Blepharospasm.

Blepharospasm is a cranial nerve dysfunction in which involuntary and uncontrollable forcible lid closure occurs. Surgical treatment is far from ideal, but the condition can be improved by sectioning the branches of the facial nerve plexus which supply the orbicularis oculi, the frontalis and corrugator muscles, and the midfacial muscles. Not all patients with blepharospasm should be operated upon, since they may expect too much or may enjoy the attention their invalidism has given them. Ectropion of one or both lower lids may occur, and the most severe of all complications is recurrence. This may happen despite a careful microscopic search for the nerve fibers and their division and avulsion. Blepharospasm patients often require considerable psychological support.


Restoration of frontal contour with methyl methacrylate.

Of the various materials currently available for reconstruction of bony frontal deformities, bone cement (methyl methacrylate) has been judged to be superior in its simplicity, reliability, and aesthetic potential. It is uniquely suited to reconstruction of irregular defects of the forehead. Its biological characteristics, advantages, and hazards are presented along with the techniques of its use. Clinical examples illustrate the results obtained with minimal preparation, surgical time, and morbidity.


Methods of vascular pedicle coverage.

Based on our clinical experience, various methods of donor or recipient vascular pedicle coverage for an arterialized or free flap are reported. The vascular pedicle may be placed in the subcutaneous space either by incising the skin along the full length of the vascular route or by passing it through a subcutaneous tunnel. It has been our experience that the vascular pedicle can also be covered by either a local flap or a free skin graft. On rare occasions, a narrow skin flap strip including the vascular pedicle can be lifted en bloc and rotated toward the base of the area transferred.


Closure of surgical wounds using contiguous island flaps (double V to Y procedure).

Closure of large or cosmetically important surgical wounds is often a difficult problem. The utilization of contiguous island flaps--the double V to Y technique--is evaluated as a primary method of closure. The results obtained with this technique were of high cosmetic quality in all areas of the body in which surgery was performed. Use of the technique avoids tissue distortion, cosmetic defects, grafting, and later reconstructive surgery.


A simplified technique for obliteration of glabellar frown lines.

A simple and effective method of smoothing glabellar depressions and frown lines is described. Filling the area beneath the frown line or depression with fibromuscular tissue is combined with light, superficial epidermal abrasion and redirection with temporary paralysis of corrugator function, using small and inconspicuous incisions in hidden areas.


Flexible implant arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fingers.

The use of an intramedullary stemmed flexible (silicone) hinge in reconstruction of the proximal interphalangeal joint has allowed us to obtain more predictable, durable, and reproducible results. The indications, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation of this technique vary with each type of deformity presented and must be carefully followed. Adequate reconstruction of the extensor mechanism and the collateral ligament system, and appropriate postoperative rehabilitation are essential to obtain good balance of the digit, with functional mobility and stability of the reconstructed proximal interphalangeal joint.


Cutaneous lymphoma masquerading as granuloma faciale.

Granuloma faciale is a presumably benign disorder of the skin--usually of the face--characterized by a dense, polymorphous, inflammatory infiltrate including numerous eosinophils, separated from the epidermis by a clear or "grenz" zone, and possessing a small vessel, leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Primary malignant lymphoma of the skin, other than mycosis fungoides, is an unusual entity that may follow a widely variable course and is often extremely difficult to diagnose definitively. A patient is presented in whom a lesion consistent with granuloma faciale changed its histological appearance and clinical behavior into that of a malignant lymphoma.


Lymphomatoid papulosis: a proposed treatment plan.

An example is presented of the chronic, nonhealing ulceration that may be present with lymphomatoid papulosis. A treatment plan is outlined, and the importance of long-term follow-up for signs of disseminated malignancy is emphasized.


Transient total blindness during cosmetic blepharoplasty: case report and discussion.

A case of transient total blindness during a cosmetic blepharoplasty is presented and the factors that might have contributed to produce this complication are emphasized. A brief review of the literature is given, followed by the current thought regarding diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this catastrophic complication.


Leprechaunism.

Leprechaunism is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology. As only 9 conclusive examples of the syndrome have been reported, it seems useful to add the present case to the literature. This congenital deformity produces a small, grossly hirsute, grotesque infant who usually fails to thrive and survives only a matter of months.


[Drug metabolizing activity in birds: compared activity of liver and duodenum in four species (author's transl)].

Drug-metabolizing activity of liver and small intestine (duodenum) was examined in birds (A. rufa, P. perdix, Ph. colchicus, G. gallus) with 4 substrates (aniline, aldrin, p-nitroanisole, aminopyrine). In order of decreasing hepatic activity: P. perdix greater than Ph. colchicus greater than A. rufa greater than G. gallus. For all species, intestinal activity is higher than in rodents, especially with aldrin as substrate.


A semi-automated method for the determination of iodine in plants.

A method for the determination of iodine in plants is described. This method involves destruction of organic matter by alkaline incineration and automated spectrophotometric determination of iodide based on the Sandell and Kolthoff's reaction. The mean recovery of 131I was 93.4% (S.D. = 3.19)). For replicate analyses of different plant material, the coefficient of variation is between 3 and 5%.


Evaluation of three rapid tests for identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolated in bovine milk.

In order to develop a routine and rapid method for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine milk, three tests were evaluated with 200 strains isolated from different regions. Tests were performed with colonies isolated from the initial agar plate medium. Clumping factor reations were positive with 93.5% of the strains, beta hemolysin with 76% and protein A with 56% of them. It was found the three tests were never all negative for any particular strain. A scheme for rapid identification is proposed.


Furunculosis of salmonids: vaccination attempts in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) by formalin-killed germs.

Two immunization trials were performed in rainbow trout, using a formalin killed Aeromonas salmonicida suspension. In the first experiment, 200 g fish were administered orally or intraperitoneally. Circulating antibodies were elicited in injected animals only, but no protection was found when they were challenged with a highly virulent strain. Rough and smooth bacteria have provided similar agglutinins titers. In the second study, fingerlings were vaccinated by injection, but experimental disease was reproduced through IP or IM inoculations. Protection was effective in the second case. In the IP injected group the mortality was the same in vaccinated fish and controls, and carriers were detected among survivors 3 months later. The surprising fact is that serum agglutinins did not always provide a protection. This last one depends on different factors such as pathogenicity of strains and route of penetration of the challenge bacteria. So, experimental challenge has to be improved.


Clinical evaluation of a commercial vaccine against chlamydial abortion of ewes.

The immunity of ewes vaccinated prior to breeding with an adjuvant vaccine prepared from yolk sac propagated chlamydiae, was challenged at 70 days of pregnancy by intravenous (IV) or intradermal (ID) inoculation of a suspension of virulent yolk sac propagated chlamydiae. The response to challenge inoculation was followed by recording rectal temperature, CF antibody titer, lambing performance and by chlamydial isolation from vaginal swabs. That vaccine did not protect against IV challenge: 7 of 10 vaccinated ewes, and 7 of 8 controls aborted. When the challenge was given by the ID route, the incidence of abortion was reduced: 4 of 9 vaccinated, and 9 of 9 control ewes aborted, but chlamydiae were isolated from vaginal swabs of 7 of the 9 vaccinated ewes.


The emergence and treatment kinetic of cobalt deficiency in the sheep.

The emergence and treatment kinetic of the vitamin B12 deficiency was studied in 4 adult male Texel sheep bearing rumen fistulas. A natural meadow-grass, low in cobalt (0.04 mg/g of dry matter) was distributed freely to the animals. After the emergence of the vitamin B12 deficiency, the animals received every day a 10 ml solution containing 0.5 mg of cobalt in the rumen. The ingestion of a cobalt-deficient hay provoked a great decrease in the synthesis of vitamin B12 during the first week. The serum content decreases more slowly, the deficiency threshold being reached after 7 weeks. A serious deficiency is apparent 10 weeks after the deficient diet was first distributed. The treatment applied to the animals has a rapid and spectacular effect. The synthesis returns to normal 72 hours after the start of intraruminal cobalt infusions. The animals are no longer deficient after 24 to 28 hours of treatment.


Serum antioxidant activity in normal and abnormal subjects.

Serum oxidant activity (AOA) was correlated with the serum caeruloplasmin and serum copper concentration and with the total and available serum iron-binding capacity in 313 normal and abnormal subjects. In all groups except in patients with Wilson's disease (hepatolenticular degeneration) there was a highly significant direct correlation between serum AOA and serum caeruloplasmin concentration. A statistically significant direct correlation between serum AOA and the available iron-binding capacity of serum was found only in normal subjects and in children with thalassemia major and iron overload. There was no correlation between serum AOA and the serum tocopherol concentration in any of the groups studied.


Long-term studies on immunoreactive human melatonin.

Immunoreactive melatonin has been studied in normal human volunteers, both men and women, at different times of day and different times of the year. At 2400, but not at 0800 or 1200, there are very large inter-individual variations in mean levels, the maximum difference being fivefold. Intra-individual variations are seen at different times of the year at 2400 and 0800, with low values in spring and autumn and high values in summer and winter.


Changes in serum creatine kinase isoenzyme activities after surgical procedures and cardioversion.

Serum activities of creatine kinase (CK) and its isoenzymes were monitored before and 16 to 20 hours after a variety of surgical procedures and cardioversion. Changes in total CK and CK MM activities in the surgical patients were consistent with the extent of trauma; changes in these activities in the cardioversion patients were more variable, ranging from -2 to 1829 U/l, and were unrelated to the applied electrical force. CK MB activity was unchanged after cystoscopy but rose moderately in 60% of patients after cholecystectomy, in 43% of patients requiring only implantation of a new pacemaker box, and in 87% of patients after implantation of an entire pacemaker system. No increase exceeded 6U/l. Fifty per cent of patients requiring cardioversion showed rises; the maximum value was 40.9 U/l.


Changes in serum succinyltrialanine p-nitroanilide hydrolysing activity in hepatobiliary diseases.

