Amnion nodosum and congenital ichthyosis.

Histologic characteristics of the placentas in four cases of amnion nodosum and congenital ichthyosis, a rare association, are presented. Two cases were missed abortions of a single multiparous woman, supporting the hypothesis that in congenital ichthyosis amnion and skin share an abnormal genetic trait. As the amnion showed no hyperkeratosis, it is likely that the amniotic lesions are related to an increased deposition of keratotic plugs on the amnion. Oligohydramnios was verified in two cases; urinary tract malformations were absent in all. The histologic characteristics of the placentas were similar. Noteworthy was the aspect of the chorionic vessels, whose lumens were reduced or obliterated. Perhaps this feature contributed to the poor nutrition of the amnion, a fact assumed by some authors to explain lesions of amnion nodosum. As these vascular alterations are common after fetal death, it is only in the placenta of the newborn that the vascular changes, compatible with rubella vasculitis, may have altered the nutrition of the amnion.


Diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infestation. Study of two methods for collection of specimens.

Two methods for collecting fecal specimens for parasitologic examination were compared: the usual samples from different days to be studied separately ("triads") and the alternate procedure of mixing three daily specimens in a single flask with thimerosal-iodine-formaldehyde as preservative ("blend"), in order to save time and effort on the part of the microscopist. Stool samples totalling 284 from 71 heavily parasitized persons were examined. No significant difference was found in the results of studying "triads" and "blends" by two concentration technics.


Hemangioma thrombocytopenia syndrome. A case masquerading as an encephalocele.

The association of hemangioma and thrombocytopenia has been recognized since 1940. We cared for a newborn boy whose hemangioma resembled an occipital encephalocele. The true diagnosis was suspected only when his platelet count dropped to 3,000/cu mm with severe intestinal hemorrhage on the third day of life. The diagnosis was confirmed by arteriography. The hemangioma was excised surgically, and the platelet count returned quickly to normal. The baby has done well subsequently. When feasible, surgical excision of the platelet-trapping hemangioma is the treatment of choice in the hemangioma thrombocytopenia syndrome.


The threatening stare: differential response latencies in mild and profoundly retarded adults.

Institutionalized retarded adults (N = 120) were studied using a 2 (mild, profound) x 2 (stare, no stare) x 2 (close, far) analysis of variance design. It was expected that threatening-stare conditions would produce smaller response latencies for avoidance and aggressive behavior than would the no-stare condition and, further, that the stare would have greater impact on the profoundly as compared with mildly retarded subjects, especially in the close conditions. These expectations were supported by the response latency data that yielded a highly significant main effect for stare and significant Stare x Retardation and Stare x Distance interactions.


Detection, evaluation, and treatment of pituitary microadenomas in patients with galactorrhea and amenorrhea.

Over a period of two and a half years, 34 women with galactorrhea or amenorrhea, all with an abnormal sellar polytomogram, underwent transsphenoidal microsurgical exploration of the sella. Eighteen women and microadenomas (less than or equal to 1 cm. in diameter), seven had macroadenomas (greater than than 1 cm. in diameter), and five had unidentified lesions. Only one women had a normal pituitary gland. Three women had cryosurgery without biopsy. Preoperatively, hyperprolactinemia occurred in 24 of 25 women with adenomas and two of five with nonadenomatous lesions. There were no operative deaths. Significant morbidity occurred in only three patients, none of whom had microadenomas. Postoperatively, menses resumed in 16 of the 17 women with microadenomas and in two of the seven with macroadenomas who presented with amenorrhea. Galactorrhea disappeared in 15 of the 17 women with microadenomas and in four of the seven with macroadenomas who presented with galactorrhea. In five patients with unidentified lesions, a return of menses occurred in two of four with previous amenorrhea, and galactorrhea abated in two of three who presented with lactation. We conclude that sellar polytomography in women with hyperprolactinemia is a useful technique technique for the diagnosis of pituitary adenomas, a lesion which may occur more frequently than previously realized. In addition, transsphenoidal microresection of microadenomas is safe and effective.


Psychiatric Eclecticism: a cognitive view.

Pluralism is necessary in psychiatry to compensate for the errors and biases characteristic of the equipment we use to appraise clinical "reality"--our own perceptual-cognitive apparatus. Our attention to clinical situations is skewed: we notice "data" consistent with past assumptions and formulations, and consequently, those views are reinforced by our perceptions. The eclectic posture involves approaching each clinical situation from multiple theoretical perspectives and settling on a perspective that most closely agrees with the patient's needs and wishes without sacrificing the best information available to the psychiatrist. Such eclecticism defines the psychiatrist's role as that of a broad-based scholar who can apply what he knows to the clinical situation. The author discusses the implications for clinical practice and psychiatric education.


Regional variation in the surface morphology of the epithelium of the rat ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis and vas deferens.

The luminal surface of epithelial cells lining the ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymidis and first portion of the vas deferens were studied with the scanning electron microscope. In ductuli efferentes obvious ciliated cells are identified and it is shown that on non-ciliated cells the short microvilli adhere to one another to form clumps of microvilli. In the epididymis two cell types are described and can be identified as principal cells and clear cells based on the presence or absence of microvilli. Clear cells vary in number along the duct, being most numerous distally. Their surface morphology is also most variable distally. In the vas deferens, principal cells with surface microfilli are easily identified; but, in addition, a second cell type is seen, the identity of which is not known.


Ultrastructure of in vitro type 2 epithelial cell cysts derived from adult rabbit lung cells.

Fragments of adult rabbit lung, composed chiefly of terminal airway obtained by a trypsin digestion technique were maintained on collagen-coated cellulose sponges in Ham's F12 medium. Cell-sponge associations were examined with light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy over a period from 6 to 28 days. After an initial 24- to 48-hour period of cell migration from the airway fragment, sponge matrices became lined with cells suggestive of alveolar macrophages. After one week in culture, cysts appeared to be composed entirely of type 2 epithelial cells. These were characterized by a microvillous apical border and an elaborate junctional complex. The lumen of these cysts contained both myelin-like lamellar configurations and tubular myelin structures such as have been described from pulmonary washings. Consistent with the age of the sponge cultures, one or more cyst types described as young, middle and late could be found simultaneously. Middle aged cysts showed signs of active secretion into the lumen. Late cysts showed changes in the epithelium comprising the cyst wall suggestive of a cell type intermediate between type 1 and type 2 epithelial cells.


Cardiovascular effects of atropine sulfate preparations in vagotomized dogs under halothane anesthesia.

The cardiovascular effects of 3 preparations of atropine sulfate were studied acutely in open-chest, vagotomized dogs under endotracheal halothane anesthesia. Indices of myocardial performance (LVdp/dt/CPIP and maximum ascending aortic blood acceleration) showed insignificant changes when varying doses of IV atropine (0.04 mg/kg and 0.04 mg/kg) were given. However, mean ascending aortic pressure fell by 20 percent following the larger doses of 2 commercial preparations containing antibacterial preservatives, and only 9 percent following a "pure" (USP) atropine preparation. Calculated changes in systemic vascular resistance closely followed actual pressure values. These results indicate that atropine, even in large doses, causes little or no depression of ventricular function independently of its chronotropic action. However, atropine does cause a fall in blood pressure, seemingly due to peripheral vasodilation, particularly in commercial preparations containing preservatives.


Anesthetic considerations for cerebral computer tomography.

Cerebral computer tomography is a recently introduced neuroradiologic procedure involving tomographic x-rays of horizontal brain sections. Although most adults undergo the procedure without anesthesia, children and uncooperative adults must be given general anesthesia for absolute immobility. Of 84 procedures under general anesthesia, 10 employed ketamine, 6 used oral chloral hydrate; 60, endotracheal anesthesia enflurane or halothane; 7 used combinations of various sedatives. One was performed with local anesthesia standby. Ketamine and heavy sedation were found to be totally unsatisfactory because of airway problems and unpredicatability of motion, which produced image artifacts. General endotracheal anesthesia with either halothane or enflurane in N2O-O2 was found most satisfactory because of better control of airway and prevention of motion.


The oculocardiac reflex in eye-surgery anesthesia.

A case of oculocardiac reflex occurring during general anesthesia for cataract removal is presented. The prevention and treatment of such reflexes is discussed with particular attention to the importance of ECG monitoring at all times in ophthalmic surgery.


Physostigmine reversal of diazepam-induced depression.

Diazepam is a valuable and widely-used adjunct to many inpatient and outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, the occasional and often unexpected delirium or coma induced by even modest doses of diazepam can be life threatening. Four cases are reported which demonstrate the prompt and effective reversal of diazepam-induced delirium and coma by the administration of physostigmine.


Sympathetic recovery following lumbar epidural and spinal analgesia.

During recovery from spinal and epidural block, the progressive reduction of digital blood flow is regarded as evidence of sympathetic recovery of the extremity. This was demostrated by the decreasing amplitude of a digital pulse-wave (photoelectric plethysmographic) recording. As the level of analgesia regressed to T8-11 following spinal or epidural block, the toe pulse-wave amplitudes began to decrease. In the presence of good motor and sensory block in the lower extremity with low spinal or epidural anesthesia (level of analgesia T-11 or below), the clinical or photoeletric plethysmographic evidence of sympathetic denervation was minimal or absent. According to these findings, the authors postulate that some preganglionic sympathetic fibers which conduct sympathetic stimulation to the lower extremity originate at spinal cord segments T-10 or above.


Postintubation acute respiratory distress due to annular slough of laryngotracheal mucosa.

A case of postintubation acute respiratory distress due to annular mucosal slough from the laryngotracheal area is reported, with accompanying histopathologic-section slides. An optimal therapeutic approach to prevention of, and possible origins of such injuries are proposed.


Corneal abrasions during general anesthesia.

The eyes of 200 healthy adult patients undergoing general anesthesia were stained with fluorescein strips for detection of corneal abrasion in the immediate postoperative period. Twenty-six of 59 patients in whom the eyes remained partly open showed positive staining--an incidence of 44 percent. The remaining 141 patients in whom the eyes were naturally closed or protected with adhesive tape or vaseline gauze did not develop exposure keratitis. It is suggested that covering of eyes is necessary in all cases undergoing general anesthesia so as to avoid this frequent complication of anesthesia.


