Results of an artificial feeding of eggs of Taenia saginata Goeze, 1782 to various beetle species.

We confirmed in experiments with four beetle species--Carabus granulatus L., Pterostichus vulgaris (L.), Aphodius fimetarius (L.) and A. luridus (L.)--that these can carry and disseminate eggs of Taenia saginata. The eggs pass the digestive tract of these beetle species. Difficulties in entering the digestive tube proper have been explained by the presence of filtrating and triturating organs in the mouth parts of the beetles.


[Muricide induced by thiamine deficiency in the rats (author's transl)].

The emotional behavioral aspects and the interaction between the changes of the polyamine contents and muricide response in thiamine deficient rats were investigated. In the thiamine deficient group, there was evidence of muricide and such increased progressively with advanced thiamine deficient feeding. This muricide was characteristic in the following respects; 1) the killer-rats did not eat but only kill a mouse and it was quite difficult to remove a sacrificed animal from the cage. 2) they bit at random into any body region of the mouse. 3) the killer-rats did not bite inanimate objects such as nails nor chalk. 4) the muricide induced by thiamine deficiency could not be suppressed by a single injection of thiamine HCl. On the 30th day of the experimental feeding, both spermidine and spermine levels in the brain of the thiamine deficient group decreased significantly as compared to the control and the pair-fed groups. Both spermidine and spermine levels were reversed to the control levels with a intraperitoneal administration of thiamine. There were no significant differences in spermine and spermidine levels between the killer-rats and non-killer-rats in the thiamine deficient group.


Extranuclear mutant of Schizophyllum commune.

A mutant of the hymenomycete Schizophyllum commune was isolated which, owing to an extranuclear mutation, did not utilize acetate as the sole carbon source for growth. The growth of the mutant on glucose minimal medium was completely inhibited by sodium azide but was resistant to the effect of 2,4-dinitrophenol or oligomycin. Its endogenous respiration was cyanide-sensitive and was stimulated by 2,4-dinitrophenol to a considerably smaller degree than that of the wild-type strain. The experimental results obtained with this mutant suggest a defect in aerobic phosphorylation.


Biosynthesis of fatty acids and sterols in relation to the antibiotic formation in Oudemansiella mucida.

The production of mucidin by the basidiomycete Oudemansiella mucida was negatively influenced by the application of D-glucitol as the main carbon source, the effect being independent of the growth rate of the mycelium. The rate of fatty acid synthesis was measured by incorporation of 1-14C-acetate. After 8 days of cultivation, the amount of fatty acids was approximately half that synthetized during cultivation on glucose. The specific rate of incorporation reached its maximum after seven days of cultivation. Incorporation of 2-14C-MEValonate into sterols was the same under the two sets of cultivation conditions. Acetate units from the degraded fatty acids are probably also utilized for antibiotic synthesis.


Cellular retinol- and retinoic acid-binding proteins in transformed mammalian cells.

Extracts prepared from several lines of transformed cells were examined for the presence of cellular binding proteins specific for retinoids. Extracts of human retinoblastoma cell line WERI-Rb1 contained a cellular binding protein specific for retinoic acid, whereas extracts of human retinoblastoma cell line Y-79 contained cellular binding proteins for both retinol and retinoic acid. Upon purification, the latter two binding proteins proved to have properties similar to those of the corresponding proteins obtained from bovine retina. Smaller amounts of these binding proteins were detected in extracts of undifferentiated and differentiated neuroblastoma and McCoy cells. HeLa and rat glioma cells had no detectable amount of binding proteins. The 11-cis-retinal-binding protein, present in extracts of human, rat, and bovine retina, was not found in any of the cell lines examined.


Quadruple vaccines containing pertussis and poliomyelitis vaccines.

Quadruple vaccines (DTP-P), prepared by mixing crude adsorbed Salk poliomyelitis vaccines, heat-killed pertussis vaccines and adsorbed purified diphtheria and tetanus toxoids were found to be toxic for mice. However, by using purified poliomyelitis and heat-killed formalinized pertussis components, vaccines were prepared that were non-toxic. The pertussis component of these vaccines retained potency over extended periods of storage. Stable, potent DTP-P vaccines offer an excellent alternative to DTP and live poliomyelitis vaccine in the basic immunization of infants and children.


[Transurethral laser treatment in bladder neoplasms].

Within one year 38 patients with bladder tumors--most malignant--were treated by argon-laserbeam (6 Watt and 15 Watt). We now survey altogether 45 endoscopic operations. To bring the laserbeam into the waterfilled bladder, we use a special light-conductor and a normal operation-cystoscope. Laser therapy takes place after conventional electro-resection (TUR) by coagulation of the tumor ground or independently by destroying small relapses of tumors. We have observed some advantages of argon-laser treatment compared to electro-surgery: 1. No convulsions of bladder muscle with the danger of perforation, sometimes produced by current impulses. 2. Painlessness. Laser treatment is possible without anesthesia. 3. More therapeutic range. 4. Cases of absence of recidivation. We hope that the new therapy will be able to reduce the recidivation of bladder tumors and to improve the poor results of operative treatment.


[Fine needle puncture of the prostate: results and complications].

The transrectal aspiration biopsy of the prostate is a very accurate method in the diagnostic of prostatic diseases. Results and complications of more than 1200 cases are reported and discussed.


[Destruction of bladder neoplasms by means of transurethral neodym-YAG-laser coagulation].

Tumors of the urinary bladder were destroyed successfully by the use of a Neodymium-YAG-laser for the first time at the Department of Urology of the University of Munich. A final estimation of the real value of this method cannot be made because the number of cases was too small and the period of follow-up too short. Nevertheless we hope to increase the spectrum of transurethral treatment of bladder tumors. The use of the Neodymium-YAG-laser irradiation seems to make sense especially in treatment of tumors reaching deep layers of the bladder wall.


[Embolization versus instillation of formalin. Ideas for the treatment of massive bladder hemorrhages].

In the treatment of bladder hemorrhage intravesical formalin and arterial embolization with their techniques and complications are described and supplemented by our own experiences. Critical reflexions are added about therapeutic use and limitation of both methods.


[Results of diagnostic exposure of the testes].

90 diagnostic exposures of the testis for confirming the clinical diagnosis of a malignant testicular tumor were examined. Wherease in 45 cases the diagnosis was confirmed, in the other 45 cases various diagnoses were established. Macroscopic examination only lead to a high incidence of false diagnoses (15%) followed by unnecessary orchiectomies. Thus, whenever possible a histological confirmation of the macroscopic findings should be made by frozen section before performing orchiectomy.


The articulations of the neurocranium in the postnatal skeleton of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus).

In the neurocranium of the domestic fowl the centres of ossification present at hatching and appearing susbequently have been investigated and illustrated. The controversy over centres around the orbit is reviewed and it is concluded that paired laterally placed pleurosphenoids are present by the time of hatching, while paired orbitosphenoids situated near the midline and dorsal to the optic foramen do not appear until between 70 and 91 days after hatching. No additional "presphenoid" centres were detected. The neurocranial articulations were studied: 27, many of them paired, were identified. The sequence and timing of synostosis were determined.


Structure and function of 5S ribosomal ribonucleic acid from Torulopsis utilis. IV. Detection of exposed guanine residues by chemical modification with kethoxal.

The reaction of Torulopsis (Candida) utilis 5S ribosomal RNA with kethoxal (beta-ethoxy-alpha-ketobutyraldehyde) was studied in an attempt to identify the exposed guanine residues. At most 7-8 out of 32 guanine residues in T.utilis 5S RNA were kethoxalated after reaction at 37 degrees C for 4 h in the presence of magnesium ions. Localization of the kethoxalated guanine residues in T.utilis 5S RNA was achieved by sequence analyses of RNase T1 digests of the kethoxalated 5S RNA. These analyses showed that residues G37, G57, G91, and some of the three guanine residues G80, G82, and G85, are the most accessible sites. Residues G30, G41, and G49 also reacted with kethoxal though less strongly. These results are for the most part compatible with our secondary structure model for T.utilis 5S 5S RNA (Nishikawa and Takemura (1974) J. Biochem. 76, 935-947). However, partial formation of some hydrogen bonds within the loop region of the model seems to be necessary to explain the inaccessibility of residue G101 to kethoxal. The results are also discussed in comparison with those of similar studies on E.coli 5S RNA.


Interaction of basic oligo-L-amino acids with deoxyribonucleic acids. Oligo-L-arginines of various chain lengths and herring sperm DNA.

The interaction of DNA and oligo-L-arginines having definite chain lengths of 1-17 residues was studied by precipitate formation and thermal denaturation of the complexes in order to obtain a better understanding of the roles of nuclear basic proteins. The results can be summarized as follows. 1. Those oligo-L-arginines, (Arg)n, in which n greater than or larger than 4 can bind with DNA irreversibly to form precipitates of the complexes. Among them, oligomers larger than (Arg)5 precipitate DNA completely in Arg/P input ratios below 1. The Arg/P ratios in the precipitates are between 0.6-0.8. 2. The thermal stability of the complexes depends on the method of complex formation, and complexes formed by the dialysis method are more stable than those formed by the mixing method. 3. The binding of (Arg)n to DNA was found to be reversible and in a equilibrium for n less than or equal to 6. In general, the longer the oligomer, the higher the stability of the complex at a definite Arg/P ratio. 4. For (Arg)7-10, three kinds of complexes with different stabilities are formed between DNA and oligopeptides. 5. For (Arg)14-17, only a restricted type of complexes can be formed between DNA and oligomers, as in the case with poly-L-arginine or protamines. 6. The interaction between basic nuclear proteins and DNA is discussed in the light of the basic region in protamine and histone molecules.


Isolation and characterization of proteoheparan sulfate from plasma membranes of an ascites hepatoma, AH 66.

A proteoglycan was isolated from plasma membranes prepared from AH 66 cells by the following procedure. The plasma membranes were isolated from cells according to the method devised by Funakoshi and Yamashina (1976) J. Biochem. 80, 1185-1193), then the membranes were made lipid-free. The lipid-free membranes were solubilized with 5 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), then the solution was fractionated on a Sepharose CL 6B column. The proteoglycan eluted near the void volume fraction was further purified by repeated precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The proteoglycan isolated was homogeneous on electrophoresis on a cellulose acetate strip and was identified as proteoheparan sulfate. The preparation contained 10.6% protein, its amino acid composition being characterized by high contents of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, glycine, threonine, and serine.


