Hepatic silver binding protein (Ag BP) from sparrow (Passer domesticus).

A silver binding protein (Ag BP) has been identified in the liver of sparrows administered a tracer dose of 110mAg. The protein as purified by gel-filtration shows a major absorption maximum at 260 nm and a minor one at 225 nm. It has a mol.wt of 9500 daltons and is stable when exposed to high temperature (64 degrees C for 15 min) as well as to acidic pH (2.2).


Modification by levo-propranolol of tremors induced by harmine in mice.

It has been recently reported that the levo isomer of propranolol possesses anti-serotonin properties in animals. Since harmine-induced behavioural changes in mice are reported to be mediated through central serotonergic receptors, an attempt was made to test whether 1-propranolol would also modify harmine-induced responses by virtue of its anti-serotonergic or anti-adrenergic property. The results indicated that l- and dl-propranolol inhibited central serotonin receptor mediated responses to harmine in mice, a finding that is analogous to other recent observations.


Modification of radiation-induced spleen weight changes in mice by 2-mercaptopropionylglycine.

It was found that the MPG partially protects the spleen against weight loss due to radiation, and exaggerates the compensatory reaction in the tissue during recovery. It is also concluded that MPG protects the stem cells in the spleen, which helps to restore the peripheral blood by extramedullary erythropoiesis.


Preliminary observations concerning the effect of dopamine on uranyl nitrate induced renal failure.

Dopamine infusion, when commenced 24 h after the insult, was ineffective in modifying the course of uranyl nitrate induced renal failure in rabbits.


Thioridazine and EKG anomalies.

Acute i.v. infusion but not daily oral administration of thioridazine-HCl in the dog produced EKG anomalies similar to those reported in psychiatric patients taking this drug. Lack of EKG effects after thioridazine-5-sulfoxide infusion and presence of anomalies after thioridazine at equivalent doses suggests further evaluation of the relationship between reported plasma levels of thioridazine and its ring-sulfoxide in association with EKG changes.


Effect of organophosphate pesticide Sumithion (Fenitrothion) on some aspects of carbohydrate metabolism in a freshwater fish, Sarotherodon (Tilapia) mossambicus (Peters).

A lethal (Lc50/48 h - 6 mg/l) concentration of the organophosphate (OP) pesticide Sumithion increased blood glucose levels and phosphorylase activity, but hepatic glycogen registered a fall which indicated that the observed hyperglycemia was due to breakdown of hepatic glycogen.


Failure to identify 'thrombocytolysin' (a spasmogenic factor released from platelets immunoreaction) with anaphylatoxin.

Horse platelets release an unidentified smooth muscle contracting substance after lysis by antiserum and complement. Since the active factor (thrombocytolysin) does not produce tachyphylactic response of the guinea-pig ileum it seems that it is not related to anaphylatoxins.


Cytochalasin D is able to mimic the effects of phalloidin on the rat liver.

Cytochalasin D induces a strong potassium release in the isolated perfused rat liver and leads to vacuolization of the liver parenchymal cells. These effects are similar to the action of phalloidin on the rat liver. Since phalloidin and cytochalasin act in a different way on microfilaments, it is suggested that any disturbance of the function of microfilaments can induce these effects.


Does an excess in liver proline increase the accumulation of collagen induced by carbon tetrachloride?

A 20-fold, diet-induced increase in liver proline does not result in an increased accumulation of hydroxyproline following chronic carbon tetrachloride administration.


An insect acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from compound eyes of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera).

The presence of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in the compound eyes of adult Triatoma infestans was demonstrated. The inhibitory activity was localized in the ocular pigments separated by disc gel electrophoresis. The inhibitor was selective against insect acetylcholinesterase, reversible, noncompetitive and heart stable.


Time courses and refractoriness of enhanced vascular permeability induced by histamine, serotonin and bradykinin in synovialis of the rat.

Enhanced vascular permeability induced in synovialis of the rat by histamine and serotonin lasts 5-15 min and that induced by bradykinin less than 5 min. Synovialis of the rat becomes refractory to the permeability effects of repeated doses of each of these substances in the hour following initial application.


Ultrastructural studies of Morris hepatoma cells reversely transformed by ginsenosides.

Ginsenosides, which were extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, induced well the development of subcellular organelles in cultured Morris hepatoma cells (MH1C1).


The effects of actinomycin D and chloramphenicol on the rat preimplantation embryos.

Actinomycin D and chloramphenicol, injected in the rat on day 3 or 4 of gestation, induce embryolethality and embryotoxicity. These effects are revealed on day 5 of pregnancy by reduced number of blastocysts and by decrease of mean blastomeres number.


Oxygen permeability of the chorion in relation to diapause termination in Bombyx eggs.

Oxygen permeability of the chorion of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, was measured in relation to embryonic diapause. It did not change appreciably when the eggs were freed from diapause by being kept under long chilling. This finding suggests that the increase in oxygen permeability of the chorion is not a pre-requisite for the termination of the diapause and resynthesis of glycogen from 2 polyols.


Neogenesis of functional hair follicles in adult mouse skin selectively induced by tumour-promoting phorbol esters.

Neogenesis of functional hair follicles in the tail skin of adult mice can quantitatively be demonstrated after long-term treatment with tumour-promoting phorbol esters. The ability to induce the formation of new hair follicles correlates with the hyperplasiogenic and tumour-promoting capacity of the phorbol esters. Hyperplasiogenic but nonpromoting phorbol esters do not lead to the formation of new hair follicles.


Experimental formation of podocytes in the parietal layer of the Bowman's capsule.

A metaplastic transformation of the parietal layer of the Bowman's capsule into podocytes is described in glomerular cysts induced by postnatal injection of methylprednisolone acetate to rabbits. Both the anomalous location of podocytes and their utility for the study of the biology of the cells are discussed.


Elimination and metabolism of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) by Xenopus laevis and other amphibians.

The elimination of (14C)-DMN after i.p. injection into Xenopus was measured, as was the metabolism in vitro of (14C)-DMN by liver from Xenopus and 9 other amphibian species. In view of its rapid elimination from the body and low rate of metabolism by Xenopus liver in vitro, DMN is unlikely to be toxic or carcinogenic in Xenopus.


Chromatin fluorescence by pyronin staining.

Human, chicken and mouse cells from different tissues show a bright red-orange fluorescence of the chromatin after staining with pyronin Y. The possibility that intercalation of the dye into double helical nucleic acids accounts for this fluorescence pattern is briefly discussed.


Divalent cation-phospholipid complexes and tumor growth inhibition.

Growth inhibition of DS sarcomas provoked by calcitonin treatment is accompanied by an increase of calcium and magnesium in the phospholipid fraction. Changes in tumor cell membrane characteristics reflected in ionic or molecular transport modifications seem to be involved in the growth impairment phenomenon.


Effect of testosterone and 17-beta estradiol on limb regeneration in the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens.

Gonadectomy, or injections of testosterone or 17-beta estradiol, had no apparent effect on the rate of regeneration or histological appearance of limb regenerates in the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens. Neither promotion, nor inhibition of limb regeneration was observed.


Intraperitoneal growth pattern of murine teratocarcinomas.

Ascitic teratocarcinomas showed a unique growth pattern, suggesting size regulation in the peritoneal cavity of syngeneic 129/Sv mice.


Chemotaxis is not a special case of haptotaxis.

Serum peptides containing classical anaphylatoxin (CAT) produce marked chemotatic orientation of human neutrophil granulocytes without modifying cell attachment to the substratum. Furthermore gradients of adhesion produced with gammaglobulins fail to induce morphological orientation of neutrophils. The results suggest that chemotaxis is not a special case of haptotaxis.


Increased incidence of lymphomas in survivors of the host-versus-graft syndrome.

When (SB)F1 spleen cells were injected into perinatal parental B strain mice a lethal runting syndrome was induced. The survivors showed a significantly increased incidence of lymphomas in old age. The tumors occurred much later and less frequently than in the reverse reaction, B leads to (SB)F1 GVHD.


Permeability of fresh and stored human erthrocytes to glycerol and its acylated derivatives.

The effect of copper ions on the permeation of glycerol and its mono-, di-, and triacetate derivatives was studied in fresh and stored erythrocytes. Permeability was unchanged with storage. Acylated glycerols permeate the cells mainly by non-facilitated mechanism, as their transport is almost unaffected by copper ions.


The boar-pheromone steroid identified in vegetables.

The steroid 5 a-androst-16-en-3-one, known as a boar pheromone, was identified in parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) and celery (Apium graveolens). Concentrations are in the range of 8 ng/g plant.


Two novel prolactin release-inhibiting 8 alpha-amino-ergolines.

Prolactin secretion inhibition and changes in striatal dopamine metabolism in rats were compared after the administration of 8 alpha-amino-ergoline CH 29-717 and 2 derivates. CQ 32-084 was similar to but less potent than CH 29-717, while 32-085, the l-methyl derivative, showed delayed dopaminomimetic effects.


Effect of orchidectomy and estradiol on acetylcholinesterase activity in rat brain areas and adenohypophysis.

Orchidectomy plus estradiol administration decreased acetylcholinesterase activity in the rat cerebral cortex and mesencephalon, while in the amygdala it was increased. In the adenohypophysis, orchidectomy increased enzyme activity, but subsequent estradiol treatment decreased it. The hypothalamus did not respond to either manipulation.


Effects of sham-pinealectomy, performed under white and red light, on the melatonin content of rat pineal glands.

Sham-pinealectomy, performed under different light conditons in newborn and adult rats, is followed by changes of pineal activity resulting in variations of melatonin content. The pineal glands of rats sham-operated under white light produce significantly less melatonin. In contrast, glands of rats operated on under red light show a melatonin content corresponding to that of intact rats. This result implies that normal white light causes a disturbance in melatonin production by a non-retinal pathway.


Determination of acetaldehyde in human blood.

A method for the determination of acetaldehyde in human plasma by headspace gas chromatography is described. Chloralhydrate, an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase, is immediately added to the blood sample to prevent a rapid disappearance of acetaldehyde in the erythrocytes.


