[Myxoma of the left atrium diagnosed by pathological examination of an embolism of the aortic bifurcation (author's transl)].

The case reported was a 69-year-old patient with a myxoma of the left atrium presenting as multiple emboli: acute ischaemia of the lower limbs preceded, three months before, by a spontaneously regressive right hemiplegia which, in view of the patient's age, was considered to be a simple manifestation of atherosclerosis. The diagnostic value of the echocardiogram in cases of systemic emboli of undetermined origin is stressed.


[Acute pituitary failure as the presentation of a prolactin cell adenoma during a pregnancy made possible by bromocriptine (author's transl)].

A 21-year-old woman had sterility due to amenorrhoea-galactorrhoea with hyperprolactinaemia and hypoplastic ovaries. The sella turcica was asymmetrical but tomograms were suggestive of a congenital appearance. There was no suprasellar expansion. Treatment with bromocriptine and HMG resulted in pregnancy. Acute pituitary failure occurred at the 10th week, revealing an adenoma. The pregnancy proceeded to term after hypophysectomy. This complication, the first reported under the effects of bromocriptine, may serve as a reminder of the precautions to be taken during pregnancy in a hyperprolactinaemic woman.


[The treatment of infection of superficial vascular prostheses. The role of myoplasty (author's transl)].

The authors introduce the concept of covering myoplasty in the treatment of infected cutaneous vascular prosthesis, either in the inguinal region or in the abdominal portion of an axillo-femoral graft. After describing their technique, they briefly review the main procedures described up to the present time and the potential role of myoplasty.


[Reduction of the hyperparathyroidism of uraemia by total parathyroidectomy followed by partial autograft (author's transl)].

In 3 cases, total parathyroidectomy, with graft of fragments of one of the glands into the forearm gave rapid correction of the clinical and biological disorders associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The secretion of parathyroid hormone by the autograft was confirmed by radioimmunoassay on brachial vein samples. This technique appears to be more satisfactory than 7/8 parathyroidectomy, the postoperative course of which is not always free of complications, which involves a risk of necrosis of the gland fragment left in place and in which reoperation is difficult.


[Traumatic rupture of the corpus cavernosum. Three cases (author's transl)].

"Fracture of the penis" by damage to the erectile structures is rare. This accident usually occurs when the erect penis is subjected to trauma, usually during intercourse. The diagnosis is easy in the presence of a haematoma spreading from the fraenulum to the scrotum, with sometimes an obvious breach in the albuginosa of one corpus cavernosum. In the three cases reported here, immediate surgery was possible in two. Early operation, with repair of the ruptured albuginosa, offers the best guarantee of cure without any disturbance in erection.


[Systemic arterial hypertension: pathogentic role of the sympathetic nervous system].

Role of the clinical and experimental data suggesting the role of the sympathetic nervous system in some essential hypertension are reviewed: increase in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure during orthostatism, increase in cardiac output resulting from increase in cardiopulmonary blood volume and/or in myocardial contractility, increase in peripheral resistances, elevated plasma catecholamines and dopamine-bêta-hydroxylase, disturbances in arterial baroreceptor sensitivity and in vascular response to adrenergic stimuli, elevated plasma renin activity. It appears that the role of a sympathetic overactivity is mainly important in labile hypertension with hyperkinetic syndrome and elevated plasma renin activity.


[Detection of circulating immune complexes by three techniques using polyethylene glycol (author's transl)].

The search for circulating immune complexes (IC) by precipitation tests using polyethylene glycole was performed in a large series of normal (150 subjects) and 1200 pathological sera (over 800 patients). Increased precipitability of IgG and C4 was seen in a great percentage (80%) of pathological sera giving positive PEG precipitation without direct influence of IgG, IgM, C1q, C3 and C4 serum levels. The labeled C1q binding test gave similar results in 90 normal and 640 pathological sera. The C1q binding test could be replaced by the more direct and simple evaluation of the amount of C4 precipitated with IgG by 3.5% PEG. Positive results obtained in the three methods were particularly found in patients with diseases generally presumed to represent immune complexes diseases including acute glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, subacute bacterial endocarditis, and acute or chronic hepatitis.


[Scleroderma presenting as oedema (authors transl)].

The authors report 8 cases of scleroderma with oedema in the initial stages which could be divided amongst three groups on the basis of their clinical, biological, histological characteristics and course: normal systemic scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, Shulmans syndrome. The relationship between one of these cases and Buschke's scleroderma is discussed. These cases of scleroderma are characterized by diagnostic difficulties in the initial phase and by their relatively favourable vital prognosis (one death only). Corticosteroids may be effective to some extent in the presence of mixed connective tissue disease of Shulman's syndrome.


[The detection of soluble fibrin complexes by a haemagglutination test. Clinical applications (author's transl)].

Testing for soluble fibrin complexes was performed using a sensitive and reliable haemagglutination assay, with red cells sensitized by fibrin monomers. The principle is based on the fact that the monomers linked to red cells and induce their agglutination. This test, used in clinical trials, has revealed the presence of soluble complexes in every confirmed case of acute DIC, but also in Chronic DIC where diagnosis is difficult to establish (negative ethanol gelation test, normal or sub-normal levels of fibrin breakdown products). In Cirrhosis of the liver, the test gives positive results in a non negligible number of cases. Several hypotheses are made to explain why in certain confirmed cases of DIC, low fibrin breakdown products levels are found.


[Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma (author's transl)].

The case of a 34 years old patient, with an adrenal pheochromocytoma and a Cushing syndrome is reported. The Cushing syndrome was healed by removing the pheochromocytoma. The varied interrelations between adrenal cortex and medulla physiology or pathology are discussed. It seems that ectopic ACTH from pheochromocytoma is observed more often, unlike the proof has been rarely made.


[Eosinophilic meningitis (author's transl)].

Eosinophilic meningitis, also named human nervous angiostrongyliasis, results from the infestation of the Nervous System by larvae of Angyostrongylus Cantonensis realizing there a parasitic deadlock. The Authors studied 54 patients whose main complaints were severe and lasting headache, and paresthesias. A meningitic syndrome is not always encountered and a facial paralysis of the lower motor neuron type has been noted in a few patients. Study of the Cerebrospinal fluid shows pleiocytosis with a variable percentage of eosinophiles. Complete recovery is usual after a couple of weeks and the prognosis can be given as excellent despite of the fact that no specific therapy is known at the present time.


[Epithelialisation of a neovagina by nymphoplasty (author's transl)].

The walls of the artificial cavity created by recto-vesical cleavage in the surgical treatment of congenital absence of the vagina never become covered with epidermis and this lack of epithelialisation is the source of progressive stenosis. The use of pediculated mucosal flaps with a broad, well vascularised base, obtained by cleavage and folding of the labia minora, makes it possible to appropriately and durably cover the first centimeters of the neovagina.


[Benign breast diseases: hormonal studies in 125 cases (author's transl)].

The results of exploration of the corpus luteum in 125 patients with benign breast disease are analysed. In 109 patients, plasma oestradiol and progesterone were measured at various times during the hyperthermic phase of the menstrual cycle. The results obtained were compared with those obtained in normal women explored during the same phase of the cycle. The average daily values for plasma progesterone obtained in this group of 109 patients was significantly lower than that found in the normal women, whilst there was no change in oestradiol levels. In addition, 16 patients were studied daily throughout the period of hyperthermia. In 8 cases, there the hyperoestrogenism, with or without progesterone insifficiency of the corpus luteum. In all, secretory imbalance of the corpus luteum with a tendency to relative or absolute hyperoestrogenism was a constant finding in women with benign breast disease.


[Bisalbuminaemia. Three aetiologies: hereditary mutation, antibiotic therapy, pseudocyst of the pancreas (author's transl)].

The demonstration of a double albumin line on blood protein electrophoresis has important practical applications: after eliminating congenital bisalbuminaemia, with no pathological consequences, this abnormality may make it possible to detect an overdose of beta-lactamines, requiring the interruption of treatment, or a serious effusion of pancreatic origin justifying surgery.


[Relapsing erythroblastopenia. A case followed during 22 years (author's transl)].

Relapsing erythroblastopenia has been observed in a girl from when she was a baby to 22 years of age. The three episodic crisis of erythroblastopenia occurred when she was 2 months, then 6 and 19 years old, and recovered spontaneously after periods of 3, 18 and 30 months respectively. The authors did not find any cause for the disease and the various treatments were useless. This case presents hardly any relation to the rare relapsing erythroblastopenias reported in the literature.


[Skeletal and medullary involvement in Hodgkin's disease].

In 70 patients with clinical stage II, III or IV Hodgkin's disease, 31 were found to have skeletal involvement. The value of the bone scanning in the demonstration of osseous and marrow lesions is emphasized : scanning enabled localised marrow involvement in 24 patients to be detected and could be used as a guide for the biopsy needle in 11 cases. The histopathological features of marrow involvement by Hodgkin's disease are described. In view of the better knowledge of the frequency of splenic, skeletal or hepatic involvement, the preferential involvement of a particular organ in disseminated diseases is discussed. The high frequency of splenic involvement could be due to the inadequacy of the methods detecting hepatic or marrow involvement, although the nature of the disease could also be a factor.


[Relationship between the quantities of H substance before, and B substance after conversion of red blood cells by alpha-D-galactosyl transferase].

The authors determined the agglutination percentages with anti-B, eel and Ulex europeus anti-H reagents for the kinetic study of the in vitro conversion O red blood cells in B. The agglutination with the anti-B increases in proportion as the agglutination with eel anti-H decreases; the agglutination with Ulex anti-H remains constant. They converted (time=18 h) O red blood cells with a more or less high substance H content (adults in good health, africans and europeans, patients, newborn and one "Bombay" phenotype). They showed that there is a good correlation between the agglutination percentages with eel anti-H or Ulex anti-H before conversion and the agglutination percentages with anti-B after conversion. These "O converted" look like the B phenotype defined by a check sample of B subjects.


[Clinical, structural and functional studies of HbG Philadelphia detected in a Moroccan newborn].

