[Elements in the objective evaluation of the carotid arteriogram].

The carotid angiography is widely used in our country, and has great importance even in those medical, neurosurgical, and neurotraumatic centers which employ the most advanced methods such as computerized tomography of the brain. To asure correct interpretation of a carotid arteriogram (thus making maximal use of such a tool) the interpreneur must have a more detailed knowledge of cephalic angiography. In the A--P picture the main elements are the infra and supraclinoid parts of the carotid, as well as the anterior and middle cerebral arteries and their branches. The authors describe these arteries and their anatomic peculiarities and changes to be expected in certain pathologic processes as illustrated by a new pictures. Of particular importance is the lateral carotid arteriogram whose changes allow diagnosis of expansive intracranial processes such as tumors and trauma.


Osteoclast counting in crista biopsies.

A description is given of a modified method of counting osteoclasts both per section area and also relative to the remaining trabeculae surface area in crista biopsies. The material consisted of normal individuals, patients with clinical osteoporosis, and patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis. The number of osteoclasts in the biopsies from normal and osteoporotic individuals showed a normal distribution with the same mean. In the haemodialysis patients there was a marked skew distribution. In normal individuals, there was a significant decrease in the number of osteoclasts per section area with age, but this was not significant when calculated relative to the bone surface area.


Compression fixation of Bennett's fracture.

A procedure that ensures exact reduction and internal fixation of Bennett's fracture is presented. In cases with a large tubercular fragment, the internal fixation is performed with a lag-screw technique. If the fragment is small, a Kirschner wire is used as an implant. A special set of instruments that keeps the reduced fragment in position and guides the implant during the internal fixation process is also described.


The range of motion following fracture of the shaft of the forearm in children.

Eighteen children with fracture of the shafts of the forearm were reexamined in adulthood. All fractures had primarily been displaced but reduced to a good position without residual axial or ad latem displacement. At follow-up there was no sign of deformity in the radiograms of the two bones. However, the range of motion for supination and pronation was significantly decreased. This implies that factors other than residual deformity are responsible for this dysfunction.


Surgical management of fracture of the captulum humeri.

A follow-up study of 20 patients operated upon for fracture of the capitulum humeri is reported. In 8 cases the fracture fragment was removed while in 12 others open reduction was performed. Open reduction gave the best results and is therefore recommended as the treatment of choice.


Resection of the acromion in the treatment of persistent rotator cuff syndrome of the shoulder.

Partial or complete excision of the acromion was performed in 25 patients (29 shoulders) with long-standing pain in the shoulder typical of rotator cuff syndrome. There was no verified history of trauma in nine cases (13 shoulders), while injury was the cause of pain in 16 patients (16 shoulders). In nine shoulders there was a small and in two a large rupture of the rotator cuff. Twelve of the 13 non-traumatic shoulders became painless postoperatively and the pain was relieved in one. In the 16 traumatic shoulders the relief of pain was complete in six, partial in nine, and one remained unchanged. The condition was not aggravated in any of the cases. Mobility increased postoperatively in four cases and was in no case decreased by the operation. In this series the results were as favourable after partial as after complete excision of the acromion alone or excision in combination with other procedures appears to be a promising method of treatment of patients with long-standing rotator cuff syndrome.


Extirpation of tumors located near the thoracic cage. A method for increasing the margin of healthy tissue on the deep side of the tumor.

When an aggressive tumor develops in a flat muscle near the thoracic cage the question may arise as to how achieve an adequate margin on the deep side of the tumor. This is especially the case if the tumor has recurred after a previous non-radical operation. A method is described by which the external thoracic fascia, the external intercostal musculature, and the periosteum on the external surface of the ribs can be included in the specimen as a continuous wall of healthy tissue on the deep side of the tumor. This technique has been used in 11 patients, 9 of whom had undergone one or more inadequate operations earlier. Eight patients had a malignant tumor, three an extra-abdominal desmoid. In one of the latter patients, in whom a recurrent tumor was adherent to rib periosteum, the method was unsuitable. In the other patients the method appears to have been adequate for local control of the tumor.


Results of operative treatment of lumbar disc herniation. A survey of 886 patients.

Over a period of 6 years (1960-65), 886 patients were operated on for herniated lumbar disc. In 1971, 695 of these patients (78.5 per cent) answered a questionnaire. The material was analysed with the aid of a computer. Persons in the age groups 30-39 (38 per cent) and 40-49 (34 per cent) were most prone to develop sciatica. At operation the distribution of positive findings was found to be 5.7 per cent at level L3-4, 58.3 per cent at L4-5 and 36 per cent at L5-S1. Myelography with a water-soluble medium was performed preoperatively in all cases and gave a correct diagnosis of level in 90.2 per cent. The late results were good in 56 per cent of patients and 63 per cent returned to their former occupation.


Fracture of the femoral prosthesis in total hip replacement according to Charnley.

An analysis of 14 fractures of the stem of the early design of low friction arthroplasty showed a predominance of heavy, bilaterally operated males. The total incidence was 0.67 per cent. The fractures occurred between 14 months and 5 years postoperatively. Every fracture was preceded by radiological signs of loosening caused by varus positioning of the femoral head prosthesis and defective cement support medially at the femoral calcar.


Penetration of a long stem prosthesis into the knee joint: a complication of total hip replacement.

The unusual occurrence of penetration of the stem of a femoral prosthesis into the knee joint during total hip replacement and the method used to deal with this complecation successfully, without replacing the prosthesis, is described.


Immediate weight-bearing after internal fixation of the femoral neck fractures using von Bahr screws. Preliminary report of a prospective clinical trial.

Osteosynthesis of displaced femoral neck fractures using von Bahr screws was performed in 50 patients. Immediate postoperative weight-bearing was allowed. After a follow-up period of 1 year a high incidence (20 per cent) of early failure (dislocation of the fractures with or withour screw movement) was found. Analysis of the material showed that the failure rate was influenced by the peroperative reposition of the fracture, especially the valgus/varus position of the caput fragment, and the position of the screws.


Unsatisfactory results of early treatment of infants with unstable hips at birth.

Among 19,864 infants born in Trondheim between 1 May 1969 and 31 December 1974 instability of the hip joint was diagnosed in 378 (19.03 per thousand live-born). All infants were treated with Frejka cushion splint, usually for 3 months. In spite of this early treatment, 31 infants (8.2 per cent) developed subsequent signs of CDH. In 20 children the diagnosis of CDH was based solely on radiological criteria, while 11 children also displayed clinical abnormalities, most often restricted abduction of the hip joint. The prenatal and perinatal condition of the 31 children, with persistent signs of CDH in spite of early treatment, was compared with that of the 347 children who showed no obvious signs of CDH. The former group of patients had a relatively high frequency of hip abnormalities in their families, and an increased frequency of breech presentation at birth, concomitant foot deformities and instability of the hip joint also on the eight day after birth. It is suggested that infants with unsatisfactory results from the early treatment of unstable hips constitute a separate clinical entity and an especially severe form of CDH.


Trabecular architecture of the knee joint.

The trabecular architecture of the human knee joint was studied three dimensionally by microradiography. The trabecular arrangement of the two condylar wheels of the femur was divided into five types. The trabeculae are so arranged that both condyles are able to adjust to mechanical compression and rotary movement. In the tibia, each trabecular arrangement has a different mechanical function. The epiphyseal line can be considered a laminated structure interposed between the compressive forces acting from the articular surface and the forces supporting the architecture of the metaphysis. The mechanics and kinematics of the traecular architecture are discussed.


The radiolucent zone in arthroplasty of the knee.

Roentgenograms of 138 knee joint arthroplasties were examined for the presence and extent of a radiolucent zone at the bone-cement interface. Such a zone was significantly more common around the plastic tibial part than around the metallic femoral part of non-hinged prostheses. This observation argues for the theory that the development of heat plays a part in the causation of the zone. In some cases a zone was demonstrable within 1 month of the operation. The frequency and the sizes of such zones increased during the first 6 months after the operation. There was no definite correlation between the development of a radiolucent zone and the clinical symptoms.


Performance evaluation of BK amputees through graded load carrying tests.

The ergonomic approach to performance evaluation in orthopaedic rehabilitation presents problems because of the cumbersome and time-consuming measurement and test procedures involved. This paper describes a method of performance evaluation through graded load carrying tests which makes it possible to set up regression equations which can be used in routine clinical practice for prediction of the performance of below-knee amputees.


Fracture of the neck of the talus. A clinical study.

A clinical evaluation of 46 patients treated for fractures of the neck of the talus has been made after a mean follow-up period of 6 years. The cause of injury was most frequently motor vehicle accidents (26) and falls from heights (11). In non-displaced fractures plaster with immobilization was used and displaced fractures were treated by closed or open reduction. At follow-up most of the patients complained of symptoms hampering daily activities. Objectively, excellent to good results were obtained in 75 per cent of the non-displaced fractures and in 42 per cent of the displaced. Delayed union occurred in 15 per cent. Avascular necrosis was found in 15 per cent and degenerative changes in 97 per cent. A decreased density of bone under the articular cartilage, called subchondral atrophy, was seen in 50 per cent.


Subtalar dislocation.

During the period from 1945 to 1972, 30 cases of subtalar dislocation were reported to the Directorate of Industrial Injuries Insurance in Denmark. The lesions were classified according to type of dislocation showing that the medial inward type predominated by far. According to the findings of the present investigation, the long-term prognosis seems to be more serious than has hitherto been assumed. X-ray and clinical examination disclosed that arthrosis of the subtalar joints was demonstrable in 19 patients. Six of these patients had pantalar arthrosis, the causative factor in two cases being avascular necrosis of the talus. Clinical examination showed that walking was associated with some degree of pain in 21 patients and 15 patients had a more or less pronounced limp.


Treatment of chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis of the os calcis.