Processing of placental peptide hormones synthesized in lysates containing membranes derived from tunicamycin-treated ascites tumor cells.

To examine the relationship between pre-protein cleavage and nascent chain glycosylation placental mRNA was translated in a reconstituted ascites cell-free system containing microsomal membranes prepared from tunicamycin-treated or untreated ascites tumor cells. In the absence of membranes, first trimester RNA directed the synthesis of the pre-form of the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, whereas, in the presence of normal membranes, first trimester RNA directed the synthesis of a glycosylated form of the alpha subunit. Cell-free lysates containing membranes derived from tunicamycin-treated cells synthesized an alpha subunit protein with little, if any, carbohydrate. This protein was apparently sequestered into membranes since it was resistant to the action of trypsin which was added after translation. The pre-peptide of the alpha subunit protein was removed by treated membranes as determined by amino acid sequence analyses. The non-glycosylated protein pre-placental lactogen was also cleaved to its mature form by tunicamycin membranes. These data strongly suggest that, in vitro, glycosylation is not obligatory for pre-protein cleavage and sequestration of these placental protein hormones.


In vitro metabolism and biological activity of all-trans-retinoic acid and its metabolites in hamster trachea.

The in vitro metabolism of all-trans-[11,12-3h]retinoic acid to several more polar compounds has been demonstrated in a hamster tracheal organ culture system. The production of these metabolites is dependent on the presence of tissue. The physiological significance of these compounds is shown by the cochromatography of several of the in vitro formed metabolites synthesized from [carboxy-14C]retinoic acid with metabolites isolated from the intestine and urine of hamsters previously injected with 0.1 to 1.5 microgram of [3H]retinoic acid. One of the metabolites shows about one-tenth the biological activity of all-trans-retinoic acid when tested in a hamster tracheal organ culture assay. This biologically active metabolite is converted by the hamster trachea in vitro to a biologically inactive metabolite.


The stability of cell surface protein to surfactants and denaturants.

The effects of several denaturants and detergents on the structure and stability of cell surface protein have been evaluated by circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements. Cell surface protein undergoes a single broad transition in both urea and guanidinium chloride. Although guanidinium chloride is twice as effective as urea on a molar basis, both appear to eliminate all of the organized structure present in the native molecule. Nonionic surfactants and lysolecithin have little effect on cell surface protein. However, sodium dodecyl sulfate increases the alpha helical content and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide increases the beta structure of cell surface protein. The reorganization of the polypeptide backbone requires the loss of certain restraints imposed by tertiary interactions as evidenced by a decrease in ellipticity in the far ultraviolet and in the polarization of tryptophanyl fluorescence. These results along with the data of a previous paper (Alexander, S. S., Jr., Colonna, G., Yamada, K. M., Pastan, I., and Edelhoch, H. (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 5820--5824) suggest the presence of structural domains distributed along the flexible polypeptide chain of cell surface protein.


A new method for excitation-contraction uncoupling in frog skeletal muscle.

The mechanical activity of frog sartorius muscle fibers can be uncoupled from the electrical activity of their surface membranes by immersing the preparation in Ringer solution containing either 1.5 or 2.0 M of formamide for 15--20 min. This uncoupling is not reversed when the muscle is transferred to normal frog Ringer solution. Formamide does not affect the electrical activity of the sciatic nerve branch, and both endplate potentials and miniature endplate potentials may be recorded from the uncoupled muscles. Prolonged exposure to formamide, beyond the time needed to paralyze, causes neuromuscular block.


Evidence for actin filament-microtubule interaction mediated by microtubule-associated proteins.

We have used low shear viscometry and electron microscopy to study the interaction between pure actin filaments and microtubules. Mixtures of microtubules having microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) with actin filament have very high viscosities compared with the viscosities of the separate components. MAPs themselves also cause a large increase in the viscosity of actin filaments. In contrast, mixtures of actin filaments with tubulin polymers lacking MAPs have low viscosities, close to the sum of the viscosities of the separate components. Our interpretation of these observations is that there is an interaction between actin filaments and microtubules which requires MAPs. This interaction is inhibited by ATP and some related compounds. Electron micrographs of thin sections through mixtures of actin and microtubules show numerous close associations between the two polymers which may be responsible for their high viscosity.


Synaptic proteins. Characterization of tubulin and actin and identification of a distinct postsynaptic density polypeptide.

The major proteins in isolated synaptic junctions (SJs) and postsynaptic densities (PSDs) have been compared to actin, tubulin, and the major neurofilament (NF) protein by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and tryptic peptide map analysis. These studies show: (a) tubulin is present in SJ and PSD fractions and is identical to cytoplasmic tubulin, (b) actin in these fractions is very similar to the gamma- and beta-actin found predominantly in nonmuscle cells, and (c) the major PSD protein is distinct from all other known fibrous proteins.


Mutual cohesion and cell sorting-out among four species of cellular slime moulds.

Interspecific cell cohesion among 4 species of cellular slime moulds, Dictyostelium discoideum, D. mucoroides, D. purpureum and Polysphondylium violaceum has been studied. Binary mixtures of aggregation-stage cells of the 4 species were shaken in suspension, one species of each pair being labelled with [3H]thymidine. Cell aggregates were sampled at intervals over 24 h and their composition examined by autoradiography. The following results were obtained: (i) Cells of each species were capable of cohesion with those of the other 3 species. (ii) In general cells of both species in any mixture were present in aggregates after 1 h, but were not localized according to species. (iii) Within 8-h aggregates cells of different species were regionally localized, i.e. sorting-out appeared to have taken place. (iv) 24-h aggregates were more varied: in mixtures of Dictyostelium species, the different species were localized within the aggregates; in mixtures of Dictyostelium species with Polsphondylium, there was a tendency for cells of the different species to become segregated into completely separate aggregates. The significance of these results in relation to both previous descriptive work and recent biochemical studies on the mechanism of slime mould cell cohesion is discussed.


Stable derivatives for the gas chromatographic determination of synthetic anabolic stilbene residues (diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol and hexestrol) in meat and organs of treated cattle in the sub-parts per billion (10(9)) level.

A method for the determination of diethylstilbestrol and the related compounds dienestrol and hexestrol residues in meat and organs of treated cattle is described. After extraction and clean-up, these synthetic estrogens are subjected to reaction with pentafluorobenzoyl chloride, which gives very stable perfluoro esters that are suitable for gas chromatographic determination using an electron-capture detector. With the careful clean-up and the very sensitive response of these derivatives, it is possible to reach a limit of detection in the sub-parts per billion (10(9)) range starting with only 5 g of sample.


[Preparative isolation of deoxyriboadenylic acids from hydrolysates of oxidized herring sperm DNA (author's transl)].

The preparative-scale chemical degradation of DNA from herring sperm to mixtures of purine oligonucleotides or deoxyriboadenylic acids is described. The deoxyriboadenylic acid mixture was separated into six fractions according to increasing ionic charge by column chromatography on QAE-Sephadex A-25. Of the first fraction, 75% was deoxyriboadenosine monophosphate; of the second, 99% consisted of a mixture of p(dA)2 and (dA)2p, while of the third 93% was pdAp. The remaining fractions contained more or less complex mixtures of longer-chain oligonucleotides which could be further separated by subsequent re-chromatography on QAE-Sephadex at pH 9.6. By application of paper chromatography to the fractions obtained from column chromatography, the pure nucleotide phosphates pdAp, p(dA)2p, p(dA)3p, p(dA)4p and the mixtures of sequence isomers p(dA)2, (dA)2p; p(dA)3, (dA)3p; and p(dA)6, (dA)6p could be isolated preparatively. The nucleotide phosphates were converted to (dA)2, (dA)3 or (dA)4 and the mixtures of sequence isomers to (dA)2, (dA)3 or (dA)6 by treatment with alkaline phosphatase. By this means dephosphorylated, paper chromatographically pure oligodeoxyriboadenylic acid may be obtained in a preparative scale from the hydrolysates. The structures of the nucleotides thus isolated were deduced from the absorbtion characteristics, the RF values and the results of enzymatic degradation.


Cellular uptake and metabolism of daunorubicin as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Application to L1210 cells.

The metabolism of daunorubicin (DNR) to daunorubicinol and daunomycinone in murine leukaemia cells has been examined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. A rapid and efficient extraction method has been developed that permits the recovery of the drug and its metabolites from cell homogenates. By means of high-performance liquid chromatography daunorubicinol and daunomycinone have been separated from DNR and the intracellular concentration of the compounds determined. The method developed is very rapid and sensitive, and amounts as small as 30 pg of DNR can be detected. The results indicate that the aldo-keto reductase is not very active in L1210 cells in culture, the main intracellular product found being DNR.


The moving two-point discrimination test: clinical evaluation of the quickly adapting fiber/receptor system.

As the Weber test evaluates the slowly adapting fiber-receptor system (constant touch), the "moving two-point discrimination test" evaluates the innervation density of the quickly adapting fiber-receptor system which mediates the perception of touch stimuli moving across the hand. Results with this test in 39 hands used as controls and in 63 patients with nerve injuries show it to be a simple, quick, and valid diagnostic tool in nerve compression syndromes and nerve lacerations and an accurate prognosticator and monitor during sensory reeducation following nerve repair.


Mitogen stimulation of splenocytes from mice infected with scrapie agent.

Spleen weights and mitogen responsiveness of splenocyte cultures from scrapie agent-infected and control-inoculated mice were compared over two-month periods following inoculation. Splenocytes from Swiss, C57B1, and BALB/c mice were stimulated with the T (thymus-derived) cell mitogens phytohemagglutinin or concanavalin A, the B (bone marrow-derived) cell mitogen bacterial lipopolysaccharide, or pokeweed mitogen, a stimulator of both T and B cells. Although significant splenomegaly was associated with scrapie infection, we failed to observe any significant differences in the activation of experimental and control cells. Studies with BALB/c mice suggested the possibility, however, that with both phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide, specific decreases in lymphocyte activation might occur with more optimal culture conditions. The data are consistent with the idea that the scrapie agent stimulates only subtle immunological changes within the host as it destroys the cells of the central nervous system.