The collagen substratum influences in vitro hatching and attachment of the mouse blastocyst in a serumless medium.

When a serumless medium is used for the in vitro growth and development of post-blastocyst mouse embryos, a collagen substratum causes a delay in the hatching from the zona pellucida. However, the collagen substratum is essential for blastocyst attachment and trophoblast cell outgrowth after hatching has taken place.


Services, policies and costs in U.S. abortion facilities.

Most hospital providers, in contrast to clinics, do not offer outpatient abortion services, abortion or contraceptive counseling or contraceptive prescriptions, and many require parental consent up to age 18. Many have limitations on the number of abortions, physician consultation requirements, have long waits for service and relatively high costs.


[Transformation of cortical functional systems during the process of motor habit formation and disruption].

Specific cortical functional systems with synphasic and coherent activities were revealed in the left hemisphere as reflecting the motor program by means of the topical specifics. Diminishing of the activity synchronous character in the precentral and prefrontal areas and its increasing in the precentral and parietal inferior areas occurred in the course of motor automatization, i.e. during reduction of conscious control over movements and promotion of the intrinsic feed--back.


[Changes in the bodies of trained and untrained subjects working to capacity and having different degrees of motivation].

In conditions of enhanced motivation trained subjects performed a greater work and untrained ones--a lesser work than under ordinary motivation. The most stable parameters in regard to working to capacity were as follows: heart rate, minute respiratory volume, amount of oxygen consumption, amount of exhaled CO2, energy expenditure, and oxygen pulse. The data obtained show that untrained subjects under ordinary and, particularly, enhanced motivation for working to capacity are able to mobilize a lesser amount of the organism's physiological reserves than trained people.


[Stress and fatigue].

Investigations into fatigue are very important for development of labour and sports physiology. Many occupations in modern industry do not often show apparent fatigue. This is the reason for the interest shown for occupational strain sgudies. Occupational strain has proved to have laws of optimum. In some occupational situations work is performed at a different than the optimum, level. It is important to take into consideration general and local strain as well as specific and unspecific components of strain. The fatigue level is a significant sign characterizing the occupational strain.


[Respiratory responses to different human movements].

Respiratory responses to different movements and postures become stabilized according to the respiratory-energy demands of the optimal way for task solution. Passive pedalling entails diminishing of electrical activity, the respiratory reactions at that being significantly higher than at resting but lower as compared to active work. With no circumstantial (sporting) stimuli, the increase of respiratory responses to muscular relaxation in the course of pedalling was as significant as the cardiac outflow volume. Maximal and minimal values of the blood pressure did not change. The circumstantial conditioned stimuli enhanced the respiratory responces both at resting and during passive pedalling.


[Participation of glucocorticoids in development and provisions for work capacity].

Physical working capacity of the adrenalectomized Wistar rats can be augmented to some extent by training. This is not accompanied by increased unspecific resistance or augmented content of liver glycogen. The trained adrenalectomized rats revealed heart hypertrophy and increased activity of Mg2+-activated actomyosine ATPase in myocardium. After the training the physical worcing capacity was lower in adrenalectomized rats than in thyroidectomized ones. The 5-day administration of hydrocortisone failed to increase swimming time in adrenalectomized rats provided a high dose of progesterone was injected simultaneously. This can be due to the competition between progesterone and glucocorticoids for the glucocorticoid cytoplasmic receptor sites. The data obtained suggest that the effect of glucocorticoids on the physical working capacity is associated with their action on the adaptive protein synthesis.


[Dissociation and consolidation of a motor habit in different emotional states].

Complex motor habit (swimming in breast stroke style) revealed dissociation of the inner (electromyography) and ambient (chronogram of swimming) structure in conditions of emotional tension and fatigue. Some emotional states, however, induced consolidation of the habit due to the range of sportsmen and their psychological readiness for competition. The variety of emotional states seems to induce a variety of effects on the inner and ambient structures of the formed motor habit.


[Changes in motor neuron excitability during the organization of voluntary movements].

In healthy subjects, H-testing revealed no specific changes of motoneuron excitability during the latency period of voluntary motor activity of movement agonist whereas the H-reflex was augmented prior to movements triggered by a sound signal, the augmentation being the result of the sound activating effect mainly (startle--response). Sharp augmentation of the H-reflex occurs at the beginning of agonist voluntary activation due to interaction between the reflex and the voluntary muscular activities (interaction of peripheral and supraspinal effects on the motoneurons).


[Studies on radioimmunoassays of TSH subunits (author's transl)].

In order to establish radioimmunoassay (RIA) systems for the determination of TSH subunits were carried out. Standard TSH supplied from MRC and standard TSH subunits from Calbiochem were identified to be highly purified by gel filtrations through a Sephadex G-100 column. Antibodies of TSH subunits supplied from Calbiochem bound to standard TSH subunits but not to other pituitary hormones except for TSH. Cross reactivity of anti TSH-alpha antibody to standard TSH was 0.000082, and that of TSH-beta to standard TSH was 0.000011. As the standard curve of each subunit and the displacement curve by TSH were parallel in each assay system, serum levels of TSH subunits were computed by the subtraction of the amount of TSH subunits which was overestimated by the cross reaction with native TSH in this assay system. Cross reactivity of anti TSH-alpha antibody to TSH-beta was 0.001, and that of anti TSH-beta antibody to TSH-alpha was 0.002. But in clinical studies, one TSH subunit was not greatly affected by the determination of another TSH subunit. Utilizing these standard TSH subunits, antibodies of TSH subunits and 125I-labelled TSH subunits obtained by the chloramine-T method, the RIA systems for measurement of serum TSH subunits levels without an extraction procedure were developed. In each RIA system of TSH subunit, a good dose response curve was observed in the range from 0.2 to 50 ng/ml of TSH subunits. Recovery and reproducibility of each RIA system were satisfactory. The serum levels of TSH subunits in 13 normal subjects, 12 patients with primary hypothyroidism and 7 patients with hyperthyroidism were determined by the RIA of TSH subunits. In 13 normal subjects, serum levels of TSH-alpha varied from an undetectable level (U.D.: less than 0.2 ng/ml) to 0.3 ng/ml, and those of TSH-beta varied from an undetectable level (U.D.: less than 0.2 ng/ml) to 0.8 ng/ml. In 12 patients with primary hypothyroidism, serum levels of TSH-alpha varied from U.D. to 4.9 ng/ml, and those of TSH-beta varied from U.D. to 13.6 ng/ml. In 7 patients with hyperthyroidism, serum levels of TSH-alpha varied from U.D. to 4.3 ng/ml, and those of TSH-beta were ranged U.D. From the above data, it is suggested that the direct RIA of serum TSH subunits is a useful tool for studying the roles of TSH subunits in peripheral blood.


[Early detection of congenital hypothyroidism by TSH radioimmunoassay using filter paper blood samples (author's transl)].

It has been reported that mental retardation due to congenital hypothyroidism can be prevented by early detection and early adequate replacement therapy. We have developed a radioimmunoassay for TSH using the dried blood spot and have started screening for newborn congenital hypothyroidism using a part of sample of the inborn metabolic error screening. (1) The dried blood spot TSH of 61,000 newborn infants was assayed in the first half of our screening and that of 74,505 newborn infants was assayed in the latter half of our screening. As a result, although we were not able to detect any cases in the first screening, we were able to detect 9 cases of congenital hypothyroidism in the latter screening. From the results obtained through our investigation of the thyroid function of these 9 infants, we confirmed that mild hypothyroidism can be better detected by the screening of TSH. (2) As to the program of the screening, we chose from the latter half of our screening all the samples in which TSH concentrations contained above 3 percent of each assay and were remeasured on the next assay. (3) As we confirmed that the sensitivity of measurement was increased at very low concentrations, when the volume of antibodies, radioisotopes and eluates used for each assay were decreased, we measured TSH successfully using two 3 mm discs. (4) As we can perform very simple screening by the 3 mm disc method, we are changing the screening method from that with 10 mm disc to one with two 3 mm discs. We intend to extend our screening, and will make every effort to prevent mental retardation due to congenital hypothyroidism.


Food security -- an insurance approach.

An adequate standard of nutrition at national and individual level is a basic -- and not wholly altruistic -- objective for mankind. Its ingredients are food production and distribution. Of these the latter is currently considered the more limiting, but fluctuations in the former -- over various geographical and time scales -- can be the overriding factor when national supplies are critical. Under these conditions the automatic operations of a legal mandatory food support system -- free from political strings or connotations of welfare -- would be advantageous. A system for providing a measure of food security, using insurance principles and based on a compromise between international stockpiling and direct financial subventions, is outlined in a recent publication of the International Food Policy Research Institute. Essentially it is a means by which the international community could contribute to the food security of food deficit, developing countries without having to create large buffer stocks and stabilize world grain prices. Extracts from this publication are given below.


The food situation and the child -- an overview.

World food production has increased in this decade by an estimated 2.5% per annum, but it is probable that up to 200 million children -- a quarter of those in the developing countries -- suffer from undernutrition. Expansion of food production alone is not likely to remedy the situation -- improved distribution at international, national and even family level is also required. The latter can be assisted by suitable development planning and food policy measures.


Reproductive goals and achieved fertility: a fifteen-year perspective.

A measure of underlying family size preference obtained for a sample of Detroit married women in 1962 is related to their fertility over a 15-year follow-up period. The data represent completed fertility. The I-scale preference measure used differs from the conventional single-valued statement of number of children wanted; it is a more fine-grained measure reflecting the respondent's utility for children as evidenced by her entire preference order. The scales are found to be consistently predictive of fertility over the 15-year prospective period, net of other variables usually associated with differential fertility. The results for the just-married sample, in which preferences and expectations are not confounded with the number of children already born, are particularly striking, with underlying preference much better than expected family size as a predictor of fertility over the entire reproductive cycle. The question of prediction for continuous and discontinuous marriages is discussed.


Change in worker/nonworker ratios for women.