Twenty-five patients suffering from chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis of the os calcis were studied. The disease often presents in a subacute or chronic form, and the pathological process is well established in the majority of the cases by the time treatment is begun. For this reason, conservative treatment was found to be ineffective. Similarly, limited surgical procedures, such as curettage, sequestrectomy or partial excision, were also inadequate because of the wide-spread nature of the infection. Complete excision of the os calcis and stitching of the Achilles tendon to the plantar fascia was followed by a high rate of success, provided the other tarsal bones were not involved in the infective process. The infection was cured and reasonably normal function was obtained in 14 out of 19 patients (73.7 per cent). A "new heel" is often formed after the operation by the laying down of plaques of calcification within the toughened scar tissue of the heel pad.


99Tcm-DP accumulation in rabbit skull bones after 60Co gamma irradiation.

Histology demonstrated new bone formation and bone destruction in rabbit mandibles irradiated with 20 Gy in a single exposure, but no abnormality following 10 Gy in a single exposure. Gamma camera examination of the 99Tcm-DP distribution could not demonstrate any abnormalities, and is concluded not to be effective in demonstrating early radiation injury to bone tissue. Radiation therapy is considered a negligible source of false positive findings in scintigraphy of the facial skeleton.


Size and blood flow of the liver estimated by 99Tcm scanning.

In 14 healthy volunteers a method has been evaluated for simultaneous estimation of liver size and blood flow by dynamic gamma camera recording of Tc-sulfur colloid uptake in R--E cells of the liver. The reproducibility and convenience of the method was found to be such as to make it suitable for both scientific and routine clinical work.


Lymph transport before and after regional lymphadenectomy as demonstrated with 99Tcm. Preliminary experiences.

The lymphatic transport of a radioactive tracer injected intralymphatically on the dorsum of the foot was determined before and after surgery in 3 patients with vulvar carcinoma. The centrally recorded activity curves showed different time courses before and after inguinal lymphadenectomy, suggesting that the lymphatic transport is short-circuited via lymphovenous anastomoses after lymphadenectomy. Thus, non-radical surgery for primary carcinoma combined with lymphadenectomy will increase the risk of haematogenous spread.


Distribution of 99Tcm-labelled phosphorus compounds, 45Ca and 85Sr in diphosphonate-treated rats.

A similar distribution of 99Tcm, 45Ca and 85Sr was obtained when injected in rats as 99Tcm-labelled pyrophosphate or ethylene-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate (EHDP), 45Ca-chloride and 85Sr-choloride respectively. The highest concentrations occurred in bone and teeth. In EHDP-treated rats, isotopes were accumulated at sites of ectopic calcifications in the lung, kidney and stomach wall as well as in mineralized tissues. These results indicate that 99Tcm, when administered as 99Tcm-labelled EHDP accumulates predominatly in the inorganic rather than organic tissue components.


Effect of roentgen, cyclotron neutron, or mixed neutron-photon fractionated irradiation of mice. LD50/4 day values.

Mice were whole-body-irradiated with 5 fractions of roentgen rays in 5 days, 5 fractions of cyclotron neutrons in 5 days, or with mixed neutron-photon fractionated radiation, in the sequence n-n-x-x-x or n-x-x-x-n. The LD50/4 day values were determined. Roentgen rays and neutrons interact in the additive manner in the mixed fractionation schemes: effective dose per fraction is as predicted from the roentgen ray-only and neutron-only experiments. This essentially agrees with HENDRY et coll. (1976). However, no trend was found towards a less-than -additive effect which was observed by those authors and has also been suggested in skin response to mixed schemes (NELSON et coll. 1975).


Roentgen ray fluorescence method for determination of iodine in tissue.

A roentgen ray fluorescence method was developed for the quantitative determination of iodine concentration in tissue. The method is based on the use of two beams, of which one excites the K roentgen rays of iodine, while the other does not. The concentration of iodine was determined from the difference between the counting rates of the fluorescent and the scattered radiation. The measurements were carried out with standard equipment consisting of a generator, a NaI)Tl)-detector and a scaler. An accuracy of 0.1 mg I per g was obtained with the radiation exposure of about 1 R.


Fiberoptic endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract in infants and children. II. Fiberoptic colonoscopy and polypectomy in 15 children.

Fiberoptic colonoscopy was performed on 15 patients between the ages of 1 1/2 years and 16 years. Ten patients were hospitalized and five were outpatients. Of 12 with frank or microscopic blood in stools, fiberoptic colonoscopy revealed single polyps in six patients, ulcerative colitis in two and negative results in four with prior nondiagnostic radiographic studies, colonoscopy revealed ulcerative colitis in one, granulomatous colitis in one and negative findings in one. Polypectomy through the colonoscope was accomplished in all six patients with polyps. Perforation of the sigmoid colon during polypectomy with the snare loop was the single complication encountered. Lower intestinal endoscopy should be selectively considered for diagnosis and therapy of unexplained bleeding or recurrent lower abdominal pain in children in whom proctosigmoidoscopic laboratory and radiographic examinations do not achieve a diagnosis.


Significance of angiography of the pancreas in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

The author made angiographic studies of pancreas in 94 patients with chronic pancreatitis. In all patients there were alterations in angiographic architecture of the pancreas. Ten angiographic signs were described which in combinations of three or more, were deemed sufficient for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Wide use of angiography of pancreas is recommended for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis as well as for morphological assessment of the pancreas.


Evaluation of a magnetic method for the measurement of small intestinal transit time.

A new method for the measurement of small intestinal transit time is described. An externally applied magnetic transducer senses the presence of an ingested ferromagnetic material--50 gm. of magnesium ferrite dispersed in a test meal--upon its arrival at the cecal area. The mouth-to-cecum transit time is thus determined. The method is noninvasive and is not associated with any radiation. The method was compared to the commonly used x-ray method and good correlation was found in 24 of 28 studies. The mean transit time in a group of 20 normal subjects was 157.5 +/- 63.9 min.


Fat embolism syndrome in delirium tremens.

Delirium tremens in a common feature in the alcoholic population. The Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is characterized by fever, encephalopathy, respiratory failure and skin petechiae. Fat embolism has been associated with alcoholics but the diagnosis was apparent only at autopsy. We present an alcoholic male who developed delirium tremens unresponsive to therapy, followed by features of the FES. Asterixis and Korsakoff's psychosis are newly described features of this syndrome. Corticosteroids were a definitive therapy in this case.


Pasteurella multocida bacteremia associated with peritonitis and cirrhosis.

Pasteurella multocida has been the etiologic agent in at least three cases of "spontaneous" bacterial peritonitis (SBP). We report another patient with P. multocida bacteremia and SBP and suggest that there may be more than a chance association between cirrhotic liver disease and this unusual organism which rarely causes sepsis in man.


The endoscopy corner. Primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Retrograde endoscopic cholangiography is an effective means of evaluating the biliary ductal system. It can provide a nonoperative modality for diagnosing PSC and for assessing the effects of therapeutic interventions on the diameter of the bile ducts.


The obstetrician-gynecologist and reproductive health. Presidential address.

The sources of nutrition and energy on this planet are limited and already in short supply. Improvement in the health and welfare of individuals and of nations will not be possible unless man promptly and effectively decreases the numbers of children being born to numbers that can be adequately fed and provided a chance of individual development. Currently available knowledge and methodologies do provide effective means of limiting human reproduction to the number of children for whom a family unit can adequately care. Gynecologists and obstetricians might well assume a more significant role in helping to limit the numbers of children being born so that populations can be adequately fed and more individuals will have opportunity to realize health and a hope of individual achievement. Man's current needs, as well as the gynecologist-obstetrician's capabilities, suggest designation of "reproductive health" as a specialty within gynecology and obstetrics, because the management of fertility should be recognized as a major responsibility of the gynecologist and obstetrician.


Management and outcome of pregnancy in diabetes mellitus, classes B to R.

During the period 1971 to 1975, 260 women with diabetes mellitus, Classes B through R, were delivered of their infants at Los Angeles County Women's Hospital. The plan of patient management included frequent clinic visits and hospitalization to assure good control. A program of intensive antepartum fetal surveillance was begun at 34 weeks' gestation, with the use of daily 24 hour urinary estriol determinations and a weekly contraction stress test (CST). A lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio was evaluated for all patients before elective delivery. The perinatal mortality rate in these diabetic pregnant women was 46 per 1,000 as compared to 24 per 1,000 in the general population. Only three stillbirths occurred in the diabetic group, none within one week of a negative CST. Congenital malformations were responsible for almost half of the neonatal deaths. There were no deaths due to iatrogenic prematurity or trauma. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37.9 weeks and vaginal delivery was the mode for approximately half of the women. Two thirds of the infants did experience some morbidity.


Pelvic endometriosis: infertility and pelvic pain.

A multifactorial approach was used by the authors to analyze data from 119 women with endometriosis and infertility. Conservative surgical procedures afforded a mean pregnancy rate of 37.7 per cent for those women with significant disease. Only 6.7 per cent became pregnant when the proposed surgery was declined. There was an inverse relationship in severity of endometriotic involvement and pregnancy rate. The mean pregnancy rate among 17 patients with minimal disease for whom surgery was discouraged was 64.7 per cent; all pregnancies occurred within the first 2 years of follow-up. Relief of pelvic pain was dramatic, especially following presacral neurectomy. Laparoscopic selection of cases further reinforces the importance of grading severity of endometriosis prior to embarking on restorative surgery. Presacral neurectomy, despite reinforcement of pain relief, did not appear to contribute significantly to the occurrence of pregnancy.


Maternal and fetal serum levels of total cortisol and cortisone, unbound cortisol, and corticosteroid-binding globulin in vaginal delivery and cesarean section.

The levels of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG, transcortin), total cortisol, and unbound cortisol were measured in maternal and fetal serum at the time of cesarean section or vaginal delivery. While the total cortisol levels in maternal serum do not differ significantly in vaginal delivery as compared to cesarean section, cord serum cortisol levels are significantly higher after vaginal delivery. There are no differences associated with the route of delivery between the mean levels of CBG in cord and maternal blood. However, after the vaginal delivery the unbound cortisol level in maternal serum is more than twice as high as that at cesarean section and in cord serum it is seven times as high. These changes reflect changes in total cortisol and may represent a prelabor surge of fetal cortisol production, or a stress response associated with labor, or a combination of both.