The role of corticosterone in the ovulatory cycle of the hen.

This study was undertaken in laying hens to investigate the possibility that a diurnal increase in the concentration of plasma corticosterone is directly responsible for timing the preovulatory surge of LH which results in the first egg of a sequence. Provided that the ovary contained a mature follicle, i.m. injection of 0.5 or 2.0 but not 0.1 mg corticosterone/kg stimulated a preovulatory release of LH. The dose of 0.5 mg/kg was less effective than that of 2 mg/kg and induced release of LH in only four out of eight hens. However, it resulted in concentrations of plasma corticosterone which were outside the physiological range. Variations in the concentrations of plasma corticosterone were measured in ten hens on two successive nights for 8.5 h starting at the onset of darkness. The birds were maintained on a lighting regimen of 14 h light/day. The hens were selected so that on the first night there was no preovulatory release of LH of a sequence starting soon after the onset od darkness. No diurnal increase in the concentration of plasma corticosterone was observed during the first 6 h of darkness on either night nor was any increase seen before the preovulatory release of LH. These observations suggest that corticosterone is not directly involved in the timing of the first preovulatory surge of LH of a sequence.


X-chromosome activity in preimplantation mouse embryos from XX and XO mothers.

Embryos from XO female mice begin development with half the activity levels of an enzyme (HPRT) coded for by a gene on the X chromosome, compared with embryos from XX females. Groups of unfertilized eggs and individual embryos at the 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages were assayed for HPRT activity. An autosomally coded enzyme (APRT) was assayed simultaneously in the same reaction mix as a control. There is a substantial increase in HPRT activity by the 8-cell stage. However, the mean activity of HPRT in embryos of XO mothers remains half that in embryos of XX mothers. This suggests a significant maternally inherited component of HPRT activity in 8-cell embryos. By the 9- to 16-cell morula stage the HPRT activities in the two groups of embryos become similar due, presumably, to a transition to embryo-coded activity; HPRT activities in individual morulae from XX mothers show a bimodal distribution consistent with the hypothesis that both X-chromosomes are active in XX embryos at this stage.


Macrophage stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharides. I. Cytolytic effect on tumor target cells.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulate mouse peritoneal macrophages to kill tumor cells in vitro. Lysis is confined to tumor cells where it is nonspecific; both allogeneic and syngeneic cells being susceptible. Stimulation by LPS appears to be due to direct interaction between LPS and macrophages and does not involve participation by lymphocytes. After exposure to LPS, a latent period must elapse before macrophages can lyse tumor cells. The cytolytic mechanism requires contact between target cells and viable effector cells which maintain their lytic capacity for a sustained period and can kill on repeated occasions. The generation of a macrophage cytolytic effect by LPS is critically dependent upon the absolute number of macrophages which must be sufficient to produce confluent monolayers. These findings indicate that LPS stimulation of macrophages in vitro represents a valuable model system for the study of the mechanisms of macrophage stimulation and of the mediation of tumor cell death.


Immunological studies of mouse decidual cells. I. Membrane markers of decidual cells in the days after implantation.

Mouse decidual cell suspensions from day 6 to day 8 of gestation were prepared by enzymatic treatment with collagenase and trypsin and tested for various membrane markers. (a) Besides H-2 antigens, Thy-1 antigens are present on about 50% of the cells; this may reflect the fibroblastic origin of decidual cells or be a marker expressed on some decidual cells possibly under hormonal control. (b) T or B lymphocytes, as defined by four Lyt antigens or surface immunoglobulins, are not present in significant amounts. (c) A substantial number of cells bearing receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (FcR) is detectable in the decidua, probably closely connected with trophoblast cells; these FcR-bearing cells may act in preventing excessive invasion of uterine tissue by trophoblast or could contribute to the protection of the embryo by interacting with maternal blocking antibodies and trophoblast. No receptors for for complement were detected, even after 16-20 h in culture after trypsin treatment.


Fibrinolysis induced by rat glioma cells. A mitosis-triggered process?

Experimentally induced brain glioma cell lines were studied in cell cultures for their fibrinolytic activity; simultaneously the mitotic index was determined. It was found that the most intense fibrinolytic activity of glioma cells coincides with mitotic waves. After 68 hr incubation of SD/G1 cells on a [125I]fibrin layer, [125I]fibrin digestion products were examined by gel chromatography. Hydroxy-urea and actinomycin D were used as inhibitors in cell cultures, investigating their effect on the expression of fibrinolysis. These studies reveal that [125I]fibrin digestion products are mainly low molecular weight (less than 12,000 daltons) compounds and that fibrinolysis is partially inhibited by the drugs added.


Essentiality of biotin for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fed lipid and lipid-free diets.

A 3 X 2 factorial feeding study was conducted with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) to evaluate effects of biotin, no biotin, or a biotin antagonist (avidin) in lipid and lipid-free diets. At 10 weeks, fish fed diets containing lipid were significantly larger than fish fed lipid-free diets. At 20 weeks, fish fed diets containing avidin had grown significantly less than those fed the other diets. At 22 weeks, fish fed the lipid diet supplemented with biotin had grown significantly more than those fed the lipid diet without biotin. Fish fed the lipid diet with avidin were found to be anemic and exhibited a marked depigmentation of the skin. Fish fed biotin in lipid and lipid-free diets had higher liver pyruvate carboxylase activity than fish fed diets without supplemental biotin. These results indicate that channel catfish require an exogenous source of biotin for maximum rates of growth and lipid utilization.


Plasma whole blood and urine zinc in the assessment of zinc deficiency in the rat.

Serial measurements of plasma, whole blood, and urine zinc have been made in young adult rats fed zinc deficient and zinc supplemented diets for a total period of 65 days. After commencing a zinc deficient diet plasma zinc fell within 48 hours to 25% of control values and remained at this level throughout the period of study. A substantial diurnal variation was observed in plasma zinc, and the level was significantly lower in the fasting state. Whole blood zinc was unaffected by fasting, showed no diurnal variation, and remained at control values even after 65 days of zinc deficient diet. Urine zinc fell to very low values, 10 days after commencing a zinc deficient diet, but after 30 days rose to control values. Under controlled conditions plasma zinc can be used as an indication of zinc deficiency. Whole blood zinc is of no value in the detection of zinc deficiency. Urine zinc concentration varies with time following a zinc deficient diet.


Antigenicity of infant formulas: role of immature intestine on protein permeability.

Preliminary studies of 25 infants fed casein hydrolysate, soy-based or milk-based formulas were undertaken to determine the importance of age with respect to the relative antigenicity of formula proteins. Infants fed casein hydrolysate for the first three months had lower antibody titers (hemagglutinins) to subsequent milk-based or soy-based proteins than those given these formulas since birth. The clinical implications with regard to atopy and gastrointestinal protein intolerance are discussed. Soy protein is at least as antigenic as milk protein and should be used with caution in prophylaxis against possible dietary antigen/antibody-related disease.


Inactivation kinetics and steady-state current noise in the anomalous rectifier of tunicate egg cell membranes.

1. Inward K current through the anomalous rectifier in the tunicate egg (Halocynthis roretzi, Drashe) was studied under voltage clamp. The transient inward current in response to a step change of membrane potential was measured. The steady-state current fluctuations were analysed using the power density spectrum (p.d.s.). 2. The inward current showed time-dependent changes, which were described by a pair of the first order kinetic parameters, n and s for activation and inactivation, respectively. The steady-state channel open probability due to the activation process (n infinity) was assumed to be 1.0 for V more negative than about--100 mV, but that of the inactivation process (s infinity) and the time constant of inactivation (taus) were membrane potential dependent in the same potential range; both decreased with increasing hyperpolarization. 3. The inward currents in Na-free choline medium did not inactivate, but were decreased in size. In Na-free Li medium, inactivation was very small; the steady-state conductance was not affected significantly. 4. After exposure to high Ca media, an increase of the conductance was observed. This effect is probably caused by an increase of intracellular Ca due to Ca ions entering through the Na channels. Mg ions slightly decreased the conductance. 5. In the hyperpolarized membrane (-160 less than or equal to V less than or equal to -80mV), steady-state current noise was recorded and analysed using p.d.s. A p.d.s. of the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] type as well a p.d.s. of the 1/f type was observed; f, frequency, fc, cut-off frequency. 6. fc was translated into time constant tauN (= 1/2pIfC) and compared with the time constant of inactivation, taus. There was a significant correlation betwen these values with a regression coefficient of 0.82. 7. Changing from 400 mM-Li abloshied inactivation and  changed the p.d.s. from the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] into the 1/f type. These results (paragraphs 5--7)suggest that the fluctuations in the steady-state currents originatte in the inactivation gatin kinetics of the an ofthe anomalous rectifier. 8. The number of anomalous rectifier channels and the unit channel conductance were estimated from the 1/[1 + (f/fc)2] type current noise according to the formula : (see text), where I infinity = gamma Nninfinity s infinity (V--VK), gamma the unit channel conductance, N the maximum number of channels that can be opened by a hyperpolarizing pulse per egg. The unit conductance was 6 pmho in standard artificial sea water and the channel density was 0.028/micrometer2. 9. The unit channel conductance (gamma) was dependent upon external K concentration, but the number ofchannels (N) was not. 10. The increase in chord conductance evoked by higher Ca concentrations was due to the increase of the channel number. By contrast, Mg ions seem to decrease the unit channel conductance slightly.


Obstetric hospitals and general-practitioner maternity units--the statistical record.

The share of general-practitioner units in the provision of maternity services, though minor, has increased since 1956, but their facilities have consistently been used less intensively than those of consultant obstetric hospitals. Their fetal and neonatal mortality rates, however, have consistently been much lower than in obstetric hospitals, a disparity which the higher proportion of births in hospital, recorded as being at above average risk, is not nearly enough to explain. These facts should be important considerations in any review of maternity services occasioned by changes in the birthrate.


Properties of the thymidine transport system of Chinese hamster ovary cells as probed by nitrobenzylthioinosine.

