Evaluation of induced infections as a research method.

Induced intramammary infections have been used to elucidate the route of invasion and the response of the gland once invading microorganisms have entered the teat cistern. Currently, such infections have been employed to study factors affecting the efficacy and excretion of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic products infused into the mammary gland for treatment and control of mastitis. They provide a means for controlled standardized conditions which cannot be obtained in commercial herds often employed in field studies.


Practical mastitis control in the field.

Research has shown the effectiveness of teat dipping and medically treating all nonlactating cows to control mastitis. However, there is a problem of getting dairy-men to accept the program. Improved educational programs might be helpful. Some means of visual evaluation is essential to acceptance. Use of indirect tests for estimating cell content can be helpful in evaluating control efforts and in demonstrating results. More intense coordinated effort by professional persons advising dairy-men is necessary.


Glucose catabolism in two derivatives of a Rhizobium japonicum strain differing in nitrogen-fixing efficiency.

Radiorespirometric and enzymatic analyses reveal that glucose-grown cells of Rhizobium japonicum isolates I-110 and L1-110, both derivatives of R. japonicum strain 3I1b110, possess an active tricarboxylic acid cycle and metabolize glucose by simultaneous operation of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas and Entner-Doudoroff pathways. The hexose cycle may play a minor role in the dissimilation of glucose. Failure to detect the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent decarboxylating 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44) evidences absence of the pentose phosphate pathway. Transketolase and transaldolase reactions, however, enable R. japonicum to produce the precursors for purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis from fructose-6-phosphate and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate. A constitutive nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-linked 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase has been detected. The enzyme is stimulated by either mannitol or fuctose and might initiate a new catabolic pathway. R. japonicum isolate I-110, characterized by shorter generation times on glucose and greater nitrogen-fixing efficiency, oxidizes glucose more extensively than type L1-110 and utilizes preferentially the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway, whereas the Entner-Doudoroff pathway apparently predominates in type L1-110.


A mutation (gad) linked to mt and affecting asexual plasmodium formation in Physarum polycephalum.

Amoebae of the acellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum convert to plasmodia both asexually and sexually. Genetic analysis of a mutant that exhibits enhanced asexual plasmodium formation is reported. The mutant carries a single lesion (gad-11) located 12.3 map units from mt, a gene that controls mating specificity in sexual plasmodium formation. The mutation, which was isolated in an mt3 strain, is also expressed in mth and mt4 strains.


New prospects for a prolonged functional life-span of artificial hip joints by using the material combination polyethylene/aluminium oxide ceramin/metal.

Investigations over the years have shown that the mirror-finished Al2O3 ceramic is a much more suitable frictional counterpart to ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene than metal. Despite the extremely gread hardness difference between polyethylene and Al2O3 ceramic, a considerable lower wear rate is obtained for the polyethylene socked with this new low-friction material combination. The unexpectedly favorable tribological behavior of this ceramic material in contact with polyethylene may be attributed to the following factors: better values for corrosion resistance characteristics, wettability with liquids, surfact gloss, hardness, and scratch resistance of the ceramic material in comparison with those of the hitherto used metallic implant materials (AISI-316L steel or cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy). It appears that, by using this new combination of materials for the socket and the ball, it will be possible to prolong the service life of artificial hip joints considerably without having effecy any fundamental changes in the present design and implantation principle retaining the hitherto used anchorage shaft made of wrought Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-Ti alloy Protasul-10 of extremely high corrosion fatigue strength.


The pericentriolar material in Chinese hamster ovary cells nucleates microtubule formation.

The structure and function of the centrosomes from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were investigated by electron microscopy of negatively stained wholemount preparations of cell lysates. Cells were trypsinized from culture dishes, lysed with Triton X-100, sedimented onto ionized, carbon-coated grids, and negatively stained with phosphotungstate. The centrosomes from both interphase and dividing cells consisted of pairs of centrioles, a fibrous pericentriolar material, and a group of virus-like particles which were characteristic of the CHO cells and which served as markers for the pericentriolar material. Interphase centrosomes anchored up to two dozen microtubules when cells were lysed under conditions which preserved native microtubules. When Colcemid-blocked mitotic cells, initially devoid of microtubules, were allowed to recover for 10 min, microtubules formed at the pericentriolar material, but not at the centrioles. When lysates of Colcemid-blocked cells were incubated in vitro with micotubule protein purified from porcine brain tissue, up to 250 microtubules assembled at the centrosomes, similar to the number of microtubules that would normally form at the centrosome during cell division. A few microtubules could also be assembled in vitro onto the ends of isolated centrioles from which the pericentriolar material had been removed, forming characteristic axoneme- like bundles. In addition, microtubules; were assembled onto fragments of densely staining, fibrous material which was tentatively identified as periocentriolar material by its association of CHO can initiate and anchor microtubules both in vivo and in vitro.


A freeze-fracture study of early membrane events during mast cell secretion.

The early membrane events taking place during mast cell secretion were followed in transmission and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In order to slow down exocytosis and capture intermediate stages of membrane fusion, special conditions of incubation and stimulation were used. These were as follows: (a) the use of incubation media with altered ionic composition, and (b) stimulation with a low dosage of polymyxin B sulfate (4 microgram/ml) at low temperature (18 degrees C) for very short incubation times (30-60 s), with or without the presence of formaldehyde (0.8%). Under these conditions, unetchable circular impressions are found on the E face of the plasma membrane, 80-100 nm in diameter, with particles associated with their perimeters. In granule-to-granule fusion, the zone involved is demarcated by one or two rows of particles on the E face. In addition, raised circular areas of varying diameters (43-87 nm) surrounded by similar particles, also found on the E face, may represent potential sites before completion of fusion. Neither the circular impressions on the plasma membrane nor the sites on the granule membrane are permanent, but their appearance coincides with initiation of membrane fusion.


Cytasters from sea urchin eggs parthenogenetically activated by procaine.

A method is presented for the isolation of cytasters from unfertilized sea urchin eggs parthenogenetically activated by procaine. These cytasters do not appear to contain centrioles. The microtubules seem to grow out from the condensed chromosomes. The chromosomes have an unusual morphology.


Identification of concanavalin A receptors and galactose-binding proteins in purified plasma membranes of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Two techniques have been modified to provide simple means for the identification of molecules which bind concanavalin A (Con A). Crossed immunoelectrophoresis was altered by replacing antibody with Con A, and receptors were identified by the precipitin arcs which they produced. Con A, tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate, was also diffused into prefixed sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gels, and additional receptors identified by fluorescence. More than 35 molecules in the plasma membranes of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum which bind Con A were identified with these techniques. At least 12 of these diminish and 12 increase in importance as receptors during differentiation of the cells from the vegetative to the preculmination stage of development. In the course of these experiments, it was possible to confirm the presence of the galactose-binding protein discoidin, in the plasma membrane, by electrophoresing membrane proteins into an agarose gel. This lectin regains its sugar-binding activity after denaturation and electrophoresis in SDS.


Developmental decline in DNA repair in neural retina cells of chick embryos. Persistent deficiency of repair competence in a cell line derived from late embryos.

Neural retinas of 6-day-old chick embryos synthesize DNA and are able to carry out DNA excision repair. However, in contrast to the situation in human cells, the maximum rate of repair induced by N-acetoxy acetylaminofluorene (AAAF) is no greater than that induced by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). With advancing differentiation of the retina in the embryo, cell multiplication and DNA synthesis decline and cease, and concurrently the cells lose the ability to carry out DNA excision repair. Thus, in 15-16-day embryos, in which the level of DNA synthesis is very low, DNA repair is barely detectable. If retinas from 14-day embryos are dissociated with trypsin and the cell suspension is plated in growth- promoting medium, DNA synthesis is reinitiated; however, in these cultures there is no detectable repair of MMS-induced damage, and only low levels of repair are observed after treatment with AAAF. A cell line was produced, by repeated passaging of these cultures, in which the cell population reached a steady state of DNA replication. However, the cell population remained deficient in the ability to repair MMS-induced damage. This cell line most likely predominantly comprises cells of retino-glial origin. Possible correlations between deficiency in DNA repair mechanisms in replicating cells and carcinogenesis in neural tissues are discussed.


Morphometry and ultrastructure of prismatic cristae in mitochondria of a crayfish muscle. A hypothesis of the structural principle.

Approximately 40% of the mitochondria in the sphincter muscle of the crayfish vas deferens have prismatic-type cristae. In cross section,  the angular cristae have either triangular or rhomboid profiles which are surrounded by a hexagonal array of electron-dense dots. In longitudinal section, these mitochondria exhibit both thick and thin parallel lines, which represent cristae and filaments, respectively. It is postulated that the matrix of the prismatic-type mitochondria is packed with rodlets composed of an electron-dense core and a less dense shell. Close packing of these rodlets results in the regular hexagonal dot array. Deletion of fascicles of 3 or 4 rodlets results in spaces with triangular or rectangular cross sections. Lining of these spaces with membranes results in cristae with triangular or rhomboid cross sections.


Ion-exchange chromatographic study of amino acid degradation during hydrolysis of avian protein.

The losses of amino acid during acid hydrolysis of oviduct magnum protein from the domestic fowl have been measured using a Technicon TSM-1 amino acid analyser. The results were subjected to statistical analysis and a linear regression was obtained for each amino acid investigated. Methionine, in the presence of oxygen, did not exhibit significant degradation. A loss of 5.5% was found for phenylalanine after 24 h of hydrolysis under nitrogen. It is suggested that the results could be applied to animal proteins from tissue of similar composition but not to analysis of protein from plant materials.


Ineffectiveness of pyridoxine (B6) to alter secretion of growth hormone and prolactin and absence of therapeutic effects on galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndromes.

The acute effect of pyridoxine (B6) on serum GH and PRL levels and its chronic effects on galactorrhea in nine subjects (group I, n=4, idiopathic galactorrhea with normal PRL levels and normal menses; Group II, n=5, galactorrhea-amenorrhea with increased PRL levels) have been studied. Pyridoxine did not acutely alter GH or PRL levels. There was no decrease in galactorrhea, no resumption of menses and no decrease in PRL following tow months of B6 therapy. In contrast, bromocriptine was effective in suppressing galactorrhea and restoring normal menses in group II subjects and remains the therapy of choice for this purpose.


