretation of the reported findings is difficult as it must take into account a complex interplay of a number of factors.


Present status of treatment for invasive cervical carcinoma.

The results are presented of a retrospective clinical study carried out on 341 patients affected with cancer of the uterine cervix, with lymphography in the pretreatment diagnostic work-up, treated in our Institute from January 1961 to December 1976. The clinical classification of the patients studied was: 157 cases in Stage I (46.0%), 95 cases in Stage II (27.9%), and 89 cases in Stages III and IV (26.1%). During the period considered, the therapeutic approach for carcinoma of the cervix was practically constant and in line with the therapeutic policy most frequently followed for these neoplasms. For the early stages (9/341 patients or 27.6%) preference was given to a radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy combination; for borderline cases and "bulky" and "barrel-shaped" lesions, radiotherapy usually preceded surgical treatment to enlarge its indications and improve its results (36/341 patients or 10.5%). The cases that were more developed locally or that presented contraindications to surgery received radiological treatment alone (211/341 patients or 61.9%). Radiotherapy treatment consisted of radium therapy performed with a single application of 226Ra conventional sources, followed by percutaneous irradiation with 60Co-teletherapy in the more developed cases and/or in the presence of lymph node metastases. All the patients were submitted to diagnostic lymphography at the onset of the treatment and 92 (26.9%) had lymph node metastases. In the framework of this clinical review, the 5-year disease-free survival from onset of the treatment varied from 88.2%  for the cases at Stage Ib occult, 72.5% for the cases at Stage Ib, 63.8% for the Stage II cases, to 40.5% for the cases at Stage III and IV. The presence of a pathologic report at lymphography makes a considerable difference in terms of disease-free, long-term survival after treatment


[Content of lipids and their fractions in erythrocyte membranes of rats with Guerin's carcinoma, A-avitaminosis and the effect of vitamin A in significant doses].

The content of lipids in rat erythrocyte membranes was studied with vitamin A deficiency, Guerin's carcinoma and with administration of significant doses of vitamin A. It is found that vitamin A deficiency decreases the content of phospholipid fractions: phosphatidyl ethanolamine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl serine. The content of phosphatidyl choline is unchanged. Under conditions of the experiment the content of cholesterol decreases. This dependence is lost when calculating per 1 g of protein. In erythrocytes of rats with Guerin's carcinoma the content of lipids increases. The character of the results is unchanged when calculating per 1 mg of protein. When administering 200.000 IU of vitamin A the content of the phospholipid and free cholesterol identified fractions lowers significantly.


[Isoenzymes of blood serum alkaline phosphatase under experimental cholemia].

The activity and isoenzymic spectrum of alkaline phosphatase of the blood serum and liver under cholemia caused by deoxycholic acid were compared in healthy animals and in animals with the affected liver. It is shown, that under conditions of the bile acids higher content in the organism due to deoxycholic acid, the total activity increases considerably and there appears an isoenzyme absent in the blood serum of healthy animals. Changes in the activity and isoenzymic spectrum of alkaline phosphatase under experimental cholemia developing against a background of the healthy and affected liver are characterized by certain peculiarities.


[Contents of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in tissue of the human brain glial tumors].

It is shown that in the tissue of the human brain glial tumours the content of putrescine depends on the degree of the tumour malignization. In malignant gliomas (glioblastomas), as compared to the benign (astrocytomas), the content of putrescine is significantly higher. The content of spermidine in glial tumours of a malignancy different degree is twice as high as the level of this polyamine in the brain grey matter, and it is twice as low as in the white matter. The content of spermine in the brain glial tumours does not differ essentially from its level in the brain tissue.


[Peculiarities of histones H1, H2b and H4 structure and aggregation in the presence of glycine].

The efficiency of intramolecular and intermolecular interactions of histons H1, H2b and H4 was studied as affected by the glycine concentration in the composition of the glycine-HCl buffer (pH 3.0). It is shown that the concentration of glycine less than 0.01m should be used in experiments with the glycine buffer. Glycine in a higher concentration evokes a considerable aggregation of the histon molecules. Sizes and shape of the aggregates differ in solutions with the lower and high ionic strength. In the presence of glycine the sizes of histone aggregates decrease in the series H1 greater than H2b greater than H4. Changes in the quantum yield of histon fluorescence reflect changes in the tertiary structure of their molecule but not in aggregation.


[Citrate synthesis by reductive carboxylation of alpha-ketoglutarate in rumen tissue of cattle and sheep].

