Malassezia pityrosporum pachydermatis (Weidman) Dodge 1935.

Priority of the name Malassezia pachydermatis (Weidman) Dodge 1935 is indicated for the microorganism which has been called Pityrosporum pachydermatis Weidman 1925 and P. canis Gustafson 1955. M. pachydermatis is here further characterized in culture with information drawn from 2 recent isolates, in particular the presence of spiral grooves on the inner surface of the cell wall, good growth on Mycosel agar, rapid production of urease, and assimilation of glucose by the Wickerham method.


Filamentous fungal growth assay: correlation between [U-14C] glucose uptake and dry weight determinations.

The filamentous fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes was grown in [U-14C] glucose supplemented nutrient broth. Growth was monitored in 200 microliter microcultures and 5 ml macrocultures by measuring the incorporation of 14C into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble macromolecules and in macrocultures by dry weight determination. Adjustment of the specific activity of the [U-14C] glucose medium supplement from 1080 muCi/mmole to 108 muCi/mmole decreased the rate of isotope uptake and prolonged availability so that growth beyond 36 h could be monitored radiometrically. The dry mycelial weight of the fungus was directly proportional (r = 0.995) to the amount of isotope incorporated. Isotope uptake in microcultures and macrocultures was kinetically identical. These data clearly indicate that the uptake of 14C by T. mentagrophytes can be used to monitor fungal growth accurately in both macrocultures and microcultures.


Mortality reporting in SSA linked data: preliminary results.

The earnings and benefit data of the Social Security Administration represent a fairly large and balanced sample of present and past wage earners nationwide. Since the incentives for reporting deaths to the Social Security Administration mean that deaths are reported as a matter of course, this data base serves as an interesting prospect for examining problems of differential mortality. Variables available include age, race, sex, industry, and place of employment. To check on the coverage and content differences between social security and death certificate data, a sample study is being undertaken that links the two sources for 1975 decedents. This article provides a preliminary examination of the differences between the presumably complete frame of death certificates and the social security record data. Related efforts now in progress to improve available information for use in further mortality research are also discussed briefly.


Subjective retirement.

An individual's identification of his retirement situation does not necessarily coincide with the retirement concept as defined by objective measures. Self-evaluation of retirement status by respondents to the Retirement History Study has been analyzed to discover to what extent their subjective assessment of retirement matched the situation predicted by objective measures. For those completely retired or not retired, the self-evaluation was closely related to the number of hours worked. A "partly retired" response was not as well-predicted, to some extent because of definitional problems. Pension receipt and, to a lesser degree, aging had some significance as predictors, but other demographic and attitudinal factors were not significant. Analysis of the partly retired suggests the relative importance of gradual retirement during the period 1969--75.


Serologic responses to treatment of 128 patients with late latent syphilis.

One hundred twenty-eight patients who had been treated for late latent syphilis were followed. Benzathine penicillin G (2.4 X 10(6) units given intramuscularly once a week for two weeks) was administered to 123 patients, and five patients were given tetracycline (500 mg orally four times daily for 12 days). Of these patients, 56 (44%) became seronegative within five years, and 72 (56%) had persistently positive reagin tests.


Resistance to 5-fluoroorotic acid and pyrimidine auxotrophy: a new bidirectional selective system for mammalian cells.

We have isolated a clone of murine erythroleukemic cells which will yield a population when a single cell is suspended in a medium composed of dialyzed sera and small molecules. We report that it is feasible--in one experiment--to screen more than 10 of these cells for growth under selective media containing 10(-4) M 5-fluoroorotic acid and 10(-4) M uridine. Cells capable of sustained growth in such media were eventually recovered. Clones of these cells, unlike clones of the parental population, required uridine for growth and contained only 0.39% as much orotate phosphoribosyltransferase, less than 0.5% as much 5-fluoroorotate phosphoribosyltransferase, and 0.013% as much orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase activity as the parental clones. The parental and variant clones had similar levels of activity for six other enzymes that participate in pyrimidine metabolism.


Erythromycin resistance in mouse L cells.

The sensitivity of mouse cell lines in culture to the macrolide antibiotic, erythromycin stearate, was investigated. Both resistant and sensitive lines were found. Experiments indicated that in sensitive cells erythromycin stearate inhibits mitochondrial protein synthesis. Mutants resistant to erythromycin stearate were selected from the line LM(TK-), and these are also less sensitive to other macrolide antibiotics such as carbomycin and spiramycin. Attempts to transfer the erythromycin resistance of either the mutants or naturally resistant lines by fusion of cytoplasts with sensitive cells were unsuccessful, and it is concluded that resistance to erythromycin stearate is controlled by nuclear genetic factors.


Pediculosis pubis in a clinic for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

The symptoms, clinical findings, epidemiology, and associated sexually transmitted diseases are described for 121 patients with pediculosis pubis who were seen in a clinic. Phthirus pubis was observed in the pubic hair of 118 patients, and in 38 men (37.3%) and 18 women (94.7%) the pubic region was the sole area of involvement. Pruritus was reported by 104 patients (85.9%), while excoriations were observed in 30 (24.8%) and maculae ceruleae in one. The median waits from detection of organisms to presentation at the clinic were two days for men and one day for women. This motivation for medical care was fortuitous, because 31.4% of the patients infested with P. pubis had other sexually transmitted diseases.


Epidemiologic follow-up study of patients with gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease.

Thorough epidemiologic assessment by trained personnel is important in the management of all cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results of interviewing and an intensive epidemiologic follow-up study of 58 cases of gonococcal PID are presented. A total of 34 (49%) of the 69 male contacts examined were infected with N. gonorrhoeae. Twenty-three (68%) of the 34 were symptomatic, and 11 (32%) were asymptomatic. The interviews with the 58 patients who had PID clearly revealed their lack of comprehension of the nature of their infection. Nineteen (33%) of the 58 admitted reexposure after treatment to one of their contacts before he was examined. Intensive epidemiologic follow-up efforts and comprehensive education must be included in the routine management of patients with gonococcal PID; cooperative efforts by hospitals and local or state health departments are necessary components of treatment and prevention.


Necessity for two human chromosomes for human chorionic gonadotropin production in human-mouse hybrids.

Through a series of human-mouse hybrids we have identified that two human chromosomes, 10 and 18, must be present for production of the pregnancy protein hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Human choriocarcinoma cells producing hCG were hybridized to mouse cells. From 49 independent clones three hybrid clones continued to produce whole hCG. Chromosomal analysis was done on the 3 producer clones and 5 nonproducer clones. The additional 41 nonproducer clones were genetically characterized by isozymes. Only when chromosomes 10 and 18 were present in a clone would the whole hCG molecule be produced. Clones with only 10 or only 18 did not produce hormone. Nine subclones of a producer clone confirmed this observation. Three subclones retaining both 10 and 18 continued to produce hCG. This study demonstrated the need to use cellular chromosome data and population enzyme data to identify two chromosomes necessary for hCG production in heterogeneous human-mouse hybrids.


Different Chinese hamster cell lines express a G1 period for different reasons.

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the absence of G1(G1-condition) in two lines of Chinese hamster cells is dominant over the presence of G1(G1+condition) in a variety of intraspecific cell hybrids. G1+ mutants or variants cna be isolated from G1- cells following mutagenesis and selection. These G1+ mutants fall into multiple complementation groups based on their abilities to form G1- cell hybrids with one another. This is evidence that different mutants have G1 intervals for different reasons, possibly as the result of deficiencies in functions necessary for G1- cell cycles. In this report we have used cell hybrid analysis to ask whether cells of different, naturally occurring G1+ lines of Chinese hamster are able to complement to produce G1- hybrids. We have found three complementation groups among the four G1+ cell lines examined. Therefore, these lines define three different reasons or bases for the existence of a G1 interval. These results lead us to suggest that multiple requirements must be met for these cells to start the S period, but that failure to fulfill only a single and different requirement is responsible for the presence of a G1 interval in any given cell line.


Analysis of discontinuous variation in albumin production by hepatoma cells at the cellular level.

The clonal variation in the rate of albumin production in cultured rat hepatoma cells has been studied on a cellular basis by immunoperoxidase techniques using specific antisera against rat serum albumin. Previously, it has been shown that an array of clonal hepatoma cell populations that produce serum albumin at different rates can be isolated simply by subcloning a single clonal hepatoma cell line (Fu5). The present study demonstrates conclusively that this phenotypic variation is the result of quantal shifts in the rate of albumin production in the individual cells and is not due to changes in the percentage of albumin-producing cells. Also, by analyzing individual colonies as they develop from single cells, it was possible to establish that the rate of variation in albumin content in several hepatoma cell clones is on the order of 0.5-1.4 10(-2) per cell per generation. This variation in albumin content probably reflects shifts in the rate of albumin synthesis. Even after several sequential subclonings, the same clonal variation persists. The variants are not the result of fluctuations in albumin synthesis with different phases of the cell cycle.


Bromodeoxyuridine mutagenesis in mammalian cells is stimulated by purine deoxyribonucleosides.

The effects of purine deoxyribonucleosides on bromodeoxyurdine (BrdU) mutagenesis in Syrian hamster melanoma cells were determined. Both deoxyguanosine (dG) and deoxyadenosine (dA) were found to stimulate mutagenesis without changing the amount of BrdU in DNA. In addition, the stimulation of mutagenesis by dG and dA was suppressed by the addition of deoxycytidine (dC). These results suggest that BrdU mutagenesis involves the perturbation of dC metabolism, which perturbation is enhanced by dGTP and dATP. The mutagenic activity of dG in the absence of BrdU was tested, as was that of thymidine (dT), which we had shown previously to stimulate BrdU mutageneis. With dG alone, no increase above the spontaneous mutation frequency was detected. However, at extremely high concentration, dT in the absence of BrdU was slightly mutagenic, and the mutagenesis by dT was enhanced by dG and suppressed by dC.