Salicylate metabolism in twins. Evidence suggesting a genetic influence and induction of salicylurate formation.

To evaluate the contribution of genetic influences on the individual variation in plateau serum salicylate levels, salicylate metabolism was studied in seven pairs of identical and six pairs of fraternal twins.Under the conditions of this study, after a single i.v. dose (40 mg/kg) of sodium salicylate, the serum salicylate concentration versus time curve approximated a straight line on linear coordinates (appeared approximately zero order). The slopes of the decay curves ranged between 0.64 and 1.02. The intrapair variation for identical twin pairs was significantly less than for fraternal twin pairs (P = 0.044). Likewise pleateau serum salicylic acid concentrations (milligrams/deciliter) and total salicylic acid excretion rate after multiple doses demonstrated significantly less intrapair variation for identical twins than for fraternal twins (P = 0.043 and 0.006). Plateau salicylurate excretion (milligram/kilogram per hour) differences after multiple dosing had a P = 0.067. Michaelis-Menton constant for salicylurate formation and hours to 50% excretion after the i.v. dose were not different when comparing identical and nonidentical twins. Salicylurate formation rates were increased after 3 days of oral therapy, and this induction phenomenon may account for much of the apparent discrepancy between genetic influences on salicylurate formation rates observed after single and multiple dose salicylate administration. This study suggests that the plateau concentration of serum salicylate varies among individuals given the same weight-adjusted dose in part because of genetically determined variations in their metabolism of salicylate.


The production of antibody against human leukocytic pyrogen.

Human peripheral blood leukocytes were stimulated with killed staphylococci in vitro to release leukocytic pyrogen (LP). Supernates from these stimulated leukocytes were concentrated, emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant, and injected intradermally into rabbits. After seven monthly booster injections, rabbit antiserum destroyed the pyrogenic activity of human LP, and the titer of this neutralizing ability increased in the subsequent 7 mo. The pyrogen-neutralizing capacity of the rabbit antiserum was recovered in the globulin fraction, the IgG and IgM peaks of Sephadex G-200, and the acid-eluted fraction of a goat anti-rabbit IgG immunoadsorbant. The neutralizing antibody was specific for human LP inasmuch as it had no effect on rabbit, guinea pig, or monkey LP. When coupled to Sepharose, this antibody bound human LP; after acid elution from this immunoadsorbant, LP was recovered without loss of biologic or chemical characteristics. The antiserum was also absorbed with stimulated leukocyte supernates which did not contain LP, and this had no effect on the titer of anti-LP. Crude human LP, eluted from immunoadsorbant columns prepared from absorbed antiserum, contained significantly reduced contaminating protein when evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These studies have established that specific antibody to human leukocytic pyrogen can be produced. This antibody is useful in the further study and purification of leukocytic pyrogen and its role in the pathogenesis of human fever.


Aggressive behavior in female hamsters: the hormonal basis for fluctuations in female aggressiveness correlated with estrous state.

The frequency and sequencing of aggressive behaviors by naive female hamsters change during series of brief encounters, probably because of the lack of stable dominance relations. Such initial encounters seem most representative of interactions likely in free-ranging hamsters and have been emphasized in studies of the hormonal mediation of female aggression. Nonestrous females exhibit intense aggression toward conspecifics of either sex. Estrous females are not aggressive and spend much time in lordosis, indicative of sexual receptivity. The inhibition of fighting on estrous day depends on estrogen and progesterone. Whereas oil-injected adrenalectomized-ovariectomized females fight at high levels, comparable with intact nonestrous females, the combination of 17 beta-estradiol benzoate and progeterone suppresses fighting completely. In contrast, replacement of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone propionate individually has on consistent effect. Hypophysectomized females also fight at high levels, indicating that pituitary hormones are not required for vigorous aggression. Further, individual anterior pituitary hormones did not produce marked changes in fighting. These results emphasize the roles of estrogen and progesterone in synchronizing aggression with current reproductive state.


Exogenous androgen activates female behavior in noncopulating, prenatally stressed male rats.

Male copulatory behavior was severely impaired in the male offspring of female rats stressed during pregnancy. This deficiency persisted even after castration and prolonged treatment with testosterone propionate and after exposure to electric skin shock. However, androgen treatment effectively activated female lordotic behavior in a large percentage of prenatally stressed males but not in any control animals and in only a negligible number of postnatally stressed males. Although prenatal stress demasculinizes and feminizes behavior, no modifications of reproductive morphology were detectable. It is postulated that prenatal stress alters normal sexual behavior differentiation by attenuating testosterone secretion from the fetal testes.


Predation, aggression, and activity levels in food-deprived sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus and L. gibbosus): motivational interactions.

Three experiments investigated the effects of food deprivation on several behavioral categories in two species of sunfish. In Experiment 1, predatory behavior and general activity were observed under five levels of deprivation. For both species, predation measures increased in a similar negatively accelerating manner with increasing deprivation, while activity changed in a more complex fashion. Experiment 2 examined the effects of deprivation on activity in a novel environment and showed that the deprivation effects of Experiment 1 were masked by the response to the new setting. In Experiment 3, measures of aggression toward intruders of each species were recorded from resident fish of both species under three levels of food deprivation. Both species were more aggressive toward conspecifics, and bluegills were more aggressive overall. Aggression was significatly influenced by food deprivation, with the effects dependent on the species making up the pair. Theories of motivational summation, generalized drive, and activity-mediated aggression were unable to explain the differential effects of hunger on the three behavioral categories observed. A dynamic boundary-state model of behavior control was found to predict the motivational interactions observed between distinct behavioral control systems.


Burrows of wild and albino rats: effects of domestication, outdoor raising, age, experience, and maternal state.

Burrows dug by albino rats were compared with those of wild Norway rats in an outdoor pen and in observation chambers in the laboratory. Burrows, in terms of measurements, configurations, or sequential development, were indistinguishable in wild and domestic rats. Burrowing for both wild and domestic rats was unaffected by raising in outdoor burrows, by availability of nesting material, or by pregnancy. Prior experience in burrowing did make it more efficient in a second trial, which suggests that learning may have a limited role in what appears to be a behavior with a strong genetic basis. Feralization of domestic rats in the outdoor pen was especially productive in answering claims of degeneracy in these animals: Albino rats were hardy throughout climatic extremes, they maintained a stable population for two years, they constructed and lived in burrows, and they showed a vaiety of wild-type behaviors.


Undernutrition by rearing in large litters delays the development of reflexive, locomotor, and memory processes in mice.

In three experiments, the effects of early postnatal undernutrition on the ontogeny of several behavioral capacities of varying complexity were investigated in the mouse. Following birth, mouse pups in all experiments were reared in either "normally nourished" or "undernourished" conditions by maintaining litter sizes at 6 or 16, respectively. Experiments 1 and 2 examined the development of adultlike patterns of swimming behaviors and spontaneous locomotor activity, respectively, as a function of litter size. The maturation of both behavior patterns was delayed by about 2 days in the 16-litter mice. In Experiment 3, normally nourished and undernourished mice received 25 trials in a shock-escape T-maze at 9, 11, and 13 days of age, followed by similar retention tests 24 hr later. Although litter size had little effect upon correct turns at each age during training, mice reared in litters of six exhibited significant retention of prior training by 12 days of age, whereas comparable retention was not noted for the large litter mice until 14 days of age. Overall, these results suggest that nutritional deficits, imposed by rearing in large litters during the postnatal period of rapid central nervous system maturation, retard the development of behavioral capacities involving both unlearned and learned responses.


Professionalism and accountability. Controlling health services in the United States and West Germany.

This paper examines the new Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSROs) program in light of a similar program ("Economic Monitoring")  that has been used in West Germany for over forty years. In the first section the PSRO program is described as government-mandated peer review by professional organizations, and is compared with that of the West Germany system. The second section argues that the PSROs are likely to strengthen the organization of established medicine, to increase the bargaining power of professional organizations, and to further insulate professional behavior from public scrutiny. The third section describes some of the effects of bureaucratic rigidities in peer review on the practice of medicine: the preservation of old technologies, the development of fixed patterns of practice, and the strengthening of the technical and interventionist biases in medical care. The final section evaluates the PSRO program as a complete delegation of congressional authority and a failure of Congress to set any rules for the development and application of norms and standards. The lack of any mechanism for accountability of the PSROs to public and choices is emphasized.


On the mechanism of cell membrane damage by complement: evidence on insertion of polypeptide chains from C8 and C9 into the lipid bilayer of erythrocytes.

The preceding paper (Hammer, C.H., A. Nicholson, and M. M. Mayer, 1975, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 72:5076) presented evidence on insertion of polypeptide chains from the C5b and C7 subunits of C5b, 6, 7 complex into the phospholipid bilayer of erythrocyte membranes. In the present study, EAC1-8 and EAC1-9 (sheep erythrocytes carrying rabbit antibody and complement proteins C1 through C8 or C9, respectively), prepared with either 125I-C8 or 125I-C9, were incubated with trypsin or chymotrypsin and the release of 125I was measured. Only 9 to 19% of the specifically bound radioactivity was released. In addition, elution experiments were performed with 0.02 M EDTA-1.0 M NaCl. This solution did not elute C9 from EAC1-9. By contrast cellbound C9 was recovered from erythrocyte membranes with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Thus, enzymatic stripping and elution experiments indicate that cellbound C9 behaves like an integral membrane protein, presumably due to insertion into the lipid bilayer. EAC1-9 membranes that had been subjected to extended digestion with trypsin or chymotrypsin were extracted with SDS to recover the enzyme-resistant part of the C9 molecule from the membrane. Even though this domain of C9 carried 90% of the radioiodine associated with native C9, its m.w. was found to be only 18,000 daltons by analysis on SDS-PAGE. This represents one-quarter of the native C9 molecule.


A new method of applying the Sips equation.