In the cattle rumen mucosa the citrate synthesis from alpha-ketoglutarate and CO2 is activated by ATP and biotin; in the muscular tissue ATP or biotin separately does not affect this process. Mn2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Co2+, Cd2+ and cystein favour citrate synthesis; citrate is not formed in the presence of Fe2+. For homogenates prepared on the borate buffer, the rate of an increase in the citrate content is higher than for homogenates on the phosphate or tris-HCl-buffer. In the muscular tissue of the lamb rumen this index is greater than in the sheep, and in the mucosa cattle, sheep and lamb the intensity of the reaction is the same.


[Homocarnosine content and homocarnosine-carnosine synthetase activity in brain areas of hyperoxic rats].

The homocarnosine content and homocarnosine synthetase activity were studied in the brain of rats in normal state and under hyperoxia. The homocarnosine content is higher in phylogenetically old brain areas as compared with that in the cerebral hemispheres. Its nonuniform distribution in the brain is associated with different activity of homocarnosine-carnosine synthetase in the corresponding brain areas. At the preconvulsive stage of oxygen poisoning the homocarnosine content in all the brain areas does not change, the homocarnosine-carnosine synthetase activity is 32% lower. At the convulsive stage of hyperoxia the homocarnosine amount in the cerebral hemisphere decreases by 33%, in the midbrain and diencephalon -- by 70, in the medulla oblongata -- by 60, in the cerebellum -- by 58%. The decrease in the homocarnosine content correlates with that in the activity of homocarnosine-carnosine synthetase in the corresponding brain areas; in the cerebral hemispheres -- by 33%, in the midbrain and diencephalon -- by 50, in the medulla oblongata -- by 49, in the cerebellum -- by 40%.


[Cholesterol metabolism in liver at different levels of motor activity].

Biosynthesis and decomposition of cholesterol were studied in the rabbit liver under a dosed physical loading. Judging from the intensity of [2-14C]acetate incorporation, the cholesterol biosynthesis intensity rises during loading and decreases under conditions of limited mobility. The cholesterol content in the liver tissue of trained animals is unchanged and in animals, who were under conditions of limited mobility, it rises as compared with the control. Using [7-3N1] cholesterol as a substrate, it established that the activity of cholesterol-7 alpha-hydroxylase, as compared to the initial level, is increased under training and decreased under conditions of low mobility. The enzymic activity was determined by the amount of released 3H2O.


[Chemical properties of rat thymus agglutinating substance].

A substance reacting with sheep red blood cells and rabbit IgG was isolated from the rat thymocytes and calf thymus as a homogeneous preparation. Some chemical properties of this substance were studied. The molecular weight of the agglutinating substance was found to be 12300 according to the SDS-gel electrophoresis data. The infrared spectra show that this substance contains peptide bonds and a carbohydrate component. The amide II absorption band observed in the infrared spectrum disappears after treatment of the agglutinating substance with immobilized pronase. The treatment with immobilized pronase leads to degradation of this substance into two components detected by thin layer chromatography and to the loss of its agglutinating properties. Hexose was determined in the substance with an anthrone reagent. This substance is supposed to be a low-molecular glycoprotein.


[Role of acid anion in formation of low-soluble aggregates of immunoglobulin G characteristic of malignant growth].

The acid medium favour the formation of low-soluble aggregates in the cancer patient blood serum. An anion of the acid utilized for creation of the aggregate-forming medium is involved into composition of the agregates. The elementary quantitative analysis of such aggregates showed that the amount of the incorporating anion is in inverse dependence on its affinity for proteins. The anion is established to participate at the stage of the low-soluble complex formation. A schematic model is suggested for low-soluble aggregates formed in the cancer patient blood cerum under the effect of the acid medium.


[Two pathways of pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis in birds].

Dillerent chicken tissues are shown to display a clearly pronounced specificity relative to [2-14C] orotic acid and [5-3H]uridine as precursors of synthesis of the pool and RNA pyrimidine nucleotides. The fraction of pyrimidine nucleotides synthetized relative to the reserve pathway (uridine utilization) decreases in the series: kidneys greater than duodenum mucosa greater than lungs greater than liver greater than pancreas greater than bone marrow greater than brain greater than spleen. The results of [2-14C]orotic acid and [53H]uridine incorporation into UMP and CMP of the liver and spleen tissues RNA are interpreted in terms of the concept on existence of separate pools of pyrimidine phosphates--RNA precursors.