Serum succinyltrialanine p-nitroanilide hydrolysing activity was elevated in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. The highest activities were seen in acute cholangitis and intrahepatic cholestasis. The change in succinyltrialanine p-nitroanilide hydrolysing activity was closely associated with those in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. In some cases, however, the former was more sensitive than the latter.


A simple robust assay for testosterone in male plasma using an 125I-radioligand and a solid-phase separation technique.

A radioimmunoassay for testosterone in male plasma utilising a gamma-emitting radioligand and a solid-phase antiserum is described. The radioligand is testosterone-3-(O-carboxymethyl)-oxime coupled to 125I-iodohistamine, and the solid-phase antiserum is prepared by coupling antitestosterone-3-bovine serum albumin to cyanogen bromide activated cellulose. The new procedure retains much of the specificity associated with a published, specific radioimmunoassay using an antiserum raised against testosterone-11 alpha-BSA and a tritium radioligand and incorporating a dextra-coated charcoal separation procedure; values obtained by the two procedures are in excellent agreement (r = 0.98, n = 20). The combination of an 125I-radioligand and a solid-phase separation technique greatly increases sample throughput and has the further advantage of reduced running costs and a greater potential for automation. The method gives satisfactory levels of sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.


Separation of creatine from arginine in biological fluids by thin-layer chromatography.

Creatine in biological fluids was estimated using a modified Sakaguchi procedure. Interference by arginine was eliminated by thin-layer chromatography.


Operating microscope, microsurgical instruments and microsutures.

A comprehensive knowledge of operating microscope, microsurgical instruments and microsutures is most essential for any beginner in this field. Magnification provided by an operation microscope is higher and variable to suit microsurgical procedures. Although zoom magnification and focussing are preferable for convenience, microscopes with manual controls can be used for clinical and experimental work. A beam splitter and camera equipment are essential accessories. Microsurgical instruments are delicate and expensive and must be bought with discretion and carefully protected. Fine dissecting forceps, needle holder, microscissors, microvascular clamps and clips and fine haemostats are the only essential instruments. Others are optional. Microsutures form the most expensive part of the microsurgical setup. 10-0polyamide suture mounted on a curved round bodied needle of 4 or 5 mm length is adequate for virtually all clinical and experimental microsurgical work.


Vein grafts in microvascular surgery.

The judicious use of vein grafts will lessen the incidence of thrombosis in microvascular surgery and help to overcome problem of vessels loss. Vein grafts are readily available and do not pose any major disadvantages.


Vessels and nerves transfer in reconstructive microsurgery.

This paper describes the application of re-routing neighbouring vessels and nerves to restore circulation and sensation in cases where there are vessel and nerve loss. The sources of donor vessels and nerves are discussed. Its use in salvaging the degloved and avulsed digits and skin in the hand is established. The extension of this technique in restoring sensation in paraplegic patients is promising.


Experience in replantation surgery in the upper extremity.

This page reports our experience of 423 digital and hand replantation over the period of 35 months. A classification based on the levels of amputation is suggested. The operative technique and indication of replantation are discussed.


Replantation of digits using microvascular technique.

This paper reports our experience of replantation of 31 digits. The operative technique and sequence of replantation is described. We have attempted to classify the functional results into three groups: near normal, useful and useless digits.


Free transfer of the second toe combined with dorsalis pedis flap using microvascular technique for reconstruction of the thumb and other fingers.

The blood supply to the dorsum of the feet was studied in 100 cadaver feet specimens. The understanding of anatomical variation of branches of dorsalis pedis artery and its venous system are important in determining the success of the operation for free toe or dorsalis pedis flap transplantation. Three groups of fine branches of arterial system supplying the skin on the dorsum of the feet are classified; the central, the intermediate and the marginal groups. The central group is the dorminant blood supply to the dorsalis pedis skin flap. The first dorsal metatarsal artery which is a main branch of the dorsalis pedis artery remains to be dominant feeding artery to the second toe. From these cadaver specimens, three types of distribution are formulated, but with different percentages of distribution as compared with that of Gilbert's data. Seven consecutive cases of the second toe combined with dorsalis pedis flap transfer using microvascular technique for the reconstruction of thumb and other fingers are reported. The operation is designed to meet the demand of one stage reconstruction of the missing thumb or other fingers which are associated with surrounding soft tissue defects. Preparatory soft tissue repair by skin flap or tube flap is thus obviated.


2nd & 3rd toe transplantation to a transmetacarpal amputated hand.

This paper describes a method of using combined 2nd and 3rd toe transfer as one stage procedure for reconstruction of transmetacarpal amputation of the hand to restore chuck pinch and power grip.


Early complications in second toe to hand transplantation-the occurrences and preventive measures.

The operative experience of twenty cases of second toe to hand transplantations was discussed. Although there was only one total failure, there were frequent complications. The factors leading to the high rate of complications (just over 1/3 of cases) were analysed. A treatment scheme, which took into consideration a large number of precautions and preventive measures against early complications was carefully outlined.


Microvasular free flap transfer in reconstructive surgery.

The perfection of micro-suture of small vessels has enabled trnasplantation of various large composite tissues by anastomosing their nutrient vessels directly to suitable vessels in the recipient site. Among them, the so-called free skin flap has many advantages over the conventional flap methods for covering the complicated defects of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. In this paper, the author introduces the representative free skin flaps on the basis of his 300 clinical free flap experiences.


Free flap transfers for upper extremity reconstruction.

Ihre clinical cases are presented using different donor sites for free flap transfer to the upper extremity. The advantages and disadvantages of the 3 donor sites namely Iliofemoral, dorsalis pedis and latissimus dorsi are discussed.


Latissimus dorsi flap-a practical approach.

The value of the latissimus dorsi flap in its various modalities is illustrated. The practical aspects of planning, raising, transferring and monitoring the flap are discussed.


Free muscle graft as applied to brachial plexus injury-case report and experimental study.

Active flexion of the elbow was restored in a case with complete brachial plexus injury of ten years' standing, by using free gracilis muscle graft with restoration of its vascular pedicle and the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves for reinnervation of the graft. Experimental studies on the anterior tibial muscle of rats showed that the major bulk of the proximal part of the muscle by preservation of neuro-vascular bundle survived and was histologically viable, whereas, the major bulk of the distal part of the muscle replaced as a free graft necrosed and was replaced by fibrosis. A free graft with its intact circulation and neural supply could therefore provide a good proportion of viable muscle bulk for functional restoration in properly selected cases.


A new method of treatment of congenital tibial pseudoarthrosis using free vascularised fibular graft: a preliminary report.

This paper reports our experience of using Vascularised Fibular Transfer in Treatment of Congenital Pseudoarthrosis of tibia in 12 cases. Although the preliminary results of bony union are encouraging, the long term results can only be assessed after skeletal maturity.


Microlymphatic surgery in management of lymphoedema of the upper limb.

Microlymphatic surgery is a recent addition to the range of surgical procedures for lymphoedema. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis is the most direct approach to the basic cause of obstructive lymphoedema bypassing the obstruction of the axilla or groin. With increased experience the overall results have improved and, in selective cases, segmental reduction is carried out either at the same operation or at a later date. Microlymphatic surgery in conjunction with segmental reduction of the upper arm is aesthetically and functionally most acceptable. The most significant effect of lymphaticovenous anastomosis in relieving the lymphoedema of the upper limb is over the dorsum of the hand and lower forearm. At least two, or more if possible, lymphaticovenous anastomoses are required for effectiveness of the procedure. Besides subjective and objective improvement in the lymphoedema there is significant reduction in frequency of cellulitis following lymphaticovenous anastomoses. The technique, along with the results and follow-up over 5 years is presented.


Microvascular surgery in maxillo-facial reconstruction.

The recent advances in microvascular surgery have been applied to maxillo-facial reconstruction in the area of the lower jaw and soft tissue of the face. Five cases are presented, demonstrating some of the techniques and results in patients suffering from congenital, post-traumatic and post-cancer resection deformities.


Extracranial-intracranial microvascular by-pass in the treatment and prevention of cerebral ischemia.

The microanastomosis of a scalp artery to a cortical vessel to augment cerebral blood flow is a significant advance in the treatment of patients with cerebral ischemia due to intracranial arterial obstruction. Results of nearly two thousand cases performed in the world since 1967 show clearly that the operation is excellent in the relief of transient ischemic attacks and in the prevention of iatrogenic stroke. Its place in the long term prevention of strokes is being evaluated. A personal series of 16 patients with 18 microvascular by-passes is reported. The indication, technique and pitfalls of this procedure is illustrated in this local series.


Moulding press injury of the hand.

This paper reports pattern of hand injuries caused by Moulding Press Machine. A classification of the injuries to provide guideline to the management and prognosis is outlined.


Biotyping of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from normal human facial skin.

Biochemical and serological characteristics of 128 strains of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from the facial skin of healthy Japanese volunteers were compared with the three standard strains of the American Type Culture Collection, ATCC 6919, 11827, and 11828. Accordingly, the isolated strains of P. acnes were classified into five biotypes (B1 to B5) on the basis of fermentation tests of ribose, erythritol, and sorbitol. Two serotypes were distinguished by the agglutination test. P. acnes belonging to serotype I had galactose as a cell wall sugar, whereas those of serotype II lacked galactose. The strains of serotype I were distributed among all five biotypes (B1 to B5); however, those of serotype II consisted only of one biotype (B2). A term "sero-biotype" was introduced to differentiate and carefully classify the isolates. The predominant sero-biotypes differed with the individual and region of the facial skin. In general, strains of sero-biotype IB1, IB3, IB4, and IIB2 were more frequently isolated than those of sero-biotype IB2 and IB5. Thus, for routine assay work, serotyping of P. acnes as based on erythritol and sorbitol fermentation is both practical and applicable.


Occurrence of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba in aquaria.

Samples from 24 aquaria were incubated at 28, 37, and 45 degrees C for the isolation of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba. Naegleria was the predominant genus (60.9%), whereas Acanthamoeba represented 15.5% of the isolates. No pathogenic N. fowleri was identified, although a high number of strains were closely related to this species. One isolate (Aq/9/1/45D) was compared with an aquarium isolate (PPMFB-6) from Australia. The Belgian isolate was found to be more related to N. fowleri, whereas the Australian isolate was closer to N. gruberi.