Effects of age, birth year, and observation year on work behavior are estimated by minimum logit chi-square regression, using data from Current Population Surveys. Most of the observation-year effect is captured by indicators of the business cycle. Further, a model which permits the cycle effects to vary by age is preferred over any additive model. The ratio for young women is most depressed relative to that for older women when times are "good".


Residential segregation of Spanish Americans in United States urbanized areas.

Residential segregation among Spanish Americans, whites and blacks is measured in the 29 largest U.S. urbanized areas. Results show that Spanish Americans are much less segregated from whites than are blacks and are less concentrated within central cities. Spanish-white segregation also tends to be much lower in suburbs than in central cities, while back-white segregation is maintained at a high level in both areas. Segregation of Spanish Americans from whites is found to decline with generations spent in the United States. Finally, the relative proportion of Spanish who live in a central city and the relative number of Spanish who are foreign stock, are both highly related, across urbanized areas, to variations in the level of Spanish-white segregation.


Residential preferences, community satisfaction, and the intention to move.

This paper explores the role of size of place residential preference in the evolution of the intention to move out of the present community using data from the March 1974 NORC Amalgam Survey. People who prefer to live in a community having different size or location characteristics than their present residence are five times more likely to intend to move than those who have attained their preferred type of residence. Within these two groups, however, the particular configuration of current and preferred residence has no significant effect on the likelihood of intending to move. This finding justifies the creation of a simple dichotomous variable, preference status, contrasting these two groups. Community satisfaction and preference status are highly interrelated and each has an independent effect on intentions to move. Moreover, the effect of preference status on mobility intentions is somewhat larger than that for community satisfaction, indicating that residential preference plays a significant role in the decision-making process regarding migration.


A time series approach to forecasting Australian total live-births.

The relationship between classical demographic deterministic forecasting models, stochastic structural econometric models and time series models is discussed. Final equation autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models for Australian total live-births are constructed. Particular attention is given to the problem of transforming the time series to stationarity (and Gaussianity) and the properties of the forecasts are analyzed. Final form transfer function models linking births to females in the reproductive age groups are also constructed and a comparison of actual forecast performance using the various models is made. Long-run future forecasts are generated and compared with available projections based on the deterministic cohort model after which some policy implications of the analysis are considered.


Effects of thymus grafts in nude mice transplated with human malignant tumors.

The effect of neonatal thymus grafts implanted in nude mice previously transplanted with three different human malignant tumors - an adenocarcinoma of the colon, a malignant melanoma and a Burkitt's lymphoma - were studied. In all immunologically reconstituted animals tumord were rejected. Tumor rejection stated 2-3 weeks after thymus implantation, and was completed after 30-6 weeks. Histological examination of lymphoid tissues showed a correlation between immunological reconstitution and tumor rejection. The rejection process showed a characteristic histologic picture with 3 phases - an early, an intermediate and a late phase - these were similar in the three tumor types examined. The possible mechanisms of reconstitution and tumor rejection are discussed.


Cellular tumorigenicity in nude mice. Role of susceptibility to natural killer cells.

The athymic nude mouse is a useful animal model for assaying the neoplastic growth potential in vivo of animal cells transformed in vitro. Despite the demonstrated absence of thymus-dependent immunological functions, however, the nude mouse has now been shown to reject transplants of certain highly malignant heterologous tumors. In addition, a few transformed mammalian cell lines that exhibit all or most of the cellular phenotypes usually associated with malignancy fail to grow as tumors when injected into nude mice. In a continuing study to identify the in vitro phenotypes associated with tumor-forming ability in vivo, we investigated the role of cellular susceptibility to the naturally occurring, thymus-independent lymphocytes (natural killer or NK cells) in determining tumor induction by animal cells in nude mice. A representative collection of animal cells (ranging from normal human diploid cell strains to highly tumorigenic clonal cell lines, either transformed in vitro or derived from experimental tumors) was tested to see if the ability of cells to form tumors is consistently correlated with their susceptibility to NK cell-mediated lysis measured in vitro with splenic leukocytes from nude mice. If the physiological role of the NK cells in vivo were to recognize, and possibly to destroy, incipient tumor cells in situ, a direct association between cellular tumorigenicity and susceptibility to NK activity, might be expected. If, on the other hand, the formation of growing tumors by animal cells in nude mice depended on their ability to escape the cytolytic activity of NK cells, cellular tumorigenicity would be associated with cellular resistance to NK cells. Results obtained in this study failed to confirm either of these associations. Thus, cellular suscepbibility to NK cells, at least as determined by direct cytotoxicity assay in vitro, is not a useful predictive indicator of cellular tumorigenicity in nude mice.


Induction of macrophage lysosomal enzyme secretion by agents acting at the plasma membrane.

Cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages were shown to secrete the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (N-ac-Glu) in response to IgG-Sepharose and some other non-endocytosable particles without substantial release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase. The interaction with IgG-Sepharose was studied in some detail, and was shown to be time- and dose-dependent, and to leave the cells viable. Ovalbumin and glycine insolubilised on Sepharose did not induce secretion. By means of several control experiments, it was demonstrated that the IgG-Sepharose exerted its effects directly on the plasma membrane. Thus, normal macrophages can secrete in response to certain agents which act solely on the plasma membrane. This mechanism of induction of secretion is probably quite distinct from those previously established, which involve secretion during phagocytosis, during intracellular storage of phagocytosed materials or during pharmacological intervention by cytochalasin B.


In vitro effect of D-isoascorbic acid and betaine hydrate alone and in combination on normal and malignant cells.

D-Isoascorbic acid, an isomer of vitamin C, and betaine hydrate (quaternary amine) were found to inhibit mitoses of sarcoma 37, Ehrlich carcinoma, and L1210 leukemia cells in vitro. However, the combined effect of these compounds produced a greater inhibitory activity than when either was administered individually.


Piroxicam in the treatment of acute gout: a multicentre open study in general practice.

Twenty-nine patients with acute gout were treated with piroxicam (40 mg daily for 5 days) in a multicentre general practitioner study. Pain relief was noticeable within 4 hours of the first dose and thereafter proceeded steadily, together with the early relief of other symptoms associated with acute gout. The prompt relief of symptoms was accompanied by a fall in serum uric acid. Piroxicam was well tolerated, eight experiencing side-effects that were mainly mild and gastro-intestinal in nature. The drug seems to be highly effective and safe in the treatment of acute gout.


Cardiovascular effects of intravenous indoramin hydrochloride in man.

Haemodynamic effects of intravenous indoramin (5-20 mg) were measured in ten healthy volunteers. Slight falls in arterial and central venous blood pressures were noted but no significant changes in heart rate, right atrial pressure, cardiac output or derived values occurred, except for a fall in peripheral vascular resistance in three cases. An increase in skin blood flow to the feet was observed. An attempt was made to determine the mechanisms of these responses and it was concluded that the drug was an alpha adrenoceptor blocking agent which appeared to act preferentially on those receptors controlling blood flow to the skin of extremities.


A multicentre study examining the substitution of Trasidrex for the free combination of Slow-Trasicor and Navidrex-K.

A multicentre, open study of general practice patients with essential hypertension who were currently being treated with oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide was undertaken in which the patients were transferred to Trasidrex for 12 weeks. Weight, blood pressure, heart rate and side-effects were assessed pre-trial and at 4-week intervals. A global assessment was also made at the same time intervals. The mean serum potassium remained virtually unchanged after 12 weeks treatment with Trasidrex. Blood pressure control was marginally improved during the study and it is thought possible that better patient compliance might explain this. Trasidrex was tolerated equally as well as the free combination.


Amoxycillin for parenteral use: a pharmacological and clinical evaluation.

Pharmacological studies with intramuscular amoxycillin and intramuscular ampicillin were carried out in ten patients. Serum, urine levels, urinary recovery and renal clearance of intramuscular amoxycillin were similar to intramuscular ampicillin and to oral amoxycillin. The time to peak serum concentration was later for amoxycillin. Sputum levels were higher for amoxycillin. Amoxycillin intramuscularly was more painful than ampicillin in eleven out of thirty patients. The clinical response, evaluated in twenty-five patients was good and similar to ampicillin in our experience.


Clinical evaluation of amoxycillin in the treatment of syphilis.

Following demonstration of in vitro activity of amoxycillin against Treponema pallidum, a clinical research group was set up to study the effects of amoxycillin against various stages of syphilitic infection in men. A total of eighty-nine cases, fifteen primary, twenty-nine secondary, thirty late and fifteen adult congenital patients have been investigated. One hundred per cent effectiveness was recorded for primary and secondary syphilis; 66.7% for late syphilis and 60% success for adult congenital syphilis. In 10.4% of cases there was a transient elevation of SGOT and SGPT although it is not certain whether this was a reaction to the drug itself. There were three incidences of drug-related rash and two other minor side-effects. Amoxycillin is thus a safe and effective oral agent for the treatment of all stages of syphilis in man.


The symptomatic treatment of heartburn and dyspepsia with Liquid Gaviscon: a multicentre general practitioner study.

In a multicentre open study, Liquid Gaviscon was shown to give effective relief of heartburn and dyspepsia in over 82% of patients. Symptomatic relief was obtained during the day and at night-time and the treatment was as effective whether the patients had a short (0-4 weeks) or long (more than 1 year) history of problems.


The incidence of dipyrone-induced agranulocytosis in Greece during 1975.

A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted in Greece during 1975 to assess the incidence of agranulocytosis following treatment with dipyrone. Twenty-four cases of agranulocytosis were reported, of which fifteen were possibly associated with medication. If all fifteen cases are attributed to dipyrone, the incidence of agranulocytosis following treatment with this drug lies between one case in every 133,000 and one case in every 466,000 treatments.


The treatment of atrophic vaginal conditions with Ortho-Gynest: a pilot study.