Personality and morbid obesity. Implications for dietary management through behavior modification.

Psychological investigations have failed to reveal a distinct personality type or psychodynamic conflict pattern in moderately and massively obese persons. Many of the psychological problems noted in the obese such as anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem seem to be the result of, rather than the cause of, the obese state. Morbidly obese persons share an addictive behavior pattern that is also seen in persons with other types of addictions. The extent of their obesity points to the strong substance abuse component of the eating disorder. Behavior modification programs aimed at changing problematic eating patterns and teaching self-management skills in relation to food consumption have been moderately successful and have been shown to result in a mean post-treatment weiht loss of seven to 16 pounds. However, the majority of morbidly obese persons will not lose enough weight to make this an effective treatment program for them.


Energy regulation in morbid obesity by multidisciplinary therapy.

Regulation of energy expenditure should be directed toward fat mobilization and oxidation with concomitant preservation of lean body mass. This requires a multidisciplinary approach. The key surgical component of a gastric bypass is a properly sized pouch and stoma outlet. Compliance with a diet of approximately 800 to 1200 kcal per day, limited to three small meals and two snacks is the desired result. Weight loss should average 10 to 15 pounds monthly when surgery is added to intense medical, nutritional, and behavior therapy to ensure that the weight is reduced to desirable levels.


Surgical experience with jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity.

Jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity with our current bowel length dimensional considerations has achieved good results in 74 per cent of patients. Morbidity and mortality are significant and must limit wide application of the procedure.


Gallstones, obesity, and jejunoileostomy.

An attempt has been made to identify the causes of increased cholesterol gallstone formation in obese patients both before and following jejunoileostomy. The prime lithogenic mechanism in obesity seems to be increased cholesterol mobilization and excretion in the bile. In jejunoileal bypass, a host of factors, including possible limited bile salt synthesis, increased bile salt loss, and bacterial alteration of bile acids, along with the effects of rapid weight loss, may play a role. The identification and understanding of these factors will be important if attempts at prevention by administratin of antibiotics to reduce bacterial overgrowth, or by giving chenodeoxycholic or ursodeoxycholic acid to replenish the diminished bile acid pools, are to be carried out.


Gastric bypass for morbid obesity.

The gastric bypass operation is designed to decrease the size of the food receptacle so that a limited number of calories can be ingested. All food ingested is absorbed normally, thus eliminating problems that mey be associated with metabolic derangements. Although it is possible to overeat the gastric pouch, the overall result of gastric bypass, in terms of weight loss, is quite satisfactory, and the mortality rate of less than 2 per cent and the morbidity rate of less than 20 per cent are also acceptable. Late complications following gastric bypass are low: specifically, nephrolithiasis is eight to 10 times less frequent than after jejunoileal bypass. Liver disease has not been seen following gastric bypass.


Malignant hyperthermia: diagnosis, treatment and investigations of a skeletal muscle lesion.

A center for the diagnosis and research for malignant hyperthermia is established within the Research Division of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. In this Research Conference we define malignant hyperthermia, present its brief history, and describe the diagnostic procedures and directions of research in our laboratory. Although rare in occurrence, malignant hyperthermia is a significant disease entity because it (a) has a high morbidity and mortality; (b) is of genetic basis; and (c) for lack of a simple diagnostic test, it's occurrence is unexpected. The primary defect appears to occur in skeletal muscle, thus the diagnostic test and research efforts center upon abnormal pharmacologic and biochemical responses of skeletal muscle from affected subjects.


Basic ethical principles in the conduct of biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects.

Moral postures concerning research involving human subjects are diverse in part because of the diversity of issues at stake in, for example, disputes over conflicts of rights and duties, concerning values, and with regard to duties to persons with interests in goods and values. I have presented three ethical principles around which to gather these questions: I) respect for human subjects as free agents; II) concern to foster the best interests of human subjects; and III) concern to maximize the benefits accruable to society. I have indicated that these three abstract considerations arise around four procedural foci for research involving humans: A) the requirement of free and informed consent of competent human subjects; B) the requirement of proxy consent from incompetent human subjects; C) the avoidance of coercion in the consent context; and D) an interest in having research involving humans redound to the general good of society. These are at best guidelines, or outlines, of the central ethical issues at stake. They must in each case of research be applied with care and followed with prudence. One can never have a means of simply deducing answers. Basic ethical principles represent, rather, our best attempt to map out the terrain of rights and values.


[Fertility of dairy cattle in Kenya (author's transl)].

The fertility of dairy cattle was studied on thirty-three government farms in Kenya for five years. Most parameters of fertility showed marked differences between the various farms. Some farms showed considerable annual variations, whereas others continued to have good results during all these years and other farms only obtained results far below average. Dairy cattle fertility was fairly satisfactory with an average conception rate of 51 per cent after first inseminations and averaging two inseminations for each conception. However, the disappointing average calving-interval of 413 days was primarily due to the long parturition-to-first-insemination interval of ninety-three days on an average, and on average of 123 days in 1975. The frequency of normal heat- en service intervals (17-25 days) was too low by approximately 50 per cent, which was caused by the inefficiency of oestrus detection.


[Incidence of udder infection in bovine primiparae and milking order (author's transl)].

On four farms taking part in a mastitis prevention programme, milking primiparous animals first failed to result in a significant decrease of the level of udder infection during the first half of lactation. This result may nevertheless be regarded as positive, as there was a rise in infection level among the older animals of the experimental group and a decline in the controls at the same time.


[Nutrition as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of ulcers of the sole in cattle (author's transl)].

Two groups of eight dairy cows, one fed a high (6 kg.) and one fed a low (1 kg.) level of concentrates before calving were compared with regard to the incidence of haemorrhage in the horny sole of the hind claws. These lesions are considered to be a symptom of subclinical laminitis and a possible preliminary stage of ulcer of the sole. In both groups, more as well as more severe lesions were observed within five to eight weeks after calving than there were two weeks prior to parturition. After calving, the incidence of these lesions was significantly higher in the 'high concentrate group' than it was in the 'low concentrate group'.


[Purposeful (blood-)horse breeding (author's transl)].

Horse-breeding in the Netherlands is briefly reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the number of foals of various breeds. Some effects of inbreeding in Friesian horses are discussed. As regards methods selection, attention is mainly paid to saddle horses. The role of veterinarians (from the point of view of selection for soundness) is described. Selection is based on the results of studies in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht. A number of these results are reviewed.


[Economic aspects of disease in animals, with special reference to dairy cattle (author's transl)].

The factors mainly determining the losses caused by animal diseases, and the manner in which the economic effects are felt by the various groups of those concerned, are considered with reference to each form of disease. The losses on farm level due to those diseases among dairy cattle, which are common in most areas but vary in degree on each farm are discussed in greater detail. The losses are quantitated in part after differentiation of three components, namely prior to disposal (less efficient production and cost of veterinary treatment), on disposal (reduced slaughter value and idle production factors), and missed future income due to forced replacement. Moreover, the decision to replace animals is considered, also with reference to cows with disease. Finally, the question of which extension of veterinary knowledge is desirable to promote economic research, is discussed.


[Field experience of infectious bronchitis vaccination in broiler chickens (author's transl)].

In flocks of broiler chickens showing a high incidence of I.B. infection, double vaccination against I.B. with the H120 strain on the first and 18th-20th day of life, will prevent the disease, and the results of fattening will be improved.


Bismuth intoxication: bismuth level in pig brain lipids and in subcellular fractions.

Experimental intoxications of pigs were performed. It seems to be confirmed that bismuth crosses the blood-brain barrier. An organic derivative, trivinyl-bismuth, is more active than the inorganic salt of bismuth. In the brain, bismuth is preferentially found in synaptosomes. Bismuth is found in brain lipids of control pigs at very low levels. In intoxicated pigs, the level of bismuth is increased mainly in cerebellum and then in thalamus. Bismuth is partly associated to lipids. There is not a correlation between the level of bismuth in blood and in brain lipids. However, in the trivinyl intoxicated pig, a high level of blood bismuth is concomittant to a high level of brain lipid bismuth. The high content of this metal in cerebellum lipid extract may be of functional significance.


[Teratogenic effect of dicrotophos on the embryonic chick tibia ; histological and cytological studies (author's transl)].

The organophosphorus insecticide dicrotophos injected at 4 days of incubation into the yolk sac of hen'eggs determined achondroplasia with tibiotarsus deformities. These malformations were studied at different stages of embryogenesis using different histological methods. After injecting 0,5 mg per egg, the size of the hindlimbs was decreased by 50% and the growth was much less (from 20 to 30% of the normal) When giving the toxic et the level of 1 mg per egg. Light and electron microscopical observations showed a reduction or a lack of the proliferative zones and a decrease in the secretory activity of the chondrocytes which may possibly be related to the growth retardation. Using adaptated techniques for mineralized tissue examination and scanning microscope, a disorganized and an asymmetrical deposition of the periosteal osseous lamellae was observed.


[Absorption kinetics of nitrate and nitrite in the intestine of rats (author's transl)].

In situ perfusions into the small intestine of rats showed the absorption kinetics of nitrate and nitrite. This absorption is important since the rate rises to 50% for nitrates and 80% for nitrites in our experimental conditions. These compounds are excreted in the biliary secretion and, with the nitrate perfusions, nitrite appearance in the perfusion medium indicates some reduction potentiality either in the liver or in the entero-cells. These results are all the more interesting as men daily ingest nitrates and nitrites with many foods.


[Comparative study of digoxin determination by E.L.I.S.A. and radioimmunoassay techniques (author's transl)].

This study is based on a double blind interlaboratory comparison between radioimmunoassay and E.L.I.S.A. digoxin determination. The correlation between digoxin values found with these two methods is good (r = 0.96 for therapeutic and toxic ranges 1,0 ng/ml - 5,5 ng/ml). The results indicate good repeatability, reproducibility and precision. The determination by E.L.I.S.A. can be performed with sera or plasma. The presence of haemolysis makes no appreciable difference in results. No variation is observed when different kits are used from an identical lot. However digoxin gives an important cross reactivity with digitoxin in Enzymeimmunoassay. Therefore it is necessary to know exactly the digitalis glycoside before the determination in order to avoid significant error.