Faulty anesthesia circuits: a source of environmental pollution in the operating room.

Commonly used disposable anesthesia circuits were studied for leak and gas spillage. Trace anesthetic gas concentrations produced by these circuits in the anesthesiologist's breathing zone were analyzed by a Hewlett-Packard Gas Chromatograph. These measurements demonstrated ambient halothane (3.29 +/- 0.1 ppm) and N2O (333.5 +/- 2.31 ppm) concentrations well above target levels, when swivel-type disposable anesthesia circuits were used, despite the presence of standard gas-scavenging devices and appropriate operating room fresh air exchange rates. Lower ambient concentration levels (0.38 +/- 0.03 ppm halothane and 31.3 +/- 1.49 ppm N2O) were measured when Y-type disposable anesthesia circuits were used.


Hepatitis and operating-room personnel: an approach to diagnosis and management.

Hepatitis represents a common problem in operating room (OR) personnel. The differential diagnosis is usually narrowed to viral hepatitis versus halothane-associated hepatitis. While specific immunologic technics are available to diagnose viral hepatitis, halothane hepatitis cannot presently be unequivocally diagnosed with available clinical, biochemical, immunologic, or pathologic technics. Suggestions for management of OR personnel with hepatitis can only be based on insufficient evidence at present. The authors have initiated a prospective study to help clarify this situation.


Some characteristics of an exceptionally potent inhaled anesthetic: thiomethoxyflurane.

The authors sought to test whether a deviation existed for the correlation between anesthetic potency and the oil/gas partition coefficient at an extreme of lipid solubility. For thiomethoxyflurane, the sulfur analog of methoxyflurane, the oil/gas partition coefficient was 7230 +/- 50 SEM, and MAC (minimum alveolar concentration of thiomethoxyflurane required for anesthesia) in 4 dogs was 0.035 +/- 0.008 percent of 1 atm. This agrees with the potency predicted by the lipid solubility, although thiomethoxyflurane is 7 1/2 times more potent than methoxyflurane, to date the most potent available anesthetic. Thiomethoxyflurane water/gas and blood/gas partition coefficients were 5.4 +/- 0.3 and 68.1 +/- 1.5, respectively. The latter coefficient accords with the prolonged recovery associated with this agent. Renal and hepatic blood chemistries measured on the 1st and 7th days following anesthesia showed only small changes from preanesthetic values.


Halothane effects on conductivity of the AV node and His-Purkinje system in the dog.

His-bundle electrocardiography was used to evaluate the effect of halothane on AV nodal and His-Purkinje system conduction times in the spontaneously beating dog heart. During artrial pacing at basic heart rates of 120 or 200 beats per minute (bpm), an extrastimulus (cycle length longer or shorter than that of the basic rate) was delivered to test the effect of halothane on several parameters of AV nodal conductivity. Included were the functional refractory period, basal conduction time, and fatigue effect (prolongation of basal conduction time as heart rate was increased from 120 to 200 bpm). Increasing MAC level of halothane (1.25 to 2.75 MAC) prolonged both AV node and His-Purkinje conduction times, yet had little effect on the parameters of nodal conductivity tested for. These effects of halothane could be potentially dangerous in the clinical setting for patients with defective AV conduction. In addition, changes in conduction may be in part responsible for arrhythmias seen during halothane anesthesia.


Response time of the Narkotest anesthetic gas monitor.

Response time (RT) of the Narkotest anesthetic gas monitor was measured for 7 inhalation anesthetics, using a 5 L/min fresh gas flow (FGF). Time to 63 percent of maximum response (RT63) and to 95 percent of maximum response (RT95) was directly related to rubber/gas and oil/gas partition coefficients. RT95 ranged from 7 seconds for N2O to 843 seconds for methoxyflurane. RT measured at 0.5 L/min FGF was markedly prolonged over RT at 5 L/min. When the Narkotest was placed on the expiratory limbs of circle-absorber breathing circuits, the difference between the calibrated Narkotest reading (Fn) and the mixed expired circuit concentration (Fc) was shown to depend on the rate of increase of the circuit concentration.


Sodium nitroprusside-produced hypotension during anesthesia and operation in the head-up position.

Measurements before, during and after prolonged hypotension (148 +/- 40 min, mean +/- SE) produced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 2.4 +/- 1.1 microng/kg/min) were obtained from 5 anesthetized adult patients in the head-up position. Reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) from 81 to 54 torr (at the level of the circle of Willis) while maintaining similar concentrations of N2O and halothane was associated with an unchanged arterial oxygenation and pH, decreased systemic vascular resistance (p less than 0.05), increased heart rate (HR p less than 0.05) and an unchanged (2 patients) or increased (3 patients) cardiac output as compared with measurements during normotension. After SNP was discontinues, the MAP recovered within 3 to 5 minutes and the cardiac output and HR decreased. Two of these patients also received trimethaphan (TMP). In 1, TMP decreased MAP, but this was associated with a reduction in cardiac output. In the same patient, SNP produced a similar fall in MAP, but cardiac output was unchanged. In the 2nd patient, TMP did not reduce MAP, while SNP resulted in a prompt decrease. The authors conclude that circulatory changes during SNP administration for prolonged controlled hypotension in the semi-sitting position are similar to hemodynamic changes observed during short-term SNP administration to supine patients.


Ketamine anesthesia in dermolytic bullous dermatosis (epidermolysis bullosa).

An unusual hereditary disease entity of the integument, dermolytic bullous dermatosis (epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica), recessive type, is presented. The disease is characterized by the formation of bullae, vesicles, and erosions upon the application of the least trauma. Healing results in scarring and incapacitating deformities which require extensive reconstructive surgery. A technic utilizing ketamine-diazepam "dissociative anesthesia" for several surgical procedures for this condition is described. The technic enabled the patient to undergo 3 complex operations over a 2-year period with minimum complications.


Left heart assist device: early clinical experiences with management of postperfusion low cardiac output.

Low cardiac output is a continuing cause of mortality after intracardiac operation in patients coming to surgery with advanced myocardial dysfunction. A simple method using a left heart assist device (LHAD) after open heart surgery to manage low cardiac output resistant to all adjuvant therapy is described. Except for the special cannulas, all equipment necessary for the LHAD is available in any unit performing open-heart surgery. Fifteen patients who could not be separated from conventional cardiopulmonary bypass underwent postoperative support with the LHAD (up to 501 hours). Ten patients were weaned from the device and 6 were dismissed from the hospital. Four patients remain alive, the longest period after operation being 24 months. A major asset of the LHAD is that thoracic reentry is not required at termination of LHAD support, since their design permits the cannulas to remain permanently in situ. This is thought to be an important concept, since critically ill patients requiring support are precisely those in whom added risk would be imposed by a second operation.


Alcohol-induced adenolysis of the pituitary gland: a new approach to control of intractable cancer pain.

In exploring new modalities to control or ameliorate unbearable intractable pain associated with invasive cancer, the authors studied the effectiveness and safety of a new method involving the destruction of the pituitary by injection of absolute alcohol into the gland. Of a series of 24 patients undergoing pituitary adenolysis for control of cancer pain, 13 patients experienced complete and lasting relief and 10 showed significant improvement. The authors hope that the encouraging results obtained in this preliminary study will stimulate other investigators also to employ the transnasal, transphenoidal approach to alcohol-induced hypophysectomy for the control of intractable pain due to advanced cancer.


Thrombophlebitis after intravenous diazepam--can it be prevented?

Although pain and subsequent thrombophlebitis are complications in patients receiving intravenous (IV) diazepam, the mechanism and accompanying histology are unknown. To further elucidate the pathogenesis for this and determine whether it can be minimized, adult female rats received IV diazepam, diazepam vehicle, lidocaine, a combination of lidocaine and diazepam, or N saline solution, and underwent subsequent tissue light microscopy. Vascular tissue from animals receiving IV diazepam alone revealed marked inflammation with inflammatory edema and intramural polymorphonuclear-cell infiltration. Intravascular thrombosis and complete vein-wall destruction were also present in some animals as early as 48 hours after IV diazepam. Diazepam vehicle and diluted diazepam produced similar morphologic alterations. Lidocaine or saline IV resulted in no histologic alterations, while lidocaine added to diazepam did not reduce the inflammatory response. These results represent the first systematic morphologic evaluation of vein response to intravascular diazepam and suggest that it produces rapid and detrimental morphologic alterations. The dilution of diazepam or combination with lidocaine does not appear to alter these findings, and diazepam vehicle appears to assume a role in the production of the vascular injury.


Inflammatory potential of foreign particulates in parenteral drugs.

Particulate and bacterial contamination of IV fluids and drugs have been implicated in venous thrombosis, infusion phlebitis, suppurative thrombophlebitis, pyrogenic reactions, and systemic sepsis. In a study of the inflammatory potential of the filterable residue of sodium cephalothin, we have found a tissue-specific reaction with venous endothelium but not with cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues. In a controlled animal model, removal of particulates from an infusion by use of a 0.45 micron in-line membrane filter reduces the incidence and severity of infusion phlebitis.


Oxygen-jet ventilation during tracheal reconstruction in patients with tracheal stenosis.

Intermittent jets of O2 at 60 psi via a small bore (5 mm), cuffed tracheal tube have been used relaxants to ventilate adult patients with tracheal stenosis undergoing surgical resection and reconstruction. Before resection, the tube was maintained proximal to the stenosis. During resection and reconstruction, the tube bypassed the resected gap into the distal tracheal segment. The technic allows the surgeon to mobilize, resect, and reconstruct the trachea around the small tube in an unhurried manner, and provides adequate ventilation and oxygenation throughout the procedure.


Pulmonary hypertension associated with echocardiographic pseudohypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

An echocardiographic study of a 67-year-old patient with pseudoidiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis due to secondary pulmonary hypertension is reported. Autopsy revealed findings consistent with pulmonary hypertension, and no evidence of idiopathic subaortic stenosis was found.


An improved double antibody radioimmunoassay method for the measurement of ragweed antigen E.

Antigen E, the principal antigen of short ragweed pollen, usually has been measured by immunodiffusion or, more recently, by radioimmunoassay. Several technical improvements were made in the radioimmunoassay method which allow the test to be completed in less than a day and which increase sensitivity to 30 picograms per ml of antigen E.


