Response of basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion and of serum gastrin to short- and long-term intravenous infusion of salmon calcitonin in hyperchlorhydric subjects.

In 23 volunteers with gastric hyperchlorhydria the effect of intravenous administration of salmon calcitonin (SMC) on basal (n = 11) and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion (n = 12) and on immunoreactive serum gastrin (n = 11) was studied under various experimental conditions. SMC (0.075 microgram . kg(-1) . 2h(-1) and 0.3 microgram . kg(-1) . h(-1)) caused a statistically significant reduction of HCl output of 75% and 80% and of pepsin of 55% and 90%. Serum gastrin concentration showed a dose-dependent decrease of 17% and 31% respectively. Pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion was moderately inhibited by short-term administration of SMC (0.15 and 0.30 microgram . kg(-1) . 30 min(-1)), the effect being confined to the period of application of the hormone. Long-term infusion of the smaller dose for 2 1/2 h induced a sustained decrease of HCl output by 55%. It is assumed that SMC inhibits gastric secretion mainly by interfering with the production or liberation, or both, of gastrin. Whether long-term administration of SMC has advantages over substances currently used as therapeutic inhibitors of gastric secretion, e.g. in gastroduodenal bleeding, has yet to be investigated.


Detection of antiplatelet antibody in immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Two methods have been developed for the detection of antiplatelet antibodies in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The first, a competitive RIA, is highly sensitive, reproducible and allows quantitation of platelet associated immunoglobulins (PAI) and specifically adsorbed antiplatelet antibodies from serum of patients with ITP. The second procedure developed is a simple and rapid qualitative test, where antiplatelet antibodies are detected through the formation of rosettes of protein A producing Staphylococcus aureus with sensitized human platelets.


The margin to incontinence after three types of operation for stress incontinence.

Three of the most widely used operations for stress incontinence--urethropexy ad modum Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz, pubococcygeal repair according to Ingelman-Sundberg and the Zoedler sling operation--were studied concerning urodynamic results. Simultaneous urethrocystometry with recording of the urethral pressure profile was used to quantify postoperative continence. The urethral pressure profile at rest, the transmission of pressure from abdomen to urethra and the efficiency of the smooth muscle in the urethral wall and its supporting tissues in a dynamic situation were compared with preoperative findings. Equally good results were obtained with the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz and the Ingelman-Sundberg operation, which improved pressure transmission.


Human and mouse hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase: dimers and tetramers.

Human and mouse hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase subunits combine to form an active heteropolymer. Dimers form the basic subunit structure of the enzymes, yet the dimers can readily associate to form tetramers. The equilibrium between dimers and tetramers is significantly influenced by the ionic strength of the enzyme solvent.


Chemotactic responses of tumor cells to products of resorbing bone.

To explore possible mechanisms for the metastasis of malignant cells to bone, a model of tumor cell migration was developed, using Walker carcinosarcoma or malignant lymphoma cells. It was found that bone contains a factor that is strongly chemotactic for tumor cells. This factoor is released by a variety of agents that induce resorption of bone.


Oocyte-follicle cell gap junctions in Xenopus laevis and the effects of gonadotropin on their permeability.

Junctions between Xenopus laevis oocytes and follicle cells have been identified as gap junctions by the passage of microinjected fluorescent dye from oocytes to follicle cells. The opening or assembly of these junctions, or both, appears to be regulated by gonadotropins.


Fertilizable life of mouse eggs stored at 1 C and 25 C.

Unfertilized mouse eggs were suspended in various media for 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours at 1 C and 25 C before exposure to spermatozoa in vitro. The largest number of eggs undergoing fertilization at both temperatures occurred after storage for 1 and 2 hours with the number decreasing over the remaining 6 hours. More eggs stored at 25 C appeared to be undergoing normal fertilization, especially after storage for 4 hours, when compared with eggs stored at 1 C. Various abnormalities associated with fertilization were visible in some eggs after storage at each time period and at both temperatures.


Proestrous levels of LH and FSH subsequent to adrenalectomy the same morning.

Adrenalectomies and sham-adrenalectomies were performed on the day of proestrus between 0900 and 1000 hours. On the afternoon and evening of the same day, these animals, as well as unoperated control animals, were sacrificed at 2-hour intervals from 1400 through 2400 hours and blood was taken from the abdominal aorta. Plasma concentrations of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Adrenalectomized, sham-adrenalectomized, and normal rats all show a peak in LH levels at 1800 hours on proestrus. Peak concentrations of FSH were found at 2200 hours in control and adrenalectomized rats, while in the sham-adrenalectomized animals an advancement of the FSH surge by 2 hours, to 2000 hours, was seen.


The action of immobilized thrombin on factor VIII, fibrinogen and a synthetic tripeptide.

Bovine thrombin was insolubilized by attachment to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose (Sepharose-thrombin) or to activated (Affi-Gel 10) agarose containing a 10 A long arm (Affi-Gel-thrombin). Coupling in both instances approximated 7,000 units of thrombin per ml packed gel as determined by 125I-thrombin incorporation. The thrombin beads hydrolyzed the synthetic tripeptide Bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA (S-2160) at different rates, with the Sepharose-thrombin more active (220 esterase units per ml) than Affi-Gel thrombin (20.4 units per ml). The Km was significantly higher for the insolubilized thrombins (2 X 10(-3) M) than uncoupled thrombin (Km = 8 X 10(-5) M). The Sepharose-thrombin activated factor VIII significantly more rapidly than Affi-Gel-thrombin. Neither matrix-bound thrombin clotted a fibrinogen solution or liberated significant amounts of fibrinopeptides over 48 hr. This data indicates that a proteolysis of factor VIII, rather than a complex with thrombin, is the method of activation of factor VIII and that factor VIII is more accessible to the action of immobilized thrombin than is fibrinogen.


Light and electron microscopic observations of feeding behavior, nutrition, and reproduction in laboratory cultures of Thalassicolla nucleata.

T. nucleata is a skeletonless, single-celled radiolarian commonly found in ocean surface water. Specimens were cultured in the laboratory in a seawater--antibiotic medium. Feeding experiments show that T. nucleata is omnivorous with preference for crustacea, colorless flagellates, and occasional diatoms. Pigmented algae bearing organic thecae are occasionally consumed, but Dunaliella sp. is rejected. Rhizopodial activity during algal predation is compared to activity during crustacean predation, and evidence for differentiation of function among rhizopodia is presented. Electron microscopic observations and evidence from cytochalasin B treatment support the hypothesis that microfilaments mediate organized rhizopodial streaming. Reproduction is by isospores which resemble those in other spumellarian Radiolaria. Survival time in laboratory culture indicates that T. nucleata has a life span of at least 3 weeks. These findings are discussed in relation to the unique requirements imposed by a pelagic habitat on survival of a single-celled floating organism.


Examination of the role of follicle stimulating hormone in estrogen biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro in the ovary of the cyclic hamster.

The effect of neutralizing endogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) with specific antisera on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen in the ovary of cycling hamster was studied. Neutralization of FSH or LH on proestrus resulted in a reduction in the estradiol concentration of the ovary on diestrus-2 and next proestrus, suggesting an impairment in follicular development. Injection of FSH antiserum at 0900 h of diestrus-2 significantly reduced the ovarian estradiol concentration within 6--7 h. Further, these ovaries on incubation with testosterone (T) in vitro at 1600 h of the same day or the next day synthesized significantly lower amounts of estradiol, compared to corresponding control ovaries. Although testosterone itself, in the absence of endogenous FSH, could stimulate estrogen synthesis to some extent, FSH had to be supplemented with T to restore estrogen synthesis to the level seen in control ovaries incubated with T. Lack of FSH thus appeared to affect the aromatization step in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway in the ovary of hamster on diestrus-2. In contrast to this, FSH antiserum given on the morning of proestrus had no effect on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen, when examined 6--7 h later. The results suggest that there could be a difference in the need for FSH at different times of the cycle. Neutralization of LH either on diestrus-2 or proestrus resulted in a drastic reduction in estradiol concentration of the ovary. This block was at the level of androgen synthesis, since supplementing testerone alone in vitro could stimulate estrogen synthesis to a more or less similar extent as in the ovaries of control hamsters.


[Changes in the endomembrane system and mitochondria of cultured chick fibroblasts upon application of colchicine and following its withdrawal].

After the administration of colchicine (5 mcg/ml) into nutritive medium of primary tissue culture there is a remarkable decrease in the volume and number of fibroblast-membrane organoids during the first 3 hours. The removing of colchicine-damaged fibroblasts into the medium without colchicine leads to the renewal of the most of intracellular membranes during the following 24 hours. Probable reasons and mechanisms of colchicine-induced alterations are discussed.


[Effect of microorganism population density on protein metabolism].

The influence of population density of yeasts Candida utilis on the protein synthesis was investigated using 14C-L-leucine. After 15--30 minutes of exposure in 14C-L-leucine, the isotope incorporation into the protein was negligible at subcritical density of cell suspension (10(4)--5X10(5) cells/mm3), but then beginning from the 10(6) cells/mm3 density, a sharp activation of incorporation was observed. With increased incubation time up to 60--120 minutes for high density suspension (more than 10(6) cells/mm3), the degradation of newly-synthesized protein is the more the higher the cell concentrations and incubation time. The changes of protein synthesis intensity seem to be not associated with the influence of such traditional factors as nutrient medium exhaustion, toxicosis, change of hydrogen ion concentration and oxygen deficiency. It is suggested that structurally functional shifts in cells initiated by intercellular interactions may underlie the dependence of protein synthesis on the suspension culture density.


[Attempts at freezing bull semen in a yolk-raffinose medium without glycerin].

A new medium was produced, containing no glycerin but rich in raffinose, egg yolk, and mineral water, adequate for freezing bull semen. It was tested parallel to a control extender, consisting of yolk, lactose, and glycerine. The absolute survival rate of the spermatozoa kept at 0-4 degrees C in a raffinose medium proved by 24.25 h higher than that of the spermatozoa in the control medium. No other essential differences were established as to motility, heat resistance and percent of pathologic forms of freshly diluted and frozen semen between the test and the control medium. The biologic test on a total of 133 cows resulted in a 71.4% conception rate at first insemination. The semen frozen in the control medium showed 62.6% conception at the insemination of 123 cows. The difference of 8.8% was in favour of the new synthetic medium. The insufficient number of animals (133) used in the investigations made it necessary to test the new medium on a wider production basis.