Toxicological evaluation of arsenic in edible seaweed, Hizikia species.

Young male Wistar rats were fed with chows containing marketed Hizikia preparation. Hizikia-arsenic could be absorbed at the rate comparable to arsenic trioxide, and accumulated primarily in blood. Intake and excretion of arsenic from Hizikia-diet reached a steady state within 4 days of administration as was the case of arsenic trioxide. Biological half-life in blood and urine was also essentially the same in the 2 groups. Rats kept for 3 weeks on the chows containing up to 20% Hizikia did not show significant growth retardation as compared with the controls, while those on 50% Hizikia-diet were markedly emaciated. In a 38-week feeding experiment, 4 groups of rats were given 20% Hizikia-diets made from various Hizikia preparations (final arsenic concentrations; 9, 16, 21 and 21 ppm, respectively). For positive controls, 2 groups were given arsenic trioxide diets (24 and 50 ppm as arsenic). Growth retardation was minimum both in Hizikia and arsenic groups with no relation to the arsenic dose. Changes in hematology, blood biochemistry and pathology of major organs and skin were also essentially negative in all groups. The maximum no-effect level observed in the present study was compared with the possible amount of arsenic taken via seaweed in mankind.


Effect of chloroform on the activities of liver enzymes in rats.

Rats were dosed once, 5 times or 10 times with chloroform (0.5-50 mg/kg) and the liver enzyme activities were determined. Chloroform induced much change in the 24 enzymes investigated but caused only minimal liver enlargement. The main enzymic changes were: stimulation of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, increased breakdown of protein and nucleic acids, hexose phosphate shunt activity was reduced leading to a shortage of NADPH in the cell, adrenal medullary and cortical secretion were stimulated. These results show that ingestion of chloroform even in small amounts causes distinct changes in liver cell metabolism as indicated by enzyme activities. Some of the changes are similar to, but others differ from, those seen with larger and anaesthetic doses. In most cases a transition between these 2 types of effects can be seen.


Hematological changes produced in mice by ochratoxin A.

The effects of ochratoxin A (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) on clotting time, hemoglobin, total count of red blood cells and white blood cells and differential count of white blood cells were studied in mice. This mycotoxin caused a significant decrease in the hemoglobin level and in the total count of red blood cells. Among white blood cells there was a significant increase in small lymphocytes and a significant fall in the count of neutrophils, basophils and monocytes in treated mice. The administration of ochratoxin A also prolonged the clotting time by more than 6-fold.


A simple method to control Brugia timori by diethylcarbamazine administration.

The results of mass treatment using 50 mg diethylcarbamazine per kg body-weight followed one year later by short term selective re-treatment in a highly endemic area of Brugia timori are described. The criteria for selection of re-treatment are simple and practical for use in rural areas. The microfilaria rate by finger prick decreased from 24% to 0 and by Nuclepore filtration from 30% to 2.5%. The disease rates were also affected favourably. 88% of persons receiving the drug reacted to treatment, this percentage slightly exceeding the total filarial infection rate (71%). The prevalence, onset, duration and nature of side reactions are briefly discussed and related to the presence of microfilaraemia and disease manifestations among the study population.


The use of an Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial antigen skin test in an epidemiological survey of onchocerciasis in Guatemala.

Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae obtained from onchocercal nodules were used as antigenic material for a skin test. This antigen is as specific as those previously employed in skin tests, detecting 85.2% of the persons with positive diagnostic signs of onchocerciasis in endemic areas. A low rate of false positives was found in the control group in nonendemic areas. The positive rate of reactions in the persons without positive signs in the endemic areas might be due to the presences of cases not detected as a result of palpation for nodules and two skin biopsies. In the examination of the residents of several populations, a close correlation was found between the positive rates of skin tests and the presence of infection. From these findings, we conclude that the skin test using the microfilarial antigen is a suitable procedure for the diagnosis of onchocerciasis. The skin test could also be useful as an epidemiological tool in assessing the effectiveness of control programmes.


Hepatitis B virus infection in children. A sero-epidemiological study in three endemic areas.

The occurrence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs was studied in 254 children aged 0 to 19 years from three areas in Greenland and West Africa, endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Age specific prevalence rates for HBsAg increased in all areas until the age of 10 years while the prevalence of anti-HBs showed a continuous rise and reached maximum level of 44 to 80% in the age group 15 to 19 years. The study results indicate that in these areas infection with HBV occurs throughout childhood, and that HBsAg carriership is derived mainly from infection in the first decade of life, but not only neonatal infection, Such data are necessary for all areas in which attempts to control HBV infection are being made.


An epidemic of meningococcal infection at Zaria, Northern Nigeria. 1. General epidemiological features.

In 1977 Zaria, in Northern Nigeria, was affected by a severe epidemic of group A meningococcal infection, 1,257 patients being admitted to hospital with the disease during a three-month period. The epidemic started towards the end of the dry season when it was hot, dry and dusty and finished shortly after the onset of the rains. The over-all attack rate was 3.6 per 1,000 but this varied considerably from area to area within the town. Few cases occurred amongst those belonging to the upper social classes. The disease was seen most frequently amongst those from five to 14 years old and there was a strong male preponderance. The over-all mortality was 8.3% but mortality was much higher (40.6%) amongst 67 patients with acute meningococcaemia.


An epidemic of meningococcal infection at Zaria, Northern Nigeria. 2. The changing clinical pattern.

1,003 patients with meningococcal disease admitted to a single hospital during the course of a three-month epidemic were studied. A progressive decline in mortality, especially among patients with acute meningococcaemia, and a falling incidence of systemic and severe neurological complications among patients with meningitis were observed. It is suggested that the virulence of the causative group A meningococcus declined as the epidemic progressed.


An epidemic of meningococcal infection at Zaria, Northern Nigeria. 3. Meningococcal carriage.

Meningococcal carriage was studied in household contacts of patients with group A meningococcal disease and in controls. The carriage rate of group A meningococci among 1,098 household contacts was low (3.8%) and only slightly higher than the carriage rate found among 416 controls (2.6%). However, higher carrier rates were found among those in close contact with a patient. Carriage was found most frequently among children and young adults and was commoner in adult females than in adult males. Sulphonamides had no effect on carriage and all 60 strains tested in vitro were resistant to sodium sulphadiazine at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml.


HLA-A1, B8, DRw3 in patients with a distinct form of lupus erythematosus.

Subacute cutaneous LE was identified by the presence of widespread nonscarring skin lesions with histologic features of LE. The HLA antigens A1,B8,DRw3 were increased in patients with this condition. The frequency of DRw3 in this group was 77% compared to 24% in controls (p less than 0.001). The relative risk with HLA-DRw3 for the subacute cutaneous LE group was 10.8 (p less than 0.001). HLA-A1,B8 antigens were not increased in discoid LE or in the systemic LE group. The results illustrate the value of identifying homogeneous groups of patients for finding meaningful HLA associations.


HLA-B7 in presumed ocular histoplasmosis maculopathy.

Sixty-four patients that fulfill the clinical criteria of the presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome were typed for common histocompatibility antigens. The clinical criteria included the presence of multiple peripheral punched out choroidal atropic scars, a clear vitreous, and compatible macular disciform lesions in at least one eye. Thirty-four patients were found to have HLA-B7, which is statistically significant at the p less than 0.005 level when compared to a normal population. Though this is statistically significant, other factors must be involved, as there still remain many patients with this clinical picture who do not demonstrate a common histocompatibility antigen.


Butvar B-98 as a thin support film.

Support films prepared from butvar B-98 resin are mechanically stable, electron transparent, and possess minimum intrinsic structure. A simple procedure for routine preparation of support films using this resin is provided.


Prlonged bubble production by transient isobaric counter-equilibration of helium against nitrogen.

The production of systemic gas bubbles by isobaric counter-equilibration of helium against 5 atmospheres saturated nitrox (0.3 ATA O2 in both mixes) in awake goats was demonstrated. Sixteen animal exposures (8 dives, 2 animals per dive) to a sudden isobaric gas switch from saturation on N2 to He were conducted; 8 saturations occurred at 132 fsw and 8 at 198 fsw. Central venous bubbles were detected acoustically by means of a Doppler ultrasonic cuff surgically implanted around the inferior vena cava of each animal. Bubbles occurred from 20 to 60 min after the switch in both the 132 fsw and 198 fsw exposures, but were not always present in the 132 fsw exposure, and did not persist for as long. Bubbles or other Doppler events were often detected for the entire isobaric period-12 h-following the gas switch in the 198 fsw exposures. Decompressions were conducted according to the USN saturation tables and were uneventful, with only occasional bubbles. Supersaturation ratios calculated to have occurred for a considerable period after the gas switch were approximately 1.15 (tissue gas tension pi, divided by ambient hydrostatic pressure, P) with maxima at 1.26 for the faster tissues. These values are limiting ones in USN decompression only for the slower tissues. In general, therefore, these results argue for reducing the permissible ascent criteria for the faster tissues-assuming bubbles are to be avoided-and allowing more time at stops for non-saturation decompression. Gas switches from a more soluble to a less soluble and/or more rapidly diffusing gas should therefore be avoided until physiological limits are well worked out.


Effects of aspirin and dipyridamole on platelet function, hematology, and blood chemistry of saturation divers.

