Where have all the CVP catheters gone?

This article simply serves to illustrate how easily central venous catheters may be misplaced and to emphasize the need for radiological control of catheter placement.


Lymphatic abnormalities in Noonan syndrome: A case report.

Lymphatic abnormalities are not generally recognized as part of the Noonan syndrome. A child with this condition in whom unique and widespread lymphatic abnormalities were demonstrated by lymphography is described. Both T and B lymphocytes were detected in chylous fluid drained from the thorax. In addition, the child was found to have a protein-losing enteropathy and cardiovascular defects. The clinical spectrum of the Noonan syndrome may include animalies of the lymphatic system.


Fundamental concepts in the management of congenital anorectal malformations.

Congenital anorectal deformities present a therapeutic challenge to the paediatric surgeon. The anomalies encountered range in complexity from the most simple to the most intricate. It is for this reason that three clear phases in management are defined and applied in every instance, i.e. absolute clarification of the anatomy of the defect, its appropriate operative correction, and, finally, a protracted postoperative period of care during which time voluntary stool control is acquired. Anal continence is the ultimate functional objective. The meticulous treatment required by the unfortunate baby born with this correctable abnormality is emphasized.


Isoniazid pharmacokinetics in kwashiorkor.

Isoniazid plasma half-life and clearance rates were studied in children with kwashiorkor before and after nutritional rehabilitation. Isoniazid half-life rates fell and clearance increased with nutritional rehabilitation. The changes documented in this report are not an indication that isoniazid therapy should be altered in malnourished children, but may indicate that this should be done in malnourished adults.


Smoking and chronic respiratory symptoms in 11--15 year-old children.

A questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of smoking and chronic respiratory symptoms in 315 White and 290 Coloured children in the 11--15-year old group. The quantity and duration of smoking, reasons for starting the habit, and social influences were examined. Simple tests of ventilatory function were also done. This study highlights the early age of onset of smoking in South African children, as in other countries, and provides a data base on which anti-smoking programmes can be structured.


The relationship between the general practitioner and the clinical psychologist.

There is a growing tendency among general practitioners to pay more attention to the psychological factors involved in patients presenting with physical symptoms. A working relationship between a general practitioner and a clinical psychologist is described, with specific reference to the role of the clinical psychologist. Procedures used by the latter and by the general practitioner to diagnose and treat 7 female and 5 male patients are discussed. We suggest that this programme can be valuable for psychosomatic and minor psychiatric problems in patients presenting with somatic symptoms.


'Why am I ill? Who made me ill?: the relevance of western psychiatry in Transkei.

Patients not only have to be treated for their illnesses, but also have to be told why they are ill. If these explanations are not given, they will go to tribal diviners to obtain the information. Practitioners who explain the causes of illnesses will have a greater number of satisfied patients.


The witchdoctor and the bowel.

Most urban Blacks consult witchdoctors for diverse reasons. The potent effects of their herbal medicines can result in damage to almost any part of the gastro-intestinal tract, and the outcome may be fatal. Diseases induced by witchdoctors therefore constitute an important facet of the disease spectrum of recently urbanized Blacks. Possible reasons for the strong influence of the witchdoctor are given. It is suggested that there should be a reappraisal of medical training in a Black society, so that cognizance can be taken of the important role played by witchdoctors.


The adoption of the 'at risk' baby.

The high incidence of cerebral palsy among adopted children in Cape Town has long been a cause for concern. Five such children from a recent series of 12, in which pre- and perinatal histories were known, were high-risk infants. All were thought to have been normal at the time of adoption. The need for expert medical examination before adoption is stressed, risks that adoptive parents must take are evaluated, and the psychological aspects of delaying adoption are also considered. Some suggestions are made for modifying the existing adoption procedures in this country.


[The pathogenesis of chronic pyelonephritis and its therapeutic consequences].

During the last 2 years we examined 186 patients with secondary and 42 patients with primary chronic pyelonephritis. In most cases the secondary pyelonephritis is the sequel of a urolithiasis, less frequently in congenital renal anomalies, adenomas of the prostatic gland and patients with superposed pyelonephritis in renal lesion on account of metabolic disturbances (diabetes, gout) or abuse of analgetics. The course of the disease as well as the results of the therapy show peculiarities in the two forms of pyelonephritis. Thus, for example, the recidivations are more frequently in the secondary pyelonephritis, in the urine culture other germs appear more frequently, and the disease shows a more rapid course. The bacterial sanation in patients with primary pyelonephritis remains stable in the course of one year, where as in the obstructive pyelonephritis (non-operated cases) in the same period all patients show recidivations. After operative treatment of the obstruction the conservative treatment leads to a bacterial sanation in about 70%. In patients with superposed pyelonephritis at first the basic disease is to be treated, i.e. the metabolic disturbances are to be compensated and at the same time an antibacterial therapy is to be performed.


[A new synthetic diet for acute and chronic advanced renal insufficiency].

Nefromin is a specific food poor in protein and rich in calories with addition of vitamins and some trace elements (iron, calcium salts). This food is determined for patients with acute and chronic renal insufficiency. It facilitates the diet therapy of the patients. As the only therapy it improves the general state of the disease of the patient with renal lesion. It lowers the creatinine level, allows a positive nitrogen balance and prevents acidosis.


[Sarcoidosis--the current attitude to diagnosis and therapy].

Main elements of the diagnostics of sarcoidosis are clinical picure, thorax-roentgen and histologic findings, tuberculin- and kveim-test as well as behaviour of the findings under corticotherapy. Important for the diagnosis is the synopsis of several criteria. In the therapy are corticosteroids the remedy of choice. The judgment of the success of therapy is made difficult by a high number of cases with spontaneous healing and the intermittent course of sarcoidosis. While clinically relevant extra-thoracic manifestations always need a treatment, sarcoidosis in stage I and I-II, respectively, should receive corticosteroids only then, when the findings are progressive or when there is no tendency to regression during a period of observation of one year.


[The effect of chronic renal insufficiency with and without dialysis therapy on the manganese content of various human organs].

On the basis of the organ values of nine decreased, formerly with Al (OH)3 treated patients with renal insufficiency without dialysis and 15 patients with dialysis their Mn-state was investigated in comparison to 60 control persons comparable as to age and sex. The dialysis patients for a considerable part died of the so-called dialysis encephalopathy three to five years after the beginning of the Al-treatment. In all investigated nine organs with the exception of the blood of the dialysed patients (liver, hair of the head, myocardium, brain, rib, lung and testicle) the Mn-content was, in comparison to the control persons, essentially, partly highly significantly reduced. These findings were discussed in various kinds of animals in connection with the skeletal and nervous disturbances conditioned by the Mn-deficiency. It may not be excluded that the Al-hydroxyde used for the phosphate binding protects also another essential trace elements and particularly Mn from resporption and has an antagonistic influence on the Mn-metabolism, respectively. Animal experiments must clarify the complex mentioned.


[Importance of skin contamination in blood culture readings].

The importance of the skin contamination for the results of blood cultures was emphasized by model examinations. In the method of blood taking without previous desinfection of the skin the quota of positive blood cultures increased by the twofold to threefold per culture and test person (5.7 to 18.8% and 11.3 to 26.3%, respectively). In large-volume blood takings the contamination rate becomes smaller with increasing blood volume. The rejecting of a first blood sample is to be recommended, when the possibility is given. With an increased quantity o blood per taking by blood bactericidia a decreased contamination rate is to be expected. By the results of the examinations the necessity of a consequent desinfection of the skin is to be emphasized, also when closed systems of blood cultures are used.


[Cardiopulmonary function after segmental resection of the lung].

By the combination of radiocardiography, ergooxytensiometry and heart probing on 22 lobectomized, cone- and segment-resected patients, respectively could be established in comparison to control groups that also after parenchyma-saving lung resection a pulmonary load parenchyma-saving lung resection a pulmonary load hypertension develops in 15 patients. The sequel of this increase of pressure and resistance in the pulmonary circulation is a functional insufficiency of the heart in 11 cases which is to objectify by reduction of the stroke volume, increase of the end-diastolic and end-systolic volume and by reduction of the contractility of the myocardium.


[House-dust allergy in bronchial asthma].

1. House dust allergy and house dust mite allergy are with 18.4 and 14.1% the most frequent causes of the atopic asthma also under our conditions. 2. In about 60% the house dust allergy is conditioned by a sensitization by constituents of mites (excretions). 3. The responsible antibodies may be established by means of the radio-allergo-sorbent-test. In about 50% results were found corresponding with the intracutaneous test. 4. In the restricted possibilities of the allergen carency the hyposensitization plays an important role. In critical choice of the patients in 50-60% a clinical improvement is to be achieved.


[Reaction performance, motor coordination performance and findings in hypertensive patients under diisopropylamine and reserpine therapy].

In 64 male hypertonics the reaction and coordination functions and the condition were standardized and compared before and after a four weeks ambulatory treatment with diisopropylamine (3 times 200 mg a day) and reserpine (3 times 0.25 mg a day). The two medicaments achieved good blood pressure reducing effects. Since in reserpine the therapeutic effect later appeared, fatigue and need for sleep were more frequent and continuous, in older patients still after a treatment of four weeks right and temporary reactions decreased, wrong reaction increased and the aim accelerated, is concluded that here in particular in the behaviour of older people more frequently a longer lasting disturbance is probable.


[Drug follow-up therapy after resection of hyperthyroid struma].

By means of a hormone prophylaxis the number of recidivations after the operation of a hyperthyreotic struma could be decreased from 40% to 11%. Recidivations appeared exclusively in doses of equivalency below 50 microgram triiodine thyronine/die. Their number was four times larger, when the hormone prophylaxis was begun only weeks to months after operation. The tendency to neglect the prophylaxis which becomes clearer with the time renders a strong leading by the physician necessary.


[Diagnosis and therapy of stomach cancer].