Myocardial infarction after general anesthesia.

During 1967 and 1968, a total of 32,877 patients had general anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic; 422 had previous myocardial infarction. Of these 6.6% experienced another infarction during the first postoperative week. There was no relationship between incidence of postoperative reinfarction and type or duration of anesthesia. However, operations on the thorax and upper abdomen were followed by three times as many reinfarctions as operations at other sites. Patients who were operated on within three months of infarction had a 37% reinfarction rate. This rate decreased to 16% in patients at three to six months after infarction, and remained at 4% to 5% when infarction had occurred more than six months previously. A significantly higher number of myocardial infarctions occurred during the third postoperative day.


[Menke's disease. A case report (author's transl)].

A seven month old male with Menkes' disease ("Kinky hair") is presented. Low ranges of copper and caeruloplasmin were found. The angiogram of all intracranial arteries revealed torturous form. Biopsy of an extracranial artery (branch of the temporal artery) was normal. Authors review previously reported cases and possible causes that can contribute to hypomyelination of central nervous system.


[Klinefelter's syndrome in 19 year old adolescents. (100 cases detected during selection for National Service)].

An analysis of 100 cases detected at the age of 19 years during selection for National Service. A somatic, genetic, psychological and hormonal profile emerges from this homogeneous sample. A study of olfactory function and insulin secretion was made. Testosterone deficiency was moderate, DHT deficiency being much more marked and insensitive to stimulation, suggestive of a 5 alpha-reductase defect. Impairment of oestrogenic function of the testis was demonstrated.


Argon laser photocoagulation treatment of diabetic cystoid maculopathy.

Forty-one patients with diabetic cystoid macular edema were treated with argon laser photocoagulation and followed for a mean period of 22 months. The fellow eye was held as control. In the treated group (33 eyes), 6 had an improvement in visual acuity (greater than 2 lines), 19 had visual acuity which remained the same (+/- 1 line), and 8 had a decrease in visual acuity (more than 2 lines). In the control group (33 eyes untreated), 18 had a visual acuity which remained the same, one had an improvement in visual acuity (greater than 2 lines) and 14 had a decrease (greater than 2 lines) in visual acuity. The control eyes of 14 patients were treated because of significant reduction in visual acuity. Although the general tendency toward stabilization in the treated group and toward deterioration in the untreated group was definitely observed, statistical evaluation did not show a significant difference between the 2 groups. Occasionally, patients with cystoid in the control eye cleared spontaneously without treatment.


Eversion of upper eyelids.

Tarsorrhaphy was effective in correcting a case of bilateral total eversion of the upper eyelids in a newborn infant.


The sex ratio of monoamniotic twin pairs.

Data on more than 300 monoamniotic twin pairs have been reviewed. The sec ratios (proportions of males) and of malformed monoamniotic twins seem to be lower than that of all monozygotic twins as a whole. The sex ratio of acardiac monsters (which are all members of monochorionic monozygotic twins) seems to be lower than that of monozygotic twins as a whole. Taken in conjunction, these two pieces of evidence suggest that monochorionic monozygotic twins have a lower sex ratio than dichorionic monozygotic twins. It is argued that this is evidence for the hypothesis that the sex of a zygote is associated with the time within the menstrual cycle that it is formed.


Produciton and biological activity of patulin and citrinin from Penicillium expansum.

Penicillium expansum isolated from meat and apples produced both patulin and citrinin. Toxin identity was confirmed by spectroscopic and physical methods. The mean lethal dose in chicken embryos was determined for toxins administered both singly and in various ratios. Data from simultaneous administration of mycotoxin combinations plotted as isobolograms showed and additive effect. Both toxins were teratogenic in chicken embryos.


Unaltered metabolism of taurolithocholic acid with changes in composition of rat intestinal microflora.

Changes in composition of both total aerobes and anaerobes of rat intestinal microflora do not appear to affect the metabolism of taurolithocholic acid.


Exponential growth kinetics for Polyporus versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus in submerged culture.

Simple mathematical models for a batch culture of pellet-forming fungi in submerged culture were tested on growth data for Polyporus versicolor (ATCC 12679) and Pleurotus ostreatus (ATCC 9415). A kinetic model based on a growth rate proportional to the two-thirds power of the cell mass was shown to be satisfactory. A model based on a growth rate directly proportional to the cell mass fitted the data equally well, however, and may be preferable because of mathematical simplicity.


Primary cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Drechslera spicifera.

A primary cutaneous lesion in a 5-year-old boy who had recently received chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia was found to be caused by a dematiaceous fungus, Drechslera spicifera. The lesion was an erythematous macule that rapidly developed necrotic ulcerations. The fungus, which is commonly found in soil and as a plant pathogen, was isolated from cultures of the lesion and from an excisional biopsy specimen. Hyphae and swollen hyphal cells resembling chlamydospores were observed in the biopsy specimen. Septate pigmented hyphae were found in the tissue, which is consistent with phaeohyphomycosis. Resolution of the infection occurred following excisional biopsy and systemic amphotericin B therapy. There was a concomitant recovery from neutropenia.


Characterization of allergens in Schistosoma mansoni, Fasciola hepatica and Echinococcus granulosus.

Various antigens interacting specifically with IgE antibodies from infected humans were identified in S. mansoni, F. hepatica and E. granulosus soluble extracts by means of radioimmunoelectrophoresis. Two allergens common to adult worm and cercariae were identified in S. mansoni extracts. They proved to be distinct from genus--or species--specific antigens previously identified in the parasite. In adult F. hepatica extract a species-specific antigen and another lipoprotein were shown to interact with IgE antibodies of patients with fasciolasis. Two major allergens were also found in whole fluid of sheep E. granulosus cysts. One of them corresponded to Echinococcus genus specific antigen. These results are discussed according to immunological findings in parasitic infections.


Organ culture of the mammalian and avian embryo otocyst.

The use of a chemically defined medium supplemented with serum has proved most suitable for the growth of the isolated embryonic otocyst in vitro. Complete differentiation of the cochlear duct and of the vestibular apparatus ensued and is described. The system is reliable for organ cultures of both the avian and mammalian otocyst and for the study of various lesions affecting the inner ear and middle ear.


Studies of the aetiology of neonatal hepatitis and biliary atresia.

Aetiological factors were sought prospectively in 55 babies with extrahepatic biliary atresia, in 105 with neonatal hepatitis, and in 11 with intrahepatic biliary atresia, seen as a result of nearly complete ascertainment of these conditions in the State of Victoria between 1963 and 1974. In neonatal hepatitis infective causes were shown in 22 babies, galactosaemia in 6 and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in 8; familial occurrence was noted in 10 further babies and unrelated second diseases were present in 24 of the remaining 59 babies. The only clues to aetiology in extrahepatic biliary atresia were a suspicion of time-space clusters, a deficiency of affected babies born to young primiparous women, and an unexpected number of spontaneous abortions in the histories given by the mothers. Genetic factors appeared to be important in intrahepatic biliary atresia, but are not reported in detail. Hypotheses for the aetiology of neonatal hepatitis and of extrahepatic biliary atresia are presented. Both are considered syndromes with multiple causes. Recurrence risks in sibs are discussed, and are 1 in 7 for neonatal hepatitis of unknown cause, negligible in extrahepatic biliary atresia, and usually 1 in 2 or 1 in 4 in intrahepatic biliary atresia, depending upon the family history.


Effects of cyproterone acetate and carboxylic acid derivatives on the sebaceous glands of the Syrian hamster.

The Syrian hamster ear model was used to study effects of the anti-androgen cyproterone acetate and of the anti-lipogenic compound 17beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester and its ethyl ester. The steroid derivatives were applied topically in a 1-2% concentration or given systemically. Response of sebaceous gland was measured by means of cell proliferation (3H-TdR autoradiography) and by gland size (histoplanimetry). Cyproterone acetate significantly reduced the labelling and the planimetric value, both topically and systemically. The carboxylic acid derivatives, which block the 5alpha-reductase were ineffective. The new animal model is a sensitive and suitable means to study inhibition of sebum production.


Platelet-latelet-.

Two patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were seen. Aspirin, dipyridamole, and sulfinpyrazone were administered to patient 1 after splenectomy, and administration of high-dose prednisone and methylprednisolone failed to induce remission. The platelet count rose, but the patient had a relapse when the dipyridamole dose was tapered. This condition responded to an increase of the drug, and the patient obtained a long-lasting remission. A splenectomy was not performed on patient 2, and all three platelet-inhibiting drugs, together with prednisone, were given. This resulted in a prompt remission that has been sustained for 29 weeks. Morphologic changes in the peripheral blood smear remained for several weeks after other features of the disease had resolved. Thus, in both cases, platelet-inhibiting drugs appeared to induce a remission.


Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of immunologic iridocyclitis in the rabbit.

Effectiveness of selected nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs was studied on an immunologic model of uveitis. Intensity of inflammatory reactions was assessed on the basis of biochemical parameters (Levels of protein, seromucoid, sialic acid and hydrolytic activity of the aqueous humor) and morphologic criteria pertaining to the anterior eye chamber. All drugs studied diminished intensity of inflammation as judged by biochemical tests, as well as morphologic changes observed with the biomicroscope. Closest correlation was found between hyperemia of the iris, numbers of cells and fibrin in the anterior eye chamber on the one hand, and values of protein and sialic acid in the aqueous humor. Levels of seromucoid and hydrolytic activity were less clearly related to the changes observed with the biomicroscope. Sodium salicylate showed the weakest action, and ibuprofen and oxyphenbutazone were somewhat more effective. However, indometacin showed strongest anti-inflammatory activity.


Host induced modifications of Newcastle disease virus virion polypeptides.

The polypeptide composition of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) virions grown in two host cell cystems--chorioallantlic membrane (CAM) and BHK-21 cells--was studied. Two strains of virus were compared, one highly virulent, the other completely avirulent. No significant differences in the polypeptide composition of the two strains of virus could be detected. However, differences were found in virions grown in different hosts, the same differences being found in both strains. An additional polypeptide is found in BHK grown virus which is not present in CAM grown virus and this is associated with a decreased relative amount of nucleocapsid protein in BHK grown virus. The possibility of this new polypeptide being a degradation product of the nucleocapsid protein is discussed. BHK grown virions also contain increased amounts of a polypeptide migrating to a position which might be expected of the FO precursor glycoprotein. However, in contrast to the FO polypeptide, this polypeptide does not appear to be glycosylated.