A clinical study was undertaken, in twenty-four patients with atrophic vaginal changes, to assess the efficacy and the acceptability of treatment with Ortho-Gynesi vaginal suppositories, which have as their active constituent the naturally occurring substance oestriol. A regenerative effect on the vaginal epithelium could be objectively demonstrated by an increase in the proportion of superficial cells following treatment. Changes in the vaginal epithelium were accompanied by a diminution in the incidence of infection and inflammation. Subjective complaints such as dyspareunia, pruritus and kraurosis vulvae, which could also be ascribed to a relative oestrogen deficiency, responded well to treatment.


Study of 'Vivalan' in geriatric patients suffering from depression.

Twenty elderly depressed patients were entered into a study of Vivalan (viloxazine; 150-200 mg daily). Significant falls in Hamilton and Zung ratings occurred by Day 7 of treatment and further significant improvements were noted over the following 2 weeks. These changes were also reflected in global assessments. Headache was reported in six patients and nausea in three. Vivalan had no significant effect upon blood pressure and absence of anticholinergic side-effects proved an advantage in the treatment of elderly patients with depressive illness.


Activation of the progesterone receptor of rabbit uterus.

The influence of several parameters on the kinetics of activation of the progesterone receptor in the cytosol of rabbit uterus is described. The estimation of the proportion of activated receptor is based on the differential affinity of the activated and non-activated forms of the receptor for phosphocellulose. Under appropriate conditions binding to phosphocellulose can be used as a test of activation and gives results similar to those obtained with DNA--cellulose, or isolated cell nuclei. The kinetics of receptor activation is temperature-dependent and compatible with a first-order reaction at all temperatures tested. The thermodynamic activation energy of this reaction is 67.8 kcal mol-1. The progesterone receptor can be activated to various extents by increased ionic strength or by dilution of the cytosol with buffers of low ionic strength, and in all cases the activation follows apparent first order kinetics. At a concentration of 0.4 M NaCl, 70--80% of the receptor can be converted into the activated form. The activated and non-activated forms of the receptor appear to be in equilibrium. Salt-activated and heat-activated receptor can be transformed to a non-activated form by decreasing either the salt concentration, or the temperature of incubation. The rate of dissociation of the steroid from the activated form of the receptor is indistinguishable from that observed with the non-activated form, but the activated receptor is more thermolabile. Upon centrifugation on sucrose gradients there are no major differences in the sedimentation behaviour of the two forms of the receptor.


Experiences with pertussis vaccination in GDR.

Because of a high pertussis morbidity, compulsory vaccination with DPT-vaccine was started in GDR in 1964. The performing of vaccination for many years has led to a 60--100 fold decrease of morbidity. The well established system of medical care for mothers and babies and the high percent of children who spend their day in nurseries and kindergardens enables satisfying control of the vaccinees. The observed side reactions give no reason to abandon the DPT-Vaccination.


BCG vaccination of neonates, infants, schoolchildren and adolescents. Part I: Dose finding studies with BCG strain 1331 Copenhagen.

A BCG vaccine prepared from strain 1331 Copenhagen was given to newborns and infants in four logarithmically decreasing doses (expressed in VU = viable units): 25 X 10(4), 11 X 10(4), 5 X 10 (4), and 2.2 X 10(4). The efficacy of the vaccine was determined through the conversion rate (tuberculin skin test) with 2 and 10 T. U. of RT 23, AND 10 AND 50 I. U. of GT (Hoechst). The results indicated that the conversion rate is a function of the dose of VU of the vaccine, as well as of the units of tuberculin used for testing.


BCG vaccination of neonates, infants, schoolchildren and adolescents. Part II: Safety of a vaccine with strain 1331 Copenhagen.

The safety of the vaccine could be assessed by three different investigations: a) During the dose finding study (part I) the vaccine showed good safety in all concentrations employed concerning reactions at the site of injection; palpable lymph node enlargement was common. There was one case of suppurative lymphadenitis amond the 262 children who were given the vaccine in the highest concentration (25 X 10(4) VU). b) Subsequent trials in the course of 21 months, when high risk persons could be vaccinated, revealed a rate of this complication in the 1:1,000 range, no case was reported among older persons. c) After the official approval of the vaccine (10 - 30 X 10(4) VU/ml) in the FRG 1 supp. lymphadenitis among 5,000 vaccinated newborns can be calculated.


Poliomyelitis vaccination benefits--versus risk.

Paralytic poliomyelitis is a constantly rising problem in the developing world. It may take an insiduous endemic "infantile paralysis" behaviour exacting a high toll in the first few years of life, as in Ghana or Burma but on the other hand it may take the form of sudden extensive outbreaks of paralytic disease as in Argentina, Mexico or Malaysia. The developed world has controlled the disease by effectively immunizing a very high proportion of their populations, but those who have not been vaccinated are at risk even in countries with very high coverage, as has been noted in the Netherlands, Sweden, United States of America, etc. There is no reason to have a crippled paralytic child (or adult). Both the live and killed vaccines have been repeatedly shown to be safe and effective. The minute risk incidental to vaccination is more than one hundredfold smaller than the risk from the disease, not only in the developing world but in the developed world as well. Therefore, the question of which vaccine to use is of far less relevance than of how to increase effective coverage with any available vaccine. This does not mean that vaccine control should be relaxed. A health respect should be maintained for the polioviruses used as vaccine sources and great care must be exercised by those undertaking the manufacture or the administration of vaccine.


Benefits of immunization versus risk factors in tetanus.

The risk of tetanus is universal, but it depends on numerous factors (socio-economic, environmental and biological) which combine to determine the force of infection. Tetanus is a murderous and costly disease. Its morbidity has greatly regressed in industrialized countries (less than 1 case per 100,000, involving mainly aged persons). On the contrary, developing countries are still severely affected (10 to 50 cases per 100,000, involving mainly neonates and children). Tetanus vaccine is one of the most effective, best tolerated and least expensive vaccines. Vaccination is the main weapon for starting disease control in developing countries, and the only way of eradicating tetanus in developed countries. Whatever the socio-economic level may be, some evaluations show that immunization cost is approximately equal to avoided treatment and seroprevention expenditures. The essential benefit of vaccination is the prevention of death, suffering and disability.


Convulsions following oral polio immunisation.

Since the introduction of oral polio vaccine in 1962, 30 cases of convulsions were registered within 30 days after the immunisation in Hamburg. 29 further cases from the surroundings came also to our attention. The majority of these cases occurred within 8 days after the vaccination (44 cases), afterwards only single cases were recorded. 33 patients were males, 24 females (2 cases sex unknown). The majority of the patients had the postvaccinal convulsions between 7 to 36 months of age, a characteristic period for febrile convulsions. 28 patients showed a course typical for febrile convulsions. In some cases intercurrent infections (pneumonia, otitis media purulenta) could also explain the nerval reactions. In 11 cases encephalopathy or encephalitis (1 case due to mumps) had been diagnoses. 8 patients suffered later from a convulsive disorder. Between 1964 and 1974 165,000 children born in Hamburg, were immunised thrice with OPV. In this period 19 convulsions and 3 permanent convulsive disorders were observed (1 case per 8,600 vaccinees; 1 convulsive disorder per 55,000 vaccinees).


Mono- and polyneuritis after tetanus vaccination (1970--1977).

Due to the similarity of symptoms, 22 cases of mono- and polyneuritis after tetanus vaccination from our own records covering the years 1970--1977, as well as 6 additional cases taken from existing literature, are being analyzed. As expected, the number of male vaccinees exceede that of female vaccinees, the former being younger than the latter and women generally received less previous tetanus vaccination than men. Three out of four cases occurred during the summer season. The interval between vaccination and the first symptoms was shorter in mononeuritis than in polyneuritis. The prognosis of most cases was benign, irrespective of age, sex and tetanus vaccination history. Cases with delayed recovery only occurred during the summer months. In cases of polyneuritis it seems that the longer the interval between vaccination and the first symptoms, the slower the recovery. It has to be emphasized that the discussed cases of neuritis have to be viewed as extremely rare complications due to tetanus vaccine.


Measles and mumps immunization: benefit versus risk factors.

Measles and mumps are universal diseases that affect more than 90% of the population of most countries of the world. During the prevaccine era about 98% of young adults had serologic evidence of past measles infection. Although mumps infection was less prevalent, about 90% of persons were infected before they reached their 20th birthday. Before vaccines were available, measles and mumps were inevitable infections of childhood. Therefore, an assessment of the benefits and risks of immunization to prevent these diseases must also consider the consequences of naturally acquired measles and mumps infections.


Neurological complications following measles vaccination.

In Hamburg 18 cases of neurological complications following vaccination with live measles virus vaccine (including 2 cases of abortive encephalopathy) have been observed between 1971--1978. A causal connection was assumed in 14 cases, that means an incidence of 1 neurological complication per 2,500 vaccinees and an incidence of 1 abortive encephalopathy per 17,650 vaccinees. These results differ from studies of various countries which used the same vaccine strain (Schwarz). Clinical symptoms, age distribution and incubation period are demonstrated. The prognosis seems to be good; the risk of vaccination compared to the risk following original measles is between 1:10 (convulsions) and 1:18 (encephalopathy).


Vaccine induced mumps-like diseases.

Sixteen cases of parotitis and 2 cases of diabetes mellitus after mumps vaccination have been reported since the introduction of the live attenuated mumps vaccine in the F. R. Germany in the fall of 1976. Due to the post-vaccination incubation of 7 to 10 days, support is given to the assumption that these cases are vaccine induced and not coincidental wild virus infections. The diabetes mellitus cases, however, are too few to be included in this rational.


Farewell to smallpox vaccination.

Man's first attempt to immunize susceptibles against smallpox infection was by variolation, a practice which could be traced back several thousand years. The attempt obviously failed to control the disease until Jenner discovered the effectiveness of cowpox vaccine during the late 18th century. However, it took an additional 180 years until the current smallpox vaccine--a modification of Jenner's vaccine--became fully effective, in terms of quality and usage during the global smallpox eradication campaign. The campaign appears to be on the threshold of success, which could well mean extinction of one of the most dangerous pathogens from the natural environment. If this is verified, we may say farewell to routine smallpox vaccination. The paper discusses different measures taken to ensure the quality and the use of smallpox vaccine in the best possible manner during the eradication campaign and, on its completion, the fate of smallpox vaccination.