In a random test of 95 patients with carcinoma of the stomach who were gastroscopised during 1974 to 1977 a sex distribution of 2:1 for men to women was found. The male patients had more frequently an adenocarcinoma, the female patients more frequently a solid carcinoma. The patients with carcinoma of the stomach had more frequently a chronic atrophic gastritis than a control group of patients with functional gastropathy. The precanceroses, such as the atypical intestinal metaplasia were found only among the carriers of carcinomas, but in no case in the control group. The curative operability was given in the antrum carcinomas in 72%, in the corpus carcinomas only in 30% of the cases. Despite a higher age average the operability of women was more favourable than that of men in a not different distribution of the carcinomas to corpus and antrum. The necessary early recognition of the carcinomas for the improvement of the results of therapy is emphasized.


[The concept of a dynamic group psychotherapy for patients with psychosomatic diseases].

From a 15-year experience with group psychotherapy in psychosomatic patients a plan of such a treatment is presented. In several points it deviates from the model of an intended dynamic group psychotherapy after Höck. These deviations are based on the peculiarities which differentiate psychosomatic patients and neurotics. In particular these are bodily symptoms of the disease, which show lower abilities for the recognition and verbalisation of emotional courses, and the experiences to be freed as a patient from certain struggles. With the help of several graphs is tried to represent the connection of three phases of treatment and their corresponding points.


[Diagnosis of an organic disease in an accentuated personality].

In a female patient with Dunbar-syndrome the cause of the complaints is not recognized during 18 years. Therefore, the symptomatology of the stenosis of the truncus coeliacus is briefly outlined. The patient reacts more and more neurotic on the misunderstanding of organically conditioned complaints, so that at last a consilium of experienced specialists makes the diagnosis "functional intestinal disturbances, hypchondriac depressive syndrome in accentuated personality". Therefore functional disturbances are to be diagnosed only then (also in the psychopathologic behaviour of the patients!), when an organic disease is excluded. The difficulty to justify such a demand is great.


[Potential for operative correction in progressive facial hemiatrophy].

In the years 1976--1978 we have treated in our hospital 5 patients with progressive hemifacial atrophie (Romberg's disease). To overcome the deformity we used two operations procedures. In three cases the atrophic area was filled out with Plastigel and the asthetic result was good. The advantage of this method can be seen in the simplicity of the operation procedure. Problematical is the mobility of this region of the body and occasionally the absence of subcutaneous tissue to cover the implant. 2 patients with hemifacial atrophy have been treated by a buried de-epithelized neck flap. After 3 operations we obtained a good result.


[Functional outcome after reimplantations in the hand and finger region].

Successful replantation of total amputated parts of the hand having been performed during a period of five years were investigated as a homogenous group. Long-term function of replanted parts was evaluated by objective criteria, as signs of use, trophique, vascularisation, mobility, sensibility and the integration of replants into general function of the hand, and on the other side by subjective criteria as usefulness in professional and private life, retrospective personal attitude to replantation and subjective complaints.


[Late results after 86 thumb reimplantations].

The late results of replantation of thumbs have shown that with the microsurgery we could receive better results than with secondary reconstruction of a thumb.


[Failure and complications of saddle-joint arthroplasty].

Two different or general types of arthroplasty for treatment of the saddle-joint-arthrosis are usual: particular bone-resection (base of first metacarpal or part of the trapezium) or complete resection of the trapezium, both combined with an interposition. The last one is essentially used in carpometacarpal arthroplasty. Two main groups are known: tendon-interposition and silastic prostheses. Most authors describe the dislocation of the first metacarpal, followed by pain and instability, in 20% of all cases. Neglecting of the ligament conditions seems to be the mainfault. In nearly all cases the ligaments can be found destroyed or elongated. Functional reconstruction is difficult or impossible, therefore a tendon-plasty should be done to restore the function of the ligaments. Some other mistakes and complications are reported. Planning a saddle-joint-arthroplasty they should be known as the best protection against bad results.


[Pathologic phalangeal fracture in bone tuberculosis].

We amputated the ringfinger of a 75 years old patient under the diagnosis of a pathologic fracture of the proximal phalanx, based on the case-history and the X-ray-picture. Even knowing the X-ray-findings of the lung only the microscopic evidence confirmed the tuberculosis as the cause of the osteolysis.


[The enlarged butterfly-flap operation].

On regard to the butterfly flap plasty of SHAW 1973, we developed a modified technique by enlarging this method. This method will deepen the interdigital fold without transplantation of skin. We have operated between 1976--1979 twenty two patients by this method with a rather good functional and aesthetic result.


[Some aspects of early education of handicapped children in Switzerland].

Early education for young handicapped children is an aid both for the children and their parents. It has been propagated for centuries, and due to a serious research-programme it has also been developed and institutionalized in Switzerland during the last twelve years. The whole of Switzerland is included in this programme. The results of the investigation presented hereby are as follows: 65% of the children are reached after their third year of age only, and only 80% are referred by doctors. Of the 1.2% severely handicapped the 4- to 6-year-old children are well represented, the 0- to 3-year-old children as well as the 2.8% slightly handicapped 0- to 6-)ear-old children are badly represented. Combined methods are proposed for improving the early detection of the Mentally Handicapped. The fact that early education for young Mentally Handicapped is necessary and important has been proved by thorough scientific research. The aim and method of early education for young mentally handicapped children (diagnosis, education, councellinf for parents) are sketchily represented. The principal aim is: improvement of the parental competence concerning the education of mentally handicapped children.


[Schooling of mentally handicapped children].

It is difficult to describe a living thing in such a way that it doesn't lose its life by the very description. The author tries to accomplish this by means of an unsystematic report of a case: Some fundamentals to the life in the special school for mentally handicapped in Biel are presented. Every human being is unique and can only be understood in his totality. His Ego is intact and can be addressed in every case. Therefore, categories appear as conventions rather than facts. They indicate the general rather than the unique and therefore, they are of secondary importance. Children in special schools have difficulties to adapt to the school. Therefore, their school has to adapt itself to them with much awareness and imagination. Language has a great potential to stimulate development; it plays an important part in the school. The teaching must be elementary and concrete, it must touch "head, heart, and hand" (Pestalozzi). The special school as a living space has to be rich and stimulating with respect to building, environment, and practical activities, because one has to bring the world to the child when his ability to reach the world is impaired. The situation for all children improves when the adults make efforts to develop forms of living together worthy of human beings. Too rigid rules paralyze the natural forces governing human interaction and make them useless.


[Timing in the treatment of multiple injuries].

Combined injuries occur in a great number. More than half of the deaths in accidents are caused by combined injuries. In more than 70 per cent of these, brain injury is the decisive lethal factor. Shock, respiratory disturbances, signs of fat embolism, coagulation disturbances have to be assessed first. The primary shock therapy begins with the filling up of the volume by colloid solutions. If internal bleedings are the cause of the shock, they must be treated first. Respiratory insufficiencies are mainly due to thorax injuries. Although systematic treatment cannot remove the fact of a fat embolism, it can keep its pathophysiological consequences within certain limits. Among the coagulation disturbances, special attention should be paid to the consumption coagulopathy. As regards the brain, attention should be paid to the increase in intracranial pressure as well as to increase in body temperature, decrease in oxygen saturation, and the like, the combination of which often has a deleterious effect. In the timing, the shock therapy is followed by an orientating examination (including state of consciousness, possible internal haemorrhages, bone fractures, etc.), provisional immobilisation, pain relieving and, when required, sedation. Intracranial complications must be looked for in all their phases. Osteosynthesis is not carried out as part of the primary treatment but usually only one week later. Open brain injuries have no priority but intracranial haematomas have an absolute priority. Surgical treatment of liquor fistulas should only be carried out in the acute phase when extensive impression fractures are present at the same time.


[Radionuclide angiography in the functional assessment of surgical extra- and intracranial vascular anastomoses].

Extra-intercranial arterial vascular anastomosing is a surgical form of treatment in selected patients with ischemic cerebral diseases. For the demarkation of the indication for an operation and for the objectification of the functional results cerebrovascular radionuclide angiography was carried out in seven patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency before and after the bypass operation. The non-invasive method only requires an intravenous bolar radionuclide application. It permits a well reproducible appraisal of the regional cerebral blood flow. The best functional results of the shunt operation were observed in the radionuclide angiogram of patients with pronounced focal perfusion reductions. Functionally unsatisfactory results were obtained with low-degree diffuse perfusion reductions of one hemisphere. The results permit to derive criteria for the surgical indication.


[Microsurgical extirpation of extra-pial angiomas of the pons].

Some arteriovenous malformations that are apparently located in the pons are in reality located on its surface. Thus, their extrapial dissection is possible. This is carried out under the surgical microscope and by means of the microtechnique. To nine available descriptions, the results obtained in four of our own patients are added: Three angiomas were in an extrapial antero-lateral position, one angioma reaching into the cerebellar hemisphere and causing a cerebellar haematoma. The fourth angioma was in the Brachium pontis and reached to the Flocculus and Loculus quadrangularis inferior. The patients (2 females, 2 males) were subjected to a subtemporal-transtentorial operation, the brachium-pontis angioma was operated on occipitally. Complete restoration was reached after the operation and the former activites were taken up again. The diagnosis was based on series angiography and computer tomography. The afferent vessels stemmed from one or several cerebellar vessels. The removal of the angioma requires the most subtile preparation.


[Mucocele of the orbit].

3 patients with orbital mucocele are presented. In 2 cases antecedent factors were fractures through the frontal paranasal sinuses and in 1 case a carcinoma of the posterior ethmoid cells. Roentgenographic examination consisted in plain radiography and radiotomography of the skull as well as isotope scanning of the brain and skull. In one case computed axial tomography was used. In the detection of perforating lesions of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus, computed axial tomography gave better results than radiotomography. Marginal sclerosis, described as typical radiographic sign of a frontal sinus mucocele by others, was seen only in 1 case.


[Selective partial posterior radiculotomy in the therapy of spasticity].