[Comparison of acceptor activity of rabbit liver tRNA in ontogenesis].

The rabbit liver tRNA was studied in such functional states when there occurred essential qualitative and quantitative changes in the protein synthesis. On the basis of the maximum level of aminoacylation it is established that the contents of corresponding biologically active individual tRNA in the total preparation for adult animals is 1.5-3 times as high as that for 3-5 day rabbits. Exception is alanine tRNA whose number decreases sharply in the total preparation of the liver tRNA of one- and two-year animals. No correlation was found for any age group between the quantitative ratio of active individual tRNA and the amino acid composition of albumins whose synthesis in the liver is intensive. Thus, the synthesis and, respectively, the content of certain types of tRNA in the liver characterized by a wide spectrum of proteins with different functions are governed by other regularities, whose search is one of the most difficult and at the same time high-promising problems.


[Effect of cytosol on RNA-synthesizing ability of isolated nuclei of rat hepatocytes].

The addition of cytozol to isolated nuclei of the liver is accompanied by a rise in the amount of a new synthetizing RNA and changes in its nucleotide composition. An increase in the intensity of [3H] ATP incorporation at the end of incubation evidences for polyadenylation of the reaction product. Under the effect of cytozol 30-32% of RNA synthetized de novo is released. Heating of cytozol (50 degrees C, 15 min) leads to a loss of its ability to activate RNA synthesis by isolated nuclei.


[Direct phenol-hypochlorite method for determining glutaminase activity].

A simple and sensitive method is developed to determine the glutaminase activity. Conditions are selected for detecting enzymatically formed ammonia in the presence of such a high-labile substrate as glutamine. The method is simple in performance, readily reproducible and high-sensitive.


Radiation therapy as definitive treatment for localized carcinoma of prostate.

A progress report on the treatment of 116 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated by external irradiation is presented. Fifteen, 60, and 41 patients presented initially with Stages A, B, and C, respectively. The majority of the patients received 7,000-7,500 rads during a period of seven to eight weeks, locally to the prostate gland. The five-year actuarial survival were 90, 70, and 40 per cent for Stages A, B, and C, respectively. The five-year survival rates for patients with well and moderately differentiated tumors were significantly better (45 per cent) than for those with poorly differentiated tumors (24 per cent). The five-year survival rate in the patients who received prior or concomitant hormone manipulation was lower (33 per cent) as compared with those receiving radiation therapy alone (43 per cent). All of the above differences were statistically significant (0.01 level). Of the patients failing, distant metastases have developed in 88 per cent suggesting that subclinical distant metastases might have been present prior to initiation of radiotherapy. The local control rate was 82 per cent. The morbidity of this mode of therapy was found to be acceptable. Radical radiation therapy is an effective method for control of carcinoma of the prostate and is potentially curative.


Aortorenal reimplantation in treatment of renovascular hypertension.

From 1964 to 1977, 33 patients underwent aortorenal reimplantation as surgical treatment for renovascular hypertension. Over-all results were 13 patients cured (39 per cent), 15 patients improved (46 per cent), and there were 5 failures (15 per cent). The results were equally satisfactory in patients with atherosclerotic or fibrous renal artery disease. Postoperative arterial stenosis or occlusion occurred in 5 patients (15 per cent). Aortorenal reimplantation is an effective method of renal revascularization in properly selected patients, and long-term results are comparable with those of aortorenal bypass.


Nonoperative management of renal artery embolus.

Two cases of renal artery emboli were treated nonsurgically with intravenous heparin. Both patients experienced prompt and total relief of the apparent embolization.


Late hemorrhagic cystitis following low-dose cyclophosphamide therapy.

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a recognized acute complication of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) therapy in the treatment of malignant disease. More recently, lower dose, long-term cyclophosphamide therapy has been used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. In 3 patients hemorrhagic cystitis developed after long-term cyclophosphamide therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Even in low dosage, this drug may cause hemorrhagic cystitis.


Acute urinary retention in young homosexuals.

Acute urinary retention secondary to and intercourse was found in 4 homosexuals. All four were treated initially with an indwelling Foley catheter and then with bethanechol and phenoxybenzamine (Dibenzyline). Normal micturition was restored in all 4 patients. Anal dilatation can produce reflex bladder inhibition resulting in acute retention.


Inflatable penile prosthesis: follow-up study of patient-partner satisfaction.