[Effect of various factors on the mitotic activity of corneal epithelium of mice].

The results of this work carried out in cell populations of mice corneal epithelium have shown the diurnal rhythm of the cell mitotic activity (MA) to be highly dependent upon experimental conditions, seasonal and diurnal regulation. The studied factors have been established to cause dynamic shifts in the kinetics of MA. Comparison of the pattern of the MA curve for the whole cell population with that for the subpopulation of labeled cells shows difference in their forms. These results cast some doubts on the validity of studies of the MA regimen while using some general criterion of index methods for the whole cell population irrespectively of the difference between the mitotic indices of their subgroups. Such method of evaluation is likely to introduce errors in its results. These errors may have their origin in diurnal flutuations of the mitotic duration, the beginning and end of the cell periods of immobility and in a loss of synchronism in the cell population.


[Hemangioblastoma of supra-tentorial location].

A case of hemangioblastoma with supra-tentorial localization is reported. General considerations are made.


Hermaphrodites in australian pigs. Occurrence and morphology in an abattoir survey.

In an abattoir study in Brisbane 19 hermaphrodites were found amongst 4000 pigs (0.475%). All pigs had female secondary genitalia with a tendency towards clitoridean enlargement and excessive erectile tissue below the vulva. The gonads had developed as testes, ovotestes or ovaries and were in the position of the ovaries in normal females. Ovaries were as in normal females, apart from a possibly higher incidence of cysts. Ovarian activity was reflected by the different cyclic stages of the normal uteri at the time of slaughter. In testes and ovotestes there was no spermatogenesis, but an increased proportion of interstitial cells of Leydig and a large amount of fat. It is estimated that in a herd of pigs about 1% of apparent females may be hermaphrodites, most of which are sterile. Economic loss may be caused if these animals are selected for breeding, apart from the possibility of other congenital abnormalities in herds with a high incidence of hermaphroditism. Tainting of meat products prepared from hermaphrodite pigs may also cause economic loss. It is pointed out that the phenotypic classification of hermaphrodites is of limited value and it is suggested that a pathogenetic classification should be established for domestic animals.


[Standardized protodiastolic median velocity of the posterior wall (dpwV) used as an index of relaxation in the construction of left ventricular function curves].

The standardized mean protodiastolic speed of the posterior wall (Vpwd), non standardized speed (DEV) and maximum speed (DEVM) obtained with ultrasounds, are capable of distinguishing subjects with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), in whom there is a diminution in compliance, from normal subjects. As this compliance diminution is liable to limit fibrocell lengthening to the extent of its distension speed, the Vpwd has been used in the plotting of ventricular function curves in replacement of telediastolic volume (as an expression of fibre lengthening). An excellent correlation was found between Vpwd and mean speed of circumferential shortening of the fibre (Mvcf) and the ejection fraction (EF) used as indices of cardiac work. The comparison shows that the two groups lie on the same curve of ventricular function and that subjects with IHSS operate low down owing to the brevity of their sarcomeres. The Vpwd can thus be utilized as an indirect index of fibre length and in the plotting of left ventricular function curves.


Diurnal rhythms of visual accommodation and blink responses: implication for flight-deck visual standards.

The major purpose of this study was to determine whether 24-h variations in accommodation responses occur and, if they do, whether they should be considered in setting visual standards for flight-deck tasks. A recently developed servo-controlled optometer and focus stimulator were used to obtain monocular accommodation response data on four college-age subjects. No 24-h rhythm in accommodation was shown. Heart rate and blink rate also were measured and periodicity analysis showed a mean 24-h rhythm for both; however, blink rate periodograms were significant (p less than or equal to 0.003) for only two of the four subjects. Thus, with the qualifications that college students were tested instead of pilots and that they performed monocular laboratory tasks imstead of binocular flight-deck task, it is concluded that 24-h rhythms in accommodation responses need not be considered in setting visual standards for flight-deck task.


Interval histograms of period of the electroencephalogram and the reaction time in twins.

Measures of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, and kurtosis of interval histograms of half wavelengths in the electroencephalogram (EEF) and performance on an auditory reaction time (RT) task were compared in seven pairs of male monozygotic twins aged 101-134 months and seven pairs of unrelated boys matched to the twins for age. Interval histograms were formed from measurements of 780 half waves taken from EEGs recorded from the left parietal-occipital derivation while subjects performed the RT task. Except in the case of the dispersion of the EEG distributions,the F ratios of within-pair variance in unrelated pairs to within-pair variance in twins were all statistically significant  at  the 0.05 level of confidence. Statistically significant intraclass correlations of means, medians, and modes of the histograms were found in the group of monozygotic twins but not in the sample of unrelated subjects. Intraclass correlations for dispersion, skewness, and kurtosis of the histograms and for RT were not significantly different from zero in either the twins or unrelated subjects. EEG findings suggested that the basic frequency of the brain's rhythmic electrical activity may be genetically determined; RT findings were inconclusive.


Fertility and offspring survival in mice selected for different sensitivities to alcohol.

The LS (long-sleep) and SS (short-sleep) selected lines of mice exhibit relatively high and low sensitivity to alcohol, respectively, because of their previous history of selective breeding. The present study identifies other differences between the two lines. SS animals are almost twice as fertile as LS animals. Analysis of vaginal plug formation suggested that higher sexual activity of SS mice is an important component of their greater fertility. Forced maternal drinking of a 10% ethanol solution during gestation, and especially during lactation, caused a decrease in survival of LS but not of SS offspring. Increased cannibalism of pups by LS mothers was probably an important component of this decrease in progeny survival. Maternal consumption of liquid in both lines was decreased during gestation, and especially during lactation, when 10% ethanol was the only available liquid in each case. The physiological basis for decreased survival of LS progeny may involve either direct effects of alcohol on progeny or indirect effects caused by water, nutritional, or hormonal imbalance in LS mothers when they are exposed to alcohol stress. The relationship of fertility and progeny survival differences in the two lines to their differences in alcohol sensitivity produced by selective breeding is discussed.


Expression of esterases during ontogenesis of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae; Coleoptera).

Two electrophoretically fast-migrating, nonspecific esterases were detected in two strains of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and designated F (fast) and S (slow) according to their relative migration distances. Both isozymes are associated with the alimentary canal and display ontogenetic changes. Their activity is very low in the egg stage, increases in the larva, and declines dramatically in the pharate pupa and pupa. The overall activity in the pupal stage is low, yet increases gradually throughout this period. In the adult, the activity of the esterases rises sharply. The larval and adult F and S isozymes were found to hydrolyze alpha- and beta-naphthylacetate and alpha-naphthylpropionate with almost equal capacity. alpha-Naphthyl laurate was cleaved by the F enzyme of both larvae and adults. The F and S were insensitive to inhibitors of arylesterases and cholinesterases and were markedly inhibited by the organophosphate di-isopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP) and could be classified as carboxylesterases. Differential sensitivities of larval and adult esterases to urea and heat treatment as well as to DFP may indicate the expression of different genes during metamorphosis.


Studies on the cell-free biosynthesis of beta-lactam antibiotics.

Cell walls of Cephalosporium acremonium mycelia were lysed by enzyme preparations from either Helix pomatia (snail) digestive juice or Cytophaga. The yield of protoplasts depended on the lytic-enzyme preparation and the age of the culture, and it increased after the mycelia were pretreated with dithiothreitol. A cell-free preparation, obtained by osmotic lysis of protoplasts, synthesized labelled penicillin N from L-[14C]valine. Approx. 0.03-0.06% of the amino acid was incorporated into penicillin N. Under conditions of penicillin N synthesis, the broken-protoplast preparation failed to produce significant amounts of cephalosporin C or its precursors, deacetylcephalosporin C and deacetoxycephalosporin C.


Human beta-glucuronidase: assignment of the structural gene to chromosome 7 using somatic cell hybrids.

beta-Glucuronidase (GUS) has become an important enzyme model for the genetic study of molecular disease, enzyme realization, and therapy, and for the biogenesis and function of the lysosome and lysosomal enzymes. The genetics of human beta-glucuronidase was investigated utilizing 188 primary man-mouse and man-chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids segregating human chromosomes. Cell hybrids were derived from 16 different fusion experiments involving cells from ten different and unrelated individuals and six different rodent cell lines. The genetic relationship of GUS to 28 enzyme markers representing 19 linkage groups was determined, and chromosome studies on selected cell hybrids were performed. The evidence indicates that the beta-glucuronidase gene is assigned to chromosome 7 in man. Comparative linkage data in man and mouse indicate that the structural gene GUS is located in a region on chromosome 7 that has remained conserved during evolution. Involvement of other chromosomes whose genes may be important in the final expression of GUS was not observed. A tetrameric structure of human beta-glucuronidase was demonstrated by the formation of three heteropolymers migrating between the human and mouse molecular forms in chromosome 7 positive cell hybrids. Linkage of GUS to other lysosomal enzyme genes was investigated. beta-Hexosaminidase (HEXB) was assigned to chromosome 5; acid phosphatase2 (ACP2) and esterase A4 (ES-A4) were assigned to chromosome 11; HEXA was not linked to GUS; and alpha-galactosidase (alpha-GAL) was localized on the X chromosome. These assignments are consistent with previous reports. Evidence was not obtained for a cluster of lysosomal enzyme structural genes. In demonstrating that GUS was not assigned to chromosome 9 utilizing an X/9 translocation segregating in cell hybrids, the gene coding for human adenylate kinase1 was confirmed to be located on chromosome 9.


[Signs of fetal immunology. Embryopathy caused by viruses: clinical and anatomopathological aspects. Determination of IgM and IgA in the umbilical cord blood of newborn infants in relation to intrauterine infections. Control clinical examination of infants with high levels of IgM and IgA at birth].

The Authors report the results of IgM and IgA assays in blood of the umbilical cord of 1694 newborns during the period from October 1973 to July 1974 after a rubella epidemic occurred in Piedmont. 11.67% of the newborns showed a IgM value higher than 20 mg/100 ml; 0.88% gave values higher than 40 mg/100 ml. For 3.49% IgA values were higher than 3 mg/100 ml; in 0.89% cases it was higher than 6 mg/100 ml. These newborns with high levels of IgM and IgA have been observed: the Authors conclude that there is no correlation between high levels of IgM and IgA and prenatal infection.