Scombroid poisoning. Report of an outbreak.

An outbreak of scombroid poisoning occurred in San Francisco in the fall of 1977. The vehicle was sashimi prepared from spoiled tuna fish. Prompt public health measures prevented further consumption of the implicated food. Laboratory studies showed the presence in the tuna of bacterial species capable of producing large amounts of histamine, a substance strongly implicated in scombroid poisoning. Chemical analysis showed that histamine is very unevenly distributed in the flesh of spoiling tuna, therefore accounting for the sometimes random occurrence of disease among people eating the same food at the same table.


[A pneumatic generator of aerosols for group vaccination (author's transl)].

It is given the description of a pneumatic generator of Aerosols--with the basical technical data--designed and built by the authors of this paper. The generator is used for producing aerosols for simultaneous vaccination of animals. Electrization of the aerosols contribute to a higher stability of the droplets and also to their longer retainment in the respiratory organs.


Blood-group A and G specific structures in toad (Bufo) spawn. Comparative studies on three species (Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Bufo calamita).

Permethylation analyses of the spawn material of three toad (Bufo) species allow the conclusion that the serologically determinant group in Bufo bufo spawn is identical with that found in human and hog blood-group A substances (i.e. GalNAc(alpha1,3) [Fuc(alpha1,2)] Gal -), and the serologically determinant group in Bufo viridis and Bufo calamita spawn is identical with that found in blood-group H substances (i.e. Fuc(alpha1,2) Gal -).


Behavioural and physiological effects of testosterone propionate and cyproterone acetate in immature male domestic ducks, Anas platyrhynchos.

The behavioural and morphological effects of testosterone propionate and of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate were studied in male domestic ducks. Testosterone was also measured by radioimmunoassay in the plasma of these birds to relate the behaviour to the actual circulating levels of hormone. Testosterone stimulates sexual behaviour but has few effects on social displays. There is no correlation between the individual variations of plasma testosterone and sexual behaviour.


[Effect of plant residues on the parasitic activity of soilborne pathogens and the saprophytic microflora of the soil. III. Influence of rye and rape grown as winter catch crop on the incidence of Cercosporella herpotrichoides Fron (author's transl)].

In a five-years field trial, the influence of two winter catchcrops, rye and rape, upon the incidence of Cercosporella herpotrichoides has been studied. The winter catch-crops had been repeated three times, followed either by stubble-crop or without in fall of the fourth year. The variants (blocks) had been completed by two variants without catch-crop, either carefully cultivated or overgrown with weeds. Each of the four blocks had been divided three times to be grown with three different crop sequences containing 80%, 60% (with the insusceptible corn), or 40% haulm fruit, respectively. Each of the 12 variants had been divided into two parts by continuous fallow stripe, one part being artificially infested with the pathogen in the beginning (1st winter wheat). In the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, only spring crops were grown, followed by winter wheat in the 5th year. The final exploration resulted in a medium to heavy degree of infection, being significantly higher in the 80% cereal crop sequence than in the 60% and 40% sequences. Concerning the catch-crops, infection in the rye variants was equal or significantly lower than in the carefully cultivated variants without catch-crop. On the other hand, infection of the rape variants had become significantly higher than that of the catch-crop-free ones, about as heavily as in the weed-infested variants. From fall 1966 to summer 1969, the development of the saprophytic soil microflora and several other edaphic parameters had been investigated. Remarkable differences in intensity of disintegration have been observed under the influence of the main crops, cereals or potatoes, respectively, but no differences could be stated resulting from the matter of disintegration--residues of rye or rape--, which might interpret the contrasting effects on the pathogen. Too, no indication for antagonistic activity of bacteria or actinomycetes has been noted. The results are compared with known facts of Cercosporella and of other soil borne pathogens. The difference in biology of Cercosporella on the one hand, and of root infecting fungi on the other hand seems to be most important to explain the results obtained.


[Studies on the composting of feathers (author's transl)].

The nitrogen of keratin of feathers is not taken up by plants as a suitable N-source. It becomes available by the keratinolytic activity of microorganisms. The high temperature evolved during the composting process promotes the growth and activity of thermophilic, keratin-decomposing microorganisms, e.g. Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. The increasing in temperature (self-heating) reflects the course of composting. A feather-peat mixture exhibits a considerably high heat production, i.e. a fast decomposition of keratin and other organic matter.


[Influence of sulphur dioxide on the growth of some fungal species (author's transl)].

The paper presents results of experiments with fumigation of different concentrations of SO2 on Flamulina velutipes, Nematoloma fasciculare, and Pleurotus ostreatus. All the three concentrations of SO2, 84, 168, and 1.680 microgram/m3, had inhibitory effect on the growth of the fungi species. The inhibitory effect on the growth of the fungi species. The inhibitory effect increased with increasing SO2 concentration. All the three fungial species were prevented from growing by the concentration of 1.680 microgram/m3 SO2. Any changes in morphological structure of hyphae, were not observed.


Surgical treatment of urinary fistulae.

A survey is presented, based upon a personal material of 225 cases of urinary fistulae. 173 of them were postoperative or obstetric fistulae, whereas 52 had appeared after a radiological or combined radiological and surgical treatment for cancer of the uterus. --The author's method for preparing the fistula region from a transverse incision under the external urethral orifice is described as well as his grafting techniques. Vessels are brought to the fistula region by using flaps from one or both pubococcygeus muscles, the rectus abdominis muscle or the gracilis muscle. --For vesico-vaginal fistulae situated high up in the fundus a graft from the omentum majus or an appendix epiploica is sometimes used. They can usually be grasped from below after the peritoneum has been opened. --In cases where the ureters were also damaged by irradiation a special technique was used. After the damaged part of the ureter had been resected the ureters were implanted into an ileum segment which was anastomosed to the bladder fistula. --In one of the 173 non-irradiated cases, a Bricker-bladder had finally to be made because of the failure to achieve a functioning urethra. The others were all cured after one or in a few cases two operations. --Among the 52 cases, which had been irradiated, 46 coud to be made, one got a fast growing local recurrence of the carcinoma and one had too bad general condition to allow a diversion operation. Two patients have rest fistulae but may be possible to cure conservatively.


[The carbachol test on the determination of detrusor denervation following extended hysterectomy].

Following radical hysterectomy the urinary bladder develops a denervation supersensitivity to cholinergic stimulation. The carbachol-test based on that observation: after filling the bladder with 100 ml sterile saline and subcutaneous administration of 0,004 mg.kg-1 body weight carbachol the course of the intravesical pressure was recorded. Normal bladders respond with a pressure rise non exceeding 15 cm H2O. Between 15 and 20 cm H2O is a suspicous zone. Test results of more than 20 cm H2O indicate a denervated bladder with increasing certainty. 6 healthy women and 50 patients underwent radical hysterectomy were examined. In 20 women measurements before and after the operation were performed. The carbachol-test is semiquantitative only. In patients with bladder dysfunction we found predominant pathological test results. But there is no evident correlation between the level of the test result and the clinical degree of the micturition disturbances. In some cases the effects of the detrusor supersensitivity on the urethra and the ureter were examined. The conditions of the denervated bladder call for caution in the administration of cholinergic drugs.


Oral treatment of human taeniasis by ethereal extract of male-fern (aspidium) preceded by the administration of hypertonic solution of magnesium sulphate.

29 Patients of ages varying from 12 to 60 years were treated orally with doses of 0.07 g/kg body weight of ethereal extract of male-fern, preceded by the administration of hypertonic solution of magnesium sulphate (15 g in 200 ml of water). All of them were previously treated with other anthelminthics without success. 25 of the patients obtained total cure. One woman expelled 14 scoleces of T. solium. The species determination for the 29 cases of Taeniasis revealed 3 cases of T. solium (10.3%) and 26 cases of T. saginata (89.7%).


[Monosaccharide composition of the lipopolysaccharides of bacteria of the genus Citrobacter].

The authors studied antigens obtained by Grasset's method from 13 strains of Citrobacter of the International collection. The strains possessed O- and H-antigens whose behaviur in the electric field differed. All the strains under study were divided into two groups (by the number of serologically-active components of their O-antigens); representatives of the second group had no cathode O-antigen component. Chemical composition of specific lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained by Westphal's method was determined. Fourteen different sugars were revealed. The strains under study were referred to the known chemotypes. Strain 16/52 (8a, 8c) was for the first time studied in respect to the monosaccharide composition of specific LPS, and was referred to chemotype designated as CC-L.


Studies on heterogeneity of the lysine-rich histone from ox pancreas.

1. Histone H1 from ox pancrease has been isolated by preparative electrophoresis at pH 2.7 in polyacrylamide slab gel, using the fraction F1 of Oliver et al. (1972, Biochem. J., 129, 349--353) as starting material. 2. The isolated histone H1 showed higher heterogeneity on isoelectric focusing than on polyacrylamide electrophoresis in long gel. The isoelectric points of the main subfractions of histone H1 were at pH 8.0--8.4.


Initiation of voiding in healthy women and those with stress incontinence.

Sixteen healthy women, and 13 with stress incontinence were investigated by simultaneous urethrocystometry during the initiation of voiding. In the healthy women, there was a decrease in the maximum intra-urethral pressure immediately before micturition. A few seconds later (mean 3.0 sec), the intravesical pressure increased. As a result, the urethral closure pressure decreased to zero, and urine started to escape from the urethra. In the patients with stress in continence, three different ways of initiating micturition were observed. Five patients initiated voiding by the Valsalva manoeuvre, 3 mainly by decreasing the maximum urthral pressure, and 5 mainly in the same way as the healthy women. The results suggest that preoperative analysis of the micturition pattern by means of simultaneous urethrocystometry can be of value for the choice of operative procedure, and thereby make it possible to avoid or reduce postoperative retention of urine.