Hb G Philadelphia (alpha68 Asn leads to Lys) is widely distributed in black people but is uncommon in North-Africa. Only one case has been previously described in an Arab immigrant. The latter and our propositus originated from North-East morocco. Hb G alpha Philadelphia is stable. The abnormal hemoglobin represented 28% of total hemoglobin in the hemolysate of the propositus, a 7 month old child. At birth, 4 fractions were detected on electrophoresis: Hb A, Hb F, Hb G Philadelphia, which migrated like Hb S, and a mutant alpha2Ggamma2. The oxygen affinity of Hb G Philadelphia was slightly elevated. Cooperativity and Bohr effect were normal. The abnormal hemoglobin was also detected in the father of the propositus in the heterozygote state: its clinical and hematological data were normal. No evidence of thalassemia trait was found in the family. The percentage of abnormal hemoglobin obtained in the propositus and his father is in accordance with the presence of two loci for the alpha chain on the homologous chromosome.


[In vitro studies on amplification of rat erythropoiesis (author's transl)].

From rat bone marrow in which erythropoiesis has been depressed (by suppression of erythropoietin production), liquid culture has yielded a predominantly synchronous amplification of erythroblast development. Groups of 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 erythrolbasts are observed at 9-15 hour intervals in successive stages of maturation, similar (by their staining characteristics and nuclear size) to that seen in vivo.


[Erythrocytic and immunologic abnormalities in myeloid splenomegaly].

Screening for red cell defects, and exploration of cellular and humoral immunity has been performed in 33 patients : 31 had agnogenic myelosclerosis with myeloid metaplasia, 3 had polycythemia vera with secondary myelosclerosis. No patient had the biological abnormalities characteristical of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (Marchiafava-Micheli). In 19 out of 21 cases, red cells had antigen i on their membrane, thus suggesting that splenic erythropoiesis could give rise to immature erythrocytes. Two patients had a monoclonal dysglobulinemia, 5 a positive Coombs test, 6 a rhumatoid factor in the serum, 3 antitissue antibodies, 1 LE cells, 3 a positive Paul-Bunnel-Davidsohn test without mononucleosis, 11 a negative skin test. Implications of the uncommon occurrence of these dissorders are discussed.


Isolation and characterization of a spacerless dinucleosome from H1-deleted chromatin.

Calf thymus chromatin, depleted in histone H1, was digested with micrococcal nuclease and fractionated by column chromatography. 140 base pair nucleosome core particles were isolated along with an unusual particle containing 2 histone octamers and 240 base pairs of DNA. Evidence is presented that the spacer DNA region is absent from these modified dinucleosomes, which appear as stable products of the digestion process. The physical properties of both particles are presented along with brief speculation on their possible origin and function.


The 5'-termini of heterogeneous nuclear RNA: a comparison among molecules of different sizes and ages.

The composition of the 5' polyphosphorylated and capped termini of pulse labeled hnRNA from mouse L cells was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Purine tri- and diphosphates: pppG, pppA, ppG and ppA; as well as four varieties of cap structure: m7GpppXm, Xm = Gm, (m6) Am, Cm and Um, were detected. With increasing labeling time the relative proportion of hnRNA molecules with tri- and diphosphorylated 5' ends decreases and the relative proportion of capped hnRNA increases, indicating that caps are metabolically more stable than the polyphosphate termini. About half of the hnRNA molecules that are labeled within 2 hr have capped ends. This finding, together with results of earlier kinetic and structural studies, implies that a relatively high proportion of the labeled hnRNA molecules are mRNA precursors. Large hnRNA molecules exhibit a higher proportion of capped ends and a lower proportion of 5'-triphosphate ends as compared to small hnRNA. Given the lower stability of triphosphate termini relative to caps, this result may mean that capping of some hnRNA molecules can occur before the completion of transcription.


Role of bacteriophage T7 DNA primase in the initiation of DNA strand synthesis.

Bacteriophage T7 DNA primase (gene-4 protein, 66,000 daltons) enables T7 DNA polymerase to initiate the synthesis of DNA chains on single-stranded templates. An initial step in the process of chain initiation is the formation of an oligoribonucleotide primer by T7 primase. The enzyme, in the presence of natural SS DNA, Mg++ (or Mn++), ATP and CTP (or a mixture of all 4 rNTPs), catalyzes the synthesis of di-, tri-, and tetraribonucleotides all starting at the 5' terminus with pppA. In a subsequent step requiring both T7 DNA polymerase and primase, the short oligoribonucleotides (predominantly pppA-C-C-AOH) are extended by covalent addition of deoxyribonucleotides. With the aid of primase, T7 DNA polymerase can also utilize efficiently a variety of synthetic tri-, tetra-, or pentanucleotides as chain initiators. T7 primase apparently plays an active role in primer extension by stabilizing the short primer segments in a duplex state on the template DNA.


Specificity of Hpa II and Hae III DNA methylases.

The methylases M.HaeIII and M.HpaII recognize the tetranucleotide sequences [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively, in DNA, and transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the 5-position of cytosine on each strand as indicated by the asterisks. Restriction endonuclease R.HaeIII does not cleave the methylated sequence [Formula: see text] but can cleave [Formula: see text] in which methylation is introduced on the unnatural external cytosine positions. Similarly, R.HpaII does not cleave [Formula: see text] but can cleave [Formula: see text].Images


Histones H2A and H2B are neighbors along DNA in chromatin: characterization of subnucleosomal particles containing H2A+H2B.

Two specific slow sedimenting nucleoprotein particles containing equimolar amounts of histones H2A and H2B and 38 or 49 base pair (bp) lengths of DNA have been isolated by centrifugation on sucrose gradients. The 3.4S particles containing 38 bp DNA and H2A+H2B thermally denature at 61 degrees, considerably higher than Proteinase K treated particles (44 degrees), but lower than 11S nucleosomes (76 degrees). Treatment with Proteinase K increases the circular dichroism of 3.4S particles at 280 nm by 63% and decreases the sedimentation coefficient to 2.1S. These results indicate that H2A and H2B are proximate along DNA in nucleosomes and alone can alter the optical activity and perhaps conformation of local regions of DNA.


A critical comparison of commonly used procedures for the assay of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in crude tissue extracts.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a non-template directed DNA polymerase normally found in vertebrate thymus and bone marrow. Quantitative assay of TdT activity is being widely used as a tool in the differential diagnosis of acute leukemias in man. Clinical specimens of blood and bone marrow often contain 10(7) or fewer cells and require a specific and rapid assay for transferase which can be carried out in crude cell extracts. Commonly used assay methods do not meet these requirements, but can be easily modified to do so.


The rapid, simple and improved preparation of high specific activity alpha-[32P]dATP and alpha-[32P]ATP.

An improved method is described for the rapid and simple preparation of alpha-[32P]dATP and alpha-[32P]ATP from 32Pi in good yields and with specific activities from 20 - 150 Ci/mmol. The two-step procedure involves the chemical synthesis of the mononucleotide followed by its enzymic conversion to the triphosphate with myokinase (EC 2.7.4.3) and pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) in the presence of trace amounts of dATP or ATP to prime the reaction. The two steps are carried out in the same reaction flask and the only purification step required is a step-wise elution from a column of DEAE-cellulose.


RNA methylation and control of eukaryotic RNA biosynthesis: processing and utilization of undermethylated tRNAs in CHO cells.

The role of RNA methylations in the control of tRNA production and utilization for protein biosynthesis has been investigated through a study of the effects in vivo of cycloleucine a specific and potent inhibitor of S adenosyl-methionine mediated methylation. During the cycloleucine treatment, the rate of appearance of newly synthetized tRNAs into the cytoplasm is markedly reduced (about 50%). These molecules are extensively (more than 90%) undermethylated and are integrated into polysomes, but at a slower rate than normally methylated tRNAs.


The nucleotide sequence at the termini of adenovirus type 5 DNA.

The sequences of the first 194 base pairs at both termini of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) DNA have been determined, using the chemical degradation technique developed by Maxam and Gilbert (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 74 (1977), pp. 560-564). The nucleotide sequences 1-75 were confirmed by analysis of labeled RNA transcribed from the terminal HhaI fragments in vitro. The sequence data show that Ad5 DNA has a perfect inverted terminal repetition of 103 base pairs long.


Rapid synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides. II. Machine-aided solid-phase syntheses of two nonanucleotides and an octanucleotide.

Preparation of the two nonanucleotides, d(pG-G-A-G-G-A-G-A-A) and d(pT-T-C-T-G-T-T-G-A), and the octanucleotide, d(pT-G-G-C-C-C-A-T) is described by a rapid solid-phase method on a polyamide support. The syntheses were carried out using a modified solid-phase peptide synthesiser and required one day for each nucleotide addition. A microparticulate anion-exchanger, Partisil 10SAX, was used for the efficient fractionation of synthetic, base-protected oligonucleotides.


Isolation and partial characterization of poly (A)-containing 7.5S messenger RNA from rat liver mitochondria.

Poly(A)-containing low molecular weight (7.5S) messenger RNA was isolated in a highly purified form from both polyribosomes and post-polysomal supernatant of rat liver mitochondria. Both mRNA's contain rather short poly(A) tracts (40-70 mononucleotides) according to a profile of their elution from poly(U)-Sepharose column with a gradient of formamide concentration. Both mRNA's when added to a preincubated mitochondrial lysate programmed the synthesis of a hydrophobic polypeptide of a molecular weight about 9000 daltons which was soluble in the neutral chloroform-methanol mixture.


The evolution of repetitive DNA sequences in sea urchins.

Molecular hybridization of nuclear DNAs has been employed to study the evolution of the repetitive DNA sequences in four species of sea urchin. The data show that relative to S. purpuratus there has been approximately 0.1% sequence divergence per million years in the repetitive DNA sequences of S. droebachiensis, S. franciscanus, and L. pictus. These results confirm that repetitive DNA sequences are strongly conserved during evolution. However, comparison of the extent of base pair mismatch in the repetitive DNA heteroduplexes formed at Cot 20 with those formed at Cot 200 during the hybridization of S. purpuratus and L. pictus DNAs reveals that highly repetitive sequences of sea urchins may diverge more rapidly than do the more moderately repetitive sequences.


Symmetry, homology, and phrasing in the recognition of helical regulatory sequences in DNA.