Report on the immediate and late results obtained in the period from January 1973 to December 1976 in a series of 44 patients suffering from a spastic syndrome who were operated on by selective partial lumbar radiculotomy. The intervention which mainly consisted of a partial separation of the individual radiculae of the posterior lumbar and first sacral roots was followed by a distinct improvement of the clinical picture in 30 patients without observing aneurlogical, especially sensitive deficit or immediate or later complications. The indication for this intervention is established together with the other specialists concerned with the care and the rehabilitation of the patient. Only such patients are selected in whom the spasticity is not useful and who still can carry their body-weight. No operation is in particular carried out in the presence of considerable paresis of the extensors and in patients who have for a long time been able to walk and stand. Favourable results can be expected in para-tetraspasticity and in patients who, when standing with support, show equinism, hyperadduction or crossing of the legs, hyperextension and internal rotation.


[Pulsation echoencephalography--a bloodless method of measuring intracranial pressure].

By means of a special procedure an echo encephalograph can be modified in such a manner that changes in the amplitude of an echo peak can be detected and prepared for registration. In this iaay it is possible to single out the medium echo pulsations of the one-dimensional echo encephalography which have been known for a long time and prepare them for recording. In a number of zna persons without an indication of an increase in the intracranial pressure, medium echo pulkmon and ECG were simultaneously recorded. The quotient of the time T1 and R--T of the ECG was calculated 120 times and the respective mean value determined. The same measurements and calculations were then carried out for a total of 100 patients in whom clinical signs suggested an increase in the intracranial pressure (42 patients with extending processes in the supratentorial space, 16 patients with extending processes in the region of the posterior cranial fossa, 10 patients with hypophyseal adenomas, 10 patients with conditions after craniocerebral traumas, 5 patients with occlusions of the aqueductus, 7 patients with disturbances of the cerebrospinal fluid absorption and circulation and 10 patients with aneurysms). In all cases of clinically relevant signs of an increase in the intracranial presure the quotient of T1 and R--T was significantly higher than the calculated mean value. Variations of the pressure were rapidly detected. The results obtained were compared with those of other authors. Advantages and disadvantages of this method were discussed. The task was derived to compare the quotients found with the actual pressure values obtained by invasive methods in order to find out whether there are true correlations which might set the way for a non-bloody quantitative method.


[Tasks and organization of the State Neurosurgical Scientific Institute, Budapest].

Structure and mode of operation of a neurosurgical central institute is demonstrated by the example of the Budapest clinic. In this clinic, which was founded by L. Zoltán in 1954, there are 140 beds, 53 physicians, 167 nurses and medical-technical assistants as well as 136 other auxiliary and administrative personnel. There are three operating rooms in which all interventions of modern neurosurgery can be performed; the neuroradiological department uses all commonly used methods including computer tomography. There are separate wards for adults and children in both the intensive care and the normal wards. All principal consultants are members of the clinic; the operative work is done by 23 neurosurgeons. In recent years, quite a number of new operation techniques have been introduced into routine practice. Among these there are the transsphenoid interna anastomoses, the Janetta technique in trigeminus neuralgia, etc. Much value is attached to international contacts and all important international congresses are attended. Every year, one of two physicians stay at foreign special institutes over a prolonged period of time. In 1978 alone, the Budapest clinic was visited by 40 foreign scientists. Further information is acquired by the subscription to 53 home and foreign journals. The institute takes an active part in the postgraduate education of the Academy for Postgraduate Medical Education. In the field of research, six main directions are followed, where necessary in close co-operation with foreign establishments. In the last 25 years, 740 publications have been published. The Central Institute has an assisting and advisory function for the other neurosurgical establishments in Hungary.


[Operative therapy of malignant intracranial tumors by the CO2 laser. Initial results after vaporization of the tumors].

From the Clinic of Neurosurgery of the Kantonsspital Basle a report is given over a one year-experience with a CO2-Sharplan 791 Laser (Prod.: Laser Industrie Ltd., Israel). The excellent technical qualities, as described by other authors, have been confirmed. 11 patients with malignant glioma received all the same treatment (intratumoral partly resection and "vaporisation" of the tumor-bed with Laser-ray followed by radiotherapy with 6000 rad.). It showed that the post-operative course and the definite prognosis of the disease is not decisive different from the results of an operative treatment with conventional methods. Only 2 (18,1%) patients were in a satisfactory condition fourty weeks after operation and radiotherapy. 5 patients (45,4%) died in the first 10 months after operation and radiotherapy and 4 (36,3%) had a relapse 6 months after surgical intervention.


Electronic transmission between giant neurones identified in the CNS or Lymnaea stagnalis.

In the CNS of Lymnaea stagnalis it was verified for two paired cells (A11--A11' and P1--A10) that the interneuronal connection is realized by electronic transmission. The evidences of electrical coupling: 1:1 synchronity of spontaneous activities; the delay of transmission is less than that in the case of a chemical synapse; any neurone can drive the firing of its own coupled pair; the transmission is bidirectional both for depolarization and hyperpolarization. The active and passive electrical constants of the electrical junctions were estimated. The coupling coefficients appeared to be relatively large. The coupling coefficient and the junctional resistance depend on the stimulating current to a high degree. The value of capacity of junction exceeds that of soma, or is equal to it, and is a function of the stimulating current, so the characteristics of the transmission are determined by a variable impedance, rather than by a simple ohmic resistance. The morphological properties of the junctions were examined with light microscope using intracellular CoCl2 staining. It is suggested that cell A11' may be derived from an anomalous duplication of cell A11. The morphological and functional differences between the two paired cells examined are reflected in the detailed properties of the junctions. These differences between the two paired cells examined are reflected in the detailed properties of the junctions. These differences may have a significance concerning the role of the paired cells in the neuronal network.


Fine structure of the pyloric region and hindgut of Tetrodontophora bielanensis (Waga) (Collembola).

The pyloric region in the alimentary tract of Tetrodontophora bielanensis consists of three parts, of which the first (P1) belongs to the midgut and the others (P2, P3) to the hindgut. Behind the pyloric region in the hindgut, sphincter (S), rectum (R1, R2) and rectal ampulla (AR) follow. Morphologically, the cells of part P1 differ in structure from the midgut epithelial cells described by Kazysztofowicz et al. [11], both by presence of microtubular bodies in an apical region and by the lack of the mitochondrial region. The cytoplasm of the cells of part P3 is filled with lysosome-like bodies with an unknown function. The authors suggest that they are connected with a secretion of the pheromons. The structure of rectum epithelial cells is typical of insects.


Correlation of sexual behaviour and ovarian processes in the paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis.

Changes in ovarian development were described during successive phases of reproductive behaviour defined from an ethological approach in paradise fish, Macropodus opercularis. We found this perannial breeder fish to show typical induced ovulation pattern and during the synchronization process each behavioural phase (or maintenance condition) can be characterized by a dominant cell type. Our preliminary results suggest, that M. opercularis is an excellant model animal for quantitative studies of the effects of behavioural and endocrine factors in reproductive synchronization.


Experimental investigations on hypokinesis of skeletal muscles with different functions VII. Ultrastructural observations.

Ultrastructural investigations were carried out parallel with biochemical measurements on the limb muscles of rabbits immobilized by putting in plaster. The cellular structure of normal and immobilized (1--6 weeks) m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius (red tonic and white tetanic, respectively) were compared. During immobilization significant changes occurred in the cellular structure of m. soleus, while little change was observed in the white fibres of m. gastrocnemius. The fibres of m. soleus decreased in diameter and fatty infiltration set in. The myofibrils decreased in amount and their structure was damaged and disorganized but did not disappear completely. Mitochondria showed little damage, like membraneous structures in general, in number. Loss of material seems to be by way of vesicles formed by the heavily invaginated plasma membrane and by the deflation of the numerous vesicles observed. The red fibres of m. gastrocnemius behaved like the fibres of m. soleus; in the white fibres some focal disorganization was observed near the Z line. The cystae of mitochondria and the SR appear to be dilated.


Effect of cations on intestinal nutrient transport in two teleosts.

The uptake of sugar and amino acids was affected by the presence of cations in the filling solution in both the fishes, Ophiocephalus and Heteropneustes. Under low Na+ concentration, the rate of transport decreased while an increase in Na+ concentration brought about its corresponding increase in both the fishes. Li+ was able to substitute Na+ to some extent in the filling solution in the transport of xylose, glycine and leucine. The replacement of Na+ by Li+ was more successful in xylose transport, in contrast to the transport of glycine and leucine. On the other hand, K+ was not able to substitute Na+ in the transport process. K+ inhibited the transport of glycine but did not that of xylose and leucine.


Luminal chloroplast connections with endoplasmic reticulum-like cisterns and cell wall in Dryopteris filix-mas gametophytes.

In young gametophytes of the fern Dryopteris filix-mas the periplastid space of some chloroplasts was found to open directly into endoplasmic reticulum-like cisterns and into the cell wall. This phenomenon seemed to be dependent on illumination but not on the kind of the nutrient medium. Findings suggest that chloroplasts may produce and transport some constituents of the cell wall.


Incorporation of labelled amino acids into the acoustic cortex of the cat.

Labelled amino acids, 14C-leucine, 3H-glycine, 14C-GABA, 14C-glutamic acid and 14C-aspartic acid were applied to the surface of the cat's auditory cortex in dried filter paper strips for 40 min. The distribution of the amino acids taken up by the cortex was examined by autoradiography.The right acoustic area was stimulated by 2 cps acoustic clicks, through an ear-phone. Leucine showed cellular localization which was considerably dispersed by cortical excitation. Glycine was concentrated in nerve cells, mainly in layers I-II, but excitation intensified and extended its incorporation. GABA was accumulated rather diffusely in layers I-II with scattered cellular labelling which was depressed by stimulation. Glutamic and aspartic acids did not show any characteristic distribution pattern. The authors emphasize that the incorporation of glycine seems to be a good indicator of neurons being in excitation. The localizations of GABA uptake shows close correlation with the site of its physiological action.