The transport of thymidine into Chinese hamster ovary cells grown in suspension culture was measured under conditions in which thymidine was not metabolized, namely, when cells had been depleted of ATP. The system transporting thymidine was saturable (Kztm = 70 micron), rapid 50% of transmembrane equilibrium level attained within 8 sec), and was apparently shared by other nucleosides, but not thymine or hypoxanthine. 6([4-nitrobenzyl]thio)-9-beta-D-ribofuranosylpurine, "nitrobenzylthioinosine", inhibited thymidine transport in a simple, noncompetitive fashion with an apparent Ki = 1.0 nM (based on total concentration of inhibitor, which significnatly overestimates that of free inhibitor). The rate of expression of inhibition was slow (t 1/2 = 17 sec) relative to the rate of association of thymidine with its transporter, and thymidine partially protected the transport system against inhibition by nitrobenzylthioinosine. The dissociation constant for the inhibitor-transporter complex was estimated at about 0.1 nM, and the number of binding sites per cell at about 6 x 10(4). HeLa, P388 murine leukemia, and mouse L cells were as sensitive to nitrobenzylthioinosine inhibition of thymidine transport as Chinese hamster ovary cells; Novikoff rat hepatoma cells were much less sensitive.


Biochemical studies on bovine adenovirus type 3. III. Cleavage maps of viral DNA by restriction endoncleases EcoRI, BamHI, and HindIII.

Cleavage of bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAV3) DNA by restriction endonucleases EcoRI, BamHI, and HindIII yielded 7 (A to G), 5 (A to E), and 12 (A to L) fragments, respectively. The order of these fragments has been determined to be GDACBFE for EcoRI fragments, AEBDC for BamHI fragments, and JEBKACDHFGIL for HindIII fragments, and cleavage sites of these enzymes have been mapped on the genome of BAV3. BAV3 preparation contains incomplete virus whose genome has a deletion of about 13% of complete virus genome. Restriction endonuclease digestion of the incomplete virus DNA revealed that EcoRI E and F, BamHI C and HindIII G, I, and L fragments were deleted. Therefore, the deleted region of incomplete virus DNA is located near the right-hand end of the BAV3 DNA molecule, a result consistent with our previous electron-microscopic observations on heteroduplex molecules formed between complete and incomplete BAV3 DNA.


Viral DNA sequences and gene products in hamster cells transformed by adenovirus type 2.

Complementary strand-specific adenovirus DNA of full length or from endonuclease BamHI fragments was used as a probe to estimate the fractional representation and abundance of viral sequences in five hamster cell lines (Ad2HE1-5) transformed with UV-inactivated adenovirus type 2. The fraction of the viral genome present in the five transformed cell lines varied from 44% in the Ad2HE5 cell line to 84% in the Ad2HE3 cell line. The number of viral DNA copies per diploid cell equivalent ranged from 1.8 in the Ad2HE1 line to 7.1 in the Ad2HE4 line. In vivo labeling with [35S]methionine followed by immunoprecipitation with an antiserum against adenovirus type 2 early proteins revealed virus-specific polypeptides with molecular weights of 42,000 to 58,000 in extracts from all five hamster cell lines. Several other early viral polypeptides were detected in some of the adenovirus type 2-transformed hamster cell lines.


Urethral pressure profile in female stress incontinence.

The accuracy of the urethral pressure profile as a measure of sphincteric competence was examined in female subjects. Most profile measurements selected proved to be significantly different in patients with stress incontinence from those in controls. However, the measurement that seemed to have the highest potential for diagnostic accuracy was the maximum closure pressure in the continence zone, recorded with the bladder full and the patient standing. The concept of the continence zone and incorporating the effect of standing were believed to be the main reasons for this high accuracy. The second best measurement was the maximum closure pressure with the bladder full and the patient surpine. To lessen the chances of a diagnostic error it was recommended that both of these measurements should be obtained. The physiological implications of these findings and the clinical role of the urethral pressure profile examination in the assessment of female patients with urinary incontinence are discussed.


Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the urethra in a woman: report of a case.

A case of urethral carcinoma in a 42-year-old woman is reported. The histologic examination of the urethral tumor disclosed mesonephric adenocarcinoma, which is rare in female subjects. The pathology is discussed and the literature is reviewed briefly.


Studies on the physical dependence potential of analgesics.

Influence of morphine on the fine structure of mitochondria in the cell of zona fasciculata of adrenal cortex in mice treated chronically with morphine pellets was studied using the electron microscope. The trnasformation of mitochondrial structure was observed 12 hours after morphine pellet implantation and the degree of transformation reached a maximum at 48 hours. These changes, however, disappeared within 4 days. On the 4th day after implantation, removal of the pellet or levallorphan challenge resulted in alteration of the mitochondria with evidence of withdrawal syndrome. Reinjection of morphine to the mice immediately after removal of the pellet, however, prevented the appearance of such mitochondrial transformation. Chlorpromazine or sodium pentobarbital did not affect on the transformation of mitochondria.


[Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic aortic subvalvular stenosis and an evaluation of the treatment methods].

Fifty-eight patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis were examined in dynamics. In 25 of them routine general clinical methods of diagnosis were supplemented by echocardiography. In 34 patients the diagnosis was verified in examination by means of intracardiac methods. The authors demonstrated that idiopathic hypertrophic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis may be diagnosed by means of routine clinical methods of examination. Besides identifying the type of the valvular disease, echocardiography gives an idea of the function of the mitral valve. The first results of the management of patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis are shown. The possibility of conservative treatment with agents blocking beta-adrenergic receptors is noted.


[Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (authors transl)].

The case of a 16-year-old boy with progressive external ophthalmoplegia ("Ophthalmoplegia plus") is reported. Clinical symptoms consisted of complete external ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, short stature, atrophy and weakness of skeletal muscles, and elevated csf protein. Abnormal mitochondria were found by electron microscopy in scattered atrophic fibres of the muscle biopsy. The syndrome and it's relevance for paediatric differential diagnosis is discussed.


[Diagnostic means to exclude deficient secretion of growth hormone in paediatric practice (author's transl)].

Growth hormone serum levels were measured radioimmunologically in 365 children with stunted growth before and after 10 minutes of stair-climbing, and in 134 children before and after 10 minutes of physical stress produced by means of a bicycle ergometer. Only 20% of the children had a growth hormone level of more than 5 ng/ml before initiation of the study. After climbing the stairs, the hormone level rose in 160 children to more than 5 ng/ml (max. 41.1 ng/ml). Growth hormone deficiency could thus be definitively eliminated as the cause of retarded growth in only 46% of the patients. In 16 (of 22) children of normal size, in 34 (of 49) chilkren with arrested growth who had a corresponding familial background, and in 33 (of 57) children with constitutionally conditioned retarded development, the growth hormone content after exercise on an rose to more than 5 ng/ml. Hence, a total of 65% of the children showed a satisfactory increase of the growth hormone. It follows from this that the ergometer exercise test is more suitable that the stair-climbing test to exclude hormone deficiency as the cause of stunted growth, and can, therefore, be recommended for use in paediatric practice as a supplementary examination method besides clinical findings, case history and determination of the growth rate.


[Prostaglandin E1 therapy in infants with cyanotic congenital heart malformations: hemodynamic and angiographic findings (author's transl)].

During emergency cardiac catheterization, the mechanism of action of prostaglandin E1 (PG-E1) was studied in 7 newborn infants with cyanotic congenital heart malformations and decreased pulmonary blood flow. The main effects upon hemodynamics were an increase of pulmonary blood flow and a decrease of systemic blood flow. At the same time systemic blood pressure decreased slightly and a rise in systemic vascular resistance was calculated. An aortogram before and 15--20 minutes after the infusion of Pg-E1 was started, demonstrated a marked increase of the pulmonary blood flow and a dilation of the ductus arteriosus. Together with these hemodynamic effects the arterial and central venous oxygen saturation rose. In one infant with severe Tetralogy of Fallot, the ductus had already closed and could not be reopened by PgE1. In this infant PG-E1-Infusion had no effect upon arterial oxygen saturation. From these observations it can be concluded that dilation of the ductus is responsible for the rise in arterial oxygen saturation. 3the different indications for therapy with PG-E1 in the neonate are discussed.


[The influence of exogenous and endogenous factors to physiological jaundice during neonatal period (author's transl)].

805 narrative summaries from pregnancy, delivery and neonatal period were examined to find out factors which might influence physiological jaundice in the newborn period. The normal range of bilirubin is: 70% of all newborn babies have maximum bilirubin levels below 10 mg/100 ml, while 2.6 exceed 16 mg/100 ml as maximum. Under special conditions i. e. prematurity, small for date babies, male sex, very young and very old mother bilirubin is higher that normal. EPH-gestosis, high birth weight, stress during delivery, very small and very big placenta are followed by diminished bilirubin levels. These findings are discussed in detail.


[Neuropsychological and psychiatric aspects of language development disorder of a nine year old patient.(author's transl)].

Problems of terminology, differential diagnosis, etiology and therapy of language development disorders are demonstrated by a casuistic example. Besides the importance of clinical date special attention was laid on neuropsychological diagnostic procedures and their therapeutic implications. Therapeutic interventions concerning language deficits should be developed individually and in accordance to the diagnostic findings. An early and reliable objectivation of etiology as well as of the degree of the language development disorder is necessary in order to avoid detours of the children through different intitutions.


[About "a new syndrome" associated with a familial translocation 13/14 (author's transl)].

The report describes the case of a 7,9-year-old boy who seems to have clinically the same syndrome described by Ruvalcaba et al. in 1971 and uncertified till now. The propositus in characterized by severe mental retardation, peculiar facies, osseous dysplasia (including clinodactilism), urogenital and skin abnormalities, congenital heart disease (missing to the mentioned author's cases). In contrast with the normal karyotype of Ruvalcaba et al. cases, the boy shows a familial 13/14 Robertsonian translocation, karyotype 45,XY,-13,-14, t (13q14q). The boy's father, not entirely clinically investigated, shows apparently only clinodactilism, but cytogenetically the same chromosomal aberration. The mother is clinically and cytogenetically normal. The boy's grandmother (father's side) has had clinically clinodactilism and heart disease; her karyotype is unknown. The syndrome of the propositus presented in our study is identical clinically, but differs cytogenetically to the one described in "a new familial syndrome with osseous dysplasia and mental deficiency" by R. H. A. Ruvalcaba et al. It is not out of the question that the father's and boy's translocation should be balanced, irrespective of the morphological abnormalities and fortuitous associated with them the more so as to the same karyotype, the boy's and father's phenotype have few common features.