Bladder base insufficiency. Radiological, urodynamic, and clinical aspects.

Among 420 consecutive patients referred for voiding cystourethrography 26% presented the picture of bladder base insufficiency (b.b.i.). The examination was carried out as a colpo-cysto-urethrography. A urodynamic and gynecological examination was performed in each patient. The characteristic morphological features were: Anterior and inferior displacement of the bladder neck and a pointed bladder base. The position and form of the vagina was normal. Radiological signs of detrusor function were weak and opening of the bladder neck was characterized by funneling. Urodynamically the patients with b.b.i. showed low opening and low detrusor contraction pressures. The flows were highly varying. Very high flows were seen in a few patients but the more common pattern was slightly reduced maximum flow rates. Opening of the internal urethral orifice is known to be caused by detrusor contraction. Closing is passive, caused by elastic properties in the tissues. In b.b.i. intravesical pressures during micturition were low and radiological signs of detrusor contraction were weak, indicating that the bladder neck was easily opened. This, on the other hand, means that the bladder neck was insufficiently closed during bladder reservoir function, and may explain the main symptom, stress incontinence, which was present in 84% of the patients. The underlying pathology in anatomical support and suspension of the bladder base is discussed.


Catecholamine-containing and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibres in the rabbit conjunctiva.

The innervation of the rabbit conjunctiva was investigated histochemically. Nerves containing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were demonstrated using a copper thiocholine technique. Sympathetic nerve fibres were demonstrated using either the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) or glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence (GIF) method. In addition, GIF and AChE-reactions were performed consecutively for the demonstration of fluorescent and AChE-positive nerves in the same specimen. The number of AChE-positive nerve fibres exceeded that of fluorescent fibres. Both fibre types were more numerous in the stroma of the limbal and tarsal conjunctiva than in the fornix. In the epithelium, only a few AChE-positive nerves were observed. These are assumed to be sensory. Most nerves seemed to contain both catecholamine-containing and AChE-positive fibres. However, nerves fibres containing only AChE-activity were also found. The blood vessels of the conjunctiva were innervated by both fluorescent and AChE-positive nerves, the distribution and number of which differed slightly.


Autoradiography on erythrokinesis and multihemoglobins in juvenile Salmo salar L. at various respiratory gas regimes.

The kinetics of erythropoiesis in 5--6 month old Salmo salar L. was correlated to 4 combinations of environmental PO2 and pH/PCO2. Given single doses of 55Fe at the start of continuous flow bioassays, the incorporation was examined in circulating red blood cells (RBC) by autoradiography on blood smears. The proportions of immature, labelled immature and labelled mature erythrocytes were calculated on samples taken at intervals up to 52 days. Compared to control fish kept at a PO2 corresponding to 90% air saturation and pH/PCO2 at 7.6/8 pH unit/mmHg, oxygen depletion to 50% air saturation stimulated the proliferation of RBC stem cells and enhanced RBC maturation. Ceteris paribus, sustained hypercapnia at a PCO2 in a respiratory water raised to 23 mm Hg (pH 7.1--7.2), stimulated proliferation but did not affect the output of mature RBC. Simultaneously lowered PO2 and raised PCO2 to the levels mentioned above obviously stressed the fish, as the effect of lowered PO2 per se was not manifested. Radioactivity was traced to all electrophoretically separable protein fractions from RBC hemolysates. The relevance of blood physiological criteria for probing the fitness or well being of fish in environmental respiratory stress conditions has been discussed.


Haemangioblastomas of the central nervous system.

Experiences with 47 haemangioblastomas of the central nervous system seen in our department over a period of 33 years are described. Among these cases there were six tumours of the brain stem and four of the cerebrum. It is pointed out that, after a diagnosis of brain stem tumour has been made, a shunt procedure is indicated if high intracranial pressure is present. Radiation does not seem to help this kind of patient. Polycythaemia was observed in both types of tumours. One case of spinal cord tumour was seen during the same period, and in another case multiple tumours of the brain stem and the spinal cord were observed.


Chilean experience with fortified children's formulas.

In this paper we have described all the steps needed to develop an efficient program for distributing children's fortified formulas. The easiest steps are to develop the formulas on an experimental and laboratory basis. The real obstacles lie in implementation at the national level. All that has been described applies to experience in Chile, which we consider very successful because of the acceptance of the program as well as spectacular advances in preventing malnutrition. The figures for 1977 show that combining all degrees of malnutrition in the under six age group, the prevalence is now 12.2% compared to nearly 60% found 10 years ago. This progress is due, not only to the specific program, but also to the many others that constitute the national food and nutrition policy (CONPAN, 1976). This success is due to the persistent, skilled effort of many professional and technical staff members. It is impractical to acknowledge all individual contributions here. The National Food and Nutrition Council, the National Health Service, Universities, Research Bodies, and private enterprizes have all contributed to this joint effort. The purpose of this presentation is that this experience may benefit other countries with similar problems.


Improvement of the protein quality of corn with soybean protein.

In most Central American countries, lime-treated corn provides 31% of the total protein and 45% of the energy intake, and beans 24% of the protein and 12% of the calories. Such diet is low in protein quality and quantity, as well as in energy. To overcome these deficiencies, corn can be supplemented either with its limiting amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, or better still, with whole soybeans which improve not only the amount and quality of the protein consumed but, because of their high oil content, the energy intake as well. In addition, animal experiments have shown that for maximum utilization of these nutrients, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is indispensable. At a level of 15 parts of whole soybean or 8 parts soybean-derived products, to 85--92 parts of corn there were no significant changes in the rheological or organoleptic characteristics of the tortilla prepared there of. Higher levels of soybean products, however, may affect the consistency of the lime-treated corn dough and, therefore, the tortilla acceptability. Since corn is usually cooked, but not ground, at home, the soybean supplement can be successfully added at the wet--milling stage of dough preparation or whole soybeans and corn may be cooked together, when a nutritional intervention is desired at the village level. At an industrial scale, if whole soybeans are used, they may be cooked together with corn, and if soy flour is used, this can be mixed at the end of the process when the cooked corn is ground to a flour. A flow diagram for supplementing corn with 15% whole soybeans is presented. If interventions of this nature are to be successful, there is need for increasing the prestige of corn-based food, as well as of nutrition education programs in these populations.


Amino acid supplementation of isolated soybean protein in milk replacers for preruminant lambs.

The growth of preruminant calves and lambs fed on milk replacers containing vegetable proteins is generally inferior to that of preruminants given cows' milk. The inferior performance has variously been attributed to an amino acid imbalance, to heat damage in preparation, and to the presence of growth-retarding substances. Soybean products that have been treated to remove, or destroy, growth-retarding substances are now available commercially. An experimental design is described that has been used to determine the order of limiting amino acids in soy protein isolates, and which may also be used to estimate requirements for individual amino acids. The design allows an economy in time and in experimental animals, and gives results that are not significantly different from those determined in classical balance experiments.


Inhibition of lysinoalanine synthesis by protein acylation.

Treating wheat gluten, soy protein, and lactalbumin under alkaline conditions at 65 degree C for various times destroys part of the threonine, cystine, lysine, tyrosine, and arginine residues in these proteins. The losses were accompanied by the appearance of lysinoalanine and unidentified ninhydrin-positive substances. Treating wool under somewhat milder alkaline conditions destroys part of the cystine and lysine residues, but not the other amino acids cited. In this case, loss of cystine and lysine was accompanied by the appearance of lanthionine and lysinoalanine. Amino acid analysis of alkali-treated acylated proteins revealed that acylation by acetic and succinic anhydrides prevents or minimizes destruction of lysine residues and the formation of lysinoalanine in wheat gluten and soy protein and, in wool, minimizes destruction of cystine and lysine residues and the formation of lanthionine lysinoalanine. Mechanisms are proposed to explain the observed inhibiting effects of protein acylation and oertain additives on lysinoalanine formation.


Nutritional improvement of food proteins by means of the plastein reaction and its novel modification.

The paper reviews recent studies in the application of the plastein reaction for the improvement of amino acid compositions of food proteins; it describes in a large measure the specific incorporation of amino acid esters into protein hydrolysate during the plastein reaction with papain. The information obtained from this specificity study has been found useful in the improvement of several unconventional as well as conventional proteins by incorporating controlled amounts of essential amino acids through the plastein reaction. Prior to carrying out this reaction, however, it is necessary to prepare a protein hydrolysate as its substrate. The entire process thus requires two independent steps: enzymatic protein hydrolysis and resynthesis. In very recent work we have found it possible to incorporate amino acid esters directly into protein by one step when a proper reaction condition has been adopted. This novel "one--step process" is also discussed in comparison with the conventional plastein reaction.


Improving protein quality of bread - nutritional benefits and realities.

The bases for improving bread protein quality are critically examined. Protein consumption is shown to be directly related to total calorie intake in many countries, with a correlation coefficient (r) of greater than or equal to 0.90. Concentration of protein in bread, % kilocalories, is similar to that of mixed diets in many parts of the world. Quality of bread protein, when evaluated by male weanling rats, may be improved by supplementation with lysine and threonine, as well as with many protein sources. Human adults, on bread diets, may be maintained in nitrogen equilibrium or slightly positive nitrogen balance. Increases, however, in nitrogen retention have been reported when lysine was added to bread. Laboratory studies with infants and young children, often hospitalized and recovering from severe malnutrition, show that lysine supplementation of wheat flour and gluten diets enhanced nitrogen retention and weight gain. No effect was observed when whole wheat diets were supplemented with lysine. Several field studies with children indicate that the addition of lysine to either supplemental breads provided at school, or to all wheat products consumed, resulted in no observed beneficial effects. Other field studies report an increase in either weight or height with addition of lysine to breads. A laboratory study with human adults suggests that a wheat flour: soy flour mixture has a higher biological value than wheat flour alone. The role, in human nutrition, of breads with improved protein quality remains somewhat obscure.


Soy protein utilization in food systems.