Gas chromatographic analysis of in situ cyclitol utilization by Klebsielleae growing in redwood extracts.

Gas chromatographic analysis was employed to demonstrate in situ cyclitol utilization in aqueous extracts of redwood by isolates of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and several other genera of gram-negative bacteria. In aqueous redwood extracts, all but one of the Klebsiella and Enterobacter isolates tested reached densities exceeding 5.0 x 10(6) cells/ml within 4 days, and all utilized pinitol and sequoyitol. Other enteric bacteria did not utilize cyclitols in this extract. A defined minimal medium, containing the carbohydrates and cyclitols (including myo-inositol) in redwood, was used to determine which carbon sources are preferentially utilized by Klebsielleae and other bacteria. It was found that D-glucose and L-arabinose were consumed by Klebsiella before the three cyclitols were utilized. Pinitol utilization proceeded in more slowly than that of sequoyitol and myo-inositol. Cyclitol utilization in the defined medium was also observed for Yersinia, Erwinia, and Salmonella. Escherichia coli isolates did not utilize cyclitol compounds. The ability to use cyclitols as a sole source of carbon can explain the high cell densities of Klebsielleae in redwood water reservoirs and in redwood lumber.


Transformation of mercuric chloride and methylmercury by the rumen microflora.

The microflora in strained rumen fluid did not methylate or volatilize 203Hg2+ at detectable rates. However, there was an exponential decay in the concentration of added CH3Hg+, which was attributed to demethylation. The major product of demethylation was metallic mercury (Hg0), and it was released as a volatile product from the reaction mixture. Demethylation occurred under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The rate of demethylation was proportional to the concentration of added CH3Hg+-Hg from 0.02 to 100 microgram of Hg per ml. The presence of HgCl2 had almost no inhibitory effect on the rate of cleavage of the carbon-mercury bond of CH2HgCl, but it completely inhibited volatilization of the Hg formed, when the concentration of HgCl2-Hg reached 100 micrograms/ml. Three of 11 species of anaerobic rumen bacteria catalyzed demethylation. These were Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Selenomonas ruminantium, and Megasphaera elsdenii. None of the 11 species caused detectable methylation, and only two caused limited volatilization of Hg2+. Three species of bacteria out of 90 fresh aerobic isolates from rumen contents were demethylators: two were identified as Pseudomonas sp., and the third was a Micrococcus sp. Demethylation by the rumen microflora appeared to be carried out by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and, on the basis of Hg2+ sensitivity, probably resulted from the activity of two enzymes, a CH3-Hg+ hydrolase and a Hg2+ reductase.


Bacterial flora of the schistosome vector snail Biomphalaria glabrata.

The aerobic heterotrophic bacterial flora in over 200 individuals from 10 wild populations and 3 laboratory colonies of the schistosome vector snail Biomphalaria glabrata was examined. Internal bacterial densities were inversely proportional to snail size and were higher in stressed and laboratory-reared snails. The numerically predominant bacterial genera in individual snails included Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Vibrio, and several members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacteriaceae seldom predominated in laboratory colonies. Our data suggest that Vibrio extorquens and a Pasteurella sp. tend to predominate in high-bacterial-density snails. These snails may be compromised and may harbor opportunistic snail pathogens.


Edwardsiella tarda in freshwater catfish and their environment.

Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from 47, 88, and 79% of skin, visceral, and dressed-fish samples, respectively. This species was also isolated from 30% of imported dressed fish, 75% of catfish pond water samples, 64% of catfish pond mud samples, and 100% of frogs, turtles, and crayfish from catfish ponds. The incidence of Edwardsiella increased during the summer months, as water temperatures increased. Of several isolation media evaluated, the most effective was selective enrichment in double-strength Salmonella-Shigella broth and subsequent plating on single-strength Samonella-Shigella agar. The significance of the incidence of Edwardsiella in catfish, catfish disease, and public health could not be substantiated.


Enzyme recruitment allows the biodegradation of recalcitrant branched hydrocarbons by Pseudomonas citronellolis.

Experiments were carried out to construct pseudomonad strains capable of the biodegradation of certain recalcitrant branched hydrocarbons via a combination of alkane and citronellol degradative pathways. To promote the metabolism of the recalcitrant hydrocarbon 2,6-dimethyl-2-octene we transferred the OCT plasmid to Pseudomonas citronellolis, a pseudomonad containing the citronellol pathway. This extended the n-alkane substrate range of the organism, but did not permit utilization of the branched hydrocarbon even in the presence of a gratuitous inducer of the OCT plasmid. In a separate approach n-decane-utilizing (Dec+) mutants of P. citronellolis were selected and found to be constitutive for the expression of medium- to long-chain alkane oxidation. The Dec+ mutants were capable of degradation of 2,6-dimethyl-2-octene via the citronellol pathway as shown by (i) conversion of the hydrocarbon to citronellol, determined by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, (ii) induction of geranyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, a key enzyme of the citronellol pathway, and (iii) demonstration of beta-decarboxymethylation of the hydrocarbon by whole cells. The Dec+ mutants had also acquired the capacity to metabolize other recalcitrant branched hydrocarbons such as 3,6-dimethyloctane and 2,6-dimethyldecane. These studies demonstrate how enzyme recruitment can provide a pathway for the biodegradation of otherwise recalcitrant branched hydrocarbons.


Microbial growth on hydrocarbons: terminal branching inhibits biodegradation.

A variety of octane-utilizing bacteria and fungi were screened for growth on some terminally branched dimethyloctane derivatives to explore the effects of iso- and anteiso-termini on the biodegradability of such hydrocarbons. Of 27 microbial strains tested, only 9 were found to use any of the branched hydrocarbons tested as a sole carbon source, and then only those hydrocarbons containing at least one iso-terminus were susceptible to degradation. Anteiso-or isopropenyl termini prevented biodegradation. None of the hydrocarbonoclastic yeasts tested was able to utilize branched-hydrocarbon growth sustrates. In the case of pseudomonads containing the OCT plasmid, whole-cell oxidation of n-octane was poorly induced by terminally branched dimethyloctanes. In the presence of a gratuitous inducer of the octane-oxidizing enzymes, the iso-branched 2,7-dimethyloctane was slowly oxidized by whole cells, whereas the anteiso-branched 3,6-dimethyloctane was not oxidized at all. This microbial sampling dramatically illustrated the deleterious effect of alkyl branching, especially anteiso-terminal branching, on the biodegradation of hydrocarbons.


Asparaginase production by human clinical isolates of Vibrio succinogenes.

Three human isolates of Vibrio succinogenes produced asparaginase. Apparent Km's were 87,220, and 320 microM. The rate of glutamine hydrolysis was between 2.8 and 3.5% of the rate of asparagine hydrolysis. Asparaginase production was not induced by ammonium ions, and enzyme yields were lower than those obtained with the rumen strain.


Residues of toxaphene, DEF, and paraquat in plant parts and gin waste from a treated cotton field.

The origin and fate of the gin waste residues of three chemicals--toxaphene, DEF, and paraquat--used frequently in cotton production in California were studied. Residues were determined for foliage and bolls in the live plants, for lint and seed in harvested seed cotton, and for gin waste and its lint and non-lint components, following commercial treatments to the cotton crop. Gin waste residues were followed during five months of open storage to ascertain dissipation rates in a typical waste sample. Relatively high residues of each of the three chemicals persisted at harvest, during storage prior to ginning, and in stored gin waste. The major proportion of gin waste residue was associated with the non-lint components--leaf parts, burrs, stems and other foreign matter. Average stored gin residues in the lint and non-lint components were 13 and 60, 11 and 58, and 5 and 10 ppm for toxaphene, DEF, and paraquat, respectively, during the open storage period.


Exposure of field workers to organophosphorus insecticides: sweet corn and peaches.

Plasma and red blood cell cholinesterase levels of professional agricultural workers engaged in packing sweet corn and thinning peaches were monitored. Workers with extensive contact with mechanically harvested sweet corn (the corn had been treated one or two days before harvest with a combination of ethyl and methyl parathion) exhibited significant depression of cholinesterase. Gloves, worn by 40% of the workers, provided some protection from absorption of pesticide residues. No significant cholinesterase depression was found in workers thinning peaches which had been previously treated with parathion.


Translocation, distribution, and environmental degradation of hexachlorophene in tomatoes.

The translocation, distribution, metabolism and environmental degradation of hexachlorophene were investigated in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. beefsteak). All plants were grown under standardized conditions and treated with leaf-applied 14C-ring-labeled hexachlorophene (HCP). Treatment time ranged from 0 to 70 days. Autoradiographic analyses were performed on all plants. Selected plant tissues were extracted and chromatographed, using thin layer (TLC) and gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Hexachlorophene was not translocated from the plant leaves. No metabolites of hexachlorophene was found. A slight, but statistically nonsignificant, amount of HCP was lost from the leaves and the inert controls. At the end of the 70-day treatment, based on TLC and regression analysis of thin layer chromatographic plates, averages of 89.5% and 75.9% of the applied HPC remained unaltered on the treated plants and controls, respectively. This indicated that 10.5% and 24.1%, respectively, of the original HCP had been altered. Differences between the treatments and controls were statistically significant after 28 days of exposure. Further analyses of the above data, using gas chromatographic methods, showed that as many as 14 peaks were found in the treated samples and the controls, including the parent material. Ultraviolet photolysis seemed to be the mechanism responsible for alteration of the hexachlorophene. Three extracted chlorinated compounds have been identified by GC-mass spectral (MS) analysis including 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,5',6,6'-tetrachlorodiphenylmethane, 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,5,5',6,6'-pentachlorodiphenylmethane, and 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3',5,5',6,6'-hexachlorodiphenylmethane (parent HCP). Eleven other electrophylic compounds have been found in various treated plant or control extracts. Further analyses will be necessary to verify the identification of the other degradation products.


Certain biochemical changes in the trachea, lungs, and heart of squirrels exposed to three principal air pollutants.