[Nephropathology caused by congenital syphilis. Report of a case].

A case of congenital syphilis is reported. It deals with a three-month-old girl  suffering from a nephropathy clinically characterized by edema,  hematuria, severe proteinuria and slight renal insufficiency. On light an delectron microscopy, a mesangial proliferative and focal extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with abundant intermembranoepithelial deposits was observed.


[Study of fetal malnutrition. IV. Acid-base equilibrium in normal and in intrauterine-growth-deficient newborn infants].

Acid-base equilibrium parameters were studied in 11 full-term newborns with adequate weights for their gestational age and in 10 with deficit in their intrauterine  growth, during the first 72 hours of life. Significant differences were found. Apparently, malnourished subjects who overcome chronic asphyxia are able to compensate the metabolic disturbances brought about through hyperventilation. The low figures of PaO2 found in babies show they will need higher concentration of oxygen in the air they inhale.


[Studies on the prognosis of Moyamoya disease--diagnostic capability of CT scanning].

The author evaluated the diagnostic values of CT-Scanning on 20 cases of Moyamoya. No visualization of Moyamoya vessel was obtained, even after enhancement, but the author could differentiate 3 types of atrophic findings; normal pattern, cortical atrophic pattern, and wedged pattern. Futhormore, there was a considerable correlation between these findings and angiographic findings. CT-Scanning dose not have a diffinite diagnostic value in Moyamoya but is a very effective examination for the follow up study in Moyamoya.


[Electroencephalography of Moyamoya disease].

Attempts were made to evaluate the EEG findings in 16 children and 12 adults with Moyamoya disease. (1) The children revealed specific findings such as hemispheric posterior slow (HP slow), centrotemporal slow (CT slow) and re-build-up after the end of hyperventilation. (2) HP slow was mainly observed in EEG examined within one year after the initial onset. In children in whom EEG was performed more than three years after the onset, chronic suppressive findings were found on EEG. (3) Buildup after the end of hyperventilation was revealed in almost all the children, which we called "Re-build-up". (4) No specific findings were verified on EEG in adult Moyamoya, beside slight abnormalities.


Presumed choroidal naevi and sensory retinal detachment.

Two cases of choroidal naevus in patients with presenting complaints of blurred central vision and subsequent findings of abnormal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) overlying the pigmented choroidal lesion are presented. Fluoroangiographic evidence of sensory retinal elevation in these areas is provided. Both cases were treated with low-intensity argon laser photocoagulation, with return of central vision without complication. The diagnostic importance of morphologically altered RPE, particularly lipofuscin pigment, overlying such choroidal tumours is stressed. A significant period of follow-up in each case is documented photographically.


Platelet-associated IgG in immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

A method for the measurement of immunoglobulin G associated with gel-filtered platelets is described and finding in 70 control subjects and 37 patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are reported. Control platelet-associated IgG (PAIgG) levels (nanograms IgG per 10(9) platelets) averaged (+/-SD) 1231+/-424; samples studied after 24 and 48 hr remained within the control range. PAIgG values of 19 adult and 12 childhood patients with chronic ITP averaged 4711+/-3025 and 4923+/-3955, respectively, and differed significantly from controls (p less than 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between PAIgG values and the chronic ITP patient's platelet count. Six patients with childhood acute ITP had PAIgG levels ranging from 5588 to 56,250 and appeared to represent a different statistical population from those with chronic ITP. In chronic ITP patients responding to splenectomy, there was an immediate normalization of PAIgG levels; however, a certain percentage of patients studied several months after splenectomy evidenced elevated PAIgG levels in association with normal platelet counts. These data showed that the direct measurement of platelet associated antibody is a useful technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with chronic ITP. Preliminary studies in patients with acute ITP have suggested that this method may be useful in differentiating acute and chronic childhood ITP.


The ultimate audit.

The necropsy diagnoses in 78 stillborn and young infants have been compared with the clinical diagnoses in an attempt to justify post-morten examination in this age group. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed in over 88% of cases but unexpected changes in diagnosis were made in six cases, which indicates that selection is of no value.


Mood changes in puerperium, and plasma tryptophan and cortisol concentrations.

Eighteen women aged 18-31 years were studied daily during the second to fifth postpartum days to assess mood changes and plasma tryptophan and cortisol concentrations. Psychiatric rating scales, clinical interviews, and published biochemical methods were used. Over the period plasma free tryptophan concentrations tended to rise and plasma cortisol concentrations to decline. There was a positive correlation between plasma free tryptophan concentrations and mood state.


Modulation of the proestrous surge of luteinizing hormone by electrochemical stimulation of the amygdala and hippocampus in the unanesthetized rat.

The roles played by the amygdala and hippocampus in controlling the release of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) were studied in the freely moving rat. Monopolar stainless steel electrodes were implanted into the corticomedial (CM) amygdala, basolateral (BL) amygdala and dorsal hippocampus of female rats. When the animal had recovered from surgery and shown two consecutive 4-day estrous cycles, a chronic atrial cannula was introduced during the afternoon of diestrus II. On the following day (proestrus) electrochemical stimulation (ECS) was applied (20--50 micronA anodal DC 120 sec) bilaterally to the amygdala or hippocampus and blood samples were taken every 90 min from 12.00 to 21.00 h for radioimmunoassay (RIA) of LH. Next day, uterine tubes were examined for ova as evidence of ovulation. ECS of the amygdala exerted two divergent influences on LH release. Stimulation of the BL amygdala at 13.45 h, just before the critical period (14.00--16.00 h), was effective in delaying and reducing the LH surge, whereas ECS of the CM amygdala at 12.00 h resulted in an early synchronization in the timing of the LH curves. All of the rats in both groups ovulated, in contrast to the results of applying ECS to the dorsal hippocampus; there the LH surge and ovulation were completely blocked in 7 out of 9 rats. Thus, in the freely moving rat, the hippocampus can exert a potent inhibitory influence on LH release whereas the amygdala plays a modulatory role in the process.


Neostriatal administration of somatostatin:differential effect of small and large doses on behavior and motor control.

The administration of small doses of somatostatin (SRIF) (0.01 and 0.1 microgram) into the neostriatal complex of unrestrained, freely moving rats induced general behavioral excitation associated with a variety of stereotyped movements, tremors, and a reduction of rapid eye movements (REM) and deep slow wave sleep (SWS). In contrast, the higher doses of SRIF (1.0 and 10.0 microgram) caused movements to be uncoordinated and frequently induced more severe difficulties in motor control such as contralateral hemiplegia-in-extension which restricted or completely prevented the expression of normal behavioral patterns. As a result, the animals appeared drowsy and inhibited. Analysis of the sleep-waking cycle revealed prolonged periods of a shallow SWS while REM sleep and deep SWS were markedly reduced; electroencephalogram recordings revealed periods of dissociation from behavior. The administration of endocrinologically inactive as well as the active analogues of SRIF failed to induce effects comparable with those observed after the administration of the same dose of the native hormone (10.0 microgram).


Electron-microscopic study of the development of an equine adenovirus in cultured fetal equine kidney cells.

Sequential changes induced by an equine adenovirus in cultured fetal equine kidney cells were studied by electron microscopy. The first morphological change was the appearance of type I inclusions. These inclusions developed to type II inclusions which appeared as ring forms. Type III inclusions were formed within the central part of type II inclusions and finally filled up most of the nuclear space. As the infection proceeded, type IV inclusions which appeared as dense dark-staining spheres were formed at the center of the type III inclusions and also inside the cytoplasm. These dark-staining spheres developed and their center was filed with light-staining material and virus particles which eventually resulted in the formation of type V inclusions. Autoradiography study showed that types I, II, and III were composed of nucleoprotein and type IV was composed of protein.


Induction of encystment of Polysphondylium pallidum amoeba.

The induction of microcyst formation could be triggered in washed amoebae of the cellular slime mold Polysphondylium pallidum (strain-2) by the addition of 2 mM ethionine. Methionine at a ratio of 2: 1 with ethionine would inhibit microcyst induction by ethionine. The involvement of polyamines in morphogenesis was also shown. Putrescine (0.02 to 0.1 M) induced the formation of microcysts, whereas spermidine (2 to 4 mM) was capable of causing a fourfold reduction in 0.05 M putrescine-induced microcysts but incapable of inhibiting microcyst induction by 0.08 M itrescine. Glycerol (0.5 M or 0.4 mM) was also found to be an effective inducer of microcysts.


Ultrastructure of soybean nodules. I: release of rhizobia from the infection thread.

Root nodules on soybeans (var. Clark 63) were examined by transmission electron microscopy 10-12 days after seed inoculation and planting. The cell infection process appeared identical in both effective nodules, induced by Rhizobium japonicum strain 138 (USDA) and in ineffective nodules, induced by strain 8-0 (Iowa). Electron micrographs are presented which suggest that  rhizobia are freed from the infection thread by disintegration of the thread wall and compartmentalization of the distintegrated wall material in membrane-bound vesicles derived from the membrane surrounding the thread. As the thread wall is removed in this manner, the bacteria are released into the host cytoplasm by a process which encloses each in an envelope also dervide from the thread membrane. Any thread wall material remaining around a bacterium after it has dissociated from the thread is removed from the envelope space by vesiculation of the membrane envelope. thus, it appears that endocytosis of both the bacteria and the material composing the infection thread wall occurs during release of rhizobia into the host cell.


Physarum polycephalum malate dehydrogenase: inhibitor analyses of the mitochondrial and supernatant isozymes.

The effects of naturally occurring metabolites were tested on the malate dehydrogenase (L-malate: NAD+oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.37) isozymes from the eucaryotic protist Physarum polycephalum. Several of the Krebs cycle intermediates were inhibitors for each isozyme indicating that a similar catalytic process was involved for both forms. The metabolites ATP, ADP, and AMP were inhibitors competitive with NAD for the  mitochondrial isozyme but not the  supernatant form. Several other nucleoside phosphates had no effects. Tests of protein sulfhydryl, arginine- and tyrosine-modifying reagents revealed a similar functional sensitivity by both isozymes to these reagents. Those results are compared with data on isozymes from more complex tissue with comments on the physiological significance of those combined data.