Soy protein products are utilized in food systems as whole beans, flours and grits, concentrates and isolates, and textured products. Soy proteins play a significant role in food systems as a source of supplementary and complementary protein and contribute functional properties such as solubility, water absorption, viscosity, emulsification, texture, and antioxidation. Whole soybeans are processed into snack foods, beverages, and fermented foods. Soy protein is an ideal supplement for cereal protein because it corrects lysine and other  amino acid deficiencies. Blends of soy flour or grits with cereals such as corn, wheat, or sorghum are widely used in world feeding programs. The blends are also valuable in domestic food systems such as breakfast cereals and baked foods. Concentrates and isolates are utilized in processed meats and baby foods. Isolates are utilized in processed meats and baby foods. Isolates are employed as whipping agents and coffee whiteners. Thermoplastic extrusion of defatted flours or protein concentrates produces an expanded type of textured protein. Isolated soy protein is converted to meat analogs by a spun fiber process. Textured soy protein products are used to extend or replace meat products in food systems.


Right atrial ultrastructure in congenital heart disease. I. Comparison of ventricular septal defect and endocardial cushion defect.

Ultrastructural studies were performed on portions of the operatively resected right atrium from six patients with a ventricular septal defect and six patients with an endocardial cushion defect. The six patients with a ventricular septal defect had normal right atrial mean pressure and no evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients appeared normal and measured 6 to 12 mu in diameter. The six patients with an endocardial cushion defect had elevated right atrial mean pressure and evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients were generally larger than 12 mu in diameter. The cells were irregular and had multiple and occasionally widened intercalated discs. In addition, there were degenerative changes in two patients with markedly increased atrial pressure. These changes included extensive loss of contractile elements, aggregation of small irregular mitochondria and proliferation of tubules of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The structural changes suggest that hypertrophy of the right atrium may be secondary to volume overload of the atrium, whereas degenerative changes may be secondary to increased right atrial pressure.


Relation between apexcardiographic a wave and posterior aortic wall motion.

Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, an apexcardiogram and an aortic root echocardiogram were recorded in 24 patients. Eleven patients (46%) had a ratio of atrial to total amplitude (a/OE ratio) greater than 14% in the apexcardiogram, and all patients had a left atrial systolic posterior aortic wall motion after the conduit period that was greater than 50% of the total posterior aortic wall excursion as measured from the O to V points (A/OV ratio) on the echocardiogram. Only 2 of 24 patients (8%) had an echographic A/OV ratio greater than 0.5 with an apexcardiographic a/OE ratio of less than 14%. There was a significantly (P less than 0.001) high degree of positive correlation between the apexcardiographic a/OE ratio and the echographic A/OV ratio (r = 0.81), the a/OE ratio and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.82), and the A/OV ratio and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.75). It is concluded that the amplitude of posterior aortic root motion during atrial systole in relation to total posterior aortic wall motion may provide a useful index for the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular compliance and end-diastolic pressure.


The distribution and endocrine nature of the abdominal paraganglia of adult man.

The paraganglia of adult man were studied using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) method for histochemical characterization of biogenic monoamines. Microspectrofluorimetry was used to record the emission spectra and fluorescence intensities of the paraganglionic cells. The study of samples from six patients showed that well vascularized paraganglia were widely distributed throughout the retroperitoneal spaces. The paraganglia exhibited strong FIF with the spectral characteristics of monamines. Treatment with HC1 caused an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the paraganglia and a simultaneous shift of the emission maximum from 480--495 nm. This change suggests the presence of high concentrations of tryptophyl-containing peptides and is not due to monoamines. The possibility of a dual endocrine function for the paraganglia is discussed.


Essential fatty acid requirements in infancy.

The view expressed by Cuthbertson that essential fatty acid needs of human infants have been overestimated is contested. In our view Cuthbertson's assessment of essential fatty acid requirements of infants is too low because 1) consideration of the omega3 fatty acids is omitted; 2) the biological value of long-chain essential fatty acids is wrongly assessed; and 3) the significance of variations in composition of random human milk samples is misunderstood.


Meningitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in a preterm infant.

This report describes a case of meningitis caused by a Lancefield group C streptococcus (Streptococcus dysgalactiae) in a 9-week-old infant. Bacteria of this group rarely cause serious infections in man. The organism was identified as a member of Lancefield group C by the acid extraction method and as S. dysgalactiae by biochemical tests. The patient's condition responded well to penicillin and tobramycin therapy, with no obvious neurologic sequelae.


Effects of dextran 70 on factor VIII activity.

A case of apparent association of dextran 70 therapy with reduced factor VIII activity in a 24-year-old white woman with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is reported. Diagnosis of TTP was based on clinical and laboratory data consistent with transient neurological deficits, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Intravenous dextran 70 (250 ml every 12 hours) and oral prednisone (80 mg daily) were given for TTP. Additional oral medications included codeine, Maalox and Tabron. When assay showed a factor VIII activity of 14% on the third day of dextran 70 administration, the drug was discontinued and oral administration of dipyridamole (100 mg four times daily) was begun. Factor VIII activity increased to 82% on day six. Dextran 70 (125 ml every 12 hours) was resumed on day seven following a splenectomy on the previous day. When factor VIII activity subsequently decreased from 75% to 29% within two days, dextran 70 was again discontinued and dipyridamole reinstituted at its earlier dosage. The patient's discharge medications included dipyridamole and 60 mg of prednisone daily (to be tapered). Reports of dextran 70-induced hemostatic defects involving platelets and factor VIII are reviewed. Dextran will form, with factors I and VIII, cryoprecipitates that may reduce the activity of factor VIII. It is suggested that patients receiving dextrans be monitored with partial thromboplastin times and, if available, with assays of factor VIII activity.


Glucose lactate interrelations in sheep.

The constant-infusion, isotope-dilution method was used to investigate the interrelationships between the glucose and lactate pools of six trained sheep deprived of food overnight. Arterial plasma lactate concentration was a linear function of the net lactate entry rate as was the net production of glucose from lactate, which suggests that the net rate of formation of glucose from lactate is dependent on the availability of lactate. Similarly the arterial plasma glucose concentration was correlated with the net entry rate of glucose as was the net production rate of lactate from glucose, suggesting that the net rate of lactate production from glucose is a function of arterial plasma glucose concentration. The demonstration of these two interrelations between glucose and lactate in normal sheep suggests that, in the absence of external factors producing hormonal or other changes that could cause perturbations of carbohydrate homeostasis, the net rates of conversion of glucose to lactate and of lactate to glucose may be largely determined by the arterial concentrations of glucose and lactate, respectively.


Streptocerciasis: degeneration of adult Dipetalonema streptocerca in man following diethylcarbamazine therapy.

Thirty-three patients in Zaire with streptocerciasis were treated daily with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for 21 days. Histopathologic studies of biopsy specimens with papules of skin established that during DEC treatment adult male and female Dipetalonema streptocerca die and degenerate. DEC may thus produce radical cures of streptocerciasis.


Demonstration of a common antigen between Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica.

The presence of a common antigen between Schistosoma mansoni eggs and Fasciola hepatica adult worms was demonstrated by utilizing in an anti-S. mansoni adult worm antiserum. Although not one of the three major serologic S. mansoni egg antigens, its complete cross-reactivity suggests that serologic tests done with these crude antigenic extracts will result in many false-positive cases in areas where both parasites are endemic.


Epidemiologic investigation of Marburg virus disease, Southern Africa, 1975.

During the first 10 days of February 1975, an Australian hitchhiker contracted Marburg virus disease while traveling through Rhodesia and died; the infection was subsequently passed to two other persons, who recovered. Investigators retraced the hitchhiker's steps in March and again in June 1975 in an effort to uncover the natural reservoir of the virus and determine how it was transmitted. Serum samples were collected from humans and animals wherever the patient had come in close contact with animals or insects. Arthropods of various types were collected in June 1975 and again in February 1976 for virus isolation attempts; at no time did the patient come in direct contact with nonhuman primates of any kind, or any other animals. Indirect contact with bats, monkeys, and birds through aerosols was possible, though at some distance. Direct contact with arthropods occurred throughout the trip; on several occasions it was notably severe. We believe that during this outbreak the first Marburg virus infection occurred by vector-borne transmission from an arthropod yet to be identified, and that patients 2 and 3 acquired the disease by exposure to the oropharyngeal secretions of patients 1 and 2, respectively. Studies are underway to identify the species of arthropod involved in this transmission.


A comparative study of prevalence of skin hypersensitivity to cockroach and house dust antigens.

Allergy skin tests with cockroach antigen along with various common inhalant allergens were performed on 222 atopic and on 63 non-atopic subjects. The most prevalent allergen producing a positive skin test was house dust antigen with a positive response of 72%, 78% and 57% in atopic adults, atopic children and non-atopic children, respectively. The next prevalent positive skin test was to cockroach antigen with 50%, 60% and 27%, respectively, of the three groups tested. The differences between positive cockroach hypersensitivity and house dust hypersensitivity in all three groups tested were statistically significant. Next in order of prevalence of positive skin test to common inhalants were western weeds, ragweeds and cats. Incidence of cockroach hypersensitivity was 58% among asthmatic adults and 69% among asthmatic children. The results indicate that cockroach hypersensitivity is highly prevalent and that cockroach antigen is an independent agent from house dust as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity reaction.


Diurnal variations in outflow facility.

Tonography was carried out at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM on 43 normal eyes, 58 open-angle glaucomatous eyes and 10 ocular hypertensive eyes. Diurnal variations in outflow facility and their relation to those in intraocular pressure (IOP) were studied. Diurnal variations in outflow facility were present in almost all eyes, with approximately a 10% exception. The average diurnal variation in true outflow facility (deltaCtrue) was 0.10 microliter/min/mm Hg in normal eyes and 0.07 microliter/min/mm Hg in glaucomatous eyes. The average rate of diurnal variation in true outflow facility: formula: (see text) was 43.6% in normal eyes and 69.1% in glaucomatous eyes. The value was greater in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes. The curve of diurnal variations in true outflow facility was divided into 5 types, and in glaucomatous eyes the value of outflow facility was apt to increase in the morning and decrease in the evening. In 42% of the normal and 45% of the glaucomatous eyes, inverse relation was seen between diurnal variations in outflow facility and diurnal rhythm in IOP. It is thought that diurnal variations in outflow facility, along with diurnal fluctuations in the rate of aqueous formation, are one of the factors responsible for the diurnal rhythm found in IOP.


