[Intrauterine growth retardation and prenatal nutrition. II. Personal cases].

We have carried out an enquiry into feeding in mothers in whom failure of intra-uterine growth of the fetus has been suspected around the thirtieth week of amenorrhoea according to clinical criteria (23 cases with a mean birth weight of 2564 g). We used a special questionnaire in the third trimester of pregnancy. The special feature of these failures of intra-uterine growth were that they did not appear to have any known cause. The calory intake of the mother was compared at the same time with a control group (39 cases where the mean birth weight was 3333 g). A significant difference was found in the calory intake (2241 Kcal as against 2553 Kcal) and this was especially connected with a low carbohydrate intake. The consequences of this deficiency in maternal carbohydrates on the birth weights of the newborn is discussed taking into account other factors that could interfere with fetal growth.


[Inhibition of lactation by bromocriptine. 470 cases over a 3-year period].

Three years of experimental work on 470 cases have given us the opportunity of confirming the usefulness of 2-Bromo-ergocryptine and the excellent way it is tolerated when used for inhibition of lactation. The dosage which is necessary to achieve an approximately 100 p. 100 success rate has been worked out in detail. Pharmacological study has shown that the substance is effective because it inhibits the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland.


[A previously unpublished indication for sulpiride: functional uterine hemorrhages].

Sulpiridin has been shown to be remarkably efficient in treating functional uterine haemorrhage (70 per cent success). It is especially so in the pre-menopause. Its mode of action takes place on three levels: the hypothalamus, where it works on the clonic centre for the release of gonadotrophins (the tonic centre not being affected); the ovaries, where it lessens the sensitivity of the reaction of the ovary to gonadotrophins; the uterus, where there is direct action on the thickness of the mucous lining of the uterus and on its blood supply.


[Growth retardation and amino acids. Analysis of maternal plasma and amniotic fluid].

We have carried out an analysis of the amino acids in the mother's plasma and in the liquor amnii of 26 pregnant women who delivered either normal premature babies or those with intra-uterine growth failure. The levels found at delivery showed no difference in cases of prematurity in the composition of the substances in the plasma, but the liquor is poor in glycocol (GLY), Tyrosine (TYR), Phenylalanine (PHE). In the case of growth failure a significant drop in the concentration of Threonine (THR), Alanine (ALA), Valine (VAL), Methionine (MET) and Arginine (ARG) was found in the plasma. The liquor amnii however had shown no change in composition.


[Effects of quingestanol acetate on the histology, histochemistry and ultrastructure of the endometrium].

According to studies carried out using the optical microscope and the electron microscope quingestanol acetate, which is a powerful progestagen, modified significantly the histology and the histochemistry of the endometrium. The mechanisms of transport across the cellular membranes are not changed, but probably there is competition between the oestrogens at the binding sites as a result of which the synthesis of proteins and hydrocarbons is changed. This in turn provokes the formation of aggregations of platelets in the blood vessels and cellular degeneration starting from the onset of the cycle. The contraceptive efficiency of quingestanol acetate when it is administered by itself is due to alterations in cellular biology which it brings about at the level of the endometrium as well as due to its inhibitory effect on gonadotropins.


[Visualization of the guinea pig fetus in utero by x-ray densitometry].

The total body X-ray scanner (computer assisted axial tomography) was used to observe the guinea-pig fetus in utero. This new method of investigating obstetrical physiology provides a suitable animal model with quantitative facts about the density of the fetal organs and, using a non-invasive technique, allows precise intrauterine pictures of the anatomy of the fetus to be obtained.


[Histological changes observed in the treatment of endometrial glandular epithelioma with lynestrenol].

Lynestrenol, which is a progestogen with weak oestrogenic features, has numerous theorretical advantages in the hormonal treatment of endometrial carcinoma of the body of the uterus when associated with combined radiotherapy and surgery. Iinitial clinical impressions were confirmed by a study of the histological modifications brought about by lynestrenol in this kind of tumour in which are included some poorly differentiated or undifferentiated cases.


Myopathies caused by three mutations of the mouse.

Our studies indicate that comparison of the three hereditary myopathies in mice, dy and dy2J, and myd, may provide clues for the fact that "muscular dystrophy" of man defines a group of disorders having both similar and individual characteristics. We have previously suggested that multiple or pleiotropic gene effects as well as interaction of genes may occur not only in mice but also in man. In addition, more than one gene may control or influence pathways of muscle metabolism.


Hoof overgrowth in Holstein--Friesian dairy cattle.

The genetic etiology of hoof overgrowth, a widespread problem in Holstein-Friesian cattle, was examined. Although all four feet are affected, the hind feet usually have a greater degree of overgrowth. There is a distinct age tendency for the trait; the younger cows' hooves grow faster than those of the older cows, but the overgrowth in older cows reaches greater proportions. Analysis of variance of chi-square frequency tests showed that there is a component of heritability involved in the expression of the trait, but that it follows a more complex model than a simple autosomal recessive gene would show.


[Quantitative studies on the comparability of neurohistological results in rat cortical pyramids produced by different Golgi methods (author's transl)].