Twenty-four young male divers were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups: Group I received aspirin (325 mg) three times daily; II received dipyridamole (75 mg) three times daily; III received both drug regimens; and IV received matching placebo. Double-blind procedures were followed. Treatment began 24 h prior to a 48-h saturation dive (inclusive of 17 h decompression) at a simulated depth of 18.3 m and continued throughout and for 3 days after the dive. A post-dive reduction in circulating platelet count was observed in all groups, except the group that received aspirin only. Platelet survival was shortened in all treatment groups. Five cases of Type I decompression sickness occurred and were treated by recompression, two in the aspirin plus dipyridamole group, two in the dipyridamole group, and one in the placebo group. Blood chemistry and hematology profiles showed that divers with decompression sickness had more elevated GOT, GPT, CPK, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and greater reductions in platelet count, Platelet Factor 4 and Thrombin Clotting Time than most other subjects. Subjects receiving either aspirin or aspirin plus dipyridamole had fewer changes in these parameters. Failure of aspirin to potentiate, or add to, dipyridamole may be due to other actions of aspirin such as inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis. Further studies of the role of antiplatelet drugs in decompression sickness are warranted.


Solubility of oxygen in a seawater medium in equilibrium with a high-pressure oxy-helium atmosphere.

The molar oxygen concentration in a seawater medium in equilibrium with a high-pressure oxygen-helium atmosphere was measured directly in pressurized subsamples, using a modified version of the Winkler oxygen analysis. At a partial pressure of oxygen of 1 atm or less, its concentration in the aqueous phase was adequately described by Henry's Law at total pressures up to 600 atm. This phenomenon, which permits a straightforward determination of dissolved oxygen within hyperbaric systems, resulted from pressure-induced compensatory alterations in the Henry's Law variables rather than from a true obedience to the Ideal Gas Law. If the partial pressure of a gas contributes significantly to the hydrostatic pressure, Henry's Law is no longer adequate for determining its solubility within the compressed medium.


Adrenal function and the incidence of bends after decompression in mice: effect of adrenalectomy, corticosteroids, decompression intensity, and time of day.

The adrenocortical endocrine subsystem has been demonstrated to enhance mammalian tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, including hypoxia and temperature extremes. In a series of factorial experiments, mice were exposed to one of three elevated hydrostatic pressures for 30 min and then decompressed (0.75 atm/s). It was demonstrated that 1) tolerance to decompression does not differ significantly (P greater than 0.3) in surgically intact, sham adrenalectomized, or in adrenalectomized animals; 2) intraperitoneal administration of pharmacologic doses (0.4, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/mouse) or corticosterone or deoxycorticosterone acetate does not significantly enhance (P greater than 0.1) survivorship when compared to vehicle-injected controls; and 3) the incidence of decompression sickness (DS) does not fluctuate with time of day (P greater than 0.4). In a fourth study, the plasma concentration of corticosterone was quantitated in 1) colony control mice, 2) mice exposed to the 1-ATA chamber environment (chamber control), or 3) mice compressed to 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 ATA and then decompressed. In general, plasma corticosterone in symptom-free mice was elevated approximately threefold (P less than 0.05) by exposure to the 1-ATA chamber environment and by decompression from 3 to 11 ATA. At 11 ATA, plasma corticosterone levels in decompressed mice exhibiting decompression sickness symptoms were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05) compared to the levels observed in decompressed symptom-free mice. These studies indicate that adrenocortical function does not enhance tolerance to decompression in mice.


Diffusion and nucleation of gas in gel and some implications for the development of decompression procedures.

Attention is directed to certain incongruities among accepted diving procedures in order to emphasize the need for a more complete understanding of the interactions between the factors involved in diving and decompression and in the onset of decompression sickness. It is suggested that physiological responses derived from the effects of diffusion and nucleation of gas in tissue might be interpreted in terms of similar events in specimens of gelatin subjected to patterns of compression and decompression. A model for behavior of specimens in gel is developed and conformity with the results of a program of experimentation is demonstrated. With the insight provided by this model, a substantial analogy between important aspects of the behavior of gel and tissue is claimed and application of this model to the refinement and development of diving and decompression procedures is proposed.


Alterations in seizure mechanisms caused by oxygen high pressure, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, and pyridoxine.

High pressure oxygen (HBO) and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) both cause grand mal seizures, brain glycogen degradation, and inhibition of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Brain glycogen degradation is a sudden process that is perhaps initiated by convulsions in the case of UDMH-poisoning, but a gradual decrease in glycogen is detectable before the onset of hyperbaric oxygen toxicity symptoms. UDMH injection causes consecutive convulsions that follow a predictable sequence. (Time to convulsions is referred to as the induction period, and time between convulsions as the interictal period.) After a single injection of UDMH, there is a gradual decrease in resistance to HBO during the induction period, measured as time to convulsions breathing 100% oxygen at 6 ATA; in the first interictal period, this time is only 4 1/2 min in comparison with a control value of 26 min for untreated rats. Administration of pyridoxine, a B6-vitamin, 2 h after UDMH injection in the first interictal period, resulted in an immediate tenfold increase in resistance to oxygen toxicity, from 4 1/2 to 48 min. Pyridoxine may reverse the inhibitary effect of UDMH on GAD, and there is perhaps an accumulation of substrate, which is made available when GAD inhibition is diminishing. Simultaneous injection of pyridoxine and UDMH causes no convulsions, no change in brain glycogen levels, and an unchanged or increased resistance to HBO, measured two and three hours after injection.


Ultrasonic imaging system for the study of decompression-induced gas bubbles.

An high-resolution pulse echo ultrasonic imaging system has been developed to study decompression-induced gas bubbles. It was considered necessary that the system be capable of detecting gas bubbles with a diameter of 10 micrometer and up and be able to monitor the growth of these bubbles. In addition the system needed to be capable of distinguishing separate gas bubbles from within an area containing a number of bubbles and allowing their position to be accurately located. The current system is capable of detecting bubbles as small as 10 micrometer and of resolving bubbles separated by 0.8 mm in azimuth and 0.4 mm in range, and these values correspond to the maximum accuracy of location. Finally, it has been shown that the technique is extremely unlikely to induce any bubble formation by means of cavitation or thermal mechanisms. It is concluded that the system represents a powerful method for studying the factors controlling bubble formation.


Management of a complex diving accident.

After the accidental ascent of a diving bell from 80 m, one diver died from pulmonary barotrauma and the other-though grossly ill-survived. After recompression therapy, this diver was tetraplegic with evidence of patchy microcirculatory damage of brain, cord, liver, kidneys, and gut. All systems eventually returned to normal, except the spinal cord, mainly because of the post-recompression phase of management, in which pharmacological doses of steroids, hyperbaric oxygen, and dextran were used. Although function returned in the upper limbs, the diver remained paraplegic.


Non-penetrative percussion stunning of sheep and calves.

Attempts were made to stun lambs, adult sheep and calves by a non-penetrative percussive method. Using an adapted Cash pistol, with a concave padded impact head, impulses were produced which effectively stunned 96% of lambs but induced brain haemorrhages in up to 7% of the animals. The signs and duration of an effective percussive stun were observed and recorded. Calves were readily stunned by percussive methods but brain haemorrhages frequently occurred. Impulses sufficiently large to stun adult sheep, with a non-penetrating impact head, were produced from an adapted Hantover pneumatic cattle stunner. Comparative trials, using electrical and percussive stunners, demonstrated a significant decrease in the prevalence of blood splash in lambs stunned by percussion.


Surgical and non-surgical transfer of bovine embryos.

Methods of transferring one bovine embryo to the ipsilateral uterine horn have been compared. In heifers mid-ventral surgical laparotomy under general anaesthesia (n=22) was compared with flank surgery with paravertebral anaesthesia (n=21). Pregnancy rate was higher with a midventral approach (P less than 0.05) (77.3 per cent of 42.9 per cent respectively). In heifers mid-ventral surgery (n=36) was compared with two methods of non-surgical transfer either using the Cassou insemination gun (n=36) or a modification of it (n=39) with embryos collected on days 7, 8 or 10 after oestrus. There were no  differences in pregnancy rate between methods or different ages of embryos (methods: 55.6, 55.6, 43.6 per cent respectively; Day: 48.8, 55.8, 48.1 per cent respectively) but the condition score of recipients affected success (P less than 0.05). Of 10 cows which each received an embryo using the modified Cassou gun eight became pregnant.


The effect of lupinosis on liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations in merino sheep.

Merino wether weaners were exposed to toxic lupin stubbles for periods of one, two and six to nine weeks, and the effect on their liver copper, selenium and zinc concentrations studied. After the one week period there was a slight decrease in liver copper and selenium concentrations in sheep severely affected with lupinosis. This was attributed to loss of these elements from necrotic cells, and greatly increased quantities of fat in the liver. In the same period liver zinc concentrations declined and were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. After two weeks or more of exposure to toxic lupins a positive correlation existed between both the liver copper and selenium concentrations, and the degree of liver injury. Furthermore, total liver copper and selenium levels were also positively correlated with the degree of liver injury. Liver zinc concentrations were negatively correlated with the degree of liver injury. It is suggested that when the liver is under the influence of the toxins causing lupinosis for more than two weeks, it stores copper and selenium, and loses zinc.


Sedation of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) with xylazine.

Doses of 100 to 300 mg of a 10 per cent solution of xylazine satisfactorily sedated six elephants ranging from 150 to 255 cm shoulder height. At these dosages all animals were sedated in the standing position. The time taken to produce the initial signs of sedation ranged from 10 +/- 4 to 20 +/- 4 minutes and the effects lasted from 60 +/- 8 to 100 +/- 15 minutes. The time taken from injection to complete recovery ranged from 360 +/- 31 to 540 +/- 21 minutes. Recovery was uncomplicated. Repeated administration of as much as seven injections per animal at intervals of three to four days had no adverse effects. Disturbances during induction delayed the onset of action of the drug.


Detachment of the ischial tuberosity sows.

The clinical and pathological features of five cases of detachment of the ischial tuberosity are described. In two cases, the detachment occurred unilaterally; one was a gilt showing severe lameness which precluded mating and the other was a uniparous sow which showed only slight lameness. Three gilts which were affected bilaterally developed progressive lameness during pregnancy and were unable to stand after farrowing. One of these gilts died and two had to be slaughtered. The diagnostic features of the epiphyseal detachment were shortening of the caudal extremity of the ischium, palpation of the displaced ischial tuberosity and crepitation elicited by pressing the displace tuberosity against the ischium.