The Sips equation is frequently used in immunochemistry to describe the relationship between antibody-binding site concentration (n0[Ab]), antigen concentration, intrinsic affinity constant (K), and the heterogeneity index (a) of the affinity constant. Usually n0[Ab] is determined before calculating the remaining parameters (K and a). A new method is proposed which does not require knowledge of n0[Ab] nor an extensive calculation to determine K and a. The method can also be used to determine the antibody-binding site concentration without purified antibody or ligand saturation of the binding sites. This method can be applied to any antibody which binds a monovalent ligand and which can be obtained at a concentration greater than 1/K. Since the Sips equation can be applied to any ordinary chemical reaction by setting a=1, the proposed method can be used generally to determine the affinity constant and the initial concentration of one of the reactants.


Release of phospholipids from liposomal model membrane damaged by antibody and complement.

When liposomal membranes were attacked by antibody and complement, enzymatic degradation of membrane phospholipids was not observed. However, intact membrane phospholipids were released into the surrounding medium in amounts beyond that expected from nonspecific protein-phospholipid interaction. On the other hand, when liposomal membranes were treated with phospholipase A purified from venom of "Habu" snake (Trimeresurus flavoviridis), trapped glucose marker was easily released, but phospholipids or their degradation products were not released into the medium and remained in the membrane structure.


The kinetics of IgG and IgM antibody-forming cells in ACI and F344 rats immunized with poly(glu52lys33tyr15).

The cellular kinetics of antibody production in high and low responder rats immunized with poly(Glu52Lys33Tyr15) or with poly(Glu52Lys33Tyr15)/MeBSA were characterized: serum antibody and IgG and IgM antibody-forming cells in the spleen and in selected lymph nodes were assayed in male and female rats following immunization by several routes. Aggregation of the antigen with MeBSA enabled the poorly responding F344 rats to produce antibody, which was almost exclusively IgG. High responder ACI rats, under the same conditions, produced antibody of both IgG AND IgM classes. These data suggest that in low responders one defect, possibly at the T-cell level, can be overcome by aggregation but that a second defect, involving the regulation of IgM production, still exists.


Progestagen effects on elicitation of aggressive behaviour in male mice.

Effects of progesterone on production of androgen-dependent aggression-eliciting pheromones were investigated. Two groups of anosmic (non-fighting) castrated mice treated with testosterone or with testosterone and progesterone, respectively, were attacked to the same degree by intact, isolated (fighting) mice while control mice (castrated only) were attacked less. The findings support the ideas that progesterone may inhibit androgen-induced aggression via a neural and not via a somatic mechanism.


Activation of the alternative complement pathway with rabbit erythrocytes by circumvention of the regulatory action of endogenous control proteins.

Cleavage of C3 by the alternative complement pathway occurs in at least two distinct phases: continuous low grade generation of C3b by the interaction of native C3, B, D, and P, and subsequent amplified cleavage of C3 by the interaction of C3b, B, D, and P which forms the amplification convertase, P,C3b,Bb. Transition to C3b-dependent amplification is necessary to achieve substantial C3 cleavage and is normally limited by the combined action of C3b inactivator (C3bINA) and betalH. An activator of the alternative pathway, such as rabbit erythrocytes (E(r)), provides sites that protect bound C3b and P,C3b,Bb from the action of these regulatory proteins and permits C3b deposited by the low grade fluid phase reaction to assemble a membrane-associated amplification convertase which can deposit additional protected C3b. Under conditions in which the control proteins, C3bINA and beta1H, almost completely inactivated C3b bound to sheep erythrocytes (E(s)), which does not activate the alternative pathway, the function of C3b bound to E(r) was diminished by less than one-fifth. Further, the P- stabilized amplification convertase on E(r) was 10-fold less sensitive to beta1H-mediated decay-dissociation than the convertase on E(s). The addition of E(r) to a regulated mixture of purified C3, B, D, P, C3bINA, and beta1H resulted in amplified inactivation of C3 and B by formation of the amplification convertase on E(r) as indicated by its lysis with subsequent exposure to C3-C9. In contrast, E(s) did not advance the low grade fluid phase inactivation of C3 and B to amplified inactivation and the cell was not converted to an intermediate susceptible to lysis by C3- C9. Since E(r) and E(s) did not differ in their inefficient fixation of C3b generated during an unregulated fluid phase reaction, the activating capacity of E(r) must reside in its protection of bound C3b and P, C3b,Bb from the regulatory proteins rather than in enhanced capacity to bind C3b from the fluid phase. When the reaction is limited to low grade fluid phase turnover, introduction of E(r) but not E(s) results in a 100-fold increase in the deposition of C3b, indicating that surface-dependent activation of the alternative pathway is characterized by efficient deposition of C3b on the initiating surface. Thus, the activating surfaces advance the interaction of the alternative pathway proteins to the amplification phase because of the selective inability of the regulatory proteins to deal with their substrates when deposited on these surfaces and results in a specificity that is not necessarily dependent on adaptive immunity.


Ultrastructural study of concanavalin-A binding to the surface of preimplantation mouse embryos.

Receptors for Con-A were labelled (using the peroxidase-diaminobenzidine technique) on the plasma membrane of unfertilized and fertilized mouse eggs, cleavage stage embryos, trophoblast and inner cell mass (ICM)  of the blastocyst. Embryos were exposed to Con-A concentrations of 10 microgram/ml, 50 microgram/ml, or 1,000 microgram/ml and the lowest concentration was observed to be the most suitable for discerning differences between stages of embryonic development. On the surface of unfertilized and fertilized eggs and 2-cell embryos, reaction product appeared as a thin, discontinuous layer. The surface of 4- and 16-cell stage embryos had a thicker, continuous, although non-uniform, layer of the reaction product. On the surface of the cells of the late morula, and on the trophoblastic cells of the blastocyst, clustering of reaction product was observed. Cells of ICM of intact blastocyst were free of the reaction product, showing that either Con-A and/or peroxidase cannot penetrate tight junctions between trophoblastic cells. Reaction product in the form of a thin, uniform layer covered the free surface of the cells of the ICM after they had been isolated (using immunosurgery) and exposed to 50 microgram/ml of Con-A. The amount  and distribution of Con-A receptors is discussed, along with their redistribution and mobility in relation to the agglutinability of preimplantation mouse embryos.


A possible baculovirus in the insect-parasitic fungus, Strongwellsea magna.

Particles similar in appearance to the virions of the invertebrate baculoviruses have been found in large numbers in hyphae of the insect-parasitic fungus, Strongwellsea magna, growing in the fly, Fannia canicularis. The particles (100 X 390 nm) consisted to a densely staining core (50 X 340 nm) within a poorly staining envelope. The envelope of some of the particles was contiguous with vesicles derived from unit membranes originating at the hyphal plasma membrane. The structure and aspects of the apparent morphogenesis of these particles suggest they may belong to a virus of the genus Baculovirus.


Quantitative histochemistry of the spinal motor neurone nucleus during human fetal development.

A quantitative histochemical study of the developing anterior horn cell nucleus was undertaken. The DNA, the arginine and lysine-rich histones as well as the acidic nuclear proteins of the spinal motor neurone nucleus were estimated during normal fetal development by means of scanning microdensitometry. The arginine-rich histones and the acidic nuclear proteins were found to be increased at the 12-14 week period, a finding which suggests that this period is critical in the differentiation of the spinal motor neurone.


The relation between purine metabolism and flavinogenesis in Eremothecium ashbyii. The identification of S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine accumulated in non-growing cells of E. ashbyii.

When adenine was added to the non-growing cell medium of Eremothecium ashbyii, riboflavin production of the mold was increasingly inhibited with increasing concentration of adenine. Under these conditions, a cationic compound was accumulated in the mycelia. The compound was isolated from the mycelia and highly purified. The purified compound was proved to be S-adenosylhomocysteine through IR analysis. In the control experiment, or in the addition of other purines which stimulated riboflavin production of the mold, another cationic compound was accumulated in the non-growing cells. The compound was largely accumulated in the presence of both adenine and methionine, isolated from the mycelia and purified. The purified compound was concluded to be S-adenosylmethionine through IR and NMR analyses. The significance of these compounds on the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway was argued under "Discussion".


Nutritional requirements for folate compounds and some enzyme activities involved in the folate biosynthesis.

Dihydrofolate synthetase activity is widely distributed in various microorganisms and mushrooms. Animals and microorganisms i.e., rat and chicken (in the liver), L. casei and P. cerevisiae, which require essentially pteroylglutamic acid as a nutrient for growth showed no detectable dihydrofolate synthetase activity. S. faecalis R, which can replace pteroylglutamic acid with pteroic acid as a nutrient for growth, had little dihydropteroate synthetase activity but showed normal dihydrofolate synthetase activity. This suggests that the nutritional requirements for folate compounds shown in vivo is in good agreement with the results obtained with dihydropteroate and dihydrofolate synthetase activities in vitro, and that the pathway through dihydropteroic acid as an intermediate is the main route in folate biosynthesis in nature.


Cervical cytology: the need for routine screening in the sexually active adolescent.

Pelvic examinations, including a Papanicolaou smear of the uterine cervix, were performed on 403 asymptomatic, sexually active adolescent girls aged from 12 to 16 years who were in a youth detention center in New York City. The smears were negative for precancerous abnormalities in 389 girls, but 168 of these had evidence of inflammation or nonspecific atypia. In the remaining 14 smears there was cytologic evidence of early precancerous changes (low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). The prevalence rate for early neoplastic changes was 35/1,000, far higher than previously reported. Further evaluation of three of these girls, by colposcopy and biopsy, revealed precancerous epithelial abnormalities of varying degrees of severity in two of them. Since all patients screened were sexually active and were asyptomatic, no clinical feature distinguished the 389 with negative cytology from the 14 with intraepithelial neoplasia. Five of the patients with precancerous cellular abnormalities had histories of sexual activity of less than two years. The data suggest that cervical cytologic screening should be incorporated into the routine examination of sexually active female adolescents.


Aminophylline therapy in children: guidelines for dosage.

The oral dosage of aminophylline required for therapeutic "trough" serum theophylline levels was studied in 150 children, 16 months to 19 years old (mean 8.28 years). Dosage requirements tended to be higher for children under 10 years, but marked person-to-person variability in the relation of dose to serum level was seen at all ages. Individual patients generally maintained consistent serum levels when receiving unchanging doses, although intercurrent disease sometimes disrupted this relationship. Individualization of oral dosage based on frequent serum measurements is necessary to maintain theophylline levels in the therapeutic range and to avoid toxicity.