Structure of the steroid-binding site of human placental estradiol-17beta-dehydrogenase.

We recently demonstrated that human placental estradiol-17beta-dehydrogenase possesses a histidyl residue in the catalytic region of the active site by affinity-labeling studies with 16alpha-bromoacetoxyestradiol-3-methyl ether. We now report the synthesis of 12beta-bromoacetoxy-4-estrene-3,17-dione and its use in affinity labeling of the enzyme. The steroid was synthesized by incubation of 4-estrene-3,17-dione with Colletotrichum gloesporioides. The product was recrystallized from ethanol and structure assured by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The steroid is a substrate, which indicates that it binds at the active site. When the enzyme is incubated with a 150-fold molar excess of 12beta-bromoacetoxy-4-estrene-3,17-dione in potassium phosphate buffer at pH 7.0, the enzyme is inactivated in a time-dependent, irreversible manner. Inactivation follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with a half life of 18 hours. Analysis of a hydrolysate of the enzyme after inactivation with 12beta-bromo[2'-3H]acetoxy-4-estrene-3,17-dione reveals tritiated 1-, 3-, and 1,3-dicarboxymethylhistidine. The affinity labeling of a histidyl enzyme residue by both 16alpha- and 12beta-bromoacetoxy steroids localizes that residue near the point of catalysis and suggests that it may participate in the catalytic event.


Estrogen metabolism in normal and neoplastic endometrium.

Studies on normal endometrium at different phases of the menstrual cycle have shown that progesterone and synthetic progestins reduce the levels of estradiol receptors in the tissue and increase the activity of estradiol-17beta-dehydrogenase, an enzyme that converts estradiol to estrone. These effects may account for the antiestrogenic characteristics of the progestins. Similar effects were obtained in some postmenopausal patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma treated for two to 10 days with oral medroxyprogesterone acetate. These results point to the potential usefulness of a short-term, in vivo biochemical test which, combined with histologic observations, may identify patients who are likely to respond to treatment with progestins.


[Aplasia of the sinus maxillares and frontales under the special regard of the pneumatisation of cleft patients (author's transl)].

A report on 2820 x-rayfilms of the sinus maxillaris from adults, on 120 x-rayfilms from child-like and youthful patients as a control group and from 301 x-rayfilms from patients with cleft formations to show the aplasia of the sinus maxillaris and frontalis is being given. A aplasia of the sinus maxillaris wasn't found. For the sinus frontalis a aplasia in 11% was found by adults. The one side aplasia was observed by 7.4% and the double-sided by 3.4%, the right-sided aplasia by 4.2% and the left-sided by 3.2%. Patients with cleft formations: The aplasia of the sinus frontalis was found by 55.8%, by the control group in 46.7%. In the age groups 1 to 5 years and 6 to 10 years more double-sided aplasia was found. This result is agree with the results by the control group. The right-sided aplasia is dominant in comparison to the left-sided aplasia in the control group.


[X-rayfilm analysis of the sinus paranasales from cleft patients (in comparison with a healthy group) (author's transl)].

A report on 301 x-rayfilms from cleft patients and 120 x-rayfilms of a control group to show the behaviour of the pneumatisation of the maxillar sinus is being given. The sinus maxillares of the left side by the male and female patients are greater than of the right side. The sinus maxillares are greater by female patients than by male patients. Patients with cleft formation: The sinus maxillares by female patients are significant smaller than the sinus maxillares by the control group. No different are the sinus maxillares by the control group and male with cleft formation patients with the right-sided clefts and female patients with right-sided clefts and on bilateral clefts. The sinus maxillares are of the side of localisation smaller than of the opposite side. By clefts of the primary and secondary palate (L-A-P-clefts) are the sinuses maxillares statistically larger than by clefts of the primary palate (L-A-clefts) and by subtotally and totally clefts of the secondary palate (P-clefts).


Forebrain in human anencephaly.

Gross and microscopic study of twelve human anencephalics revealed existence of the forebrain with variable growth in all specimens, meaning thereby closure of the neural tube at its cephalic extremity. This is supported by the findings of choroid plexus, pineal tissue and rudimentary pallium within the anterosuperior margin of a median dorsal opening situated behind the forebrain mass. The opening bears an intimate relation to the undue dorsal convexity of the sphenooccipital junction, and leads cranially to a cavity representing the third and lateral ventricles. This opening is situated in the posterior part of the roof of diencephalon, and seems to be the primary site of disturbance causing anencephaly. Weakness of the diencephalic roof is indicated by its epithelial nature and its ballooning in cyclopia and cebocephaly. A corresponding potential weakness in the overlying tissues is evidenced by the sagittal fontanelle of early fetal life and by congenital scalp and skull defects of the parietooccipital region.


Histocytological studies on the pituitary gland of Puntius sophorein correlation to its gonadal cycle.

Correlation between the pituitary and the gonadal cycle of Puntius sophore has been described. The cyanophils of proximal pars distalis region of pituitary undergo quantitative and qualitative changes which have been correlated to the reproductive cycle. The percentage of cyanophils remains pretty high during spawning phase, which also marks the period of their marked secretory activity.


[Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the surface of mesothelial cells of different peritoneal areas of rat (author's transl)].

Observations by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed numerous microvilli on the surface of mesothelial cells of different peritoneal areas. In addition a number of saccular invaginations provided with microvilli or small intercellular clefts have been observed between the cells. These superficial invaginations may correspond to the "stomata" of the light microscopy. Because of the number of microvilli projecting inside the clefts it was not possible to determine whether they open directly on the base of the cells. As the light of the Scanning electron microscopy observations and considering the transmission electron microscopy results on the intercellular boundaries in mesothelial cells it is possible to assume that the actual clefts ("stomata") are continuous and open in the main intercellular channels. Then it is not possible to exclude that these intercellular channels with their labyrinthine and tortuous course may open into the subjacent connective tissue.


[The nodular mesenteric pseudoxanthomatosis (Schaefer) (author's transl)].

A casus of so-called nodular mesenteric pseudoxanthomatosis (Schaefer) was investigated by a 73 years old woman. This special findings in the mesenteric lymphnodes were interpreted as changes after inflammatory or infectious diseases in the alimentary tract. For the exact designation was proposed the term lymphonodular mesenteric pseudoxanthomatosis.


[Considerations about the branching of the aorta abdominalis in hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) (author's transl)].

This paper deals with the disposition of the abdominal aorta branching in Mesocricetus auratus, stablishing variation groups with relation to the celiac, cranial mesenteric, renal, genital and caudal mesenteric arteries. Sixty animals (30 males and 30 females) of different ages and weights, from the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e Biológicas de Botucatu, were anesthetized with chloroform, injected with contrasting substance in abdominal aorta (50 animals with Neoprene latex and 10 with radio-opac mass) and dissected through stereoscopic microscope. The animals with radio-opac mass were radiographed in order to compare with other preparations. The results were expressed in relative percentage figures and compared with other mammalian arterial dispositions.


[The influence of inhomogenity on strength of bones (author's transl)].

The authors experiments (n = 50) and calculation (n = 1000) with human hollow bone revealed physical and chemical data which were compared. It was shown that the physical and chemical properties are different in the diaphysis and epiphysis. These regularities are the consequence of the physical and chemical inhomogenities. These findings can be explained as a mechanism of protection.


Human serum monoamine oxidase.

A study on serum monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels in fibrotic disease processes led us to investigate patients with moderate to severe burns. Strikingly low serum MAO activity was found in patients with relatively recent, severe injuries. So far, we have no explanation to offer for the phenomena observed.


[GM2 gangliosidosis diagnosis and carriers detection by fractionation of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate gel (author's transl)].

A method is described for the fractionation of GM2 gangliosidosis diagnosis and carriers detection by fractionation of N-acetyl-beta-D-Hexosaminidase by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate gel. The hexosaminidase activity is resolved into three bands that are quantified by a densitometric procedure. The methods is applied to normal controls, normal pregnant women, patients of Tay-Sachs disease, heterozigous carriers of Tay-Sachs disease, amniotic fluid, uncultured amniotic cells. The results are compared with those obtained by the "heat inactivation method".


[Idiopathic hematuria in childhood (author's transl)].

Idiopathic hematuria is a clinical condition of unknown etiology; it is defined as persistent or recurrent, macro or microscopic hematuria in the absence of systemic or local disease and with normal renal function. Six patients who had these criterions were studied. There were all girls. The age of the first episode was between one and four years. There was no other family or personal history of renal disease or deafness. Only two patients had their episodes of macroscopic hematuria within flu-like illness or exercise. All had normal renal function and no proteinuria was found. Serum C'3 and C'4 were normal. Microscopic and immunofluorescence studies were negative. We remark the convenience of a triple criteria clinical, histopathologic and evolutive to select a patient into the "idiopathic hematuria" group. We comment the usefullness of renal biopsy in the investigation of unexplained hematuria.


[Gallstones in children (author's transl)].

Authors report their experience in pediatric gallstones and their methods of radiological and blood lipid chemistry studies. Bile was also cultured and its chemistry compared with that of blood. Calculi were studied by infra-red spectrography. The results are compared with other reported in the literature. Biliary lithiasis etiology, incidence and diagnosis are briefly studied. Pathology and management of three cases are described and illustrated.


[Effect on agar on neonatal bilirubin seric levels (author's transl)].

An study on the effect of p.o. agar in neonatal bilirubin seric levels is reported. Two groups of healthy newborns, 33 terms and 22 pre-terms were studied after ingestion of agar and the results compared to those in a similar set of non-agar control groups. Agar ingestion decreased bilirubin levels in term newborns and increased fecal elimination of the pigment (p less than 0.001). p.o. agar had no effect on the levels of serum bilirubin in preterm newborns (p greater than 0.05).


[Pyloric atresia and epidermolysis bullosa. A coincidence? (author's transl)].