Regulatory regions in DNA which have been sequenced have generally been found to contain one or more axes of two-fold rotational symmetry. If this symmetry is to be maintained in the helical sequence, the axis of rotation must be aligned with one of the two dyad axes of the helix. This is equivalent to saying that the rotational symmetry of the sequence can only be seen from certain viewing points in a circuit about the helix. More surprising is the fact that new symmetrical sequence arrangements can be seen at +/- 36 degrees,  +/- 72 degrees, +/- 108 degrees, and +/- 144 degrees relative to the point at which the rotational symmetry is seen. This "amplification" of symmetry suggests a three-dimensional approach to sequence analysis. A specific reading frame, suggested by the geometry of the helix, is examined with regard to its elucidation of intra- and inter-sequence homologies. Two sequences are thus identified as being recurrent in a number of different regulatory sequences.


Mercurated nucleotides: assessment of a new tool to study RNA synthesis and processing in isolated nuclei.

Mercurated pyrimidine nucleotides have been used to study RNA synthesis and processing in isolated nuclei from mouse L cells. 5-mercuridine triphosphate (5-Hg-UTP) or 5-Hg-CTP are accepted as substrates by the purified RNA polymerases (I+III) and (II) from mouse cells, respectively, as well as by the enzymes still bound to the nuclear chromatin. In nuclei, RNA synthesis in the presence of Hg-UTP is reduced to 60-70% of a control. 30-60% of RNA labeled in vitro with (3H)UTP in isolated nuclei is not retained on sulfhydryl sepharose columns. Sucrose gradient analysis reveals a size distribution of the non-bound RNA similar to non-mercurated control RNA. Hg-RNA is found in a single peak from 4-10S. Chase experiments indicate that this RNA is the original transcript. It is argued that Hg-nucleotides may cause premature chain termination. Methylation of RNA in vitro by S-adenosyl methionine ((3H)SAM) is reduced to 75% of controls in the presence of Hg-UTP. Only 6% of the methyl groups appear in Hg-RNA. Polyadenylation is reduced as well. 15% of poly(A) (+)RNA are found in control assays whereas only 1% of Hg-RNA carries a poly(A) end added in vitro. These results limit the use of mercurated nucleotides for studies of nuclear RNA synthesis and processing.


[Comparison of brain scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnate and 99mTc-citrate].

20 patients with ultimately proven cerebral lesion were studied consecutively with 99mTc-pertechnetate and 99mTc-citrate. A comparison of the brain scans showed neoplastic lesions to be visualized more clearly with 99mTc-citrate, and vascular lesions to be demonstrated better with 99mTc-pertechnetate. Comparative brain scanning utilizing 99mTc-citrate and 99mTc-pertechnetate facilitates the differentiation between acute brain infarcts and neoplastic lesions which is difficult or may be impossible by cerebral computer tomography. The reduced radiation exposure from 99mTc-citrate and its superior usefulness in the visualization of neoplastic lesions suggest its use as the primary brain scanning agent.


[Methodological observations on double radionuclide technics in joint scintigraphy].

Double-radionuclide scintigraphy for the differentiation between inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joint ought to be performed with a radiopharmaceutical that remains within the intravascular space as an indicator of blood flow, and an osteotropic radiopharmaceutical. The former ought not to leave the intravascular space even in inflammatory disease. This condition is, however, not met by 113mIn-labelled transferrin as shown by measurements of plasma volumes as well as of its local kinetics. On the other hand, the biological behavior of 99mTc-labelled red cells does not, up to 30 min p.i., differ from that of 51Cr-labelled red cells so that they may be used as an intravascular tracer even in inflammatory disease. In that case, the osteotropic radiopharmaceutical to be employed should be 113mIn-EDTMP.


Effect of chemical and radiochemical impurities from eluants on 99mTc-labeling efficiency.

Occasionally, radiopharmaceuticals prepared from the eluates of 99Mo-99mTc generators that have not been eluted for several days contain large amounts of free pertechnetate, as tested by radiochromatography and biologically by administration to patients. We fing the most probable causes of poor 99mTc-labeling in these cases to be: a) the presence of a large concentration of 99TcO4-in eluants; b) insufficient stannous ions available for the complete reduction of Tc due to spontaneous oxidation of Sn in the vial and also due to oxidation of stannous ions by the presence of larger than expected concentrations of H2O2 and HO2 radicals in the eluant.


The effect of lesions of dorsal or median raphe nucleus on rat behavior.

The effect of lesion of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or median raphe nucleus (MRN) on the locomotor activity, open field performance, and reactivity to noxious stimulus was tested in rats. During the first 7 days after the lesion, the rats with lesioned DRN showed higher basal and explorative locomotor activity than the rats with MRN lesions. The lesion of DRN increased the open-field performance and reactivity to pain. The results of tests carried out on the rats with MRN lesions were similar as in control rats. The results indicate that the different behavioral effect of lesions of DRN and MRN reffects differences in the functions of these two raphe nuclei.


Protective action of series of new mono-pyridinium salts and their effect on "aging" of acetylcholine esterase inhibited by fluostigmine.

The protection of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and the influence on "aging" of AChE--inhibitor complex of several new methylpyridinium derivatives was studied in human blood cells and in mice poisoned with diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (fluostigmine, DFP). A correlation between the chemical structure of the compounds and their biological activity has been found. The most potent was compound PAN-W-24, having 4-N(CH3)3 substitutent, which markedly prolonged the half-life of "aging" of the AChE-fluostigmine complex.


The effect of piribedil on body temperature in mice and rats.

Piribedil produces a pronounced hypothermia both in mice and rats. This hypothermia was prevented by previous administration of dopamine receptor blocking agents (spiperone in mice and rats, pimozide in mice), tricyclic antidepressant drugs (imipramine, clomipramine, desipramine) in mice and LSD in rats. Administration of agents acting on serotonin receptors (cyproheptadine, p-chlorophenylalanine) or of a classical anticholinergic drug, atropine, did not change the hypothermizing effect of piribedil in rats. Thus, the hypothermia produced by piribedil is apparently similar to that produced by apomorphine. The possibility of a secondary stimulation of serotonergic receptors through direct stimulatory action of piribedil on dopamine neurons is discussed.


The relation between liver vitamin content and the duration of Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice.

To study some changes that take place in the liver after schistosomal infection, the level of five vitamins of the B-complex group was estimated in non-infected mice and in 8, 16 and 20 weeks after the exposure of mice to cercariae of Schisostoma mansoni. Schistosomiasis caused a decrease in the level of thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin, but did not affect the concentration of riboflavin and pyridoxine in the liver.


Inotropic effect of noradrenaline and acetylcholine in the rabbit auricle studied by a cut-end method.

Trans-gap application of noradrenaline or acetylcholine evoked pronounced inotropic but no chronotropic effects in spontaneously active rabbit auricle preparations. These results suggest the existence of intracellular receptors, both adrenergic and cholinergic, which were involved in the control of auricular contraction.


Studies on pyrazine derivatives. Part VIII. Synthesis and tuberculostatic activity of some 6-alkylthio- and 6-phenylthiopyrazine-2-carboxylic acids.

2-Cyano-6-alkylthio- and 6-phenylthiopyrazines were prepared from 2-cyano-6-chloropyrazine (CCP) in the reaction with mercaptans. By the transformation of the -CN group the corresponding amides, thioamides, amidoximes, acids, esters and hydroxamic acids and hydrazides were obtained. The oxidation of sulfur in the above mentioned compounds led to sulfoxy- and sulfonyl derivatives. In the screening for antituberculous activity compounds 30 and 42 showed the greatest activity (MIC = 31.2 microgram/cm3) against H37Rv strain and compund 8 so did against saprophytic ATCC 607 strain. The compounds with 6-benzylthio grouping were more active against ethionamide, isoniazide and capreomycine resistant strains.


Synthesis and pharmacological properties of 9-(N, N-dimethylaminopropyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carbolines.

Three novel tetrahydro-beta-carbolines: 9-(N, N-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta carboline (2a), and its 1-methyl (2b) and 1-ethyl (2c) derivatives, were synthesized and investigated for their central action in mice. The compounds given in subtoxic doses caused sedation and loss of righting reflex. At low doses (approx 0.2 LD50) compounds 2a and 2b initially depressed, and then stimulated the locomotor activity, and at high doses they inhibited pentylenetetrazole convulsions. All three compounds displayed some analgesic action. Compunds 2a and 2b transeintly depressed the body temperature.


Kinetics and mechanism of degradation of some 2-sulfanilamidopyrimidine derivatives. Part V. Mechanism of sulfadimidine solvolysis.

The products of spontaneous hydrolysis of sulfadimidine are: sulfanilamide, aniline, 2-hydroxy- 4,6-dimethylpyrimid and ammonium carbonate. The mechanism of spontaneous hydrolysis of sulfadimidine is proposed.


Kinetics and mechanism of degradation of some 2-sulfanilamidopyrimidine derivatives. Part VI. The use of Hammett equation for kinetic investigation of 2-sulfanilamidopyrimidine derivatives hydrolysis.

General, k, and specific, k1 and k2, first-order rate constants for the parallel reaction of hydrolysis catalized by H+ ions were estimated for sulfadiazine (I), sulfamerazine (II), sulfadimidine (III), sulfaperine (IV) and sulfamethoxydiazine (V), hydrolyzed in 1 mole/dm3 HCl at 333, 343, 355 and 363 K. General first-order rate constants for the spontaneous hydrolysis of I--V in borate buffer pH 9.20 at 403, 411 and 418 K were also determined. Thermodynamic parameters of the reaction (delta Ha, deltaH not equal to, deltaS not equal to, deltaG not equal to and log A) were calculated. The effect of substituents in positions 4, 5 and 6 of the pyrimidine ring on the rate of hydrolysis was interpreted in terms of Hammett equation.


[Role of macrophages and foreign body type giant cells in the biodestruction process of polyurethane adhesive tissue].

The biodestruction process of polyurethane adhesive was investigated in application to intestine anastomoses, wounds of skeletal muscles and surfaces of some internal organs. The polymer destruction was proved to be connected with the activity of giant cells of foreign body type and macrophages phagocyting the micromolecules of the adhesive. The presence of adhesive microfragments in macrophages and giant cells was ascertained on the basis of a method elaborated by the authors consisting in staining of the polyurethane adhesive with Sudan III-IV. Moreover, it was pointed out, that biodestruction products had no negative effect in the regeneration of nervous and muscle fibers.


[Use of tissue adhesives and collagen membranes in clinical cases. Critical remarks].

On the base of his own 7 years clinical experience the author discusses with some critical remarks the possibilities and indications for applying tissue adhesive and adhesives together with collagen membranes in the treatment of injuries to the chest, abdomen and blood vessels.