[Effects of elevated salt concentrations on growth, sporulation and pigmentation of Trichoderma spp].

On agar media supplemented with NaCl (5% = 856 mM), seven Trichoderma species aggregates and an isolate intermediate between T. harzianum and T. viride (T. 410) grew more slowly, sporulated poorly, and there was no characteristic pigmentation of the colonies. NaCl or KCl concentrations inducing 'albinization' differed with different isolates. CaCl2 (90-270 mM) reversed the anti-sporulating effect of NaCl (856 mM) on T. 410, and stimulated conidiation in media with no NaCl added. Gliocladium virens but not G. roseum, reacted like Trichoderma to NaCl. Fourteen other fungal genera offered various reactions. Since 856 mM NaCl decreases osmotic potential (eta) of the media used from-1.2 to -41 bars, the influence of eta on T. 410 was examined. After 3 to 4 days, maximal growth was observed between-1.2 and -10 bars. Growth was reduced to 50% at about -30 bars. No growth occurred at about -90 bars. No pigmentation was observed at -32 bars (NaCl) and -41 bars (KCl). Abundant sporulation and pigmentation occurred at -31 bars with CaCl2 as sole electrolyte added. Na+ was toxic at high concentration. Results are discussed in view of possible use of Trichoderma in biological control.


The use of cell cultures from the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos for studies of chlamydiae.

Cells of the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos were processed into monolayer cell cultures by a recently described technique of Cursiefen and Brecht. The cultures provided a sensitive substrate for the quantification of infectivity of C. psittaci strain 6BC and meningo-pneumonitis.


Sucrose density differences of Chlamydia psittaci 6BC in relation to its host.

Previous studies on Chlamydia psittaci 6BC propagated in different hosts have shown differences in cytotoxicity but no differences in the ultrastructure of the individual particles. It is shown here that the 6BC strain derived from yolk sac of infected chick embryo sedimented in sucrose gradients at lower densities than the 6BC strain derived from L-cells. Host-related modifications of lipid concentrations of the 6BC strains have been previously documented by others. It is thought that the phenomenon of host-induced modifications of physical properties of the agent might provide a new approach to the study of chlamydial pathogenicity.


Improved selective medium for isolating Cylindrocladium crotalariae microsclerotia from naturally infested soils.

Reduced development of fusaria and other undesired fungi, and improved recognition of Cylindrocladium crotalariae colonies on soil-dilution plates were accomplished by supplementing a previously used medium (sucrose-TBZ medium) with three quaternary ammonium compounds, replacing peptone with tyrosine, and increasing the concentration of sucrose to yield a water potential of - 10 bars. These changes eliminated the need to treat soil with NaClO to control undesired fungi. The new medium, designated sucrose-QT medium, allowed increased recovery of C. crotalariae microsclerotia from all 16 naturally infested soils tested.


Angiosarcoma of the breast.

The authors report a case of angiosarcoma of the breast. The patient, a 44-year-old woman, remains free of disease 7 years after biopsy and 6 years after a simple mastectomy. The authors emphasize the benign appearance of the tumour and the importance of early detection and adequate surgical treatment.


Lethal and sublethal effects of hydroxyurea in relation to drug concentration and duration of drug exposure in sarcoma 180 in vitro.

The lethal and sublethal effects of hydroxyurea were studied in Sarcoma 180 in vitro in relation to drug concentration and drug exposure duration using cloning methods, radioautography, and flow microfluorometry. It was shown that postperturbation changes in radioautographic labeling intensity reflected real changes in the rate of DNA synthesis in individual cells. The data suggest that both the lethal and sublethal effects of hydroxyurea are dependent on the rate of DNA synthesis. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of DNA content distributions under perturbation conditions and for the development of drug treatment regimens that are based on cell kinetics.


Collagen synthesis as a marker for cell type in mouse 3T3 lines.

Collagen synthesis was applied as a test of the fibroblastic or endothelial origin of the 3T3 mouse lines. Swiss/3T3 lines and Balb/3T3 (clone A31) were compared with respect to the amounts and types of collagen synthesized. All lines symthesized collagen at relatively high and similar rates. For all lines, 75-90% of the collagen synthesized was type I, and the remainder was type III. There was no evidence for synthesis of type IV collagen. By all these parameters, Swiss and Balb/3T3 lines resemble cultured fibroblasts rather than cultured vascular endothelia.


Prelinimary report on combination therapy for advanced prostatic cancer.

Fifteen patients with carcinoma of the prostate (ten, stage D; three, stage C; and two, stage B) were treated with the combination of radical retropubic prostatectomy, bilateral orchiectomy, estrogen therapy, and chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide. Fourteen patients have been clinically free of disease from 2 to 20 months. One patient died free of disease from myocardial infarction in the post-operative period. Lymphangiography was accurate in 14 of the 15 patients. Acid phosphatase levels in serum did not reflect with precision the extension of the tumor in seven of ten patients with stage D disease. The rationale of this therapeutic approach is discussed.


Phosphorylation of initiation factor elF-2 and the control of reticulocyte protein synthesis.

When rabbit reticulocyte lysates are incubated in the absence of hemin or in the presence of low concentrations of double-stranded RNA, the rate of initiation of protein synthesis is severely reduced after a lag period in which control rates are observed. This reduced initiation rate is due to inhibition of the binding of Methionyl-tRNAf to native 40S ribosomal subunits and is caused by a macromolecular inhibitor which is activated under these conditions. This paper shows that the inhibitors activated in these two situations appear to be different entities, but that in both cases, the inhibitor has an associated protein kinase activity which is highly selective for the small subunit of elF-2, the initiation factor which catalyzes binding of Methionyl-tRNAf to 40S subunits. We present several lines of evidence in support of the hypothesis that the phosphorylation of elF-2 by these kinases is basis of the control of initiation in lysates incubated under these conditions.


Concentrations of serum protein fractions in white women: effects of age, weight, smoking, tonsillectomy, and other factors;.

We measured the concentrations of protein in electrophoretic fractions (albumin and alpha1-, alpha2-, beta, and gamma-globulins) of serum from 9547 white women to determine their relations to age, weight, smoking and other factors. Albumin concentration decreases with age, beta globulin concentration increases. Increasing weight is associated with a decrease in albumin, but with increases in all the globulins. Cigarrete smoking is associated with highly significant differences in all the protein fractions. Surprisingly, very significantly lower concentrations of beta- and gamma-globulins were also found in women who reported a history of tonsillectomy. Height, amenorrhea, education, and alcohol and coffee consumption have some small but statistically significant effects upon the various fractions. Diurnal variation was also slight.


Inhibitor-neutralisation assay and electro-immuno assay of human factor IX (Christmas factor).

A rabbit antibody specifically precipitating human factor IX has been used in the assay of factor IX antigen. The results obtained with two different methods (inhibitor-neutralisation assay and electro-immunoassay) have been compared in a group of healthy individuals and in a group of hemophilia B patients and carriers. In general, identical results are obtained with both methods, except in some hemophilia B+ carriers and patients, where the electroimmuno assay gives 1.5-2.0 times higher levels. Results obtained by electroimmuno assay are more accurate and reproducible than those obtained by inhibitor-neutralisation assay, which is of importance for its potential use in carrier detection.


Nyctohemeral secretion of growth hormone in normal children of short stature and in children with hypopituitarism and intrauterine growth retardation.

A continuous blood sampling technique has been used to monitor human growth hormone (GH) during sleep in fourteen normal short children (age range 6.5-15.0 years), twelve hypopituitary children (2.8-17.3 years), three children with psychosocial GH deficiency (4.0-13.0 years), and three children with intrauterine growth retardation (9.5-11.3 years). The mean GH level of a 5 h sleep period (22.30-03.30 hours) was used to represent the GH response to sleep. The GH response to insulin induced hypoglycaemia (IST) was also determined. In normal short children there was a significant relationship between 5 h mean GH levels and chronological age. The curve defining this relationship was similar to the third centile linear growth velocity curve. The 5 h mean GH levels of the hypopituitary and psychosocial GH deficiency children were more than 2 SD below the age related mean established for normal short children. The children with intrauterine growth retardation demonstrated values which were more than 2 SD above the age related mean.


Preliminary evaluation of a new psychotropic drug, lenperone, in the treatment of acute schizophrenia.

An open trial of a new psychotropic drug, lenperone, was carried out in 10 patients with acute schizophrenia. The duration of treatment was 28 days and the maximum dose administered was 60 mg per day. A pronounced antipsychotic effect was seen in half of the patients, although all 10 patients showed a pharmacological response to the drug. The incidence of side-effects was low. Haematological, biochemical and electrocardiographic tests failed to demonstrate any abnormality due to treatment.


Induction of persistent estrus by electrolytic lesions placed neonatally in the hypothalamus of the female rat.

Electrolytic lesions were placed in the hypothalamus of two-day-old female rats. Destruction of the mediobasal part of the preoptic area resulted in persistent vaginal estrus starting on the day of vaginal opening, while lesions placed laterally in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area did not interfere with normal cycles. Therefore, the mediobasal hypothalamus is capable of undergoing maturation without any postnatal influence from at least the mediobasal part of the anterior hypothalamus. Destruction of the anterior wall of the third ventricle also caused persistent or prolonged vaginal estrus preceded by normal cycles. The relationship between the loci of lesions and the occurrence of sexual cyclicity was discussed.


Noradrenergic supersensitivity in the rat vas deferens during barbital withdrawal.

Three days' withdrawal from long-term barbital administration results in a shift to the left and increase in the maximum response of the concentration--effect curve to norepinephrine in the isolated rat vas deferens. The maximum response to carbachol and potassium was also increased without a leftward displacement of the concentration--effect curves. This specific increase in sensitivity to norpinephrine could indicate an adaptive alteration of the adrenoreceptors of the rat vas deferens (receptor supersentivity) as has been proposed for supersensitivity in the central nervous system during withdrawal from neuroleptics and barbiturates.


Effect of long-term forced oral barbital administration on endogenous acetylcholine in different regions of rat brain.