Three cases of the rare malformation pyloric atresia are presented, two of which are associated with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare malformation by itself. First two cases had a great pneumoperitoneum which suggested perforation of digestive tract. All three cases belonged to type I of pyloric atresia.


[Kniest's syndrome. Two cases with psychomotor retardation (author's transl)].

Two cases are presented, a female and a male, with a clinical and radiological picture which can be included in Kniest's syndrome. Both patients showed significant psychomotor retardation. The boy presented bilateral glaucoma. The osseous biopsy of the girl showed many large sized chondrocytes in the cartilagenous tissue surrounded by clear lacunae and immersed in a loose matrix giving them the appearance of Swiss cheese.


[Coarctation of the aorta. In infancy (author's transl)].

We review our experience in 38 patients with coarctation of the aorta during infancy. Cardiac failure was present in 30 patients, being the maximal incidence during the first and second weeks of the life. Sixteen infants died, 43% of them during the first week. Cardiac catherization and angiocardiography were performed in 22 infants. The coarctation of the aorta was isolated in 38 infants (36%). The most frequently associated malformations were: patent ductus arteriosus (6 cases), ventricular septal defect (5 cases) and the pathology of the left heart. The post mortem examination was performed in 11 infants; in all of them the CoAo was preductal with patent ductus arteriosus; the most frequently associated malformation was ventricular septal defect (6 cases). 5 infants were operated upon with succes during the first year of the life.


[Pulmonary arterial bnading hemodinamic and clinical evaluation in 23 cases (author's transl)].

This is a study of 23 cases with pulmonary plethora and cardiac failure. A "banding" of pulmonary artery was performed, to diminish the pulmonary bloodflow in order to avoid the development of pulmonary hypertensive changes and to improve the heart failure. The mean age of the cases operated upon was 16,9 months. The complications post-banding were: stenosis of the pulmonary outflow tract and necrosis or calcification of the pulmonary artery wall. There was a direct relationship between these complications and the time of persistence of the "banding". The pulmonary artery pressure, distal to the "banding", was reduced as much as 2/3 of the previous pressure in all patients below 6 months and in 63,64% of those patients above 1 year old. A patent ductus arteriosus, complicating the ventricular septal defectis closed prior to perform the "banding" in order to see its role in the pulmonary hyperkinetic hypertension. This is carried out only if pulmonary hypertension remains unaffected.


[Serum insulin concentration, basal and during an standardized oral glucose tolerance test in healthy children (author's transl)].

Serum insulin concentration was measured, basal and during an standardized oral glucose tolerance test in 110 healthy children. The patients are divided in four groups according to their pediatric ages. The method used to measure serum insulin was a radioimmunoassay and the glucose by oxidative enzymatic procedures. The calculations of the results has been made with log-conversion in order to follow a normal log distribution of the data. Glucose, insuline areas and some insulinogenic index (ratio) are made as well. And relations of multiple correlations. With our results we can conclude: There is a general tendency in all our cases to low values of insulin most marcate in the fasting levels. We defined like hiposecretor the 4.1% of all our patients. The existence of a positive correlation between insuline-age in fasting determinations as well as in overload test.


[Fucosidosis type 2. A new case (author's transl)].

We have studied a child 10 years old with a defficit of alpha-fucosidase demonstrated in the urine, serum, tears and fibroblasts culture. The clinical evolution and the presence of a "angiokeratom corporis diffusum" permits one to diagnose the patient in the type 2 fucosidosis. We have revised the clinical features, the exigible criteria for biochemical diagnosis, the histopathological findings, ultrastructural alterations and the genetic aspects; specially the behaviour of the H substance and Lewis in the red cell and saliva.


[Dehydration in the infant. Revision of 100 cases. Epidemiologic, clinical and biochemical aspects (author's transl)].

A retrospective study of 100 dehydrated children with ages between 0 and 18 months is presented. Ecologic, epidemiologic, clinical and biochemical aspects are revised, as the first part of a series. Relating facts to distribution according with ages and etiology in cases of bacterial diarrhea are similar to other authors. Hypertonic dehydration caused by concentrated nutrition of feeding is prominent, in tight relation with children in low socioeconomically groups. 31% of children had natremia between 150 and 160 mEq/I; and 16% over to 160 mEq/I. Hypocalcemia during rehydration was rarely observed.


[Atrial septal defect symptomatic in infancy. Report of 11 cases (author's transl)].

Eleven cases of atrial septal defect, ostium secundum, with important symptomatology, under the age of one year are reported. The clinical picture does not differ essentially from what is found in older patients. Extracardiac associated anomalies are frequent. Pulmonary to systemic flow ratio varied between 1.3 and 3.5. The E.C.G. showed typical findings is most of the cases, but unexpected left ventricular enlargement was found in one case, and in another one with a Noonan syndrome, a left anterior hemiblock was present. Surgery was performed in six patients, between one and six years. In all, direct vision of the defect showed the large size of it. Pulmonary vascular resistances were normal. It is postulated that early vasodilatation of the pulmonary vascular bed could be the origin of the early onset of a left to right shunt in this patients without an increase in pulmonary vascular resistances.


[Hodgkin's disease and glomerulonefritis (author's transl)].

A case of infradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease (mixed pattern) associated with glomerulonephritis in the childhood is reported. The pathogenic relationship between Hodking's disease and the renal lesion is discussed.


[Mediastinal gonadotrophin secreting tumor (author's transl)].

A patient with precoucious puberty, caused by the secretion of ecthopic gonadotrophin, due to a teratoma of mediastinal localization accompanied by cellular immunodeficiency is described. A review of literature several cases have been from different hospitals, showing a low frequency of the intrathoratic localization of these teratomas and it is exceptional functional characteristics is made.


[Translocation t (13:21) (q22:q22) in mother and monosomia 21 and partial trisomy 13 on her son (author's transl)].

Clinical and cytogenetical findings in a case of 21pter leads to 21q22.1 monosomy associated to a partial trisomy 13 are presented. The patient's mother carries a translocation t(13;21) (q22;q22). R-banding has shown that q22 band of an apparently absent chromosome 21 is distally translocated in an extra-chromosome 13 (13q-)+. Therefore the proband's monosomy 21 is not complete, but partial.


[Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome (author's transl)].

Authors present the case of a two year old spanish girls with mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome such as described by Kawasaki.


[Vagrancy: psychological and psychopathological aspects].

The authors, after defining the words "vagrancy" and "vagrant", explore their semantical field and try to specify differences in respect of neighbouring words, often confused with them. An historical sketch of vagrancy, from antiquity to the present era, is depicted. There after, the authors state the evolution of theories of vagrancy, from the biological, psychological, psychiatrical and sociological points of view. The last part of the paper considers psychopathology of vagrancy, specially in psychoanalytical and phenomenological approaches, and problems of rehabilitation.


[Contribution to the pathogenesis and treatment of post-partum schizophrenic episodes. A collective and family therapy in a day care unit].

We tried to summarise our personal experience showing that a high percentage of psychotic post-partum breaks may be treated in a day unit using tritherapy. We described the advantages for a collective institutional therapy, the tritherapy, especially regarding to the treatment of schizophrenic crises. The treatment we propose for the post-partum psychotic crises in a day unit would ease: 1) The preservation of part of the patient's autonomy which would valorise her. 2) The facility for supervising the institutional work, especially for nursing care so import in the institutional casing of the mother-baby pair. 3. Possibility to integrate the husband in the treatment. We did notice in post-partum schizophrenic breaks the influence of the husband's attitude on the mother's illness at least in a certain amount of cases he puts on the mother's back his own ambivalency regarding to the child. This attitude in the natural dependency of mother hood has the same destructurating effect as a double blind.


[A few viral infections in the recent epidemiological evolution (author's transl)].

In the study we presented a few infections of viral etiology that showed evident epidemiological evolutions during the last ten years. We refered of a disease nearly eradicated, of one that can be eradicated, and of a group of infections that at present cannot be eradicated. The first is poliomyelitis, the second is measles, the third is represented by viral infections connected with the respiratory tract. As for the first disease, the sistematic immunoprophilaxis applyed in different countries of the world on one hand stopped the transmission of wild polioviruses and on the other created an immunological barrier in those countries where polio vaccination is maintained, as demonstrated by statistics revealing the absence or low incidence of this disease. As for the epidemiological evolution of measles, after considering the incidence due to age, environment, social-hygienic conditions, mortality etc..., we refered in particular of a vaccination that took place in USA where the disease decreased with 1968 then rised next year a pause of the vaccination program. A second cycle of vaccinations against measles revealed in 1972 a decrease of the disease this signifying the importance of the vaccination in stopping, reducing or modifying the epidemiology of measles. The epidemiological conditions of respiratory infections are completely different due to the variety of the etiological factors, the difficulty in preparing aspecific vaccines, and the impossibility in recognising clinical forms caused by these viruses. All these factors, impede, actually, a complete eradication.


[An electron microscopic study of liver cells in a case of chronic hepatitis HBsAg positive (author's transl)].

Electron microscopic examination on liver tissues from one patient with chronic active hepatitis HBsAg positive is described. Spherical, virus-like particles of 220-230 A size were observed in the nucleus; in the cytoplasm only nonspecific changes were present.


[Incidence of the Australia antigen in the blood donors of Siena (transfusion centre) (author's transl)].

10363 sera from healthy adults, volunteer blood donors (18-65 year aged) have been tested for detection of HBsAg. The frequency of Australia antigen was found to be 0,88% in all sera; 1,01% in male and 0,24% in female donors. The frequency in volunteer blood donors of both sexes has been in the first half of the life (18-40) of 1,07% and in the second half (41-65) of 0,58%. Possible epidemiological significances were discussed.


[On the presence of anti-rubella immunity in a population of Florence province (author's transl)].

EAI test were performed on both adult and infantile population of the Hospital area of Fucecchio. The results confirmed well known data. The most used vaccines were examinated: the conclusion was drown that a larger diffusion of vaccination with RA-27/3 vaccine, followed by a recall after some years, is recommended.