Persistent truncus arteriosus communis in a two-year-old steer.

A two-year-old Hereford-cross steer was presented for routine embalming. Dissection of the heart and great vessels revealed a persistent truncus arteriosus type A2. Despite complete mixing of pulmonary and aortic blood, this animal had survived to adulthood.


Congenital vestibular disease in the English cocker spaniel.

Congenital and probable developmental vestibular disease is reported in a litter of English cocker spaniel puppies. The syndrome was marked by loss of balance and ataxia initially, but subsequent compensation has left only one individual with "permanent" head tilt.


Field studies in sheep with multicomponent clostridial vaccines.

Two commercially available multicomponent clostridial vaccines were studied under field conditions in sheep. An eight-component vaccine designed for use in an initial dose volume of 5 ml with subsequent injections of 2 ml produced significantly better results than a seven-component vaccine designed for use in a dose volume of 2 ml.


Experimental pneumonia in red deer (Cervus elaphus L) produced by an ovine chlamydia.

An isolate of Chlamydia psittaci from ovine pneumonia produced extensive pneumonia in red deer after endobronchial inoculation. Associated clinical signs lasting for several days included pyrexia, inappetance, increased pulse and respiration rate, and physical distress after handling, but no coughing or upper respiratory symptoms. Histologically, an acute exudative reaction was present after two days, and an early proliferative response after seven days. Both the clinical and pathological responses were more marked than those usually associated with chlamydial pneumonia in other large animals after endobronchial infection. A small survey for chlamydial antibody in wild red deer was negative.


Yersiniosis in a free-living fallow deer.

A case of yersiniosis in a free-living fallow deer is described. Pathological examination revealed an emaciated carcase with numerous abscesses of various sizes throughout the abdominal and thoracic cavities. Staining of material from the abscesses showed a small Gram-negative coccobacillus which was identified as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type 1A.


[Attempts to control trichophytosis by introducing medicated forage containing purified sulfur and methionine].

Experiments including 1197 calves either suffering from Trichophytia or being in contact with diseased animals were carried out. Medicative fodder containing 1% sulfur or 1% purified sulfur plus 0.4% methionin was fed on the calves for 30 days. It was established that the fodder containing 1% sulfur plus 0.4% methionin had better therapeutic effect--96.39%, while the effect of fodder having 1% sulfur was 85.57%. Medicative fodder had no negative effect on calf development, on their liver function and on the morphology of leucocytes and erythrocytes in the blood.


[Changes in the composition of the colostrum from cows and buffaloes and its significance in the nutrition of newborn calves].

Investigations on the chemical composition of cow and buffalo cow colostrum were carried out with a view of using the latter most rationally as the only nutrition for newborns in the first days of their life. It was established that following calving the chemical composition of cow and buffalo cow colsotrum changes very fast within hours and days. The dry matter of cow colostrum is reduced from 29.05% at the time of calving to 12.26% on the 7th day; organic matter--from 28.01% to 12.50%, respectively; protein--from 15.09% to 6.06%; fats--from 10.0% to 4.3%, etc. In buffalo cows dry matter is reduced from 27.61% 2 h post calving to 16.85% on the 7th day; organic matter--from 26.21% to 15.88%, respectively; protein--from 18.19% to 8.50%; fats--from 10.0% to 7.2%, etc. It is necessary to begin feeding newborn calves and buffalos with colostrum 1--2 h after calving at the latest.


[Nature and specificity of the auxilliary rabbit test in the diagnosis of swine fever].

Experiments were carried out with the aim to reveal the causes for the inhibited temperature reaction in rabbits to swine pest virus strain K in case of previous injection with virulent pest virus. It was established that in the serum of rabbits injected with virulent swine pest virus specific antibodies are found, which are capable to neutralize the lappinized K virus introduced later. This phenomenon which is specific enough and highly sensitive can be used with success as an auxiliary biological test in classical swine pest diagnosis.


[Eimeria tenella studies in quails and Eimeria kofoidi studies in chickens].

Studies on two types of coccidiosis E. tenella isolated from diseased chickens and E. kofidi isolated from diseased young quails were carried out. Ten 14 day-old quails of the species Alektor is graeca cypriatis and thirty 10-, 20-and 30 day-old chickens of the White Plymuth breed were used. By cross invasion of sporulated oocysts of both coccidia types the shizogonal development in non-specific host birds was observed. It was established that E. tenella finds suitable conditions for an endogenis development no matter how slight, in the coecum of the non-specific host-the young quails, E. kofoidi, however, does not find similar suitable conditions for its development in the alimentary tract of chickens and passes transit. Under certain definite conditions quails can be a potential reservoir of E. tenella in nature.


[Vaccination schemes against Newcastle disease in poultry].

Two schemes of vaccination against pseudo-pest (A and B) were tested on broiler-chickens and two schemes (C and D)--on parent form birds. Vaccine of the La Sota strain was used for the broilers and was administered twice at differing age after the spray method. For the parent birds La Sota strain vaccine was used also--twice after the spray method, plus a vaccine of the strain Komarov--twice intramuscularly and as aerosol (scheme C) and the vaccine strain La Sota spray and aerosol alone (scheme D). Immunity induced in birds after immunization was followed serologically by the titre of serum antihaemaglutinins and by provocation with a highly virulent pseudo-pest virus strain. The 4 schemes of immunization tested comparatively ensure solid immunity of birds to pseudo-pest. Better production index results were obtained from broiler chickens vaccinated after scheme B and parental form birds vaccinated after scheme C.


[Enzymatic activity study of the organs and blood serum of geese].

Studies on organ homogenates of 22 one-year-old healthy geese indicated ubiquiternal distribution of GOT and GPT transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, aldolase and kreatine phosphokinase, without the presence of any pronounced organ specificity of some of the named enzymes. It is presumed that the investigation on these enzymes in goose blood serum can be of use only for determining the degree and the course of a given disease, but not for organ-localization of the disease's process.


[Diacetyl content and the organoleptic evaluation of cow's milk cultured butter].

Diacetyl content of cow butter is one of the factors determining its quality. It is a metabolic product of aroma producing lactic acid streptococci. The gradation of diacetyl water solutions and the correlation between diacetyl quantity in cow butter and its taste, flavour and aroma evaluation were assessed by smelling. It was confirmed that experienced degustators of dairy butter can distinguish and grade diacetyl water solutions in a comparatively very good order. A satisfactory correlation was observed between the organoleptic evaluation of the taste, flavour and aroma of cow sour cream butter. In the opinion of experienced degustators of cow butter the latter can be graded only organoleptically.


[Invasiveness and immunogenicity of Babesia ovis in sheep].

Studies aiming to determine the invasion-ability and immunogeneity of B. ovis during the incubation period, the acute and the abating stages of the disease were carried out. It was established that in the first days of the incubation period blood is susceptible to invasion, but recipients which pull through the illness acquire immunity. It is proven that in case blood is taken late in the course of the disease and inoculated, the recipients undergo a more acute infection, but after recovery they are no more susceptible to reinvasion. It was observed that the main forms developed by babesia in sheep are piriformig, ring-like and anaplasmodic, while the percentage of total paresetemia increases in the course of the disease.


[Production of a Babesia ovis extract and its testing for antigenic properties].

An extract of the parasitic erythrocyte stroma sediment of Babesia ovis was produced. Parasite infestation of the erythrocytes was from 23 to 25%. The sediment was destroyed by three methods: 1) By ultrasound; 2) by twenty-fold freezing and unfreezing in liquid nitrogen; 3) by lyophylization. The supernatant of the destroyed sediment, obtained by ultracentrifugation of 103,5000 g per 1 h was tested as antigen in RCB, RAGP, RIHA. Positive result was obtained for all three reactions with homologous antiserums of lambs immunized with live vaccine and plasmic antigen. In case heterologic anti A. ovis serum and normal sheep serum were used the result was negative. Compared to the "standard" corpuscular antigen for RCB and to the plasmic antigen the extract proved more active.


New techniques in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease.

Numerous reports in the literature indicate that various noninvasive vascular techniques can now be used to evaluate atherosclerosis at the carotid bifurcation. This article reviews noninvasive screening techniques currently available and being developed. Particular emphasis has been placed on the practicality of these techniques as well as their limitations. Our conclusions are that noninvasive techniques cannot be used as definitive screening tests for cerebrovascular disease. Although these tests are frequently useful when positive, the false negative rate of these tests would appear to be significant and variable in different hands. Nonstenotic ulcers are usually not detected and total occlusion often not differentiated from stenosis. These tests should be viewed as the beginning rather than the end result of a developing field. At present, contrast arteriography remains the definitive test to evaluate the presence and significance of extracranial cerebrovascular disease.


The epidemiology of thyroid cancer in Los Angeles county.

More than 300 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed in Los Angeles County every year. The age-adjusted annual incidence rates of this disease for all races combined are 2.4 for males and 6.1 for females. Rates for women are more than twice rates for men in each major ethnic group. Blacks of both sexes have the lowest rates; Japanese, Chinese, other Asians and Spanish-surnamed whites all have rates that are as high as or higher than rates among non-Spanish-surnamed whites. Other demographic patterns include the excess of thyroid cancer among Jewish residents of Los Angeles. There have been an increase in thyroid cancer incidence and a decline in mortality for this disease in the United States over the past several decades. Several possible explanations can be made for these trends. Also, the risk factors for thyroid cancer deserve review.


[Importance of x-ray examination to endoscopic diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach (author's transl)].

