[The septic kidney].

After the definition of the notion of septic kidney with the help of a 10-year-survey cause, therapy and results of our clinical material are analysed. The obstructive urolithiasis is found to be the main cause of the development of septic picture of the disease. The nephrostomy is in suitable cases the operative therapy of choice. The relatively good results of the treatment are to be traced back to a close interdisciplinary cooperation of operative urology, intensive therapy and use of haemodialysis.


[Late results after organ preserving intervention in urosepsis].

Nephrostomy in patients suffering on pyonephrosis and urosepsis is investigated. Good results in long term follow up seem to recommend this intervention as an alternative procedure to a primary nephrectomy.


The influence of prey experience on movement pattern preference in Salamandra salamandra (L.).

Groups of juvenile Salamandra salamandra were raised selectively with different types of prey. The influence of these conditions on the movement pattern preference was studied during the first six months after metamorphosis. Responses to a black horizontal bar moving continuously or stepwise at step frequencies between 0.25 and 8 steps/s were tested. The differently raised groups showed significant differences in their respective preference for stimulus movement patterns which corresponded with the movement pattern of their food. At the same time, superimposed upon this learning process, a general increase in the relative efficiency of continuous stimulus movement with regard to stepwise stimulus movement could be observed.


[The effect of the distribution of practice on the learning and forgetting in Carassius auratus auratus Linné].

The significance of massed and distributed practice in discrimination learning to criterion by goldfish was studied. All animals were trained to discriminate between 6 horizontal black and white stripes (positive stimulus) and 2 vertical black and white stripes (negative stimulus). 5 groups of animals, 12 Ss each, got different training programs. Groups varied in number of trials per day (30, 10, 5 successive trials) and in distribution of trials over the day (30 trials given in blocks of 5 with ITI of 1 h or 5 trials, each spaced by an ITI of 1 h). In general animals with a small number of massed trials/day were superior in early acquisition period. When trials/day were spaced the method proved to be more efficient. The training method showed no effect concerning retention.


Aspects of species recognition by sound in four species of damselfishes, genus Eupomacentrus (Pisces: Pomacentridae).

Members of four sympatric species of Eupomacentrus carry out reproductive activities at the same time of the year and produce similar pulsed courtship sounds. Such sounds are known to facilitate courtship among conspecifics. Consequently, members of the four species in the field and in the laboratory were tested with the various sounds to determine if they could distinguish their own species sounds from those produced by congeners. The differential responses clearly demonstrate species specific recognition by sound and indicate that the pulse interval and the number of pulses per sound are the important parameters for this recognition.


Impaired homing ability in anosmatic pigeons.

In an attempt to explain apparent differences in the pigeon homing behaviour over different regions, some experiments with anosmatic birds have been repeated on German birds. The poor initial orientation in either controls or experimentals in many single experiments and in pooled data was an insufficient basis for the evaluation of the influence of olfactory deprivation on homeward directedness. Homing success, however, was significantly worse in experimentals than in controls, which confirmed the result of impaired homing ability of anosmatic pigeons.


[Supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children; classification (author's transl)].

Late results after supracondylar fractures of the humerus in childhood were examined in 78 patients. Felsenreich's graduation was used. In cases of type III the late results are better than in type II, consequently this classification does not permit the various degrees of the injury to be differentiated.


[Tibial fractures in children (author's transl)].

In a collective study of 22 surgical clinics 1235 closed diaphyseal tibial fractures in children from 0 to 14 years were analysed. The incidence of this type of fracture in relation to all fractures in childhood, was 6.2%. In pre-school children isolated tibial fractures and incomplete fractures predominated, while in children from 6 to 14 years tibial plus fibular fractures as well as displaced fractures occurred more frequently. Closed reduction and plaster cast were used as standard treatment. Traction was used only exceptionally. In only 3.0% osteosynthesis was performed under the following indications: irreducible fracture, multiple fractures, concomitant chest or abdominal injury, polytrauma.


[Innervation disorders following supracondylar fractures in children (author's transl)].

In 135 cases of supracondylar fractures of the elbow in children, disorders of the innervation of the peripheral brachial nerves could be observed in 10 cases. Early and careful reposition of the fragments is most important for early restitution of function and sensibility.


[Pathomorphology and therapy of bile duct hypoplasia and -atresia: - lymphodigestive bile drainage (author's transl)].

In the treatment of extrahepatic biliary atresia Kasai's hepatic-porto-enterostomy brought an important improvement. A bile drainage from the liver into the bowel can be achieved in about 40% of the children suffering from extrahepatic bile duct atresia. Long-term results are nevertheless disappointing because cholangitis and the progression of fibrosis and the original disease aggravate the final results. Supported by the results of animal experiments and clinical findings we studied the possibility of bile drainage together with the hepatic lymph into the bowel. In the animal experiments we succeeded in developing a successful method. The method of operation is described and reasons are mentioned. The first clinical results achieved with a small number of patients are reported and some open questions are put up for discussion.


Free autogenous muscle transplantation in 5 children with urinary incontinence.

Five children with urinary incontinence were operated with a new method involving free autogenous muscle transplantation. Before transplantation a skeletal muscle (extensor brevis of the foot) is denervated and, 2 weeks later, it is transplanted and placed as a U-sling around the urethra in close contact with normally innervated muscles, which act as reinnervation sources. All patients showed improvement of continence and increasing bladder capacity from about 2 months after transplantation. Postoperative cine-micturition studies clearly demonstrated the functional properties of the transplanted muscle and estimation of urinary flow rate showed no signs of infravesical obstruction.


[Late results of ureterosigmoidostomy in treating extrophy of the bladder (author's transl)].

26 children with extrophy of the bladder were treated surgically during a period of 23 years. In all cases a ureterosigmoidostomy was performed with a follow up of 1-22 years in 15 of 26 cases. In 9 children the clinical, radiological, and biochemical findings were good in 4 satisfying and 2 bad due to hydronephrosis and electrolyte disturbances. The authors recommend direct implantation of the ureters into the rectosigmoid, according to the technique of Goodwin. This approach is simple from a technical point of view and the immediate and late complications are less frequent than with other methods.


[Absorption of amino acids in patients after partial gastrectomy (B II) and truncal vagotomy with pyloroplasty or antrectomy (author's transl)].

After surgery for gastric or duodenal ulcer the resorption of amino acids is changed due to alteration of morphology and function of stomach, bile system, pancreas and small bowel. We used the stable isotope labelled amino acid 15N-glycine in patients after partial gastrectomy (B II), truncal vagotomy with pylorplasty as well as antrectomy and in healthy persons. It could be shown that in contrast to the control group the absorption of the amino acid in the surgical group took place more rapid and more intensive.


[Surgery in old age; preoperative internal measures (author's transl)].

This survey deals with the 5 most important internal problems of old aged people undergoing surgery: chronic emphysematous bronchitis, geriatric heart, Diabetes mellitus, bleeding tendency during operation and venous thromboembolism.


[Operative risk in very old patients (author's transl)].

Patients more than 75 years of age will tolerate surgery with good results under the following conditions: 1) Metabolic deficiencies have to be compensated prior to surgery - 2) Preoperative preparatory treatment should be completed at least 3 days before surgery - 3) After surgery has been performed acid-base balance, haemoglobin, protein metabolism and renal function should be watched strictly - 4) Ambulation of the patient and social care should start on the very first day after surgery.


[Geriatric surgery of the upper GI-tract (author's transl)].

The results of surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract in elderly patients achieved at the Department of Surgery of the University of Mainz are represented. New pathophysiological concepts in peptic ulcer surgery, improved preoperative procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in diseases of the biliary tree are important contributions to the indications and operative tactics. The rules of cancer surgery are also true in geriatric surgery. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should be restricted according to the particular limits set up by age.


[Fractures of the femoral neck in old aged people (author's transl)].

Old aged people are more prone to accidents. This morbidity is caused by senile osteoporosis, preexisting diseases and other factors traumata. In most cases therapeutical problems of femoral neck fractures do not arise from surgery, but from general postoperative complications.


[Cardiac surgery in the 7th and 8th decade (author's transl)].

Progress in cardiovascular surgery and the growing amount of older people made it possible and necessary to extend open-heart-surgery to patients between 60 and 75 years of age. From 1970 to 1978 174 cardiac procedures (mostly for valve replacement and aorto-coronary-vein-bypass) were performed in this group of older patients. The total mortality rate was 18.3%. These results which have to be improved in several areas demonstrate clearly that surgery is of real benefit for these older, properly selected patients; the operative risk seems to be acceptable.


[Comparative appraisal of diagnostic methods for early detection of stress and urge incontinence of women (author's transl)].

Studies were conducted into 40 women who were afflicted with first-degree and second-degree urinary incontenence. The results are broken down by diagnostic methods used. The same methods were applied for control to 14 women without any incontinence complaints. - The contributions actually made by each of the methods to the definite presurgical diagnosis in its totality are described by graphic presentation of the results. - The findings reported in this paper suggest that complex consideration has to be given to all results to introduce adequate therapy in given any case. While the methods reported proved to differ by informative value, none of them should be abandoned in routine examination.


[Psychodiagnostic examination of patients with functional urinary incontinence (author's transl)].

Psychometric personality questionnaires were used to test 100 patients with symptoms of urinary incontinence. The following findings were recorded: Accumulation with significance of increased psychasthenic values in patients with normal urogynaecological status was higher than that recordable from patients in pathological conditions. The group of patients with mere stress incontinence differed from the group with urge or combined urge-stress incontinence by statistically secured differentiated between means values recordable from neurosis-relevant, test scales, including psychosomatic disorders, depression, neuroticism, social introversion, and phobic disorders. Reference is made to psychogenic factors and their role within a set of multifactorial conditions conducive to functional urinary incontinence of women. Consequences regarding diagnosis and therapy are discussed.