Argon laser treatment of cutaneous vascular abnormalities: progress report.

One hundred six cutaneous vascular abnormalities were treated over a 3-year period by the argon laser. Absorption of light energy causes heat coagulation of the hemangioma with sparing of the overlying skin and secondary skin appendages. Patients with port wine hemangiomas, capillary/cavernous hemangiomas, and telangiectasia showed good response to argon laser treatment. Superficial varicosities of the lower extremity proved to be relatively insensitive to laser treatment. The argon laser shows promise as an effective clinical tool in the treatment of hemangiomas; however, further clinical and laboratory investigation will be necessary to establish the laser as the modality of choice in the treatment of such lesions.


Dermatoglyphic total patterns on palms, finger-tips and soles in twins.

110 palms of MZ twins and 111 like-sexed pairs of DZ twins have been compared in respect of a concordance rate of the palmar, sole and finger-tip total pattern types. Dermatoglyphic patterns have been classified according to the topological method, and the distributions of the numbers of discordant pattern elements from homolateral, heterolateral and bilateral comparisons in MZ and DZ twins, respectively, are presented. The highest concordance occurs in homolateral comparisons in MZ twins and the lowest in heterolateral comparisons. Bilateral concordance is highest for sole and finger-patterns, while palmar patterns present a considerable degree of dermatoglyphic asymmetry. Palmar, sole and finger-tip patterns are also not alike in homolateral concordance rates within MZ and DZ twin pairs. The differences between MZ and DZ twins are much more pronounced for sole patterns than for palmar or finger-tip patterns, which is also reflected in the estimated H values. For soles, this may be in some way related to the considerable symmetry of patterns. The fact that some pattern elements are intercorrelated may also introduce a bias in estimates of heritability, based on twin material.


Transfusion syndrome and the heritability of IQ.

The recent analysis of transfusion syndrome effects by Munsinger (1977) suggests that there is literally no effect of social environment on IQ variation in the population. The detailed analysis of Munsinger's report, however, indicates that his conclusions cannot be supported. Though Munsinger assigned birthweights to separated MZ twin pairs described in the literature, there do not in fact exist birthweight data for most pairs. Further, for some pairs, Munsinger also estimated their IQ's. There is no valid basis for Munsinger's claim that he has detected those separated MZ pairs within which transfusion syndrome occurred. When discussing six studies of birthweights of MZ pairs reared together, Munsinger in each case made transcription errors in selecting data from the original studies. Then he misapplied a statistical formula to the erroneous data, and concluded that inclusion of pairs with large birth-weight differences biased the IQ correlation of MZ's downwards. When Munsinger's own data base is correctly analysed, employing his own procedures, inclusion of pairs with large birthweight differences in fact increases the IQ correlation. There is thus no demonstrable basis for Munsinger's claims about transfusion syndrome and the heritability of IQ.


Chromosome studies at the paediatric necropsy.

The results of chromosome studies from 1193 consecutive paediatric necropsies in Edinburgh and 331 in Adelaide are given. In the Edinburgh series 51 major chromosome abnormalities were detected in 780 (6.5%) necropsies where chromosome studies were successful and in Adelaide 16 in 295 (5.4%) were found. It is suggested that chromosome studies should become an integral part of the paediatric necropsy except for deaths due to primary central nervous system lesions and trauma.


Absence of the d triradius.

Ten cases of absence of the d triradius are reported from a heterogeneous collection of dermatoglyphs from 3610 subjects. There was one case in 1000 normal' controls. There were three cases in a group of 800 subjects with congenital heart disease. There were two cases with the 49, XXXXY constitution, a previously noted association. A pair of probably monozygous twins were discordant for absence of the d triradius. The condition was left-sided in six cases, right-sided in one case, and affected both sides in three cases.


X-linked muscular dystrophy.

X-linked muscular dystrophy has been separated into two types that are generally considered to be distinct entities. We have investigated three families with X-linked muscular dystrophy who demonstrate remarkable intrafamilial variability. In one family 2 brothers with a benign type had a maternal uncle who was affected with the Duchenne type. In another family, 4 members had the benign type but a fifth was much more severely affected than in the classic Duchenne dystrophy; therefore the presence of an "aggressive form" is proposed. A third family also had both benign and severe types. A search of the literature revealed families in which the severe and benign types coexisted. The genetic determinants of this heterogeneity are not yet known. Clinical similarities between benign and severe types of X-linked muscular dystrophy and the presence of families with both types suggest that the two are intimately related.


Congenital fiber type disproportion in identical twins.

Eighteen-month-old identical twins with the muscle histological characteristics of congenital fiber type disproportion are reported. The fiber typing system of pH-dependent adenosine triphosphatase was used to analyze the size and percentage of type 1, 2A, and 2B fibers in muscle tissue obtained by needle biopsy. Both twins had significantly larger type 2 than type 1 fibers, with 2B fibers representing the largest type. One patient also had type 1 predominance at the expense of a reduction in 2B (2B deficiency). The probands as well as other family members had transient delayed motor development, macrocephaly, and normal intelligence. A biopsy obtained from 1 of these family members failed to demonstrate a similar histological abnormality. The disorder is nonprogressive in this family, as evidenced by minimal disability in the older members and gradual improvement in the probands.


Visual evoked potentials and postmortem findings in a case of cortical blindness.

A patient with cortical blindness due to extensive bilateral posterior cerebral infarcts showed occipital visual evoked potentials to flash stimulation on repeated testing. These responses were probably mediated by extrageniculocalcarine connections between the optic nerve and the secondary visual cortex of the occipital convexity.


Enhanced production of Rauscher leukemia virus after infection of high-passaged JLS-V9 cells.

JLS-V9, a mouse bone marrow cell line infected with Rauscher leukemia virus at high passage level, produced larger amounts of virus than the standard JLS-V10 cells. The enhanced virus production was attributed to the increased saturation density of JLS-V9 cells.


Evaluation of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as a potential mycotoxin producer on soybeans.

Solvent extracts of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia were nontoxic to mice and chicken embryos; psoralens were not detected. Solvent extracts of soybeans inoculated with 10 strains of S. sclerotiorum were toxic on injection but nontoxic on per os administration to mice. The presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the soybeans may partially help explain toxicity by intraperitineal injection.


Temperature function integration and the development and metabolism of poultry spoilage bacteria.

The rate of spoilage of chicken tissues, the development of spoilage bacteria, and the utilization of amino acids by spoilage bacteria as a function of temperature were more accurately described by the general spoilage curve of Olley and Ratkowsky (Food Technol. Aust. 25:66-73, 1973; Food Technol. N.Z. 8:13-17, 1973) than by the linear equation of Spencer and Baines (Food Technol. [Chicago] 18:175-179, 1964). Remaining shelf life of poultry tissues may be predicted at temperatures up to 16 degrees C by using a temperature function integrator which incorporates the general spoilage curve.


Light inhibits the production of alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in Alternaria alternata.

Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, grown in drop culture, produced alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in late growth phase. Production was almost completely inhibited when the fungal cultures were exposed to white light (180 W/m2), although mycelial dry weight was not significantly affected. The fungus was most sensitive to light during the exponential growth phase. Twelve hours of light exposure was sufficient to decrease significantly the production of the secondary metabolites. In light the fungus produced a red-brown pigment of unknown nature.


Comparison of four agar plating media with and without added novobiocin for isolation of salmonellae from beef and deboned poultry meat.

Four plating media, Hektoen enteric (HE), xylose-lysine deoxycholate (XLD), tryptic soy-xylose-lysine (TSXL), and tryptic soy-brillant green (TSBG) agars with and without 10 mg of added novobiocin per ml, were evaluated for recovery of Salmonella from roast beef and deboned turkey. Colonies producing a reaction typical of H(2)S-positive salmonellae (alkaline with black centers) were picked. On the media without novobiocin, from 109 determinations on 75 samples, number of salmonellae found and false-positives were, respectively: HE-13, 58; XLD-17, 18; TSXL-23, 0; TSBG-22, 7. When novobiocin was present the corresponding results were: HE-17, 24; XLD-21, 2; TSXL-23, 3; TSBG-20, 7. A total of 25 determinations were positive on one or more agars. False-positives on HE and XLD without novobiocin were predominantly Proteus, which were almost totally eliminated by addition of 10 mg of novobiocin per liter. If alkaline H(2)S-negative colonies had been considered, many more false-positives would have been found on HE and XLD but not on TSBG or TSXL. Addition of novobiocin markedly improved isolations of salmonellae from XLD and HE and reduced the number of false-positives. Addition of novobiocin did not improve performance of TSXL and slightly impaired differentiation of salmonellae from Citrobacter on TSBG. XLD with novobiocin and TSXL are highly specific for H(2)S-positive salmonellae, and the appearance of Salmonella-like colonies on these media can be considered a presumptive test for H(2)S-positive salmonellae.


Reappraisal of linoleic acid requirement of the young infant, with particular regard to use of modified cows' milk formulae.

Most infants in the UK are bottle fed with cows' milk formulae that are alleged to provide less than the minimum requirement for linoleic acid, i.e. 1% of the total dietary energy. 20 term infants fed solely on a modified cows' milk formula that provided 0.55% of the energy from linoleic acid were therefore examined for evidence of deficiency. Rates of growth in length and weight, measured during the first 3 months of life, were identical with those of 20 wholly breast-fed infants. Voluntary food intakes (kcal/kg per day) followed the normal pattern. The fatty acid composition of the plasma lipids showed changes characteristic of a low intake of linoleic acid, but triene:tetraene ratios did not indicate a deficiency state, and clinical signs of deficiency were not observed. These findings suggest that the requirement for linoleic acid is substantially less than was formerly believed. The small amount of alpha-linolenic acid present in cows' milk may however exert a sparing effect on linoleic acid.