Radiologic and endoscopic examinations were performed in 166 histologically verified carcinomas of the stomach. 71% of the carcinomas were diagnosed at the first examination by X-ray and/or endoscopy. By a second examination of the radiologically but not endoscopically suspected the percentage of diagnosed carcinomas was increased to 83%. Though the results of endoscopy on an average are somewhat better due to the practicability of biopsy, X-ray examination cannot be renounced. In early cancer the most reliable diagnosis is to be realized by endoscopy on the basis of X-ray findings.


[Mesothelioma of the peritoneum with pulmonary metastases (author's transl)].

Report of the case history of a female patient suffering from malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum. Exceptional findings were a dense nodular hematogenic dissemination over both lungs and the duration of disease, which till now extends over 35 months. Pathogenesis, course of disease, diagnosis therapy and epicrisis are discussed.


[Experiences with psychoprophylaxis in obstetrics (author's transl)].

From February 1978 to March 1979 186 women were prepared for delivery by the psychoprophylactic method. The results are very similar to those of many other authors. The experiences are positive both in medical-somatic and in psychological respect.


The pregnant worker: who bears the burden?

The article reviews the history of pregnancy disability legislation and links the recent Congressional action to include pregnancy discrimination under Title VII to women's increasing labor force participation.


Family-centered care activities by size of maternity service.

Fifty-four of the 55 New York City maternity services in operation as of January 1, 1978 responded to a questionnaire eliciting information as to the availability of certain family-centered care practices. The larger maternity units, especially those in which more than 2,000 live births occur annually, were noted to have a higher prevalence and greater extent of family-centered care activities than the smaller units. Although size alone cannot be isolated as the critical factor in this analysis, its association with other factors helps explain the differences observed.


The metabolism of isamoxole in the rat and guinea-pig.

1. The absorption, metabolism and excretion of isamoxole, (2-methyl-N-butyl-N-(4-methyloxazol-2-yl)propanamide), a compound with anti-allergy properties, has been studied in the rat and guinea-pig. 2. The compound was well-absorbed by both species after oral doses of 50 to 150 mg/kg. It underwent extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, and was excreted as a mixture of metabolites, predominantly in the urine, within 48 h. 3. Three major routes of metabolism were involved, namely deacylation, oxidative ring scission and alkyl oxidation. 4. A major plasma and urine metabolite was 1-butyl-3-(1-carboxyethyl)urea, and this was accompanied by low levels of its cyclized product 3-butyl-5-methylhydantoin.


Epoxides as obligatory intermediates in the metabolism of alpha-halohydrins.

1. The metabolism of several dihalopropanols has been studied in the rat. Irrespective of their structure, each compound produced the same two mercapturic acids, excreted as urinary metabolites. 2. The mercapturic acid metabolites of the dihalopropanols were identified as N-acetyl-S-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cysteine and N,N'-bis-acetyl-S,S'-(1,3-bis-cysteinyl)propan-2-ol. Depending on the halogen present, each dihalopropanol produced beta-chlorolactate or beta-bromolactate as oxidative metabolites. 3. From the metabolic pathway of these compounds, it is inferred that an epoxide is an intermediate in their metabolism. 4. The metabolism of 2-chloropropane-1,3-diol has been investigated in the rat and the isolation of one mercapturic acid, N-acetyl-S-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cysteine, confirms that an epoxide intermediate is involved.


Oxidative biotransformation of benzo(a)pyrene by human lung microsomal fractions prepared from surgical specimens.

1. Microsomal fractions were prepared from 15--50 g specimens of human lung tissue (mostly alveolar) obtained at surgical resections of 13 middle-aged male patients suffering from different pulmonary tumours. Marker enzyme assays indicated that the frations contained about 25% of the endoplasmic reticulum of the homogenate and about 10% of its mitochondrial membranes. 2. The content of cytochrome b5 corresponded to that of rodent lung microsomes, whereas the apparent content of cytochrom P-450 was much lower. 3. The extent of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism varied 13-fold between individuals in the group and was not detectable in about 40% of the cases. 4. The dihydrodiols as % of total metabolites formed was higher than in laboratory animals, the 7,8-dihydrodiol in most cases amounting to more than 40% of total dihydrodiols. 5. The apparent rate of hydroxylation was stimulated by 1 mM 2-diethylaminothyl 2,2-diphenylvalerate and by 1 mM 1,2-oxy-3,3,3-trichloropropane, but inhibited moderately by 0.1 mM metyrapone and extensively by 0.05 mM 7,8-benzoflavone. 6. Ethoxyresorufin deethylation qualitatively paralleled benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylation among individuals.


Studies on the metabolism of the antioxidant ethoxyquin, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline in the rat.

1. The metabolism of ethoxyquin (6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline) in rat has been investigated. Urinary metabolites were identified by combined g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. 2. The major metabolic reaction was de-ethylation which gave rise to 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline and an oxidation product, 2,2,4-trimethyl-6-quinolone. Other reactions were hydroxylation to four different hydroxylated metabolites and one dihydroxylated metabolite. A total of 95% of the dose (100 mg/kg) was accounted for.


Studies of the biliary excretion and metabolites of the antioxidant ethoxyquin, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline in the rat.

1. Biliary excretion and metabolites of ethoxyquin, and gastro-intestinal absorption of ethoxyquin were studied in rat. 2. An average of 28 and 36% of the dose of 14C following intragastric administration of [14C]ethoxyquin was recovered in the bile of bile-duct cannulated rats in 12 and 24 h, respectively. 3. By g.l.c.-mass spectrometry, 75 to 85% of the 14C excreted in the 12 h bile was identified as unchanged ethoxyquin, and the following metabolites were isolated and identified: 8-hydroxy-ethoxyquin, hydroxylated 8-hydroxy-ethoxyquin, 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-8-quinolone, hydroxylated 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-8-quinolone, 6-ethoxy-2,4-dimethylquinoline and 2,2,4-trimethyl-6-quinolone. 4. Three groups of rats were used in the biliary excretion experiments, and the effect of standardization of experimental conditions was demonstrated. Infusion of sodium taurocholate following bile-duct cannulation did not affect the biliary excretion kinetics of ethoxyquin. 5. Only about 3% of the radioactivity administered was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract via the lymphatic pathway in thoracic-duct connulated rats within 24 h. It was concluded that ethoxyquin was absorbed primarily by the portal route.


Mercapturic acid occurrence in fish bile. A terminal product of metabolism of the herbicide molinate.

1. Molinate sulphoxide, an oxidation metabolite of molinate, is cleaved in vitro by Japanese carp liver cytosol fraction, indicating the presence of GSH-S-transferase activity, since cleavage of the sulphoxide is dependent on the amount of supernatant protein and GSH in the assay medium. 2. Molinate mercapturate was identified as a major metabolite recovered from bile of carp treated with molinate. 3. The structure of the mercapturate was established by co-chromatography with an authentic standard in three t.l.c. systems and by mass spectrometry.


Some properties of the sulphoxidases and sulphoxide reductases of the cestode Moniezia expansa, the nematode Ascaris suum and mouse liver.

1. The anthelmintics bithionol, phenothiazine, albendazole and fenbendazole were oxidized to sulphoxides by enzymes in the cytosol of the proglottids of the cestode Moniezia expansa and the cytosol of the intestinal epithelial cells of the nematode Ascaris suum. Enzymes in these tissues were also able to reduce these sulphoxides to the thioethers in the absence of oxygen. 2. Sulphoxidation and sulphoxide reduction also occurred in mouse liver enzyme preparations. About 20% of the sulphoxidation activity was not associated with microsomes and was not inhibited by CO; about 50% of the reductase activity was found in the microsomes. 3. The pH optima for sulphoxidases from both helminths were in the range 7.0--7.2, and both required NADH or NADPH for activity. Low molecular weight thiols and flavins did not affect sulphoxidation. Enzyme activity was inhibited by 0.1 mM Cu2+, Hg2+, Cd2+ or Zn2+ and by p-chloromercuribenzoate or N-ethylmaleimide. 4. Both helminth sulphoxide reductases displayed pH optima in the range 1.2--7.4, and required NADH or NADPH for activity. Oxygen inhibited the reductases.


Metabolism of phenformin in the rat and guinea-pig.

1. Following administration of [2'-14C]phenformin to rat and guinea pig, the guinea-pig showed a slower rate of excretion of radioactivity than the rat, together with a slower rate of metabolism, which may partly explain the increased pharmacological response of the guinea-pig to the drug. 2. The rat eliminated 26% of an intraduodenal dose of [2'-14C]phenformin (20 mg/kg) in the bile in 6 h compared to 6% in the guinea-pig. 3. The rat excreted large amounts of 4-hydroxyphenformin (free and conjugated with glucuronic acid) and also some unchanged phenformin, but the extent of metabolism varied with dose and route of administration. 4. The guinea-pig excreted no 4-hydroxyphenformin after an oral dose (25 mg/kg) and only a small amount after i.p. administration (12.5 mg/kg). After oral administration, guinea-pig urine contained an unidentified metabolite, and its glucuronide, which may be a product of aliphatic C- or N-hydroxylation and which accounted for 47% of the 24 h urinary radioactivity (17% of the dose). Guinea-pig faeces contained an unidentified metabolite which had similar chromatographic properties to the novel urinary metabolite.


Metabolites of 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine (CERM) 1841) in rats and dogs.

1. In rats and dogs dosed with 14C-labelled 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine hydrochloride, the 14C was excreted in the urine. The 14C eliminated in the faeces of dog was significantly higher than for rat. 2. Conjugated metabolites, mostly glucuronides, accounted for the greater part of the urinary radioactivity in both species. 3. Biotransformation products were predominantly acids in both species, followed by significant amounts of basic metabolites, with very little neutral substances. 4. The major urinary metabolite in rats was 3-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid and 3-trifluoromethylhipuric acid. In the dog it was 3-trifluoromethylmandelic acid in addition to the benzoic acid and its conjugate. The basic products identified in the urine of both species were unchanged drug and 1-amino-2-hydroxy-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethane, with the first predominating.


The oxidative metabolism of 1-bromopropane in the rat.