The fate of total lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in the trachea, lungs, and heart of the common ground squirrel, Funambulus pennanti, have been determined after separate exposure to three principal air pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Exposure to all of these gases produced edematous conditions; however, the moisture content of heart muscle was reduced. Carbon monoxide (CO) and NO2 are more toxic to pulmonary lipids than SO2. The lipid of the heart decreased, least effects noted with SO2 treatment. Mechanical properties of the lungs were changed by alteration of the lung lipids causing changes in the surface tension. Changes in protein content were caused by altered membrane permeability. Comparative data on the carbohydrates indicated adverse effects by the pollutants.


Vapor and liquid phase photolysis of the n-butyl ester of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

The n-butyl ester of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in the liquid and vapor phase was irradiated in a pyrex reactor for 188 hr by ultraviolet light of 300 nm using an intensity similar to that around 300 nm in the solar spectrum. In both phases, the ester was dechlorinated at the ortho position together with simultaneous reduction and Photo-Fries rearrangement to produce volatile photoproducts. Ether bond cleavage to produce chlorophenols, and a Norrish Type II photoprocess, also occurred. A 79% mass balance was accounted for by volatile chlorinated organic residues. HCL gas was also evolved. The production of Cl was also demonstrated in both vapor and liquid phases. The half time of decomposition was around 13 days. The possible effects of the volatile photoproducts on off-target plants were also noted.


Viruses and lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. I. Studies on cultured rheumatoid lymphocytes.

Synovial fluid lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been examined for evidence of a productive infection with retroviruses by electron microscopy, labelling with 3H-uredine, growth in soft agar, and culturing in conditioned medium. No such viruses were detected. In addition, the synovial lymphocytes were activated before fusion and cocultivation with several cell lines which have proved permissive for primate retroviruses. Monitoring these cultures subsequently by reverse transcriptase assay, labelling with 3H-uridine, and membrane immunofluorescence gave no indication that retroviruses were present.


Studies on the frequency and pathogenesis of liver involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.

A systematic prospective survey of 100 outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis revealed that 45 had biochemical evidence of liver disease. In most cases this was due to increases in total serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and/or gammaglutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Examination of serum ALP isoenzyme profiles in 50 of the patients showed that the liver isoenzyme was the sole or major component in 44 patients, including many with normal total ALP levels. 18% had raised serum liver ALP together with raised GGT, suggestive of an underlying hepatobiliary lesion. No correlation could be detected between raised serum levels of liver enzymes and the age or sex of the patient, duration or severity of arthritis, and drug or alcohol history. However, there was a significant correlation between raised serum ALP and lacrimal or salivary gland dysfunction. It is suggested that immunological mechanisms may be involved in the development of hepatic abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis.


A comparative radiological study of the pubic symphysis in rheumatic disorders.

Radiological abnormalities are often seen at the pubic symphysis in rheumatic disorders. In a radiological study of 120 patients with rheumatic diseases osteitis pubis with erosive and sclerotic changes was a feature of ankylosing spondylitis. Irregularity and subluxation were not related to osteitis pubis or diagnostic group but were common in females and had a possible association with previous pregnancy.


In-vitro reactions of lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

Various lymphocyte functions and the percentage of different subpopulations have been measured in groups of patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, sicca complex, and in normal controls. Several abnormal results were found--in the responses to mitogens, in the antibody-dependent cytotoxic test, and in the percentages of EA rosettes (antibody sensitised chick red cells test) and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells. In the light of these findings cytotoxicity and lymphocyte subpopulations were measured in further groups of rheumatoid arthritis patients in whom the disease was at different stages. The results showed that the changes in cytotoxic potential occurred in patients with active arthritis. Correlation tests showed significant positive associations between the percentage of SE rosette-forming cells (sheep red cells test) and the mitogenic responses to phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A, and between the percentage of EA rosette-forming cells and the levels of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. The results are discussed in the light of our understanding of cellular subpopulations in the immune system.


Changes in load bearing in the rheumatoid foot.

A study of peak force exerted under areas of the foot was made in 27 patients with rheumatoid disease and in 30 normal persons. Patients were found to exert considerably less force under their toes and under the first metatarsal head and more force under the 3 outer metatarsal heads. It was possible to correlate these changes with increasing clinical and radiological severity.


Liposome-incorporated corticosteroids. II. Therapeutic activity in experimental arthritis.

The anti-inflammatory activity of liposomes containing cortisol palmitate was determined in experimental acute arthritis in the rabbit knee by measuring joint temperature and diameter. The therapeutic activity of the liposome preparation was dose-dependent for both these parameters of inflammation. Liposomal corticosteroid therapy was effective also in decreasing the joint temperature of an acute inflammatory 'flare' superimposed on an underlying chronic arthritis. Phosphatidic acid was necessary for expression of full anti-inflammatory activity of the liposome preparation.


Isoenzyme characterization of Leishmania species from Iraq.

Leishmaniasis in Iraq takes both the visceral and cutaneous forms. The causative organisms are identified according to the electrophoretic variation of the enzymes MDH, GPI, 6PGD, PGM and IDH. The 37 visceral stocks investigated fall into two groups which differ only with respect to GPI. The six cutaneous stocks were divided into three groups. Group 3 represents Leishmania major, while groups 4 and 5 refer to L. tropica showing intraspecific variation with regard to 6PGD.


The epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the vicinity of Lake Sibaya, with a note on other areas of Tongaland (Natal, South Africa).

The epidemiology of human and bovine schistosomiasis in the Lake Sibaya area of Tongaland, South Africa, an undeveloped rural environment, is discussed. The mean prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection is 72%, but S. mansoni is absent; possible reasons for this are given and the different types of water habitat are shown to play different roles in transmission. Fear of crocodiles and hippopotami is important because villagers are compelled to use for domestic purposes, the smaller, shallower habitats, where Bulinus (Ph.) globosus occurs but not Biomphalaria pfeifferi, rather than the deeper, larger ones where both snails are found. This discontinuous distribution of B. pfeifferi in the deeper sites, due to the high temperatures in spring, is viewed in relation to local climatic conditions. A human population influx, such as would result from the economic development of Tongaland, would cause not only a decline in crocodile and hippopotamus populations, and thus encourage human contact with the deeper waterbodies, but would favour the introduction of S. mansoni into at least some of these habitats. A similar prevalence pattern of human schistosomiasis exists over the remainder of Tongaland and the lowlands of southern and central Mozambique. The mean prevalence of Schistosoma mattheei in Tongaland cattle is 42% and although data are not available a comparable percentage seems likely in Mozambique.


The development of Onchocerca volvulus in two temperate blackfly species, Simulium ornatum Meigen and Simulium lineatum Meigen.

In view of the promise shown by temperate simuliids for laboratory colonization, the ability of Simulium ornatum and S. lineatum to support the development of Onchocerca volvulus was investigated. An injection technique is described for the introduction of O. volvulus microfilariae from a chimpanzee into female simuliids in the absence of a bloodmeal. RPMI 1640 medium, with penicillin, streptomycin and foetal calf serum, proved satisfactory as an inoculation medium. Third stage larvae were obtained in both S. ornatum and S. lineatum after seven days at 27 degrees C. The rate of development of the parasite in S. ornatum is recorded.


The abundance of pathogenic African trypanosomes in the salivary secretions of wild Glossina pallidipes.

Trypanosome infection rates in wild Glossina pallidipes from the Lambwe Valley, Kenya, were determined using salivation and fly dissection methods. Of the 416 flies examined by salivation, one was infected with Trypanosoma brucei, seven with T. congolense, 18 with T. vivax and three with both T. congolense and T. vivax. The fly infected with T. brucei always secreted saliva heavily infected with trypanosomes. Flies infected with T. vivax secreted saliva which contained very few trypanosomes and some of these flies produced negative saliva for several successive days. There was no significant difference between the proportions of male and female flies which were infected with any one species of trypanosome, but there were highly significant differences between the mean numbers of the different species of trypanosome in the saliva.


Differentiation between species of the Anopheles gambiae Giles complex (Diptera: Culicidae) by analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons.

Lipids were extracted from 500 female Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis in n-hexane and the extracts examined by gas chromatographic analysis using a glass column packed with 3% OV-1 on a 100-200 mesh Gas Chrom Q which was maintained at 225 degrees C. Cuticular hydrocarbons consisted mostly of unbranched paraffins. There were differences between the distribution of compounds with 25-29 carbons. After adjusting the C27 peak to 100%, hydrocarbons C26 and C29 represent heights of 80 and 69% in An. gambiae compared with values of 49 and 95 % in An. arabiensis. Other small but consistent differences were also found. Investigations are being performed on extracts from smaller samples and on other species within the An. gambiae complex.


Polyacrilamide gel electrophoretic pattern of umbilical cord and maternal sera.

A comparative study was performed of the polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns of proteins in 100 sera from the umbilical cord and maternal sera after normal pregnancies and deliveries. To simplify this analysis, the electrophoretic pattern was arbitrarily divided into nine regions that were studied according to the number of band frequency and colour intensity. Protein nomination was made with literature data. Total protein concentrations in both sera were determined by colorimetric techniques. The most important data obtained from umbilical cord serum pattern were the following: a greater number of bands in the post albumin, post beta and gamma 1 regions; absence of "hemopexin" band or faintly stained if present; abundance of 7s-globulins with lack or scarcity of "haptoglobin" bands in gamma 2 region in 100 per cent of gels; and finally, the band closer to the origin (B-lipoprotein) slightly stained. Minimum number of bands was 11, maximum 24. Features of maternal serum were: highly stained "hemopexin" in 100 per cent of gels; frequent band absence in gamma 1 region; in gamma 2 region, there are scarce 7s globulins and "haptoglobins" are numerous and highly stained; in the middle part of this same region, frequent presence of a band that is more coloured than "haptoglobins"; the three last bands close to the origin are always observed showing high staining. Minimum number of bands was 13 and maximum 30. Total protein average concentration was 6.28/g/100 ml in umbilical cord serum and 7.14/g/100 ml in mother serum. Comparison of electrophoretic patterns in 100 paired sera showed that only three were identical. In this paper we discuss some of the possible causes of differences observed between both sera.