Light and Electron microscopic autoradiography of 3H-dopamine uptake in the ganglia of the freshwater mussel, Anodonta cygnea L.

In the central nervous system of the freshwater mussel, Anodonta cygnea, uptake of 3H-dopamine has been investigated by light and electron microscopic autoradiography following in vitro incubation and topical application, respectively. The autoradiographic reaction observed over the ganglia can be taken as a morphological evidence of the existence of a specific uptake mechanism for dopamine. It has been found that labeled dopamine was taken up by the axon profiles and terminals, while perikarya remained free of activity, indicating a basic difference between the perkaryal and axonal membrane in respect of the 3H-dopamine uptake. According to the electron microscopic autoradiography, labeled terminals and axon profiles contained both normal and accentric dense-core vesicles and they proved to be similar to those seen after 3H-serotonin in vitro incubation. Therefore, it seems possible that certain Anodonta central neurons contain both dopamine and serotonin.


Studies on cartilage formation XXL Activity of enzymes belonging to the pentose-phosphate cycle in the regenerating articular surface.

The distal articular surface of the femur was removed operatively in 36 dogs. In the regenerating chondrifying articular surface and in the granulation tissue adhering to the capsule glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activities were determined 7, 33 and 70 days after operation. In both tissues the activity of these enzymes characteristic of the pentose phosphate cycle ws the highest in the early postoperative stage. This initial increase in activity was followed by a marked reduction in the regenerating articular surface and by a moderate decrease in the tissue adhering to the capsule. For the loss in activity occurring in the chondrifying articular surface, the connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) are responsible. Cartilage precursors and young chondrocytes show a high glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate activity. Presumably, in the given case of the functions of the pentose-phosphate cycle the NADPH generation and supply of building stones prevail. The activity of these enzymes ws determined in the articular cartilage and in the synovial membrane of the knee joint in further 18 dogs. The activity in the articular cartilage was very slight as compared to that in the synovial membrane.


Perichromatin granules in the liver nuclei after isolation of hnRNP (informofer) particles.

The influence of the extraction of hnRNP (informofer) particles on the ultrastructural appearance of the perichromatin granules was studied. The extraction of hnRNP particles was carried out by SAMARINA's procedure from the rat liver nuclear fraction. The extraction did not change the numbers and the general ultrastructural features of perichromatin granules. It is therefore unlikely that the perichromatin granules are the morphological representatives of storaged or transported hnRNA.


Differences in uptake of labelled serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by the CNS and other tissues in Anodontacygnea L., depending on the activity of the animal.

Among monoamines injected intracardially during activity, 3H-serotonin was taken up by the kidney, while 3H-dopamine and 3H-noradrenaline by the ganglia in the highest amount. The uptake of the labelled monoamines in the corresponding tissue was significantly lower during rest.


Thymidine photoproducts of non-cyclobutane type as a crucial event in the conformation of UV-irradiated DNA.

The UV-light induced conformational effects in deoxyoligonucleotides and polynucleotides have been analyzed by CD measurements and isolation of the photoproducts. The results demonstrate that the essential photoproduct formed on irradiation of thymidylyl-thymidine at 254 nm is of non-cyclobutane type and may be correlated to the primary photoproduct formed in DNAs at low doses Formation of thymine dimers of cyclobutane-type structure appears to be a secondary product generated by treatment with formic acid.


The effect of environmental lighting on porphyrin hepatic metabolism in the rat.

It has been shown that light may stimulate hepatic porphyria in the rat. This is evidently due to a neuro-endocrine pathway involving retina, nerve pathways in the brain and including the sympathetic chain, the pineal gland and the gonads. This light effect in porphyria appears to be via a circadian rhythm in the liver.


[Pharmacological modification of evoked caudate nucleus potentials].

To stimulation of the Substantia nigra the nucleus caudatoputamen of the rat responds with the release of a short-latent sum action potential that may serve to characterize the interaction between the two nuclear areas. The partly conflicting results reported in the literature about drug effects on this potential prompted us to examine the effectiveness of dopaminergic and cholinergic substances or their antagonists following systematic administration. Chloropromazine increases the amplitude of the potential, while apomorphine has a distinct antagonistic effect. Interesting appear to be the analogical effects of Tricuran, arecoline and apomorphine, and the furtherance of the chloropromazine effect by arecoline.


[Pharmacokinetics of lithium in rats of various ages].

The kinetics of lithium in serum was determined in rats aged 5 to 240 days, after 2 days of pretreatment with 0.15 mval Li+/100 g and a load of 0.3 mval Li+/100 g body weight at the day of experiments. In rats age differences in distribution and elimination of lithium can be described by a two-compartment model. The kinetic parameters were calculated (half-life(serum), apparent volume of distribution, rate constants of distribution and elimination, total plasma clearance) and, additionally, age differences in renal elimination were determined (renal clearance, half-life (urine)). The ability to excrete lithium is not fully developed in 5-day-old rats: t1/2serum (23 h) and especially t1/2urine  (72 h) are much longer than in adult rats (t1/2serum = 12 h; t1/2urine = 6.4 h). The influence of administered lithium on the regulation of the electrolyte balance in the organism (sodium, potassium) occurred differently in dependence on age. Consequences of the investigations are discussed for the therapy with lithium in different age periods.


Chemical modification studies on the D-galactopyranosyl binding lectin from the mistletoe Viscum album L.

The role of amino, sulfhydryl, disulfide, carboxyl, phenolic, imidazole and indole groups on the agglutination of human erythrocytes by the lectin from Viscum album has been determined using specific chemical modification techniques. The results indicate that tyrosine residues participate in the hemagglutination reaction. Subunits of the lectin possess only reduced hemagglutinating ability.


Physiological effects of endogenous CCK on distal colon motility.

Distal colon motility was investigated in 14 normal subjects, before and after a cholecystokinetic test meal. Increases (4 cases) decreases (5 cases), and no changes (5 cases) of distal colon motility, were registered. Our results strongly suggest that the autonomic nervous system status interferes with the physiological action of CCK.


[Primary gastric plasmacytoma. Presentation of a case].

A case of primary gastric plasmacytome is presented. The difficulties of the endoscopic diagnosis, including the citology and the biopsy, are emphasised.


Red cell 2,3-DPG levels in diabetic vasculopathy.

RBC 2,3-DPG resulted statistically increased versus normal subjects in 22 insulin-dependent diabetics affected by arterial vasculopathy and in 19 vasculopathic non-diabetic patients. RBC 2,3-DPG, on the other hand, did not differ from the normal mean in 16 insulin-dependent diabetics without vascular involvement. The increase of RBC 2,3-DPG represents principally a consequence of the vasculopathy.


Effect of oleic acid on arginine-induced glucagon secretion by the isolated perfused rat pancreas.

The isolated perfused rat pancreas was used to investigate the effect of oleic acid on glucagon secretion in response to 10 mmol/l arginine. In the absence of oleic acid and at 2.5 mmol/l calcium, arginine induced a biphasic glucagon secretion. At lower extracellular calcium concentration (1.0 mmol/l), the second phase of glucagon release was reduced, the first phase being unchanged. In the presence of 1,500 mumol/l oleic acid, the glucagon response to arginine was also biphasic, but second phase release was markedly inhibited, the first phase glucagon release being unchanged. Such an effect was not obtained when oleic acid concentration in the medium was 750 mumol/l. These results demonstrate that high concentrations of oleic acid inhibit glucagon secretion in response to arginine from the isolated perfused rat pancreas and support the concept that circulating free fatty acid levels are involved in the control of glucagon secretion.


Family history in classical juvenile onset diabetes in relation to severity of the disease.

A group of 100 patients with juvenile diabetes, age at onset 1-15 years (7.1 +/- 3.9), was studied with reference to family history of diabetes (FHD), HLA-types, symptoms at onset of diabetes, and occurrence of partial postinitial remission. No significant relations were seen between HLA-types and FHD. Nor was there any correlation between FHD and age at onset of diabetes, severity of th disease at onset, or occurrence of remission. Patients with a dominant type of inheritance were insulin-dependent to the same extent as those with less pronounced or no known FHD. According to previous results, it is concluded that all children and adolescents with a newly diagnosed diabetes should receive insulin treatment immediately to minimize further loss of B-cell function.


Two types of epileptic cortical after-discharges evoked by the stimulation of the hippocampus and thalamic nuclei in rats.

Rhythmic cortical phenomena were evoked by stimulation of hippocampus and/or thalamus in rats. Electrical stimulation of thalamic nuclei (nc. ventralis dorsomedialis VDM and nc. lateralis anterior--LA) by single pulses elicited rhythmic after-discharge ("spindle") as a late component of the cortical response, whereas identical stimulation of hippocampus did not trigger such an activity. Rhythmic stimulation of thalamic nuclei elicited cortical incremental responses more often than stimulation of hippocampus. Epileptic self-sustained after-discharges (AD) occurred after the endo of rhythmic stimulation in 66% of hippocampal stimulations, in 35% of VDM stimulations and in 30% of LA stimulations. AD evoked by stimulation of the hippocampus (long duration discharges of slow serrated waves) differed characteristically from AD following stimulation of the VMD (short duration spike and wave complexes). Stimulation of the LA in half of the cases led to the "hippocampal" pattern of serrated wave after-discharges, in the remaining cases spike-and-wave complexes or a combined AD pattern was recorded.


Ontogenetic development of electrocorticogram in the rat.

Spontaneous electrocorticogram (ECoG) was recorded in frontal (sensorimotor) temporal (auditory) and occipital (visual) cortical regions of 86 male rats (immobilized with d-tubocurarine) aged from 3 days to adulthood. Activity which could be classified as ECoG was for the first time recorded in 5-day-old rats; it was formed by groups of slow waves with unstable frequency intermingled with periods of isoelectric line. Discontinuous ECoG activity was regularly registered even in 10-day-old rats, exceptionally in 12-day-old rats. During further maturation of the continuous ECoG an increase in frequency and an establishment of a basic rhythmic activity synchronous over both hemispheres took place, so that 25- and 30-day-old rats did not differ from the adult ones. Autocorrelagrams and power frequency spectra demonstrated a broad frequency range of the basic rhythm as well as delay in the development of occipital cortical areas in comparison to frontal areas.