Diaphragmatic paralysis and eventration: newer approaches to diagnosis and operative correction.

Positive contrast peritoneography allows the preoperative demonstration of the exact diaphragmatic contour in suspected eventration or paralysis. Anatomical appearances of bilateral elevation or infracardiac involvement will indicate the need for abdominal rather than transthoracic approach for repair. The use of peritoneography should permit rapid evaluation of newborns with respiratory distress and allow repair before long-standing respirator support has produced pulmonary parenchymal damage.


Surgical management of urogenital sinus abnormalities.

This report describes 12 cases of urogenital sinus malformations and their management in female infants, 10 with imperforate anus. Excluded were cases of urogenital sinus malformation secondary to the adrenogenital syndrome or primary sexual ambiguity. Immediate definition of the anatomy by appropritae endoscopy and radiography is essential to plan the correct operative approach. This can be a relatively simple flap vaginoplasty from below, together with perineal anoplasty in some cases. Others may require an extensive combined abdominal-perineal approach with vaginal pullthrough, ureteral reimplantation, creation of a urethra from the urogenital sinus, resection of vaginal septum, and creation of perineal skin flaps to join to the pulled through vagina which may be too short to reach the perineum.


GLC-mass spectral analysis of psilocin and psilocybin.

With the combined technique of GLC-mass spectrometry, psilocin and psilocybin, two hallucinogenic indoles, were analyzed as their trimethylsilyl derivatives. The method was applied to these two components in an extract of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Sing.


Phytochemical investigation of xanthones of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners.

Six polyoxygenated xanthones were isolated from the roots of Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinners collected in Texas. Structural elucidation of five of these xanthones (1-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,6,7-tetramethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5,6,7,8-pentamethoxyxanthone, and 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone) was accomplished via UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry; traditional physical-chemical methods; or direct comparison with a prepared derivative. The sixth xanthone derivative was characterized incompletely. The pentamethoxyxanthone is a new compound and has been designated generically as eustomin. The probable occurrence of these six xanthone compounds in the plant as glycosides is reported.


Cytotoxic agents from Bursera morelensis (Burseraceae): deoxypodophyllotoxin and a new lignan, 5'-desmethoxydeoxypodophyllotoxin.

The isolation and identification of deoxypodophyllotoxin and a new lignan, 5'-desmethoxydeoxypodophyllotoxin, from the dried exudate of Bursera morelensis (Burseraceae) are reported. Deoxypodophyllotoxin showed high activity in the KB and PS test systems; the new lignan, although highly active against the KB test system, demonstrated only marginal activity against the PS test system. A structure is suggested for the new lignan, which was named morelensin.


Sensory fibres in ventral roots L7 and Si in the cat.

1. Receptive fields were determined for ninety-eight unmyelinated and 132 myelinated axons in the L7 and S1 cat ventral roots.2. Seventy of the ninety-eight unmyelinated axons had their receptive fields in somatic structures, the skin and deep tissues.3. Of the seventy unmyelinated axons with somatic receptive fields, thirty-five were mechanical nociceptors, fifteen were mechanical and thermal nociceptors, eleven were deep nociceptors, six were thermal receptors, and three were low threshold mechanoceptors.4. Twenty-four of the ninety-eight unmyelinated axons had their receptive fields in visceral structures: the intestine, bladder and vagina.5. We confirm the work of others that myelinated fibres attached to peripheral receptive fields can be found in ventral roots and that the receptive fields and functional qualities of these fibres are as one would expect of dorsal root fibres for the same segments.6. A previous study demonstrated that approximately 30% of the axons in the L7 and S1 cat ventral roots are unmyelinated and arise from dorsal root ganglion cells. The present study confirms that these axons are sensory and that the axons are predominantly cutaneous nociceptors and visceral afferents. Thus it is concluded that the L7 and S1 cat ventral roots have a major sensory component.


The action potential of chick dorsal root ganglion neurones maintained in cell culture.

1. The directly evoked action potential of dissociated, embryonic, chick, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones maintained in cell culture is prolonged compared to spinal cord cell spikes and the re-polarization phase is marked by a plateau. 2. Evidence was obtained that both Ca2+ and Na+ carry inward current across the active soma membrane. Ca2+ because: overshooting spikes persist in tetrodotoxin (TTX) or Na+-free media; in the presence of TTX (or absence of Na+) spike size varies directly with extracellular Ca2+ and spikes are eliminated by Co2+. Na+ because: spikes persist in the presence of Co2+ or Ca2+-free media; in the presence of Co2+ (or absence of Ca2+) spike varies directly with extracellular Na+ and spikes are blocked by TTX. 3. On the other hand, Ca2+ plays less if any role in action potentials conducted along sensory nerve cell processes. Conducted spikes could not be evoked in TTX containing or Na+-free media. 4. A long-lasting depolarization follows the action potential in some neurones. This depolarization is associated with an increase in membrane conductance and appears to drive the membrane potential to ca. -30mV. It persists when conducted impulses are blocked so it is probably not a recurrent synaptic potential. 5. It is suggested that combined Ca2+-Na+ spikes observed in isolated sensory neurones in vitro reflect the action potential of adult sensory cells but the possibility that they represent an early stage in development is also discussed.


[Activation of contraction by voltage-clamped stimulation in crayfish muscle fibers (author's transl)].

It is known that the properties of the excitation-contraction coupling of crayfish skeletal muscle are different in some respects from those of frog muscle. In the present study, activation of contraction of the crayfish muscle induced by short depolarizing pulses was investigated and it was compared with the results of frog muscle obtained by Adrian, Chandler and Hodgkin (1969). Two glass microelectrodes were inserted into the thoracal muscle of the crayfish. The muscle was stimulated by the voltage-clamped pulses of different durations and the resulting contractions were observed under the binocular microscope with the magnification of 60 X at 20 approximately 23 degrees C. The rheobasic membrane potential was -55mV. The mechanical threshold potential was -42 mV for 10 msec, -15 mV for 2.5 msec, +18 mV for 1 msec and around +90 mV for 0.5 msec pulses. For short pulses where the threshold potential was more positive than -20 mV, the area of the depolarization above -30 mV was 51 mV-msec. Subthreshold pulses produced contraction if applied repetitively. The effect of a just suprathreshold short pulse on the activation of contraction was cancelled by the hyperpolarizing pulse.


Ionic currents through the membrane of the mammalian oocyte and their comparison with those in the tunicate and sea urchin.

1. The action potential and the membrane current of the mouse oocyte were analysed by current-clamp and voltage-clamp techniques and they were compared with those of other animal oocytes. 2. The matured and unfertilized oocyte of the mouse in standard medium with 6 mM-K showed the resting potential of -23-1+/-2-9 mV. The resting potential was relatively large in the medium with 20 mM-Ca or 10 mM-Mn, being -35-7+/-2-6 mV and further increased to -46-9+/-4-8 mV with replacement of Na in the medium by choline. 3. At the cessation of large hyperpolarization below -90 mV in standard medium, a regenerative potential was often elicited in the form of an off-response. The off-response depended upon the external concentration of Ca. In 20 mM-Ca medium it was constantly observed with hyperpolarization below -60 mV. Its critical level was -40 mV and its overshoot was +15 mV. 4. The time and potential-dependent inward current was observed both in standard and 20 mM-Ca media under voltage-clamp condition. In 20 mM-Ca medium the inward current was observed by depolarization beyond -40 mV and showed its maximum at -15 mV. It was greatly reduced by replacing the external Ca with Mn but retained by substituting Sr or Ba for Ca. The selectivity ratios among these alkali earth cations were Ca:Sr:Ba=1-0:1-4:0-7. 5. The current-voltage relation in Ca and Na-deficient and 10 mM-Mn medium was linear from -200 to +25 mV. The hyperpolarization below -200 mV revealed an inward-going rectification. The depolarization above +50 mV under voltage-clamp condition induced the outward surge current with activation and inactivation processes. 6. In contrast to the mouse oocyte, the matured and unfertilized oocyte of the sea urchin showed a large resting potential of -70 mV in 30 Ca ASW and the depolarization beyond -40 mV elicited an action potential with an overshoot of 20 mV. The action potential showed a notch in the rising phase and lasted about 1 to 2 sec. 7. Under the voltage-clamp condition both Ca inward current and the outward surge current were observed in the sea urchin oocyte membrane just as in the mouse oocyte membrane. 8. The selectivity ratios among alkali earth cations, Ca:Sr:Ba, for 'Ca  channels' of the oocyte membranes were 1-0:1-4:0-7 in the mouse, 1-0:1-7:1-1 in the tunicate and 1-0:0-7:0-5 in the sea urchin. When the current density through Ca channels are revised in terms of the respective critical levels for Ca channels, the revised selectivity sequences become Ca greater than Sr greater than Ba, being common to all three species.


[Trypsin inhibitors in human urine (author's transl)].

By using ammonium sulfate, Arg-Sepharose and gel filtration, an urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) with molecular weight of 67,000 (UTI7) was isolated from normal human urine. The yield of UTI7 was about 3,200 U per liter of urine. When urine was acidified, an uropepsin-like substance was activated which caused molecular weight change of UTI7. New UTIs had molecular weight of 45,000 and 22,000 (UTI4-5 and UTI-2-2), respectively. These inhibitors showed a strong effect on trypsin, alpha--chymotrypsin and lesser extent on plasmin and elastase, but had no effect on esterolytic activity on thrombin and the first components of complement Cls an Clr.


Vitamin B6 antagonists obtained by replacing or modifying the 2-methyl group.