[Planned control of reproduction processes in industrialized cattle production].

Reference is made to the authors' own experience and to evaluated literature in an account of possibilities which so far have been explored for planned control of reproduction processes in industrialised cattle production. Synchronisation of oestrus in heifer has been found to be suitable for reproduction control even under conditions of industrialised production. The method has been in use on several farms. Synchronisation of oestrus in cow is an approach which still is in the process of translation into practice. Obtainable advantages, like those in the context of heifer, will include better job conditions. Systematic puerperal monitoring, too, will yield positive effects in controlling post-partum readiness of cow for reproduction. Results so far achieved include progress towards the introduction of a complex reproduction technology in cattle production. Before such complete system of reproduction control can be used, further studies are required into some fundamental aspects of the problem, including calving control, pregnancy examination, and gravidity hagiene.


[Studies on the use of megestrol acetate for estrus synchronization in heifers].

Megestrol acetate has been tested for its applicability to synchronisation of oestrus in 463 mature heifers in the framework of preclinical and clinical experiments. Clinical tests and studies in the context of laboratory diagnostics have shown that 40 mg/die megestrol acetate, administered in two applications with twelve hours in-between and over 15 days, are necessary for maximum synchronisation effect. The resulting oestrus was found to be prolonged, with ovulations taking place within two or three days. Technological requirements in this context are discussed. Megestrol acetate is found to be suitable for oestrus synchronisation in heifer. Tests conducted under industrialised conditions have shown conception rates to be identical with those obtained by administration of chloromadinone acetate.


[Electrophoretic and immunoelectrophoretic characteristics of serums of mice bearer of S. 180 (author's transl)].

The AA. start fully verified that neoplastic cells produce and pour out abnormal products, operating in favour of taking root of proliferation and penetration before, and with an action of mass in generalized phase of the illness. They have employed adequate immunologic techniques and antiserums prepared against plasmaproteins of the mouse bearer of tumour, succeeding in making evident with electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis the S. 180 of Cobs mouse.


[Use of norgestagens for estrus synchronization if farm animals].

The action of norsteroid type preparations and their capability of synchronising oestrus in heifer and sheep were studied at laboratory and clinical levels. The effectiveness of norethysterone acetate in heifer was tested by subcutaneous injections of 5 mg and 10 mg and did not exceed the order of 50 per cent. Combination of norsteroids with serum of pregnant mares increased slightly the number of animals with synchronised oestrus and improved the rate of fertilisation. Studies conducted into sheep revealed that no complete inhibition of the sexual function was ensured by injection of norgestrol acetate with prolongator in intervals of four days. Implantation of norgestrol acetate was not effective either. Further studies are required, before the above preparations can be applied to farm animals on a large scale.


[Morphology of the nucleus in bacteria of the Salmonella genus (author's transl)].

Through the use of the Piekarski-Robinow's technique, the Authors have studied the morphology of the nucleus in bacteria of the Salmonella genus and their changes brough about by lithium chloride, tripflavin and penicillin.


[Planned control of reproduction processes in industrialized pig production].

A planned process of concentration and specialisation in pig production has been introduced in the USSR, GDR, and other socialist countries in recent years and is likely to open up wider opportunities for the use of up-to-date technologies and latest findings of the biological sciences. Large-scale use of bio-engineering and methods of reproduction control is quite logical, in this context. This will provide a real chance for cyclogram control of all events important to management, planning, and follow-up of reproduction processes and for a planful implementation of industrialised production methods. Processes of cycle control are being increasingly applied to industrialised sow breeding units against the background of artificial insemination of pigs which is gaining widespread popularity after its emphasised introduction in the USSR. Research and field results regarding biological engineering in sow of oestrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and birth are reported in this paper and will, hopefully, help in determining mating and farrowing deadlines for breeding on the basis of artificial insemination and, consequently, contribute to widest possible programming of life cycles for the breeding animals concerned.


[Infections of Salmonella in Sassari (Sardinia, Italy). Epidemiology from 1973 to 1976 (author's transl)].

The epidemiology of Salmonella infections in Sassari in the last four years was reported. The remarkable increase of gastroenteritis caused by uncommon Salmonella and by S. wien in 1975 and 1976 was point out: about all cases were related with 3 epidemic episodes in hospitalized patients that were notified as paratyphoid cases in 91% and as infancy's gastroenteritis in 9%. The 201 strains of Salmonella isolated from June 1975 to May 1976 belong for 91% to group B (for 80,5% to S. wien), for 2% to group C1, for 1,5% to group C2, for 5% to group D1 and for 0,5% to group E4. The hypothesis on introduction of S. wien in Sardinia were examined; the rules for limitation of Salmonella diffusion and for prevention of the endemicity of new imported strains, were examined.


[Studies on the effect of the HCG injection date on the fertility of ovulation-synchronized gilts].

The time gap between pregnant mare serum gonadotropine injection (PMSG) and subsequent human chorionic gonadotropine injection (HCG) had major effects, within 72 to 80 hours, on the number of animals with recorded toleration reflex to deadline-oriented insemination as well as on actual fertility. Delay of injections within the above limits always led to higher farrowing and piglet rates. HCG injection was round to be optimally timed when 78-80 hours were allowed to elapse from the preceding PMSG injection.


[Polyresistant "Salmonella bredeney" in a general surgical ward (author's transl)].

A series of cases of postoperative gastroenteritis by Salmonella bredeney in a general surgical ward has been described. The particular serotype of Salmonella in question, the widerange of drug-resistance of the strains, the epidemiological stages of the outbreak and the kind of the ward interested have been considered of uncommon occurrence.


[Studies on the modification of sexual and breeding maturity in swine using gonadotrophic hormone preparations].

Injection of low doses of PMSG-HCG gonadotrophin mixes to intensively raised prepuberal gilts, aged six months, stimulated sexual juvenile development prior to breeding use, the average being 255 days. First insemination of the test animals, following synchronisation of oestrus or ovulation, increased live births by 0.5 piglets per litter over the untreated controls. More controlled production experiments to test the new bioengineering approach are in preparation.


[Teratogenicity of zinc-metallibur].

Suisynchron-Prämix, 5 g/100 mg active principle, was administered daily to pregnant brood sows over 20 days, beginning from the 15th, 25th, 35th, 45th, and 55th days of pregnancy. The effects of Suisynchron on pregnancy were assessed by slaughter results immediately after administration as well as by farrowing results and slaughter of the newborn piglets. Suisynchron administration between the 15th and 55th day of pregnancy killed the embryos, while teratogenic effects were primarily recorded from administration in more advanced phases, say, between the 45th and 75th days of pregnancy. Teratogenicity was attributable to damage to metabolism which, in turn, had been caused by deviations in the activity of endocrine glands.


[Vaccination against experimental peritoneal hydatid disease of BALB/C mice with hydatid fluids and their fractions (author's transl)].

The Authors studied the protective action of some vaccine (pool of hydatid fluids from bovine and ovine origin and their fractions) on the experimental peritoneal hydatid disease of BALB/C mice. It has been demonstrated that some pool of concentrated ovine hydatid fluids and the chromatographic "heavy" fraction of one of them, had some protective action. The results are briefly discussed.


[Isolation of halophilic vibrios as possible agents of food poisoning (author's transl)].

Seventy-six halophilic vibrio strains were isolated from different marine sources such as coastal waters, fishes and mussels. Twenty strains were identified as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 44 as Vibrio alginolyticus and 12 other strains could not be classified because of their atypical biochemical activities. Further investigations are necessary in order to assess if the present strains of V. parahaemolyticus can have a role in food poisoning outbreaks or human sporadic enteritis in our geographic area.


[Effects of biotechnical management procedures on blood parameters in gilts. 3. Lipids].

Suisynchron treatment was applied to platform-kept gilts over 20 days. The dosage was 100 mg per animal and die. This was followed by 1,000 I.U. PMS and 250 I.U. HCG. Artificial insemination was applied five days after the first hormone administration and followed by one Gravigonan injection after another twelve to 15 days. Blood samples were drawn from those animals as well as from 20 gilts synchronised in the above way and another 20 untreated gilts from a production unit during the various phases of treatment and cycle. Those samples were used for assessment of cholesterol, lipoid-P, free fatty acids, triglyceride, and beta-lipoproteids. The levels of free and total cholesterol went up along with Suisynchron feeding, whereas lipoid-P and beta-lipoproteids declined. Free fatty acid levels went down with significance (P less than 0.01), and triglycerides increased (P less than 0.05). Cholesterol levels were not altered by PMS/HCG administration. The levels of lipoid-P, free fatty acids, and beta-lipoproteids rose to their magnitudes prior to Suisynchron treatment. Tirglycerides rose by 50 per cent. At the time of full oestrus triglyceride levels doubled (P less than 0.01). Unimportant rises were recorded also for cholesterol, beta-lipoproteids, free fatty acids, and lipoid-P. In animals with spontaneous oestrus all lipid parameters were ligher than in sows with full oestrus after synchronisation.


[Significance of the correlation between follicle-stimulating and luteinizing components in the pregnant mare serum--relevance to results of biotechnical regulation of reproduction].

Full assessment of the correlation between follicle-stimulating and luteinising components in PMS is of greatest importance to progress in bio-engineering action to regulate reproduction processes. Biological tests ought to be developed that are of high specificity and convenient applicability to practice conditions. Studies into the components of "raw" PMS will enable high-economy and specific use of such serum in animal husbandry.


[The presence of a hypothetical extracellular fraction in integral typhoid vaccines prepared on a semi-synthetic medium (author's transl)].

The Authors have carried out a research on the purpose of explain the action of a typhoid vaccines prepared on a semi-synthetic medium, which in preliminary tests on mice and men evinced good immunizing power. The tests now performed demonstrate that an acellular filtrate of the vaccine (obtained from 24 h old culture) showed have the characteristics of an exotoxin and developes a strong immunizing power.


[Results of experimental studies to control birth in swine].