[About the adjustment of filters and comparators for the automatic interval-analysis (author's transl)].

The selective effect produced by an analog filter followed by a comparator, is represented in the voltage-frequency-plane by a frequency-dependent threshold of sensitivity and a scatter-diagramm, which is characterising the signal. The variation of the threshold, caused by differentiation of the signal, is described. Following this model it is discussed, how deviations of real circuits and real signals from certain assumptions influence the formation of intervals and the interval-histogram. It is stated, which values of the parameters of adjustment should be set, on the one hand, in order to minimize errors of the interval-length and maximize frequencies of intervals in the pass-band and, on the other hand, to provide for the chance of separating from the histogram such intervals which are inevitably subject to bigger faults.--Other criteria of optimization are pointed out. Technically caused limitations for the variation of parameters are mentioned. The application of the model, which is valid for analog signals in general, is demonstrated by two examples from the automatic analysis of EEG.


A new and sensitive method for quantifying and comparing the biological potency of varius estrogens in man.

The serum level of an estrogen-inducible plasma protein was followed by a radioimmunoassay in groups of women during treatment with various estrogens. After an initial increase, the mean value for the serum concentration was stable. The plateau level after six months of treatment was taken as a parameter of estrogenic potency. Eleven different hormonal preparations were compared and an estrogen index was constructed.


Fertility following legally induced abortion.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate if decreased fertility could be shown in women whose previous pregnancy had been terminated by a legally induced abortion. In 7 270 pregnant women fertility was measured as the time elapsed from the couple started sexual intercourse without using contraception to the present pregnancy. This interval was called "the latent period" and fertility was defined as reduced if it was longer than one year. In women whose previous pregnancy had been terminated by legally induced abortion subsequent decreased fertility could not be shown when compared with women whose previous pregnancy had ended in a live birth, the frequency of a latent period longer than one year not differing between these groups. When induced abortion had been complicated by pelvic inflammatory disease the frequency of a latent period more than one year was found to be higher than in women without this complication.


Heterogeneous response of disseminated human ovarian cancers to cytostatics in vitro.

Cell suspensions from nine human ovarian primary cancers, their metastases and ascitic cells were treated in vitro with amethopterin and melphalan. Effects were measured by incorporation of H3-TdR or H3-UdR into the cells. There was significant heterogeneity of cytostatic effects on cells from the three sources in a given patient. Ascitic cells did nt represent a "mean" of the cancer cell clones. The implications of these findings should be considered if cytostatic in vitro prediction tests are used to guide cytostatic treatment of patients.


Determination of myometrial tension during labor by combined microtransducer IUP-rcording and ultrasonic examination of the uterine cavity.

In twelve women, in whom labor was induced by oxytocin infusion, intra-uterine pressure (IUP) was recorded by micro-transducers, and simultaneously the diameter of the uterine cavity was estimated by means of ultrasound. Myometrial tension was calculated according to the law of Laplace. In the ten women who were delivered within eight hours after the start of induction, myometrial tension was clearly higher than in the two in whom induction failed. No technical problems were encountered during the registrations, which in some cases lasted for more than five hours. It is suggested that with the described technique, a more accurate determination of myometrial activity is possible than with the generally used methods for IUP recording. The technique might facilitate evaluation of drug effects on the uterus during labor, and improve the IUP-part of intrapartum clinical monitors.


Determination of tonicity in the non pregnant human uterus in vivo.

The method hysterometry has been designed for the study of the effect upon the uterine muscle of pharmacologically active agents. Hysterometry has earlier been used on the pregnant uterus and is now described for the non-pregnant situation. The capacity of the technique is exemplified with results achieved in a study of the effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors and beta-receptor stimulating agents during dysmenorrhea.


Quinacrine hydrochloride. Review and mode of action of an antimalarial, used as an occlusive agent for transvaginal human sterilization.

Quinacrine hydrochloride, mainly used as an antimalarial, has been used as a nontoxic chemosterilant in a transvaginal procedure in the human female. Clinical experiments indicate that Quinacrine acts as a powerful obstructive agent exclusively on the epithelium of the intramural portion of the tube without alterating the histology of the endometrium. The precise mechanism of Quinacrine's obstructive action on the mucosa of the uterotubal junction is unknown. Its possible mode of action is binding to epithelial DNA thus forming a clot of granulomatous tissue, as Quinacrine is known to form adhesions when used in the control of neoplastic effusions. Zinc is known to inhibit Quinacrine-DNA binding. The human endometrium, rich in Zinc is unaffected by Quinacrine, whereas the tubal cornua, with little Zinc promote the obstruction by Quinacrine DNA bondage. The procedure is effective in 90 per cent of the cases with two instillations of Quinacrine. Further studies are essential to find agents that would potentiate the action of Quinacrine on the human Fallopian tube epithelium.


Benign intracranial hypertension of uncertain origin.

Intracranial hypertension of uncertain origin is a distinct form of cerebral pseudotumour. Eleven such cases have been treated between 1965 and 1977. All of them recovered without any residual symptom in response to symptomatic treatment (lumbar puncture, dehydration, etc.). No late relapse occurred. Steroid therapy is considered unwarranted, even harmful.


Amniotic fluid creatinine and uric acid levels in high risk pregnancy.

Comparison of two methods of creatinine and uric acid assay in amniotic fluid showed that the two-point-reaction rate measurement of creatinine and the enzymatic assay of uric acid give more reliable results than the methods used previously. At the end of pregnancy, increased creatinine and uric acid levels were found. In cases of blood group incompatibility the values were mostly in the normal range, while in diabetic or toxaemic mothers higher, normal and lower values were equally found. It has been concluded that a single investigation does not suffice for the estimation of fetal maturity. Only repeated tests showing an increase in the creatinine and uric acid levels offer reliable information.


Chronic repetitive supraventricular tachycardia in infancy and childhood.

Over a period of 7 years, 10 patients with chronic repetitive supraventricular tachycardia have been observed. The clinical features, therapeutic results and prognostic observations are reported. Since the cases of sustained type turn into repetitive type, it is emphasized that differentiation of the two forms is unnecessary.


Inheritance of childhood diabetes.

In the parents of 250 diabetic children the occurrence of juvenile and maturity onset diabetes was found to be more frequent than in the parents of 230 medical students. Assuming a multifactorial poligeneic heredity, the role of common genes predisposing to diabetes cannot be neglected in the manifestation of the two types of the disease. In the families where juvenile diabetes had occurred, the probability of occurrence of juvenile diabetes is considerably higher than that of maturity onset diabetes. This might be in connection with the fact that the provocative factors are different in juvenile and maturity onset diabetes.


The ultrastructure of human pituitary adenomas.

Ultrastructural examination of 28 human pituitary adenomas was performed. Findings were correlated to the clinical history and light microscopic observations. As revealed by light and electron microscopy 15 adenomas were of the chromophobe type causing no endocrine dysfunction. In 8 cases acidophilic adenomas were associated with endocrine symptoms. In this group two adenomas were of the densely granulated type, whereas 6 of the sparsely granulated type. The latter showed marked ultrastructural signs of enhanced secretory activity. Five cases corresponding electronmicroscopically to sparsely granulated acidophilic adenomas but causing no endocrine symptoms constituted a separate group. They suggest the possibility of the production of abnormal proteins by this type of adenoma cells. Oncocyte cell-groups were seen in chromophobe adenomas. Morphometric data on granule size and distribution proved to be useful in the differentiation of chromophobe and acidophilic adenomas. Hypertrophic cell organelles, filamentous and tubular structures are interpreted as ultrastructural signs of cellular adaptation.


[A study on the tegument and sensory receptors of the scolex of a tetraphyllidean cestode plerocercoid, by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (author's transl)].

The ultrastructure of bothridia and the myzorhynchus of a tetraphyllidean cestode plerocercoid is described. Two types of microtriches occur on the tegument of these organs. On the bothridium, the microtriches are lanceolated whereas on the mizorhynchus, they are filamentous. Uniciliated sensory receptors, which consist of a basal bulb contaning one or two electron-dense collars, are observed especially on the bothridia and myzorhynchus. A papilla is also described on the tegument. According to the present study, it is suggested that the rostellum of cyclophyllidean cestodes and the myzorhynchus of the tetraphyllideans are homologous. Moreover, the role in the attachment and sensory perception of the myzorhynchus is revealed.


Macropotrema, pertinax gen. et sp. nov. (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) from a wallaby, Macropus agilis, in northern Australia, and associated pathology.

Macropotrema pertinax gen. et sp. nov. (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) is described from the caecum of the macropodid marsupial Macropus agilis (Gould, 1842) from northern Australia. The new genus is characterised as follows: ventro-terminal acetabulum bearing many papillae; oral sucker with constriction and paired diverticula; oesophagus with muscular bulb; cirrus sac and genital sucker absent; testes symmetrical, unlobed, preovarian; Laurer's canal opening anterior to excretory pore. The genus is placed in the subfamily Pseudodiscinae Näsmark, 1937. At the point where the worm attaches to the caecal wall of the host, the entire mucosa is destroyed and there is an inflammatory cell infiltration in the intact mucosa surrounding the attachment site.


[Life cycle of Gongylonema mucronatum Seurat, 1916, parasite of the African hedge-hog (author's transl)].

The Gongylonematid Nematode parasite of the Tunisian hedge-hog has been identified as Gongylonema mucronatum Seurat, 1916. The infective larva has been obtained from Locusta migratoria as intermediate host. The larval characters of this Gongylonema link it to the species G. pulchrum.