[Progress in prevention and control of urological complications associated with carcinoma of the cervix. Third communication: Renographic representation of functional disorders of the upper urinary tract (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper is the use of isotope nephrography in longitudinal examinations of 151 patients with cervix carcinoma who had undergone radical abdominal or vaginal surgery in the Gynaecological Hospital of Charité Berlin, between 1971 and 1973. Also included were 140 patients whose carcinoma treatment dated back nine to 15 years. While functional disturbances of the upper urinary tract within the five-year follow-up period dropped continuously from about 29 to five per cent in recent time, persisting disorders of secretion and/or ureteral dynamics recorded in ING checks from 16.4 per cent of earlier carcinoma treatments. The number of pathological isotope nephrograms recorded presurgically from patients who eventually died of recurrent carcinoma had been five times as high (49 per cent) as that recorded from cured patients. Only to some extent had those findings been attributable to the given carcinoma stage. Routine ING (isotope nephrography) also helped to identify nine cases of carcinoma recurrence, and its systematic use facilitated just as many decisions on fistulation of the functionally better kidney in cases of imminent anuria (uraemia). Yet, as a whole voiding disorders of the upper urinary tracts have decreased in the authors' hospital, as compared to records in the past. That improved situations is attributed to progress in carcinoma therapy but even more to energetic early action against urinary tract infections and postsurgical impairment of bladder voiding as well as to high-continuity monitoring of renal and ureteral functions. ING, today, deserves a firm position in all after-care programmes following treatment of cervical carcinoma.


[Common antigen for serological detection of urinary tract infections during pregnancy (author's transl)].

All urinary tract infections cannot be safely detected by bacterial urine testing during pregnancy. Therefore, the question was studied whether detection of antibody to the "enterobacterial common antigen" (ECA) might be important to screening of pregnant women for urinary tract infections. Tests were applied to 202 sera obtained from 42 pregnant women with urinary tract infection, with pathological titres having been recorded from 21.8 per cent.--Detection of antibody to ECA, consequently, is not believed to be helpful in improving diagnosis of urinary tract infections during pregnancy.


[Foetal complications associated with use of foetal scalp electrodes and scalp blood sampling (author's transl)].

A retrospective study was performed in the context of 1,047 cases of internal foetal monitoring, using direct foetal electrocardiography and/or foetal scalp blood sampling. Seven minor foetal complications have been observed, including six cases of infection and one of haemorrhage, representing a rate of 0.66 per cent. The advantages obtainable from internal foetal monitoring appear to outweigh the low risk associated with these methods.


[Simplified technique to calculate foetal weight from ultrasonic foetometric data (author's transl)].

Evaluation of more than 1500 cases has shown that real foetal weight can be calculated on the basis of mean thorax diameter, if linear ultrasonic measures are used. Addition of more parameters will render calculation more sophisticated and complex, though gain in accuracy will be unimportant. Accuracy depends not only on biological variation but even more on precise measurement by the examiner. An aid for more convenient calculation is described.


[Multidimensional investigations to elucidate relationships between case histories of interruption of pregnancy and premature deliveries and low birth weight (author's transl)].

Multidimensional retrospective studies were conducted into possible correlations between case histories of induced abortion and premature deliveries, on the one hand, and deliveries of "children with low birth weight", on the other, with reference being made to the ordinal number of birth. Included were 13,287 single newborns, after mothers with twins, stillbirths, and abortion records had been excluded. "Children with low birth weight" up to 2,500 g accounted for 5.4 per cent of these newborns. The investigation was complete, in that all newborns were examined in the obstetric department of the Regional Hospital of Schwerin, between 1969 and 1977. Records of premature delivery and induced abortion were found to play a great epidemiological role in the context of "children with low birth weight" up to 2,500 g, but the general trend for such children for the period under review had remained unaffected by the Free Medical Abortion Act of 1972. Nevertheless, mothers with previous abortions during the period studied contributed to a moderate rise of the total number of "newborns with low birth weight".


[Different labour behaviours following induction, using oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha (Enzaprost) (author's transl)].

The authors studied the characteristics of labour induced by means of prostaglandin (Enzaprost F). The results were compared to spontaneous childbirths and to labour induced by means of oxytocin. Increased basal tension of the uterus and higher amplitude of uterine contractions were recorded from the prostaglandin group. Contractions were also analysed for variations in shape. Deformation in response to oxytocin was found to be almost identical to that following prostaglandin. Atypical contractions were found to occur more often in women in whom labour was induced for risk to the foetus and in primiparae, though the number of third-type contractions was lower in such cases. The point is made that betamimetics may be very helpful in getting to grips with incoordinate uterine activity. They were found to stop irregular uterine activity, and re-induction then will be accompanied by regular rhythmicity of labour.


[Histological examination of umbilical cord for early detection of infections in infants (author's transl)].

Optical light microscopy was used to examine 1,198 umbilical cords. Recorded were inflammatory changes in 3.5 per cent of all cases and aplasia of the umbilical artery in 1.3 per cent. The findings were compared to clinical parameters. Accumulated occurrence of meconium-stained or fetid amniotic fluid was one of the conspicuous findings. While foetal behaviours were quite inconspicuous during and immediately after parturition, inflammatory infiltration of the umbilical cord was recordable later on from 42 per cent of clinical infections.


[Ultrasonographic differential diagnosis of imminent abortion (author's transl)].

Two-hundred patients, hospitalised for imminent abortion in the sixth to 16th weeks of pregnancy, underwent 294 ultrasonic compound B scans. Gravidity was found to be intact in 68 per cent of all cases, but 13.6 per cent of these ended in abortion prior to the 28th week of pregnancy. Four hydatiform moles and 17 missed abortions were reliably diagnosed. Ultrasonography, even without grey-scale equipment, may be of greatest usefulness for differential diagnosis between intact early pregnancy, missed abortion, blighted ovum, and hydatiform mole, when used by an experienced specialist in close cooperation with the clinical practitioner.


[Causes of clavicular fracture in newborns (author's transl)].

Accumulation of clavicular fractures among newborns on the authors' ward is reported, with reference to 1978. Twenty clavicular fractures were recorded from 1.6 per cent of all newborns, in the above period under review. They were related to cephalic presentations and to the upper shoulder in 90 percent. They were closely correlated to high birth weight. Positioning of the women concerned and medical supervision of delivery seemed to be of causative importance.


[Clinical experience obtained from antepartal CTG evaluation according to Fischer, Hammacher, Hodr, and Kubli. Second communication: Hammacher score (author's transl)].

One antepartal cardiotocogram each was taken from 1,239 pregnant women and evaluated by means of theCGT score, as proposed by Hammacher and co-workers. Inconspicuous cardiotocograms were recorded from 1,090 patients (88.0 per cent), while 124 (10.0 per cent) were suspicious, 20 (1.6 per cent) prepathological, and five (0.4 per cent) pathological. Forecasts of newborns' conditions were correct in 994 cases (80.4 per cent), erroneously positive in 140 cases (11.3 per cent), and erroneously negative in 103 cases (8.3 per cent).


[Case history of acute fatty degeneration of the liver due to pregnancy-relevance to differential diagnosis and therapy (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper is the case of a patient, 19 years of age, with twin pregnancy who developed acute pregnancy-caused fatty degeneration of the liver with typical clinical symptoms in the 34th week of pregnancy, following nine weeks of hospitalisation for tocolysis treatment. The presence of a severe hepatorenal syndrome due to late gestosis, pregnancy cholestase or medicamentous intoxication is discussed for differential diagnosis. Suggestions are made as to high-dosage Partusisten long-time tocolysis which, possibly, might have been an additional hepatotoxic stress factor in concomitance with late gestosis.


[Antenatal ethanol-fructose infusion for prophylaxis of dyspnoea (author's transl)].

The incidence of dyspnoea among immature newborns, delivered after pregancy periods between 28 and 32 weeks, was reduced with statistically secured significance by antepartal intravenous administration of fructose-ethanol infusions to the mother.


[Experience from direct injection of low prostaglandin F2alpha doses into portio for low-complication dilatation of cervix for abruptio (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper is experience so far obtained from direct injection of prostaglandin F2alpha solution into the portio of women, with the view to "softening" their cervix for abruptio. Such pretreatment is recommended for its good results and low rate of side-effects.


[Case history of clinical course of Buschke-Loewenstein tumour (author's transl)].

Described in this paper is the case of a woman, 59 years of age, in whom an extended giant condyloma of the vulva was removed, with the patient cured, by several surgical interventions. The problems relating to such benign tumours are discussed.


[The "martin-arm" system for abdominal wall fixation for many applications - experience from its use of gynaecology (author's transl)].

The "martin-arm"-System meets the demand for optimal fixation of outer edges of the wound cavity and exact positioning of organs in a three dimensional manner at abdominal operations. The four joints of each arm individually connected to the Op-table make this possible. They are fixed in position by a central joint with a lever which can be tightened. An adequate assortment of exchangeable retractors, specula and spatulas offers the possibility of a clear view of the operation. All instruments are ready for use even without the "martin-Arm". This system is especially suitable for emergency surgery, for small gynaecology wards or during staff shortages e.g. at night. The operation setting, according to requirements, remains in position for the duration of the whole operation. In the case of long operations, fatigue symptoms of the assistant are no longer present with this instrumentation.


[Secondary pauses in sinus node dysfunction].

Frequency and importance of secondary pauses (SP) following termination of high rate artrial pacing were evaluated in 64 patients. The maximal values of the first 10 post-pacing cycles, resulting from series of pacing between 70/min--160/min, were compared with the normal post-pacing values of Benditt. SP were present in 1 case (4%) of 23 patients without electrocardiographic signs of sinus node dysfunction (SDF), but in 21 cases (51%) of 41 patients with SDF (p less than 0.01). SP were more frequent in patients with SA-Block and/or sinus pauses (64%) and with bradycardia-tachycardia-syndrome (60%), whereas were more rare (35%) in patients with sinus bradycardia only. Patients with SDF and SP did not significantly differ from patients with SDF without SP concerning absolute and corrected sinus node recovery time, basal heart rate, reduction of cycle length after atropine, abnormal reactions to carotid sinus pressure and frequency of syncopes. In 1 patient SP, present in basal conditions, were not evident after atropine. SP could be interpreted as indication of SDF and should always be searched for because it may be the only evidence of SDF after atrial pacing; therefore SP may reduce the frequency of false negative tests after rapid atrial pacing. Possibly, vagal mechanisms are involved.