Rats received a solution of sodium barbital as their only drinking fluid for 25 and 30 weeks. Four groups were studied: (1) control; (2) barbital until sacrifice; (3) barbital withheld (abstinent) for 3 days; (4) abstinent for 12 days. Abstinence convulsions in groups 3 and 4 were recorded with jiggle cages. The rats were killed by decapitation and the concentration of acetylcholine (ACh) was measured in 3 parts of the brain: striatum, hippocampus + cerebral cortex, cerebellum + medulla oblongata + midbrain. In animals receiving barbital until sacrifice, no significant change in ACh content was found in any of the brain regions compared with controls. In animals abstinent for 3 days and with a maximal frequency of spontaneous convulsions a decreased content of ACh (--35%) was found in the striatum. On the 12th day of abstinence, when the convulsive activity clearly had decreased, the ACh content was still decreased (--30%) in the striatum and a significant decrease compared with controls was also found in the cerebellum + medulla oblongata + midbrain.


Clomiphene treatment in oligospermic infertile males.

This study of the effects of long-term clomiphene administration on semen analyses of oligospermic infertile males once again points to the potential therapeutic efficacy of clomiphene in certain subjects. Although the group of 16 subjects was small, all were men with long-standing infertility that had been refractory to previous treatments such as exogenous injections of human chorionic gonadotropin and varicocelectomy; 10 of the 16 men (62.5%) showed improvement in sperm counts within 2 to 5 months of starting clomiphene. Sperm motility improved moderately when counts improved; no effects on sperm morphology were noted. Of the 10 men classified as semen responders to clomiphene, 5 (50%) were successful in impregnating their wives within 2 to 8 months of starting treatment. These results approach the therapeutic efficacy seen with clomiphene in appropriately selected females with ovulatory disturbances. We have been unable to predict or characterize the patient who might be expected to show a semen response to clomiphene by history, physical examination response to previous treatment, or changes in blood testosterone levels while taking clomiphene.


Pregnant mare serum and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulate ovarian delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in aged mice.

Aged (12- to 14-month-old) estrous and diestrous C57BL mice exhibited lower histochemically demonstrable ovarian delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) activity in thecal, luteal, and interstitial cells, and lower (P less than 0.01) ovarian 3beta-HSD concentration and total content than did young (3-month-old) estrous animals. Administration of pregnant mare serum (PMS, 10 IU subcutaneously), followed in 40 hours by human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG, 5 IU subcutaneously) or HCG (2 IU daily for 4 days) alone, restored luteal and interstitial 3beta-HSD in aged mice. Follicular, lutea, and interstitial 3beta-HSD activity was increased in aged mice by a single PMS injection (10 IU). The total ovarian dehydrogenase concentration was increased 100% in aged animals by PMS and/or HCG administration. Restoration of histochemically demonstrable ovarian 3beta-HSD and total enzyme content in aged mice by PMS and/or HCG indicates ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropin and subnormal tropic hormone stimulation of the ovary in situ.


A comparative study of epicillin and chloramphenicol in the treatment of enteric fever.

One hundred patients with acute enteric fever were randomly assigned to treatment with either chloramphenicol 50 mg/kg body-weight or epicillin 1 g six hourly. Eighty-one patients had a positive blood culture for typhoid or paratyphoid bacilli and nineteen had a positive stool culture with a significant Widal titre. All fifty patients in the group treated with chloramphenicol responded, however there was one relapse with bacteraemia. In the group treated with epicillin, six from the total of fifty patients were considred treatment failures. Treatment was considred as a failure if the patient was febrile after ten days treatment or if there was a deterioration despite antibiotic therapy.


Postnatal behavioral alterations resulting from prenatal administration of dl-alphamethylparatyrosine.

We have previously reported that injection of dl-alphamethylparatyrosine methylester (AMPT) into the yolk sac of fertilized chicken eggs prior to incubation results in dose-related increases in the specific activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) at 29 days postnatally. We now report that injection of 10.0 and 33.3 mg/kg of AMPT prior to incubation results in dose-related increases in acquisition rates of 2 operant responses. Between 1 and 3 weeks of postnatal age, we observed a dose-related decrease in latency to perform a detour response and, at 55-60 days of postnatal age, an increased rate of acquisition of a key peck response in an autoshaping paradigm. We could not discern any significant alteration in several measures of unconditioned behaviors in an open field situation at 3 weeks of postnatal age. Our data support the contention that early catecholamine (CA) depletion can produce long-term alterations in postnatal behavior.


Interactive effects of parity and pup stress on the maternal behavior of Rattus norvegicus.

Litters of primiparous and multiparous rat mothers received 0,2, or 5 min of cold stress for the 1st 5 days postpartum. Primiparae showed increasing maternal responsiveness over the treatment period. Multiparae were initially maternally responsive to moderate stress cues from pups, but habituated to them over days. From Days 6 to 20, when pups were not stressed, lactation behavior of stressed groups declined in primiparous mothers but not in multiparous mothers.


Insulin, S-sulphonate A and S-sulphonate B-chain receptor binding to human cultured lymphocytes.

The ability of insulin and the S-sulphonate A and B-chain derivatives to bind to a receptor on cultured human lymphocytes was evaluated. A receptor site for the S-sulphonate A-chain was identified and was strongly influenced by the intact insulin molecule. S-sulphonate A-chain weakly interfered with insulin binding. S-sulphonate B-chain showed no evidence of significant binding and did not interfere with insulin or S-sulphonate A chain binding. 14CO2 production from 14C-1-glucose was stimulated by insulin in cultured lymphocytes and this effect was blunted by S-sulphonate A-chain. The sulphhydryl blocking agent used in the production of insulin A-chain appears to be of critical importance.


[Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: excito-conduction disturbances and sudden death (author's transl)].

By referring to one of their own observed cases and reviewing the literature, the authors discuss the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of sudden death from obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and conclude with some practical comments on how to keep under observation patients affected with this cardiopathy, complicated by rhythm disturbances.


The diagnosis, epidemiology, and etiology of childhood schizophrenia.

About half the Australian population of children who were functioning at a moderate or greater level of intellectual subnormality and who also presented schizophrenic behaviors were surveyed. From more than 300 such cases only 21 were confirmed as schizophrenic. Their average age was seven years eight months, four were girls, and eight had histories of normal physical health. Individual data were collected on antenatal and perinatal factors, childhood health, developmental progress, family history, physical characteristics, neurological signs, biochemical anomalies, and behavioral and psychiatric characteristics. These data sustained the hypotheses that the (a) incidence of the condition is slight, that (b) childhood schizophrenia is the result of a multicausal transactional process; that (c) there is a continuum from organic to functional conditions and that (d) the intellectual potential of these children is generally overrated.


[Chemico-analytical studies on the water content of the human tissues. 2. Significance of the variation of water content (author's transl)].

The authors have calculated the amounts of solid matters from the values of water contents determined on 14 sorts of tissues of 41 cadavers and have found that the variation of amounts of solid matters among the same sort of tissue are very big. Accordingly it may be rational to express the values of concentration based on dry weight as to the substances mainly bound to solid matters in tissues and based on fresh weight as to those mainly dissolved in water in tissues.


[Interaction between electrode mercury of polarography and dissolved oxygen in sample solution (author's transl)].

The dissolved oxygen in sample solution produces the reduction wave with remarkable maximum by D.C. polarograph. The height of the maximum wave decreases with the increase of surface and duration of contact with electrode mercury. It has been demonstrated that the decrease of height of maximum wave depends on the decrease of dissolved oxygen in sample solution and the authors have assumed that the decrease of dissolved oxygen is due to the adsorption of oxygen on electrode mercury.


[A study of the method for microdetermination of proteins using polarographic oxygen maximum (author's transl)].

Oxygen dissolved in solutions is reduced at the dropping-mercury electrode of direct-current polarograph to produce two waves. The first oxygen wave displays a very pronounced maximum under some conditions. The conditions displaying or suppressing the maximum have been demonstrated experimentally. It has been found that proteins have two orders of suppressive power over other biological substances and the amount suppressed is proportional to the concentrations of proteins in lower range of concentrations. A method for microdetermination of proteins has been developed using the phenomenon. The reagent required is sodium chloride alone and oxygen dissolved naturally in a sample solution from air is utilized for the determination. The procedure required is merely to dilute a sample solution to an optimum concentration for the determination with a solution of sodium chloride. The method has been demonstrated to be specific for proteins under a certain condition and to be applicable to hematological, serological and biochemical investigations in the area of medicine.


[Application of non-invasive methods to assessment of left ventricular function in cardiomyopathy (author's transl)].

Left ventricular function in cardiomyopathy was studied by non-invasive methods. Various indices of left ventricular function were measured in patients with cardiomyopathy by mechanocardiography and echocardiography and were compared with indices in normal subjects and the following conclusions were obtained. 1) Patients with Congestive cardiomyopathy had high PEP/LVET, low mVcf, low EF, and low mPWV, suggesting depressed cardiac function. 2) Patients with Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy had characteristic findings, such as low DDR, high IVST/PWT, and SAM. 3) Patients with Hypertrophic non-obstructive cardiomyopathy had no characteristic changes in indices, however in some of the findings transition to Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was suggested.


Changes in fine structure of rat skeletal muscle related to cold acclimation.

Mitochondria became larger and some numerous in the internal red fibers of M. quadriceps femoris and neck muscle in cold-acclimated rats than in warm-acclimated ones, while they became less in number in spite of remarkable increase of size in the external white fibers of the former muscle. Mitochondrial cristae and sarcoplasmic reticuli developed better in the muscles of cold-acclimated rats.


Marsupial cells in long-term culture.

Cell lines have been developed from several species of Australian marsupials and studied during long-term growth. Cell lines developed from macropodid skin or heart tissues all had reproducible finite life-spans. However, cell lines developed from dasyurids showed bariable behavior in culture: lines developed from Antechinus stuartii and Dasyurus viverrinus had finite life-spans, while lines developed from Sminthopsis crassicaudata had indefinite life-spans. S. crassicaudata lines usually became heteroplloid, but one was still diploid after 150 population doublings, while another contained a proportion (10%) of haploid cells. Other lines were developed from the peramelid, Perameles nasuta, and the phanlngerid, Trichosurus vulpecula.