Daubaylia helicophilus n. sp. (Daubayliidae: Nematoda) a parasite of the snail, Gyraulus spirillus from Taiwan.

The nematode, Daubaylia helicophilus sp. n., is described from the snail, Gyraulus spirillus, originating from Taiwan. This species is distinguished from previously described members of the genus by the shape of the tail in both sexes, as well as the overall length and size and shape of the spicules and gubernaculum, respectively. Populations of infected snails have been maintained for a period of years and ingestion of the gravid female nematode seems to be at least one mode of infection. D. helicophilus will also infect other snails, experimentally, including the schistosome-bearing snail, Biomphalaria glabrata.


[Life cycle of Maupasina weissi Seurat, 1913, Subuluroidea Nematode, parasite of the elephant shrew (author's transl)].

The life cycle of Maupasina weissi Seurat, 1913, the parasite of the elephant shrew, has been experimentally obtained from the intermediate host Locusta migratoria. The biology of this Nematoda is considered as being more primitive than the Subuluridae: -- egg maturation in external environment is in fact necessary to the Maupasina larvae to penetrate into the insect, -- The different localizations of the infective larvae, such as mesenteron regeneration crypta, fat body, demonstrate that the parasite is not completely adaptated to its intermediate host, -- the ontogenesis of cephalic structures is characterized by an hypertrophy of the archaic structures mainly from cuticular origin.


[Annual activity of Sergentomyia hamoni (Abonnenc, 1958) Diptera, Phlebotomidae) from the People's Republic of Congo (author's Transl)].

Weekly collections made by hand in the Djoumouna forest, near Brazzaville, and the observation of development in laboratory of eggs laid by wild-caught females of Sergentomyia hamoni have allowed the authors to precise the phenology of the species, to report a diapause in the egg stage and to propose an interpretation of his annual activity cycle.


[Ecology of leishmaniasis in the south of France. -- 12. Horizontal dispersion of Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, 1921. Preliminary experiments (author's transl)].

By use of mark-release-recapture methods, evidence was obtained of the distance of the dispersion of Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, 1021. Female flies, collected in a valley in the Cévennes mountains (at Roquedur, Gard), were marked with fluorescnt powders, released an then recaptured by searching with ultra-violet lamps. The majority of the flies recapture were among ones given a blood meal shortly before release. Recaptures were made from the second day after release. A number of females migrated with blood in the midgut; their ovaries were up to and including stage V. The distance between the extreme points of recapture was about 1 km, and the maximum recorded distance between points of release and recapture was 750 m. The epidemiological interest of these observations is that, at least in the Cévennes foci, the sandfly as well as the dog must now be considered as capable spreading the pathogenic agent of visceral leishmaniasis.


[Josefilaria mackerrasae gen. et sp. nov. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) a parasite of the ghost bat Macroderma gigas Dobson (author's transl)].

Josefilaria mackerrasae n. gen., n. sp., a filarial of the ghost bat Macroderma gigas in Australia is described. This filarioid has affinities with the genus Litomosa, but it can be separated by a variety of both more highly evolved characters (buccal capsule reduced to a pre-oesophageal ring; external lateral papillae absent) and primitive characters ("caudal alae" of the male, long and divided oesophagus, vulva not far from the nerve ring, numerous caudal mucrons of the female).


[Influence of the injection of polyethyleneglycol 400 on the evolution of experimental candidosis of the mouse (author's transl)].

The authors mention their work showing the influence of polyethyleneglycol 400 on the evolution of experimental candidosis in mice. The animals are infested by one single intra peritoneal injection of a determined number of cells of Candida albicans and then receive daily an injection of polyethyleneglycol 400 1/2 0,2 ml (Harmless dose for non infested animals). These animals die more quickly from Candida albicans septicaemia than others infested in same conditions but not treated by daily injections of polyethyleneglycol 400 1/2.


[Further observations on healthy carriers of Salmonellae in the province of Ferrara (1976-1977),(author's transl)].

366 Salmonella strains (2.03%), belonging to 40 different serotypes, were isolated by Authors in 1976 from feces of healthy subjects, in the province of Ferrara; 262 strains (1.45%), belonging to 34 serotypes, were isolated in 1977. The Authors found no significant difference between isolations carried out in both sexes; highest frequencies of isolation were recorded in August, September and October. We have also reported the serotypes more frequently isolated by various Authors from sick and healthy men feces, from animal feces, from sewage and from surface waters.


[Salmonella isolated in the province of Macerata and their sensitivity to some common chemoantibiotics and to some of recent clinical introduction].

A study has been carried out in order to evaluate the sensitivity of a group of some 215 Salmonella strains identified in the triennium 1976-1978, in the district of Macerata (Italy), to 16 chemoantibiotics. The average percentage of sensitivity to chemoantibiotics, as a whole, vary from 100% (sisomycin) to 81% (furazolidone). The global sensitivity of different strains, of early diffusion and recent appearance in Italy, by MIC and MBC estimated, progressively increase as follow: A. wien, typhi, typhimurium, infantis, braenderup, paratyphi B, enteritidis, agona, panama.


[Seropositivity to toxoplasma in 3,455 women. Its role in abortion and evaluation of some probable risk factors (author's transl)].

A retrospective study on 3,455 women showed 60.8% of positive cases to Toxoplasma antibodies. The role in antibody occurrence of raw (or underdone) meat eating was statistically verified. Moreover the findings suggest that Toxoplasma infection may prove to be an significant aetiological factor for abortion.


[Detection of Salmonella in the sea-water of Messina].

The AA. mede a research of Salmonellae in the sea water of the city of Messina (Italy), choosing 14 points near the sewage discharges. They used qualitative methods (Moore type buffers, inoculation of 50 ml of water in tetrationate 2 times concentrated) and quantitative methods (fractions of 100 ml of water in 10 parts and further inoculation in 10 tubes containing 20 ml of normal tetrationate each). The research conducted in June-July and November-December 1978 gave 50% positivity in the summer period and 100% in the winter period. They discuss the methods used and underline the difference of the two periods.


Efferent projections of the area postrema demonstrated by autoradiography.

The efferents connections of the area postrema (AP) have been studied autoradiographically following iontophoretic injections of 3H-glycine or 3H-leucine into the area postrema. Precise control of the diffusion of the labelled amino acids injected iontophorectically into the AP was made using the technique of sectioning with a cryostat. AP projects to a great number of structures. Projections to nucleus tractus solitarius (NFS), dorsal vagal nucleus, nucleus intercalatus, nucleus praepositus hypoglossi, nucleus hypoglossal, the mesencephalic nucleus of V nerve, locus coeruleus and superior and inferior colliculi are shown bilaterally. The density of the efferents was greatest to the NFS and the LC. Corelations are suggested with functional mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation.


[Detection of Salmonella carriers among the dogs of the province of Ferrara. Isolations in 1 year and antibiotic-resistance].

When fecal samples were examined from 2.138 dogs, 166 (7.16 per cent) yelded Salmonellae of 30 different serotypes. The most frequent serotypes found were S. saint paul, S. typhimurium, S. hadar, S. haifa, S. brandenburg, S. london, S. agona, S. enteritidis, A. meleagridis, S. bredeney, S. infantis, S. panama, S. reading. The antibiotic susceptibility tests against 11 drugs showed resistance to sulphonamides.


[Serological recognition of agglutinins against O and H antigens of various Salmonellae in "normal" adult subjects].

The distribution of Salmonella agglutinins among 390 normal sera from people living in the district of Pisa is described, and the relation of these findings with the Salmonella serotypes occurring in the same area is discussed. Clusters of agglutinins for several O and H antigens were found at or above a titre of 1:20, in many samples. In order to explain the significance of such antibodies and their origin an identical survey was carried out on some sera from patients with chronic liver disease, using the same antigens suspensions. The results from healthy persons compared with the increased antibody titres detected in liver patients support the hypothesis that the anti-Salmonella agglutinins may be originate by various antigenic stimuli which may be specific or most frequently non-specific, since it is well established the cross-reactivity between both the somatic and flagellar antigens of Salmonella and those of other organisms.


Afferent and efferent connections of the area postrema demonstrated by the horseradish peroxidase method.

The previous autoradiographic study of the efferent connections of the arca postrema have been completed by using horseradish peroxidase (H.R.P.) as a marking agent. These two labelling techniques have made it possible to determine two categories of structures connected with A.P.: those with afferent connections (Nucleus ambiguus), or efferent connections (mesencephalic nucleus of V, Locus coeruleus, griseum centrale and inferior and superior colliculi) and those having both types of connections (Nucleus tractus solitarii (N.F.S.), Dorsal vagal nucleus, nucleus intercalatus, hypoglossal nucleus). The afferent and efferent pathways of the A.P. identified with H.R.P. coincide with the catecholaminergic pathways demonstrated in the rat by Lindvall and Björklund (1974).


[Samonella carriers among the personnel of the Umberto I Hospital in Frosinone].

The results from more than 8,000 stool cultures performed on the Hospital personnel during the last 4 years are reported. A total of 70 were positive and the strains more frequently isolated were S. wien, S. london and S. typhimurium. Epidemiological implications, control measures and care of exposed persons are presented and discussed.


[Diffusion of intestinal parasitic diseases in some Milanese kindergartens].

During the months of October and November 1977, 560 children aged between three and five attending some kindergartens of Milan were studied to evaluate the diffusion of intestinal parasitic infections. Among a first group of 274 children, examination of the stool only with Ritchie's method was positive in 14.96% of subjects. When Scotch tape swab test for enterobiasis was also carried out, the diffusion of parasitic infections resulted higher (54.54% in a second group of 286 cases). These data were correlated to the same parameters (age and sex, place of origin and social status of the family, density of inhabitants, hygienic situation), obtaining almost corresponding values in the two groups. In particular, an increase of the incidence of parasitic infections with advancing age and a higher diffusion among members of immigrated italian families (especially if living in overcrowded houses at low hygienic conditions) were observed.