[A comparison of bezafibrate and clofibrate in type II B and type IV hyperlipoproteinemia].

In 36 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia of type II B or IV the effect of bezafibrate, a new derivate of clofibrate, has been compared with the effect of clofibrate. In an open cross-over-study the effect of 1.5 g clofibrate p.d. has been compared with that of 450 mg bezafibrate p.d. for several months. The effect of bezafibrate on plasma triglyceride concentration and plasma cholesterol concentration was more pronounced than that of clofibrate. This difference was statistically significantly only in the concentration of plasma triglycerides of type IV patients. It is obvious that the difference between bezafibrate and clofibrate would have been more pronounced if the dose of bezafibrate had been in the optimal range. Serious side-effects caused by bezafibrate could not be observed.


[Fluorine in the urine and bones of occupationally exposed workers and non-exposed men].

The fluorine concentration (determined by means of fluorine specific electrode) in the urine of occupationally exposed workers in the aluminium industry showed elevated values of 4.8 +/- 2.9 microgram F/ml (arithmetic mean, n = 33). In comparison, non exposed men, aged 14-68 (n = 11), had values of 0.32 +/- 0.21 microgram F/ml urine. Children below the age of 10 a (n = 9) had a significantly lower fluorine concentration of 0.12 +/- 0.07 microgram F/ml urine. A 56 years old man suffering from severe industrial fluorosis showed fluorine concentrations of, 2.5-3.4 microgram F/ml urine. A bone biopsy specimen (iliac crest) taken from this man showed a fluorine concentration of 4320 ppm, which corresponds to a twenty-fold increase of fluorine, compared with controls.


Total I.V. anesthesia using a continuous etomidate infusion.

Total I.V. anesthesia was given to 20 patients using an Etomidate continuous infusion to maintain sleep, combined to Fentanyl analgesia, Droperidol, Pancuronium for muscular relaxation and artificial ventilation with an oxygen-air mixture. All these patients were carefully observed during and for several hours after the anesthesia and the results noted. With the Fentanyl dosages used in this technique, peroperative analgesia was frequently insufficient. More Fentanyl would probably be needed with the inherent dangers of prolonged postoperative depression.


Electroencephalographic study of pentazocine and buprenorphine.

Both pentazocine and buprenorphine are hypnoanalgetics of the agonistic-antagonist group. They suppress the inhibitory effect of fentanyl upon the central nervous system. They show also secondary their own inhibitory properties (fig. 8). The agonistic-antagonists can be further divided in excitants (like pentazocine) and non-excitants (buprenorphine).


Atropine versus glycopyrrolate. A study using repeated doses of suxamethonium in man.

Intermittent doses of suxamethonium have been known to result in bradycardia changes in cardiac rhythm. In order to assess the efficacy of a newer quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic, glycopyrrolate, on the cardia effects of intermittent suxamethonium, 28 patients received this drug intravenously just before induction of anesthesia. For comparison, 28 other patients were given atropine. In the atropine series, three patients developed bradycardia while none of those of the glycopyrrolate series did so. In addition, more patients had cardiac arrhythmias in the atropine group. Although no statistically significant differences were seen, clinically, glycopyrrolate seems to afford better protection against the cardiac changes resulting from intermittently administered suxamethonium.


Cardiovascular studies during induction with minaxolone.

The cardiovascular effects of induction of anesthesia with minaxolone, a new water soluble steroid agent, have been studied in 12 normotensive patients and 5 patients with treated hypertension. The arterial pressure, heart rate and ECG were continuously recorded before and during induction of anesthesia with Minaxolone 0.5 mg kg-1. Cardiac output measurements were made in the awake patient, at 3 minutes after the induction of anesthesia and 2 minutes after an increment of the drug. In both groups of patients, induction of anesthesia led to a decrease in systolic arterial pressure and a smaller decrease in diastolic arterial pressures. This was coupled with an increase in the heart rate. The decrease in cardiac output was similar in both the normal and treated hypertensive patients. Administration of an increment of minaxolone (0.1 mg kg-1) did not produce further significant changes in the cardiovascular variables. The results of this study show that the changes in hemodynamic variables with minaxolone are comparable with those seen following induction of anesthesia with other intravenous agents, with the one difference in that there was only minimal change in the diastolic arterial pressure.


The influence of dosage and premedication on induction of anesthesia with minaxolone.

Minaxolone, a new steroid induction agent, was administered to unpremedicated patients at three dose levels and at 0.5 mg . kg-1 to patients receiving three different premedicant regimes. The main side effects observed at induction were involuntary muscle movements but hypertonus and tremor were also seen. Respiratory complications consisted mainly of hiccough. Over the range of doses studied only the latter complication appeared to be dose-related. Premedication with diazepam and especially opiate combinations reduced the frequency and severity of excitatory effects and respiratory upset and increased the proportion of acceptable anesthesia. Marked respiratory depression and hypotension of greater than 20 mm Hg were rare even after opiate premedication.


Effects of the analeptic drug, 4-aminopyridine, upon post-operative respiratory depression in patients. A preliminary study.

The analeptic agent, 4-aminopyridine, was given to patients who had undergone elective ear, nose and throat surgery and showed severe central respiratory depression due to intra-operative fentanyl administration. The respiratory depression due to fentanyl was found to be partially antagonised by 4-aminopyridine. In view of these preliminary findings it is suggested that the drug might find a use in combatting postoperative fentanyl-induced respiratory depression.


Postulated receptors for inhalational anesthetic agents.

It is postulated that some, if not all, anesthetic actions can be explained on the basis of interaction between anesthetics and hydrophobic areas of protein molecules in addition to their effects on membrane lipids. We have studied molecular perturbations using high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance techniques and changes of activity of enzymes and oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. Although the specific cellular and molecular mechanisms of anesthesia are unknown at present, useful information on the physical properties of the "drug receptor sites" can be inferred from interactions of anesthetics with pressure in intact animals. The present evidence indicates that different anesthetics have different specific molecular sites with only a limited degree of occupancy. These differences between agents at a molecular level of action are relevant both to the effects on the central nervous system and also to the many "side effects" of anesthetics.


Etomidate-fentanyl-air anesthesia.

In 463 patients the total intravenous anesthesia technique was applied, for which sleep was induced with etomidate and analgesia was obtained with fentanyl. This technique, which prevents pollution of the air, appeared to be easily applicable and without major complications in either spontaneously breathing or ventilated patients.


Determination of enzyme activity by chromatography and videodensitometry. I. Microassay of amino acid transforming enzymes in human tissue homogenates.

A chromatographic-videodensitometric assay was found to be appropriate for measuring the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ornithine-2-oxoacid aminotransferase and histidine ammonia-lyase in human tissue homogenates. From the assay mixtures containing substrate(s), cofactor(s), buffer and tissue extract, five or ten microliters samples were taken at different time intervals and chromatographed on Dowex 50 X 8 type resin-coated chromatosheets. On each chromatoplate 50 nmoles of the amino acid to be measured were separately run as a reference for videodensitometric evaluation. By comparing the density of the reference amino acid to that of the individual samples the molar amount of amino acids formed or consumed in the reaction could be calculated. The present findings suggest that the chromatographic-videodensitometric microassay (CV-technique) is suitable for measuring the activity of amino acid transforming enzymes in minute amounts of tissue extracts.


Effect of a polyanion macromolecule on mitochondria DNA synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

The incorporation of (3H) thymidine into isolated rat liver mitochondria in the presence of 0--0.5 mM ATP was stimulated by a polyanion with an average molecular weight of 10 000 daltons (at 50--200 micrograms/ml concentration) and containing in a proportion of 1 : 2 : 3 methacrylate, maleate and styrene. The above concentrations of the polyanion inhibit the incorporation of (3H) thymidine in the presence of 2 mM ATP and have no substantial effect on (14C)isoleucine incorporation in vitro. The mtDNA synthesis stimulatory effect of the polyanion is independent of its inhibitory effect on adenylate translocase. The polyanion does not enhance the nucleotide transport across the inner membrane of the mitochondria and the changes of thymidine phosphorylating activity are not involved in the increased mtDNA synthesis. It is supposed that the polyanion attached to the inner membrane of the mitochondria alters the binding of mtDNA to the inner membrane of the mitochondria. Thus, the polyanion might be an effective tool in studying the functional significance of mtDNA-membrane association in mtDNA replication.


Contraction of muscle fibril under the effect of salt solutions without ATP.

It is possible to elicite contraction on isolated muscle fibrils of honey-bee in isotonic sugar-solution by adding certain salt solutions without the addition of ATP. From this phenomenon we can conclude that the muscle contraction can appear under the effect of electricity.


Ion content of synaptic vesicles.

Proton induced X-ray emission analysis measurements were performed to determine the P, S, K, Ca Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn ion content of presynaptic vesicles prepared from guinea-pig brain cortex. The number of different ions per single vesicle is calculated using the results of the additional protein content determinations. The ion contents of cholinergic and adrenergic vesicles are compared.


[Follow up of patients in chronic hemodialysis].