Hemolytic anemia caused by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Results are reported concerning quantitation of glucose -6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity where in one of the members of a family a clinical diagnosis of acute hemolytic anemia due to G6PD deficiency had been established. In the propositus, G6PD levels were found to be less than 10 per cent thus confirming diagnosis; the same enzymatic deficiency was identified in one of the siblings without a history of hematologic pathology and in a maternal cousin with a history of neonatal jaundice as well as two obliged carriers. Electrophoretical enzyme phenotype was similar to A variant in three affected males. Advantages of prevention and medical care possible with early diagnosis of G6PD deficiency are discussed.


Radiosensitivity of L5178Y murine lymphoma cells.

Radiosensitivity of L5178/ murine lymphoma was studied in vivo by means of Co60 pump radiations. The dosage necessary to inactivate these cells was from 5,000 to 6,000 rads applied in an only dose. Doses under 2,000 to 4,000 rads only achieved partial inactivation, proportional to dosage applied. 100 to 1600 rad doses did not produce adverse effects on these cells. Lethal dose for carrier mice was from 800 to 1200 rads applied in one dose only or a total of over 600 rads applied in 100 rad daily sessions. High radioresistance of lymphoma did not allow destruction of all neoplastic cells in vivo for, before this occurred carrier mice died.


Blood and semen androgen values in a young unmarried population.

A radioimmunoassay procedure for testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in blood and semen plasma was developed using antisera against both androgens. The method utilized 0.5 ml and 1.0 ml volumes of blood plasma and semen respectively, and satisfies the recognized criteria of reliability. Determinations of T and DHT were performed on 33 healthy male unmarried subjects, aged 21-25 years old, and then compared to the sperm count. The T/DHT blood ratio was 7.8 and the correlation was r = 0.50, P less than 0.01, while the T/DHT semen ratio was 0.42 and the correlation r = 0.55, P less than 0.01. The T/DHT, blood/semen ratio was 10.8. No significant relationship was observed either between blood plasma androgens or semen plasma androgens and sperm concentrations.


Hypoglycemic effect of Opuntia cactus.

Nopal (Opuntia sp.) has been traditionally used by the Mexican population for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this work is to describe effects produced by directly liquified nopal and extracts from this plant in healthy and pancreatectomized rabbits. Preliminary results allow us to conclude that Opuntia streptacantha, Lemaire, has hypoglycemic properties when orally administered, in animals with experimentally induced diabetes as well as in healthy ones with physiologic hyperglycemia.


Seroepidemiologic studies in Oaxaca, Mexico. II. Survey for arbovirus antibody.

A serologic survey was conducted in south-western Mexico to obtain information on human experience with arbovirus infections. Sera were collected from two semitropical areas along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca State, two mountain areas above 1,700 meters and the interior valley at 1,500 meters. Of the 610 sera tested for group A antibody, 4.9 per cent were positive in the hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test to Venezuelan (VE), 11 per cent to Eastern, and none to Western encephalitis viruses. In neutralization tests the antibody was shown to be probably due to VE virus infections. When sera were screened for group B antibodies in the HI test, 32 per cent were positive with St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), 19 per cent with Ilhéus, and 4 per cent with yellow fever viruses. The pattern of reactions suggested that SLE or an antigenically related virus was responsible for the antibody detected. An unusually high rate was found in a mountain area at 2,000 meters: 41 per cent of 113 persons tested were seropositive to SLE. Of 493 sera screened by complement-fixation test, 6 per cent were positive to Nepuyo, 4 per cent to Patois, and 3 per cent to Tlacotalpan viruses.


Amino acid utilization patterns in clostridial taxonomy.

The polyamide layer technique for the chromatographic separation of dimethylaminonaphthalene sulphonyl amino acids has been adapted to the qualitative analysis of amino acids in media before and after the growth of micro-organisms. The method has been used to study the amino acids metabolized by cultures of proteolytic clostridia growing in a medium consisting of an acid hydrolysate of casein as a source of amino acids and small amounts of yeast extract and trypticase as sources of growth factors. The chromatograms of the media after growth showed which amino acids were used and which new amino acids were produced. Clostridium botulinum type F (proteolytic), C. ghoni, C. mangenoti and C. putrificum were found to reduce proline to 5-aminovaleric acid and to produce 2-aminobutyric acid, properties they shared with C. sporogenes and C. sticklandii. C. botulinum type G and C. subterminale used glycine, lysine, serine, and arginine but in contrast to C. sticklandii they neither reduced proline to 5-aminovaleric acid nor produced 2-aminobutyric acid. Both organisms oxidized phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan to phenylacetic acid, p-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid and indole acetic acid respectively. C. lituseburense and C. scatologenes used serine, threonine and arginine and produced 2-amino butyric acid and ornithine. C. lentoputrescens, C. limosum and C. malenomenatum resembled C. tetanomorphum by using glutamic acid and tyrosine. The chromatograms always showed the physiological group to which an organism belonged and in some cases were characteristic of the species.


[Eradication of Candida from a premature infant unit].

To eradicate Candida from a neonatal unit the authors used increasingly strigent protocols of prophylaxis and treatment. Finally all carriers were identified and treated with nystatin. A strict routine for washing hands was introduced. As a result of these measures the cross infection rate within the hospital was very low (3%). The eradication was maintained by constant surveillance (weekly oral and rectal swabs) because of regular reintroduction of Candida by babies who had been infected before transfer to the unit. The other conclusions were that post natal infection is usually due to cross infection and rarely from mother. The gut and perianal skin are important reservoirs of infection. Erythema of the buttocks almost disappeared after the eradication of Candida. Guteal erythema commonly preceded of manifestations of Leiner's disease.


[Neonatal purulent pericarditis. Value of echocardiography and surgical drainage].

Five neonates are described who developed purulent pericarditis during a septicaemia which suggest that this is not a rare complication. The diagnosis is difficult as classical clinical, ECG and radiological signs are usually absent. Rapid enlargement of the cardiac silhouette or just cardiomegaly in the presence of a severe infection are the usual modes of presentation. Echocardiography is the easiest and safest way to confirm the pericardial effusion. Surgical drainage is essential.


[Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas in children and adolescents. Study of a series of 8 cases].

Eight adolescent patients, 4 boys and 4 girls with prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas have been studied. The first symptoms developed between the ages of 8 and 14 years. The main complaints were headache (7 cases), delay or failure of growth (6 cases) or of puberty (3 cases), and amenorrhoea with galactorrhoea (2 cases). The diagnosis could be made easily from the enlarged sella turcica and the high plasma prolactin levels. Anterior pituitary insufficiency is variable. Persistent hyperprolactinaemia after surgery may require treatment with bromocriptine.


[Atresia of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Etiological hypothesis founded on a histological study of 130 fibrous remnants].

The hypothesis which might explain the congenital absence of extrahepatic bile ducts are reviewed from the study of samples obtained at surgery in 240 children with extrahepatic biliary atresia, and more especially from the pathologic study of 130 fibrous remnants taken as the first step of hepato-porto-enterostomy. This study allows the following pathophysiologic hypothesis: Epithelial damage occurring before birth and always at the same site in the biliary bud that has undergone normal migration and differentiation could be responsible for an atresia. The lesion could be due to abnormal vascularisation with the consequences similar to those observed in other hollow viscera. Below the lesion, bile retention would cause epithelial destruction and an inflammatory infiltrate as in auto-immune reactions. The portal fibrosis which progresses despite restoration of bile flow would be the result of stimulation of growth of the portal mesenchymal axis, which embryologically is only an extension of the fibrous remnant. This hypothesis could explain why it has never been possible to reproduce the condition exactly in animals because all experiments have been performed after birth.


[Normal values of total serum IgE in children from birth to 16 years of age].

Total serum IgE values were measured by solid phase radio-immunoassay in 250 normal children, 129 females and 121 males, whose ages ranged from birth to 16 years. IgE is not present in cord blood in contrast to the high maternal values but thereafter levels increase in a linear manner (y = 2.28 + 5.43 x, n = 250, r = 0.57, alpha less than 0.01). There was no significant difference between the sexes, both for the group as a whole as well as within age groups. There was no circadian variation. The distribution of the values in the age groups was log Gaussian and therefore the upper limit of normal should be defined as the 95% confidence intervals calculated from the log Gaussian distribution.


[Coagulation and fibrinolysis proteins in nephrotic syndromes in children].

The main coagulation and fibrinolysis proteins have been studied in 22 children with nephrotic syndrome. Some anomalies such as the increase of fibrinogen and of Factors II, V, VII + X concentrations and the decrease of antithrombin III concentration could induce an hypercoagulability. Other anomalies such as the high alpha 2 macroglobulin concentration and the frequently low plasminogen concentrations could induce a decrease of the plasma fibrinolytic activity. The consequences of the low alpha 1 antitrypsin levels are probably less important. The fast alpha 2 antiplasmin levels have been found variable in the different patients. Practically, it appears that most children with plasma albumin levels less than 15-17 g/l have antithrombin III levels less than 23 mg/dl (70% of normal), which appears to result in a high risk of thrombosis (11).


[Bile plug syndrome. A rare cause of curable cholestatic jaundice in the infant].

An eight week old baby who presented with a cholestatic jaundice had a bile plug in the ampulla of Vater. The plug was removal via a transduodenal approach. The bile plug syndrome is a rare cause of extrahepatic biliary cholestasis and is different from the inspissated bile syndrome in which the involvement is predominantly hepatocellular.


[Systemic lupus erythematosus manifested by thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs].

The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made in a 9 year old boy who had presented two months earlier with an extensive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and femoral veins. Haemostatic abnormalities were detected as follows: a moderate thrombocytopenia, increased platelet aggregation and stickiness, and a circulating anticoagulant (antithromboplastin).


[Complement and nephritic activity in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis].