[Nutritive value of lupine and its potential as human food].

The chemical composition and some indices of protein quality were measured in two species of sweet lupine Lupinus albus and Lupinus luteus grown at the Experimental Station in Gorbea, Chile: both samples showed a high protein content (39.5 and 44.6%). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) was measured in the rat and found to be 0.48 and 0.71, respectively, as compared to 2.57 for casein. Supplementation with 0.3% DL-methionine increased significantly those values, thus indicating that lupine protein is deficient in said amino acid. In another experiment the effect of cooking-extrusion on lupine flour (L. albus) was investigated and the chemical composition, protein efficiency ratio, methionine supplementation and digestibility of the protein were measured. The chemical composition was not changed but PER increased from 0.50 for raw lupine to 0.76 for processed lupine (P less than 0.05). Both values increased significantly with the addition of 0.3% DL-methionine. The protein digestibility of the supplemented lupine was not affected by the cooking extrusion process (76.5 and 77.8%, respectively). Supplementation of wheat flour with 5, 10, 15 and 20% lupine flour increased the PER of wheat flour from 0.92, to 1.39 for wheat flour supplemented with 10% lupine flour, and to 1.60 for the 15% level of the supplement. These studies seem to support the conclusion that sweet lupine is an interesting protein resource for human nutrition.


[Analysis of the application of methods recommended by FAO/WHO 1973 for determining the protein quality in Chilean food. Effect of the dietary protein concentration].

The 1973 FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Energy and Protein Requirements has recommended two methods to adjust the safe level of protein intake according to protein quality: chemical score and net protein utilization (NPU). However, the effect of protein concentration on protein utilization is not considered. The results of the present work, as well as those obtained by other investigators, show that there is an inverse relationship between protein concentration and protein utilization. The net protein utilization (NPU) at 10% of protein-calories or the chemical score adjusted by the nitrogen digestibility can be applied when results are to be projected to national average diets, which have values ranging between 9 and 13%. When it is necessary to evaluate the diet of specific relatively homogeneous population groups, the recommended method should use the NPU determined or calculated in each meal considering the level of protein concentration of the diet as eaten (NPU op). This method takes into account the amino acid complementation in each meal. The data on which these conclusions are based have been presented and discussed.


[The portal hypertension syndrome. Limitations of medical treatment and prevention of complications].

The aetiopathogenesis of portal hypertension and the hepatic and renal haemodynamics involved in the syndrome are reviewed. Medical treatment possibilities are then considered in the light of the mechanisms underlying the condition. Modalities of diuretic treatment and the possibilities of controlling it in order to prevent the onset of a hepato-renal syndrome are discussed, particular attention being paid to the role of volaemia.


[Evaluation of the liver cell clearance fraction before and after treatment with alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine in chronic hepatopathies].

The effectiveness of alpha-MPG management was evaluated in terms of changes in the liver cell depuration fraction in patients who presented reduced a levels. There was a marked improvement occasionally to the point of normalisation, in patients with toxic hepatosis. Variations were less significant in cirrhosis, especially in patients with a very low liver metabolism flow. No conclusions could be draw in the case of subjects with chronic heaptitis of various aetiology, since their DF was normal under basal conditions. It seems reasonable to suppose that further improvements are obtainable from prolonged administration of the drug.


[Detection of HBsAg and the related antibody (HBsAb) with the radioimmunological method. Behavior of the HBeAg-HBcAb system in HBsAg-positive patients].

A radioimmunological assay was made of HBsAg and HBsAb in 183 patients during the course of acute viral hepatitis, 23 with prior HBsAg-positive hepatitis, 72 with chronic liver disease, 822 blood donors, 44 patients and 28 staff members from two dialysis centres, and the medical and paramedical staff of several high-risk departments. Microimmunodiffusion on agar was also used to determine HBeAg and HBeAb in the same 183 acute hepatitis patients, 37 HBsAg+ blood donors, 20 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers, the patients of two haemodialysis centres and the staff of departments at high risk for hepatitis B. Attention is drawn to the marked incidence (5.5%) of chronic HBsAg carriers in the blood donors, and the considerable circulation of virus B in the population examined, HBsAb-positivity (27.6%) being also an expression of this. Stress is also laid on the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the study of the HBsAg-HBsAb system during acute and chronic hepatitis. The importance of serum hepatitis B markers in the transmission of this disease in dialysis centres and other high-risk departments and in its prevention is underscored. Lastly, emphasis is laid on the appreciable progress that analysis of the e-anti-e system offers in the prognostic assessment of type B hepatitis, attention being also drawn to the fact that the dynamics of this system is even more complex and interesting than had first been thought. An assessment of this kind is useful in the differentiation of "contagious" and "non-contagious" HBsAg carriers.


[The study of sweat electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-) in bent back].

The behaviour of electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-) has been studied in a group of 30 patients 10 male and 20 female suffering from bent spine and aged between 10 and 15. The purpose was to highlight possible mucoviscidosis, including latent disease, in these subjects. The data excluded the presence of mucoviscidosis in all subjects examined.


[Early factors of necrosis in acute hemorrhagic necrotic pancreatitis].

In 60 cases of acute pancreatitis it was noted that 10 developed towards the haemorrhagic necrotic form. All these cases were surgically verified. Stress is laid on the factors that appear earliest in the change-over from an oedematous to a necrotico-haemorrhagic form. These factors (shock, fever, leukocytosis, hypocalcaemia, hyperglycaemia, pain, etc.) are assessed in relation to the frequency of their appearance and of their importance and reliability. These parameters point to the change-over from a pancreatopathy of medical significance to one of surgical interest and also suggest the most suitable moment for carrying out the operation.


[Methodological indications for the experimental study of the action of disinfectants on bacterial strains].

The most commonly used techniques for the experimental study of the action of disinfectants with respect to bacterial strains (M.I.C. and B.M.C. determination, phenol coefficient, well test, agar diffusion through plates test, transporter test, contact by suspension test) are reviewed. The methods used personally in numerous experiments, the modified contact test, is then described in detail.


[Chlorhydropeptic inhibition with atropine during stimulation with pentagastrin. A possibility of selective evaluation of gastric secretive function].

Basal secretion and the acidity peak have been evaluated in ulcerous patients during pentagastrinic stimulation and during atropinic inhibition, on the basis of the observations of Schofield et al. and in relation to the need to achieve correct identification and quantification of hydrochloric acid gastric secretive function. The results obtained with this technique suggest the possibility of a selective evaluation of the secretive function of oxyntic cells. This is extremely interesting because it opens the way to the most suitable surgical techniques for the treatment of ulcers.


[Alpha and beta natural agglutinin titers in neoplasms].

A serological analysis of alpha and beta agglutinin titres has been carried out in cancer patients. Statistics of the patients' blood groups were also taken. The study showed an increased agglutinin titre, the expression of the functioning of the organism's defensive powers. Only in the terminal stage of the neoplastic disease were antibody titres low, the sign of low antibody reactivity of the affected organism.


[Value and limitations of determination of total serum CPK in patients with complicated myocardial infarct. Case statistics for 1974-1977].

The Authors, starting from a casuistic formed over four years at the "Servizio di Anestesia e Rianimazione dell'Ospedale Fatebenefrateli di Milano" where there is no coronaric unit and that gathers patients with complicated myocardial infarction, considered the developing of the enzyme CPK in the various clinical phases of these patients. On the basis of these data, we confirm with other Authors have already observed: that is, the value of the total serum CPK isn't a prognostic index fit in the evaluation of the clinical developing of the person with myocardial infarction, especially if complicated.


[Clinico-experimental correlation of the hypolipemic effects of mepartricin].

Mepartricin (SPA-S-160) fat-lowering effect was evaluated in several groups of rats, normal or with experimental hyperlipidemia. The substance had a normalizing action on the lipid levels, and in particular on the cholesterol component. These findings, compared to those obtained in preliminary clinical studies, confirm a mechanism of action, common to some other polyenes, selecting as molecular target the interaction with the cholesterol component.


[A case of primary hyperaldosteronism. Case report].

The authors discuss a reported case of primary aldosteronism, which is relatively uncommon within hypertensive population. The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism must be suggested by the presence of the association of arterial hypertension and hypokaliemia, which nevertheless is not pathognomonic. It is emphasized the significance of the detection of this syndrome on account of the correction following surgical removal of the adenoma of the adrenal cortex. Two attacks of paroxismal hypertension, which are atypical in primary aldosteronism, had been observed in the reported case; however, apart from these exceptions, arterial hypertension has resulted generally constant and of moderate degree, as well as the majority of the others descriptions. The personal experience confirms the need to determine plasma levels of renin and aldosterone before the therapeutic or diagnostic use of spironolactone.


[The use of different liver-protective substances in the course of antitubercular chemotherapy and their effectiveness in preventing and countering the appearance of metabolic and functional liver changes Clinico-statistical studies].

An open study was run on three groups of hospitalised 40 patients with medium to serious lung TB to evaluate the effectiveness of generic liver protector drugs, UDPG, and an association of UDPG-GSH in the prevention a nd hindrance of organic and metabolic-functional liver alterations in the course of chemotherapy. It was found that UDPG--particularly in association with GSH--gave highly significant results by comparison with generic protector drugs.


[Presentation of a case of severe abdominal infection caused by anaerobic bacteria].

The problem of surgical infections is discussed, special attention being paid to the commonest bacterial agents, particularly those extremely serious forms induced by gram negative and anaerobic microorganisms. After an introduction regarding isolation methods and respective therapeutic programmes, attention is turned to the case of a young woman observed after an operation for perforated appendicular abscess later complicated by stercoraceous peritonitis. After initial antibiotic treatment, which was without effect, an association comprising Clindamycin, penicillin and gentamycin was employed. In just a few days this led complete remission of symptoms.


[Radiologic results of an artificial pylorus performed primarily in patients with Billroth II gastric resection].