1. The metabolism of 1-bromopropane in the rat has been re-investigated. The previously known metabolites have been isolated and confirmed as the three mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-propyl cysteine, N-acetyl-S-propyl cysteine-S-oxide and N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)cysteine. 2. Three further metabolites have been isolated from the urine of rats treated with 4-bromopropane. These have been identified as 3-bromopropionic acid and the mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)cysteine and N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)cysteine. 3. The metabolites of 3-bromopropanol and 3-chloropropanol in the rat have been shown to be the mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)cysteine and N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)cysteine and the corresponding 2-carboxyethyl halide. 4. Studies with 1-bromopropane and the 3-halopropanols in vitro indicate that oxidation of C3 and C2 of 1-bromopropane occurs before conjugation of the alkyl group with glutathione. The implications of these studies are discussed in relation to the mechanism of the biosynthesis of the S-(2-hydroxyalkyl)mercapturic acid metabolites derived from the alkyl halides.


[Time-dependent changes in the lactic acid level of ischemic muscle tissue under conditions of arterial embolism, simulated in animal experiments].

It may be summarized that under the condition of embolism in animal experiments the lactate level is significantly changed depending on the duration of ischemia. Thus, for judgement of a hypoxic damage of muscle tissue this parameter appears to be useful. A more precise analysis would be imaginable, when the degree of tissue damage could be stated according to a certain lactate level. For this, however, the reported results must be compared with a randomized series of human patients suffering from arterial embolism, since the present studies concern the muscles of rats.


[The mineral composition of veins and arteries as a function of age].

In the present investigation the contents of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc were determined in ashes of cadaver material from great saphenous veins and arteries.


[A membrane-thin-layer oxygenator for experimental organ perfusions].

The authors describe device and functioning of a new efficacious membrane thin-layer oxygenator, specially developed for experiments on the isolated hearts of small animals. Compared with customary oxygenators with direct oxygenation, advantages arise from the separation of gas and perfusion solution, and its small volume for filling (7,5 ml). The diffusion capacity of the oxygenator (exchange surface 980 cm2) was tried by means of a hemoglobin-free modified Krebs-Henseleit solution with various flow values at 37 degrees C, depending on the gage of the layer. At the optimal gage of 0,15 mm and a flow value of 15 ml/minute a perfusion solution can be oxygenated from 0 to 570 torr, and an airequilibrated solution up to 646 torr. Measurements of oxygen consumption in the isolated perfused rat heart proved that the diffusion capacity of the membrane thin-layer oxygenator will suffice the oxygenation of the coronary minute volume of the arrested heart according to Langendorff as well as of the working heart according to Morgan. Primarily this oxygenator is useful for experimental organ perfusion in metabolic and functional tests, and organ preservation. Its functioning principles, however, also permit its use as thins-layer dialysator.


[The significance of structural changes in parenchymatous organs in ileus of the small intestine and their therapeutic consequences].

Basing on animal experiments, histologic, immune-histochemic, and laboratory examinations were performed on the purpose to investigate the injuring of parenchymatous organs in small gut ileus. Organs with primary shock could be distinguished from organs damaged by toxins, with a special position of the liver in the source area of the portal system. The course of intestinal occlusion disease is marked by comprising several circuli vitiosi. The relation between the damage of parenchymatous organs, their dysregulations, the post-agression syndrome, and the drivable therapeutic consequences are discussed. Particularly in the postoperative period the post-aggression syndrome must be paid attention to.


[Various cytological foundations and consequences of cryosurgery].

The methodically and strictly localized destruction of tissue presumes a precise knowledge of the physically conditioned and cytologically provable alterations after the influence of deep temperatures. According to generally effective principles of cold-biology it is referred to organspecific and functional-anatomic particularities which have to be considered in the cryosurgery.


[The functional behavior of peripheral circulation in cryogenic surgery].

The reactive behaviour of little vessels of the circulatory periphery against the effect of extremely deep temperatures was examined in a sense of a microflow measurement by means of the intravital microcinematography. The results obtained by mathematical analysis of the single figure demonstrate that the vessels of microcirculation are remarkably resistant against rapid withdrawal of heat. In this way the quickly recovered blood-flow in the periphery of circulation can reduce detrimentally the time of tissue thawing treated by cryosurgery. Both the shortening of the thawing phase after cryosurgery conditioned by hemodynamics and the development of a cold edema can be met by experimentally confirmed adrenergic influence of the vasoconstriction under local anesthesia.


[Ultrasonic evaluation of the bone condition. III. Differentiation of the leg echograph].

The echogram from bones in vivo or in model trials consists of the echoes of bones and soft tissues. Under certain conditions, the fore part of this echogram (total echogram) consists of bone echoes only, the intermediate part of echoes from bone and soft tissue with perhaps different amplitudes, whereas the hind part contains only soft tissue echoes. When frequency and distance of the sound head are too high the fore part might be absent, that is when the distance of the sound head becomes larger than 60 mm at a frequency of 1 MHz and a sound head diameter of 30 mm. The amplitude of soft tissue echoes in the intermediate part of the total echogram at greater distances can be higher than the amplitudes of the bone echoes. A definite valuation of these bone echoes by electronic suppression of the total echogram is impossible in that case. For these reasons, controlling the course of fracture healing by help of conventional ultrasonic devices with a frequency of 1 MHz is more difficult than supposed hitherto.


[Pretreatment of donors with sodium selenite-a method for the conditioning of tissues for cryoconservation].

Investigations about the protective effect of the pretreatment of albino rats with different concentrations of sodium selenite in sodium chloride solution were carried out. Albino rats, serving as a control group, had only a pretreatment with sodium chloride solution. The following results were obtained: 1. An intraperitoneal application of 2 microgram sodium selenite per kg body weight over three days shows a significant increase of contractility of frozen and afterwards re-thawed fragments of heart-muscle after storage -196 degrees C. 2. The increase or decrease of the sodium selenite dose by the factor ten had no effect on the preservation of the contractility of fragments of the heart-muscle after storage -196 degrees C in comparison to the control group. 3. A differentiated observation of the injuries under frozen preservation permitted the conclusion that the pretreatment with sodium selenite for the most parts will be protective in the phase below 0 degrees.


[Tumor localization in vivo on the basis of scintigraphic detection of clostridium rods by means of 131J-labeled antibodies and F(ab')2 antibody fragments].

The authors report about investigations for localization of tumours in vivo by scintigrafic iddntification of Clostridium butyricum Jena H8 by 131I-labelled antibodies and by 131I-labelled F(ab')2-fragment antibodies in mouse transplantation-tumour UVT 15264. The application of 131I-labelled anti-clostridial-rod-antibodies in tumour bearing mice demonstrates increase of radioactivity in tumours of animals, pretreated by spores, as well as in animals without pretreatment. These appearently unspecific increases of radioactivity could not be demonstrated by application of 131I-labelled F(ab')2-fragment antibodies directed against clostridial rods, but also the specific fixation of 131I-labelled F(ab')2-fragment antibodies in tumours of mice, pretreated by clostridial spores, could not be demonstrated. The results are discussed with regard to further investigations.


[Postoperative small intestinal absorption after cholecystectomy].

The postoperative resorption in the small intestine after cholecystectomie was found out by means of the modified D-xylose resorption test on the 2-th, 4-th, 6-th an 8-th postoperative day for 14 patients. The velocity and the dimension of the enteral resorption of D-xylose was lower in the immediate postoperative phase. The dimension of the D-xylose resorption was normalized on 4. p. o. day and obtained the preoperative starting-value on the 8-th postoperative day. The myoelectrical activity of the small intestine normalized in a shorter time after cholecystectomy than the enteral resorption. A formal parallelism consists between the normalisation of the motoric activity of the stomach and the xylose-resorption in the immidiate postoperative phase. For the small intestine resorption in the postoperative phase completely clarified and required further investigations. The influences of electrolyte displacement and disturbances of the microcirculation in the postoperative period in the small intestine resorption were discussed.


[Parenteral protein substitution in tumor patients].

The substitution of protein deficiency by a standardized dosage of 48...60 g human albumin and 160 g amino acids divided over 4 days is hardly less effective as the substitution by the same dosage of amino acids alone. Insignificant differences of the preoperative und postoperative effect of the substitution therapy in patients with tumors of esophagus or stomach and colorectal cancer are discussed and seem to confirm the conclusion to perform the parenteral substitution of protein deficiency economical better only by the administration of amino acid solutions. The additional administration of non-protein calories in the meaning of parenteral nutrition seems to be dispensable if the simultaneous enteral alimentation satisfies these requirements. The relative substitution dosage of amino acids should not fall below 2,5 g . kg-1 divided over 4 days.


[Roentgenmorphology of the upper stomach after prophylactic reflux surgery (author's transl)].

The combination of vagotomy, of proximal and of total gastrectomy with antireflux-surgery can lead to a characteristic roentgenmorphology of the lower esophagus and the upper stomach. The fundoplication or hemifundoplication may have a tumorlike shape, may open up or may slide down. The knowledge of the preceding operation and of the symptoms allows a correct interpretation of the x-ray findings in most cases.


[Whole gut irrigation for cleansing the bowel (author's transl)].

Whole gut irrigation with an isotonic electrolyte solution is said to be an effective, easily and rapidly performed cleansing preparation for colonoscopy. We studied the effect of this method upon water and electrolyte metabolism and on intestinal transit. 35 patients were prepared for colonoscopy by whole gut irrigation via a gastric or duodenal tube. We observed a weight gain of 1.8 +/- 0.3 kg (mean +/- SD) and an increase in serum sodium and chloride. These changes were almost completely reversible within 24 hours. During the irrigation the intestinal transit time shortened by about 50%. The results demonstrate that whole gut irrigation has only slight side effects, but caution is warranted in patients with disturbed tolerance of sodium and water.


[Dietary habits of patients with ulcerative colitis (author's transl)].