The 2-methyl group of pyridoxol was replaced with various other groups, including 2-amino and 2-methylamino as examples of electron-donating substituents and including 2-carboxyl, 2-carboxamide, and 2-halo as examples of electron-withdrawing substituents. The key intermediate in the synthesis was 3-O-benzyl-alpha4,alpha5-O-isopropylidene-alpha2-pyridoxol (15) or the corresponding 2-aldehyde (2). Another approach for modifying the 2 position, but chemically less successful, started with 3-O-methylpyridoxol, which was oxidized to the tricarboxylic acid, decarboxylated, esterfied, and reduced with LiAlH4, providing derivatives in which the 2-CH3 group was replaced with H. The analogues were tested for their growth-inhibitory activity against mouse mammary adenocarcinoma cells in culture. The 2-azine, 2-chloro, and 2-amino analogues were active as inhibitors at ID50 approximately or equal to 10(-5) M, whereas the 2-fluoro and 2-carboxylic acid analogues were inactive at 1 X 10(-4) M. The results are contrasted with those found earlier for similar modifications in other positions of the vitamin B6 molecule. Although the 2-chloro analogue was found to inhibit pyridoxal phosphokinase (KI=24 micron), the 6-chloro analogue was inactive as an inhibitor at 1 mM.


Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of nucleosides of naphthoquinone heterocycles.

The synthesis, characterization, and biochemical evaluation of 1-beta-D-ribofuranosylnaphtho[2,3-d]imidazole-4,9-dione (3), 2-beta-D-ribofuranosylnaphtho[2,3-d]pyrazole-4,9-dione (6), and 2-beta-D-ribofuranosylnaphthol[2,3-d]triazole-4,9-dione (9) are reported. These quinone nucleosides and the corresponding quinone heterocycles were tested as inhibitors of purine nucleotide biosynthesis in Ehrlich ascites cells. The nucleosides 3 and 9 and naphtho[2,3-d]imidazole-4,9-dione were effective inhibitors of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase.


Detection of concanavalin A receptors by affinity to peroxidase and iron dextran by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and x-ray microanalysis.

A method of cell surface mapping has been developed on spermatozoa. Concanavalin A binding sites have been simultaneously revelaed both by peroxidase DAB reaction and by iron dextran coupling. The areas are examined in scanning and transmission electron microscopes and submitted to electron probe X-ray microanalysis.


[Generalized congenital fibromatosis. A new case report (author's transl)].

The authors report a new case of generalized congenital fibromatosis in a young white girl who presented at birth a sub-cutaneous frontal localization with osteolytic lesions. At three and a half months of age, a complete auriculo-ventricular block was discovered secondary to a myocardial localization and she died of acute respiratory failure without showing early anormal pulmonary radiological lesions. In reviewing ten cases of this generalized congenital form of the osteolytic lesions encountered, and stress the fact that the discrete radiological pulmonary signs that condition the prognosis. The then discuss the utility of distinguishing diffus and generalized forms of congenital fibromatosis.


Comparative studies on the structure of reproductive organs of four botryllid ascidians.

Reproductive organs of four botryllid ascidians, Botryllus primigenus, Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides violaceus and Botrylloides leachi, were studied histologically. In every species, the egg follicle consisting of an egg and its inner and outer follicles, is attached to the follicle stalk, the vesicle being composed of a flat epithelium, which in its turn is connected to the atrial epithelium or to the brood pouch specialized from it. In B. schlosseri, the egg is ovulated into the atrial cavity and remains there held by the brood cup, of which the inner epithelium is derived from the follicle stalk and the outer one from the atrial epithelium. In B. primigenus, the brood pouch develops as a diverticulum of the atrial cavity, around the entrance of which a fold differentiates from the atrial epithelium and closes the pouch during embryogenesis. In both species of Botrylloides, the brood pouch is formed by the outgrowth of the thickened atrial epithelium into the blood space, the entrance of which is closed during embryogenesis. The discarded outer follicle completely disintegrates soon after ovulation in B. schlosseri, but part of it remains throughout embryogenesis in the blood space in B. primigenus or projecting into the interior of the brood pouch in Botrylloides. In primigenus, the testis, when it accompanies the egg follicle, is placed at the bottom of the brood pouch and the sperm is shed through the pouch prior to ovulation. In B. schlosseri and the Botrylloides species, the testis is located independently from the egg follicle and the sperm matures after ovulation.


An ultrastructural and cytochemical analysis of oogenesis in the squid, Loligo pealei.

Oogenesis has been investigated utilizing both light and electron microscopical techniques in the squid, Loligo pealei. This complex process has been divided into five stages according to the structure of the follicle. Because of the highly coordinated differentiation of the follicle cells (and follicular syncytium) and the oocyte, their development is described in concert. Specific attention is given to the contribution of the follicular syncytium to vitellogenesis and the formation of the extracellular egg envelope or chorion. Our observations indicate heterosynthetic yolk production and the synthesis of the secondary envelope by the follicular syncytium.


Kinetics of assembly of a parvovirus, minute virus of mice, in synchronized rat brain cells.

The rates of assembly of the three classes of particles of minute virus of mice were examined in synchronized rat brain cells by a combination of electron microscopy and biochemical techniques. We observed a burst of virus assembly beginning about 8 h after the end of cellular S phase. Labeled thymidine incorporated into the 1.46 g/cm3 class of full virus particles was transferred almost quantitatively to the 1.42 g/cm3 class. The 1.46 g/cm3 virus appeared to be an immediate precursor to the 1.42 g/cm3 class. Conversion of the 1.46 density virus to the 1.42 density particles was observed at the time of virus assembly. The processing was rapid and occurred primarily in the nucleus. Infected cells did not contain significant pools of viral DNA in a form that could be encapsulated in the absence of DNA synthesis. The role of the empty virus capsids in the assembly process is discussed.


Virion RNA polymerases of two salmonid rhabdoviruses.

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases were found to be associated with two salmonid rhabdoviruses: infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) virus and the virus of hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). The protein composition of these rhabdoviruses closely resembles that of rabies virus rather than that of vesicular stomatitis virus (McAllister and Wagner, 1975). The optimal temperature for in vitro transcription was found to be approximately 18 degrees C for IHN virus and approximately 15 degrees for VHS,, closely approximating optimal temperatures for growth of these viruses in salmonid cells. Unlike vesicular stomatitis virus, manganese ion (1 mM) could be used as a divalent cation substitute for magnesium ion (5 mM). The in vitro transcription products of IHN and VHS viruses hybridized completely to the homologous genome but not at all to the heterologous genome.


The physical basis of some urodynamic measurements.

This report concerns certain principles of physics that are relevant to the clinical practice of Urology as well as the research urodynamicist. Supplemental material is available in previous publications for the physiologist, cardiovascular, dynamicist, anesthesiologist and the like. The material is fairly recent only in its application to the lower urinary tract. Pressure-volume relationships were applied to be cardiovascular system more than 20 years age. Indeed, for those interested in urodynamic methods, there is a vast fund of useful pertinent information in the literature on vascular dynamics. The problems of steady and unsteady flow in flexible structures are common to both specialties. It would be unfortunate if urodynamicists were required to learn of the phenomena and their implications by the drudgery of repeated measurements rather than taking guidance from previous work. This report is intended to serve as an introduction to the approach and, hopefully, will stimulate those who are interested in urodynamic methods to seek out this information and to interpret their measurements in the light of fundamental physical phenomena that have been described and analyzed.


Experience with management of posterior urethral injury associated with pelvic fracture.

Review of records from 205 patients with pelvic fracture and hematuria revealed that 121 underwent urologic and radiographic evaluation. Of these patients 20 had severe posterior urethral injuries documented by urethrography of voiding cystourethrography: 9 underwent primary repair and 11 had delayed scrotal-inlay urethroplasty after initial cystostomy alone. Patients who underwent primary repair had a 77 per cent incidence of stricture, a 22 per cent incidence of incontinence and a 33 per cent incidence of impotency. Patients who underwent delayed closure had no incidence of stricture, incontinence or impotence. Patients in both groups had urinary tract infections. Simple cystostomy followed by delayed scrotal-inlay urethroplasty appears superior to primary realignment in the management of patients with posterior urethral injuries.


Experience with carcinoma of the scrotum.

The natural history, management and prognosis of scrotal carcinoma are reviewed in 19 cases and a method to stage the tumor is presented. Ten patients were rendered free of evidence of cancer, 9 of whom have survived more than 5 years. Wide local excision of the primary lesion with radical ilioinguinal dissection for proved inguinal lymph node metastases is the present recommendation. For non-resectable regional metastatic disease no treatment of established effectiveness is available. Irradiation has produced benefit on rare occasions and hemipelvectomy may be considered in selected cases.


Mass screening program for prostatic diseases with transrectal ultrasonotomography.

A special chair-type apparatus for transrectal ultrasonotomography was developed in our laboratory 3 years ago. We did a mass screening program for prostatic disease, using this equipment as the primary study in the system. The 132 apparently normal men evaluated ranged in age from 40 to 76 years (mean 55.0). The 48 patients suspected of having prostatic disease underwent secondary studies, consisting of the usual urological examinations. Prostatic disease was detected in 24 cases, including 18 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, the model program revealed an extraordinarily high prevalence of latent prostatic disease among apparently normal older men.


Carbon dioxide-urethral pressure profile in female incontinence.

Herein we describe a method to assess urethral dynamics in women with urinary incontinence, using a carbon dioxide cystometer. The parameters evaluated are the maximum urethral closing pressure, functional urethral length, active continence, transmission of intra-abdominal pressure to the urethral pressure and changes when patients are in the supine and erect positions.


A new approach to electromyography of the external urethral sphincter.

Detailed electromyographic investigation of the external urethral sphincter was done as part of a urodynamic evaluation of 119 patients. The sphincter was located by inserting electrodes alongside the urethra. The electromyogram was viewed on an oscilloscope and recorded on paper. Normal and abnormal sphincter electromyograms were defined and the role of sphincter electromyography in urodynamic studies was discussed. It was observed that electromyographic activity does not always correlate with urethral resistance but must be interpreted in conjunction with other urodynamic parameters, such as urethral pressures, urinary flow rates and voiding cystourethrography. In addition, sphincter electromyography provides valuable information to define the various neural pathways involved in micturition and continence.


Perinatal asphyxia and renal failure in neonatal patients.

Herein we discuss oliguria and azotemia in neonatal patients associated with perinatal complications, including difficult labor and delivery, and respiratory asphyxia. Renal failure in these patients is accompanied by proteinuria, microscopic hematuria and red blood cell casts, and it generally resolves in 7 to 10 days. Umbilical aortography can be helpful in determining the presence of normal kidneys in these patients.


[24 hour recording of gastric movements in the conscious dog (author's transl)].