[Healing of internal organs with the use of Polish-made hemostatic gelatin-starch sponges].

The authors carried out comparative examinations of tissue reaction in rats in liver, spleen, and kidneys to the hemostatic polish sponge and Spongostan. The sponge produced in Poland fulfills the conditions set to hemostatic preparations acting locally, and stands in comparison with the Spongostan.


Science and technology in the protection of human health and life.

Current trends in development of medicine related to advances in the technological sciences are discussed. Possibilities of cooperation of medicine and technology are reviewed, and ways of modernizing medical science and practice by utilizing achievements in this and other countries are pointed out.


Selection of plastic containers for pharmaceuticals.

With the awareness of the possibility of drug-plastic interaction, before substitution of a plastic container for glass, steps should be taken to ensure safety. This process is fraught with difficulties because of the complexity of plastic materials and even wider range of drug substances offered for sale in a variety of dosage forms. The selection of an appropriate container for pharmaceutical should be preceded by adequate testing to recognize the properties of the packaging material, and the stability, safety, and compatibility of the preparation packed in it. The same care and control used in the manufacture of a drug product should be used for the plastic packaging system.


Surface-modified acrylic polymers in artificial heart pumps.

Blood chambers of counterpulsation heart pumps were subjected to a special hydrophilization process in order to reduce the coagulation activity of the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The chemical treatment of the surface was carried out in three variants, namely A (ethylenglycol), B (diethylenglycol), C (glycerine) by using concentrated sulphuric acid with subsequent neutralization [12]. Controls were performed with the same pumps made of PMMA but without surface treatment. 30 dogs were used in the experiments.


[Study of lytic enzymes and prospects of their use].

The paper reviews different procedures of preparation of lytic enzymes of microbiol origin, their properties and areas of application. It discusses the capacity of different microorganisms, actinomycetes and bacteria including (for instance, Actinomyces griseinus 11 and Bacillus subtilis 12), to produce lytic enzymes. The paper describes the conditions of disruption of yeast cells by lytic enzymes and demonstrates experimentally possible preparation of yeast lysates and protein isolates that can be used as food products.


[Preparation of enzymes from raw materials of animal origin for medical application].

The paper outlines the basic principles of production of enzymes for medical application from animal raw material. It presents complex scheme of the enzyme preparation from the pancreas of cattle and pigs, inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes from the pancreas and lungs of cattle as well as hyaluronidase action from the testes of cattle. The paper describes preparation scheme of purification of enzymes and protease inhibitors and results of their clinical study.


[Metabolism of air polluting organic compounds in plants].

The review discusses the date in the plant uptake and conversion of gaseous C1--C5 alkanes, hydroaromatic hydrocarbon--cyclohexane, aromatic mononuclear hadrocarbons--benzene and toluene, polycyclic carcinogenic hydrocarbon -- benzopyrene, monobasic alcohols - isopropyl, isobutyl, amyl, hexyl and octyl alcohols, aldehydes - formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, ketone - acetone, monocarboxylic acids -- formic, acetic, butyric, caproic and acetoacetic acids, phenols - hydroxybenzene and alpha-naphthol. The paper outlines pathways of their detoxication in plants and biochemical foundations of air purification from organic pollutants.


[Biosynthesis of corriphyrins - a new branch of metabolism of tetrapyrrole compounds].

Experiments were carried out to study biosynthesis of tetrapyrrole pigments--corriphyrins which are methylated reduced derivatives of uroporphyrin III. It was shown that the pattern of corriphyrin synthesis was close to that of vitamin B12. The mutant strain of propionic bacteria which was active in the vitamin B12 formation synthesized significantly more corriphyrins than the original strain. The corriphyrin synthesis was stimulated by delta-aminolevulinic acid and methionine and was inhibited by hydroxylamine and aeration. The formation of corriphyrins was repressed by vitamin B12. It is concluded that corriphyrins are precursors of vitamin B12 at the stage between uroporphyrinogene III and cobyrinic acid. The paper discusses further investigations of metabolism of methylated derivatives of uroporphyrinogene III as a method of elucidating the evolution of tetrapyrrole compounds and clarifying the processes involved in porphyrin metabolism in higher plants and animals.


[Pattern of growth and metabolism of thermotolerant microorganisms on media containing carbohydrates and hydrocarbons].

Experiments were carried out to examine the growth and metabolism of thermotolerant yeast Candida tropicalis K-41 and bacteria Micrococcus freudenreichii that do not have a single temperature point but instead have an optimal temperature plateau at which the growth rate and biosynthetic activity remain unaltered or change insignificantly. Upon transition from the carbohydrate to the hydrocarbon pattern of nutrition these microorganisms show significant changes in metabolic processes: optimal concentration of biotin in the medium decreases significantly; the synthesis of riboflavin, nicotinic and pantothenic acids increases in yeast; the synthesis of nicotinic acid, biotin and vitamin B12 increases in bacteria. During microbial cultivation on hydrocarbons the content of cell lipids grows; yeast accumulate actively phospholipids and free fatty acids; bacteria build up intensively waxes and phospholipids. With the near-maximal growth rate the total synthesis of lipids decreases on carbohydrates and increases drastically on hydrocarbons, primarily at the expense of the above fractions.


[Bioelectrical activity and the ultrastructural characteristics of thyroid cell cytoplasmic membranes in different forms of thyrotoxicosis].

Bioelectrical activity of the thyroid epithelium cells was studied by microelectrode analysis in patients with various forms of thyrotoxicosis, as well as in those with the disease developed against the background of organic affections of the central nervous system. The value of bioelectrical potentials of the thyroid cells in patients with various forms of thyrotoxicosis, including that coursing against the background of encephalopatheis, proved to be practically the same, and, at the same time, considerably lower than in control examinations. Cytoplasmic membranes of the thyroid cells retained, irrespective of the form and genesis of basedowification, the same structural organization, which, however, differed from that in intact thyrocytes.


[Amino acid composition of triticale gluten].

The study of the amino acid composition of tritikale gluten has demonstrated that in comparison with that of grain protein it contains much less aspartic acid (by 28.1%) and lysine (by 19.4%), less alanine and arginine but more tyrosine (by 39.7%), glutamic acid (by 31.4%), phenylalanine (by 23.6%) and leucine (by 14.4%) and slightly more threonine and valine. The study has shown no significant differences in the amino acid composition of grain protein and tritikale gluten of different varieties and cultivation regions.


[Somatotropic function of the hypophysis in endocrine diseases].

A study was made of 149 patients with various endocrine diseases, and 30 healthy persons. Despite the sharply increased initial level of growth hormone, somatotropic function of the adenohypophysis was considerably depressed. In patients with hypophysial, cerebral, and somatogenic nanism somatotropic function of the hypophysis proved to be lowered. In diabetes mellitus of moderate severity without any vascular affections with the normal initial blood somatotropin level reaction to insulin hypoglycemia was sharply diminished. Persons suffering from prediabetes displayed a tendency to the change of the somatotropic function of the hypophysis. With increasing adiposity there is a reduction of the initial level of blood growth hormone and of the somatotropic activity of the hypophysis in Itsenko-Cushing's disease and thyrotoxicosis was apparently connected with disturbances of the hypothalamo-hypophysial interrelations.


[Age-related characteristics of the thyroid gland rheogram in healthy persons].

The right and left lobes of the thyroid gland were studied rheographically in 35 healthy persons (70 rheograms) of three age groups for the assessment of the blood flow intensity and functional condition of the thyroid gland vessels. It appeared that the circulation intensity through the thyroid gland decreased with the advance of age; there was also a reduction of elasticity of the vascular wall and an increase in the peripheral resistance of the blood flow in the gland.


[Myocardial contractile function in Itsenko-Cushing disease].

The method of acceleration cinecardiography was applied to the study of phasic structure of the systole of the left and right cardiac ventricles in 22 patients suffering from Itsenko-Cushing's disease. In the majority of patients with severe and prolonged (over 5-year duration) sickness changes in the duration of the systolic phases of both cardiac ventricles were characteristic of phasic hypodynamia syndrome, i.e. there was a reduction of the contractile activity of the myocardium. In 6 patients with marked arterial hypertension the structure of the left ventricle systole testified to the presence of a phasic syndrome of high systolic pressure. Intensification of cardiac contraction (phasic hyperdynamia syndrome) was less frequent. This chiefly occurred in case of mild course of the disease of less than 5 years duration.


[Thyrotropic hormone, triiodothyronine and thyroxine content in the blood serum in Itsenko-Cushing disease].

Determination by the radioimmunological method of thyrotropic hormone (TTH), thyroxin and triiodothyronine in the blood serum of patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease showed thyroxin level to decrease depending on the duration of the disease and the severity of the clinical course of the disease. Triiodothyronine content rose against the background of the elevated TTH content, this indicating the presence of latent hypothyroidism in these patients; one of the causes of the latter can be changed in thyroxin metabolism with the formation of a less active form of triiodothyronine.


[Effect of glucocorticoids on electrolyte excretion after expansion of the extracellular space].

The influence of glucocorticosteroids (cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and triamcinolone) on the volumetric natriuresis was studied in experiments on rats. Natriuresis proved to increase considerably after the widening of the extracellular space, and exceeded sodium excretion in control animals after a similar increase of the fluid volume in control animals. Intensification of the natriuretic response to the increase of the extracellular fluid volume against the background of glucocorticoids apparently occurred as a result of production or activation under the influence of these hormone of the natriuretic factor.


[Respiratory coefficient and the metabolic effect of an oleic acid emulsion in white rats in the process of experimental hyperthyroidism development].

RQ changes were studied in rats, depending on the degree of the organism saturation with triiodthyronin, and the metabolic action of free acid (FA). Animals with a relative hyperthyroidism had an increased RQ as compared with the control. RQ was decreased in the animals with a high degree of hyperthyroidism. FA injection was followed by a decrease of RQ and the body temperature elevation. These changes progressed with the advance of hyperthyroidism.


[Biological standardization of the gonadotropin-inhibiting factor].

The authors suggest a method of quantitative determination of the goandotropin-inhibiting factor in the urine; the principle of calculation of the activity of the standard preparation of the gonadotropin-inhibiting factor is presented. Investigation of the activity of the inhibitor in the individual portions of the urine of 6-8-year-old children demonstrated that the method of obtaining, testing and calculating the activity of the gonadotropin-inhibiting factor reflected quite adequately the biological activity of the extracts of child urine preventing the action of crude gonadotropins.