The nutritional habits of 114 patients with ulcerative colitis were investigated by means of questionnaires and compared with a control group of 114 persons matched to age, sex and social status. The differences between both groups can be explained by an adaptation of dietary habits of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Patients with ulcerative colitis consumed significantly more cereal products and potatoes but significantly less milk products, coffee, tea, fruit-juice, lemonade, vegetables, fruit and alcohol than the control group.


[Lipomatosis of the ileocecal valve (author's transl)].

The fatty tissue of the ileocecal valve was examined in 100 autopsies. Diffuse submucosal fatty tissue was found in a different amount among children, juveniles and adults in 93% of the cases. There was no correlation between the amount of the fatty tissue and obesity or intraabdominal adhesions. As fat deposit in the ileocecal valve already can be seen in the first years of life and as it is not depleted in malnutrition it should be considered as normal and an important factor for the structure and the function of the valve. Therefore the term lipomatosis, which refers to a pathological excess of fatty tissue, no longer should be used in connection with submucosal fat in the ileocecal valve.


[Successful treatment of cardiac failure in haemochromatosis by prednisolone and phlebotomies (author's transl)].

In a female 53 year old patient with severe heart failure in haemochromatosis, not responding to digitalis, treatment with prednisolone (40 mg/da) and phlebotomies eventually led to a permanent remission. She is symptom free 4 years after the event. Phlebotomy every 4--6 weeks is the only actual treatment.


[Lactoferrin levels in pure pancreatic secretion of chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)].

As compared to 20 controls, 14 patients with chronic pancreatitis showed a significantly higher lactoferrin level in pure pancreatic secretion. The determination of lactoferrin levels in pure pancreatic secretion is an important parameter in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.


[Intervention: a survey in Switzerland].

Medicine is always in some way an intervention. In old age one can usefully divide the rehabilitation intervention action in the following three groups: 1. The preventive rehabilitation by still healthy elderly persons to prevent the changes of old age. 2. The general rehabilitation by each elderly and ill person to keep the stay in bed as short as possible and to improve the independence of the patient and 3. the purposive rehabilitation by certain illness (hemiplegia) which mostly needs an entire treatening team. The rehabilitation keeps certain rules but it has to be individualised for each patient. Further the predominant principles are quoted, even though incomplet, after which the medical and social arrangements and services are bild on.


[Intervention methods in the practice of gerontology; the Geneva experience].

The definition of intervention: modifying the course of events - can be both a challenge or an invitation to criticism. The real question in geriatrics is what should be done - not what can be done. In our article we have tried to describe our geriatric action in Geneva. Multidisciplinary services, an attempt at integrated psychiatry, the geriatric hospital and day hospital are described. The new programs include patient discussion groups, instructions for medical students, for doctors, staff, volunteers, and a nurses dossier. Most important is the intervention of the aged subject himself - the help the young aged can give to the old aged with proper training and direction.


[Intervention measures in the Netherlands].

The authors begin with an overview of the policy measures for the aging dutch population from a behavioral and social scientific point of view. They describe these measures chronologically. It appears that first the basic needs (income and health) received the most attention, followed by (public) health and housing. The last area to receive attention was the social-cultural development of the individual older person. In the second part the concept of intervention is discussed. Every measure can not be interpreted as intervention. Many measures are a necessary answer to real problems. But their impact is not directly to change the roots of the ageing fenomenon. In the last part the authors discuss the conditions for a realistic strategy of intervention. These conditions concern not only the definition of old age, but also the attitude toward old age. A life-span outlook in students, as well as in adults and older people, bridges the gap in attitudes between young-adult and the adult-old people. Examples for educational systems from the University of Nijmegen are given.


Topographic analysis of AChE-positive Renshaw elements: a light- and electronmicroscopic histochemical study on the morphological basis of recurrent inhibition.

Light and electron microscopic structures of Renshaw elements as the morphological basis of the recurrent inhibition were studied by means of the histochemical localization of AChE. Renshaw elements were identified as periodically repeating bulbous dendritic dilatations of AChE-negative interneurons, equipped with numerous AChE-positive motoneuronal axon collaterals. Cumulative patterns obtained by analyzing consecutive sections from segment L5 of the cat spinal cord show that the area of the most frequent occurrence of Renshaw elements nearly coincides with the dendritic arborization of the 3. type interneuron described by MATSUSHITA. The role of the Renshaw elements in recurrent inhibition is supported by the fact that they occur in largest number in those areas of the ventral horn where the Renshaw inhibition can be elicited electrophysiologically.


[Intervention possibilities in the geriatric rehabilitation clinic].

Aged people often are incapable to get on with their homes, for instance with the use of the bathroom, WC, and the kitchen, especially after illness. The author listet the most important localities of problems and difficulties, and proved the therapeutical ways suitable for geriatrical and reha-hospitals to make aged people fit for living at home. The outcome of these researches and the results of working on this base during one year are reported.


[Intervention possibilities in the geronto-psychiatric department of a psychiatric hospital].

There are three possibilities of intervention for the gerontological departments of the great hospitals of mental health. While as a first step the medical and psychiatric first aid is given in the admission departments, special departments for rehabilitation and daycare offer as well programs for social training, such as cooking, shopping, traffic lessons, contact to offices etc., which accelerate the resocialisation of mentally handicapped old people. From the participation of the patient in a list of activities we gain hints to the possible result of rehabilitation. Ambulance and visits of a psychiatric consultant in the institutions of the local care for the aged complete the therapy program in the part of prevention and after treatment.


Morphology of muscle fibres in amphibian submandibular muscle.

The microscopic organization and ultrastructure of the submandibular muscle of 10 species of Amphibia were compared. Among other fibre features the diameter of fibres, their content of mitochondria and fat, organization of sarcomeres: morphology of Z-line, M-band and sarcoplasmic reticulum were taken into consideration and 4 main types of muscle fibres were distinguished. They correspond to tonic (slow) and phasic (red, white and intermediate) ones. Slight variety of fibre morphology and of fibre elements among the examined species was found. Special attention to the variety of fibre morphology among the established types has been paid and the existence of continuous "spectrum" of fibres was suggested. The correlation of frequency of fibres of particular types with the body size, gular oscillation frequency, and some other characteristics of the submandibular muscle in the examined species was discussed. Also the zonal arrangement of muscle according to the fibre types, as well as possible dynamic nature of muscle fibres were emphasised.


Ultrastructure of the cell group X of Onuf in the cat sacral spinal cord.

The cell group X of Onuf, originally described in humans, is identifiable in the cat at the ventrolateral margin of the ventral horn in the S1-S2 cord level. This nucleus is composed of medium-sized, oval neurons which were arranged longitudinally. Ultrastructurally, the most unique feature of this nucleus are the extremely well-developed longitudinal dendritic bundles in which more than 1500 dendritic profiles were counted in a single plane of the transverse section. In the dendritic bundles there are dendro-dendritic direct appositions without specialized structures and with desmosome-like contacts. However, gap junctions were not found. The group X neurons possessed many axo-dendritic synapses whereas axo-somatic were only infrequently encountered. In addition, dendritic crest synapses were rarely observed. The significance of the large dendritic bundles and the possible role of the cell group X are discussed in relation to somatic as well as autonomic motoneurons.


[Synapses of the superior cervical ganglion of the white rat].

In the complexe system of synapses in the white rat's superior cervical ganglion, authors show the existence of: 1 - somato-somatic neuronal synapses 2 - somatic synapses between S.I.F. cells 3 - recurrent auto-synapses They moreover mention widening of synaptic cleft of the synapses between S.I.F. cells and their processes.


[The effect of Solcoseryl on explant cultures of the hippocampus].

Explants of hippocampus from fetal rats were cultivated in Maximow chambers in semisynthetic medium up to 12 days in vitro. The cultures were fixed Bouin, slided 15 micron, coloured with Klüver-Barrera and some morphological parameters were tested. 1. The nerve fiber index increased by influence of 1% Solcoseryl in relation to control cultures, which growed in minimal medium. An essential stimulation was observed by application of placentar serum and embryonal extract into the culture medium. 2. Die decrease of the number of neurons and glial cells per unit of area and a small decrease of the area of neuron nuclei was discussed in relation to the effect of the pharmacon Solcoseryl on O2- consumption. 3. Solcoseryl (firm Solco AG, Base) is an extract of calf blood. It can not substitute other tissue extracts.


[Intervention measures in the German Federal Republic-current state of services for the aged].

The paper outlines some determinants of the formation and present situation of the several kinds of services for the aged with regard to a broad concept of intervention. There are some obstacles for the idea of intervention: -the nearly uncontrolled growth of the number of places in homes for the aged, -the present situation of the medical system, -lack of trained staff, -lack of tools for assessment and evaluation. Nevertheless the disproof of the deficit theory of aging made a lot of people wait for practical suggestions in respect of intervention.


[Possibilities and limitations of treatment and care; psychotherapy, psychosomatic medicine and social therapy].

A short discourse describing the better known treatment modalities in the area of psychotherapy and psychosocial therapy is followed by an explanation of different areas of use (methods of implimentation, types of treatment-groups, and institutional as well as other relevant influences). This is presented with special regard to the situation in the Federal Republic of Germany (W. Germany). Worthy of special emphasis is the discrepancy between the existing needs for such treatment possibilities and the degree to which the need is fulfilled. This discrepancy is largely due to the prejudices and the lack of knowledge of such psychological supports among the elderly population and their families, as well as the remaining population; this is also the result of the discriminatory attitude of psychotherapists toward the elderly population.


[Intervention gerontology: remarks from the psychiatric viewpoint].

The american authors describe intervention as a preventive, especially behaviour therapeutic informed measure. It tries to influence the biographical development. Psychiatric care of need and psychiatric crisis demand a medical therapy on the up-to-date occasion or an institutional long-termed provision. Intervention programs contact themselves with the multidimensional disposition, ecological aspects, and permanent informations of concerned people and the persons of their environment.