An experiment was applied to ovulation-synchronised gilts and old sows. Mean values of pregnancy time were almost one and the same. Variations between the 111th and 117th days were exhibited within the control group. The test animals, however, farrowed on the 109th, 110th, and 111th days within spans of three days (113th to 115th day of pregnancy), following intramuscular injection of 75 mg DXMS. Intramuscular injection of 5 mg prostaglandin F2alpha on the 112th day of pregnancy triggered parturition within 25-36 hours in ten of 13 treated sows, whereas 19 of 20 sows gave birth within 27.7 +/- 5.1 hours in response to injection of 7.5 mg PGF2alpha.


[Planned control of reproduction processes in industrialized sheep breeding].

Discussed in this paper are possibilities at present available for bio-engineering action to control reproduction  processes in ewes under the aspect of their applicability to industrialised lamb production. Reference, in this context, is make to the requirements of industrialised sheed breeding in establishing groups of young animals on the basis of cyclograms. Described is the most appropriate method at present to use feed pellets with megestrol acetate for oestrus synchronisation. The conclusion is that for the time being there is no method with sufficient economy by which to stimulate oestrus in sheep during the season and the non-oestral lactation period by which to bring forward the onset of sexual maturity.


[Experience from a 3-year administration of megestrol acetate of karakul sheep].

Five milligram of megestrol acetate were orally used over ten days during mating periods to synchronise oestrus in caracool sheep. Eighteen days were allowed to elapse from the last administration of progestagen before 1,000 I.U. PMSG were injected to boost fertility. The test reported in this paper had been applied to a large sheep herd over three years. The following conclusions were drawn: Synchronised occurrence of heat in the mating period was not reduced by oral administration of 5 mg megestrol acetate over ten days for a period of three years (87.1 to 95.5 per cent). The fertilisation rate in response to first insemination was between 68.8 and 73.1 per cent. Birth to lambs was given by 85-92 per cent of the ewes after two inseminations. No fertility occurred in 1.5-3.1 per cent of all animals.


[Comparative studies on the effects of hormone preparations on meat building in farm animals].

Many hormone preparations of non-stilbene nature are known for their weight-gain stimulating properties in the context of cattle, smaller horn animals, and swine, with gain rates between five and 20 per cent being achievable. Savings on feedstuff may reach orders between five and 15 per cent, and the yield of high-quality meat products is improved as well. Oestrogenic activity may be substantively reduced by discontinuation of diethylstilboestrol tablts five days before slaughter. It is suggested to remove tablet residues when other stimulators are to be implanted. The following preparations and doses are recommended for approbation in the context of breeding and fattening.


[Results of clinical tests on the fattening-stimulating action of the steroid estrogen mestranol in bulls].

Three experiments were conducted with 5 mg Mestranol per animal and die over 70 to 80 days and resulted in daily surplus gains of twelve, 14, and 18 per cent in terminal fattening of Frisian bulls. Also achieved were fodder savings by 1 kg dry matter and energy savings by 0.7 kEFr for each kilogram of gain as well as increase in slaughter weight by 8-9 kg per animal. Those favourable effects were attributed to anabolic and sexual-inhibiting action. A sedative effect on the nervous system is assumed. Combination with CAP failed to give any advantage regarding sexual inhibition and fattening result, but it rather entailed certain shortcomings, such as lower slaughter weight and stronger fat development. The development of an anabolic medicament for veterinary bio-engineering in terms of growth stimulation is suggested.


[Assesment of RBE of fast neutrons in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells by analysis of mitotic depression (author's transl)].

The depression of mitosis 1 hr following various doses of fast neutrons (6.2 Mev) and gamma rays was studied in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma of mouse. Doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 rad of either radiation yielded in the semilogarithmic plot a linear dose dependence of mitosis inhibition. From the regression straight line obtained the Relative Biological Effectiveness was determined, which declined from 2.8 at 50 rad to 1.8 at 300 rad neutron dose. The RBE is given analytically for the dose range investigated in dependence on neutron dose.


[Epidemiology of gastric cancer. 2nd communication (author's transl)].

Of 257 patients with gastric cancer and of 766 persons with different stages of chronic gastritis or normal gastric mucosa, 35 items from epidemiologic studies were used for this analysis. The comparison of epidemiology of chronic gastritis with epidemiology of stomach cancer by univariate and multivariate variance analysis shows numerous common variables (social group; digestive diseases). Furthermore gastric cancer is characterized by variables which give hints to cancerogenous noxes. Gastric cancer patients are distinguished from persons with atrophic gastritis by the following variables: cancerogenes; social class; genetic factors, and digestive diseases. It is suggested that these factors are relevant for stomach cancerogenesis in atrophic gastritis.


Comparative morphological and cytogenetical investigations on human ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

Comparative morphological and cytogenetical investigations of three granulosa cell tumors revealed the existence of two distinct categories which represent two morphocytogenetical stages of tumor progression. The following peculiarities characterized them: 1) In the premalignant stage the microfollicular and macrofollicular patterns with Call-Exner body like structures are prevailing and besides normal diploid metaphases some neardiploid are found. 2) In the malignant stage following the occurence and gradual selection of a neartriploid neoplastic cell type undifferentiated sarcomatous aspects are dominant.


Stages of development of immunologic response in the regional lymph nodes in invasive cancer of the uterine cervix.

In a review of histologic sections of regional lymph nodes removed during surgery in the course of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix from 84 patients there have been distinguished four basic stages of immunologic response. Active immune response (I and II stage) was detected in all patients with non-metastatic cancer and minimal stromal invasion and 41% of patients with advanced invasion. The regional lymph nodes, in these cases, exhibited increased number of small primary or secondary lymph follicles, proliferative sinus histiocytosis and expanded thymus--dependent inner cortex. In 59% of the patients with invasive cancer but without metastases the regional lymph nodes showed weak reactive capacities (III stage). In cases with minimal metastases the immune response was dissociated (IV stage). One group of lymph nodes showed an unstimulated pattern and others a high stimulated pattern.


[Comparative studies on the contamination of foods by cancerogenic hydrocarbons in the Soviet Union and in the GDR (author's transl)].

Investigations on the relationship of the environmental contamination with cancer are shown to be necessary. Epidemiologic investigations point to a connection of the increased occurence of cancer in the gastro-intestinal tract with dietetic factors. The high cancer rate in the gastro-intestinal tract (amongst other factors) is discussed as a result of the uptake of exogenic foreign matterns with the food. The possibilities of the contamination by cancerogenic compounds are summarized. The necessity of international co-operation in the field of finding out, as far as possible, sources and degree of food contamination by cancerogenic compounds is motivated beginning with polycyclic aromatic compounds, whereby at present benzo-(a)-pyrene comes into question as a reference substance. The laying down of controllable hygienic norms as preliminarily tolerable limits in the proper sense of an unavoidable dose are discussed. They could be a basis of oncological preventive measures (minimization or elimination of cancerogenic compounds in foods).


[Species of cooperia ranson, 1907, (nematoda: trichostrongylidae), parasite of bovines in the State of São Paulo, Brasil (author's transl)].

The authors verified for the first time in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, the presence of Cooperia curticei Giles, 1892 (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae), parasitizing the small intestine of cattle at the Region of Alta Araraquarense.


[Occurence of Ornithoros talaje Guérin et Méneville, in the township of Santo Inácio, Bahia (author's transl)].

It is reported in the paper, the ocurrence of Ornithodoros talaje in the township of Santo Inácio, near Xique-Xique, situated in a special region called "Caatinga Nordestina", in the State of Bahia, Brazil. Some informations about the geological composition of the region and of the tick's ecologycal behaviour, are also presented.


[Cooperia curticei Giles, 1892 (nematoda: trichostrongylidae) parasite of goats (capra hircus) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil (author's transl)].

Cooperia curticei Giles, 1892 (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) is reported, for the first time, parasitizing the small intestine of goats (Capra hircus) in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The animals came from the Region of the Alta Araraquarense. The spicules of the worms were well chitinized and measured, on the average, 153,68 micrometer with a standard error of 0,91 micrometer.


[Mycoplasma sp. isolation in sick and normal cats (author's transl)].

This paper deals with the presence of mycoplasmosis in sick and normal cats lodged by U.I.P.A. (União Internacional de Proteçäo aos Animais) São Paulo, Brazil. In a group of 78 cats, 10.41% of mycoplasma was found in sick cats and 0% in normal cats, in a total of 6,41% of positive cases.


[Intraoperative temperature measurements at the acrylic bone/cement interface in total hip endoprosthetic (TEP) implantations (author's transl)].

Temperature measurements are reported effected by aid of thermocouples enclosed in tubules in TEP-implantations of the hip. Two techniques were employed: the first using as acrylic bone cement Palacos or Sulfix-6 without concomitant cooling, the second Palacos after precooling of the femur with crushed ice/water mixtures. The first method yielded, at the acrylic bone cement/bone interface, temperatures above the coagulation point of the protein (56 degrees C). The novel technique of implantation is described, i.e. the cooling of the bone with ice-water prior to the cement implantation. This technique provides a means of restricting the average temperature at the aforesaid interface to 45 degrees C.


Food and water intake microinjection of fenitrothion into the hypothalamus.

Two experiments were carried out to observe the effect of the application of an anticholinesterasic agent on water and food intake in rats. The first studied the effect of fenitrothion injected into the L.H.A. on water and food intake. An increase in water intake was observed in the 6th hour, while food intake decreased in the first and 24th hours. The same study was performed in the V.M.N. In this case, only an alteration in food intake occurred, with a decrease in the first hour, followed by an increase in the other two periods. These results suggest a cholinergic interaction between these two structures in the regulation of water and food intake, and also a central action of cholinesterasic agents when applied systemically.


[Therapeutic measures in osteogenesis imperfecta (author's transl)].

The treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta with magnesium is theoreticaly sound, but usually works in a few individuals. There are greater expectations with calcitonin, which reduces the overall osteolysis. The treatment of fractures should, whenever possible, be concervative. Internal fixation by plates is not indicated, because the plate should span from metaphysis to metyphysis, which leads to a softeming of the underlying cortex. Because of the weak bone, srews do not hold well. For operative treatment of the lower limb, the Küntscher nail is the fixation of choice, as well as for treatment of deformity by multiple fragmentation. Rapidly progressive scoliosis should be treated operatively from 9 years of age on.