Stemming from the evident need of psychological aid for this patients and in order to alleviate the suffering that causes psychiatric syntoms which endanger the survival chances or even worsen a situation which is in itself discouraging, 102 cases were studied trying to determine the possible causes of pathological behavior. The bibliography on the subject was evaluated and the follow-up of the group from our own practice was described. The patients were followed-up with a psychosomatic approach considering each as a hole conducting periodical interviews and administering psychological treatment and drugs. Follow-up of the relatives was done according to necessity. It was observed that these patients need a high tolerance to frustration and to be able to establish a relation of close dependence with a relative and/or the physician. The greatest problem is in the adequate and proper handling of the agression generated by the characteristics of the treatment. The phsychological training of the specialists in hemodialysis and their contact with a team of psychiatrist is of great importance. All of the 22 patients that did not receive transplants presented depression reactions, 2 experienced sexual impotence and 4 were successful in their suicidal behaviours.


[The borderline syndrome: conceptual problem, theoretical models, nosographic location].

The historical vicissitudes of the term "borderline" in psychiatric literature as well as its actual conceptual dimension are reviewed. The latter is exposed organized in categories or theoretical models as follows: as a peculiar or attenuate presentation of a psychosis, a grave form of a neurosis, a passage syndrome between a neurosis and a psychosis, or an independent nosographic picture. In mentioning pathochronic and generic aspects, an intent of unitary conceptualization is outlined which comprises: I) the clinical picture which translates ego pathology into behavioral terms with a "longitudinal" symptomatological hierarchization of functional levels which interact simultaneously sometimes (dynamic psychopathological space-time) and pointing out its dependence on the environment; II) the structural analysis or the dynamic formulation. The actual nosographic position of the borderline syndrome as well as the one established in the proposed Third Review of the American Psychiatric Classification and its heuristic value are examined. Finally, the presence of this syndrome in relation to modern time society characteristics is commented.


[Psychiatric perspectives of ethological anthropology].

Ethological anthropology is characterized as a biologically-based discipline aimed at the study of overt behaviour. Two of its main features are presented and discussed: its historical character and its protective nature. The first is a direct result of its being based upon evolutionary principles, emphasizing the adaptive character of behaviour and tracing back its origins and causation to phylogenetic adaptation and ontogenetic modification. The protective aspect is contrasted with other approaches--reflective theories--which adding a predominant role in the causation of behaviour to environmental influences. Within ethological theory the distinction is made between peristolabile and peristostable behaviours on the basis of their liability to environmental modification during individual development. For psychiatric research, ethological concepts are relevant both from a methodological and a theoretical standpoint. Their usefulness in comparative, transcultural and psychophysiologic studies is pointed out, as well as their applicability to research on human non-verbal communication and implicit behaviour. The contention is advanced that they provide an integrative framework of reference which combined with other approaches may permit the development of a comprehensive theory of human behaviour.


[Digital simulation of restricted communication systems (author's transl)].

We propose a "behavioral game" with a digital instrument. An automatic simulation creates an evolutive behaviour in a group of ten fictive persons. This game predicts the appearance of individual "pathological cases". The regulation of change only concerns interrelations; it does not consider any individual psychopathology. The theoretical implications are discussed.


[The semiologic part of the qualifying adjective in psychopathology (author's transl)].

The study deals with the application of a hypothetical key of contemporary terminology to the vocabulary employed in psychopathology: a linguistic unit in use in everyday language and when employed in a technical or scientific field leaves the everyday language for the technical language. In other words, the WORD requires the status of a TERM. The qualifying adjective is chosen as a paradigm. These adjectives which describe patients have been taken from various publications. The results indicate that from a semiologic point of view, the reluctance that psychopathologists have in using-with some exceptions in the psychiatric field-words as terms i.e. in an absolute and monosemic way. The author interprets this concern for the conservation of the mobility and polysemy of everyday vocabulary as a specific congruence between the discipline and the speeches of specialists: if psychopathology has few (or no) pathognomic signs, psychopathologists wish to handle their semantic field with great flexibility.


Sexual inhibitions men live by: self-perceived attitudes toward coitus of retired aged males.

There is a dearth of empirical studies on the sexuality of the aging male and female. The present study was conducted to determine the affects of self-perceived negative attitudes toward sexual intercourse by aged males as inhibitory mechanisms of coital behavior. Results indicated the extent to which negative attitudes toward coitus do influence the sexual inactiveness or sexual activeness of aged males. They educed the self-perceived attitudes of sexually inactive and sexually active males regarding frequency of occurrence, rank-ordering, and similarities and differences for each group. Further, physiological and psychological implications of coital behavior and its relationship to love between aged mates are considered.


[Psychological problems of patients in dialysis (author's transl)].

The article considers various aspects of prevention and treatment of psychological complications during hemodialysis treatment. After describing the life of a patient in dialysis, the author shows the specific aspects of this life and the particularities of the hemodialysis unit's culture. The role of the various members of the team is established to assure the best psychological equilibrium of the patient. The importance of occupational therapy is stressed. The integration of the psychiatrist is also considered and some hypotheses concerning his role are discussed.


[Integration of psychosomatics to internal medicine (author's transl)].

After a long experience of about fourty years, an internist with an anatomopathological background explains how he has been brought to improve his knowledge in psychology, psychopathology and psychiatry. He did it not only by reading classical publications, starting with Freud, but also through teaching of highly qualified masters in psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine. He describes about twelve personal cases particularly interesting where only modern psychotherapy has brought spectacular improvement, even long term care, while drug treatment ever failed. The author concludes that for young specialists in internal medicine who would have the motivation and courage to learn the bases of psychosomatics and psychotherapy, there is in practice of future medicine a place of choice waiting for them.


Prefrontal cortical effects on aversively motivated instrumental conditioning in rats: some ontogenic considerations.

During the last 20 years, an emerging body of data has delineated critical variables controlling the acquisition and retention of aversive experiences across ages. Focusing an the rat as subject organism, the behavioral literature on task- and age-specific findings is reviewed. Response inhibitory deficits in younger subjects are related to augmentation of stimulus control through discrimination training and reinstatement of components of original learning. Somewhat parallel and complementary to studies of behavioral development, advances in the neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of cortical functions have indicated the critical role of the prefrontal cortex in acquisition and retention of aversively motivated instrumental responses. Several studies of prefrontal damage administered at varying ages reveal the importance of neural development in both performance deficits as well as recovery of function. These preliminary experiments are discussed in light of constraints from appropriate cortical influences in consideration of the ontogeny of fear.


Conditioned audio-visual targeting reflexes in split brain cats.

A conditioned audio-visual targeting reflex was elaborated in 12 freely moving cats. The cats had to localize the loudspeaker emitting by a tone of 1600 Hz, of 500 ms duration and 80 dB intensity. Each time one of the eight loudspeakers placed in front and behind the cat was activated and the targeting reaction rewarded by food. Normal cats attained the 80 percent criterion for the front and rear loudspeakers in 20 and 30 sessions, respectively. The influence of the transection of the corpus callosum on acquisition and retention of the targeting reaction was investigated. The split brain animals with pre-operative experience in the situation did not show any retention, but relearned the targeting of the frontal sources in 20 sessions. No relearning of the posterior sound sources was observed. The animals that had only post-operative training did not reach 80 percent of correct responses in 50 sessions. Corpus callosum transection influences the integration of the targeting reaction in different ways, depending on the position of the sound source and on pre-operative training.


Search for structures involved in integration of letters in pairs.

Two experiments aimed at finding, at what stage of perceptual processing the positive interactions between letters, observed in some previous studies, are established. Single letters and pairs of letters were exposed. The task of the subjects was to recognize letters. In Experiment I bright letters on a black background were used instead of black letters on bright background used in previous experiments. Such change of brightness within the stimuli did not influence the character of interactions between letters. This suggests that the positive interactions are connected with higher level of visual system. In Experiment II patients with damage of various areas of the brain cortex were tested. The facilitation between two letters did not occur in patients with prestriate lesions, although it can be observed in patients with different localization of lesions. This suggests that prestriate cortex is involved in positive interactions between letters.


Reversed postoptokinetic nystagmus: a model of plasticity in the vestibuloocular system.

A simple manifestation of the memorial processes is the so called reversed postoptokinetic nystagmus (RPN), a trace phenomenon elicited in the rabbit by prolonged (60 min) optokinetic (OK) stimulation. Electrophysiological analysis of RPN indicated that the underlying neural trace is weakened, but not suppressed by spreading depression in the cerebral cortex or superior colliculus. An asymmetry of RPN is brought about by unilateral 6-OHDA lesion on substantia nigra. Electroconvulsive shock applied immediately after a period of OK stimulation blocks the subsequent RPN without interfering with OKN. About 70 percent of neurons in the vestibular complex changed their activity during OKN and RPK. The changes consisted in most cases of an excitation accompanying OKN and inhibition during RPN. The OKN-RPN related reacti6ns were also abundant in flocculus but significant activity changes during RPN were less frequent in this structure. Units in midbrain reticular formation reacted both during OKN and RPN in a similar fashion as the vestibular ones. On the other hand units in the cerebellar deep nuclei and brachium conjunctivum were only weakly influenced by OKN and/or RPN. It is suggested that the neural trace of RPN develops in the vestibular complex and vestibulocerebellum as a part of the process compensating the effect of continued optokinetic stimulation. Flocculus participates in input processing of the optokinetic stimulation whereas reticular formation mediates signal transmission to oculomotor and higher integrating centers. The trace, revealed by sudden cessation of the eliciting stimulus in absence of visual reference signals is probably the neural substrate of the so called motion habituation and visual hallucinations. As other compensatory phenomena in the motor system, RPN has features of instrumental (it improves the organisms control of environment) and classical (it is automatically established and involuntarily emitted) conditioning.


The orienting-exploratory response hypothesis of discriminative conditioning.