Gastric movements were monitored in five conscious dogs weighing 9 to 13 kg by extraluminal force transducers (EFTs) which were independently developed and constructed in our own laboratory. After chronically implanting EFTs both in the canine gastric body and antrum we succeeded in making continuous recordings of their movements over several days. Dogs fed once a day with regular meals showed a circadian rhythm which was divided into three phases; digestive, intermediate, and an interdigestive phase. The digestive phase, which continued for about 8 to 10 hours after feeding, was characterized by a lack of movement in the body and repetitive rhythmical contractions having a rather small amplitude in the antrum. The interdigestive phase was distinguished from other phases by a peculiar sequence of gastric movements (interdigestive contractions) which did not make their appearance until 16 hours after feeding. These interdigestive contractions were the highest amplitude contractions to occur in both the body and antrum during the day. They continued for 70 minutes and repetitively recurred after intervening quiet periods of about 22 minutes. The intermediate phase was the period interposed between the digestive and interdigestive phase.


[The influence of stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve on the gastric inhibitory and excitatory motor reflexes (author's transl)].

The influence of electrical stimulation of central cut end of the glossopharyngeal nerve on the vagal inhibitory and excitatory reflexes of gastric movements were investigated. Frogs and bullfrogs were employed in all experiments under urethan anaesthesia and also immobilized with 1% solution of d-tubocurarine chloride. Bilateral splanchnic nerves were previously severd, and so the stomach was innervated through the vagus nerves only. 1. The vago-vagal inhibitory reflex of gastric movements was depressed or abolished during the maintenance of stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve. But, the vago-vagal excitatory reflex of gastric movements was augmented in the one example and in the other example it was depressed during the glossopharyngeal stimulation. 2. The labyrintho-vagal excitatory reflex of gastric movements was excited during the maintenance of stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve.


[An extraluminal strain gage force transducer: its construction and implantation (author's transl)].

1. Extraluminal strain gage force transducers have been designed and constructed in this laboratory. This device was originally developed to measure contractile force of the heart by Walton et al in 1950, however, we concentrated our effort upon durability and waterproof of the transducer in the present study. 2. Strain gages which were made for measuring large strain were prepared and bonded onto the both surfaces of CuBe strips with epoxy lesin. Water proof was then made by applying silicone (KE 45 RTV), which was excellent in waterproof, insulation and flexibility. The silicone was also found no significant influence upon the surrounding tissues as a foreign body. 3. The transducer constructed in this way had useful life for 3-6 months after implantation. Chronically implanted transducer units offer several advantages: they provide prolanged observation of gastrointestinal mechanical activity directly in conscious animals. They can be sutured on the outer surface of the gastrointestinal tract and do not interfere flow of intraluminal contents. They can measure separate contractile force of the circular and longitudinal muscle layers. 4. Major limination of the transducer is difficulty to determine if a given sequence of movements are mixing or propulsion of the contents. Application of these transducers is currently limited in animal only.


[Effects of loperamide on the gastric and intestinal motilities in the guinea pig and dog (author's transl)].

In anesthetized dogs, intravenous administration or intrajejunal infusion of Loperamide produced the excitatory effect of gastric, small and large bowel motilities accompanied with elevation of the muscle tone. The excitatory response was slightly suppressed by administration of atropine. Such effects were similar to those of morphine and methadone. In non-anesthetized spinal guinea pigs, Loperamide increased colonic motility accompanied with the augmentation of the colonic muscle tone, but the conduction of the contraction waves was prevented. In anesthetized guinea pigs, intravenous administration of Loperamide reduced the rate of the rhythmic contraction waves of the small intestine, but its effect on the muscle tone was not evident. The activity of Loperamide as an antidiarrheal agent was discussed.


[Effects of various types of vagotomy on electrical and contractile activities of the canine stomach (author's transl)].

Thirteen mongrel dogs equipped with four bipolar electrodes and three strain gauges on the anterior wall of the stomach underwent three types of vagotomy: truncal vagotomy (TV)-6 dogs; selective proximal vagotomy (SPV)-3 dogs; and antral vagotomy (AV)-4 dogs. Electrical and contractile activities of the stomach were examined before and after these vagotomies on both the fasting and postprandial states. TV caused an increased incidence of dysrhythmia and a 12 to 33% reduction of the propagation velocity of the basic electrical rhythm (BER). Following feeding, the characteristic waxing and waning pattern of normal gastric contraction was altered to a monotonic steady pattern, increasing overall contraction activity of the pyloric sphincter. These changes seem to be attributable to delayed gastric emptying following truncal vagotomy. SPV reduced the propagation velocity of the BER slightly (2.5-7.3%), preserving the inherent physiological contractile activity in the antrum and pyloric sphincter, and transforming the contractile activity in the corpus to a more monotonic pattern. AV effected a localized monotonic contractile activity in the antral region with no changes discernible in the body and pyloric sphincter. The propagation velocity was not changed significantly by antral vagotomy. The discharge interval of the BER was not altered significantly by these vagotomies.


[Treatment of chronic infantile hepatitis with D-penicillamine (author's transl)].

Detailed discussion of action, indication and side effects of D-Penicillamine which was used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis of infancy. Of 18 patients, 7 had chronic-active hepatitis, 6 chronic persisting hepatitis, 2 subacute hepatitis and 3 fibrosis of the liver. Control of results was based on numerous clinical chemical investigations and repeated liver biopsies. The transaminases and histology of the biopsies were the essential parameters. Doses between 15 and 35 mg/kg of body weight gave very favorable results in these 18 patients, treated over 5 to 24 months. Australia antigen-negative, chronic active hepatitis appeared to be particularly suited for this type of treatment.


[Social development and state of the illness in hemophilic boys (author's transl)].

Data on state of the illness and social development are reported in 43 hemophilic boys. The items cover factor activity, degree of physical handicap, frequency of bleedings and hospitalisations as well as the topic of a psychophysiological mechanism in the genesis of bleedings. Further items of social development pertain to school, leisure-time activities and ideas of future occupation.


[Sex-specific differences in free, inorganic sulfate excretion in 24 hours urine of healthy children (author's transl)].

Free, inorganic sulfate was determined quantitatively in the 24 h urine of 65 boys and 53 girls (age 6--14 years). The determination of sulfate was carried out by the aid of the spectrophotometric method with barium chloranilate. The following values were obtained for the boys and girls: Boys (ages 6--10 years) 17,66 +/- 11,70 mmol/24 h, girls (6--10 years) 10,70 +/- 10,26 mmol/24 h, boys (10--14 years) 17,40 +/- 12,32 mmol/24 h, girls (10-14 years) 7,26 +/- 8,90 mmol/24 h. No statistical age-specific differences were observed, but the sex-specific investigation revealed that the younger and older boys had a statistical higher excretion of sulfate in 24 h urine as compared to the younger and older girls.


[Non-rheumatic carditis. A diagnostic study in a period of 11 years (author's transl)].

23 paediatric cases of non-rheumatic carditis seen in the period between 1965 and 1976 are reviewed. Neonatal carditis is very letal, but the prognosis improves with increasing age. Males and females are equally affected. There is a rise in frequency since 1971. 9 of the 23 cases ended letally. In further 9 cases congenital heart lesions occurred simultaneously, 3 of which were ventricle septal defects. The most important diagnostic feature is the cardiac enlargement (94% of our cases). Other important signs and symptoms are dyspnoea at rest tachycardia and fever. The ECG changes (89%) are non-specific. Very often, it is not possible to classify the disease into endo-, myo- or pericarditis; the term "carditis" is, therefore, preferred. Virological and bacteriological findings were found in only 35% of the cases.


[The mitral valve prolapse syndrome in childhood (author's transl)].

45 children with echocardiographically proven mitral valve prolapse are the basis to give a review about this syndrome (MVPS). Symptoms in this syndrome, like palpitations and fatigue are rare. Only half of the patients show the typical auscultatory findings: the midsystolic click and the late systolic murmur. The ECG abnormalities are disturbances of rhythm, left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular T-wave inversion. The hemodynamic is mostly normal or depends upon the degree of the mitral insufficiency. The angiocardiograms show often abnormalities of the contraction of the left ventricle. Echocardiographically one ought to obtain the pattern of the mid-systolic backward motion of the leaflet. As additional lesions we found in 11% of the patients with MVPS an ASD, in 16% an ASH or IHSS of different degrees corresponding to the echocardiographical sign of the ASH. The pathogenetic ideas of the valvular and myocardial theory are discussed. The prognosis is good. Complications are disturbances of rhythm, bacterial endocarditis and in case of a chordal rupture a mitral regurgitation.


[Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia in childhood. Review and report of one case (author's transl)].

Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in childhood is associated with antibodies produced by the patient himself, which coat his red cells causing their hemolysis. Although in some cases no underlying disease could be found, in the majority of children a virus etiology is apparent. There are very few reports regarding the use of treatment with immunsuppressive agents and the possible benefit. The article reports one case of AIHA. The patient developed at age 6 months a prolonged chronic form of AIHA complicated by thrombopenic purpura. The recent knowledge about pathogenesis, clinical phenomena, serology and prognosis is discussed. Treatment with corticosteroids, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide failed to benefit. Splenectomy and 6-mercaptopurin therapy (3 months) resulted in a complete remission.


[Two cases of cold hemagglutinin syndrome in infants (author's transl)].

Two cases of acute, short-term cold agglutinin disease in infants were presented. This rare disease must be considered in infants when the BSR is distinctly elevated without any corresponding clinical symptoms.


[Congenital hepatic fibrosis and polycystic disease of the kidneys in two siblings (author's transl)].

Report of 2 siblings, aged 12 1/2 and 9 years, with congenital hepatic fibrosis and polycystic disease of the kidneys. Hepatosplenomegaly had been noted in both children at birth. The younger child had suffered from oliguria aged 2 1/2 years. At diagnosis both children had low platelet counts, one also had leucopenia. The cystic disease of the kidneys was verified by angiography. Coeliacography and splenopartography were diagnostically irrelevant. The diagnosis only became apparent from liver biopsy which was performed during splenectomy. After splenectomy there was an increase of platelets, white blood cells and the clotting factors II, V and X. The three years follow-up showed a constancy of renal impairment and of the minor oesophageal varices observed in the one patient who did not have a spontaneous spleno-renal anastomosis. So far no bleeding has been observed. Porto caval anastomosis was omitted in both children. Pros and cons are being discussed.