A study of complement profiles and of "nephritic activity" (NeF activity) has been carried out in 33 children presenting with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), in order to determine the pathway of complement activation. By morphological studies two varieties of MPGN have been distinguished. In MPGN with subendothelial deposits, immunofluorescent studies and complement profiles show an activation by the classical pathway. The demonstration of NeF activity in 7 of 20 patients suggests that there is recruitment of the amplification pathway. In MPGN with dense deposits, immunopathological studies indicate an activation of the complement system through the alternate pathway, NeF activity being present in 10 of 13 patients. With the functional tests used, it is not possible to ascertain that the factors responsible for the NeF activity in MPGN with subendothelial deposits are identical to the C3NeF identified in MPGN with dense deposits and/or partial lipodystrophy.


[Circulating somatomedin activity and growth hormone secretion. Changes during late diagnosed celiac disease and effects of treatment].

Sixteen children, aged 5-19 years with late diagnosed coeliac disease who presented with significant growth delay were studied. Plasma somatomedin was decreased in all patients (mean 0.28 +/- 0.1) but the circulating growth hormone levels were normal in 12 patients. No inhibitory activity could be detected. Somatomedin activity was partially corrected in six patients who were re-examined after 3 months on a gluten free diet. This suggests that low somatomedin levels may be the result of the nutritional abnormalities during the active phase of the disease.


["Transitory" phenylketonuria. A permanent deficit].

Three cases are reported with hyperphenylalaninaemia greater than 1.8 micrometer/ml-1 in the neonatal period, becoming tolerant of a normal regime (3 g protein per kg) without plasma levels of phenylalanine exceeding 0.2 to 0.3 micrometer/ml-1. Atypical kinetics (zero order) of phenylalanine clearance after intravenous perfusion were shown in the three cases at the age of one year and the persistence of the disorder was again demonstrated at the age of five years in two cases by the study of an oral load of phenylalanine. Examination of the parents showed normal fasting levels of phenylalanine and a normal phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio. The observations draw together several previous publications from diverse authors and a new defined entity, "transitory" phenylketonuria, is proposed. It does not always appear to be a homogenous condition, as a partial defect in biopterin synthesis has been shown in the one case. In retrospect no anomaly of this kind was discovered in the other two cases where the mechanism was not elucidated.


Histological and cytological studies on the liquor contacting peptidergic neurons in the preoptic nucleus of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica).

Liquor contacting peptidergic neurons (LCPNs) in the preoptic nucleus of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), are investigated submacroscopically, light microscopically, electron microscopically (transmission and scanning) and histochemically. LCPNs appear in 8--13 per cent of all neurons constituting the preoptic nucleus and their cytoplasm contains many secretory granules stained by aldehyde-thionin or chrome hematoxylin. LCPNs have an epithelial cell-like polarity and their cytoplasmic organella shift to the supranuclear region. LCPNs are classified into three types (A, B, C) according to the liquor contacting portion of the cell: Granular type A neuron (40--50 x 40--50 microns 2), the cell of which is in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is the most common type and distributed in the ventral portion of the preoptic nucleus; this neuron is not connected with the neighboring ependymal cells by tight junctions. Bipolar type B neuron (60 x 30 micron 2), contacts the CSF with the tip of it cell process and is scattered throughout the preoptic nucleus; the cell is connected with the surrounding ependymal cells by tight junction. Bipolar type C neuron (60 x 30 micron 2) possesses a cell process protruded into the third ventricle and is distributed in the dorsal portion of the preoptic nucleus; this also is connected with the adjacent ependymal cells by tight junction. Regardless of type, all LCPNs exhibit a positive acetylcholinesterase and a negative ATPase reaction. Numerous fluorescent varicosities of monoaminergic nerve terminals are closely associated with the cell bodies of the LCPN. LCPNs are likely regulated by monoaminergic fibers.


Morphological and morphometric studies with the electron microscope on the Merkel cells and associated nerve terminals of normal and denervated skin.

Merkel cells and associated nerve endings of dog snout skin as well as foot and toe pads of rats were studied with the transmission electron microscope. Normal Merkel cells are characterized by the following morphological features: 1) localization restricted to the basal layer of the epidermis, 2) adjoining afferent nerve endings containing many mitochondria, 3) specific small round granules usually accumulated in the cytoplasm on one side of the nucleus facing the junction of the nerve ending, 4) highly lobulated irregular shape of the nucleus, 5) well developed Golgi apparatus with a few immature granules situated on the side of the nucleus opposite the junction at the ending, 6) spine-like processes extending from the cell surface where no nerve endings abut, 7) desmosomes and desmosome-like membrane thickening on the cell surface both abutting the surrounding keratinocytes and the nerve endings. The Merkel cells with nerve endings were observed and measured at various days after denervation. The experiments were carried out on rats whose sciatic nerves were transected. The samples of skin of foot and toe pads of the denervated legs were taken almost every day from 1 to 30 days. Almost no changes were noticed after 24 hrs, but within the next day the nerves retracted and were no longer observed in the epidermis. The Merkel cell granules increased in number in 1--3 days but decreased again to about a half of the value of the control at 30 days. The polarity of granules distribution showing a strong accumulation in the cytoplasm near the nerve ending became less marked after denervation. Some cells sustained severe degeneration in the later stage of experiment. It was remarkable that the activity of Merkel cells might depend on the associated nerves, but they never completely disappeared even after a long period of denervation.


Surface view of pericytes on the retinal capillary in rabbits revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

Retinal capillaries of the rabbit were treated with HCl and collagenase to visualize the pericytes attached to the stromal surface of the capillary walls under the scanning electron microscope. Two types of pericytes were distinguishable on the basis of shape and localization. One type (Type I) had a slightly bulged, fusiform cell body with a few, long, branching cytoplasmic processes, and these cells were scattered mainly in the region of the true capillary. The other type (Type II) possessed a rather flattened and polymorphic cell body from which radiated short irregular cytoplasmic processes, and these cells, which tended to overlap more or less, were present predominantly in the region of the pre- or postcapillary vessels in the capillary bed. The latter type cells were assumed to be precursors of the smooth muscle cells.


Histological observation of some of the endocrine glands in the sterile carp-funa hybrid (F1), with special reference to the hypophysis.

Some endocrine glands of the carp-funa hybrids were studied with a light microscope to elucidate their detailed structure and the possible causal factor of sterility in the males. Adult specimens of carp (Cyprinus carpio), gengoroh-buna (Carassius auratus cuvieri), and their hybrid (F1) were examined. The hybrid males are sterile as manifested by the failure of meiosis and seminomatous neoplasm in their testes. The hybrid females revealed well-developed ovaries, but their fertility was not tested. The hybrid hypophysis shows an intermediate condition between the parent species in the grade of ramification of the pars nervosa into the pars intermedia. Among seven types of granular cells demonstrated in the adenohypophysis, certain degenerative and anomalous changes are recognized only in the gonadotrophs of the hybrid hypophysis, especially in the female. These changes are discussed as a possible cause of sterility. A considerable amount of aldehyde fuchsin stainable neurosecretory material occurs in the cells of the nucleus preopticus and in the pars nervosa. The nucleus lateralis tuberis exhibits a histologically healthy condition.


Fine structural localization of endogeneous peroxidase in the endostyle of ascidians, Ciona intestinalis. A part of phylogenetic studies of the thyroid gland.

The fine structural localization of peroxidase activity in the endostyle of Ciona intestinalis was studied by cytochemistry at electron microscopic level. Only zone 7 cells in this organ are positive for this enzyme activity. The reaction product is recognized in the external surface of the apical plasma membrane, and in the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, of the nuclear envelope, and of the Golgi lamellae, and small vesicles of the Golgi region and of the apical cytoplasm. By electron microscopic autoradiography of 125I, the main site of iodination of thyroglobulin-like protein is considered to be the apical plasma membrane region of the zone 7 cells. The possibility of iodination of protein taking place within the endostylar lumen near the zone 7 cell cannot be ruled out. The relationship between the fine-structural localization of peroxidase activity and the site of iodination of protein is discussed.


Comparative study of the monoamine neuron system in the spinal cord of the lamprey and hagfish.

Spinal cords of the lamprey and hagfish were fluorescence histochemically and electron microscopically examined. Ventrally to the central canal of both cyclostomes, yellow fluorescence bound to small to medium sized neurons was observed. In the lamprey only, weakly blue-green fluorescent subependymal cells were seen just beneath the central canal. In the ventral floor of their spinal cord, yellow fluorescent varicosities were observed; their density was much higher in the lamprey than in the hagfish. The lateral surface of the hagfish spinal cord was marginated by a chain of yellow fluorescent varicosities. The yellow fluorescence was microspectrofluorometrically identified as fluorescence due to 5-HT. Electron microscopically, the 5-HT neurons contained many large dense-core vesicles. The 5-HT varicosities or terminals seen in the ventral zone of both cyclostomes possessed the large dense-core vesicles and small clear synaptic vesicles, which appeared as small dense-core vesicles after KMnO4 fixation. The terminal of the lamprey was nakedly situated on the ventral surface, while that of the hagfish was always covered by the superficial glial layer. This finding seems to favor the view that lamprey and hagfish should be divided into two different classes.


Fine structures of the cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons in the hypothalamus of the lamprey, Lampetra japonica.

In the preoptic, infundibular and posterior recesses of the lamprey, Lampetra japonica cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons are distributed much more abundantly than in higher vertebrates. They are classified into three different types on the basis of their granules size or electron density: type 1 containing round dense granules of large size (180--230 nm in diameter), type 2 containing variously shaped dense granules of medium size (150--200 nm) and type 3 containing variously shaped granules of small size (100--150 nm). The neurons of the third type may be further classified into two subtypes: type 3a possessing dense granules and type 3b showing less dense granules. The intraventricular process of CSF-contacting neurons contains Golgi cisternae that are forming new secretory granules and well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. It is suggested that secretory granules might be formed in the intraventricular process in addition to the perikaryon. Besides the small cytoplasmic protrusions presumably involved in microapocrine secretion, intraventricular processes occupied with many empty granules are detected which might represent a process of diacrine secretion. The intraventricular processes further contain multivesicular bodies which incorporate old or overproduced secretory granules, suggesting a process (crinophagy) and large lipid droplets likely corresponding to the final digestive product. The CSF-contacting neurons of all types are usually supplied with axo-somatic synapses on the perikaryon and subsurface cisternae are sometimes observed beneath the postsynaptic membrane. Axon terminals are also found forming synapses on the intraventricular process of type 2 and 3 neurons.