Behavioral and electrophysiological manifestations occurring under conditions of spatial discontiguity of CS and reinforcement (or response) are described. It is concluded that the conflict or learning difficulties which arise in such situations are the result of a competition between the signal directed conditioned orienting response and the goal directed approach response which require different or opposite directional movements. Considerations are offered to prove that the complex orienting-exploratory response emerging as a result of reinforcement corresponds to the real conditioned response and accordingly the CS to a new independent goal with comparable attractiveness as the primary (consummative) goal. Arguments are (brought up against the validity of the stimulus substitution theory of signal directed activities. Findings obtained in fimbria-fornix lesioned animals are presented to show that the orienting-exploratory mode of coping with spatial tasks necessitates the intactness of the limbic system. The conclusion is drawn that an apparently more adaptive mode of behaving in spatial discontiguity, where the CS only releases or triggers the goal response (used occasionally by intact but exclusively by limbic lesioned animals) corresponds to a relatively inferior mode of adaptation.


The emotiogenic brain structures in conditioning mechanisms: conditioned evoked potentials and motor responses.

The emotiogenic rnorphofunctional control system consists of the amygdaloid complex (AM), the zona incerta, the peri- and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and the midbrain central gray matter (CG). The neuronal relationships between the structures of this system were established. Lesions of these structures prevented one-trial learning, whereas electrical stimulation of the AM or the CG permitted retrieval of a trace which was lower than threshold. AM stimulation accelerated learning by 5-10 times. The possible mechanisms of the emotiogenic control system of memory' are discussed. The contribution of the identified structures of the emotiogenic control system of memory was quantitatively estimated, by employing a matrix of the interaction of these structures during the performance of conditioned neurographic responses of the radial nerve. The approach established the role of the emotiogenic control system in the spatial-temporal organization of brain structures needed for the retrieval of conditioned motor responses. Weakly trained cats, in which the AM-CG had been stimulated, did not differ from well trained ones in the patterns and correlation matrices of the conditioned evoked potentials. AM-CG activation may accelerate learning by reproducing such spatial-temporal relationships that are characteristic of well trained animals.


Neuronal mechanisms of conitioned placing reactions in cats.

Neuronal correlates of conditioned placing reaction of cats forepaw were studied. The conditioned reaction evoking by tactile stimulation of the paws ventral side had the same motor pattern, consisting mainly in successive flexion and extension of elbow joint, as the placing reaction evoked by paws dorsal side stimulation in naive animals. The activity of single neurons from the m. biceps representation area in pericruciate motor cortex and VL thalamic nucleus was recorded. As a result of learning the excitatory response of cortical neurons to paws ventral side stimulation in 20-50 ms post-stimulus interval was 2-2.5 times more than the response to the same stimulation in naive cats. This short-latency increase of response was not accompanied by modifications of sensory inflow to the motor cortex or movement related afferentation changes arriving from VL nucleus. There were no marked differences in excitability of cortical neurons of naive and trained animals as well. The results suggest a functional plasticity of the neuronal net in the motor cortex, consisting of a change in the efficiency of connections between neurons receiving sensory determined afferent excitation and the functional groups of neurons controlling the contraction of different muscles.


Auditory targeting reflexes: their determining role in directional instrumental responding.

Two groups of normal dogs have been trained in a task involving one directional alimentary response signalled by the auditory cue. The cue was spatially contiguous with response in one group, and spatially discontiguous in the other. Both groups did not differ in the acquisition rate. However, as it was demonstrated in the test trials, the response of the first group was determined by the location of the cue and not by its auditory quality, while the response of the second group was based on the auditory pattern of the cue and not on its location. On this basis it may be concluded, that depending on stimulus-response spatial contiguity, different properties of an auditory stimulus play a determining role in the performance of directional response. These results support earlier anatomical and electrophysiological data pointing out to the two divisions within the auditory system, one involved in localization and another in pattern recognition of the auditory cue. The difference in the determining role of these two aspects of the auditory cue is also discussed with regard to the system of targeting reflexes, elaborated in Konorski's "Integrative activity of the brain".


Single unit activity in the visual cortex during conditioning in cats.

Multiple neuronal activity, recorded through chronically implanted electrodes, was analyzed. During acquisition and consolidation of alimentary conditioned reflexes to electrostimulation of the lateral geniculate body or optical tract, the patterns of neuronal activity in the visual cortex and sensory motor cortex became organized in a way different from that observed during pseudoconditioning. The majority of the neurons showed change in activity during both the isolated action of the stimuli and their simultaneous presentation. In stabilized conditioned reflexes, the activity of neurons in the sensory motor and visual cortex was interdependent. Neuronal indices of backward conditioned connections during activation of the reinforcing structures were analogous to the reactions of visual cortical neurons during the conditioned stimulus action and were manifested by an increase of discharge activity.


Thalamoamygdaloid connections studied by the method of retrograde transport.

On the basis of retrograde horseradish peroxidase transport from nuclei ot the amygdaloid body of the rat to the thalamus, it was found that several groups of thalamic nuclei send fibers to the amygdala. These are: (i) nuclei of posterior region of thalamus and neighboring area of the tegmentum - peripeduncular nucleus, suprageniculate-limitans nucleus, (ii) midline nuclei - paraventricular nucleus, parataenial nucleus, nucleus reuniens, (ii) intralaminar nuclei - central medial nucleus, parafascicular nucleus, (iv) medidorsal nucleus. There are two main systems of thalamoamygdaloid connections. One of them arising in the posterior region of the thalamus terminates in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala and the lateral part of its central nucleus. The other system begins in the intralaminar and midline nuclei and in the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus. It reaches the remaining nuclei of the amygdala. Amygdalopetal connections of the interlaminar and middline nuclei of the thalamus, especially those arising in the paraventricular and parataenial nucleus, are mostly bilateral.


On the mechanism of the post-asymptotic CR decrement phenomenon.

Three experiments with 49 dogs explored the decrease in CR magnitude that sometimes occurs when CS-US pairings are continued beyond those needed to reach maximum CR magnitude. The first experiment confirmed the existence of the phenomenon, obtaining less conditioned excitation after 300 CS-US trials than after 18 CS-US trials. The second experiment demonstrated that the phenomenon is not dependent upon paired CS-US presentations because 18 CS-US pairings yielded little excitation if preceded by, followed by, or intermixed with 282 US presentations. The third experiment indicated that in contrast to the decremental effects on excitatory conditioning, inhibitory conditioning was faciliated by large numbers of prior US exposures, suggesting explanation of the post-asymptotic decrement phenomenon by opponent-process theory.


The role of emotions in the formation of instrumental conditioned reflex.

The recording of vegetative parameters of emotional stress in humane and in dogs during elaboration of instrumental conditioned reflexes showed that such stress is a function of two major factors: (i) the value of the actual need (drive) and (ii) the estimation by the brain of the probability (possibility) of its satisfaction. Comparison of the need with the possibility of its satisfaction activates the mechanisms of positive (maximized by the subject) or negative (minimized) emotions; which serve as the direct reinforcement of instrumental conditioned reflexes. Experiments show that needs and emotions have an independent morphological substratum. The hypothalamus and amygdala must be intact in order to single out the need that is dominant at a given moment and is first to be satisfied. Estimation of the probability of need's satisfaction (probability of reinforcement)is the function of the frontal areas in the neocortex and hippocampus. These four brain structures play a decisive role in the genesis of emotional states and in the organization of behavior.


A study of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices.

Long-lasting potentiation in the hippocampal pathways is used at present as a model for long-term plasticity in the nervous system. In this study post-tetanic potentiation was investigated in the dentate gyrus-area CA3 pathway by extra- and intracellular recordings from transverse slices of the mouse hippocampus. Tetanization of the dentate gyrus led to a reduction in the latency of action potentials (APs) and EPSPs recorded from area CA3, to an increase in the amplitude of EPSPs and in the steepness of their ascending slope, and to an augmented probability of APs. These changes persisted for a period of several seconds to 30 min after tetanization. Of special interest were records from cells responding with EPSPs: of a short latency (2-3 ms) which was not changed by an increase in the frequency and strength of stimulation. We assume that such EPSPs are monosynaptic. Our results suggest that monosynaptic EPSPs can undergo long-lasting (up to 30 min) post-tetanic potentiation.


Visual acuity functions and pattern discrimination in the destriate cat.

The study provides evidence that the cat is capable of processing visual information of some detail after removal of area 17 and most of area 18. This postoperative discrimination of complex spatial stimuli is not based on the use of such cues as luminance differences or local flux cues. From the deficits which follow extensive lesions of areas 17-18, it appears as though these cortices participate in the detection of fine details. We found a modest increase in the threshold of grating acuity, moderate loss in orientation acuity and extensive deficit in a task requiring topographic alignment of contours (vernier offset). Further evidence for the substantial preservation of spatial vision in the destriate cat is provided by experiments which show that perceptual grouping of rectilinear arrays of figural elements (dots or line segments) into obliquely oriented rows is largely unaffected by the lesion, even when the grouping is initiated by near-threshold proximity cues. Since grouping effects are felt to be involved in the organization of the visual field into the figure-ground dichotomy, these results indicate that the neural mechanisms subserving the initial stage of form perception lie outside of areas 17 and 18. Consistent with the increased acuity thresholds of destriate cats, these animals have deficits in several pattern discriminations that require fine-grained spatial analysis The results suggest that areas 17-18 serve as a high-spatial frequency analyzer, but are not essential to pattern and form recognition.


Differential effect of polycations on uptake and desulphation of heparin.

Previous work has established that macrophages in culture release sulphate from heparin. We now report that increased uptake and desulphation of heparin occurred in the presence of polycations (poly-L-ornithine and poly-DL-lysine) and that the increase in heparin uptake was by about 30-fold. The desulphation was less related to uptake than to the nature of the bound polycation. Serum was found to have an inhibitory effect on heparin uptake while polycations inhibited heparin desulphation by macrophage extracts.


Activation of pleural macrophages by intrapleural application of Corynebacterium parvum.