The surgical success rates using implantable penile prostheses are well documented, although follow-up on their functional success is required. In this study of 175 patients with an inflatable penile prosthesis, patients and their partners were evaluated as to patient-partner satisfaction, levels of satisfaction, causes of dissatisfaction, frequency of intercouse, and over-all acceptance of the device by patient and partner. The initial satisfaction rates of 79 per cent were significantly improved to 89 per cent after management of specific unrecognized complications. The high levels of satisfaction found in this study continue to support our guidelines for device selection and implantation.


Balanitis xerotica obliterans involving anterior urethra.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is known to affect the urethral meatus, glans, and prepuce. We describe a case of biopsy-proved BXO that involves not only the usual areas but the anterior urethra as well. Of added interest is the subsequent development of squamous cell carcinoma in the fossa navicularis. The literature is reviewed.


Carcinoma of gallbladder simulating metastatic prostatic cancer.

This is a case of carcinoma of the gallbladder, which clinically, chemically, and radiographically simulated metastatic prostate cancer. Other causes of elevated serum and bone marrow acid phosphatase and axial skeletal osteoblastic metastases are reviewed.


Intrauterine testicular torsion: not an emergency.

A case of intrauterine testicular torison and infarction is described. Urgent exploration of the testis has been advocated in the management of this condition. However, the risks of early anesthesia in the immediate postdelivery period must be weighed against the chances of a successful outcome of the operation in preserving testicular function. Since this salvage rate is poor, we suggest surgical exploration at a time when the infant's condition is stable, unless there are indications that the event is very recent.


Carcinoid tumor of kidney.

A case of carcinoid tumor of the kidney is reported. Pathologic findings of the tumor, clinical manifestation, and treatment are discussed.


Primary localized amyloidosis of male urethra (amyloidoma).

Amyloidosis of the urethra is extremely rare. The first reported case of amyloidosis of the fossa navicularis is presented.


Inaccuracies in angiographic staging of renal cell carcinoma.

In 54 patients with renal cell carcinoma, the angiographic T category of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) clasification correlated with the histopathologic (P) staging in only 44.4 per cent. Staging of the primary lesion in renal cell carcinoma must be based on the P category and not the angiographic appearances.


Computed tomography and ultrasound in diagnosis of pelvic lipomatosis.

Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are emerging as useful diagnostic adjuvants in the confirmation of pelvic lipomatosis. A case of pelvic lipomatosis studied by CT and sonography is presented. These two techniques offer greater precision in the demonstration of fatty tissue density within the true pelvis. The findings appear characteristic and unique. CT and ultrasound confirmation of pelvic lipomatosis provide added confidence in an accurate clinical diagnosis and may obviate the need for diagnostic surgical exploration.


Effects of prostaglandin E1 on isolated dog renal artery.

Actions of prostaglandin (PG) E1 were investigated using isolated dog renal arterial strips. Norepinephrine increased the tension of the renal arterial strips contracted with potassium, and this response was depressed by phentolamine. Isoproterenol produced relaxant effects on these arteries, and this response was converted to contractile one by propranolol. Diltiazem dose dependently relaxed the potassium-contracted strips. PGE1 (10(-9)-3 X 10(-8) Gm./ml.) constricted the renal arterial strips, while in higher concentrations (10(-7)-3 x 10(-7) Gm./ml.) it caused relaxations of them. Contractile responses by PGE1 were not affected by phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine, but were suppressed by diltiazem. On the other hand, relaxant effects of PGE1 were not changed by propranolol. Papaverine or theophylline significantly inhibited the contractions induced by PGE1. From these results it is suggested that (1) in the dog renal artery adrenergic alpha-receptors must be more dominant than beta-receptors; (2) PGE1 will produce a depolarization of renal arterial smooth muscle and/or increase an active transport of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells; and (3) the relaxant responses by PGE1 may be related to an increase in cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) contents.


The use of clinical information systems to control cost as well as to improve care.

Clinical resources represent the major items of expense in hospital care. These resources are under the primary control of physicians. For a number of reasons it is difficult to manage these resources in the sense of ensuring their prudent use under all circumstances. Relevant clinical information brought to bear at the time and place of the decisions which allocate these resources can encourage prudent use directly (through reduction in waste) and indirectly (through improving the quality of care).


Why more women than men have cholesterol gallstones: studies of biliary lipids in pregnancy.

More women than men have cholesterol gallstones. This probably to a large extent owing to ovarian hormones. Our preliminary studies suggest that the biliary lipid composition and gallbladder function may be abnormal in pregnancy. Studies are in progress to clarify these suggestive changes. We hope that the studies will allow us to determine the relevance of pregnancy to the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones.