[Congenital atresia of the extrahepatic bile-ducts in two siblings (author's transl)].

Congenital atresia of the extrahepatic bile-ducts in two siblings (boy and girl) with parental consanguinity is reported. Diagnosis is based on liver biopsy. In one case (boy) laparotomy was performed. An attempt at reconstructive surgery of the biliary tract was unsuccessful and the boy died at the age of 13 months. Only a small number of cases with familiar congenital extrahepatic biliary atresia have been published to date.


[Agenesis and dysgenesis of the os sacrum and the os coccygis: a contribution (author's transl)].

Agenesis and/or dysgenesis of the os sacrum and os coccygis is reported in seven children (4 boys and 3 girls between the ages of 2 and 15). Two of the children had diabetic mothers. The cause may be hereditary or even exogenous (vitamin A deficiency, O (2) deficiency, maternal toxoplasmosis, maternal diabetes). Our cases were compared with 160 cases presented in the literature. The symptomatic therapy, which must be determined on the basis of neurologic, muscular, and urologic findings, is discussed.


Maternal age related pre- and post-implantation fetal mortality: a strain survey.

Pre and post-implantation mortality were examined as a function of maternal aging in six inbred mouse strains. These strains were chosen to evaluate the effects of altered immunity (A/J and NZB/J) and premature reproductive aging (CBA). The decline in litter size observed with maternal aging does not appear to be the result of a decrease in the number of ova produced. The frequency of both pre- and post-implantation mortality increases with maternal age in all strains examined. Although the highest levels of pre- and post-implantation mortality were found in the NZB/J strain, which features altered immune responses, results from the A/J females, which also display immune dysfunction were at the other end of the spectrum. Thus, no consistant relationship was seen between altered immune function and fetal mortality. The CBA strain which is characterized by premature reproductive decline and marked maternal age-related fetal aneuploidy also demonstrated high levels of pre- and post-implantation mortality, even in the young maternal age range.


[Fractionation of human erythrocytes according to their sedimentation behaviour caused by gravity. II. Application for the differential diagnosis of erythroblastosis caused by incompatibility in the abo blood group system (author's transl)].

In contrast to Rh-erythroblastosis the diagnosis of A/B0-erythroblastosis by means of serological methods is often impossible. Further biochemical investigations, the demonstration of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates in polyvinylpyrrolidone and of typical microsphaerocytes in blood smears can support the diagnosis. Using a modified method by Danon et al. the authors demonstrate an additional population of heavy erythrocytes in the blood of patients suffering from A/B0-erythroblastosis, the relative amount of which correlates with the severity of the disease. The fast method seems to permit prognostic predictions in cord blood.


[Free fatty acids of wood mushrooms].

The total lipid content and percentages of free fatty acids in the lipids of nine wood mushrooms were determined. The total lipid content varied from 9% to 16% of the dry matter. Between 15.9 and 46.5% of the total lipids consisted of free fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of the free fatty acids of six mushrooms was analyzed quantitatively. The main component of the free acids was linoleic acid, which accounted for 30.3...60.7% of the free acids.


A study of the sites of interaction between dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine for the production of fluphenazine-induced catalepsy.

The effect of reducing 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration within various areas of the central dopamine (DA) system on catalepsy has been investigated. The neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine was used to selectively deplete 5-HT in the striatum, nucleus accumbens septi, tuberculum olfactorium or substantia nigra. Localised depletion of 5-HT within the nucleus accumbens septi and substantia nigra reduced the cataleptic effects of the neuroleptic agent fluphenazine, while lesions of the striatum or tuberculum olfactorium were without effect. Each injection of neurotoxin resulted in a 38--47% depletion of 5-HT in the target site: DA levels were not significantly altered. The results suggest that varied dopamine/5-hydroxytryptamine interactions within the nucleus accumbens may contribute to the action of the neuroleptic. The reduction of fluphenazine-induced catalepsy produced by 5-HT depletion within the substantia nigra supports the concept of a controlling influence of 5-HT on nigro-striatal DA function.


Induction of lysosomal storage by suramin.

Isolated livers of rats injected with saline or with suramin (250 mg per kg body weight) 24h previously were perfused with a medium containing radioactively labeled formaldehyde-treated albumin. Suramin-loaded livers released breakdown products at a much lower rate than controls and contained about the double amount of undigested radioactive protein up to about 3 h after the start of the perfusion. These results show that inhibition of proteolysis by suramin as reported previously (Davies et al., 1971; Buys et al., 1973) is not caused by binding of the drug to the substrate in the bloodstream. Electron micrographs of liver sections of suramin-treated rats showed that lysosomes of sinusoidal cells resembled those seen in certain lysosomal storage diseases. The effect of suramin on lysosomal enzymes was studied in vitro. When used at a concentration corresponding to the putative concentration in lysosomes in vivo, the drug inhibited the lysosomal endopeptidases cathepsin Bl and D as well as acid phosphatase. Inhibition of acid phosphatase by suramin in vivo could also be demonstrated by histochemical methods. These results suggest that the observed storage phenomena may be mainly caused by inhibition of lysosomal enzymes.


Malignant haemangioblastoma (haemangiosarcoma) of the meninges.

The present paper is a report of two cases of malignant haemangioblastoma (haemangiosarcoma) of the meninges. Evidence was found of a tumour made up of vascular proliferation and pleomorphic cells. In case 1 the meningeal tumour had the ultrastructural characteristic of a malignant haemangioendothelioma. In this patient, a spinal tumour found a year later presented the features of a mixed malignant haemangioblastoma. The origin of the tumour in case 2 is the capillary pericyte, the lesion being a malignant haemangiopericytoma. We discuss ultrastucture and properties of the pericyte, its relationship to the cerebral reticulohistiocytic system, and the relationship of malignant haemangiopericytoma with the tumours considered to represent cerebral reticulosis and reticulum cell sarcomas.


Vascular invasion as a prognostic factor in stage IB cancer of the cervix.

One hundred ninety-one cases of histopathologically confirmed invasive carcinoma of the cervix were available to study. Until early diagnosis is made routinely and treatment instituted with a predictable promise for cure, attention must be devoted to studying the natural history of disease, its histologic and nuclear grading, stromal reaction, and whether lymphatics and/or blood vessels are involved. The results are impressive since patients with Stage IB carcinoma with lymphatic and/or blood vessel involvement treated by radical hysterectomy have had a 59.4% 5-year survival rate which has increased dramatically to 90% when there was no involvement. Other features which were analyzed, including tumor type, histologic and nuclear grades, size and number of nucleoli, and stromal leukocyte reactions showed no significant statistical relationship to survival. This may represent a bias because of the small number of cases in each group. This study helped identify the patient at high risk. The high-risk group as outlined by the parameters listed should receive additional therapy. Since the cancer had invaded a vascular channel, the authors selected these patients for combination anticancer chemotherapy. Those patients for combination anticancer chemotherapy. Those patients have not been followed long enough to evaluate the results of the treatment.


The effect of chronic alcohol intake upon the hepatic microsomal carcinogen-activation system.

Ethanol was administered to mice either by repeated intraperitoneal injection, or orally in the drinking water over an extended period of time. Following intraperitoneal ethanol pre-treatment further groups of mice received an injection of benzo(a)pyrene. Alcohol intake decreased the level of microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase which corresponded to the observed decrease in DNA binding of benzo(a)pyrene. In contrast, the number of tumors which developed in the alcohol pre-treated mice exceeded those of the control animals.


Quantitative and qualitative heterogeneity of partially hydrolysed serum proteins of cancer patients and normal individuals, analysed by polyacrylamide disc gel cationic electrophoresis. I. Breast cancer.

Serum samples from patients with primary breast carcinoma, breast carcinoma with metastases, chronic mastitis and fibroadenoma, and healthy individuals, were treated with hydrochloric acid and urea and analysed by polyacrylamide disc gel cationic electrophoresis. The discrete and highly reproducible patterns received showed variations from individual to individual. The frequencies of the presence and of the color intensity of every protein band were compared and profound differences were found for several bands between the four groups of patients and the healthy controls studied. The results suggest that a correlation exists between the electrophoretic profiles of partially hydrolysed serum cationic proteins and occurrence of disease, possibly useful for the early diagnosis of preneoplastic states.


Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. VII. Helminths in pigs slaughtered at the Pretoria municipal abattoir.

A total of 52 pigs slaughtered at the Pretoria Municipal Abattoir over a period of 1 year was examined for parastitic helminths. Twenty-six of these pigs were marketed by farmers and 26 by speculators. Of the pigs marketed by farmers 73,1% were found to be infested:--30,8% with Ascaris suum, 65,4% with Ascarops strongylina, 3,8% with Metastrongylus apri, 26,9% with Oesophagostomum spp., 15,4% with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and 15,4% with Trichuris suis. All the pigs marketed by speculators were infested:--7,7% with A. suum, 92,3% with A. strongylina, 11,5% with Oesophagostomum spp., 65,4% with Physocephalus sexalatus, 7,7% with T. colubriformis and 11,5% with T. suis. The findings obtained in surveys conducted in Canada, Greece, India, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are quoted for comparison. Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum quadrispinulatum are recorded for the first time in pigs in the Republic of South Africa.


Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. VIII. Helminths in pigs kept under semi-intensive conditions.

The seasonal incidence of nematode infestations in pigs raised under semi-intensive conditions was determined by the monthly slaughter of 2--4 tracer pigs exposed to infestation in an earthernfloored pen for periods of 1 or 2 months. Although worm burdens were generally small, Ascarops strongylina appeared to be more prevalent from November to March than during the other months of the year. Once Ascaris suum became established in the pen nearly all the pigs became infested. The number of worms never exceeded 88, however, and no seasonal incidence pattern could be determined. Trichuris suis favoured the warmer months from November to March, the smallest numbers being recovered during September and October. One pig only harboured Trichostrongylus colubriformis and 3 had Oesophagostomum dentatum.


ABO hemolytic disease: a comparative study of clinical severity and delayed anemia.