A single ipl injection of 0.25 mg CP into CBA mice led to accumulation of macrophages in the pleural cavity, but it did not influence RES as an injection given iv ipl CP caused a three-to-five-fold increase in the number of nucleated cells in the pleural cavity which persisted at least 14 days. Of these cells 86% were macrophages as shown by their esterase activity. Less than 30% of cells from the pleural cavity of normal mice were esterase positive. Macrophages from the pleural cavity of CP-treated mice were capable of destroying in vitro cultures of a syngeneic mammary carcinoma, while normal pleural macrophages exerted no effect; the former were not cytotoxic for either syngeneic or allogeneic embryo fibroblasts. Ipl CP protected mice against iv injected mammary carcinoma cells; given to mice 7 days after iv inoculation of tumor cells it significantly reduced the number of tumor nodules in their lungs.


Glucan induced modification of experimental Staphylococcus aureus infection in normal, leukemic and immunosuppressed mice.

Glucan, a beta 1 leads to 3 polyglucosidic component of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was evaluated for its ability to provide nonspecific resistance to S. aureus septicemia in AKR/J mice. Intravenous injection of glucan (0.45 mg/mouse) 7 and 4 days prior to intravenous challenge with S. aureus (1.0 x 10(9)) resulted in a significantly increased survival as compared to control mice. Histological examination of the kidneys revealed that glucan decreased tissue necrosis associated with systemic staphylococcal disease. A post-treatment regimen of glucan significantly enhanced survival of AKR/J mice with lymphocytic leukemia as well as  leukemic mice with experimentally induced systemic staphylococcal infection. The effect of glucan on S. aureus septicemia was also evaluated in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Glucan increased peripheral leukocyte counts as well as significantly enhanced survival of cyclophosphamide-treated mice with systemic S. aureus infection. Histopathological examination revealed that glucan administration markedly inhibited renal and hepatic pathology in cyclophosphamide-treated mice following intravenous challenge with S. aureus. These data denote that glucan provides nonspecific resistance to bacterial sepsis in normal, leukemic as well as immunosuppressed mice.


Function of macrophage prostaglandins in the process of phagocytosis.

The role of prostaglandins (PGs) in phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes (SRC) by mouse spleen adherent cells was examined. A decrease of about 50% in the phagocytosis was observed when macrophages were treated with 5 microgram/ml indomethacin. Concomitant addition of PGs (10(-6) mg/ml), however, prevented the inhibitory effect of indomethacin. It is thus suggested that PGs play an important role in phagocytosis.


Quinine protects pyruvate-kinase deficient red cells from dehydration.

Pyruvate kinase deficient red blood cells have an abnormal tendency to lose ATP when exposed to low pO2 or cyanide, whereas normal red cells do not. Once energy is depleted, all red cells take up calcium and subsequently lose intracellular potassium and water. It has been shown previously that quinine will inhibit the potassium and water flux seen in energy depleted normal cells. The present study indicates that quinine protects cyanide treated pyruvate kinase deficient erythrocytes from water and potassium loss. Quinine does not prevent ATP depletion or calcium uptake. By six hours, cyanide treated pyruvate kinase deficient cells have lost an average of 486 gm of water per kilogram cell solids and 140 mmoles of potassium per kilogram of cell solids, while cells treated with both quinine and cyanide have lost only 106 gm of water per kilogram of cell solids and 77 mmoles of potassium per kilogram of cell solids. These data support the concept that the membrane lesion in pyruvate kinase deficiency is secondary to ATP depletion and is a manifestation of the Gardos effect. Quinine may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of pyruvate kinase deficiency hemolytic anemia.


The diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism in sickle cell disease.

The symptoms of thromboembolism in sickle cell anemia patients with acute chest syndromes are difficult to differentiate from the similar symptoms of painful thoracic crises and infectious pulmonary episodes. Furthermore, the chronic pulmonary abnormalities in sickle cell disease frequently contribute to the confusing results of noninvasive diagnostic procedures usually employed in evaluating pulmonary thromboembolism. In this study the chronic pulmonary status of asymptomatic sickle cell patients was defined, and this information was used in the evaluation of patients with acute chest syndromes suggestive of pulmonary thromembolism. Sixteen asymptomatic sickle cell patients were prospectively studied by chest roentgenography, spirometry, arterial gas analyses, and radioisotopic lung scans. There was an appreciable degree of preexisting chronic restrictive lung disease with mild to moderate arterial hypoxemia and abnormal lung scans in more than half of the patients. These prospective baseline data were incorporated into the diagnostic evaluation of four of these patients who later developed an acute chest syndrome suggestive of pulmonary thromboembolism. Determination of the cause of the chest pain was greatly faciliated by the existence of the baseline pulmonary data. In another patient persistence of abnormal studies following a presumed thromboembolic episode aided diagnostic evaluation when another episode of chest pain occurred. The findings indicate that comprehensive pulmonary studies in sickle cell patients while in an asymptomatic state will provide baseline data which aid the evaluation of possible pulmonary thromboembolism in acute chest syndromes without resorting to high-risk invasive studies.


Oxygen dissociation curves in children with anemia and malignant disease.

Two automatic apparatuses utilizing a dual wavelength spectrophotometer were used to perform oxygen dissociation curves on microsamples of blood. The method provides a complete print-out of an oxygen dissociation curve in 15--20 min and the P50 vlues obtained in normal individuals agree closely with those obtained by classical methods. These apparatuses were used to measure oxygen affinity, ie P50, in anemic children with malignant disease prior to treatment and in children undergoing therapy. Red cell 2,3-DPG levels were also measured. In patients with anemia at the time of diagnosis and prior to therapy, the P50 values and 2,3-DPG levels were elevated as is usual in other types of anemia. However, when oxygen affinity and 2,3-DPG levels were measured in anemic patients receiving treatment, three types of response to anemia were noted: 1) increased P50 and 2,3-DPG; 2) normal or low P50 and 2,3-DPG, and; 3) normal or low P50 with increased 2,3-DPG. Patients who adapted poorly to anemia during treatment had usually received prior intensive chemotherapy and transfusion therapy, and their pattern of red cell glycolytic intermediates was consistent with a red cell population with an increased cell age. The failure of some patients to respond to anemia with a decrease in oxygen affinity has implications in regards to the hemoglobin level at which they should be transfused.


Mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in varicella.

51Cr-labeled platelet and 125I-labeled fibrinogen kinetic studies in four thrombocytopenic children with varicella infection revealed marked platelet destruction (platelet survival times 0.1, 0.4, 1.0, and 2.4 days) and relatively normal fibrinogen disappearance. The platelet count was directly related to the platelet survival time. Marrow megakaryocyte mass was increased twofold to fourfold. IgG or IgM antiplatelet antibody was present on autologous platelets in the three patients tested. These data suggest that thrombocytopenia in some patients with varicella is the consequence of immune mediated platelet destruction.


Isolation and characterization of granulocyte lysosomal proteins and study of their effects on the clotting system.

Lysosomes (granules) of rabbit PMN leukocytes were extracted with either HCl or H2SO4, and the extracts were chromatographed over Sephadex to separate protein constituents. Some of the low molecular weight cationic proteins homogeneous on SDS PAGE (8% and 12.5% gels) were characterized by electrophoretic mobility in acid gels and by amino acid analysis. A 3,700 dalton polypeptide, rich in arginine and cysteine, prolonged the partial thromboplastin time of normal plasma. In low concentration, this protein shortened the clotting time of pure fibrinogen by thrombin. In high concentration this lysosomal cationic protein precipitated fibrinogen from solution; no fibrinopeptides were released to suggest cleavage of fibrinogen. Fibrinolytic protease activity was detected in crude H2SO4 extracts but not in crude HCl extracts. Two separate plasminogen activators, differing from kallikrein or prekallikrein, were isolated from the H2SO4 lysosomal extract and were partially characterized; neither exhibited proteolytic activity on fibrinogen free of plasminogen.


[State of Spirometra "sparganum growth factor" research].

The plerocercoids of all Spirometra forms investigated up to now in this regard produce a "Sparganum Growth Factor" (SGF), i.e. one (or more) substance(s) with growth hormone-like effect on certain rodents. The SGF produced by the species S. mansonoides (SGF "mansonoides") is stronger effect than the SGF produced by all the other forms (SGF "non-mansonoides"). The physiological in its effects hitherto investigated mainly with SGT "mansonoides" in the USA are shortly mentioned. In order to get further insights the isolation, purification, and characterization of the SGF are necessary. The both kinds of SGF are also of taxonomic importance.


[Size and distribution of a Blattella germanica population].

The abundance and dispersion of a selected genetic homogeneous and isolated population of Blattella germanica was observed by the method of dry incorporation of radioactive porcellain tracer. Under optimal conditions, a medium density of 130 individuals per cubicmetre volume was found. The fluctuations came to 50% from the middle value. The dispersion is unequal and depends as well on the requisites of the room as on the size and the quality of the existing aggregations. An interchange exists between the aggregations. In this respect males are more active than female cockroaches.


[Varroatosis--a new mite pest of the honeybee in Europe].

Notes on spreading, constitution, diagnosis, and control of Varroa jacobsonii OUDEMANS, 1904, the causal agent of a new mite pest in European honey bees.


[Frequency of latent connatal Toxoplasma gondii infection in children and their development].

The incidence and clinical symptoms of Toxoplasma gondii-primoinfection during pregnancy are ascertained basing on a prospective survey comprising 1,697 gravid women. The rate of the first infection during pregnancy was 7.6%, the connatal infection rate 5.6%, the premature birth rate in connatal infection 44%. In cases of connatal infection which were proved serologically with SFT and CFT, the development of the children was followed up to the age of 9 and 10 years.


[Problems of the ectoparasite control in the Mongolian People's Republic].

The co-operation between G.D.R. and M.P.R. in the field of control of ectoparasites in farm animals is described. The problems under the specific conditions of the M.P.R. in the control of the principal parasitoses of economic importance such as hypodermosis, mange, tick infestations, oestrosis, vermipsyllosis, gasterophilosis and wohlfahrtiosis are analysed. The successfully applied hypodermosis control program represents the base for further systematic, state-directed strategic measures in controlling of ectoparasitoses.