[Fiber bronchoscopy with artificial pulmonary ventilation by an injection method in ambulatory practice].

The experience of 800 bronchoscopies with the help of fibrobronchoscopes under anesthesia in the outpatient clinic is generalized. An original method of the artificial ventilation of the lungs with the aid of a specially elaborated by the authors attachment-injector to an ordinary endotracheal tube is described. According to the authors' data, fibrobronchoscopy under anesthesia with the injectional artificial ventilation of the lungs is a little-traumatic measure which permits obtaining a complete information on the character of changes in the tracheobroncheal tree of the patients.


[Morphological study of the liver and lungs in closed injury].

In a closed trauma of the liver there occurs the disappearance of glycogen from hepatocytes in the circumference of the ruptures and from the foci of necrosis. In addition, within the first two hours after trauma considerable amounts of fine granular masses of glycogen in the rupture cavities, in hepatic vessels and in the pulmonary artery system. In later terms no free glycogen masses were found in the hepatic and pulmonary vessels.


[Experience with the surgical correction of the breasts using elastic silicon implants].

The paper describes the experience of prosthetics of the mammary glands with "Dow Corning" silicon implants. Operations performed on 26 patients with congenital defects of the mammary gland, postlactational involution and also in order to make the plasty of a defect after subcutaneous mastectomies and extended sectorial resection, have shown that silicon endoprostheses can be successfully employed in such cases. The procedures not only corrected the patient's figure but also contributed to the social and psychic rehabilitation of the patients.


[Place of bronchography in the study and evaluation of the late results of the treatment of the pulmonary and pleural complications of acute pneumonia in children].

Late bronchography was performed in 93 patients, in 46 patients it was made immediately after cupping the critical period of inflammation. The changes found were dependent on the character and size of the process. It has been established that in non-operated children contrasting the bronchi is indicated in late terms of chronic pneumonia in order to specify the residual changes and to choose further treatment.


[Therapeutic procedure in severe craniocerebral trauma combined with skeletal injuries in children].

The article is devoted to a complex and scantily explored problem of treatment of patients with a severe cranio-cerebral injury in the acute period. The analysis of a considerable material (129 cases) showed the early and valuable treatment of fractures of skeletal bones to have favourable effect upon the course of the traumatic disease of the brain and to diminish lethality and invalidism.


[Use of hyperbaric oxygenation and dimexide (DMSO) in the overall treatment of chronic hematogenic osteomyelitis in children].

It has been shown that the use of hyperbaric oxigenation and dimexide for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in 43 children had positive therapeutic effect in all the patients. The general state of the patient improved, both general and biochemical properties became normal sooner. Radiological data have shown the reparative processes in the bone tissue to become more rapid.


[Surgical treatment of children with developmental anomalies of the tibia].

The paper describes surgical treatment of 22 children with the abnormal development of the tibia. The character and steps of the surgery are dependent on anatomomorphological alterations of the extremity. The deformity and dislocations of feet in 16 children were corrected by stretching of the crus muscles and dissection of soft tissue obstacles. The follow-up observation of the operated patients continued from 6 months till 4 years. The results of the surgery in 20 patients were estimated as satisfactory, 2 children had recurrent deformity of the feet.


[State of the upper part of the digestive tract in patients with proctologic diseases].

An analysis of the results of esophagogastroduodenostomy carried out upon 874 cases suffering from cancer of the rectum and colon, polyps and diffuse polyposis of the colon is set forth. The obtained data are correlated with changes in the stomach mucous membrane occuring therewith.


[Problems in treating duodenal ulcer by selective proximal vagotomy].

The gastric secretion after different types of vagotomy was studied in experiments on dogs and in clinic. The ordinary selective proximal vagotomy (SPV) and the truncal vagotomy were successively performed in one and the same animal and the secretion of the Pavlov and Heidenhein stomachs was investigated. The cerebral phase of secretion proved to be inhibited similarly after all the types of vagotomy. As to the ventricular phase, it was most of all decreased following SPV without a draining operation. The clinical part of the work covers 148 patients with duodenal ulcers subjected to SPV without a draining operation (51 patients) and in combination with pyloroplasty (97 patients). The investigation of gastric secretion in these patients has shown the greatest decrease of it to occur after SPV without a draining operation. The same findings show that after SPV without a draining operation the damping syndrome and diarrhea are observed rarer than after all types of vagotomy combined with pyloroplasty.