[Study of catecholamines in the thoracic ganglia and sixth ganglion by gas liquid chromatography (author's transl)].

The gas liquid chromatographic method was used in the investigation of catecholamines in the central nervous system of Periplaneta americana. There is evidence of existence of noradrenaline in the thoracic ganglia and in the sixth abdominal glanglion. Noradrenaline might be the neurotransmitter substance in the nervous system of this insect. Besides noradrenaline, some compounds are present in the nervous system, with different retention times from 1-adrenaline, dopamine and homovanillic acid.


[Distribution of the genus Ancylostoma (Dubini, 1843) along the digestive tube of the dog (author's transl)].

The A. A. studied the distribution of nematodes of the genus Ancylostoma (Dubini, 1843) along the digestive tube of 45 dogs. For the collection of the worms they used the method developed by Mello and Campos. The distribution found was: 97,5% in the jejunum, 1,2% in the ileon, 0,7% in the duodenum, 0,3% in the colon, 0,2% in the cecum and 0,1% in the stomach.


[Osteosynthesis for infected femoral pseudarthroses using the interlocking nail. 31 case reports (author's transl)].

31 cases of infected pseudarthrosis of the femur were re-osteosynthesized with the interlocking nail. Bony consolidation was obtained in 26 patients, in all cases the chronic osteomyelitic infection subsided with removal of the nail. Pseudarthrosis persisted in 3 cases, after removal of the nail the patients could walk with a walking splint. In one of this group bony consolidation was obtained after repeated interlocking nailing. Persisting pseudarthrosis and infection was the indication for amputation in 2 cases.


[Experimental tear fractures of the tendinous insertion of the os calcis (author's transl)].

Tear fractures of the os calcis are rare. If they do occur, the cause may be osteoporosis. This could be proved in an experimental study rupturing the achilles tendon. Usually, the tendon is the weakest link in the muscle-tendon-bone-chain. In case of osteoporosis, the insertion of the tendon is more vulnerable.


[The occurrence of Chorioptes bovis in bovines in the region of São Carlos, State of São Paulo (author's transl)].

The finding of Chorioptes bovis, the agent of corioptic mange in bovines in the region of São Carlos, State of São Paulo. A description of clinical aspects and treatments is given.


[GLC method for microdetermination of catecholamines (author's transl)].

A gas liquid chromatographic method for determination of catecholamines in small sample is described. The method involves homogenization of biological material into 0,1 M formic acid 5 mM ascorbic acid and subsequent conversion in their trimethylsilyl derivatives with BSA reagent and determined on 3% OV-1 column in a isothermal condition at 220 degrees C with the cromatograph equipped with hydrogen flame ionization. With respect to specificity, reproducibility and recovery, the results were satisfactory.


[Genu valgum after proximal tibial fracture in children (author's transl)].

Residual valgus deformity and overgrowth was found in 4 children out of 6 with proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures. Primary reduction of this minimally displaced fracture under general anaesthesia is advised. In case of an irreducable fracture open revision is suggested. In case of an established valgus of more then 20 degrees a tibial wedge osteotomy is necessary. Recurrence of the deformity is very common especially in young children.


[Muscles of the leg during immobilisation. An electromyographic study (author's transl)].

By means of electromyographic evaluation we investigated the function of the rectus femoris, the vastus medialis, the tibialis anterior and the triceps muscle. The effects of immobilisation in above or below knee PoP were investigated with view to the muscular activity in walking and the effect of the immobilization in isometric exercises. The results are discussed. The vastus medialis can only be activated very poorly in a PoP and is not inervated at all during gait. The functional activity of the triceps is reduced markedly in either above or below knee PoP. In knee movement this muscle starts to be activated only over 90 degrees of flexion. The results suggest that an above knee PoP is sufficient to immobilise defects of the quadriceps and its tendon. Defects of the triceps and its tendon seem not necessarily to request an above knee PoP for immobilization. This case has however the advantage to decrease the danger of unexpected knee movements followed by a reflectoric muscle contraction. Its force could be greater than the stability of the repaired tendon.


[Observations of the surface of the articular cartilage after treatment with hyaluronidase (author's transl)].

1. The articular surfaces of the femoral head of rats have been studied by scanning electron microscopy after in vitro treatment with hyaluronidase. 2. The cartilage surface has been digested mildly by the buffer medium (control). 3. The matrix of the cartilage has selectively been removed by the hyaluronidase. 4. Chondrocytes have been seen on the surface after treatment with hyaluronidase for a longer period. 5. We discuss the result of enzymatic digestion.


[Criteria for determining whether to offer compensation in cases of whiplash injury to the spine (neck area). A study of cases in which compensation or cash settlement has been granted (author's transl)].

We compared two groups of patients with whplash injury. The first group of 17 patients received a life annuity or a cash settlement, whereas the second group, comprised of 84 people, received no compensation at all. This comparison revealed some considerable differences. However, with regard to statistically significant factors, the 2 groups differ only in neurological symptoms, giddiness, and degenerative changes revealed by X-ray. In the first group, 11 patients who received compensation showed two of the statistically significant factors; 5 patients showed one factor; and 1 showed none. The criteria which govern the granting of compensation are being discussed in detail on the basis of our own cases and the literature. It is an exception when permanent damage due to whiplash is accepted. In individual cases, however, continuous complaints and objective findings years after the trauma are justification for a moderate compensation.


[Development of a knee joint simulator (author's transl)].

This Knee Joint Simulator serves to investigate the tribological behaviour of total knee prostheses. In order to register the most important influences upon it, it is necessary to derive first of all the requirements upon the simulation of the various movements and loads from the physiological knee joint. These and some other requirements which are of a common sort, serve as the basis of the construction, the function of which is to be described in the following passage.


[Vector analysis of the repolarization phase in the exercise-ecg with Frank leads (author's transl)].

The bioelectrical activity of the heart during repolarization is analysed with Frank leads in a spatial vector model. After physical work most of the test persons showed an amplification of the repolarization vector. It is discussed whether the amplification of the T-vector after physical work should be interpreted as an indication of subendocardial ischemia.


[Principles of the genesis of pressure and flow pulse contours of the human carotid artery (author's transl)].

In order to clarify the genesis of the characteristic pressure and flow pulse contours of the common carotid artery of man, at first transcutaneous pulse recordings were carried out on healthy resting subjects during breathing of room air and of a mixture of 95% O2 and 5% CO2 (Carbogen). The latter was used to cause vasodilation of the cerebral resistance vessels and thus reducing the peripheral reflection coefficient. Secondly pulse constructions were performed by means of a theoretical inhomogeneous tube model using a digital computer. A side branch of this model represented the carotid artery. The pressure pulse of the aortic arch of the model was used as generating pulse for the carotid system. A satisfactory simulation of the carotid pressure and flow pulse contours under normal conditions and during peripheral vasodilation requires an intermediate reflection (positive for antegrade waves) at a site near the middle of the total transmission time of the carotid model system. The adequacy of the model is demonstrated by comparison of the recorded and constructed pulses.


[Length-force relation of rat-carotid artery at different transmural pression. Experiments and models (author's transl)].

The relation between force and extension in longitudinal direction as a function of the internal pressure was examined in isolated carotid arteries of rats using a device for testing the stress-strain relation of fibers (Vibrodyn). In the region of small longitudinal extensions the longitudinal force is decreased by raising the internal pressure. The longitudinal force is increased as a function of the internal pressure in the region of high longitudinal extensions. This behaviour can be explained by a model of the arterial wall which takes into account the spiral structure of the fibers. We could find a good qualitative agreement between this model and our experiments. It can be concluded that the histological structure plays an important role in determining the elastic behaviour of the arterial wall.


[The influence of experimental traffic noise on autonomous functions of normotensives and hypertensives after stress (author's transl)].

In a series of experiments on 12 normotensives and 12 essential hypertensives the influence  of traffic noise (81 dB) on autonomous functions after stress exposure was examined. The process of the stress reaction was started by visually presented arithmetic tasks under affecting noise. With normotensives and hypertensives this combination of stressors led to a significant increase of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tone. The influence of traffic noise directly following the combination of stressors was examined in an intraindividual comparison with a resting-time period. During the period of noise, significantly higher values with blood pressure data only were found with normotensives and hypertensives as well. The comparison between the normotensive and the hypertensive group during the combination of stressors and during the following resting period showed no significant differences in reaction whereas during the second stressor hypertensives compared to normotensives showed strong, partly significant adaptation reactions of blood pressure with regard to the preceding experimental phase.


Allometric analysis of the atrioventricular heart-valve weights in beagle dogs.

A statistical analysis of atrioventricular heart valve weights of 218 beagle dogs was performed. Applying the allometric function, the correlation between body or heart weight and the weights of the mitral valve, tricuspid valve-angular/parietal leaflet and tricuspid valve-septal leaflet could be described statistically. In the age range between 2 and 81 weeks a significant linear, positive correlation was found for all three parts. The mitral valve and the angular and parietal leaflet of the tricuspid valve show a negative allometry or slower growth rate than body or heart, whereas the septal leaflet grows isometrically. Sex differences were not found. The relevance of such data for the evaluation of certain pathological findings is discussed.


[Results of physiological and psychological studies of different body types. A study of 210 patients with cardiovascular diseases and 100 students (author's transl)].