The genetic map of the B system of cattle blood groups as observed in French breeds.

40 cases of irregular inheritance of phenogroups in the B system of cattle blood groups, that were presumed to have arisen from single crossing-over, have been used to establish a partial genetic map of this system. In addition, the relative positions in the map of several antigenic factors were inferred from relationships observed between particular phenogroups occurring in French breeds. The tentative map thus obtained shows an overall similarity to that established by Ruiterkamp et al. (1977) in Dutch Friesian cattle. This result, in addition to other arguments, supports the hypothesis that the genetic structure of the B system of cattle blood groups is basically the same in all taurine breeds. Evidence is given, for the first time, for the occurrence in the B system of genetic events other than single crossing-over (double crossing-over or gene conversion, and possibly deletion). The rate of recombination between the genetic determinants of the terminal factors of the system, Q and I', was calculated in the progeny of some Normande bulls heterozygous for these two determinants (447 gametes); a value of 1.34 centimorgan was obtained. However complementary data indicate that 0.7 centimorgan would be a better estimate.


Isoelectric focusing of horse acidic prealbumins on thin-layer polyacrylamide gels.

The paper describes a technique of thin-layer polyacrylamide gel isolectric focusing of horse serum, within a pH range of 4.0--6.0, which permits the improved resolution of the acidic prealbumin protein bands. The increased heterogeneity of the Pr prealbumin antiprotease allele products apparent using this technique is described and discussed in detail, and the potential use of the technique in routine Pr phenotyping is considered.


[Luteal insufficiency. Histoclinical and biological correlations].

Luteal insufficiency, an entity accepted with difficulty, is responsible for 3.5 p. 100 of cases of infertility and 35 p. 100 of early abortions. This study, carried out in 328 women with an average age of 29 years, involved clinical and histological features, as well as the estimation of plasma levels and endometrial receptors of ovarian steroids. Three broad histological patterns emerged:--luteal insufficiency associated with oestrogenic insufficiency indicative of overall ovarian deficiency;--luteal insufficiency with functional dysmaturation indicative of deficient or delayed luteal function, with or without persistence of excessively high oestrogen activity,--luteal insufficiency related to the short life of the corpus luteum which stops on the 20th day. Relationships between histological findings, the measurement of receptors and plasma estimations are discussed and precise analysis of endometrial biopsies must be considered as one of the best test of luteal insufficiency.


[Ultrastructure of the buccal mucosa in the non-smoking cirrhotic patient].

Ultrastructural analysis of biopsies of the buccal mucosa was carried out in 12 non-smoking patients and 10 smokers with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis. Certain signs of epithelial dysplasia, including increase in nuclear cytoplasmic ratio, proeminence of the nucleolus, fragmentation and proliferations of the basal layer accompanied or not by epithelial projections into the chorion, were seen in non-smoking cirrhotics, as in the smokers. These findings emphasise the predominant role of alcohol alone in carcinogenesis.


[Morphometric study of the bronchopulmonary lymphoid system in the normal mouse and the mouse infected with influenza virus].

Morphometric study of mouse bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) using an image analyser and histological sections at close and regular intervals was carried out in lungs of control and influenza infected mice two to three months old. The mean area of BALT did not reach 0,1 p. 100 of the whole mean area of examined lung sections in control mice; this percentage was significantly greater one month after primary exposure to influenza virus.


[Malignant teratomas of the thyroid body. Apropos of 2 cases].

The literature was reviewed in the light of two cases of malignant teratoma of the thyroid in young women. It would seem that the histological diagnosis is easy, with frequent predominance of neuroid tissue at varying levels of maturity. By contrast, the histogenesis remains in the area of hypothesis: germinal theory and embryonic theory of teratomas, or heterotopism of cells of the neural crest, taken up by thyroid C cells.


[Achondrogenesis. Apropos of a case].

The authors report a new case of achondrogenesis, the study of which is principally directed towards the histopathological examination of the conjugal cartilage. A brief review of the literature recalls the main clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics of this fatal chondrodysplasia transmitted by an autosomal recessive means. In addition to other features, it reveals the difficulty which may be experienced in differentiating between the two types (I and II). Finally, the differential diagnosis is briefly assessed, the problem being the elimination of other non-transmissible chondrodysplasias, in particular thanatophoric dwarfism, for the purpose of appropriate genetic counselling.


[Anatomo-clinical study of a case of regenerative nodular hyperplasia of the liver with Felty's syndrome and portal hypertension].

Regencrative nodular hyperplasia (RHN) is a rare condition, the diagnosis of which is based upon histological findings. It is seen in Felty's syndrome with portal hypertension (PHT), as was the case in the patient reported here. This was a 72-year-old man, with long standing rheumatoid arthritis, hepatosplenomegaly, a neutrophil leucopaenia and oesophageal varices responsible for recurrent haematemeses. Despite a portocaval anastomosis, the patient died from postoperative acute hepatic failure. Histological study revealed changes in the hepatocytes and the reticulin system typical of RNH without cirrhosis. The relationship between Felty's syndrome and RHN, as well as the mechanism of the hypertension, are discussed in the light of cases from the literature.


[Sarcoma of the cytogenic chorion in extra-gonadal endometriosis. Review of the literature apropos of a case].

Malignant sarcoma reaching a focal endometriosis is a rare condition. It cannot be distinguished from an endometrial sarcoma except in cases which are developped in extra-uterine endometriosis without uterus involvement. The case reported is a forty-seven old white woman with a sarcoma of the endometrial stroma reaching a Douglas focal endometriosis. Cases from literature are reviewed.


[Isoenzyme distribution of creatine kinase in various human organs. Interest in human pathology (author's transl)].

The isoenzyme content of creatine kinase was determined in various human organs after autopsy. The results found were on the whole in agreement with the literature. Their analysis dictates the choice of a method of separation of the MB fraction: chromatography or electrophoresis. It permits better interpretation of the results of estimation of the MB fraction in the serum.


[Antibacterial kinetics of fosfomycin (author's transl)].

The authors studied, with the Autobac machine, the kinetics of antibacterial activity of fosfomycin against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus D' Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Acinetobactor lwoffi, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Proteus rettgeri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A correlation appears between the kinetics of fosformycin antibacterial action and the microbial growth rate.


[Use of electrosyneresis in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis (author's transl)].

The authors present the interest of electrosyneresis for diagnosis of purulent meningitis. Test material is a study about 120 cerebrospinal fluids. Electrosyneresis sometimes permits to identify the germ when microscopic examination and culture are negative or when microscopy is positive and the culture negative. Application of electrosyneresis is still limited in France by the small immunogenicity of the specific polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serotype B. principal etiologic agent of purulent meningitis, that do not allow, at present, to obtain suitable serums.


[Estimation of serum lipids: method without extraction adapted to autoanalysis (author's transl)].

An entirely automatic method, without prior extraction, is described for the determination of total serum lipids by a nephelemetric method. The results are compared with those obtained by Canal's method. There is a good correlation between the two technics. With a similar concentration of lipid the respective quantities of cholesterol and triglyceride do not intervene in the flocculation. The respective influence of the bilirubin concentration, hemolysis, and the concentration and nature of the serum proteins is considered. This method should permit simultaneous autoanalysis of the three parameters of classical lipid investigation: total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol.


[Acébutolol: conditions of its interference in the estimation of urinary 17-oxosteroids. Method of estimation by Zimmerman's reaction (author's transl)].

Acebutolol at therapeutic dosage may considerably disturb the determination of urinary 17-oxosteroids by Zimmerman's reaction. This interference, very variable according to the various technics which may be used, depends mainly on the pH of the urine at the time of extraction. In very acid medium (pH less than 1,5) no acebutolol metabolite passes into the solvents of low polarity; in very alkaline medium, (pH greater than 13) the passage la quantitative. The estimation of 17-oxostéroids in the presence of acebutolol, is possible provided the extraction is carried out in sufficiently acid medium, such as that used for hydrolysis in presence of hydrochloric acid. This is moreover the procedure used for classical methods were no interference is observed. The selective estimation of acebutolol and of its metabolites may be carried out simply by Zimmerman's reaction, after extraction at pH 13 of non-hydrolysed urine, thanks to the absence of conjugated derivatives.


[Thaumetopoea pityocampa caterpillar and man. Morphology of its venom apparatus. Epidemiological investigation (author's transl)].

The combination of a mechanical phenomenon (penetration of the hair) and a chemical phenomenon (discharge of a toxic substance) accounts for the pathological symptomatalogy induced by the processional pine caterpillar. Epidemiological study has pin-pointed the regions infested by the pine caterpillar and has described in detail the dermatitis inflicted by this caterpillar with special emphasis on the frequency of ocular lesions. Also, a close correlation was noted between the geographical density of the populations of Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff and the geographical density of the clinical cases recorded. Skin tests have confirmed that the urticant substance is histamino-liberating. A morphological study of the urticant apparatus of this caterpillar ("mirror" and urticant hairs) was undertaken with the scanning electron microscope. The progressive coming into place of the bristles on the cuticular pads of the "mirror" was followed during the last three larval stages (L3, L4 et L5). The urticant hair, hollow on the inside, carries pointed spikes directed towards its distal end. There is no hole or pores on the hair and the necessity to grind the bristles in order to extract the urticant substance leads us to believe that the hair is really a bulb which must be broken, for example in the skin, in order to release its urticant substance (histamino-liberating).


Study of gastro-intestinal stronglyosis in a sheep flock on permanent pasture. 1. Sheep parasitism in 1977.