Induction of hyperplasia and anaplasia by carcinogens in organ cultures of mouse prostate.

In an effort to establish a test system to examine the carcinogenic potential of chemicals, mouse prostate explants were maintained as organ cultures and the effects of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic compounds were examined at various intervals after treatment. The degree of hyperplasia produced by a compound was determined by the colcemid metaphase arrest technique. Extensive hyperplasia of the prostatic epithelium occurred at 8 days after treatment with 3-methylcholanthrene, the 11-12 epoxide of methylcholanthrene, benzo(a)pyrene and N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. At 12 days most carcinogen-treated explants were anaplastic. The noncarcinogenic compounds, pyrene and phenanthrene, did not produce a mitotic stimulatory effect on the epithelium of the explants. The data suggest that the organ culture system of mouse prostate may be employed as a test system to obtain preliminary information regarding the cardinogenicity of a compound.


The effects of various mammalian sera on attachment efficiency and thymidine incorporation in primary cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells.

Mammary epithelial cells from 16- to 17-day pregnant BALB/c mice were cultured in various mammalian sera to determine the kind of serum which stimulates optimal attachment efficiency and thymidine incorporation. Of those sera tested, horse, bovine, lamb, goat and fetal bovine provided the highest attachment efficiency, whereas rat, mouse and human gave the lowest. Rabbit serum stimulated the highest thymidine incorporation into TCA-insoluble material with goat and rat providing the lowest. These results suggest that sera which provide the highest attachment efficiency for primary cultures are not the best stimulants of DNA synthesis and show that an inverse relationship exists between cell attachment and thymidine incorporation for any given type of mammalian serum.


Chlamydia trachomatis in cell culture. II. Susceptibility of seven established mammalian cell types in vitro. Adaptation of trachoma organisms to McCoy and BHK-21 cells.

Trachoma organisms of serotype B were grown serially in irradiated cells (McCoy, BHK-21, Microbiological Associates, and BHK-21, Lister) and tested for infectivity in monolayers of five mammalian cell lines (BHK-21, CHO, HeLa S3, McCoy and OWMK) and two diploid strains (ST/BTL and WI-38). All cell types had low susceptibility to chlamydial infection but the number of inclusions increased when the inoculum was centrifuged onto the monolayers, or when the cells were irradiated. Infection was higher in non-irradiated CHO than in irradiated CHO in three out of a total of six experiments. Inclusion number was increased 300 times in HeLa S3 and up to three times in the other cell types after treatment with diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D). Serial passage of Chlamydia trachomatis serotype B (strain Har-36) in CO60 McCoy and CO60 BHK-21 Lister resulted in partial adaptation of the strain to the host cell. The phenomenon of adaptation of serotype B to McCoy compensated for the lower susceptibility of this cell revealed when McCoy cells were inoculated with trachoma elementary bodies grown in BHK-21 Lister or in chick embryo yolk sac. Trachoma organisms of immunotypes A, B and C prepared in yolk sac produced more inclusion-forming units per ml in CO60 BHK-21 Lister than in CO60 McCoy.


Maintenance and induction of morphological differentiation in dissociated mammary epithelium on floating collagen membranes.

Dissociated normal mammary epithelial cells from prelactating mice were plated on different substrates in various medium-serum-hormone combinations to find conditions that would permit maintenance of morphological differentiation. Cells cultured on floating collagen membranes in medium containing insulin, hydrocortisone and prolactin maintain differentiation through 1 month in culture. The surface cells form a continous epithelial pavement. Some epithelial cells below the surface layer rearrange themselves to form alveolus-like structures. Cells at both sites display surface polarization; microvilli and tight junctions are present at their medium-facing of luminal surface and a basal lamina separates the epithelial components from the gel and stromal cells. Occasional myoepithelial cells, characterized by myofilaments and plasmalemmmal vesicles, are identified at the basal surface of the secretory epithelium. In contrast, cells cultured on plastic, glass or collagen gels attached to Petri dishes form a confluent epithelial sheet showing surface polarization, but lose secretory and myoepithelial specializations. If these dedifferentiated cells are subsequently maintained on floating collagen membranes, they redifferentiate. There is little DNA synthesis in cells on collagen gels, in contrast to Petri-dish controls. Protein synthesis in cells on floating collagen membranes increases over TO values and remains constant through 7 days in culture whereas it decreases on attached gels; however, if the gels are freed to float, protein synthesis increases sharply and parallels that seen on floating membranes.


How much heroin maintenance (containment) in Britain?

The British policy of providing heroin legally to a few addicts at Drug Treatment Centres (DTCs) is referred to as "heroin maintenance" in America and as "containment" of heroin in Britain. Virtually unknown statistics produced by the Home Office for the United Nations are reproduced in some detail to make them widely available to professional researchers. These statistics indicate that the provision of legal heroin is very rare: about 4% of British opiate addicts at DTCs receive heroin without methadone for over one year. About 12% receive heroin and/or methadone for a year or more. The majority of British addicts are maintained on methadone only. Shifts in drugs being prescribed are due more to patient turnover than to physicians switching addicts from heroin to methadone. Implications of this data for the transatlantic debate on heroin maintenance are considered. An appendix of references on British opium policy is included.


Attitudes regarding alcoholism among a group of drinking drivers.

Ninety-four drinking drivers were surveyed to assess their attitudes on nine factors related to alcoholism and the alcoholic. Each of the factors was assessed according to Marcus' criterion. Two factors were extracted which differed from those of the general population norm group. These drinking drivers were positive in their belief that periodic excessive drinkers can be alcoholics and negative in their attitude regarding alcoholism as an illness. It was noted that apart from these two factors, these drinking drivers were equally ambivalent in their attitudes toward alcoholism and the alcoholic when compared to the norm group.


Prevention of spontaneous abortion by cervical suture of the malformed uterus.

In a group of 82 women with congenital or acquired uterine malformation (such as intrauterine adhesions or uterus myomatosus), cerclage was successfully performed according to the McDonald method. The percentage of term deliveries increased from 29.8% to 69.2% and the percentage of spontaneous abortions decreased from 67.9% to 6.6%. Cerclage should be performed in all cases of uterine malformation, even if the patient previously suffered only one spontaneous abortion, as this is the best way to end the pregnancy with a viable fetus.


[Changes of heart rate in relation to diurnal variations in endogenic depression in women].

Heart rate data as produced by the subjects under investigation both in resting conditions and taken as total means per trial initially showed a trend towards ergotropic, clearly tachycardiac behavior; with the onset of thymoleptic drug therapy, there followed a further increase in heart rate, frequencies remaining more or less stationary on this level during the 26-day period observed by us. We found differences between morning and evening data of session A with 50% of subjects, 25% showing higher frequencies in their morning data, the reverse applying to a further 25%. The remaining 50% did not show any differences worth mentioning. At the end of the investigation period, the relation changed in favor of an increase in heart rate in the evening with 50% of subjects, whereas only 12.5% showed increased heart rate in the morning; 37.5% did not show significant differences. We could not demonstrate these results to be related to diurnal variation, degree of depression or course of the disease.


Electric pelvic floor stimulation. Mechanism of action.

This canine study delineates two mechanisms of action for electric pelvic floor stimulation. The electric stimulation increases urethral resistance by activating the pelvic floor skeletal muscle. Direct pudendal nerve stimulation is the most effective method for applying the electric stimulus. The two electric devices presently employed clinically, the pelvic floor stimulator and the transrectal stimulator, are less effective methods for increasing pelvic floor skeletal muscle contraction. Electric stimulation also activates a pudendal-to-pelvic nerve reflex that depresses or eliminates uninhibited detrusor contractions.


The age of onset of leprosy.

The age of onset was determined in 1,053 consecutive patients having different types of leprosy. There were 675 males and 378 females. The majority had onset of the disease between ages 20 and 39, although all age groups were affected. The age of onset was significantly related to the type of leprosy; the mean was lowest in tuberculoid, highest in neuritic, while in borderline and lepromatous it was in between. The comparison of reports of the age of onset from India and elsewhere suggest that this varies in different regions with the country, and from country to country.


[Effect of the external use of triamcinolone acetonide under foil occlussive dressings on the plasma cortisol level and on the diurnal rhythm of plasma cortisol].

Plasma cortisole concentration was measured in 44 patients with chronic dermatitis before, during, and after occlusive treatment with corticosteroid-containing ointment (triamcinolone-acetonide). In all patients plasma cortisole concentration decreased (p less than 0.001) and the day-night-rhythm disappeared. Five patients in whom less than 20% of the body-surface was treated, showed the same but less significant changes in the plasma cortisole concentration. In some patients the plasma coritsole concentrations increased three days after therapy, and their day-night-rhythm returned. This "systemic effect" of topical treatment with triamcinolone-acetonide is not the reason for the therpeutic efficacy, but rather the local concentration of steroids in the skin.


Ocular leprosy in the Canal Zone.

The results of a two year survey of eye problems among the patients at the Palo Seco Hospital in the Canal Zone are presented. Only two patients, one classified as having lepromatous leprosy and the other as having the tuberculoid form of the disease, failed to exhibit ocular complications. The high prevalence of leprotic ocular disease (96%) is most probably due to the advanced age of the patients, the lengthy duration of their illness, and the high percentage of patients afflicted by the lepromatous form of the disease.


[In heretability of functional properties of the skin].

The sum of the skin surface lipids, the alkali neutralization time and the alkali resistance of the skin were determined in 15 uniovular and 26 binovular pairs of twins. The mean difference between both twins were evaluated. These were then correlated with the average absolute values. A genetical regulation of the investigated factor can be assumed when the relative mean differences were significantly smaller in the uniovular twins than in the binovular twins. An influence of genetical factors could be demonstrated for the above three parameters. From the results it is assumed that the influence of genetical factors is also of quantitative importance.


[Lichen sclerosus at atrophicus. First observation on a boy's genitalia].

First report of a case of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the genitals in a twelve-year-old boy. The beginning of this disease at the time of the first growth of his pubic hairs coincides with the activity of the gonads, demonstrating apparently the influence of sexual hormones. The meaning of this factor is stressed by the fact that until now not a single case of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus at a boy's genitals has been published in the literature, in contrast to the relative frequency of this disease in girls. The chromosomal analysis of the buccal smear however revealed a chromatin negative result.