[Paper chromatography of the urinary carbohydrates in normal subjects: the aldoses].

The authors describe a method that utilizes paper chromatography for the separation and identification of urinary carbohydrates, especially the Aldoses. Using 5 ml. of urinary extract, it is possible to separate Lactose, Maltose, Galactose, Glucose, Fructose, Mannose + Arabinose, Xilose + Ribose, Glucuronolactone and other unidentified compounds.


[Some data on cholinesterases in the cerebrospinal fluid of the dog].

In the present study we have determined the activity of AChE and BuchE in the CSF, blood plasma and brain tissue outlined the pattern of the molecular forms of both enzymes. The present observations on the molecular forms of AChE protide evidence in favor of secretion of the enzyme from nervous tissue in the CSF.


[Simple electrostimulator for clinical gustometry].

The authors illustrate the technical characteristics of a low cost, pocket electrogustometer, which works on batteries and offers complete safety both for the patient and for the examiner; this model is able to carry out, both in normal and selected patients, the same functions as can be carried out with more sophisticated and costly equipment, currently available.


[Further observations on the "primary" somesthetic response in man. Preliminary results].

In six normal subjects cerebral somatosensory potentials evoked by median nerve stimulation at the wrist have been recorded in order to assess whether N20 and P25 components can be related to a single generator dipole. It was found that, at variance with the current literature, such components are due to separate generator dipoles, possibly related to the activity of different cortical structures. Moreover an additional component, chronologically occurring between N20 and P25, was consistently observed.


[Further research on the functional asymmetry between the superior and inferior visual hemifields: analysis of the reaction time to simultaneous stimulation of the two hemi-fields].

It has been previously reported that presentation of square-wave gratings to either side of the horizontal meridian of the visual field gives rise to different Simple Reaction Times (RTs), depending upon the spatial frequency of the stimuli. Specifically, for 1 c/deg stimulus RT is faster in the lower hemefield, whereas the reverse is true for 3 c/deg pattern, RT being faster in the upper visual field. In the reported experiment, RT to simultaneous presentation of either the same (alternatively 1 c/deg or 3 c/deg) or different (i.e. 1 c/deg and 3 c/deg combined) spatial frequencies to both hemifields was analyzed. The data show that whenever the two half components correspond to different RTs, the resulting RT equates that of the faster component. Conversely, when the two components give rise to identical RTs, the resulting RT does not differ from the value obtained with each half stimulus. Implications of this result for the functional organization of the visual system are discussed.


[Changes induced with varying solutions of normal plasma on granulocyte capillary tube migration].

In the present work we have evaluated the effect of decreasing concentrations of normal plasma in TC 199 on leukocyte capillary migration. From the 1st to the 4th hour of migration, normal plasma at 100%-80%-60%-40% concentration, significantly inhibits leukocyte migration. The inhibitory effect is lost, only by a few plasmas, at 60% and 40% concentration, during the following migration hours. Normal plasma at 20% and 10% concentration doesn't show any inhibitory effect on leukocyte capillary migration. Therefore, for clinical studies on pathological plasmas we recommend the use o plasma at 20% or 10% concentration to avoid aspecific inhibition.


[Standardization of the method of granulocyte capillary tube migration].

In the present work a method is described to standardize each step of leukocyte capillary tube migration assay. The conclusions of our study are: natrium heparin can be used as anticoagulant; the use of calibrated microcapillaries is recommended; migration chambers must lay on a horizontal surface; results can be evaluated by a ocular for radial immunodiffusion from the 16th to 20th hour of migration.