An epidemiological study aimed at defining gastro-intestinal parasitism in sheep qualitatively and quantitatively was carried out in the Limousin area in France. Five lambs were sacrificed regularly every 4 weeks from May till January of the following year. Complete parasite counts were performed on these animals as well as measurements of the plasma level of pepsinogen. In order to define the influence of parasitism on the growth of the animals, the weight gains of lambs treated regularly and untreated lambs were compared. The results of post-mortem examination show that parasitism is mainly linked to the incidence of strongyles. Other observations in the flock have shown that Moniezosis may also play a non-negligeable part. The parasitic level, already high after one month at pasture, reached its maximum in July-August 1977 and was marked by a very high level of parasitism. Among these species found, two played an essential part: Ostertagia circumcincta and Haemonchus contortus. A study of the growth of the lambs showed that within 6 months, the weight gain of the treated animals was twice that of the untreated animals. The effects of parasitism were worsened by the low fodder value of the pasture and the occurrence of overgrazing. The blood pepsinogen measurements confirmed the usefulness of this technique in establishing the mean level of infestation of a flock by parasites of the abomasum. It seems that in some cases it could help to define the succession of peaks of infestation by different species.


[The effects of non-protein-nitrogen additives on lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms in sheep (author's transl)].

The effects of NPN administration on lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms were investigated in 14 sheep. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are increased by intra-ruminal dosage with urea (10 g), 1 p. 1000 ammonia solution (1 l) or ammonium chloride (17.6 g). Peak values are recorded 3 to 4 hours after the injection. An early rise of NEFA and hyperglycemia are observed when ammonium chloride is injected intra-venously. The time-course of the variations of the different blood constituents (ammonia, glucose, NEFA, urea) as well as the lack of any action following intra-venous urea injections suggest that lipid mobilization is induced by the increased level of blood ammonia. The involvement of a strenghened activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system is evidenced by the increased elimination of urinary catecholamines.


Rainbow trout complement fixation used for titration of antibodies against several pathogens.

Since it is impossible to fix guinea pig complement (C) with Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) antibodies, whereas it is possible with Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) antibodies, a C fixation test has been designed which uses haemolysin and C from Rainbow Trout. Immunization of trout against lysed sheep red blood cells (SRBC) elicited production of haemolytic IgM. Normal trout serum (NTS) can be used as a source of C at a dilution at which its "natural" haemolytic activity (against various homeotherms RBC) has disappeared. Heating of trout C 30 min at 37 degrees C leads to a 75% loss of its activity, and this one is completely abolished at 40 degrees C. Fixation of 3 to 4 CH50 units has been achieved in a short test (2 h at 20 degrees C) for the following antigen-antibody systems: 2 bacterial antigens (Aeromonas salmonicida and Vibrio anguillarum); 2 viruses (Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) virus and Egtved Virus). C fixation has a sensitivity comparable with agglutination in the case of A. salmonicida. For IPN Virus, sero-neutralization is 50 times more sensitive than C fixation. In the case of Egtved virus, the difference is not so great.


[Blood characteristics of some french pig populations. Relationships with the malignant hyperthermia syndrome (author's transl)].

Lactic acid, glucose, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and some mineral components were determined in the blood of piglets before and after a halothane test of five minutes (only before for CPK). Two different experimental groups were studied: 222 Pietrain piglets from an INRA experimental herd, and 325 piglets from the Large White, French Landrace and Belgian Landrace breeds entering performance testing stations. Animals reacting positively to halothane ("MHS" piglets) have significantly higher blood levels of lactic acid and potassium before anesthesia than normal animals. CPK is also higher, except for the Belgian Landrace: in this breed CPK shows the same average value and distribution in the two groups of piglets (normal and MHS). There are also breed differences in blood magnesium, independently of the reaction to halothane. But the breed differences observed in lactic acid and CPK are related to the proportion of MHS piglets in each breed. Anesthesia by means of halothane lowers the measured blood characteristics--except for glucose--in normal animals, and rises them--except for potassium--in MHS piglets. The results are discussed in view of the incomplete discrimination between the two types of pigs, with a 5 minutes test, and, particularly, considering possible breed differences in that respect.


The absorption of immunoglobulin from colostrum by bottle-fed lambs.

Factors affecting the absorption of immunoglobulin from colostrum by new born lambs were studied. Merino, Scottish Blackface, Cheviot, Southdown, Border Leicester, Finnish Landrace and Finnish Landrace x Dorset Horn lambs were removed from their mothers before sucking and bottle-fed with measured amounts of colostrum, either from individual ewes, or from pools of colostrum, some of which had been frozen for up to two years. Afterwards the lambs were fostered onto other ewes or reared on milk substitute. Their serum IgG1 concentrations before and after colostrum intake, were compared with IgG1 concentrations in conventionally reared lambs. The concentrations in lambs given a single feed of 150 to 200 g 1 hour after birth, or 30 g/kg at 1 hour and 7 hours compared favourably with those in control lambs. Lambs fed 50 to 100 g at 1 hour had a high proportion of very low concentrations and lambs fed 30 g/kg at 1 h, or at 1 and 24 h had low mean concentrations but no very low individual concentrations. The concentrations after a feed at 1 hour were positively correlated with the total amounts of IgG1 in the colostrum and negatively correlated with the birth weights. Only very small amounts were absorbed at 24 hours. Absorption was more efficient in males than in females and in Cheviots than in other breeds. It was unaffected by the age of the colostrum. Similar proportions of bottle-fed and control lambs died before 6 months of age, but relatively more bottle-fed lambs died from respiratory infections. The IgG1 concentrations and growth rates of the bottle-fed lambs were not significantly correlated.


Kinetics of fructose utilization by buffalo spermatozoa.

Experiments have been conducted to estimate the fructolytic index, Fl (mg of fructose utilized by 10(9) spermatozoa in 60 minutes), Fructolytic Coefficient, Ku (Fractional decline in the spermatozoal fructolytic activity on an instantaneous basis), Maximum fructose utilization, MFU (mg of fructose utilized by 10(9) spermatozoa in one minute at zero incubation time on an instantaneous basis) and T 1/2 (Biological half life of semen) of buffalo spermatozoa. The effect of citrate and phosphate buffers on the measures of fructolysis, the Pasteur effect and the fructose utilization by the head, midpiece and tail fraction of spermatozoa have also been investigated. Fructolytic index of the buffalo spermatozoa has been compared with those of exotic bulls. Fl was highly significantly different between first, second and third hour of incubation. Significant correlations were obtained between sperm concentration and fructose utilization in all the 20 minute periods. Ku was independent of initial fructose concentration (IFC) sperm concentration and the incubation period. The Fructose utilization followed a first order reaction. The correlation coefficient between the seminal attributes and different measures of fructolysis have been presented. All the measures of fructolysis were significantly higher in citrate buffer as compared to phosphate buffer. None of the fractions of the spermatozoa showed fructolytic activity on incubation with exogeneous fructose.


[Part played by ectoparasites in the syndrome of sheep "on its back" (author's transl)].

After putting themselves on the back, many ewes die because they are not able to rise to their feet again. Severe itching seems to be the cause of this abnormal posture. A whole herd treatment against ectoparasites (HCH spray) has reduced by 80% the losses caused by this condition during the years 1964 to 1971 in about a hundred herds in the department of Saône-et-Loire. The persistency of a small number of cases in treated herds could be due to non-parasitic causes.


Influence of silage contamination by soil upon trace elements availability in sheep.

The influence of soil contamination in silage has been studied in two successive balance trials realized with 12 growing lambs (27 kg). A perennial Rye Grass at the first cycle was offered alone or contaminated with 5% of acid brown soil issued from altered granit rocks. Voluntary intakes and dry matter digestibility were lowered. Similarly copper, zinc and manganese digestibility dropped sharply in spite of a diet enrichment in these elements by the soil.


[The control of animal diseases in france during the last fifteen years, as it appears throught the eradication of bovine tuberculosis. proposals for the future (author's transl)].

In the general outline of the success, on a national scale, of the eradication of bovine tuberculosis in France up to 1974, we have tried to find out the factors which could explain the differences, sometimes important, between French departments in the efficiency of this eradication. We have selected twenty seven parameters distinctive of each of the 74 departments having more than 50 000 bovine under the control of State Veterinary service. These parameters describe 1) tuberculosis infection rates of animals and herds, at three periods; 2) some structural characteristics of bovine production; 3) sanitary environment (veterinary practicioners, State Veterinary service, breeders association for sanitary protection). Statistical analysis by principal components show that department infection rate decreases as the first three factors evidenced by this analysis vary positively; they are: 1) "Sanitary Consciousness", which is defined both by the important of bovine production and by precociousness in developing prophylactic measures, these two factors being independent. 2) Specialization in bovine production, characterized by the percentage of young animals reared in the herd and by the proportion of grass produced by ley. 3) Intensity of sanitary environment. These three factors, which are interlinked to various degrees, control respectively 25%, 13% and 13% of the total variance. A complementary analysis of the data suggest that the efficiency of eradication could be improved by a better knowledge of the movement of breeding animals between the departments, and by a more careful recording, in some instances, of infected animals in slaughter hourses. When the importance of a herd increase sanitation of tuberculosis in infected herds is less readily achieved and brucellosis abortion rate increases. At the departement level, efficiency of eradication is not correlated to the expenses of prophylaxy. For the development of an integrated sanitary policy, taking into account such non specific factors as those exemplified in the study could help to a better control of animal diseases, in parallel to the desirable improvement of the specific means of combatting each disease.


Diet and caecal motility in sheep.

The electrical activity of the caecum was recorded during periods of two months in 5 ewes receiving different diets. For a similar amount of dry matter ingested, the frequency of caecal contractions was diminished on concentrates with urea versus hay ad libitum but not on concentrates without urea. The frequency also decreased when the level of food intake on hay diet or on concentrates without urea diet was reduced. On a daily meal food intake, induced caecal hyperactivity occurred or hay and inhibition for concentrates with urea. The postprandial hyperactivity had a ruminal origin and was mediated by the vagus nerves. The inhibitory effects of urea were correlated with the ruminal production and ammonia and its diffusion into the abdominal cavity.