Metastatic choriocarcinoma of the nasal mucosa.

A patient with a chief complaint of epestaxis coughed persistently during her visit to the emergency room. Questioning revealed she also had vaginal bleeding and occasional bloody sputum. Gynecological examination, a Pap smear, and pathological evaluation showed choriocarinoma. A chest X ray disclosed metastatic pulmonary choriocarcinoma. An ENT examination was carried out and showed a suspected area in the nasal mucosa which was bleeding. A Pap smear and biopsy taken from the suspected area also revealed choriocarcinoma.


Combined tricuspid and pulmonic stenosis. Clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, surgical, and pathological features.

A 30-year-old man with a history of a murmur since childhood had progressive ascites for 2 years. The patient was found to have severe stenoses of the pulmonic and tricuspid valves with a well-developed right ventricle. Impressive clinical improvement occurred after pulmonic valvotomy, infundibulectomy, and replacement of the stenotic tricuspid valve with a porcine xenograft. The clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, surgical, and pathological features are presented.


Aortic dissection after aortic valve replacement in patients with valvular aortic stenosis.

Aortic dissection occurred after aortic valve replacement in two patients with valvular aortic stenosis. Clinical and necropsy findings are described.


Psychological aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This paper describes a number of psychological variables useful in the care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Attention to these factors does not replace destroyed lung tissue. Yet such efforts can lead to meaningful improvement in performance for many patients. The prolongation of life is not the only goal of comprehensive care. Equally important to the patient and his family are efforts to function as well and as comfortably as possible throughout the remainder of his life.


Age-dependence of nuclear RNA processing.

Following a 3 hour in vivo labelling of cytoplasmic RNA in rat liver with orotic acid-6-14C under conditions where ribosomal RNA synthesis was suppressed, the proportion of labelled messenger-like RNA released to the cytoplasm which contained polyadenylate (poly(A)) tracts was about 3.0 times higher in the livers of juvenile (50 day) as compared to adult (180 day) rats. This discrepancy was confirmed in a cell-free system which consisted of isolated prelabelled nuclei in fortified cytosol. Thus under conditions where approximately 80% of the released labelled RNA was messenger-like, the proportion of polyadenylated labelled RNA transported to the homologous cytosol was 3.4-fold greater in the systems derived from juvenile as compared to adult rat liver. Through comparisons of homologous and heterologous systems it was determined that the age-dependent change in the metabolism of polyadenylated messenger RNA resides in the nucleus and not in the cytoplasm. This change, furthermore does not involve the known ATP-dependence of nuclear RNA release. Rather it must involve other age-dependent changes in the processing or transport of polyadenylated messenger RNA.


Amatoxins and phallotoxins in Amanita species of the northeastern United States.

The amatoxin and phallotoxin content of some American specimens of green A. phalloides and white A. bisporigera, A. verna and A. virosa was determined. The analytical procedure consisted of extracting the toxins from dried mushroom tissue, defatting, fractionating the toxins by adsorption chromatography on Sephadex LH-20, desalting and running thin-layer chromatograms of appropriate fractions along with authentic toxin samples. One amatoxin, amanin, was identified by hydrolysis to its components amino acids. Except for some difference in relative amounts of toxins, American and European varieties of A. phalloides were quite similar. Neither phallotoxins nor amatoxins were present in three out of four collections of A. verna; the fourth contained only a trace of beta-amanitin. Amanin was the sole of amatoxin present in two out of four collections of A. virosa; alpha-amanitin was the chief amatoxin in the other two. None of the white Amanita species contained phallacidin. The taxonomy of the above species is discussed. A literature report that edible A. rubescens contains phallotixins was not confirmed.


Porcine calcitonin in the treatment of Paget's disease of bone: experience with 32 patients.

Thirty-two patients with osteitis deformans were treated with porcine calcitonin for 240 patient-months. Relief of pain occurred in 10 patients, while a fall in the serum alkaline phosphatase level was observed in 22 out of 24 patients whose treatment lasted for more than two weeks. Pain relief occurred predominantly in patients with pain in the lower limbs, although not all patients with lower limb pain showed improvement. Side effects, usually mild in nature, were reported by half the patients. Antiporcine calcitonin antibodies were detected in sera of six out of 14 patients. The presence of circulating antibodies seemed unrelated to the effect of therapy or to the occurrence of side effects.


[Clinical observations to characterize splenomegalic immunocytomas (author's transl)].

In ten patients with predominant splenomegaly the clinical development and progress of disease following the course of some years are described. The hematological values showed a moderate relative lymphocytosis with a slight but inconstant increase in white blood cell counts. A more or less small number of a morphologically distinctive population of plasmacytoid lymphocytes was an important diagnostic criterion and a decrease of at least one class of immunoglobulins could be shown. Only one patient presented a paraproteinemia (IgM). In the serum of six patients atypical unspecific antibodies were found. The histologic and cytologic feature of the spleens which were removed therapeutically was characterized by a mixed infiltration of lymphocytes and plasmocytoid or plasmacellular elements. By this pattern it was possible to classify these cases as lymphoplasmocytoid (resp. lymphoplasmocytic) immunocytomas according to the new Kiel-lymphoma-classification. From the clinical point of view they represented a subunit with markedly prevalent splenic proliferation. Liver and/or bone-marrow however showed in all cases primarily circumscribed infiltrations of pathognomonic cells or did develop them during the course of disease, even after splenectomy. According to the presented observations this disease is to be placed between chronic lymphocytic leukemia and M. Waldenström not only by pathological but also by clinical criteria.


Fundus reflectometry: a step towards optimization of the retina photocoagulation.

A method is described for monitoring the light reflected from exposed areas during and after argon laser photocoagulation of rabbit eyes.  The light serves as a measure of the retinal blanching and thus of the tissue reaction. It is shown, that the reflected light changes its time-dependent behavior qualitatively if hemorrhages occur. The energy necessary for a therapeutic coagulation is shown to decrease with decreasing exposure time as does the therapeutic band width for clinical coagulations. A relationship between exposure time and therapeutic band width was found and is discussed.


Retinal detachment treated by argon laser photocoagulation.

Argon laser photocoagulation was applied 2-3 weeks after implantation of episcleral silicone sponges as a second-step operation in 130 cases of retinal detachment. The chorioretinal scar for the occlusion of the tears was obtained exclusively with this procedure. Argon Laser used in cases with pronounced retinal elevation, i.e. where cryoapplication had proved inadequate or where a choroidal or retinal hemorrhage could be expected following cryoapplication. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are evaluated with respect to the experience with cryoapplication.


Argon laser barrage as complementary therapy in surgery with minimal plombage.

A group of patients with retinal detachments was selected whose characteristics allowed the employment of much less traumatizing surgical techniques, such as localized plombs, cryotherapy or diathermy. Once the patient was operated and the retina flattened out itself completely, usually after 1 or 2 days, we proceeded to photocoagulate the degenerative areas of the retina which were usually present with argon laser. Also, a laser barrier was performed, generally at the equatorial level in order to avoid manipulative techniques in the operating room as much as possible. The study comprises the main clinical features of the detachment, the surgical technique employed, and the commented results. The follow-up time of the group in study ranged from 6 months to 2 years.


Cataract surgery in eyes predisposed to retinal detachment.

Modifications in cataract surgery technique in patients who have had previous retinal detachment surgery is considered in the following groups: previous "phakic" retinal detachment, in the same eye, in the fellow eye, and previous aphakic retinal detachment in the fellow eye. Prophylactic treatment prior to cataract surgery in these groups is also discussed as well as the prophylaxis of predisposing lesions prior to lens extraction. Finally, the place of cataract surgery in the presence of a retinal detachment is reviewed.


[Ultrastructural changes in the terminal villi of the placenta in placental insufficiency].

Ultrastructural changes of the placenta in toxemia of pregnancy and in diabetes are described. In toxemia of pregnancy in the placenta definite morphological changes were observed; marked atrophy of the syntitial layer was followed by hyperplasia of the cytotrophoblastie cells. The most expressed changes occurred in the vessel wall: swelling of the endothelium, narrowing of the vessel-lumen, deposition of filamentous material in the cytoplasma. Morphological changes in the placenta in diabetes are moderate as compared to those observed in toxemia. Thickening of the basal membrane seems to be most characteristic. Ultrastructural changes are almost identical to those observed in toxemia. Morphological changes revealed may be responsible for the insufficiency of the placenta and the intrauterine damage to the foetus.


Chromosomal aberrations and morphological transformation in hamster embryonic cells treated with potassium dichromate in vitro.

The addition of K2Cr2O7, at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 microng/ml, to hamster total embryonic cells for 24 h, resulted in consistent and drastic chromosomal aberrations including gaps, breaks and exchanges. The above effect, however, was reduced successfully by the addition of a reducing agent, Na2SO3. Among other chromium compounds examined, divalent and trivalent chromium salts were ineffective on chromosome morphology even at a concentration of 3.5 microng/ml as chromium, whereas a hexavalent compound, CrO3, was highly effective. K2Cr2O7 also enhanced the morphological transformation rate in a short-term colony assay, in whicy hamster embryonic cells (1x10(4) cells/60-mm dish) were treated and the morphology was observed 8 to 10 days after the treatment.


Binding of soluble immune complexes in serum of patients with Hodgkin's disease to tissue cultures derived from the tumor.

We examined 90 serums from patients with Hodgkin's disease for immune complexes and for reactivity with established monolayer tissue cultures prepared from the tumor. All 23 serums with immune complex levels greater than 20 microgram per milliliter were found to react with cultured cells of patients with Hodgkin's disease when tested with antiserums against immunoglobulin heavy and light chains and the C3 component of complement. Five of 11 serums with borderline elevations of immune complexes (10 to 20 microgram per milliliter) and only four of 56 with levels less than 10 microgram per milliliter reacted. Absorption of patients' serums with cultured cells removed immune complexes and eliminated binding to monolayers. Immune-complex-containing serums from 19 control patients did react with cultured cells of patients with Hodgkin's disease; none of serums reacted with normal cultured spleen. Antibodies within complement-containing immune complexes in serums of patients with Hodgkin's disease react with an antigen on the surface of cultured cells of such patients.