The hospital and clinic records of 230 neonates with ABO hemolytic disease (HD) were reviewed. There was no significant difference in clinical severity between AO-HD and BO-HD as measured by (1) number of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and/or those requiring exchange transfusion; (2) hemoglobin concentration; (3) reticulocyte count; (4) bilirubin concentration; and (5) incidence of anemia after discharge from the hospital. There was no difference in the hemoglobin concentrations measured at between four and eight weeks of age in 39 control infants and infants with either AO-HD or BO-HD who did not require an exchange transfusion. Our data do not indicate a clinical difference in the severity of AO-HD and BO-HD. Infants with ABO-HD who do not require exchange transfusion and/or phototherapy and whose hemoglobin concentration at discharge is greater than 15 gm/dl do not need a hemoglobin measurement before 6 weeks of age.


Human adipose tissue blood flow during prolonged exercise II.

Subcutaneous and perirenal adipose tissue blood flows (ATBF) were measured by the 133Xe washout method before, during and after 4h exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The load corresponded to about 50% of VO2 max (i.e. about 1.7l/min). Subcutaneous and perirenal ATBF increased at an average to 3--400 and 700% of their initial control values respectively. In six of nine measuring sites ATBF remained increased in the hour following work. During work plasma glycerol concentrations increased 8 fold. The core temperature increased 0.9 degree C, skin temperature did not change significantly. During passive elevation of body temperature (core temperature +1.5 degree C; skin temperature +3 degree C) neither subcutaneous ATBF nor plasma glycerol concentrations changed significantly. It is concluded that the increase in subcutaneous ATBF during exercise is not a reaction to increased body temperature.


The action of inorganic phosphate on thiamin transport by rat everted jejunal sacs.

Rat everted jejunal sacs were incubated at 37 degree C in Krebs-Henseleit buffer, pH 7.4, containing thiazole-2- 14C-thiamine (0.2 micrometer), in the absence or in the presence of inorganic phosphate at a final concentration of 6mM. Control experiments under the same conditions, but without labeled thiamin were also carried out. In the intestinal sac wall, the content of labeled and endogenous (unlabeled) thiamin in the free and phosphorylated form was measured, while in the serosal fluid, total transported thiamin (labeled and endogenous) was evaluated. Accumulation in the enterocyte of inorganic phosphate, an inhibitor of thiamin pyrophosphate enzymatic hydrolysis, lowered the dephosphorylation of endogenous thiamin phosphates, both in the presence and in the absence of labeled thiamin. In the presence of labeled thiamin, the following results were observed: a) decreased labeled thiamin uptake and accumulation, both in the phosphorylated and free form; b) reduction of labeled thiamin transport to the serosal side; c) increase of endogenous thiamin exit from the intestinal cell. These findings seem to point out an important role of thiamin phosphorylation-dephosphorylation coupling in thiamin intestinal transport in vitro.


Effect of antidiuretic hormone and indomethacin on intrarenal microsphere distribution.

The purpose of the present study was to reexamine the effect of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and indomethacin (IM) on intrarenal blood flow distribution by applying the microsphere technique to trained consciuous dogs. ADH and IM were given separately and jointly during maximal water diuresis. ADH in itself caused moderate antidiuresis and marked natriuresis. Although IM by itself had no significant effect on urinary osmotic concentration or solute excretion it greatly enhanced the antidiuretic effect of ADH and abolished its natriuretic effect. Intrarenal blood flow distribution remained unchanged when ADH and IM were given separately but it was shifted toward the inner cortex when the drugs were administered simultaneously. Furthermore, transition from spontaneous antidiuresis to maximal water diuresis did not alter intrarenal blood flow distribution. The results indicate that ADH induced antidiuresis is dissociated from changes in intracortical blood flow distribution. However, the possibility that IM enhancement of ADH mediated antidiuresis is at least in part mediated by intrarenal hemodynamic changes cannot be excluded.


Modification of salivary duct electrolyte transport in rat and rabbit by physalaemin, VIP, GIP and other enterohormones.

The effects of various polypeptide enterohormones and the tachykinin secretogogue, physalaemin, on electrolyte transport by the main excretory duct of the mandibular gland of the rabbit were studied in vitro. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 2 X 10(-11) mol 1(-1)) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP, 10(-11) mol 1(-1)) reduced nett Na+ movement from lumen to interstitium and VIP also reduced the transepithelial potential difference; the effective concentrations of the two hormones lay within the range of normal plasma concentrations. Gastrin (5 x 10(-7) mol 1(-1)) and synthetic secretin (2 x 10(-7) mol 1(-1)) had similar effects but only at concentrations well above the normal plasma levels. Caerulein, an analogue of the octapeptide of cholecystokinin, had no effect on duct function even at a concentration of 10(-6) mol 1(-1). The potent salivary secretogogue, physalaemin (4 x 10(-8) mol 1(-1)), which is an analogue of Substance P, a putative mammalian enterohormone and neurotransmitter substance, caused a marked increase in ductal Na transport (in rat as well as rabbit). It is concluded that VIP and GIP would normally play a role in determining salivary electrolyte composition and it is postulated that their action may be antagonized by a tachykinin such as Substance P.


Radioactive microsphere partitioning of blood flow between capillaries and arteriovenous anastomoses in skin of conscious sheep.

Using radioactive plastic microspheres in conscious sheep, cardiac output is measured by dose injection into a vein, and sampling from the pulmonary artery. Partition of organ blood flow between capillaries and arteriovenous anastomoses is derived from cardiac output and the radioactivity in pulmonary artery blood sampled after dose injection into the artery supplying the organ. Validation tests are presented. The hindlimb is shown to be a suitable model for studying thermal influences on skin blood flow. In contrast to other techniques or previous applications of microspheres: (a) conscious, chronically prepared animals are used, (b) there is no need to kill the animal to obtain results, (c) only small doses are necessary, (d) the one nuclide label can be used repeatedly, and (e) there is no need for precisely matched doses.


Miniature stimulator for chronic animals.

A small lightweight pulse train generator is described. Train frequency and duration and pulse frequency and duration are continuously variable over a range that is suitable for many types of nerve stimulation experiments. Complete electrical specifications and schematics are shown. Also presented are the changes in contraction time of the cat hind leg muscles after 6-week chronic stimulation of the sciatic nerve. The stimulator, with batteries which are sufficient for more than six weeks operation, is small enough to be mounted on cats.


Contractions of skinned cardiac cells elicited by current pulses.

Cardiac muscle fragments with disrupted sarcolemma were prepared by homogenization of mouse ventricles. The preparations exhibited spontaneous contractions of a rate between 3 min-1 and 12 min-1 at 20 degrees C, when they were kept in an appropriate solution. 2. Fragments of about cellular size were attached to two stiff glass microelectrodes, and additional contractions between the spontaneous beats were elicited by current pulses. The duration and intensity of the stimuli were varied to obtain strength-duration curves. Rheobase was in the range of 1.5 muA to 10 muA (no isolation of surrounding bath), chronaxia at 35 degrees C between 30 ms and 80 ms. 3. One microelectrode could be glued to a photodiode-force-transducer for simultaneous recording of contractions and electrical stimulation or potential measurement. Duration of phasic contractions was nearly 1s, force was up to 4muN (20 mN/mm2 of tension).


Stimulation of myocardial adenine nucleotide biosynthesis by pentoses and pentitols.

In rats, pentoses and pentitols, intravenously injected in a single dose of 100 mg/kg, induced a considerable enhancement of the available pool of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and of the rate of adenine nucleotide biosynthesis in the heart, but not in liver and kidney. De novo synthesis of adenine nucleotides not detectable in skeletal muscle of normal rats became measurable after application of ribose. The stimulatory effect of isoproterenol on myocardial adenine nucleotide biosynthesis could be further potentiated by ribose and xylitol, but not by glucose. The isoproterenol-induced decrease of cardiac adenine nucleotide concentrations could be almost completely prevented by repeated administrations of ribose. Thus, pentoses and pentitols in combination with beta-receptor stimulation markedly and quite specifically enhance adenine nucleotide biosynthesis in the rat heart. The results indicate that the increase in the available pool of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate is an important factor for the enhancement of cardiac adenine nucleotide biosynthesis. Moreover, the availability of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and the rate of de novo synthesis of adenine nucleotides in the heart seem to be limited by the flow through the hexose monophosphate shunt.


Concentrative amino acid uptake at the serosal side of colon mucosa.

Uptake of the nonmetabolizable model amino acid 2-aminoisobutyric acid (= AIB) through the basolateral membrane into epithelial cells was studied in sheep colon stripped of serosa and muscle layers. Only the antiluminal surface of the mucosa was exposed to the incubation medium. Thus AIB entry into epithelial cells could only occur through the basolateral membrane. AIB was taken up by a saturable process against a high concentration gradient. AIB uptake was inhibited by other neutral amino acids but not by sugars. In a low Na+ medium AIB uptake was impaired, indicating that active transport of amino acids through the basolateral membrane of colon epithelial cells is Na+-dependent. In the rat a saturable concentrative uptake of AIB through the basolateral membrane of colon epithelial cells has also been demonstrated. Concentrative uptake of amino acids through the basolateral membranes is probably important for the supply of colon epithelium with amino acids.


Computer program for intestinal basic electrical rhythm patterns analysis.

A FORTRAN program has been elaborated for computerized intestinal Basic Electrical Rhythm (BER) analysis. It is based on recognition of individual cycles limits. The reliability of the method was assessed by comparison between computer and visual cycle limits identification. The agreement is 98.2% for BER recorded from the frequency plateau. It is 91.4% for fluctuating BER patterns. For BER frequency computing, drawbacks due to misrecognitions were avoided by cancelling sequences in which they occur.


A video-angiometer for simultaneous and continuous measurement of inner and outer vessel diameters. Technical report.

A system is described for continuously measuring vessel diameters. It bases on the evaluation of video signal differences of a video camera which are induced by light intensity differences (grey levels) caused by the vascular wall structures. The system is electronically linear, automatically measuring and in addition eyeball controlled by the human sensor: the inaccuracy does not exceed the 5% level.


[Platelet volume in essential thrombopenia].