Heart failure apparently due to overfeeding in a neonate.

Severe heart failure in a one-month-old infant is described, apparently due to the administration of cows' milk in the region of 300 ml/kg per day. There was also pronounced hypocalcaemia. The infant responded rapidly to treatment with no evidence of intrinsic heart disease.


Faecal excretion of oligosaccharides and other carbohydrates in normal neonates.

Chromatographic analysis of sugars in the stools of 40 normal newborn infants has shown the presence of an oligosaccharide in 85% of samples. The oligosaccharide has been shown to contain fucose (6-deoxygalactose), glucose, and galactose and is present in normal breast milk. In addition fucose has also been found in the presence of galactose in some samples and is probably a breakdown product of milk oligosaccharides. These findings, which affect the interpretation of faecal sugar excretion, have not been described previously.


Excretion of MHPG in normal subjects: implications for biological classification of affective disorders.

Exretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) was measured repeatedly in 17 normal subjects. The amount of MHPG excreted over a 24-hour period was fairly stable over a period of three consecutive 24-hour samplings, but stability was rather poor over subsequent periods of several weeks, suggesting that execretory patterns are not traits. A normal range of MHPG excretion was estimated to be 900 to 3,500 micrograms/24 hr. This range covers the majority of persons with affective disorders whose excretion patterns have been measured, although comparisons of absolute values between laboratories must be made cautiously. Further, substantial changes within this range may occur in normal subjects with no accompanying change in affect. A slight but definite diurnal pattern of excretion was found, with a peak at the period of 1600 to 1800 hours. No clear relationship to MHPG excretion to state of physical activity, recent consumption of foods or beverages, or prevailing affective state was defined in those subjects living under normal conditions. While MHPG excretion may yet prove useful for categorizing depressed patients and predicting response to drugs, any inferences drawn regarding the pathogenesis of affective disorders must be guarded.


Enzyme activities and protein and carbohydrate concentrations in cervical secretions at dioestrus in normal ewes and ewes with permanent phytooestrogenic infertility.

Cervical secretions of clover-affected and control ewes in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle were obtained by flushing the anterior vagina. The flushings were analysed for proteins, carbohydrates and enzyme activities, and were found to be similar to the secretions of the normal ovine uterus. There was significantly more protein, carbohydrate and acid-soluble glycoprotein but less alkaline phosphatase, N-acetylglycosidases (EC 3.2.1.30 and 3.2.1.53) and ribonuclease I in the vaginal flushings of clover-affected ewes. The observed changes were not due to more inflammation in the cervix of clover-affected ewes as there were fewer bacteria, leukocytes and epithelial cells and no elevation of lysozomal enzyme activities in their flushings. It is suggested that the cervix of the clover-affected ewe behaves as though under a stronger than normal oestrogenic stimulation during dioestrus.


Prostaglandin F in the fallopian tube secretion of the ewe.

Oviducal secretions were obtained from conscious unrestrained ewes throughout the oestrous cycle via indwelling cannulae and the content of prostaglandin F (PGF) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Levels of PGF of up to 230 ng/ml were found in oviducal fluids obtained from ewes showing regular patterns of secretion and normal cyclical ovarian function as indicated by plasma progesterone measurement. Relatively large day to day fluctuations in content were evident, but there was no consistent relationship between concentration and stage of the oestrous cycle. Concentrations of PGF in excess of 100 ng/ml were common in preparations where autopsy later revealed infection or tissue irritation, and the concentration of PGF invariably exceeded 75 ng/ml when the concentration of protein in the oviducal fluid was abnormally high.


Fusion and hybridization of marsupial and eutherian cells. V. Development of selective systems.

The availability of systems which permit the selective elimination of marsupial cells from fused cultures is an essential requirement for the production of marsupial X eutherian somatic cell hybrids. Such hybrids have particular advantages for genetic studies of mammalian cells. We describe the isolation and characterization of several drug-resistant marsupial cell strains. We have selected strains resistant to concentrations of 10 micrograms/ml of the purine analogues 8-azaguanine and 6-thioguanine. Several of these strains were found to be deficient in the enzyme hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase and consequently sensitive to hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT) selective medium. We have also isolated marsupial cell strains resistant to concentrations of 22 micrograms/ml of the thymidine analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine. These strains were thymidine kinase deficient and HAT sensitive. Drug resistance was a stable characteristic maintained for many generations in the absence of the drug. However, inhibition of growth of these drug-resistant strains was strongly density dependent, a factor that caused difficulties in the selection of hybrids. We have also developed selective systems which exploit differences between marsupial and eutherian cells in sensitivity to growth in ouabain, and in adhesiveness and other growth properties. Marsupial cells were found to be naturally much more sensitive to ouabain than rodent cells, a phenomenon that should be useful in the selection of marsupial X rodent cellular hybrids. We discuss a number of difficulties associated with the derivation and use of variant marsupial cell strains.


Assignment of the gene for glyoxylase I to mouse chromosome 17 by somatic cell genetics.

Evidence is presented for the assignment of the gene for glyoxylase I to mouse chromosome 17 using mouse X Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. GLO I was not expressed concordantly with any known marker enzymes which represented 11 linkage groups. The presence of chromosome 17 and expression of GLO I were concordant in 31/31 clones. GLO I is thus linked to the H-2 histocompatibility locus in the mouse.


Extensive conjugation of dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) metabolites in cultured human skin fibroblasts and rat hepatoma cells.

[G-3H]Dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) metabolism in human skin fibroblasts and rat hepatoma cells in culture was determined by high-pressure liquid-chromatographic analysis of both cell extract and uptake medium. Conjugated metabolites were selectively hydrolysed by incubation with arylsulphatase or beta-glucuronidase before analysis. The principal metabolites of dopamine in fibroblast cells are 3-methoxytyramine 4-O-sulphate and 3-methoxytyramine. No significant differences, either in the amounts of these metabolites or in the amount of dopamine metabolism, were observed in fibroblasts from both normal and homocystinuric individuals. In rat hepatoma cells, the major metabolite of dopamine was 3-methoxytyramine 4- or 3-O-glucuronide; lower concentrations of dopamine 4- or 3-O-glucuronide, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and two unidentified glucuronide conjugates were also observed. Significant differences in the relative concentrations of these metabolites in cell and uptake medium were observed in both cell systems.


Symmetry of binding sites of a mouse IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315).

We have investigated the mechanism of monovalency of the 7S subunit of a mouse IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315) against a large antigen. This subunit, although it clearly can bind two molecules of a small hapten, fails to precipitate or hemagglutinate the relevant multivalent antigen. In an equilibrium Farr assay, we have shown that the subunit has only one valence for a univalent 40,000 molecular weight antigen (dinitrophenyl-dextran). We have investigated how various levels of affinity labeling quantitatively affect (a) the valence observed in the equilibrium Farr assay against a large antigen, and (b) the binding of the MOPC 315 to an insoluble antigenic matrix. Our results indicate that the Fab regions of the 7S subunit are arranged symmetrically and that the inactivity of one of them toward a large antigen is probably due to steric hindrance caused by the antigen bound to the adjacent site.


DNA Bifunctional intercalators. 2. Fluorescence properties and DNA binding interaction of an ethidium homodimer and an acridine ethidium heterodimer.

An ethidium homodimer and acridine ethidium heterodimer have been synthesized (Gaugain, B., Barbet, J., Oberlin, R., Roques, B. P., & Le Pecq, J. B. (1978) Biochemistry 17 (preceding paper in this issue)). The binding of these molecules to DNA has been studied. We show that these dimers intercalate only one of their chromophores in DNA. At high salt concentration (Na+ greater than 1 M) only a single type of DNA-binding site exists. Binding affinity constants can then be measured directly using the Mc Ghee & Von Hippel treatment (Mc Ghee, J. D., & Von Hippel, P. H. (1974) J. Mol. Biol. 86, 469). In these conditions the dimers cover four base pairs when bound to DNA. Binding affinities have been deduced from competition experiments in 0.2 M Na+ and are in agreement with the extrapolated values determined from direct DNA-binding measurements at high ionic strength. As expected, the intrinsic binding constant of these dimers is considerably larger than the affinity of the monomer (ethidium dimer K = 2 X 10(8) M-1; ethidium bromide K = 1.5 X 10(5) M-1 in 0.2 M Na+). The fluorescence properties of these molecules have also been studied. The efficiency of the energy transfer from the acridine to the phenanthridinium chromophore, in the acridine ethidium heterodimer when bound to DNA, depends on the square of the AT base pair content. The large increase of fluorescence on binding to DNA combined with a high affinity constant for nucleic acid fluorescent probes. In particular, such molecules can be used in competition experiments to determine the DNA binding constant of ligands of high binding affinity such as bifunctional intercalators.


Magnetic circular dichroism of netropsin and natural circular dichroism of the netropsin-DNA complex.

We report the first measurement of the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of the basic polypeptide antibiotic netropsin (Nt). The MCD shows that the longest wavelength absorption band of Nt is the sum of more than one component and permits a radically new interpretation of the circular dichroism of the complex which Nt forms with DNA. We conclude that Nt has no major effect on the CD and thus the helical structure of the bases of the DNA to which it is bound. Thus the ability of Nt to inhibit the function of DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and the photoreactivating enzyme must be mediated by factors other than a distortion of the helical structure of the bases.


On the activation of bovine chymotrypsinogen A. Preparation of alanine-neochymotrypsinogen and its activation to alpha-chymotrypsin.

Alanine-neochymotrypsinogen was prepared by incubating 20 parts bovine pancreas chymotrypsinogen A with one part alpha-chymotrypsin in a solution containing 1 M (NH4)2SO4, 0.1 M sodium acetate, 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 8.0) and 0.5 mg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor. Optimal yields of NH2-terminal alanine were obtained after 60 h incubation at 4 degrees C. Ala-neochymotrypsinogen was isolated from the reaction mixture by affinity chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose. As expected, the purified preparation was enzymatically inactive and, compared to chymotrypsinogen, had one additional NH2-terminal group identified as alanine. Ala-neochymotrypsinogen was activated by incubating with trypsin at a zymogen : trypsin ratio of 30 : 1 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.6 at 4 degrees C for 1 h. The fully active, stable species was identified as alpha-chymotrypsin.