Benefit versus risk factors in prophylactic vaccination against rabies.

A reliable evaluation of the universally adopted post-exposure prophylactic treatment against rabies, initiated by Louis Pasteur, became feasible only sixty years after its world-wide application. Accumulated observations and data during that period revealed that vaccines currently used for that purpose were neither safe nor dependable in inducing protection against the invariably fatal disease. Thirty years of individual and internationally collaborative research has resulted in the discovery of a new type of vaccine and the adoption of a simple treatment procedure that is now confirmed to be both safe and practically with no failure in protection of man against rabies.


Vaccination against rubella in Britain: benefits and risks.

The benefits and risks of rubella vaccine differ with the programme of vaccination adopted. Programmes in which vaccine is primarily administered to girls aged 11 to 13 years are slow in achieving effects on the incidence of congenital rubella because of the 10 year delay between vaccination and peak child-bearing. In Britain an increase in the percentage of women rubella antibody seropositive and a fall in the numbers of pregnancies terminated for rubella have occurred following the introduction of vaccination for 13 year old girls in 1970. The majority of women will continue to be protected by the sturdy immunity elicited by natural infection occurring before vaccination. Programmes which vaccinate boys and girls before school entry aim to shield pregnant women from infection and are more rapid in effects. However, in such populations immunity becomes predominantly vaccine induced, while vaccination at an earlier age requires the immunity to be more durable. In general, reactions to rubella vaccine increase with the age of the vaccine. Nevertheless, there are few significant reactions to vaccine and for the individual vaccinee the risks of vaccination are low.


Success and failure of a rubella immunization programme.

A Rubella control programme was started in 1973 in Israel and aimed at: 1) the yearly immunization of all school girls aged 12; and (2) the rapid immunization of females 12 years old from the communal settlements. Both HEP77DE5 and Wistar RA 27/3 (WI-38) strains were used. A 5 year follow-up showed: (a) a vaccination coverage of 95%; (b) a seroconversion rate which approached 100% with persistent protective G. M.-antibody values; (c) about 15% of the females of childbearing age in the general population were devoid of Rubella HI antibody. During 1978 an extensive Rubella epidemic occurred in the general population 15-20% of whom were in the age group 15-44, whilst in the communal settlements no cases were observed in vaccinated people of the same age group.


Persistence of antibody titers after vaccination with rubella virus vaccine ("Cendehill" strain).

In 1967-1968 a trial of "Cendehill strain" rubella vaccine was initiated in a group of 3 to 22 year-old prescreened seronegative girls, most being between 8 and 16 years of age. Sera from the vaccinees were taken at regular intervals during a period of 8 to 10 years. The evolution of the antibodies was followed over this period. No antibody titer change was observed in 75 to 78% of the sera. A four fold increase was shown in 6 to 10% and a four fold decrease in 15% of the vaccinees. All sera still showed a positive titer at the end of the period. The importance of these results for the final objective of rubella vaccination will be discussed.


Immunization aginast tetanus with aluminium free-versus aluminium contain triple vaccine.

In order to discover if elimination of aluminium from the very effective triple vaccine gives an unsatisfactory immunity against tetanus, the following investigation has been performed. 47 children were immunized in 1968 and 1969 during the first year of life with 3 injections of aluminium free triple vaccine given with an interval of 4--6 weeks. The vaccine contained 10 Lf tetanus toxoid per dose. 8 years later, during 1976 and 1977, they were given boosters containing aluminium adsorbed Td with 4 Lf tetanus toxoid. The above mentioned group was compared with 29 children immunized in the 1950's in the same way but with aluminium adsorbed triple vaccine (13--19 Lf tetanus toxoid per dose). The booster with DT given 6 to 7 years later contained 8 Lf aluminium adsorbed tetanus toxoid. The serum content of tetanus antitoxin was determined before and after the booster. The result showed that the tetanus immunity was very satisfactory even though the basic immunization was performed with aluminium free triple vaccine.


Legal/ethical aspects of vaccinations.

Vaccinations have been and are a most successful instrument of preventive medicine. After the development of a vaccine, a few ethical and legal questions arise. Since field trials should be performed in those age groups which shall be protected--can children give an "informed consent"? Should the vaccination be compulsory or should it be recommended by public health authorities? Should there be a compensation for injuries related to immunisation? The possibility to develop new vaccines and the readiness of the population to cooperate in vaccination campaigns depends very much on a clear solution of those questions.


Benefits and risks of immunization against pertussis.

The benefit of pertussis vaccine in the control of pertussis is described in relation to the changes in incidence of pertussis during the past thirty years in the U. K. The current large epidemic of pertussis since November 1977 followed a decline in the acceptance of pertussis vaccine (DTP) from an average level of 70 to 80% of children in different areas in 1973 to less than 40% in 1976. The hazards of vaccine range from minor local to systemic (febrile) reactions. Convulsions, infantile spasms and more serious neurological illnesses have been described following inoculation. Serious neurological illnesses have been reported retrospectively and their causation in relation to pertussis vaccine inoculations is doubtful. They do not differ from similar illnesses in children of the same age which have developed without relationship to inoculations. Prospective studies of reactions in recently inoculated children are described. A national study of encephalopathy in babies and infants admitted to hospital in Great Britain is now taking place. Public acceptance of vaccine is hindered by publicity concerning the risks of vaccine and the need exists for improved health education concerning the merit of immunization.


Changes of risk and benefit in immunization against pertussis and tuberculosis.

In the case of infectious diseases with decreasing morbidity and mortality, the beneficial effects of vaccination should be reevaluated regularly with the help of special formulae. This procedure can be simplified by calculation of the epidemiologic trend and the so-called borderline risk Rlim, meaning the borderline number of complications when risks of the disease and risks of vaccination are equal. This method allows to estimate when the vaccination against a certain disease will lose its beneficial effect. A follow-up of the mortality of whooping cough in Austria leads to the conclusion that vaccination against whooping cough has lost its justification. In case of BCG vaccination the borderline mortality is not yet reached in Austria, although tuberculosis mortality and the number of prevented cases have decreased already to a very low level.


Adverse reactions after pertussis vaccination.

During 1970 to 1977 adverse reactions after pertussis vaccination were reported for 149 persons, 56% male and 44% female. Their symptoms permitted to divide the vaccinees into 2 groups, the first with more severe (S) and the second with other symptoms (O). No differences were observed in age and sex among the two groups. The interval between vaccination and appearance of first symptoms was longer for the O than for the S group. While less than one quarter of the reactions in the O group occurred after primovaccination, more than half of the S side effects were seen after the first vaccination. Further analysis of the S group revealed that all but two of their symptoms (fever and encephalopatht) corresponded to the hypoglycaemic syndrome. The consequences hereof are discussed with regard to prevention and therapy.


Developmental changes in normal cranial measurements by computed tomography.

Computed tomography (CT) scans were examined for 89 selected patients in an attempt to establish normal values at various ages for longitudinal and transverse diameters of the brain, the greatest distance between the right and left sides of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle, the width of the lateral ventricles in the region of the caudate nuclei, and the greatest width of the third ventricle. The patients' ages ranged from less than one year to over 40 years. These measurements and their ratios to one another are reported. The cerebral longitudinal fissure, Sylvian fissure and subarachnoid space were evident to some degree below the age of two years, especially below the age of one year, and again above the age of 40 years. The cortical sulcus was occasionally found to have a width of less than 1.9mm below the age of one year and above the age of 40 years.


Long-term outcome in children with temporal lobe seizures. II: Marriage, parenthood and sexual indifference.

One-hundred unselected children with clinical and EEG evidence of temporal lobe seizures were followed into adult life. Data related to marriage and reproduction are analysed. Female survivors, if not totally handicapped, are nearly all married; surviving males who are not totally handicapped more often remain single. Early remission of seizures in males is associated with marriage: seizures continuing through adolescence are associated with sexual appetitive indifference. The female probands have produced children at a rate three times greater than the male probands. The findings have implications for understanding the development of male secual appetite. The epidemiology and genetics of these forms of seizures must take account of much greater fitness on the distaff side of the pedigree. The likelihood of marriage and parenthood would appear to rest on a few biological factors usually recognisable before the end of childhood.


Basilar migraine in childhood.

The incidence and different presentations of basilar migraine are described in a series of 132 children (80 boys, 52 girls) presenting with recurring headache considered to be migraine. Basilar migraine occurred in 29 children, and a further 18 had minor symptoms compatible with but not diagnostic of this form. The course was most often benign, with infrequent, fragmentary attacks and little disability. Rarely, attacks were both severe and frequent, but even then the clinical pattern and outcome usually followed a similar course. Only two children (with the youngest ages at onset) have serious disability, with mental slowing and (in one) permanent neurological sequelae. The relationship between basilar migraine and the syndrome of alternating hemiplegia of infancy is discussed. Because of the limited present knowledge, it is suggested that rigid definitions of migraine should be avoided.


Effects of maternal drinking on neonate state regulation.

Sleep-awake state distribution during inter-feed intervals over a 24-hour period on the third day of life was investigated by means of a continuous non-intrusive bassinet sleep monitor. 31 infants were studied: 14 born to mothers who drank heavily throughout pregnancy (group A), eight whose mothers modified their heavy drinking (group B) and nine whose mothers never were heavy drinkers (group C). Over the 24-hour period, group A infants slept less than those in group B. In comparison with group C, group A infants had a larger proportion of quiet sleep episodes interrupted by awake or unclassified epochs, and were more restless, with more frequent major body movements. These pilot observations suggest that heavy maternal consumption of alcohol, when continued throughout pregnancy, is associated with a disturbance of sleep-awake state distribution. Successful therapy of heavy drinking during pregnancy may improve the physiological competence of the newborn to regulate sleep-awake states and facilitate interaction between mother and infant.