Stress-induced degranulation accompanied by vesicle formation in the adrenal chromaffin cells of the mouse.

Stress was induced in mice by restraining on a board by pinning their limbs followed by immersion of the hind feet in a water bath of 20 degrees C. Fine structure of adrenal chromaffin cells was studied by light and electron microscopy. After 8 to 22 hrs' stress, remarkable decrease in the number of argentaffin granules of the NA cells was demonstrated by light microscopy. By electron microscopy, the decline in the granule number was marked in A, NA and SGC cells. This degranulation was accompanied by theoccurrence of numerous smally cytoplasmic vesicles which often appeared empty but sometimes contained an electron-dense material. Granule-containing invaginations of plasma membrane were frequently seen and were interpreted to represent the exocytotis profiles. The idea that the secretory granule membrane and associated substances might be recovered in the form of cytoplasmic vesicles was thus supported. Exposure of the mouse to restraint plus water immersion stress proved to be a simple method for production of acute and drastic degranulation of the adrenal chromaffin cells.


A scanning and transmission electron microscope study of the premetamorphic papillae: possible chemoreceptive organs in the oral cavity of an anuran tadpole (Rana japonica).

Premetamorphic papillae of an anuran tadpole (Rana japonica) were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Premetamorphic papillae of several shapes are seen in and around the oral cavities of tadpoles during late larval and early metamorphic stages. These papillae are composed of three parts: the apical cellular part, the underlying connective tissue core and the epithelial covering. In the apical cellular part, two populations of cells are observed: apical and basal cells. The apical cell has a slender cytoplasmic process whose apical surface is exposed in the oral cavity. The basal cell is located at the basal portion of the apical cellular part of the papilla without researching the oral cavity. A long solitary microvillus and a bunch of short microvilli are seen on the apical surface of each apical cell. The apical cells contain dense-cored vesicles of 100 nm diameter and make synaptic contacts at their basal membranes with terminals of nerve fibers. Possible chemoreceptive function of the premetamorphic papilla is discussed.


Scanning electron microscope studies on the synovial membrane.

Synovial membranes from human and rabbit joints were observed by scanning electron microscopy. 1. The surfaces of synovial membranes present locally variable appearances. In some parts cytoplasmic processes of lining cells extend long and flat causing an appearance like overlapping renal podocytes, whereas in other parts the cells protrude in cauliflower-like or more smooth-surfaced round bodies. 2. In cracked surfaces of synovial membranes, two types of lining cells are distinguished. One is the cell which has more surface processes and numerous granules in the cytoplasm, the other is the cell which has fewer processes and better developed endoplasmic reticulum without granules. 3. Fibroblasts apparently forming collagen fibers are observed in the subsynovial tissue. Two types of fibrogenesis are found. In the first type microfibrils seem to be formed extracellularly, whereas in the second type bundles of filaments are preformed in the cytoplasm and they appear to be extruded directly from the cell surface.


Electron microscopy of unstained, fresh air-dried spreads of the mouse brain and application to energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis.

Electron microscopy of unstained, fresh air-dried spreads of the mouse brain revealed well-preserved ultrastructures of neurons and synaptic boutons filled with synaptic vesicles. Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of the neuron nucleus disclosed peaks for phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine and potassium. Analysis of large regions (spots of ca. 1 micron in diameter) on the neuron nucleus revealed peaks for magnesium, whereas that of regions on the cytoplasm rarely disclosed the element, which was confirmed by removal of the background noise using a micro-Edit computer system. Analysis of regions on synaptic boutons except mitochondria also indicated peaks for magnesium.


An unusual architecture of occluding junctions between surface cells in teleost ovarian follicles (Plecoglossus altivelis).

An unusual architecture of occluding junctions between surface cells in teleost ovarian follicles was observed by electron microscopy, by using the freeze-fracture technique. On the P-face, double strands of intramembraneous particles are observed. A narrow furrow-like gap is recognized between two rows of particles in such double strands. On the E-face, two types of grooves can be distinguished. Type I groove consists of a wide furrow. Type II groove, which appears to be sequent to type I groove, consists of a pair of "sub-grooves" running parallel. Further, a row of particles appears to be located in the bottom of type I groove or between two "sub-grooves" of type II groove. These observations suggest that the double strands on the P-face are registered with the grooves (type I or type II) on the complementary E-face and that a row of particles on the E-face is registered with a furrow-like region between two rows in the double strands on the P-face. In other words, a single unit of the juncture of the present occluding junction is thought to consist of triplicated junctional strands.


Electron microscope study on the contact of neural crest cells in the early stage of migration in bantam embryos.

The early stage of migration of neural crest cells was observed in the mid-brain level of bantam embryos (5-somite stage to 15-somite stage) by transmission) electron microscopy. It was confirmed that the migration of the neural crest cells starts at the stage of 7-8 somites and ends at the stage of about 14 somites. During this period, not only the contact of migrating crest cells with each other but also the contact between migrating cells and superficial ectodermal cells and/or neural tube cells was observed. Intercellular distance in those contact regions was 3-4 nm. The contact between the migrating crest cell and the basement membrane of the neural tube cell and of the ectodermal cell as well as the contact between the neural crest cell and the fibrillar structure in the environment was also seen. These findings suggest the possibility of transitory interaction for migration between neural crest cells with each other, between neural crest cells and cellular components of the environment where these crest cells migrate, and between neural crest cells and extracellular structures in the environment.


[Action of proteinase inhibitors in rats. 3. Influence of leupeptin on the rate of protein synthesis and the intracellular protein degradation by use of a test system including constant infusion of labelled amino acids, estimation of 3-methyl-histidine excretion and a triple-labelling technique].

Male Wistar rats (initial body weight 90 g) were fed ad libitum a whole-egg diet containing 10,5% crude protein. The animals of the experimental group received in each case of 1 mg leupeptin per 100 g of body weight in 12 hrs-intervals by i. p.-injection (3 days of treatment). Control animals got a leupeptin free solution. In addition, lysine dihydrochloride-alpha-15N was applied during the first three days of experiment to all animals and the nitrogen balance was determined. Urine from the N-Balance collection was analysed for 3-methyl-histidine excretion in order to calculate the degradation rate of myofibrillar proteins. On the fourth day the fractional rate of protein synthesis in several organs was estimated using the continuous infusion technique with 14C-leucine and 14C-lysine. The apparent biological half-lives of tissue protein were determined by a triple labelling technique, with (14C)-guanidino-L-arginine, L-5-3H-arginine and 15N-Lysine. The short-term treatment 3 days) with leupeptin did not affect the weight gain, the apparent digestibility of nitrogen and the N-balance. The fractional rate of protein synthesis was highest in the small intestine followed by the large intestine, liver and skeletal muscle and no influence of leupeptin treatment was observed. Furthermore no differences in the degradation rates of myofibrillar proteins between treated and untreated animals were found. The 3-methyl-histidine excretion via urine was 1.44 mg . kg-1 day-1 in both groups corresponding to a fractional rate of degradation of myofibrillar proteins of 2,5% per day. Apparent half-lives of tissue proteins in the small intestine, large intestine and liver, respectively, were shortest when estimated from the decay curves for the 14C-label and longest from the curves for the 15N-label. Leupeptin treatment resulted in prolonged apparent half-lives of the proteins in the large intestine and of the slowly turning over proteins in the liver. However, this effect seems to be caused rather by an increased reutilization of labelled amino acids than by a decreased protein degradation. Before continuing this kind of work the rate of uptake of injected leupeptine into tissues has to be investigated. Studies dealing with the in vivo action of proteinase inhibitors on protein metabolism have to include estimations of N-balance, protein synthesis rate, intracellular degradation rate of proteins as well as amino acid reutilization.


[Effect of native crude fiber on the digestibility of amino acids of laying hens of the fattening species].

One-year-old colostomised laying hens of the fattening species received 120 g of a basic ration approximately meeting their requirements (control group) and the animals of the test group 10, 20, 30 resp. 40 g wheat straw meal in addition. Straw meal admixtures of up to 30 g had no drastic influence on the apparent digestibility of amino acids. 40 g straw meal in the ration increased the excretion of the essential amino acids by 19% and of the non-essential ones (particularly glycine, zystine and serine) by 39% in comparison with the basic ration. The amount of free amino acids and of peptide in feces was significantly lower when the ration contained 20 g straw meal. On an average of the five variants checked, the amount of amino acid nitrogen soluble in TCA in the total-N in feces was 12%. Due to the partial digestion of the amino acids of the straw meal and the favourable influence of 10...20% straw meal in the ration on absorption, 2...3% additional nitrogen in the form of essential and non-essential amino acids was available to the hens in this range of admixture according to the analysis of feces.


[Lysine requirement of fattening boars in respect to their performance. 1. Influence of the consumption of energy and amino acids on the fattening performance].

With a total number of 157 boars 9 feeding variants with different levels of energy and amino acids were checked. The weight increase per fattening day and the energy and lysine expenditure per kg live weight increase were determined. The insufficient supply with lysine had negative effects on the live weight increase and the energy expenditure during the whole fattening period. Between the variantes with a high supply with amino acids (120%) and the supply according to standard (100%) no significant differences concerning the live weight increase could be ascertained up to 90 kg live weight. Between 90 and 120 kg live weight the animals in the variant with medium energy level and 120% lysine supply achieved significantly higher increases than those in the standard variant. Up to 90 kg live weight the energy expenditure for all groups amounted to 2,08 kEFs (energetic feed units for pigs) per kg live weight increase. The most suitable results were achieved by the animals which received the variants rich in energy (1,760 resp. 1,770 kEFs per kg live weight increase). Above the 90 kg live weight limit the energy expenditure rose considerably, remained however under 2,000 kEFs per kg live weight increase for the boars of the variant with medium energy level and 120% lysine supply as well as for the variant rich in energy and 100% lysine supply. The lysine expenditure in the first variant amounted to 25.1 g per kg live weight increase and for the variant rich in energy to 20.6 g lysine per kEFs.