Purification and biochemical characterization of an 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin.

The chromatographic separation and biochemical characterization of a beta-bungarotoxin is described. This toxin is isolated as the most basic eluting protein of Bungarus multicinctus venom when separated by column chromatography on CM-Sephadex C-25. The protein migrated as a single band on pH 4.3 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of this toxin was estimated to be 10 000 +/- 1000 by analytical sedimentation analysis. This value was consistent with the electrophoretic mobility of the toxin in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The amino acid composition of this 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin was similar to that of the 22 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin previously reported (Lee et al. (1972) J. Chromatogr. 72, 71--82; Kelly, R.B. and Brown, III, F.R. (1974) J. Neurobiol. 5, 135--150; Kondo et al. (1978) J. Biochem. Tokyo 83, 91--99), suggesting that the 11 000-dalton toxin may be one of the polypeptide chains of the larger toxin. The 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin was toxic to mice when injected intravenously. Animals that received lethal doses exhibited hyperexcitability followed by ataxia, convulsions, and death. The minimum lethal dose was 0.12 microgram/g body weight. This beta-bungarotoxin exhibited Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A activity comparable to that of the 22 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin. The enzyme exhibited phospholipid substrate specificity in the rank order of phosphatidyl-choline, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidyl-inositol. The enzyme activity was destroyed by boiling for 3 min at pH 8.6. In addition, an enzymatically inactive quantity of the 11 000-dalton toxin, equivalent to five times the minimum lethal dose of enzymatically active toxin, was not lethal when injected into mice. To test whether phospholipase A activity is responsible for lethality, bee venom phospholipase A2 was injected into mice at similar and greater concentrations with no toxic effect. Thus, while phospholipase A activity may be required for the lethal effect of the 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin, the specificity of action of the toxin is not determined by its enzyme activity.


Purification of retinol-binding protein from serum and urine by affinity chromatography.

A new method for the purification of retinol-binding protein from urine and serum is described. The method is based on the reversible binding of retinol-binding protein to retinoic acid linked to Sepharose and prealbumin linked to Sepharose. The yield is comparable to conventional methods using ion exchange and gel filtration and the product is an apo retinol-binding protein of high purity. The product has the same electrophoretic mobility and molecular weight and the same ability to interact with retinoic acid and prealbumin as retinol-binding protein prepared by conventional methods.


Non-parallel secretion of newly synthesized rat pancreatic proteins after feeding a diet containing raw soybean flour.

The relative rate of secretion of rat pancreatic proteins was studied in vivo using a double label method. Rats were injected with [3H]leucine and after different time intervals with [14C]leucine. At a fixed time after administration of the second precursor the animals were killed, and the pancreatic proteins were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The dpm of tritium to dpm of 14C ratio of several identified enzymes was assessed. The percentage secretion of a newly synthesized secretory protein was derived from the difference between the actual 3H/14C ratio and the 3H/14C ratio that was found for non-secretory proteins. In pancreata of rats fed with a standard diet several identified proteins, viz. three trypsinogens, chymotrypsinogen and three amylases were secreted in "parallel". When a diet containing raw soybean flour was fed, the secretory pattern for the amylases differed from that of the other proteins.


Cytotoxicity as an indicator for transport mechanism: evidence that melphalan is transported by two leucine-preferring carrier systems in the L1210 murine leukemia cell.

Melaphan, L-phenylalanine mustard, is transported by the L1210 cell through carriers of the leucine (L) type. Its initial rate of transport is inhibited by both L-leucine, a naturally occuring L system amino acid and 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), A SYNTHETIC AMINO ACID WHICH IS TRANSPORTED BY THE L system in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell. Both amino acids inhibited melphalan transport comparably in sodium-free medium. However, BCH, in medium containing sodium, was unable to reduce a component of melphalan transport which was readily inhibited by leucine but not by alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Inhibition analysis indicated that leucine competes with BCH for transport but that a portion of leucine transport is not readily inhibited by BCH. These results suggest that in the L1010 cell melphalan is transported equally by a BCH-sensitive, sodium-independent L system and a BCH-insensitive, sodium-dependent L system.


Day-to-day variations in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in homosexual males.

Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in sera of eight homosexual males and a matched control group were determined every second day during one month. Significant day-to-day variations in serum levels of FSH and a reversed LH area/FSH area ratio among homosexuals were found. There were no significant differences between homosexuals and controls in relation to the average levels of the tested hormones nor the average area and variance of LH and testosterone. It is suggested that a single blood sample for each subject is not enough for hormonal evaluation of homosexuals. It is suggested that the present findings may point to some defect in the gonadotropin regulation in male homosexuals.


[Effect of substances of a polypeptide nature isolated from the cerebral cortex on the immune response of mice].

The influence of low molecular weight polypeptides (Mol wt below 10,000) isolated by acetic acid extraction from the cortex and white matter of the brain and from the bone marrow of cows on the primary immune response to SRBC was studied in experiments on 248 male CBA mice. The results showed that after the subcutaneous injections of the preparations from the cortex (where the theta-antigen cross-reacting with the thymocytes was localized) for 5 days prior to and 3 days post immunization, hemagglutinin titres and the quantity of direct (IgM) and indirect (IgG) antibody-forming cells increased 2.5 times in comparison with the control. The preparations from the white matter of the brain and from the bone marrow failed to demonstrate such an effect.


[Frequency, time and type of metastasis of different transplantable tumors in mice].

The character of metastasis of 9 strains of transplantable mouse tumours in conventional subcutaneous inoculation was studied. There were differences in the frequency, intensity, and types of metastasis of different tumours. Periods of onset of metastases of Lewis lung carcinoma and RL-67, and also of sarcoma-37 were established. Sarcoma, Lewis and RL-67 lung carcinomas, adenocarcinoma of the colon AKATOL, Cloudman's melanoma and B-16 metastasized most intensively. Sarcoma-37 metastasizing into the regional and remote lymph nodes, Lewis lung carcinoma and melanomas metastasizing into the lungs, RL-67 lung carcinoma metastasizing into the lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands, ovaries, the heart, and also adenocarcinoma of the colon AKATOL metastasizing into the lymph nodes and the liver can be used as models for the research in the field of drug action upon metastases and the metastasis process.


[Hormone of mullerian regression, inducing agent of the testis in chick embryo].

When embryonic testes are grafted in the coelom of female chick embryos, one observes significantly related effects on the mullerian ducts which regress more or less and on the gonads, with inhibition of the left ovary and eventual transformation of the right rudiment into a testes. The hormone responsible for mullerian regression is also a testes inductor.


The influence of acute ethanol intoxication on intracranial physical dynamics.

The influence of acute ethanolic intoxication on intracranial physical dynamics was assessed in 42 adult cats. Acute ethanolism significantly alters intracranial tissue compliance as determined by the intracranial volume-pressure response. Cerebral vasodilatation, secondary to ethanol administration, appears to be an underlying mechanism, possibly augmented by secondary cerebral edema. Studies of CSF production and absorption as well as osmolar ratio show no changes under conditions of acute ethanol intoxication. The observed decrease in cerebral compliance may well relate to the poor prognosis, in general, of the alcoholic brain that is subjected to trauma.


Lithium accumulation in erythrocytes of manic-depressive patients: an in vivo twin study.

Genetic factors play an important role in drug metabolism and drug response. In order to investigate genetic variables in lithium prophylaxis and lithium distribution across the erythrocyte in manic-depression, we have examined forty-two pairs of twins monozygotic (n = 25) and dizygotic (n = 17) with manic-depression. Concordant twins as a group show better lithium prophylaxis than do discordant twins. These results are consistent with previously published family studies of affective illness suggesting a positive relationship between genetic background and success of lithium prophylaxis. Lithium distribution across the red blood cell (RBC) was assessed by estimating lithium RBC/plasma ratios. The lithium ratio's intrapair differences in both groups of twins were minimal with a high heritability index suggesting that genetic factors play a role in lithium ion distribution. A high linear correlation was found between lithium ratio and plasma lithium and there was no difference in lithium ratios according to sex, affective state and response to lithium. The distribution of lithium ratios was homogenous in the lithium responders' population but this was not the case in the non-responders, suggesting biological heterogeneity of lithium distribution in lithium failures. The implications of these results are discussed as they relate to the genetic determinates of lithium prophylaxis in manic-depressive illness. These results indicate that lithium ratios are of limited value in lithium maintenance therapy. Our lithium kinetic data, however, are consistent with the concept of a lithium extrusion mechanism from red blood cells.


The induction of giant ring traps and regulation of conidiogenesis in the predacious fungus Dactylella brochopaga.

The nematophagous fungus Dactylella brochopaga was grown and supplied with prey under different conditions of light and atmospheric stagnation. Poor ventilation induced the formation of functional giant traps, hitherto unreported. Darkness inhibited sporulation. The adaptive significance of these changes is discussed.


Thorotrast associated hepatic angiosarcoma with 36 years latency.

An hepatic angiosarcoma that developed 36 years after thorotrast administration is described with radiological and autoradiographic findings. An unusual feature of this case is the remarkably long latent period.


Improved management of nonseminomatous testis tumors.

Two contributions to the management of nonseminomatous germinal cell (NSGC) tumors of the testis are reviewed. First, a midline technique of extended retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) has been developed allowing good access to both renal suprahilar zones as well as the traditional hilar and infrahilar areas. This has been employed at Indiana University Medical Center for staging patients with embryonal carcinoma or teratocarcinoma of the testis who had negative preoperative chest tomography. Of 58 consecutive patients from 1965-1975, 30 were Stage A and 28 Stage B. Thirty of 30 Stage A patients survived (100%) and 24 of 28 (86%) operated Stage B patients survived, for an overall survival of 54/58 (93%). The second contribution relates to development of a new combination chemotherapy protocol for Stage C disease. Preoperative Stage C lesions are treated with Platinum, Velban and Bleomycin (PVB). Those who achieve clearance of pulmonary tumors but who have anatomic or serologic evidence of persistent retroperitoneal tumor after PVB chemotherapy are later treated with RPLND. Six of 12 such patients have been rendered tumor free and now enjoy complete remission. Furthermore, 33 of 50 (66%) patients with disseminated Stage C disease achieved initial complete remission using this drug combination. Twenty-six remain in continuous complete remission with no evidence of disease from 2 to 4 years. Seven are alive, in partial remission, and 17 are dead. Improving chemotherapy opens alternative methods of managing advanced testis cancer.