[The relation of intracranial air to C.S.F. rhinorrhoea in the traumatic pneumocephalus (intracerebral and ventricular) (author's transl)].

The relation of intracranial air to C.S.F. rhinorrhoea in our four cases, one intracerebral and the others intracerebral-ventricular pneumocephalus, were investigated on their clinical course, operative findings and RI-cisternographic findings. In the occurrence of the pneumocephalus, it seemed important for the damaged brain to herniate into the defect of the bone and dura matar. Clinically in the stage of an intracerebral pneumocephalus, the C.S.F. rhinorrhoea was not recognized as a rule. And next stage, the sudden effusions of C.S.F. appeared when the intracerebral pneumocephalus developed to the intracerebral-ventricular pneumocephalus.


[Isocount scanning in the diagnosis of the brain abscess (author's transl)].

The purpose of this study is to investigate salient diagnostic features of the brain abscess in RI brain scanning. In 27 patients  with brain abscess, 37 scannings were performed in the various stages of their clinical courses. The results were positive in all cases. Among 27 cases, ten cases were investigated by means of the ISOCOUNT SCANNING SYSTEM, the technical detail of which was reported previously. It was proved that the isocount scanning method combined with the multilevel analysis was more sensitive diagnostic aid than the conventional RI scintigraphy. Using the newly developed method, it was not difficult to diagnose the brain abscess in its early stage, even in the stage of presuppurative cerebritis. Doughnut sign was seemed to be more frequently visualized by this method. Surgical indication of the brain abscess was discussed from nucleomedical view point, and it was emphasized that so-called doughnut sign in brain scanning would indicate the appropriate stage of the brain abscess to be operated on.


["Compensated hydrocephalus" (author's transl)].

Out of 60 consective cases with hydrocephalus of pediatric age group, 8 cases were found to be so-called "compensated" hydrocephalus and their clinical features were reported. "Compensation" of hydrocephalus in our cases was probably induced by increased ventricular absorption of cerebrospinal fluid since moderate to severe ventricular dilatation was present in all cases. Such "compensation" of hydrocephalus is apparently made at the expense of normal development of the brain function. Therefore, such "compensation" of hydrocephalus is not the condition to be aimed for, but to be avoided for preservation of normal brain function. In order to prevent such "compensation" of hydrocephalus, shunt function should be followed carefully especially in those whose initial shunts were placed at older age, and in whom symptoms of increased intracranial pressure were not so apparent before the initial shunt-placement. Further treatment for hydrocephalus was considered to be necessary in our cases since unrolling of the anterior cerebral artery was invariably present. Unrolling of the anterior cerebral artery was found even in such cases whose cerebrospinal fluid pressure was normal, head circumference did not show any increase, and IQ test was normal. In one case, "compensated" hydrocephalus became later "decompensated" with apparent signs of increased intracranial pressure. Other supplementary tests for cerebrospinal fluid dynamic such as saline infusion test or RISA cisternography were also discussed.


[Aneurysmal bone cyst of the frontal bone (author's transl)].

A six year-old boy. He complained of a swelling of the left forehead since October of 1971, the region of his upper eyelid has then been gradually swollen. He was admitted to our institute on the 24th of February, 1973, without the past history of head trauma. We found that the swollen region had a diameter of about 4 centimeters covered from the left upper eyelid to the forehead with a slight tenderness on pressure. We had no neurological findings. According to the results of skull X rays, the superior margin of left orbit and zygomatic process of frontal bone were swollen and like honey combs. An irregular, long and narrow osteolytic legion was found, which was about 4 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. According to the results of the left selective external carotid angiography, after injection of 60% Urografin, for more than 2.5- 10 seconds, at the left frontal bone an abnormal shadow (patchy contrast filling) was noted, which was about 4 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide. After the direct injection of Urografid into the lesion, the cyst of one centimeter long and 3 centimeters wide was observed at the zygomatic process of the frontal bone. Operation was performed to excise the outer plate of the swollen bone and to curette the lesion after the ligature of the left external carotid artery. Histological examination showed many blood lakes and some multinuclear giant cells in the specimens and we diagnosed it was an aneurysmall bone cyst. This case is the first one of aneurysmall bone cyst confirmed by the selective external carotid angiography and the direct puncture of lesion.


[A case of enchondroma of the skull base--a manifestation of generalized chondromatosis (author's transl)].

Cartilaginous tumors arising from the skull or intracranial structures are infrequently seen. There have been 112 such cases reported. They are most commonly found in the middle fossa and the parasellar region. They arise from cartilaginous rests in the base of the skull, particularly around the basal synchondroses. Occasional cases of intracranial growths also show lesions in peripheral bones. The authors have encountered a case in which chondroma was a manifestation of generalized chondromatosis. The patient was a 25-year-old male, who complained of diplopia in May 1975. He noted ptosis in his left eyelid which gradually progressed over a 2 months period to complete ptosis. When he was admitted in July 1975 to Nagoya National Hospital, the neurologic signs revealed a palsy of the IIIrd cranial nerve on the left side. The patient has been suffering from generalized enchondromatosis during a period of 20 years. Roentgenograms revealed extensive areas of bone destruction and pathological calcification of the phalanx, ribs, hip bone, femur, tibia, ulna and radius. Roentgenograms of the skull revealed calcification on the left middle fossa. After a left carotid angiography, an osteoplastic craniotomy was performed on August 5, 1975. The tumor was located in the extradural space of the middle cranial fossa. After incision of the capsule, gelatinous semisolid tissue was removed piecemeal. Its total removal proved to be impossible. Histological examination of this tumor revealed enchondroma.


[Extracalvarial meningioma--report of a case (author's transl)].

A case of extracalvarial meningioma was reported. 75-year-old man was admitted to our department on November 11, 1974 because of a slowly growing tumor in the right frontoparietal area. The tumor was ovoid and 15x13 cm in size, protruding 5 cm above the skin level, and covered by the normal scalp. Neurological and electroencephalographic examination were negative. Spinal tap showed an opening pressure of 90 mm of water and clear CSF with 62 mg/dl of protein content. Plain roentgenogram and laminagram of the skull revealed both osteolytic and osteoblastic change in the outer and inner table of the skull just beneath the tumor. A right external carotid angiography disclosed a homogeneous extracalvarial tumor stain supplied by the superficial temporal artery and draining into the superficial temporal vein. A right carotid angiogram showed a 1 cm thick avacular area. The segmentally occluded superior sagittal sinus was displaced inward together with bridging collateral channels. Radiologically these picture corresponded to "intracranial non-globoid shape or avascular meningioma" discussed by Huckman et al. The tumor was well-circumscribed, encapsulated and loosely adherent to the periosteum and the skull except for a small portion through which the tumor was communicated with its intracranial part. Histological examination revealed that it was a typical endotheliomatous meningioma. This case should be allocated to the transitional or intermediate type between Lopez II and III type. In the schematical presentation (Fig. 6) we tried to readjust the rather confusing concept and classification of the extracalvarial meningioma.


The effect of oral glycerol on intraventricular pressure in man.

Oral glycerol was administered to eight patients with meningeal carcinomatosis or acute leukemia in whom ventricular catheters and Ommaya reservoirs had been implanted for the purpose of intrathecal chemotherapy or chemoprophylaxis. Intraventricular pressure was monitored continuously via the Ommaya reservoirs before and after single doses of 0.5, 1.0 or l.5 gm per kilogram of body weight. The interrelationship between initial pressure, change in pressure, serum osmolarity, and duration of action was investigated, and the ratio of CSF-to-plasma osmolarity was determined 4 to 5 hours after glycerol administration. The effects of chronic 6-hourly and 4-hourly 1 gm per kilogram glycerol doses were studied in a patient with meningeal carcinomatosis and increased intracranial pressure. Our data suggest that as a cerebral dehydrating agent oral glycerol is most effective in patients with markedly increased intracranial pressure. A single 1 gm per kilogram dose is adequate to lower raised intraventricular pressure acutely, but its effect is short-lived. Continuous oral administration must be carefully monitored to avoid the establishment or a reverse osmotic gradient, secondarily increased intracranial pressure, and clinical deterioration.


Subclinical eye movement disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Eye movements were quantitatively evaluated in 16 patients with well-documented multiple sclerosis who had minimal or no clinically apparent eye movement disorder. Induced saccade and pursuit eye movements were recorded with electro-oculography and analyzed with newly developed programs on a laboratory digital computer. Thirteen of the 16 patients had significant (p less than 0.05) impairment of saccades and/or smooth pursuit when compared with 25 normal subjects tested in our laboratory. The type and frequency of abnormalities were as follows: saccade dysmetria, eight; delayed saccade reaction time, five; bilateral saccade slowing, four; slowing of adducting saccades only (medial longitudinal fasciculus syndrome), one; and impaired smooth pursuit, both directions, three, and one direction only, three. In addition, four patients had vestibular nystagmus with eyes closed, and one patient had typical rebound nystagmus. These data suggest that quantitative assessment of eye movements in patients with suspected multiple sclerosis can help in identifying the important "second lesion."


Immunofluorescence study of brain plaques from two patients with multiple sclerosis.

Immunofluorescence studies were performed on selected plaques from two multiple sclerosis patients. Positive staining revealed the corresponding presence of immunoglobulin G and complement fraction C1q within the plaque areas. These components could be removed only after low pH washing. On the basis of these observations, we discuss the possibility of the presence of immunocomplexes within the multiple sclerosis brain.


Language and the cerebral hemispheres. Observations of verbal and nonverbal responses during 18 months following left ("dominant") hemisphrerectomy.

The only reported data of initial and later effects of left hemispherectomy for glioma were obtained in one patient who survived 2 years postoperatively. This report summarizes similar studies of another adult after removal of the left hemisphere and the subfalcial right frontal cortex invaded by a glioma, until death 18 months after surgery. Despite inclusion of a portion of the right frontal lobe in excision of the left hemisphere, initial language deficits were comparable, but until recurrence of the neoplasm, recovery of singing and language functions was more rapid and extensive than in the previously reported patient.