[Immunodepressive effect of mercazolyl].

Blood serum immunoglobulins and the process of peripheral blood blast-transformation of lymphocytes were studied in rats given mercazolyl in a dose of 0.9 mg/100 g of body weight orally for 80 days. This drug proved to produce an immunodepressive effect, which was more evidenced by the electrophoresis indices, and less (chiefly at the late periods of the experiment)--by the peripheral blood lymphocyte blasttransformation indices. The immunodepressive influence of mercazolyl on the animal organism should be taken into consideration in using this preparation in the capacity of a thyrostatic.


[Hormonal regulation of the electrical properties of the cell membrane].

Experiments were conducted on rats; it was shown that insulin, adrenaline, hydrocortisone, somatotropin, estradioldipropionate, deoxycorticosteroneacetate caused a rise of the membrane potential of individual muscle fibers, hepatocytes, motor neurons of the spinal cord, critical depolarization threshold, membrane resistance, shifts, in the K+, Na+ content. Simultaneously with these changes of the electrical properties of the membrane there occurred a rise of the RNA fraction synthesis, transcribing capacity of chromatin. Inhibitors of protein biosynthesis (actinomycin D, olivomycin, X-irradiation) prevented the hyperpolarization development and activation of genetic apparatus, whereas energy metabolsim inhibitors (sodium fluoride, monoiodine acetate, 2,4-dinitrophenol) failed to influence the rise of the membrane potential caused by hormones. Shifts in the electrical properties of cell membranes caused by hormones are connected with the genetic apparatus activation.


[Aseptic femur head necrosis in Itsenko-Cushing disease].

The authors present a description of two observations over patients with aseptic necrosis of the heads of the femur in Itsenko-Cushing's disease. A short literature survey is given, and an opinion is put forward that not only osteoporosis, but also other factors (thrombosis, vasculitis, and others) underly the lesion pathogenesis.


Treatment of severe hypertension in chronic renal failure by haemofiltration.

Thirteen patients with chronic renal insufficiency who had been transferred from haemodialysis to haemofiltration treatment because of dialysis and drug resistant hypertension (10 with high plasma renin activity) showed normalisation of blood pressure during a treatment period of 8 months, after which only one patient required antihypertensive drug therapy. During the first period blood pressure drop paralleled body weight loss and after 3--4 weeks blood pressure remained normal in spite of an increase in body weight. In the course of the second phase the effect of fluid withdrawal on blood pressure was directly proportional to the blood pressure at the beginning of the procedure. Adaptation of baroreceptor function must be assumed. In contrast to haemodialysis, haemofiltration did not influence the inulin space. Because of the reduced removal of small molecular substances compared with haemodialysis, extracellular osmolarity was kept stable during haemofiltration. Withdrawal of even large amounts of fluid was sustained without collapse reactions or signs of orthostatic dysregulation.


Separation of dialysis and ultrafiltration-does it really help?

Ultrafiltration alone for fluid removal has been used and assessed in a number of clinical studies. A paired study of ultrafiltration alone against haemodialysis has shown that as compared to haemodialysis, ultrafiltration alone within the ultrafiltration rates used is well tolerated. The use of ultrafiltration alone for both acute and chronic fluid overload has been shown to be an ideal therapeutic procedure. In a third study using the Rhodial 75 system and RP6 dialyser in a group of non-fluid-overloaded patients the separation in time of ultrafiltration from haemodialysis has shown no obvious advantages over regular haemodialysis.


Comparison of dialysis programmes on different molecular prescriptions: a preliminary study.

Five dialysis and/or adsorbent therapy programmes were compared to examine the biological toxicity of both small and middle molecular fractions from the clinical viewpoint. With combination of various surface areas, diffusion pool sizes, or use of charcoal, what can be called a 'molecular prescription' is possible. The programmes were designed to bring about different degrees of removal of both fractions. Ultrafiltrates obtained with Amicon XM-10 hollow fibre filters before and after a programme were examined for levels of BUN, creatinine, and methylguanidine, inhibitory effect on pyruvate kinase, G-6-PDH, and LDH, and on the cell mortality rate of rat embryo liver cell monolayer culture. The worst results were obtained in those programmes which retained small molecular fractions and removed the middle molecular fractions efficiently. The biological toxicity of the small molecular fraction, from the viewpoint of maintaining the 'milieu intérieur', seems to be much stronger than that of the middle molecular fraction. A dialysis or adsorbent therapy programme removing the middle molecular fraction only, but leaving the small molecular fraction should be considered as putting the cart before the horse.


The variable role of erythropoietin deficiency in the pathogenesis of dialysis anaemia.

To evaluate the role of reduced erythropoietin (Ep) production in the pathogenesis of dialysis anaemia, measurements of serum erythropoietin (SEp) concentration by means of a highly sensitive in vitro bioassay were performed in 88 non-nephrectomised non-transfused regular haemodialysis patients. In 50 patients (group 1) SEp levels were lower than 120 mU/ml. In the remaining 38 patients (group 2) SEp concentrations ranged from 120-369 mU/ml. Group 1 showed a highly significant positive correlation between SEp concentration and haematocrit as did 13 anephric patients investigated for comparison. In contrast, group 2 displayed a highly significant negative correlation between SEp concentration and haematocrit. The results demonstrate the existence of two distinctive  groups of similar size in regular haemodialysis patients: those with an absolute (group 1) and those with a relative deficiency of Ep (group 2). In the case of the latter, lack of Ep is probably a secondary factor in the pathogenesis of anaemia, whereas uraemic toxicity and blood loss may play a primary role.


Oral or parenteral iron therapy in haemodialysis patients?

In 28 haemodialysis patients, in whom there was a high incidence of depleted marrow iron stores, a significant rise in Hb, and Hct, occasionally to a normal level, was achieved as effectively with oral as with i.v. iron supplements. There was a variable response to iron in individuals which could not be predicted from the initial iron status. No patient in whom marrow iron stores were reassessed after iron therapy developed increased marrow iron stores. Routine iron supplements are recommended in haemodialysis patients with regular monitoring of body iron stores.


Chloramines, an aggravating factor in the anemia of patients on regular dialysis treatment.

In two dialysis centres in the same city, with a total of 56 patients on regular dialysis treatment, it has been shown that the tap water used for the production of the dialysate contains chloramines. Total chlorine concentration and percentage of chloramines varies from 0.5 to 1.1 ppm and from 40 to 95 per cent. There in a high percentage of Heinz bodies in the patients' erythrocytes, and incubation of red cells in vitro with the dialysate raises the methaemoglobin concentration and alters the hexose-monophosphate shunt. The patients' mean haematocrit improved from 23.13 +/- 4.41 SD to 25.93 +/- 5.17 SD (p less than 0.0025) with the administration of ascorbic acid, 500 mg given intravenously once a week, but an unexpected transitory increase of the total chlorine to 3.5 ppm resulted in a serious decline of the mean haematocrit to 20.80 +/- 5.22 SD (p less than 0.0001). Ascorbic acid added to the dialysate at a concentration of 1.7 mg/dl produced a great improvement in the anaemia and the almost total disappearance of Heinz bodies from the patients' red cells.


Serum antibodies before and after immunisation in haemodialysed children.

Serum antibodies (AB) have been measured before and after vaccination in haemodialysed children. The main finding was a normal increase in AB titres following adsorbed vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and poliomyelitis) demonstrating a normal humoral immune ability. By contrast, a poor response to live attenuated viruses (poliomyelitis and measles) was observed. Two additional findings were an inhibitor effect of tetanus toxoid in mice by uraemic serum, and a constant negative Schick test indicative of suppressed non-specific skin reactivity.


Clinical experience with circumferentially reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroenthylene (E-PTFE) graft as a vascular access for haemodialysis.

Circumferentially reinforced E-PTFE grafts were implanted 50 times in 46 patients. Seven grafts became occluded during the observation period of 233 patient-months. Puncture and haemostasis were quite satisfactory in the majority of the patients. Histologically, the inner surface of the grafts was covered with a thin fibrin layer. Puncture sites were stuffed with fibro-fibrinous tissue preventing bleeding or aneurysmal dilatation. Clinical experience has proved the E-PTFE graft to be a suitable vascular prosthesis for blood access.


Comparison of whole body and regional assessments of calcium balance in renal osteodystrophy in the response to 1 alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3.

Ten patients with renal bone disease have been treated with 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol for periods of 10-18 months. Responses in bone histology, plasma alkaline phosphatase, whole body calcium, spinal calcium content and bone mineral content of the forearm were compared. Improvements in histology of bone were seen in 5 patients. These patients showed greater increases in total body calcium, and the increments in total body calcium correlated significantly with decrements in alkaline phosphatase. Changes in forearm bone mineral content or spinal calcium were less predictable and did not invariably reflect measured changes in whole body calcium. We conclude that total body calcium may provide a useful and early index of response to treatment with 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol. In contrast, skeletal changes noted by regional methods of assessment should not be judged as reflecting changes occurring in the whole skeleton, and may even be misleading.


Use of 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 to separate 'types' on renal osteodystrophy.

Patients with severe symptomatic renal osteodystrophy were treated with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or 1 alpha(OH)D3. In 39 instances, there was either reversal of symptoms and/or a marked fall in plasma alkaline phosphatase. Bone biopsies showed improvement of either osteomalacia or osteitis fibrosa, and serum iPTH often fell. In thirteen patients, no improvement occurred. In seven patients, bone biopsy disclosed osteomalacia, and serum iPTH was normal or only slightly elevated. Thus, there was a defect in mineralisation. apparently unrelated to the lack of 1,25(OH)2D3 and in the absence of evidence of phosphate depletion. The other 'treatment failure' group showed osteitis fibrosa on biopsy and iPTH levels were markedly elevated. They are presumed to have marked secondary hyperparathyroidism. These 'treatment failure' groups had higher pre-treatment levels of serum Ca and Mg than in those showing a favourable response; also, hypercalcaemia developed rapidly during 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Thus, 1,25(OH)2D3 is efficacious in treating symptomatic osteodystrophy in many uraemic patients, and in other patients, it may help identify bone disease of other, as yet unknown, pathogenesis.


Clinical application of renal aspiration biopsy with a modified fine needle.