Incidence and effect of traumatic lumbar puncture in the neonate.

The incidence of non-traumatic, traumatic and unsuccessful lumbar punctures in 181 neonates was similar whether a needle with a stylet, a butterfly needle without stylet, or a standard venipuncture needle without stylet was used. Comparison of 20 lumbar puncture pairs in 17 patients showed that traumatic lumbar puncture does not result in a cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis between two and 13 days after initial traumatic lumbar puncture.


Development of flexion pyramidal signs in preterm infants.

Forty-two babies (20 boys, 22 girls) with birthweights from 800g to 2000g and gestational ages between 25 and 40 weeks were followed-up for several weeks with developmental tests and a conventional neurological examination. Here, only the flexion pyramidal signs are evaluated, i. e. downward flexion of the toes after percussion over the base of the metatarsals (Rossolimo's sign) and of the cuboid bone (Mendel-Bechterew's sign). These reflexes are signs of severe upper motor neuron lesion in children and adults, but also appear in normal newborns and disappear again until the 12th week of life. This study shows that the early response of FPS is  abduction of the toes and extension of the great toe from the 25th up to the 34th to 36th gestational weeks, when it becomes the normal downward flexion of all toes. This developmental course seems to be the same in healthy preterm babies and in small-for-dates babies.


Developmental progression in play behavior of children between nine and thirty months: II: Spontaneous play and language development.

The relationship between play behavior displayed in a structured play situation and language development was studied cross-sectionally in 85 children at eight age--evels between nine and 30 months. There were no correlations between types of play behavior, in particular functional play (appropriate use of objects on the child's own body), representational play (appropriate use of objects on a doll or another person), or symbolic play (substitution of present objects for absent ones) and speech measures such as total number of words and of vocalizations, number of different words and different vocalizations, and number of sentences. Identification of objects upon verbal request was not related to any type of play behavior, but comprehension of verbal requests for functional or representational play was postively correlated with the display of functional or representational play. The children did not respond to verbal requests for functional or representational play unless these types of play behavior were part of their spontaneous play repertoire. Understanding of prepositions seemed to be related to spatial concepts expressed in play behavior, such as container play or arranging chairs around a table and setting the table.


Independence of reading and spelling in backward and normal readers.

To investigate how backward readers spell and the connections between their spelling and their reading, a large group of backward readers and a comparable group of normal readers were given the same words to read and spell. The two skills were surprisingly separate in both groups, in that the children could read words which they did not spell and spell words which they did not read, although the discrepancy was greater in the backward readers. Further analysis suggested that both groups used a phonological cues in spelling more than in reading. This suggestion was supported in a second experiment, in which encouragement to use phonological cues changed the children's reading patterns.


A comparison of hand growth in elementary schoolchildren in Czechoslovakia and the United States.

Studies have been made of the growth patterns of hands of elementary schoolchildren in Czechoslovakia (1707 children) and in the United States (1641 children). This paper compares the results of these studies and summarizes the patterns of growth for both hands of boys and girls aged from five to 12 years. The results indicate that the United States children generally have shorter and wider hands than their Czech counterparts. In both countries, boys have wider hands than girls, although there is evidence that at ages 11 and 12 years the girls' hands are longer. Growth spurts in both width and length measurements are apparent in children's hands in both countries, but the spurt often occurs at an earlier age in Czech children. Awareness of these general patterns of hand growth should be of assistance to the hand surgeon.


Vertical hydrocephalus: report of three cases.

Three cases of 'vertical' hydrocephalus are described, characterised by absence of the bones of the skull vault, progressive vertical soft-tissue growth of the head, and normal occipito-frontal head circumference. The management of the condition by ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is discussed, and a theory proposed as to the causation of this unusual condition.


An epidemiological study of cerebral palsy in Western Australia, 1956-1975. I: Changes in total incidence of cerebral palsy and associated factors.

Patterns in the incidence of cerebral palsy are described over a 20-year period in Western Australia. The incidence rose to a peak between 1966 and 1970, then fell again. This pattern was particularly marked in the spastic syndromes and was seen in both sexes, in each maternal age and parity group, in each IQ group, in both multiple and single births, and in infants born in metropolitan (but not rural) areas. Improvement was more marked in heavier than in lighter infants. Since 1968 the male rate has fallen more quickly than that for females. The risk of cerebral palsy with high maternal age declined, but it remained high in relation to high parities. There were marked reductions in the proportions of older and higher-parity mothers in Western Australia over the study period, and in the proportion of multiple births. There was also a shift toward heavier babies from 1968 to 1975. Social-class information was not available. The data indicate that factors in addition to changes in perinatal care were operating to improve neonatal outcome in terms of long-term handicap in Western Australia.


Baroreceptors in preterm infants: their relationship to maturity and disease.

Using passive tipping to a 45 degrees head-up position, an attempt was made to elicit reflex vasoconstriction in 13 non-distressed preterm infants and 27 infants with hyaline membrane disease, all between 26 and 38 weeks gestation. An increase in vascular tone associated with a significant reduction in peripheral blood-flow was found in 11 of the 13 non-distressed infants, while the same response was lacking in 23 of the 27 distressed infants. No infant demonstrated significant tachycardia with tilting, and the non-distressed infants failed to maintain their mean aortic blood-pressure during tilting. The results suggest that reflex control of vascular tone is present in non-distressed infants as early as 26 weeks gestation, but not in infats with hyaline membrane disease, possibly because of a maximal increase in vascular tone as a response to illness. This is indicated by the findings of significantly higher resting peripheral vascular resistance and lower peripheral blood-flow in infants with this diesease.


The response of neonates to intra-uterine sounds.

Playing prerecorded intra-uterine sounds to newborns reportedly soothes the babies. This study investigates this claim, particularly because of its promise for identifying neonates with severe hearing losses. 60 babies, up to eight days old, were observed individually under two conditions. In one, activity was rated on the Brazelton scale before and during presentation of intra-uterine sounds. In another, similar ratings were made but no sounds presented. The results indicate that intra-uterine sounds calm 90 per cent of babies who are fussy or crying but have no evident effect on babies who are awake but merely alert or who are slightly drowsy. These findings are discussed and improvements in procedure are suggested for use of intra-uterine sounds in routine screening for severe neonatal hearing loss.


Changes in clinical presentation of term infants with intracranial hemorrhage.

The clinical course and outcome of eight term infants with intracranial hemorrhage are reported. Before computerized tomography became available, term infants with intracranial hemorrhage were usually diagnosed only at autopsy and the hemorrhage was associated with a trauamtic birth or severe asphyxia. In contrast, since the availability of computerized tomography, term infants with a diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhave have a non-traumatic delivery, present with seizures, and survive.


Gait electromyography in normal and spastic children, with special reference to quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles.

Telemetered gait electromyography was used to investigate gait patterns and the phasic behavior of the quadriceps femoris and medial hamstring muscles in 26 normal children and 32 children with spastic cerebral palsy. The average child with spastic cerebral palsy was found to have a shorter stance phase than the normal, but the cadence, while more variable, was nearly the same as normal. The spastic muscles typically exhibited prolonged phasic activity or a dysphasic pattern. Most of the patients with spastic hamstrings also had spastic quadriceps, suggesting that over-weakening the hamstrings may produce an unwanted genu recurvatum or hyperextended knee gait. Care must be taken to balance hamstring spasticity with quadriceps spasticity. A final result with slight knee flexion is preferable to hyperextension.


Natural history of the dislocated hip in spastic cerebral palsy.

A review was made of 88 adult institutionalized patients with spastic cerebral palsy and contractural deformity of the hips. 21 were untreated for dislocated hip, and 11 of these suffered from hip pain. The degree of pain was directly related to neurological maturity and to the coexistence of athetosis and spasticity. Decubitus ulcers and perineal care problems were more associated with contractures than with dislocation alone. It is concluded that dislocation and subluxation should be prevented by surgical means, but that surgical treatment of the already dislocated hip should be reserved for the neurologically mature and athetoid patient.


Long-term use and discontinuation of methylphenidate with hyperactive children.

The long-term effects of methylphenidate on the behavior and academic functioning of hyperactive children are described. 36 children having a positive response to methylphenidate entered a three-year follow-up study in which they were closely monitored physically, behaviorally and psychometrically. During this period 13 children spontaneously discontinued medication: there were no statistically significant differences between them and the children who continued medication in terms of age, IQ or ratings at initial interview. The greatest improvement in performance occurred in the early months of treatment, but was only partially maintained during long-term therapy and little further change occurred after medication was discontinued. The findings indicate that sustained improvement is related to factors other than continued medication, and they suggest that drug therapy should be regarded as a short-term intervention until more positive social and school behavior can be established.


Differentiating minimal brain dysfunction and temperament.

After referral to a pediatric neurologist for problems in behavior and learning, 61 children aged from three to seven years were assigned to one of four diagnostic groups: (1) minimal brain dysfunction (MBD); (2) hyperactivity; (3) learning disability; and (4) other criteria. Their temperament profiles were determined by the Behavioral Style Questionnaire. The disproportionately large number of children with more difficult temperament diagnoses in the referred population indicates that teachers and physicians may have mininterpreted a less adaptive behavioral style as evidence of neurological dysfunction. Those diagnosed clinically as having MBD were less adaptable, less persistent, more active and more negative than the control population. This suggests that MBD overlaps with difficult temperament. Children in the other three groups were temperamentally similar to the MBD group, which raises doubt about the advisability of diagnosing MBD on the basis of behavior alone. A comprehensive neurobehavioral profile is necessary to separate clearly the various factors contributing to problems in school performance.


Training physicians in communication skills.

Communication skills are a vital part of physicians' activities, so it is important that they receive appropriate training and experience in these skills, particularly as they relate to emotionally difficult situations such as dealing with death or severe disability. Experience in the Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, has demonstrated that videotaped simulated interviews, with immediate play-back, may be an effective method. The videotapes showed that there were frequent errors in communication.


The connection between different verbal difficulties in a backward reader.