210 male patients with myocardial infarction, functional cardiovascular diseases, and angina pectoris hospitalized in the course of a cardiac rehabilitation program had been studied. Missing data in some anthropometric variables reduced the sample to 199 patients. The body of data included various anthropometric variables and indices, parameters of the circulatory and respiratory systems, biochemical measures, personality questionnaires, and information about the psychosocial background. In order to replicate the findings a sample of 100 students was studied, too. The measures and indices of body type are influenced by age, which leads to age-dependent spurious correlations between body type and other variables if this dependency is not corrected. Different statistical approaches proved the superiority of a factor-analytic typisation based on a "body-breadth" and "body-size" factor. There is a low correlation between body type and disposition for certain diseases showing that patients with "athletic" or "pycnic" body build suffer preferably from coronary infarction. Significant differences between body types exist for blood pressure, physical fitness, several psychosocial data, and the number of previous courses of treatment. Correlations of body type with personality dimensions and bodily complaints did not occur.


Technique for precise, graded arterial stenosis and occlusion.

A variable mechanical occluder has been designed which, by means of a micrometer, permits graded stenosis of an artery in precise, reproducible increments. The design also allows transient, complete occlusion of the artery to establish zero flow without alteration of the level of stenosis established prior to the zeroing procedure. The device has been used to partially block the reactive hyperemic response following coronary and femoral artery occlusion, but is readily adaptable to vessels of other size by means of an interchangeable occluder subassembly.


Dilatory capacity of the coronary circulation and its correlation to the arterial vasculature in the canine left ventricle.

The functional capacity of flow limiting myocardial conductance vessels was evaluated in canine hearts. In an isolated heart preparation transmural coronary flow distribution during maximal vasodilation was measured in the unloaded diastolic arrested left ventricle with tracer microspheres. The ratio of subendocardial versus subepicardial (ENDO/EPI) flow in the left ventricular free wall was 1.6. Measurements in 8 different wall layers showed a successive increase in maximal coronary flow from the subepicardium towards the deeper layers. A decreased subendocardial vascular resistance due to a better vascularization is forwarded as a mechanism to compensate for the extravascular compression during cardiac contraction. This statement contradicts the commonly accepted hypothesis that a diminished vascular tone with a reduction of the dilatory reserve in the subendocardium accounts for a homogeneous flow distribution in the normal beating heart. An augmentation of subendocardial supplying vessel capacity could be established from the angiographic determination of the coronary arterial volume of intramural small arteries and arterioles. From a strict parallelity in maximal coronary flow and coronary arterial volume within the wall, it becomes probable that these vascular structures are the flow-limiting factors which determine regional coronary flow reserve in the absence of extravascular compressive forces.


Localised concentrations of elements in hamster cardiomyopathy. Electron microscopic x-ray microanalysis of normal and sick myocardia.

Localized elemental concentrations of Ca, P, Cl, S, and Zn were detected by X-ray microanalysis during viewing of ultrathin myocardial sections. Cardiomyopathic hamsters were compared with a healthy strain of the same age. Significant increases in calcium and chlorine concentrations were found in sick animals. These were highest in the hypertrophic stage of the disease. Phosphorus and zinc were more variable. Ratios between elements (especially P/Ca) in the same cells and of the same elements in different cell types were found to offer numerical criteria for estimating the degree of pathological change.


A light microscopical study of healing incised dermal wounds in rats, with special reference to eosinophil leucocytes and to the collagenous fibres of the periwound areas.

Incised wounding of rat skin had a significant effect on the number of eosinophils both within the scar and in the adjacent areas. The numbers increased, after the inflammatory phase, to a peak between the 7th and 12th-14th days after wounding and remained elevated for the rest of the 30-day experimental period. In the areas contiguous to wounds, the dense bundles of collagenous fibres characteristic of normal dermis became progressively more dispersed from the 3rd to the 14th day, and then gradually re-aggregated into bundles. The fact that eosinophils, which are known to be collagenolytic, increase in numbers and change in morphology at the same time as newly formed scar collagen is remodelled and fibres around wounds are aggregated indicates a role for these cells in connective tissue metabolism. It is suggested that the dispersion of the collagenous fibres in the areas around wounds which occurs before the rise in eosinophil numbers could be related to the known increase in sulphated glycosaminoglycans around incised wounds.


Investigations of reasons for the avirulence of the A7 strain of Semliki Forest virus in adult mice.

A strain of Semliki Forest virus (A7) which is avirulent in adult mice killed baby mice in a similar manner to strain V13 which was also virulent for adult mice. In the muscle and brains of baby mice A7 and V13 replicated and produced haemagglutinating activity similarly. Our previous suggestion that defective interfering particles were present in the brains of A7-infected adult mice appears not to be so. The interference formerly detected was due to an inhibitor present in brain tissue of adult and baby mice both normal and infected. Homogenates of A7-infected adult brain produced normal RNA species in BHK cells and not those characteristic of defective interfering particles. Organ culture experiments indicated that avirulence of A7 was not due to lack of release of virus from infected adult brain cells. Also, A7 as well as V13 was detected and was probably replicating in all parts of the brain and spinal cord that were sectioned and examined. Evidence is presented that suggests that the reason for the avirulence of A7 for adult mice compared with its virulence for baby mice may relate to a lower ability to replicate in brain tissue per se rather than to interaction with host defence mechanisms.


Intestinal lesions induced experimentally by methotrexate.

Mice were given up to 9 doses of methotrexate intermittently over a 3-week period. Inhibition of mitosis occurred in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum after the first injection, and after 2 doses the crypt epithelium showed megalocytosis and occasional abnormal mitotic figures. Further treatment produced degeneration of the epithelium of the villi, which became irregular and atrophic, and the amount of crypt tissue was greatly reduced. Focal ulceration and haemorrhage occurred in some animals. Changes in the caecum and colon developed later and were much milder. After withdrawal of methotrexate the intestinal mucosa rapidly recovered and was normal 1 week later.


Thrombosis induced in vivo in the mesenteric artery of normal and thrombocytopenic rats, an electron-microscopic study of the early arterial wall reaction.

Arteries taken from 1 to 3 days after local thrombosis had been induced by the passage of a weak electric current followed by the topical administration of ADP were studied by electronmicroscopy. The characteristic changes observed during this period included total disappearance of pre-existing thrombi, rapid reconstitution of the endothelium and important hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells in the media. Thrombocytopenia induced by the administration of antiplatelet serum produced no alterations in untreated arteries. When it was coupled to thrombus induction, healing of injured endothelial and smooth muscle cells was grossly impaired, hypertrophy of the media was absent and fibrin infiltrated the arterial wall at the site of thrombus induction. These results bring support to the view that blood platelets play an important role in the induction of the regeneration response of injured arterial cells.


In vitro anti-kidney effect of lymphocytes in experimental immunization to placental antigens.

The lymph node and spleen lymphocytes of placenta-sensitized guinea pigs were tested for their ability to destroy kidney monolayer. It was shown by microcytotoxicity assay that these sensitized lymphoid cells killed target monolayer at different effector/target cell ratios. About 35% of kidney cells were destroyed when sensitized lymph node cells were added at a ratio of 500: 1, and 50% at a ratio of 1000:1. Immunized spleen cells produced approximately the same results. No significant cytotoxicity was measured when placenta-sensitized lymphocytes were added to nonrelated mouse skin fibroblasts. In order to exclude the possibility of participation of species-specific antigens in this experimental model, placenta-sensitized lymphocytes were added to L-cell monolayer in the presence of kidney antigens or mouse normal serum (a carrier of species-specific determinants). An extensive cytotoxic effect was observed in the presence of kidney antigens, while addition of mouse normal serum did not induce significant target cell lysis. The cross-reactivity of the cytotoxic ability of placenta-sensitized lymphocytes may indicate that cell-mediated immunity can be involved in the pathogenesis of nephropathy in toxaemic pregnancies, accompanying sensitization by placental antigens.


The proinflammatory function of lymphocytes in non-immune inflammation: effect of steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Leucopenia rendered rats unresponsive to various inflammatory stimuli. The intensity of the inflammatory response in such animals was restored by i.v. administration of suspensions of lymphocytes, but not of granulocytes. This restorative effect was blocked by both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Utilizing carrageenin to induce inflammatory responses in the rat's paw, the effect of these drugs on lymphocytes was observed in two circumstances. First, following incubation of the cells with the drugs in concentrations not exceeding the peak plasma levels estimated for these substances in man or laboratory animals; the effect of the drugs seemed selective, since anti-histamine and anti-serotonin agents, as well as amethopterin, were devoid of action. Second, when lymphocytes were collected from rats previously treated with the various anti-inflammatory agents, injected 6-hourly during periods of 18 and 36 h, respectively, for steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances. The total amounts given were lower than those required to produce consistent anti-inflammatory effects in normal animals, when the drug was given as a single dose before injection of the irritant. It is concluded that the pro-inflammatory function of lymphocytes in non-immune inflammation can be blocked by steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.


Experimental intrarenal reflux and blood pressure.

The effect on the blood pressure of experimental vesico-ureteric reflux was investigated in adult female Wistar rats. In 6 rats, reflux with isotonic saline produced a transient rise in systemic blood pressure followed by a fall, with return to normal within 2 min (mean BP readings: 121-130-93 mmHg). In 6 rats during water diuresis, reflux with distilled water produced similar changes (114-120-79 mmHg). In 6 rats in which the ureters were divided before reflux, no rise in blood pressure occurred although in 2 of these the pressure showed a marked fall. The pattern of blood pressure changes which occurred as a result of reflux was similar to that produced by a rapid i.v. injection of a corresponding volume of saline and it was concluded that the changes accompanying reflux are due to pyelovenous backflow. This was confirmed by producing reflux with 5% lissamine green which appeared in the peripheral capillaries within 4 s of the reflux in 3 rats. Slow dilatation of the pelvis with saline in 9 rats showed that rupture of the pelvic epithelium occurred at a mean pressure of 99 mmHg.


The evolution of gonadotropins: some molecular data concerning a non-mammalian pituitary gonadotropin, the hormone from a teleost fish (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The amino acid and sugar compositions as well as long N-terminal sequences and the C-terminal amino acids of the two subunits of carp gonadotropin, SU I and SU II, were determined. An important homology was demonstrated between SU I and alpha-subunits and between SU II and beta-subunits of mammalian gonadotropins. Moreover SU II was more closely related to the beta-subunit of LH than to the beta-subunit of FSH.