The electronic method for measuring platelet volume using the Coulter Z BI Counter coupled with a Channelyser C 1000 has been standardized. The distribution of platelet volumes was studied in 28 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and in 59 cases of thrombocytopenia attributed to a failure of platelet production. Results showed that the volumetric distribution curve of platelet rich plasma (PRP) was altered in 40 cases, by the presence of small particles interfering with platelets of small volume and/or by residual red cells modifying its terminal segment. These abnormalities seem linked to the degree of thrombopenia, but independent of its central or peripheral origin. A method of isolation and concentration of platelets in an albumin gradient allowed the restoration of the classical volume distribution in 24 cases out of 40. Simulated thrombopenias obtained by dilution of platelets in their own platelet poor plasma (PPP) showed that the abnormalities in the small volume range could be reproduced in vitro by modifying the proportion of platelets and of small residual elements in the PRP. When the albumin gradient method was used, the classical distribution of platelet volumes was found. Preliminary electron-microscopy studies show that the small elements in the PRP of thrombopenic subjects could be formed by red cell fragments. Cytoenzymologic studies should be able to confirm this. Volumetric parameters were determined from the asymmetric and unimodual distribution of platelets, either directly on PRP or after concentration and separation of platelets in an albumin gradient. They showed that platelet volumes were very often increased in ITP but also occasionnally in thrombopenia of attributed to a failure of production.


Cloning of chicken lysozyme structural gene sequences synthesized in vitro.

Double-stranded chicken lysozyme cDNA was synthesized from an oviduct mRNA fraction enriched for lysozyme mRNA. The ds-cDNA was inserted into the BamHI site of plasmid pBR322 using chemically synthesized DNA linker molecules containing the BamHI restriction endonuclease cleavage site. After bacterial transformation, colonies carrying lysozyme DNA were identified by hybridization with highly purified lysozyme cDNA. The 555 base pairs long cloned DNA fragment of one recombinant plasmid was isolated and characterized by restriction endonuclease digestion. The DNA sequence of selected parts of the inserted DNA is as predicted from the amino acid sequence of prelysozyme. The sequence data allows the unambiguous location of the coding region within lysozyme mRNA.


Serial bone scintigraphy for assessing the effectiveness of treatment of osseous metastases from prostatic cancer.

130 serial bone scintigrams were performed to evaluate the course of skeletal metastases under treatment in 36 patients with prostatic cancer. During a successful treatment scintigraphic controls revealed a significant decrease of the metastatic 99mTc-diphosphonate uptake in 14 patients and sometimes even a complete normalization of the skeletal radioactivity distribution, whereas a progression characterized by an increased multifocal radioactivity concentration was registered in 16 patients indicating the failure of the initiated therapy. Based on these results of follow-up studies scintigraphic bone imaging can be recommended for the assessment of the effectiveness of on-going therapy of skeletal metastases.


Novel mechanisms of reproduction: preimplantational ectogenesis.

The polarization of attitudes concerning preimplantational ectogenesis, combined with the fact that the field is technically in its infancy, makes likely the passage of much time before the use of ectogenesis becomes widespread either clinically or as a research tool. It is to be hoped that during this interval a properly critical attitude will lead to slow, steady progress while society readjusts some basic philosophic concepts.


[Effect of chronic alcoholic intoxication on the circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic neurosecretory centers in rats].

Experiments were conducted on male rats; by means of quantitative cytochemical analysis and karyometry circadian rhythm of the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system function was studied. In the evening (9--10 p.m.) the intensity of the synthesis, transport, and neurosecretion showed a significant elevation in comparison with the day (3--4 p.m.). Neurosecretory process was suppressed and the circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic neurosecretory system activity was disturbed in rats given a 5% ethanol solution as the only source of fluid for 2 months. As suggested, damage of an important biorhythm synchronizer (the neurosecretory centers of the hypothalamus) could play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic alcoholism.


Alcohol withdrawal and magnesium deficiency in mice.

DBA/2J mice exposed to chronic alcohol (ethanol) intoxication were found to have lower whole brain magnesium (Mg) concentrations than control animals. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal were found to be strikingly similar to those seen in Mg deficient mice exposed to a low Mg diet without alcohol exposure. These findings suggest that CNS Mg deficits produced by alcohol exposure could contribute to the observed alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Serum Mg concentrations were also determined, and low correlations (less than or equal to 0.3) were found with brain Mg concentrations.


Addiction liability of Tryon rats: independent transmission of morphine and alcohol consumption.

Two inbred strains of Tryon rats were tested for consumption of morphine (0.5 mg/ml) and alcohol (10% w/v) solutions in both free and forced situations. Statistically significant differences in intake by strain were found both for morphine and alcohol. The Tryon S3 strain consumed significantly more morphine than the S1 strain in two of the four phases of the experiment. The Tryon S1 strain consumed significantly more alcohol than the S3 in two of the four phases. Factors affecting consumption of drug solutions including sex and activity level were assessed using analysis of covariance. Strain differences were apparent even when these factors were removed from the analyses. These results are discussed in relation to previous reports suggesting a common addiction liability for both morphine and alcohol in inbred strains of animals.


Effects of two cannabinoids upon abstinence signs in ethanol-dependent mice.

The effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, upon handling-induced convulsions and responsiveness to electric foot shock were examined during abstinence in ethanol-dependent mice. The severity of handling-induced convulsions was apparently increased by THC (10-40 mg/kg) and nabilone (2.5-10 mg/kg) but both drugs elicited similar convulsions in normal mice never exposed to ethanol. Enhanced responsiveness to electric foot shock, evident during abstinence, was suppressed by THC (10-40 MG/KG). The effects of ethanol upon the two abstinence signs were determined for comparative purposes. Ethanol (0.5-4 g/kg) reduced the severity of handling-induced convulsions and suppressed the increased responsiveness to electric foot shock. These results indicate that THC and nabilone have similar actions upon two abstinence signs in ethanol-dependent mice, and although one sign (responsiveness to electric foot shock) was clearly alleviated, another (handling-induced convulsions) was not.


Shock induced alcohol consumption in rats: role of initial preference.

In three experiments it was found that the effects of inescapable unavoidable shocks upon alcohol intake were dependent upon the initial preference displayed by the animal. When animals displayed a low initial preference for alcohol (Experiment 1) shock stress led to an increase in daily alcohol intake. When animals displayed a high initial preference for alcohol due to the addition of a preferred flavour (Experiment 2) or forced acclimation (Experiment 3) shock stress led to a decrease in daily alcohol intake. It is suggested that alcohol is consumed as a function of the punishing and discriminative properties of the shocks, not to alleviate stress through its pharmacological properties.


Differential behavioral activities from anterior and posterior hypothalamic lesions in the rat.

Bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine injections into the anterolateral (AL) or posterolateral (PL) portions of the hypothalamus produced hypokinesia, catalepsy, rigidity and severe weight losses due to aphagia and adipsia. Subcutaneous administration of apomorphine, 1 mg/kg, 48 hr after 6-OHDA injections reversed temporarily the hypokinesia in both AL and PL 6-OHDA groups. However, qualitative and quantitative differences in the behavioral responses to the drug were observed. Motor activity as measured by photocell counts was significantly greater in AL 6-OHDA rats. Apomorphine induced stereotyped behavior in both groups; however, the predominant behavioral responses were oral stereotypies in PL 6-OHDA animals and sniffing in AL 6-OHDA rats.


[Quantification and statistical analysis of ordinal scale type data in psychiatry (author's transl)].

Observational data from psychiatric patients are usually of the ordinal scale type. Therefore, in the traditional one-rating-per-symptom-and-patient-situation, the resulting score values can be analysed only by applying nonparametric statistical methods. These methods are rather inefficient when--as is usual--there are only four-point-scales for evaluating the symptoms. Moreover, non-parametric methods are not available as of yet to take into consideration the often complex structure of data from psychiatric studies. This leads to the conclusion that the quantification of ordinal scale type data would be very desirable in order that parametric statistical methods could be applied. Such a method of quantification is proposed on the basis of the audiovisual psychiatric rating technique. It is shown that the data resulting from the many-ratings-per-symptom-and-patient-situation can be subjected to parametric statistical methods. In applying the proposed method, therefore, much better use could be made of and a maximum of information could be extracted from the data in psychiatric studies.


N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol (paracetamol, acetaminophen) in the treatment of acute schizophrenia.

The hypothesis that schizophrenia is caused by the release of prostaglandin E into the hypothalamus and may sometimes be accompanied by an elevation of temperature was examined by a clinical trial of the prostaglandin E suppressant N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol (paracetamol, acetaminophen). Ten acute schizophrenic patients were included in a double-blind, crossover trial of paracetamol and a placebo, in which each treatment was given for a week. Regular 4-hourly temperatures were recorded in all these cases and in 5 non-schizophrenic patients for comparison. The findings provided no evidence that paracetamol mitigated the symptoms of schizophrenia. The temperatures of the schizophrenics were not elevated more than those of the controls, but the number of cases used was probably too small for this finding to be conclusive.


The feasibility of tracing a sample of school-boys after a lapse of fifteen years.

Although the relationship between childhood behaviour and adult adjustment is often presented as established fact, relatively few non-retrospective studies have actually examined this perceived association. This paper presents a description of the attempt to establish the feasibility of tracing children after a lapse of 15 years and suggests that this may present fewer insuperable difficulties than might be imagined.


A specific radio-immunological assay for prednisolone in plasma.

A new, specific radio-immunological assay (R.I.A.) for prednisolone in plasma is described. The R.I.A. incorporates a procedure whereby the endogenous interfering hydrocortisone (in de-proteinized plasma) reacts directly with Girard Reagent T, resulting in a derivative which does not cross react with the specific antibody for prednisolone. The assay is sensitive (quantitation levels are in the 5-10 ng/ml range). The specificity compares favorably with that of a high performance liquid chromatographic procedure.


Comparative resistance of San Miguel sea lion virus and vesicular exanthema of swine virus to chemical disinfectants.

Two similar calici agents, San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) and vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV) are susceptible to the virucidal activity of disinfectants of differing formulation. Ten of 12 compounds were effective against six log10 plaque forming units (PFU) of SMSV in a 2-min exposure at 4, 25 and 37 degrees C. However, only seven of these 10 SMSV-positive compounds inactivated VESV under the same conditions of temperature and time. Two compounds were not effective against SMSV in a 20-min exposure at 4 and 25 degrees C, but were effective at 37 degrees C. Two of the three compounds not effective against VESV in a 20-min exposure at 4 and 25 degrees C were also effective at 37 degrees C. The test iodophor compound inactivated SMSV completely but had only minimal inactivating activity against VESV at the three temperatures tested.