Actin microfilaments in melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus. Their possible involvement in melanosome migration.

In melanophores of Fundulus heteroclitus, hormone-stimulated melanosome aggregation is accompanied by cytoplasmic flow from the cellular processes to the perikaryon, and reversal of these events takes place upon hormone-induced melanosome dispersion. These cells contain parallel arrays of microtubules, the majority of which are located in the perikaryon and in cortical regions of the processes. Studies with heavy meromyosin binding demonstrated two types of actin filaments: 11 a decorated meshwork of filaments similar to those usually found in close association with plasma membranes, and 2) filaments decorated in a manner similar to that of stress fibers. There is an apparent increase in the amount of filaments during melanosome aggregation. These results are discussed in relation to intracellular movement.


Surface changes during development and involution of the cement gland of Xenopus laevis.

The cement gland was studied from stage 17, when the anlage is established, to stage 49, shortly before its disappearance. At early stages, the apical membrane is covered by small microvilli that are more abundant than in the surrounding epiblast cells. Vesicular protrusions along the cell boundaries are also more numerous in the gland cells. When the gland reaches maturity, the apical membranes of gland cells differentiate into two regions. In the cranial, kidney-shaped region, the membranes are very narrow and protrude above the level of cell boundaries. Long and slender villi raise from the surface adjacent to cell boundaries. Apical surfaces in the caudal portion are larger and flattened. Cell boundaries are lined with shorter and thicker surface projections. At these stages, the bordering cells are covered with secretion vesicles. During involution the number of cells is progressively reduced. The area of the caudal portion increases relative to the area of the cranial portion. Apical surfaces become more flattened. Surface projections become much shorter and invade the whole of the apical surface. Bordering cells lose their secretion vesicles and their apical surface becomes ruffled with numerous short wrinkles. The significance of the apical structures and their evolution is discussed.


Intranuclear microfilament bundles in the ependymal cells of the third ventricle of the rat.

Intranuclear microfilament bundles were observed in ependymal cells of the third ventricle of the rat. The appeared as single, cylindrically-shaped fibrillar bands up to 4.9 micrometer in length. In cross sections of bundles, the microfilaments exhibited an apparently regular arrangement. They were separated by a distance of 4 to 5 nm, measuring approximately 11 nm from centre to centre. One bundle consisted of 55 to 88 microfilaments. The intranuclear bundles terminated at the inner membrane of the nucleus. They exhibited close spatial relationship to perinuclear chromatin, chromatin centres, intrachromatin granules and fibrillar structures. The average ratio of nuclear sections with and without bundles was 1:15.


A nuclear extract of Xenopus laevis oocytes that accurately transcribes 5S RNA genes.

Xenopus 5S RNA genes in recombinant form with the plasmid pMB9 are transcribed accurately when added to a supernatant fraction obtained from disrupted nuclei of Xenopus laevis oocytes. After an initial 30 min lag period, the rate of synthesis of 5S RNA is constant for at least an hour and synthesis is still detected after 18 hr. As much as 40% of the total RNA synthesized from the recombinant DNA used in these experiments can be 5S RNA. The coding strand of the 5S RNA genes is transcribed at a rate 10 to 15 times greater than the noncoding strand. Plasmid and spacer DNA, however, are also transcribed. What fraction of total RNA synthesized is 5S RNA is strongly affected by DNA concentration, ionic strength and MgCl2 concentration. Inhibition of transcription by intermediate concentrations of alpha-amanitin demonstrates that RNA polymerase III transcribes at least 90% of all RNA synthesized. Adenovirus 2 DNA is also transcribed in the nuclear supernatant by RNA polymerase III. Approximately 15% of the total RNA synthesized migrates in an acrylamide gel as a band of 5.5S RNA and has been identified as virus-associated RNA1 by its oligonucleotide fingerprint.


Recessive sex-determining genes in human XX male syndrome.

Maleness is normally inherited as a dominant trait (a single copy of the Y chromosome induces testicular differentiation of the embryonic gonad), but our genealogic study of three XX males in one pedigree indicated an autosomal recessive mode of male inheritance. Subsequent study revealed the presence of H-Y antigens in the three XX males and in their mothers, and suggested that excess H-Y may be found in the fathers. Inasmuch as H-Y loci have been mapped to the human Y chromosome, these data favor the view that H-Y structural loci comprise a family of testis-determining genes, and that Y autosome (or Y-X) translocation can generate either dominant or recessive modes of XX sex reversal, depending upon the particular portion of H-Y genes transferred.


Studies on histone organization in the nucleosome using formaldehyde as a reversible cross-linking agent.

A new procedure is described which allows selective reversal of formaldehyde cross-linking in both histone-histone and histone-DNA of nuclei isolated from calf thymus. All ten possible dimers of the four non-H1 histones, H3, H2B, H2A and H4, are observed, the major dimers being H3-H3, H3-H2A, H2B-H2A, H2a-H2A and two separate dimers of H2B-H4. Although oligomers of the non-H1 histones are formed by prolonged treatment with this reagent, 50% of the histones continue to remain resistant to cross-linking with each other. For those histones which cross-linking with each other. For those histones which cross-link, the site of cross-linking within the molecules is located in the "core" (trysin-resistant) regionand therfore indicates proximities for these molecules within the nucleosome. The core region also cross-links to DNA, indicating intimate interactions between this region in all the non-H1 histones with DNA.


The effect of amino acid analogues and heat shock on gene expression in chicken embryo fibroblasts.

The addition of certain amino acid analogues (canavanine, hydroxynorvaline, o-methylthreonine) or a mild heat shock at 45 degrees C caused chicken embryo fibroblasts to increase rapidly the synthesis of three proteins (molecular weights 22,000, 76,000 and 95,000 daltons) to levels which dominate the cells biosynthetic capacity and exceed the level of synthesis of the major cell structural proteins. Actinomycin D blocked the increased synthesis of p22, p76 and p95 in both analogue and heat shock-treated cells, while cycloheximide addition during the "induction" period blocked formation of these proteins only in analoguetreated cells. The elevated levels of synthesis for this set of proteins began to decrease shortly after restoration of the normal amino acid or normal temperature, and the normal pattern of cell protein synthesis was found 8 hr later. Induction of a similar set of proteins was detected in mouse L cells and baby hamster kidney cells after treatment with amino acid analogues or heat shock. Several laboratories have reported synthesis of proteins with similar molecular weights in cells subjected to conditions that alter glucose metabolism, and we speculate that these proteins may be associated with a hexose transport system.


Modulation and mapping of a human plasminogen activator by cell fusion.

Neoplastic cells, transformed cells and some normal mammalian cells secrete large amounts of plasminogen activator (PA), an arginine-specific protease which converts plasminogen to plasmin. To study the regulation of PA, we have obtained two classes of mouse-human somatic cell hybrids. PG19, a mouse PA+ cell line, was fused with C32 (human PA+) or human diploid fibroblasts (PA-). All hybrids secreted PA. Human- and mouse-specific forms of PA were distinguished in these hybrids by electrophoretic methods. While all hybrids produced the murine PA, many produced the human PA and some did not. All hybrids which produced human PA had chromosome 6 in common. The absence of each of the other human chromosomes did not affect PA expression, while the absence of chromosome 6 correlated with the lack of human PA. We conclude that chromosome 6 carries the structural gene for human PA. These experiments also show that the fusion of mouse PA+ cells with human PA- cells results in the activation of the human PA gene.


Scarcity of minor EEG abnormalities during the first two years of life.

This EEG study is based upon pediatric material (0--5 years) of an institution for handicapped children (983 records, 798 children) and a teaching hospital (956 records, 643 children). In records read as abnormal, stress was laid on the degree of abnormality. A grading system of abnormality was consistently employed and facilitated the quantification of EEG abnormalities. The following grades were used: minimally abnormal, slightly abnormal, moderately abnormal, abnormal and very abnormal. The age of the children was broken down as follows: 0--3 months, 4--6, 7--9, 10--12, 13--15, 16--18, 19--21, 22--24, 25--30, 31--36, 37--42, 43--48, 49--54 and 55--60 months. It was found that minor EEG abnormalities (minimally to moderately abnormal) were scarce in the age range from 0--21 months. The rariety of such minor abnormalities proved to be statistically highly significant. A breakdown into epileptic and non-epileptic conditions did not yield much additional information. This could be due to a limited number of EEG responses (with lack of fine intermediate nuances of abnormality) to cerebral impairment below the age of 21 months. It is also possible, however, that further progress in the field of clinical-electrical correlations can demonstrate the mildly abnormal character of certain patterns (hitherto regarded as normal).


Congenital and infantile scoliosis in triplets.

Presumed monozygotic triplets presented with discordant, "mirrow-image," hemivertebral congenital scoliosis in 2 infants and an idiopathic (infantile) scoliosis, without recognized developmental abnormalities, in the third. The findings suggest extragenetic causality in all 3--problems of cleavage/somite formation in the 2 with hemivertebrae, and intrauterine positioning in the third.


Adolescent parent education: a maturational model.

Health care, educational and social programs are frequently required to assist increasing numbers of adolescent mothers to meet their own needs and those of their babies. This paper presents a maturational rationale for development of a comprehensive parent education program. Some pertinent aspects of adolescent psychological development are first presented to provide a perspective for understanding the models illustrating the teenage mother's responses to her child. Barriers are then delineated which commonly restrict the young mother from attaining the mature relationship with her baby presented in a maturational model. Specific recommendations are offered in the areas of program development, content, and structure.