The authors describe the radiological results after primary execution of an "artificial pylorus". In 18 patients were done a troncular vagotomy, hemigastrectomy (Billroth II) and Braum jejunal anastomosis. In twelve of this patients an "artificial pylorus" were done on the efferent loop, 10 cm distant of the gastroenterostomy and before the jejunal Braun anastomosis. The technique, previously described, was a 3 cm circumferencial ressection of the longitudinal muscular layer and circular layer plicature. The cut edges were approached. A significant delay in gastrojejunal emptying was observed in patients with an "artificial pylorus" caused by the effective presence of a sphincter-like mechanism.


[Transparieto-hepatic cholangiography with the Chiba needle. Experience in 100 cases].

One-hundred cases submitted to percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) with Chiba's needle were studied. Success rate was 93%, with 100% success in patients with dilated ducts and 78.8% in those with normal ducts. One false-positive result was noticed due to air injection into bile duct in the beginning of the procedure. Complications were seen in 8 cases, without fatalities ascribed to the PTC itself, nor emergency laparotomy was necessary in these cases.


[Mediterranean lymphoma in Peru. Its treatment with oral oxytetracycline].

A new Peruvian case of malabsorption associated with primary diffuse lymphoma of the small bowel and mesenteric lymph glands is reported, having found no alpha chains either in blood or in urine. Like in most of the 8 previous cases, medium oral doses of oxytetracycline supressed diarrhea, markedly atenuated steatorrhea, restored the sense of well-being to the patient, and significantly increased his body weight. Critic is made on the denominations "mediterranean lymphoma" and "primary upper small intestinal lymphoma" ("PUSIL") that have been inappropriately assigned to the condition.


Endoscopic procedure hazard--vagovagal syncope with heart standstill due to ERCP.

One case of successful recovery after a heart standstill following ERCP, is presented and attention to the endoscopists is called to the possibility of this hazard which challenges us to have a resuscitation set available in the endoscopy room. We also examine some comments on the cardiac effects of gastrointestinal endoscopy, and on premedication, reviewing some literature on these matters. Four hundred and seven patients underwent ERCP at Hiroshima University Hospital. One patient suffered heart standstill at the end of the endoscopical procedure. She recovered after a mechanical maneuver for resuscitation.


[Chronic digestive loss of plasma proteins evaluated with 51Cr-albumin in Billroth I and II gastrectomized patients].

The digestive clearance of albumin 51Cr was determined in patients submitted to gastrectomy due to peptic ulcer, 6 to 18 months after surgery. Patients were of both sexes, with ages varying from 24 to 70 years. Reconstruction after resection was according to Billroth I and II techniques (groups B and C). The group of control (group A) presented no digestive illness. Each group was represented by 10 individuals. The mean value and respective standard derivation for each group was respectively: Group A: 16,4 +/- 4,6; Group B: 22,0 +/- 8,1; Group C: 35,8 +/- 14,4. Comparing the mean values according to the Tukey test, significance was observed at the alpha = 0.05 level between A and C groups and B and C ones.


Study of food habits, food practices and taboos in Bangladesh: their implications in nutrition education.

The paper reports the findings of a retrospective study conducted to determine the prevailing food habits, food taboos and practices among 381 mothers selected randomly from twelve villages situated in 4 administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Undesirable food taboos and practices, maldistribution of food, lack of understanding of the nutritional needs of the vulnerable groups and bad cooking practices were found to be widespread in rural Bangladesh. Nutritional and health implications of these are discussed and remedial measures suggested.


Antifertility activity of a medicinal plant of the genus Andrografis wall (family Acanthaceae). Part II.

Six weeks old male and female mice belonging to Wister strain were put on diets supplemented to the extent of 0.75% by the powdered stem of A. peniculata Nees for one, two, three and four weeks and the effect on fertility and gestational period was observed. Significant reduction in fertility was observed after three and four weeks of feeding in the group containing the treated males and the untreated females. In the same group the gestation period was also prolonged after four weeks of feeding. There was virtually no change in fertility and gestational period in the treated females and the untreated males during any stage of the experiment.


Hypertension in Secretariate population of Bangladesh.

A total of 8,172 persons constituting 98.6% of the total Secretariate Population of Bangladesh were screened for elevated blood pressure. One thousand and ninety cases (13.3%) showed diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or above. Those with diastolic blood pressure of 95 or above constituted 3.7% of the population. More than two-thirds of the latter group (71.6%) remained undetected indicating that vast majority of our hypertensive population remains undiagnosed and untreated. It is recommended that the misconception regarding symptomatic hypertenson should be removed by adequate emphasis on the preventive value of the control of hypertension on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complication. A plea has also been made for a large-scale survey to determine the extent of the problem in Bangladesh.


Abnormalities of early conceptus: a morphological study of 500 cases.

Although MR and PT are post-conception family planning measures, a large number of women were found to be non-pregnant. In the absence of direct evidence, presence of necrosis in the placental tissue in 20.8% cases is regarded as suggestive of abnormal ova which might have ended in abortion.


Polyploidy in algae.

The green algae and the charophytes represent the most widely studied groups of algae in respect to their ploidy levels. In some genera increased size accompanies ploidy level changes as well as certain morphological modifications, but in other genera no evident obvious changes can be discerned. In the other major groups of algae, namely the Rhodophycophyta and Phaeophycophyta, few cases of polyploidy have been documented adequately. In the remaining groups, unusual nuclear phenomena and/or behavior have hampered studies and few species have adequately been studied in regard to their polidy levels.


Polyploidy in fungi.

There is evidence supporting a concept of polyploid evolution in a number of groups of fungi. These typically have dominant diploid phases in their life-histories. There are a number of reports of suspected polyploidy in other fungi, but these should be considered speculative at this time.


Polyploidy in insect evolution.

Of all living organisms insects are the group with the highest number of existing species. It is, of course, true that a fraction of the total number of insects has been cytologically studied. Polyploid forms are rare exceptions among them. Polyploidy in insects is always associated with the parthenogenetic mode of reproduction. The cytologically verified cases are described. As for the geographic distribution of polyploid insects, they have successfully colonized vast land areas. Their distributions are, in general, northern and montane. The polyploid races are in general far more widespread than their diploid bisexual ancestors. The possible models of origin of polyploid insects are covered as well as data on their gaenetic variability. There are apparent environmental correlations in the distribution of certain forms. Most polyploid insects have life cycles extending over two (or more) years. They are also in general flightless forms. Hypotheses on the relation between heterozygosity in polyploids as well as the consequences of mutations in polyploid lineages are also presented.


Origins of polyploids.

1. Polyploidy is a conspicuous feature of chromosomal evolution in higher plants. It is common in many genera, and numerous species are characterized by diploid and polyploid races. 2. Polyploid evolution is a process not an event. 3. Polyploid may involve somatic chromsome doubling or sexual functioning of cytologically non-reduced gametes. 4. Spontaneous chromosome doubling, either in the zygote to produce a polyploid is plant or in apical meristem to produce a polyploid chimera, is a rare event. 5. The common mode of polyploidy is through the formation and sexual functioning of cytologically non-reduced gametes. Increased in chromosome number can occur in the first or later hybrid generations. 6. Polyploid via cytologically non-reduced gametes is commonly a two step process. A diploid (2n) female gamete is fertilized by a haploid (n) male gamete to produce a triploid (3x), which in turn produces cytologically non-reduced triploid (3n) female gametes that are fertilized by haploid (n) gametes of the diploid parents and result in tetraploid (4x) offspring. 7. Fertilization of a rare diploid (2n) female gamete by an equally rare diploid (2n) male gamete to directly produce a tetraploid (4x) is extremely rare but does occur. 8. Polyploidy is successful only if the new polyploids are able to complete with their parents. Success depends on availability of suitable habitals, as well as the ability to produce successful offspring. 9. The most successful polyploids combine the diploid genomes of cytogenetically allied, but differently adapted taxa. 10. Fertility is restored in polyploids  through cytological diploidization of the genomes or through gametophytic apomixis. 11. Reversible tetaploidy is part of polyploid evolution.


Polyploidy and domestication: the origin and survival of polyploids in cytotype mixtures.

The origin and survival of a polyploid in a mixture of this polyploid and its parent(s) is reviewed. With several examples a picture is drawn of the interference of cytotypes in a mixture of cytotypes. Some natural polyploids, both wild and domesticated, are very successful. They, like bread wheat and banana, largely replaced their parents. The same is true for some artificial polyploids like autotriploid hybride sugar beet in Europe and autotetraploid perennial ryegrass. But when grown together with their parents for several generations they will disappear from this misture. Although in South America under primitive conditions, diploid, triploid, and tetraploid potatoes are grown, elsewhere only the tetraploids have survived. Various causes are presented to explain why the diploids and triploids succumbed. Autotetraploids of maize, rye, barley, and rice cannot maintain themselves in diploid/tetraploid mixtures. The maintenance of diploid or tetraploid rye varieties is less difficult as both are "self-cleaning" with respect to the other. Only two haploid cultivars exist but they can only maintain themselves with the help of man. It is concluded that the survival chances of a polyploid after its origination is low. Firstly, under conditions of random sampling a rare type has a very small chance of occurring in the next generation. Furthermore, seedset of triploids and tetraploids is often low which limits their survival. In addition, in mixtures of cross-fertilizing diploid and autotetraploids the n gamete has an advantage over the 2n gamete. This limits the survival of the autotetraploids again. It is concluded that our knowledge of the the mutual interference of cytotypes in a cytotype mixture is quite limited. Much more research is needed and some proposals concerning this research are made.


Uses of wheat aneuploids.

There is available in wheat a unique series of aneuploids ranging from all 21 possible monosomics to complex types that are simultaneously deficient for one chromosome and duplicate for another. Furthermore, lines with chromosomes from related alien species either added to or substituted for wheat chromosomes are in common cytological use. This contribution condiders the use of this range of material in studies designed to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of the species, in investigations of the genetics of a polyploid with cytological diploidization, and in potential breeding manipulations.