The case is reported of a body of normal intelligence who is backward in reading and had associated difficulties in verbal expression, auditory sequential memory and visual association. The major problem seemed to be an inability to recall appropriate words. To aid efficient retrieval, words of personal interest were used, which were made tangible by means of plastic script letters. Progress had been made with these methods and it is suggested that remediation may be misdirected if the primary language retrieval problem is overlooked in such cases.


Problems in the behavioural treatment of self-injury in the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

The results are described of a behavioural programme designed to modify self-injurious behaviour of a child with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The treatment combined extinction of the injurious behaviour and reinforcement of alternative behaviour, and was successful in the controlled hospital environment. However, an attempt to teach the parents to continue the treatment at home failed. The results are discussed in terms of the possible relationship between organic and environmental factors in maintaining the injurious behaviour, and the importance of analysing both the behaviour itself and the factors (including familial) maintaining it. It is suggested that parents should be advised about management of behavioural problems at an early age.


Paroxysmal hemipareses in childhood.

The authors report three patients suffering since infancy from transient attacks of paresis. The flaccid pareses most frequently affect the extremities in a hemiplegic fashion, but occasionally there is monoparesis or quadriparesis. The laterality and degree of the paresis are variable. Conciousness is always preserved, and in two cases attacks were preceded by ocular motor disturbances (skew deviation, nystagmoid jerks and conjugate deviations). Exceptionally, the transient hemiparesis may be preceded by a grand mal epileptic fit, though they are more likely to appear sporadically and independently of the paretic changes. In the interparoxysmal periods the children showed pronounced hypotonia, hyperkinetic extrapyramidal features and oligophrenia. Neuroradiological procedures have excluded brain anomalies of vascular or other aetiology and simple biochemical analyses were negative. EMG during paretic periods have revealed central motor neuron lesions, while EEG demonstrated non-specific paroxysmal features. A brain-stem dysfunction in the aetiology is postulated.


[Atrial myxoma. Clinical, diagnostic, surgical and pathological features of 13 subjects (author's transl)].

The clinical, surgical and pathological features of 13 patients (3 males, 10 females) with cardiac myxoma are reported. Eleven masses were situated in the left atrium and 2 in the right one. The incidence of signs and symptoms usually ascribed to cardiac myxoma is evaluated. Particular emphasis is given to embolization phenomenon which occurred in 3 patients with villous-surfaced tumors. The results of phonocardiographic, echocardiographic and isotopic angioscintigraphic examination are illustrated and the use of these incruent investigations is highly recommanded. Final diagnosis may be achieved by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography. Successful surgical excision was carried out in 12 patients. Structural profile of atrial myxoma is discussed. Particular attention is given to the surface of the tumors (smooth or villous), to the pseudovascular structures on the light microscopy and to the endotelial like features, together with secretory activity of the myxoma cells, on the electron microscopy. The morphologic findings support the neoplastic origin of the myxoma. The distinction between embolization and malignant metastasis is underlined.


[Ebstein's malformation. Report of 9 cases surgically treated (author's transl)].

Nine patients with Ebstein's malformation have undergone surgical repair since 1971. Their ages ranged from 10 to 49 years. Two patients were in functional class II and six in III. Dysrhythmias were indicators for operation in the remaining patient. All patients underwent prosthetic valve replacement. Other procedures included atrial septal defect closure in eight and plication of the atrialized ventricular segment in four cases. Three patients died during the postoperative period. Three patients died during the postoperative period. Functional classification improved in five of the six operative survivors. The multiple aspects of the clinical features, the different surgical management and the variability of results are explained by the wide range of morphologic and functional aspects of the malformation.


[Surgical treatment through embolectomy of embolism of the superior mesenteric artery (author's transl)].

The Authors present four cases of embolism of the superior mesenteric artery treated surgically, with satisfactory results, through embolectomy with Fogarty's catheter. The Authors affirm the necessity of always following this type of intervention, given its simplicity and the high rate of mortality of non treated embolism. Some anatomical and physio-pathological considerations are remembered and diagnostic and surgical promptness are recommended.


[Verapamil and torsade de pointe (author's transl)].

A long QT syndrome is described, followed by "torsade de pointe" that is ascribed to an hypopotassemia in a patient submitted to administration of prenylamine, vincamine, digitalis and furosemide. The efficacy of verapamil i.v. is related.


[Diagnostic use of myocardial scintiscanning with thallium-201 in myocardial infarct].

Myocardial scintigraphy shows to have diagnostic ability after latest proposal to use Thallium-201. Thus we verified its iconographic effectiveness in 10 normal subjects and 25 patients with myocardial infarction variously localized. In both groups we obtained adequate and expressive results: the former showed omogeneous images and continuous outlines, whereas the latter showed "cold areas" in agreement with the localization provided by electrocardiography. The further utilization of myocardial imaging with Thallium-201 in 2 patients with prior infarction, in whom present ecg is equivocal, provided scintigraphic evidence of prior necrotic lesion. This emphasizes diagnostic sensitivity of myocardial scintigraphy with Thallium-201 encouraging its use in those patients in whom electrocardiography is not able to give its usual diagnostic contribution.


[Clinical and hemodynamic effects of disopyramide phosphate administered i.v. in cardiopathic subjects (author's transl)].

The antiarrhythmic action of disopyramide (1.5 mg/Kg) administered i.v. as a bolus was assessed in 30 patients with ischemic heart disease and different arrhythmias. In 75% of supraventricular parossistic tachycardia and in 75% of parossistic atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia was interrupted within few minutes from drug injection; in 90% with premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and in 100% of ventricular tachycardia, disopyramide was capable to interrupt the arrhythmias. The hemodynamic effects of the same dose of disopyramide were evaluated in other 17 patients, 9 of which in I-II class NYHA and 8 in III-IV class. We used STI's as parameters of cardiac performance. In all patients following the injection of disopyramide, a significant increase of PEP, ICT and PEP/LVET ratio and a significant decrease of LVETc were observed. Thus, the disopyramide impaired cardiac performance and its effect appeared more evident in patients in III-IV class NYHA. In conclusion, disopyramide showed to be effective in interrupting different arrhythmias; however, its depressant action on cardiac performance suggests that caution should be used in patients with severely impaired myocardial function.


[Massive pulmonary thromboembolism: medical or surgical treatment?].

Anticoagulant-thrombolytic therapy and surgery, remain the topics of recent advances in the treatment of pulmonary embolism. The Authors have treated 3 patients with anticoagulant-thrombolytic therapy, and 14 patients with pulmonary embolectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. By this experience, they suggest an indication for medical or surgical treatment for pulmonary embolism.


Characteristics of two cell lines (TE-1 and TE-2) derived from human squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Two epithelial cell lines (TE-1 and TE-2) have been established from a well or poorly differentiated human squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. TE-1 has been subcultured 120 times during 2 years and 10 months, and TE-2, 50 times for almost 2 years. Cultured cells grew as isolated and piled-up colonies of epithelial cells. The average doubling time of the TE-1 cell line was 60 hr and that of TE-2, 72 hr. Distinctive marker chromosomes and a male karyotype were present in TE-1, but no marker chromosomes were seen in TE-2. Scanning electron microscopic examinations of both TE-1 and TE-2 confirmed the presence of desmosomes and interdigitated microvilli. Transmission electron micrographs of TE-1 showed the presence of abundant cell organelles, and a few organelles were found in the scanty cytoplasm of TE-2. There was a marked difference in the cell organelles between TE-1 and TE-2. Heterotransplantation of the cultured TE-1 and TE-2 cells produced tumors, the histological appearance of which was similar to that of the original ones. The carcinoembryonic antigen level of the medium in the confluent culture of TE-2 was 270 ng/10(6) cells. In the cytoplasm of TE-1 cells the number of paracrystals, which were produced by treatment with vinblastine sulfate, increased by the addition of cholera toxin to the medium.


Cytotoxic, cell agglutinating, and syncytium forming effect of purified lectins from Ricinus communis on cultured cells.

The toxicity of lectins from castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), ricin-D, ricin-E, and castor bean hemagglutinin, was investigated on five cultured cell lines. The differential effect of their constituent polypeptide chains was also investigated using these cell lines. Ricin-D, ricin-E, and castor bean hemagglutinin (CBH) possessed cytoagglutinating activity and cytotoxic activity to all five cell lines. These lectins showed the strongest toxicity to L5178Y cells, which are leukemic cells. The toxic activity of ricin-D was stronger than that of CBH in all cell lines. The constituent polypebtide chains of ricin-D and CBH were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and designated as isoleucine chain and alanine chain denoted by their N-terminal amino acids. Only alanine chain of ricin-D was toxic to cells grown in vitro, whereas isoleucine chain of ricin-D and alanine chain of CBH were not toxic to the cells. Moreover, it was found that both lectins caused syncytium formation in NIH3T3 cells infected with Moloney leukemia virus and this cell fusion activity was shown to be exclusively associated with the alanine chain. Cytotoxic, cell agglutinating, and syncytium forming effect of the lectins is due to binding of the alanine chain of ricin-D to galactose-like residues of the membrane constituents of these cells.


Radio-iron uptake of rat hepatoma.

Iron uptake rate of the tumor tissues of the rat liver was compared with that of the nontumor tissues of the same rat liver. Ferric[59Fe] citrate was injected to rats bearing hepatoma induced by the administration of diethylnitrosamine. The tumor and nontumor tissues were enucleated from the liver and radioactivity (cpm/10 mg tissue) of the individual tissue was calculated to estimate the iron uptake rate of the tissue. Eleven rats were finally available for the study. Population mean of radioactivity of the tumor group was larger than that of the nontumor group when examined 6 hr after the injection, so far as the specimens of both groups were sufficient in number, more than 19. The variance of radioactivity of the tumor group was always larger than that of the nontumor group, probably in part due to cytological and histological varieties of the tumor tissues. These results suggest that the tumor tissues can take up more iron than the nontumor tissues.


Role of tumor thromboplastin in the mode of distribution of metastatic foci in the lung.