Electron microscopic study of solitary glomeruli obtained by aspiration with a modified fine needle is of clinical value in the diagnosis of various renal diseases. The small size of the needle makes it less traumatic than an ordinary percutaneous biopsy needle and therefore suitable for use in situations where a conventional biopsy is for some reason considered undesirable.


Long term follow up of IgA mesangial deposits glomerulonephritis.

The clinical course of IgA Mesangial Deposits Glomerulonephritis (MDGN) has been investigated in 178 patients for 1 to 32 years (mean 6 years) from the onset of symptoms. Impairment of renal function occurred in 28 patients, 13 of whom required RDT or died in uraemia. Hypertension was observed in 67 patients. The actuarial survival rate at ten years was 91%. A significant correlation was observed between the occurrence of renal failure and the following features: absence of episodes of gross haematuria, early appearance of hypertension, marked proteinuria and sclerosing glomerular lesions. These data suggest that IgA MDGN has generally a very prolonged course, but in a few cases may evolve, sometimes early, to chronic renal failure.


In vivo fixation of immune complexes on polymorphonuclear cells and release of neutrophil cationic proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Neutrophils (PMN) appear to be involved in inflammatory phenomena as a result of direct interaction with immune complexes (IC). In SLE glomerulonephritis IC are fixed in vivo on the PMN surface through the receptors for FC fragments of complexed immunoglobulins and complement. Phagocytic properties are lost and immunological lysosomal release in vitro is markedly reduced by virtue of receptor occupation. The elimination of neutrophil cationic proteins (NCP) in urine is an expression of PMN lysosomal constituent release.


Selective removal of plasma cryoglobulins in cryoglobulinaemia.

Cryoglobulins were removed from the plasma of two patients with mixed cryoglobulinaemia (IgM(k)-IgG type) associated with severe membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis and angiitis. The removal of about half the circulating cryo-Igs ('cryo-Igpheresis') was followed by a brisk rebound in cryo-Igs due to the rapid synthesis rate of monoclonal IgM(k) with anti-IgG activity. 'Cryo-Igpheresis' + cyclophosphamide treatment suppressed the rebound of cryo-IgGs, but not that of the cryo-IgMs. This differential effect was due to decrease of the antibody activity of cryo-IgMs. The clinical implications of such changes need further evaluation.


Massive proteinuria and its effects on renal tubular functions.

Studies of renal tubular functions were made in two groups of patients with biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephropathies to assess the effects of proteinuria on the tubules. Group I (n = 9) had had minimal proteinuria and Group II (n = 8) had massive proteinuria. At the time the studies were made, all patients were normotensive, free of oedema, and on no dietary or drug therapy; they had normal glomerular filtration rates, serum albumin and total protein concentrations. Patients in Group II had diminished urine concentrating ability, impaired acidifying mechanism, but elevated maximum tubular secretory capacity compared with patients in Group I.


Minoxidil in refractory hypertension: benefits, risks.

The blood pressure of 18 patients with refractory hypertension was controlled by treatment with Minoxidil in combination with Propranolol and diuretics. Ten of these patients were studied prospectively and were found not to have deterioration of carbohydrate tolerance while on Minoxidil therapy. Pericardial effusions occurred in 40% of the patients, including 2 with normal renal function. This untoward effect of prolonged use Minoxidil warrants further study.


Medullary sponge kidney: abnormalities of renal tubular and glomerular function, and their relationship to clinical features.

This study confirms that medullary sponge kidney (MSK) has a good prognosis, but there is a considerable morbidity in patients with renal calcification; they suffer renal colic, ureteric obstruction, and frequently need operation. There is a high incidence of urinary infection in women. On follow-up, glomerular function is well maintained, although careful testing shows a mild depression of glomerular filtration rate in at least 40%. Proximal tubular function is normal, but abnormalities of distal tubular function are often seen: acidification defects occur in 24% and are associated with nephrocalcinosis, poor urine concentrating ability, and diminished glomerular function. Urine concentration defects occur in 73% and are probably secondary to nephrocalcinosis. Hypercalciuria was present in 19% and was not related to other defects.


Renal function and renal pathology in patients with lithium-induced impairment of renal concentrating ability.

Lithium-induced impairment of renal concentrating ability is regarded as a harmless side effect of lithium treatment. This report presents investigations of renal function and renal pathology in 13 patients with reduced renal concentrating ability arising during lithium treatment. The reduced concentrating ability parallels histological damage and is a sign of lithium-induced chronic nephropathy.


Influence of essential amino acids and keto acids on protein metabolism and the anaemia of patients on chronic intermittent haemodialysis.

Ten patients were treated with 10 g essential amino acids per day orally; 9 patients received 9.5 g of a mixture of essential amino acids (Lys, Thr, Try, His, Tyr) and ketoanalogues of Ile, Leu, Phe, Val, Met per day and a control group of 11 patients received no supplementation. All patients were on a liberal food intake amounting to 1g protein/kg body weight and 31 kcal/kg body weight daily. Before and three months after the beginning of supplementation the following parameters were measured: serum concentrations of albumin, transferrin, urea, creatinine, blood haemoglobin content and haematocrit, activities of the enzymes delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase and porpho-bilinogen desaminase, and globin synthesis in peripheral red blood cells. After treatment with either essential amino acids or keto acids a significant stimulation of globin synthesis occurred. None of the other parameters was altered. It is concluded that in well-nourished patients supplements of essential amino acids or keto acids are ineffective.


Tay-Sachs heterozygote screening: specificity and sensitivity.

Heterozygotes for the Tay-Sachs allele can be identified by plotting the heat-labile hexosaminidase activity in serum against the heat-stable activity. Quadratic discriminants can be constructed from homozygous normal and obligate heterozygous data and the probability of misclassification computed. The cost of counseling and the classification error is diminished by the use of 2 tests.


Community-based genetic education, communication channels, and knowledge of Tay-Sachs disease.

In the planning of community-based genetics education campaigns, we cannot assume the existence of a single-minded, passively receptive public, simply waiting to be "educated." Rather, we must consider the impact of preexisting circumstances, notably the differential life-status conditions, the special concerns, and individual motivations of the persons to be educated on their search for information that matters to them. Messages promulgated by mass media educational campaigns on issues in genetics typically do not fall on a homogeneous mass of equally responsive ears and eyes, even if the target population superficially appears to be homogeneous and preselected. Especially institutional sources, (e.g., schools and general education) for males, and social relations (e.g., informal contact among friends) for females are crucial strategic variables affecting transmission and reception of knowledge of Tay-Sachs disease.


Luminal dilatation and morphologic changes secondary to enterotoxins.

Structural changes in ligated rat small intestinal loops exposed to purified cholera enterotoxin are described. Distention secondary to increased luminal fluid was found to cause the artifactual histologic damage. This finding questions the validity of interpreting mucosal changes in closed intestinal-loop models in the presence of severe distention. An alternative open-loop model is described that eliminates distention as a cause of histologic changes.


Some electrical properties of cerebroside and lecithin bilayer membranes.

Electrical potentials of cerebroside and lecithin bilayers in the presence of Na+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ were measured. Calculated membrane specific resistances were about 10(7) ohm cm2. Calculated transference numbers for Na+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ were between 0.5 and 0.6, and were higher in both membranes than in free solution. Thus membranes are slightly cation selective. Specific conductances and transference numbers were then used to calculate ionic flux of membranes. Sodium ions had a much greater ionic flux in both membranes than calcium and strontium ions. The results indicate that the electrical properties of cerebroside and lecithin bilayer membranes are compatible with the structures of those membranes.


Solid state physical replacement of Hodgkin-Huxley theory. Phase transformation kinetics of axonal potassium conductance.

The Hodgkin-Huxley theory and its extensions concerning squid axon nerve impulse conduction are based on concepts of movement of free cations in liquid water assisted by cation pumps. Those concepts have been disproven by recent experimental evidence indicating cell water is structured and cell cations are associated with macromolecules, suggesting that nerve excitation probably involves a phase transition. It is shown here that the Hodgkin-Huxley data on the rise of K+ conductance after depolarization of the squid axon fits closely the Avrami equation with an exponent of two. This fit implies that axon depolarization is indeed the result of a phase transition, the new phase growing from preexisting nuclei within the old phase. The nuclei grow in one or two (but not in three) dimensions until the new phase entirely replaces the old phase.


Measurements of water proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1p) for studying motions in solutions of giant macro-molecules and supramolecular particles (T2 virus).

Spin-spin relaxation time (T2), spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), and spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame (T1p) of water protons in solutions of bacteriophage T2 were studied by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance. The frequency dependence of the measurements exhibits a dispersion implying existence of a fraction of water molecules in solution with a correlation time distribution centered at approximately 10(-5) sec which is strongly influenced by the reorientational motions of virus particles. Experiments were carried out with two forms of bacteriophage T2 existing at pH 5.4 and 7.8 respectively. The different structures of the virus at these two pH values are reflected in the NMR relaxation behavior of water protons.


Spectral differences in the 31P NMR of normal and malignant tissue.

High-resolution 31P NMR spectra of normal and malignant muscle tissue from mice were obtained at 100 MHz. The spectrum of normal muscle was found to resemble that obtained by Hoult et al. for normal rat skeletal muscle. But the spectrum of malignant muscle tumor (rhabdomyosarcoma) was found to comprise only the inorganic phosphate and sugar phosphate peaks, which indicates potential usefulness of this NMR method for diagnosis. Moreover, the inorganic phosphate peak was observed to be shifted downfield 70 Hz from the location seen in normal muscle. This identification of an NMR absorption frequency different in cancer tissue than in normal, singles out what may be the first of many absorption frequencies that could be utilized as target frequencies for delivery of cancer-destructive radiation.


Membrane fluidity gradient model of cell transport.

A new model of cellular transport is presented, characterized by selective fluxes due to membrane fluidity gradient. This mechanism is treated in terms of the interfacial tensions at the membrane/cytoplasm and membrane/medium surfaces. A higher interior fluidity (lower interfacial tension) is maintained by cytoplasm adenosine triphosphate, which adsorbs and increases lipoprotein fluidity while it also chelates calcium and keeps it from inner membrane sites. The high medium calcium causes a stiffer membrane (higher interfacial tension) on the medium side. These two different free energy barriers at inner and outer channel mouths filter all molecules, whether ionized or nonelectrolytic. Molecules with excess of hydrophobic groups, which makes negative the free energy of transfer from the medium into the membrane, have highest influx. Intermolecular salt linkages and hydrogen-bonding are vital in making negative the free energy of transfer of amino acids and sugars. The much lower energy barrier at the cytoplasmic interface favors net efflux from the cell of the more polar ions and amphipaths. Intramembrane particles are proposed as the channel sites.