[Lysine requirement of fattening boars in respect to their performance. 2. Relations between energy consumption and live weight increase].

Linear relations between live weight increase (y in g per kg live weight 0,75) and the daily energy consumption (x in energetic feed units pigs per kg live weight 0,75) were established. y = 0.8308 x-18.58, r = 0.7944 Extrapolation concerning the live weight balance showed an energy maintenance requirement of 22,36 energetic feed units for pigs resp. 78.26 kcal net energy fat for pigs per kg metabolic body weight. 121 energetic feed units for pigs resp. 424 kcal net energy fat for pigs were required for 100 g live weight increase.


[Protein digestibility and amino acid absorption in various segments of the digestive tract of pigs. 5. Results of the application of 35S-methionine].

The intake, excretion and the rate of flow of protein, methionine and 35S were measured at four pigs (live weight 63 kg) with re-entrant cannulae in the duodenum and the ileocecal region after the oral application of 35S-methionine and the feeding with a wheat + wheat gluten + lysine resp. a protein-free diet over a period of 7 days. From the measured values one pattern each for the N- and the methionine metabolism was laid down with the help of the compartment model, and the endogenous and exogenous levels of protein resp. methionine in the duodenum, the ileum and in feces were estimated.


Changes in body composition of pig fetuses during pregnancy.

40 fetuses taken from 10 litters on day 50, 60 fetuses taken from 15 litters on day 105 of the respective pregnancies and 6 newly born piglets taken from 3 litters were analyzed for dry matter, total N, amino acids, fat, energy and 5 major minerals. As compared to the amounts found at birth, on day 50 about 3 per cent of the Na and K and less than 2 per cent of the other components were found. On day 105th the corresponding percentages were 96 and 95 for Mg and K, 88 and 86 for fat and Na, between 71 and 74 for dry matter, N, energy and P, and 63 for Ca. During the course of pregnancy proportions of alanine tyrosine, phenylalanine and lysine decreased, whereas those of proline and glycine increased. From the information presented in tables 4 and 5 it may be concluded that most of the fetal gain or organic and inorganic matter takes place during the last part of pregnancy. Increased nutrient requirements of the dam should be of quantitative importance only during this relatively short period. Changes in concentrations of protein and mineral elements during the course of pregnancy are not proportional.


[N-balance investigations with young broiler chickens concerning the utilization of DL-threonine and DL-tryptophan].

It was the purpose of these investigations, apart from a methodical test of the procedure for the ascertainment of the efficiency of optical isomers of synthetic amino acids in an N-balance test, to draw conclusions concerning the value of DL-threonine and DL-Tryptophane for young chickens. The ascertained efficiency of 67% for DL-threonine (D-form 34%) resp. 86% for DL-tryptophane (D-form 72%) coincides with the results described in literature and speaks in favour of the method applied on the basis of the parameters of the efficiency graph of the limiting amino acids. The supposition made here that for a zero content of limiting amino acids the b-value also equals zero, requires further investigation. The clarification of the reasons for the low effectivity of the synthetic L-form ascertained in comparison with the native amino acid also makes further investigation necessary.


[Feed value of straw materials in the in vitro system. 4. Influence of the additional pre-incubation with the rumen fluid of animals deprived of food on the in vitro rate of protein synthesis].

Rumen fluid was extracted from sheep after they had been deprived of food for 48 hours. This rumen fluid was either directly applied in an artificial rumen or after pre-incubation (up to 16 hours). The 35S-incorporation rate into the microbial protein was measured after the admixture of untreated straw meal, straw meal treated with NH3-water of with NaOH. Generally, the 35S-incorporation rates were highest for the blank experiments. The reason for this is that the straw meal admixtures withdraw from the microorganisms low-molecular, energetically utilisable substrates by absorption and adsorption. Pre-incubation could not much reduce the relatively higher 35S-incorporation rate of the blank experiments. The two treated straw variants were significantly superior to the untreated straw meal concerning the 35S-incorporation rate.


Electron microscopic observations on Aedes albopictus cells infected with dengue viruses.

In dengue virus infected Aedes albopictus cells, electron-dense particles, larger than single ribosomes, were arranged on the cytoplasmic sides of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) membranes. Mature virions 40--45 nm in diameter as well as vesiculotubular structures 50--120 nm in diameter appeared in enlarged cisternae of RER filled with fine granular substance. Many of the mature virions and somewhat degenerated vesiculotubular structures remained to be enclosed in membranous structures presumably derived from RER, even after degeneration of infected cells. The findings suggest that development of dengue viruses in cultured A. albopictus cells takes place in close relationship with the activated membranes of RER. Other morphological changes observed in dengue infected A. albopictus cells were 1. electron-dense "double-track structures" in areas of virion morphogenesis, 2. fine crystalline structures in type-2 dengue infected cells, and 3. aggregates of nucleoid structures, in cells persistently infected with type 2 dengue virus. The implication and nature of these structures in relation to virion morphogenesis remain to be investigated.


Effect of N,N'-bis(methylisatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone)-2-methylpiperazine on vaccinia virus replication in vitro and in vivo. Brief report.

The inhibitory effect of N,N'-bis(methylisatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone)-2-methylpiperazine (compound TSKI-VI) and methisazone (Marboran) on the growth of vaccinia virus (IHD strain) was studied in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic indices of both compounds determined in vivo were similar, but TSKI-VI was found more efficient in vitro.


Distribution of glycosaminoglycans in consecutive layers of the rabbit aorta.

Transmural variations in various glycosaminoglycan (GAG) fractions were determined in adventitia-free thoracic aortas from rabbits. Total glycosaminoglycan concentration decreased from intima to outer media. These data are similar to total GAG concentration in bovine and human aortas as reported by others. There is a marked decrease in the concentration of the combined chondroitin sulfate-dermatan sulfate component with increasing distance from the endothelial surface. These transmural differences are linked to the possible variation of the diffusion coefficient of a diffusing solute as a function of distance, which can affect the concentration profile of the solute.


Inhibition of cholesterol uptake by the arterial wall in the intact animal.

This report presents evidence that 7-ketocholesterol effectively inhibits cholesterol uptake by the arterial wall in intact rabbits. The 7-ketocholesterol was administered to the animals by infusing isologous blood pre-incubated with the sterol. Each animal was used as its own control by the use of 3H and 14C-labelled cholesterols as tracers to measure the arterial cholesterol uptake during two successive infusions. The mean cholesterol uptake by the carotid and femoral arteries in the presence of 7-ketocholesterol was 18+/-3 nmoles/g, whereas the average of cholesterol uptake by these arteries was 53+/-5 nmoles/g when the animals were infused with isologous blood containing no 7-ketocholesterol. The mean concentration of 7-ketocholesterol in the animals blood ranged from 34 to 87 nmoles/ml. In preliminary experiments in vitro, pre-incubation of plasma with particulate 7-ketocholesterol caused inhibition of cholesterol uptake by perfused pig coronary arteries, although the particulate fraction of 7-ketocholesterol was removed prior to perfusion. The mean cholesterol uptake by the arteries perfused with plasma containing 7-ketocholesterol (240+/-20 nmoles/ml) was 96+/-21 nmoles/g, whereas the mean cholesterol uptake of the paired controls was 324+/-86 nmoles/g. The 7-ketocholesterol was found to bind to the lipoproteins and with higher affinity to red cells.


Circulating endothelial-like cells in arterial peripheral blood of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

In blood smears obtained from the central ear artery of rabbits after 7 days of cholesterol-rich diet, a high number of well staining cells, morphologically very similar to endothelial cells may be found. After 15 days, macrophage-like cells are found in the smears together with degenerated (endothelial or macrophagic) cells. The presence of circulating endothelial cells is in agreement with the findings of de-endothelialized areas of aortic intima observed at scanning and transmission electron microscopy in short term hypercholesterolemic rabbits.


A comparison of fatty acid patterns of arterial plasma, pericardial fluid and cardiac lymph in dog.

The fatty acid composition of cardiac lymph and pericardial fluid in anesthetized open-chest dogs, was analysed and compared with that of arterial plasma. The fatty acid content of triglyceride (TG) and total fatty acid fractions of pericardial fluid and cardiac lymph was significantly lower than that of plasma. On the other hand, free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations of pericardial fluid, cardiac lymph and plasma were not significantly different. The FFA fraction of cardiac lymph contained relatively more stearic acid and less oleic acid whereas, in plasma, the FFA fraction contains less myristic acid. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that endothelial permeability is a limiting factor for the transvascular exchanges of large molecules such as TG and that the FFA distribution in intersititial spaces may have been modified by the contribution of fatty acids from endogenous cardiac reserves or from the hydrolysis of plasma TG.


Composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans in human term placenta blood vessels.

The composition of acidic glycosaminoglycans in pooled blood vessels, mostly of fetal origin, from a normal human term placenta was investigated by a series of procedures consisting of chromatography on a cetyl pyridinium chloride-cellulose column, cellulose acetate electrophoresis, susceptibility to testicular hyaluronidase and thin layer chromatography of the products of digestion with bacterial chondroitinases. The results indicate the presence of hyaluronic acid (36%), chondroitin-6-sulfate (27%), dermatan sulfate (21%), heparan sulfate (8%) and chondroitin-4-sulfate (8%). Several of the fractions obtained from the cetyl pyridinium chloride-cellulose column exhibited anticoagulant activity, which might be physiological importance for the maintainance of the fluidity of the intensively circulating placental blood.


Plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase: lack of induction by phenobarbital in guinea pigs.

Compared with controls, guinea pigs ip injected by phenobarbital for 4 days displayed higher activities of two hepatic microsomial enzymes: aminopyrine N-deme-thylase and benzo(alpha)pyrene hydroxylase. In contrast plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was not increased by phenobarbital. It then appears that like in humans, plasma LCAT does not seem inducible by phenobarbital.