[Treatment of urogenital neoplasms in males].

The carcinomas of the male genitourinary tract--prostate, testicle, bladder, kidney and penis--are discussed with regard to incidence, prognosis and therapeutic possibilities. The results of drug treatment, especially for prostatic and non-seminoma testicular cancers, are presented in detail.


[Measurements of blood citrates in neoplasms with bone metastases].

Blood citrate was measured in 49 patients with cancer, with or without bone metastases, and in 53 normal subjects. It is significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in patients with bone metastases than in normal subjects or patients without bone metastases. In normal subjects, blood citrate is higher in summer than in winter and higher in older people. The theoretical and practical interest of these observations is discussed.


[Pseudomembranous colitis caused by antibiotics].

A case of antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis is presented. Following resection of a carcinoma of the colon, an 81-year old man was treated with clindamycin for 9 days and with epicillin for another 9 days. One week after discontinuation of antibiotics the patient developed progressively severe diarrhea. Death from central pulmonary embolism ensued 10 days after the onset of diarrhea. Autopsy revealed severe pseudomembranous colitis of the entire large intestine. Pseudomembranous colitis is often observed as a complication after the administration of different antibiotics. The Anglo-American literature contains several recent reports of clindamycin-induced pseudomembranous colitis. The etiopathology of this drug-induced disease is still unclear. A possible interpretation is an antibiotic-induced change in the intestinal flora. Recent observations suggest that toxin-producing clostridia are responsible for the pseudomembranous colitis.


[Percutaneous splenoportogammagraphy in the study of patients with portal hypertension].

Percutaneous esplenoportogammagraphy in 28 patients with portal hypertension, was carried out; in three patients studies were done before and after a derivative operation; in nine only after operation for portal hypertension and thirteen patients were not surgically treated. Hepatic maximal opacification was obtained in 4.35 seconds. In the operated patients the tecnesium reached right cardiac chambers in 2.91 seconds. In three of the thirteen patients with the test, there were intrahepatic circulatory pattern changes, average spleen-liver was 6 seconds and spleen-heart, 7 seconds, that is, esplenoportal perfussion was poor. In all the operated patients the decreased circulation time spleen-heart and the typical image showed anastomosis permeability.


Selective inhibition of tubulin synthesis by amiprophos methyl during flagellar regeneration in Chlamydomonas reinhardi.

Amiprophos methyl (APM) is a strong, readily reversible and highly selective inhibitor of tubulin synthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardi. The extensive induction of tubulin synthesis that accompanies flagellar regeneration in this organism is prevented by 3 to 10 micrometerAPM. When applied after induction has begun, APM causes a rapid cessation of tubulin synthesis. Translation studies in vitro indicate that the lack of tubulin production in APM-treated cells is not due to a direct inhibition of tubulin messenger RNA translation but rather to a selective depletion of tubulin messenger RNA.


Phagocytosis of light- and dark-adapted rod outer segments by cultured pigment epithelium.

Pigment epithelial cells in culture retain their ability to phagocytize rod outer segments. These cells phagocytize rod outer segments isolated from light-adapted rats, or from dark-adapted rats killed after the time at which the lights would normally be turned on. However, they phagocytize for fewer rod outer segments prepared in the dark from the retinas of rats killed before the onset of the normal light cycle. Phagocytosis of dark rod outer segments is variable, but that of light outer segments is reproducible. It is postulated that the effect of light is to synchronize the chemical events that occur at the surface of the rods to prepare them for phagocytosis. These processes also occur in the dark, but more slowly and irregularly than in the light.


Hamster refractoriness: the role of insensitivity of pineal target tissues.

Hamsters exposed to short days undergo gonadal collapse followed by recrudescence and insensitivity to the regressive effects of such photoperiods. This refractoriness may be due to exhaustion of the pineal gland or desensitization of its target. Hamsters whose gonads had spontaneously recrudesced were injected with melatonin (25 micrograms per injection) once daily (known to induce regression in intact hamsters) or twice daily (reported to arrest reproduction in pinealectomized hamsters) for 7 weeks. In neither case did refractory hamsters respond to melatonin treatment. The gonads of intact hamsters treated with melatonin for 21 weeks regressed and spontaneously recrudesced along a normal time course. These results indicate that gonadal refractoriness is due to insensitivity of the target tissues of the pineal gland and imply that melantonin participates in photoperiodic regulation of reproduction in the golden hamster.


Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA).

Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is a synthetic inhibitor of the plasmin-plasminogen system. It is the only potent antifibrinolytic agent which is commercially available in the United States. Effective blood levels of the drug are readily obtainable with either oral or intravenous administration, with very high levels of the drug being found in the urine since the drug is greatly concentrated during excretion. EACA has been used in numerous clinical situations to control bleeding and has been claimed to be an effective agent in subarachnoid hemorrhage, genitourinary bleeding from many causes, and in dental surgery in hemophiliacs. It may also be effective in several less well studied situations such as prophylaxis of bleeding episodes in hemophiliacs, control of menorrhagia, gastrointestinal bleeding, obstetrical bleeding and in bleeding following cardiac and thoracic surgery. Major side effects from EACA include hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis, and generation of thrombi. The incidence of thrombotic events secondary to the inhibition of the fibrinolytic system by EACA is unknown, but may be particularly increased in those patients who have some underlying predisposition to develop thrombosis. The potential benefit from the use of EACA must be weighed against the possible serious complications, particularly the development of widespread thrombi.


Survey on Anisakid larvae in marine fish from fish markets in Jakarta.

Anisakid parasites were found in fish commonly sold in the markets of Jakarta. The larvae found were Anisakis type I and Terranova type B. The rate of infection of these two different Anisakid larvae infecting different species of fish was discussed. To date, no human infection has as yet reported in Indonesia. This may be due to the fact that Indonesians do not usually eat raw fish.


Lymph node invasion by Conidiobolus coronatus and its spore formation in vivo.

Lymph node invasion with presence of conidia, their replicates, germ tubes, condidia with hair-like projections and hyphae have been observed in a case of entomophthoromycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus. This rare occurrence of conidia with hair-like projections that is usually observed in vitro, has been observed in vivo, in the content of an abscess produced by this agent, C. coronatus in the present case. Severe disfigurement and destruction of facial and nasopharyngeal tissues, have also been observed in this case. Response to therapy with oral KI, surgery, combinations of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole and steroids though found useful initially, was ineffective subsequently as the disease progressed over 7 years. Findings of lymphatic invasion and the extensive destruction observed in the present case warrants a guarded prognosis. Free conidial reproduction found in lymph nodes may suggest the possibility of this disease being infectious, requiring an active and vigorous treatment schedule and control measures in this infection.


Experimental infection of athymic nude New Zealand mice, nu nu strain with mycetoma agents.

Experiments with athymic nude mice "nu nu" strain showed grains of Madurella mycetomi as early as 9 days, and they were well developed by 21 days, after inoculation. Grains were similar to those of humans, in pigment production and tissue reaction.


Cerebral cystic hemangioblastoma.

A 26-year-old man having a large left frontal lobe cystic mass due to a 1.5 cm capillary hemangioblastoma acting as a mural nodule is presented. The cerebral topographical location of hemangioblastoma is rare and the reported cases are summarized and analyzed. The distinction between hemangioblastoma and angioblastic meningioma is emphasized by the occurrence of a cystic capillary hemangioblastoma in the cerebrum.


Determination of soluble fibrin monomer complexes by adsorption on immobilized fibrinogen.

Determination of fibrin in plasma, also containing fibrinogen, is possible by selective absorption on affinity columns prepared from highly purified fibrinogen. Desorption is complete using 1.0 M potassium bromide, pH 5.3. In addition, the cold-insoluble globulin is desorbed. Therefore, the eluate is checked on microtiter plates by the staphylococcal clumping test which selectively detects fibrin or fibrinogen. The procedure works well with simple laboratory equipment. The diagnosis of fibrinogen-fibrin complexes is demonstrated in some pathological plasmas.


Pseudohyperparathyroidism associated with perirectal adenocarcinomas in elderly female dogs.

In 8 elderly female dogs a syndrome of hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia was found in association with a perirectal adenocarcinoma. Following removal of the tumour the hypercalcaemia resolved within two days in four of the five operated animals.


Cytotoxicity of butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole in cultured heart cells.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) at concentrations of 100 ppm (0.45 and 0.55 mM, respectively) produced a marked leakage of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) from cultured myocardial and endotheloid cells into the culture medium. At this concentration both BHT and BHA markedly depressed the beating rate of cultured heart cells with maximum inhibition occurring within 1 h after antioxidant exposure. Morphologically the appearance of cells in the presence of 100 ppm BHT and BHA was similar to the appearance of control cells. However, when BHT and BHA concentrations were increased to 1000 ppm (4.5 and 5.5 mM, respectively), marked cell lysis was seen after a 1 h exposure period. The results of this study suggest that both BHT and BHA, in relatively large concentrations, produce injury to myocardial cells in culture.


Rift Valley Fever virus infections in Egypt: Pathological and virological findings in man.

Ten strains of Rift Valley Fever virus were isolated from serum samples from acute human cases collected during an epidemic of undifferentiated febrile illness. Post-mortem samples were obtained from two fatal infections. Severe liver necrosis, interstitial pneumonia and myocardial degeneration were seen. Rift Valley Fever virus was isolated from post-mortem samples of liver, cerebro-spinal, pericardial and pleural fluid and from a throat swab. The virus was also isolated from nasopharyngeal washings suggesting that direct transmission from man to man may be possible.


Bladder neck hypertrophy and wide bladder neck anomaly (WBNA).

The urodynamic findings of 247 patients with a neurogenic bladder dysfunction were analyzed to evaluate factors which influence the X-ray picture of the bladder neck and urethra. Patients were classified according to the classification of Bors and Commarr, additionally different types of reflex detrusor activity could be differentiated in cases suffering from a supranuclear lesion. As the micturition cystourethrography of female patients with a supranuclear lesion looks similar to the X-ray picture of young girls with a WBNA a second analysis was made to compare the urodynamics of both groups. It is to note that in supranuclear lesions detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and the type of reflex detrusor activity mainly form the shape of the posterior urethra, neither the duration of the lesion nor the level of spinal cord injury have any influence.