[Leptomeningopathia chronica circumscripta adhaesiva sive cystica].

During neurosurgical operations of 73 patients alterations of the leptomeninx were found additionally other clinical diagnoses or confirming the clinical diagnosis of a chronic leptomeningopathia. In these cases tissue was taken for histological examination. In 65 cases there were alterations of all parts of the leptomeninx, mostly connected with inflammatory infiltrations. The commonly used terms "arachnitis" or "arachnoiditis" for these circumscribed chronic leptomeningopathias are not to be accepted because of different reasons. Instead of these names a describing diagnosis is recommended.


[EEG studies of spinocerebellar ataxia].

Electroencephalographic examinations of eighteen patients with spinocerebellar ataxias and of thirteen normal sibs of four of the subjects are reported. The authors frequently observed low levels of potential and a tendency toward slackening in basic activity, which is in agreement with data presented in the literature; theta-delta inclusions in the temporal regions were found especially in cases of cerebellar ataxia. Examinations of the sib frequently showed low-potential curves. However, the use of electroencephalography for the purpose of identifying, in the case of hereditary ataxia, latently diseased sibs for heterozygous individuals does not seem possible.


[Aortic isthmus stenosis from a neurological viewpoint].

The etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical treatment of stenoses of the isthmus aortae are outlined. Following this, the particular case of a 41-year-old patient with typical stenosis of the isthmus of the aorta is reported. The course of disease required the need for a surgical operation, which had not initially been taken into consideration, to be reexamined. The patient, after performance on him of vascular restoration, is now on a part-time job. Using age as the sole circumstance indicating the inadvisability of performing a surgical operation in the case of stenosis of the isthmus aortae cannot any longer be considered justifiable.


[Incidence and significance of anamnestically indicated neurotic disorders in young applicants for flight training].

The histories of 17 years old clinically normal subjects show that 10% of them had functional disturbances or abnormalities in behaviour which are not to be considered as indications of latent neurotic development. Significant differences in EEG, size distribution, and reaction of the circulatory system during psycho-emotional stress (low-pressure chamber testing) may indicate a disharmonious physical maturation with increased disposition to circulatory lability and psychological abnormalities. The good intellectual performances and the favourable prognosis with regard to flight training are reasons for not disqualifying this group of applicants.


[Chronic alcoholism and antisociality: examination of some socioeconomic conditions].

In this report the Authors are concerned with the important phenomenon of a number of alcohol addicts being present in most psychiatric hospitals. This phenomenon is viewed on the social and economic background which in characteristic of the Lecce psychiatric hospital (a background marked by notable migratory movements, massive industrialisation, chaotic urbanisation, etc.). A particular emphasis is given to the relationships, still debated in literature, between chronic alcoholism and antisocial behaviour on the basis of the examination of some social and economical data. Lasely, a different organisation of the psychiatric system of assistence and even of the general sanitary social service is proposed as necessary in consideration of the serious social implications connected with the problem.


Intravenous cholangiography: an infusion regimen derived from plasma concentration measurements.

The excretion of the biliary contrast medium meglumine ioglycamate into the bile is limited by a hepatic transport maximum system. A minimum plasma concentration, approximately 800-1,000 microgram/ml is required to maintain maximum excretion of contrast medium. Serial measurements of the plasma levels of ioglycamate were made on 21 patients during routine intravenous cholangiography, using different infusion rates. An infusion regimen using 10 mg/kg/min for 15 min, then 60 mg/min is described, which rapidly elevates the plasma concentration to the optimum level and maintains it at, or slightly above this level.


An attempt to classify the collateral systems in total occlusions at different levels of the lumbar aorta and pelvic arteries: causes and consequences.

18 cases of total occlusion of the lumbar aorta of one common iliac artery are discussed. The collateral patterns, described in the literature, were classified into eight groups, according the localization of the occlusion. Also a new collateral plexus of paravertebral arteries was observed. A survey of the scattered information in the literature of the last five years, about the incidence and the causes and consequences of total lumbar aortic occlusion, is given.


Venography in the diagnosis of tumors of the adrenal glands, pancreas, parathyroid glands and orbit.

Improved catheterization technique and new laboratory methods have increased the value of venography in the diagnosis of tumors, especially of hormone-producing tumors. A review of catheterization techniques for the diagnosis of tumors of the adrenal glands, pancreas, parathyroid glands and orbit is presented with examples of findings.


Differences between biological effects of high LET and low LET radiations in relation to their application in radiotherapy.

The application of fast neutrons, negative pions or heavy ions will only provide an advantage for the radiotherapy of cancer if, in comparison with conventional radiation, e.g., X-rays, gamma rays and electrons, better depth-dose and collimation characteristics or specific radiobiological dose-response relationships result in greater local control probabilities for tumours without increased frequencies of severe normal tissue damage. Differences in intrinsic radiosensitivity and the presence of hypoxic cells are considered to be the main factors which can cause values of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for responses of tumours to be larger than RBE values for normal tissue tolerance. Clinical studies on lung metastases irradiated with single doses of 15 MeV neutrons indicate that RBE values for tumour growth delay can vary between 1.2 and 4.0, while RBE values for damage to several normal tissues are estimated from data on a few animal tissues to be approximately 2.5.


Afterloading interstitial implant in the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

(1) In all, 70 patients with carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx have been treated utilizing one or more of several interstitial iridium-192 afterloading techniques. (2) After an 18-month minimum follow-up period, local control is still maintained in 9 of 10 patients with T1 and T2 lesions (UICC), in 17 of 22 patients with T3 lesions, and in 21 of 38 patients reirradiated for recurrent disease. The complication rate of 29% in the reirradiated patients, though high, is considered acceptable in these essentially hopeless cases. (3) This preliminary report is made to stimulate interest in the role of interstitial iridium-192 afterloading techniques. We feel they deserve evaluation in a controlled study of other head and neck cancer management techniques (including external irradiation, surgical resection and adjunctive chemotherapy).


Computed tomography of the pulmonary parenchyma and chest wall.

Computed tomography has evolved into a unique diagnostic modality that is slowly gaining acceptance for use in the chest. The overall impact of this relatively new technique will be tempered by the inexpensive and universally available conventional diagnostic studies. More refined and sophisticated CT devices will certainly become available in the future. The use of ultrashort scan time will further improve the images obtained in the chest by minimizing the effects of cardiovascular and respiratory motion. The ultimate acceptance of CT will no doubt be hastened by the search for otherwise undetectable pulmonary nodules and an appreciation of its usefulness in the evaluation of lesions of the chest wall.


Radiologic analysis of the mediastinum utilizing computed tomography.

An attempt has been made to demonstrate the capacity of computed tomography to display mediastinal anatomy. A further attempt has been made to develop a list of indications for the performance of this study in patients with known or suspected mediastinal disease. It should be recognized that the statements made are based on a relatively small patient sample. Undoubtedly, future experience will add to and delete from the indications presented here.


Computed tomography of the retroperitoneal space.

Computed body tomography is an easily accomplished method that precisely displays the normal and pathologic anatomy of the retroperitoneal space. Suspected retroperitoneal disorders, which are often clinically confusing or obscure, can now be detected or excluded with remarkable accuracy. Few innovations in radiology have more effectively fulfilled such a conspicuous need.


[Therapeutic vascular occlusion with angiographic catheter technique (author's transl)].

Therapeutic embolization can achieve occlusion of bleeding vessels, arteriovenous fistulas and tumor feeding arteries. Many different diseases can now be treated by angiographic catheter techniques which required surgical intervention in the past. Various embolic materials were applied to produce transient or permanent vascular occlusions. New materials for embolization will be developed. Indications for embolization treatment of tumors are not definitively established because of insufficient knowledge of tumor biology after embolization.


[Fundamental experiments for therapeutic artery occlusion by angiography catheters (author's transl)].

Vascular occlusions are obtained by different types of synthetic material and direct electric current in animal experiments. The results are compared with therapeutic embolic methods used in patients. Possibilities to avoid complications are discussed and indications specified for different clinical situations proposed.


[Indication for embolization (author's transl)].

Indications for transcatheter therapeutic embolization are presented in 24 patients who underwent this treatment within the past two years. The indication for this procedure regarding clinical success is discussed. Failure to control massive hemorrhage caused by tumor, trauma or a.v. shuntformation (congenital or acquired) are considered as main indications. It is emphasized that the surgical risk may possibly be reduced by preoperative embolization of well-vascularized lesions. Some of these lesions become operable by presurgical embolization.


[Balloon occlusion of the renal artery in operative urology (author's transl)].

A double lumen Swan Ganz balloon catheter is introduced percutaneously into the renal artery. Temporary and repeated occlusion of the artery by inflation of the balloon are combined with hypothermic perfusion of the kidney. Thus extensive nephrolithotomies can be done without time limit as in warm ischemia. The operation field is blood-less and the parenchym is protected by perfusion. There is no need for pedicle dissection or external cooling. One complication is seen when the catheter is slipping out of the artery in cases of short renal arteries and the patient is in an extremely bent operation position for intercostal approach. Ballon occlusion without perfusion is helpful in tumor nephrectomy. Preoperative embolization is not necessary when this technique is used. Embolization means an additional procedure with further complications.


[Transcatheter embolization of renal artery--alternative to preoperative renal tumour radiotherapy? (author's transl)].

Transcatheter coil embolization (according to the method of Gianturco) was performed in 18 patients. It resulted in prompt and permanent occlusion of the renal artery without considerable effort and with acceptable risk. The favourable benefit of this procedure is technical facilitation of tumornephrectomy, cutting down the time of surgery, reducing intraoperative hemorrhage and danger of venous displacement of tumor-cells. The same favourable results will not be achieved by preoperative short-time radiation. Preoperative long-term radiation delays the necessary tumor-nephrectomy. Arterial embolization is preferred because it offers the wanted benefits of sufficient radiotherapy avoiding its disadvantages.


[Embolization in neurosurgery (author's transl)].