Crude tumor cell extract from rat ascites hepatoma AH130 revealed a high thromboplastic activity. Intravenous injection of the extract caused widespread thrombus formation in the capillaries, arterioles, and arteries of the lung. Intravenous inoculation of AH130 after an injection of the tumor cell extract produced metastatic foci in the larger arteries, compared with the case injected with only AH130 which developed metastatic foci mainly in and around the alveolar septa. These results suggest the role of tumor thromboplastin material in the mode of distribution of metastatic foci in the lung.


Effect of phenobarbital on induction of liver and lung tumors by dimethylnitrosamine in newborn mice.

The effect of phenobarbital on simultaneous induction of liver and lung tumors was examined in inbred DDD mice. Group 1 of newborn mice received a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) and after weaning they were given 0.05% phenobarbital solution to drink. Group 2 received an injection of DMN like Group 1 but were then given normal water. Group 3 were injected ip with 0.9% NaCl solution and then given phenobarbital solution to drink as in Group 1, and Group 4 were injected with 0.9% NaCl solution like Group 3, and then given tap water to drink. The animals were examined 16 weeks after birth. In Group 1, 27 of 35 mice (77%) had liver tumor and 15 (43%) had lung tumor. In Group 2, 8 of 24 mice (33%) had liver tumor and 16 (67%) had lung tumor. Animals in Groups 3 and 4 did not develop tumors. The difference in the incidences of liver tumor, but not lung tumor, in Groups 1 and 2 was statistically significant (P less than 0.01); that is, a promoting effect of phenobarbital was observed in induction of liver tumor, but not lung tumor.


Histopathological changes induced in the urinary bladder and liver of female BALB/c mice treated simultaneously with 2-naph-thylamine and cyclophosphamide.

The effect of 2-naphthylamine and cyclophosphamide on the urinary bladder and liver of female BALB/c mice was investigated. The bladder mucosa of mice treated with 2-naphthylamine alone for 40 weeks showed diffuse hyperplasia. Oral administration of 2-naphthylamine for 40 weeks plus injections of cyclophosphamide produced bladder carcinomas in 30.8 approximately 35.7% of all animals, associated with downward growth of the bladder epithelium. All the bladder carcinomas were of the transitional cell type and most of them contained pseudoglandular areas. Hepatomas seemed to develop in higher incidence in mice treated with 2-naphthylamine plus cyclophosphamide than in mice treated with 2-naphthylamine alone. Most of the hepatomas were solitary and showed a trabecular pattern. Cyclophosphamide seemed to have a summative or promoting effect on carcinogenesis of the bladder mucosa and liver induced by 2-naphthylamine in female BALB/c mice.


Carcinogenic effect of N-ethyl- and N-amyl-N-nitrosourethans on female Donryu rats.

Carcinogenic effect of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourethan (ENUR) and N-amyl-N-nitrosourethan (ANUR) was examined by continuous oral administration or topical application to female Donruy rats. Oral administration of 100 ppm solution of ENUR induced 100% of tumors in the forestomach, 46%, 80%, 71%, and 51% in the oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, duodenum, and liver, respectively. On the other hand, the incidence of forestomach tumors was 78%, that of oral cavity and pharynx, and esophagus was 93% and 98%, respectively, in rats given 400 ppm suspension of ANUR. In addition, topical application of ENUR induced tumors of the skin as well as tumors of the forestomach and liver.


Suppressive factor against macrophage phagocytosis produced by cultured sarcoma-180 cells.

A soluble factor which suppresses phagocytic ability of macrophages against Staphylococcus aureus, as well as latex particles, was found in the culture supernatant of sarcoma-180 cells. This factor was stable to heating at 56 degrees for 30 min and had a molecular weight of more than 10,000. Supernatant from normal spleen cell culture also showed some antiphagocytic activity but it was considerably lower than that of sarcoma-180 cell culture.


In vitro cultivation of human testicular embryonal carcinoma and establishment of a new cell line.

Tissues from the surgical specimen of 7 patients with testicular embryonal carcinoma were cultivated in vitro. Among 7 primary cultures, initial growth of tumor cells was observed in 5 cases. One of them was successfully subcultured and a cell line, designated NEC-8, has been established. NEC-8 cells grow as a flat epithelial colony densely packed with polygonal cells and gradually pile up at the center of the colony. Ultrastructure of NEC-8 cell revealed desmosomes and microvilli at the cell membrane. The cytoplasm was characteristically rich in glycogen granules which corresponded with strong PAS reaction. The chromosome number of NEC-8 cells at passage 3 showed wide distribution from 70 to 183, with a mode of 85 to 88. Histology of the heterotransplant of NEC-8 cells into the hamster cheek pouch was that of adenocarcinoma resembling a part of the histology of the original tumor.


Effect of immunochemotherapy with OK-432 and yeast cell wall on the activities of peritoneal macrophages of mice.

The effect of chemotherapy combined with immunostimulants on the activities of macrophages in mice was studied. The number of macrophages and exudate cells in the peritoneal cavity increased 3 days after ip injection with mitomycin-C, cyclophosphamide, and 5-fluorouracil together with OK-432 or yeast cell wall and decreased to normal level after 9 days, while the number of the cells remained decreased in mice receiving multi-drugs alone. Acid phosphatase activity of the macrophages of mice was elevated after the simultaneous injection of yeast cell wall and OK-432, and high activity was preserved in the macrophages of mice receiving yeast cell wall even after 9 days. Spreading of these cells was also enhanced. Macrophage activities examined by these assays were maximal in every respect 6 days after combination therapy. Cytostatic activity of the cells was strengthened after 6 days by combined use of OK-432 or yeast cell wall. Role of the activated macrophages in combination therapy was discussed.


Correlation between lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens and results of chemo-immunotherapy in patients with advanced cancer.

The effect of chemo-immunotherapy on lymphocyte responsiveness to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was investigated in patients with advanced cancer. Patients received OK-432, a streptococcal preparation, intratumorally and additional systemic MFC (mitomycin-C, 5-fluorouracil, and cytosine arabinoside) chemotherapy intravenously. Patients with high lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogens at the beginning of treatment were more responsive to chemo-immunotherapy than those with low responsiveness. Furthermore, lymphocyte responsiveness to PHA was maintained at a high level throughout the treatment. In contrast, patients with initially depressed lymphocyte responsiveness maintained low responsiveness throughout the treatment. A significant increase of inhibitory activity of the serum was observed in patients with poor results of treatment. From these results, it seems reasonable to conclude that the response to chemo-immunotherapy might be predicted by in-vitro lymphocyte responsiveness.


Synergistic effect of vitamin A and fusidic acid on Hela cells in vitro.

Examinations were made to see if various vitamin A compounds, including retinol, retinal, retinol palmitate, retinol acetate, and retinoic acid, enhance the action of fusidic acid, an antibiotic and inhibitor of protein synthesis, on human carcinoma HeLa cells in vitro. Among these vitamins, retinal and retinol were found to potentiate strongly the effect of fusidic acid on HeLa cells. In this system, however, retinol palmitate, retinoic acid, and retinol acetate in 10 approximately 20 microgram/ml concentration were not found to enhance the effect of fusidic acid significantly.


Conversion of 7-ketolithocholic acid to ursodeoxycholic acid by human intestinal anaerobic microorganisms: interchangeability of chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid.

Chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and 7-ketolithocholic acid were incubated with human intestinal bacteria (source: 4 healthy males) at 37 degrees C for 72 hours in an anerobic condition. The bile acids of the products in culture medium were identified by three independent methods, thin layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography and GLC-mass spectrometry. Lithocholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and 7-ketolithocholic acid were observed in the culture of chenodeoxycholic acid. Lithocholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and 7-ketolithocholic acid were observed in the culture of ursodeoxycholic acid. Chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid were produced from 7-ketolithocholic acid. These data may suggest that chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid are interconvertible via 7-ketolithocholic acid by the mixed culture of human intestinal microorganisms under an anaerobic condition.


Clinicopathological study of juvenile polyp.

Thirty-two cases of juvenile polyp were investigated for the clinical and pathological findings. This type polyps occured frequently in the first decade with male predominance. Melena and bloody stool were found in all cases, prolapse of the polyps in 28%, and spontaneous amputation in 9.4%. The duration of symptoms were usually within 6 months. The polyps were found frequently in the rectum and sigmoid colon, about 75%. One case of juvenile polyposis in a 12 years-old male was found. The size of the polyps was usually within 2 cm in diameter and the majority of the polyps were pedunculated. Polypectomy was performed for all cases and additional partial resection for 2 cases with multiple polyps and polyposis. Recurrence and malignant transformation were not found. It should be considered that these are at least two types of histogenesis for the so-called juvenile polyp like as hamartomatous and inflammatory.


Clinical investigation of serum deoxyribonuclease: II. Clinical studies of serum deoxyribonuclease activity in pancreatic disease.

Serum Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) of normal persons and of patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, or other malignant diseases was determined with (32P) DNA as substrate. Serum DNase activity was much lower in patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or other malignant diseases than in control subjects, and serum DNase activity was almost normal in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. There was no correlation between serum DNase and serum amylase, but there was a good correlation between serum DNase and DNase I output in duodenal juice. There was an inverse correlation between serum DNase and serum RNase. These results imply that in the diagnosis of possible pancreatic disorders serum DNase may be a good indicator and thus may be useful for the detection of malignant diseases.


Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. A case report and analytical review of 23 other cases reported in Japan.

A case study is presented of a 57-year-old male who showed typical clinical features of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. Numerous polypoid lesions were found in the stomach, duodenum, ileum, colon and rectum accompanied with characteristic ectodermal changes. Tests indicated a protein-losing gastroenteropathy. Intestinal lactase deficiency was demonstrated by the lactose tolerance test. Scanning electronmicroscopy of the gastric and colonic mucosa revealed prominent secretion of mucoid substances and distortion in the gastric pits and colonic crypts. These abnormal findings were interpreted as having a direct relationship to the loss of protein into the gastrointestinal tract.