Based on the literature and own experiences the indications for embolization in neurosurgical diseases are presented. This procedure is used for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, preoperatively in richly vascularized neoplasm and non operable tumors. Modern techniques (super-selective angiography, double-lumen balloon-catheter and catheters with detachable balloons) enable to occlude the territory of A. carotis ext., the cavernous portion of A. carotis int., the cervical portion of A. vertebralis, and the dorsal spinal radicular arteries. Complications are rare. There is a limited indication for embolization of the intracerebral area and the territory of A. spinalis and the ventral radiscaular arteries because of additional damage of the central nervous system. Various techniques and possible complications are discussed and own cases are presented.


Formation by phospholipase A2 of prostaglandins and thromboxane A2-like activity in the platelets of normal and essential fatty acid deficient rats. Comparison with effect on human and rabbit platelets.

When rat platelets are incubated with phospholipase A2, thromboxane A2-like activity and prostaglandins are formed. The amounts are approximately similar, whether aggregation is induced after the incubation or not. No aggregation is observed when the platelets are incubated with phospholipase A2. In the platelets of essential fatty acid deficient rats, only small amounts of thromboxane A2-like acitivity and prostaglandins are formed. No formation of these substances occurs when human and rabbit platelets are incubated with phospholipase A2. The results indicate that formation of thromboxane A2-like activity enhances aggregation in rat platelets, but that aggregation is not induced.


Tumor-mediated immunosuppression: prevention by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis.

The addition of MC16 tumor cells (a prostaglandin E2-producing cell line induced in C57BL/6J mice by methylcholanthrene) to cultures of cells to sheep red blood cells. This inhibition can be blocked by adding to the cultures prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, such as indomethacin, flufenamic acid and aspirin. These MC16 tumor cells are also immunosuppressive in vivo. Mice bearing the syngeneic MC16 tumor become unresponsive to sheep red blood cells as the tumor grows. As in the in vitro test system, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetases seem to block the immunosuppressive activity of MC16 cells in vivo since tumor-bearing mice, treated therapeutically with indomethacin, responded normally in their production of antibody to sheep red blood cells.


[Radiological diagnosis of thymoma: consideration on 52 cases (author's transl)].

Review of 52 cases of thymoma (41 typical, 11 atypical) studied radiologically and controlled surgically and anatomo-pathologically. Differential diagnosis is discussed; the importance of pneumomediastinum and angiography is stressed and a number of cases are reported in detail.


[Calculation of physical parameters of 137 Cs sources for intracavitary radiotherapy (author's transl)].

Estimate of effective activity and energy absorption values for sealed 137Cs sources for use in intracavitary radium therapy, values utilizable for computerized dosimetry; for this purpose the radio-equivalent value provided by the manufacturer would not appear to be utilizable.


The strategy of treatment of Hodgkin's disease.

The treatment of Hodgkin's disease necessitates, in most cases, an association of radiotherapy for the macroscopic tumoral masses and chemotherapy for the cells generalized in the organism. Whenever a systematic chemotherapy is associated with radiotherapy, a precise staging topography with laparotomy is useless. The current therapeutic trials should seek methods to lighten these treatments by determining the best equilibrium between the two principal methods and by specifying the ventual place of immunotherapy. The present possibility of curing more than three-fourths of Hodgkin's patients incites us to look for means of reducing the treatment and its inconveniences for the curable forms, and search for more active or tolerable treatments for the uncurable forms.


Interspersion of cyclophosphamide and BCG in the treatment of L1210 leukemia and Lewis Tumor.

The therapeutic value of interspersing cyclophosphamide (CPM) chemotherapy and BCG immunotherapy was investigated in two tumor models: L1210 leukemia and Lewis solid tumor (LLT). In the case of L1210 leukemia, the antileukemic effect of CPM was enhanced by subsequent BCG administration where a single cycle of combined treatment was applied; treatment by repeated doses of CPM interspersed with BCG was no more effective than CPM chemotherapy alone. In the case of LLT tumor, the effect of one cycle of combined CPM-BCG treatment was not different from CPM administered alone but treatment by repeated doses of CPM interspersed with BCG immunotherapy was less effective than CPM chemotherapy alone. These results indicate that, while the effect of BCG immunotherapy may be favorable or nil when BCG is applied after cell-reducing chemotherapy, it may be nil or unfavorable when applied repeatedly in interspersed chemoimmunotherapy treatments.


[Study of the relation between disorders of nocturnal respiratory rhythm and hypersomnia].

Sleep and respiration were recorded during two consecutive nights in 15 normal subjects, 18 patients suffering from narcolepsy and 9 with non-cataplectic hypersomnia. The normal subjects showed episodes of central apnea, the degree of which increased with age and periodic respiration. In both categories of hypersomniacs, the patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of disturbances in nocturnal respiratory rhythm:--group 1: identical to the normal subjects,--group 2: moderate qualitative or quantitative abnormalities,--group 3: presence of a large number of episodes of obstructive apnea. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that disturbances in nocturnal respiratory rhythm are not specific for any particular type of hypersomnia, nor were they the main cause of hypersomnia when present to a large extent, but that obstructive apnea could be an aggravating factor.


[Tomodensitometric study of cerebral accidents causing acute hemiplegia in children].

Computerized Axial Tomography (C.A.T.) easily distinguishes between the two types of cerebral accident responsible for the two major categories of acute hemiplegia in childhood. 1) In hemiplegias which develop in association with hemiclonic status epilepticus (H. H. and H. H. E. syndromes), in the majority of cases there is an appearance of cortico-sub-cortical atrophy involving the whole hemisphere contralateral to the hemiplegia. This atrophy develops following oedema of the hemisphere which accompanies the initial status epilepticus and which is clearly shown by a very early T.A.C. 2) In congenital or acquired hemiplegias not associated with status epilepticus there is, in most cases, an appearance of cerebral infarction or, very rarely, haemorrhage. It is thus possible, from a physiopathogenic standpoint, to draw a clear distinction between these two major forms of acute infantile hemiplegia. The first (H. H. and H. H. E. syndromes) usually result from hemispheric atrophy which develops in association with a unilateral or predominantly lateral episode of status epilepticus, whilst the second group are usually the result of cerebral infarction.


[Results of determination of plasma methoxydopa in parkinsonian patients with or without dyskinesia induced by L-Dopa].

Horary plasmatic dosages of Dopa and metabolites in 30 treated parkinsonian patients have shown that, within the group of patients treated with L-Dopa combined with an extracerebral decarboxylase inhibitor, highly significant by increased plasmatic O-methyl-dopa levels can be found in patients with dyskinesias compared with those without dyskinesias. On the contrary, in these two subgroups of patients, plasmatic Dopa levels are not significantly different. By comparing some favoured Dopa and O-methyl-dopa levels between these two subgroups of patients, it seems more likely, that the elevated plasmatic O-methyl-dopa levels are due to an progressive accumulation on of its compound than to an excessive formation from Dopa.


[Clinical and ultrastructural study of a case of human rabies].

A patient of Morracan origin, aged 26 years, who died as a result of rabies after a 15 day illness in August 1976 in Bordeaux. No evidence of contamination was found by history from the patient and his family and friends nor by examination. A cerebral biopsy carried out a few hours before death confirmed the diagnosis by immunofluorescence, whilst examination under the optical microscope demonstrated Negri bodies and ultrastructural studies revealed rabies virus. These findings are discussed and compared with a few other cases reported in the literature with electron microscope studies.


[Quantitative and thermodynamic study of B antigen in a family including individuals with phenotypes B 3 and AB 3].

Four B3 and one A1B3 erythrocyte samples belonging to the same family were studied using several series of quantitative measurements: percentage of agglutination, agglutination kinetics and thermodynamic methods. For this last assay the erythrocytes were used fresh and after treatment by formalin. From the obtained results evidence was given that while B antigen density was lower in A1B3 than in B3O cells, the reactive structure is qualitatively the same in these two kinds of cells. The enthalpy change of the reaction of this B3 antigen with a non stimulated anti-B from A1O individual was -- 5,000 cal/mole, i.e. weaker than when normal B cells were concerned (-- 16,000 cal/mole).


[Frequency of genes corresponding to adenosine deaminase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and esterase D polymorphism in the Parisian population].

The frequencies of the genes expressing the variation of erythrocytic enzymes ADA, 6PGD and esterase D have been estimated in Paris population. These results are as follows: (formula see text). These are compared to those of other european populations. Although ADA shows the lowest frequency in the french population, the distribution is not significantly different from the whole european distribution. No difference is noticeable for 6PGD and esterase D.


[In vitro and in vivo study of a hemoglobin solution used as a blood substitute].

In vitro studies of a stroma free haemoglobin solution of human origin (Wx B 8326, Warner-Lambert) in comparison with fresh and stored low DPG whole human blood, was undertaken with regard to the fixation. of oxygen. Such an hemoglobin solution was shown to exhibit a high affinity for oxygen and a low Bohr effect (assessed from the delta log Po2/delta pH ratio). The specific effect of Co2 (assessed from the delta log Po2/delta log. Pco2 ratio) appeared to be increased as compared to fresh whole blood. This hemoglobin solution was tested as a blood substitute in two in vivo experimental situations: exsanguino transfusion on rabbits (n = 6) and closed-chest extracorporeal circulation on dogs (n = 6). In order to evaluate the part taken by the tested Hb solution in arterial O2 carrying capacity and in O2 delivery, two ratios were calculated: arterial plasmatic O2 content/arterial circulating blood O2 content and arterio-venous plasmatic O2 difference/arterio-venous circulating blood O2 difference. These two ratios amounted 28,2 +/- 2,5% (rabbits) and 47,0 +/- 6% (dogs) for the arterial O2 carrying capacity and 13,8 +/- 3,0% (rabbits) and 25,8 +/- 5,0% (dogs) for the tissular O2 delivery. Among the properties of the tested stroma free hemoglobin solution its low contribution to the tissular O2 delivery, its high affinity for oxygen, its low Bohr effect and its short half-life as compared to whole blood are not favouring its use in clinical practice.


The relationship between host factors of allergic nature and respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory symptoms and personal history of allergy were examined in 1659 children, including the entire elementary school population of four villages of the Belgian Ardennes. Levels of atmospheric pollution were monitored during the survey and proved to be very low. It is suggested that socio-economic factors produce a small increase in respiratory symptoms, particularly in cough symptoms. A personal history of eczema and of hay fever was highly associated with dyspnea and wheezing.