By the spine distribution and the spine density of layer V pyramids in albino rat sensorimotor cortex the following GOLGI methods are compared with together quantitatively: GOLGI-KOPSCH, GOLGI-BUBENAITE, GOLGI-Rapid by Virktorov and GOLGI-COX by Ramón-Moliner. Whereas the Kopsch, Bubenaite and Ramón-Moliner impregnations obtain the same results in all signs examined here (with the exception of a higher number of dendritic spines in the first 50 microgram of apical dendrites using the Ramón-Moliner procedure), the GOLGI-Rapid method diverges considerably from the other GOLGI procedures. Using the GOLGI-Rapid method remarkable fewer spines are impregnated. So the results of GOLGI-Rapid cannot be compared with the other GOLGI procedures events.


Albinism in Icelandic sheep.

A description is given of complete albinism in Icelandic sheep. The albino animals, which have occurred both among white and nonwhite strains of sheep, are pure white in color with pink eyes and impaired vision in bright light. The condition is shown to be autosomal, recessive, and is assumed to be caused by a mutation of C to c, thereby being homologous to albinism in rodents. Data on mating results are tabulated. This is believed to be the first case of albinism reported in sheep.


[Determination of the width of the synaptic cleft in PWS-contrasted rat brain material].

Based on a simple model of the synaptic cleft, some of those procedures that render possible an appraisal of the cleft width starting from cuttings as seen in micrographs are described in this paper. The results of the investigation prove that contrary to figures published previously by other authors, the width of the synaptic cleft is not constant, but exhibits a frequency distribution with a maximum - to - minimum ratio of about ten. Relative frequency in per cent can be approximately expressed as follows: p = 7.7 + 4.1 n with n = 1, 2, 5 ordinal class numbers of cleft width and the according class mid-points 7.62n nm Typflying of synapses according to physiological points of view has turned out to be out of reach.


Meander tail: a recessive mutant located in chromosome 4 of the mouse.

A variable kinked-tail mutant was found in 1974 in a moderately inbred stock of mice at Iowa State University, Ames. It was named meander tail and was shown to be completely recessive. Study 8 alizarin-stained skeletons showed all degrees of ankylosis or fusions of tail vertebrae and occasionally other vertebrae. Extreme examples had great reduction in number of tail vertebrae. Affected mice over 2 weeks old commonly also show some unsteadiness, presumably a pleiotropic effect of the mutant. Less commonly, one or both hind legs showed some paralysis. Linkage tests of the mutant, symbolized mea, place it fairly close to brown, b, in chromosome 4, and apparently in the small segment between Ps and Pt.


Longevity and causes of death of athletes.

Since Morgan, many research workers have attempted to answer the question whether intensive training and athletic competition can alter life span. A review of the literature yields few clear conclusions. The difficulty seems that the human life span is affected by a multiplicity of factors including physical characteristics (sex, age and body type), lifestyle (factors such as habitual activity, smoking and drinking habits and diet), environmental variables (air and water quality, exposure to sunlight, noise etc.), physiological factors, personality and inheritance. Relative to these confounding factors, athletic competition usually occupies too short a portion of the life span to have a significant effect on longevity. The important question may well be not the kind of sport pursued or the intensity of the required training, but whether the activity is continued to an advanced age.


A lethal mutant gene in the Mexican axolotl.

Gene ph was discovered in a wild-type axolotl male received from Mexico City. Larvae homozygous for this gene become recognizable by their lighter color at hatching or shortly after. The development of their forelimbs is retarded, and all limbs are of subnormal length because of the reduction in length of their long bones. Many affected larvae die without feeding, and very few survive beyond their third month. At death, older larvae usually show abnormalities of the renal system, edema, ascites, or adhesions of the viscera. The gene is apparently a simple recessive with full penetrance.


Stature and body weight growth patterns from longitudinal data of Japanese children born during World War II.

Stature and body weight data of 100 boys and 100 girls from 7 to 17 years of age in Shimodate City who were born during World War II were longitudinally analyzed. The children were significantly smaller and lighter throughout their growth period than those born 11 years after the end of the war. The correlation coefficient between statures at each age and at age 17 showed a gradual increase with increasing age, while that between statures at each age and at age 7 decreased with age. However, a drop in the correlation coefficient was found during puberty, at age 11 for girls and at age 13 for boys. Comparing the normalized distance from mean values of stature and body weight at age 7, at puberty, and at age 17, only 51% of the children continued to be in the same relative position for both height and weight, 6% of boys and 4% of girls showing a decreasing pattern for both and 4% of boys and 7% of girls showing an increasing pattern for both. Thus, about 60% of the children of either sex presented parallel stature and body weight growth patterns for ages from 7 to 17.


Emigration and remigration of Okinawans settled in the lowlands of eastern Bolivia in relation to background characteristics of their place of origin.

Post-war Okinawans emigrated to the lowlands of Bolivia in an attempt of pioneer agricultural colonization were studied with regard to behavioral patterns of the adjustment process in terms of permanency in the newly created colony. The uniqueness of the post-war emigration to Bolivia by Okinawans is discussed in comparison with pre-war emigration and the inter-regional migratory flow. The permanency of Okinawan emigrants in Bolivia is analyzed in relation to background characteristics of their regional origin in Okinawa using Spearman's rank correlations between each pair of selected variables; the number of emigrants by municipality in Okinawa Prefecture, rate of persons who settled in the colony, rate of population engaged in the primary sector of economy in 1965 in Okinawa Prefecture, and rate of area for U.S. military use. The permanency of the migrants in colonization is related to the background characteristics in the place of their origin before emigration. The likelihood of emigrants settling in the colony is thus greater for those from less urbanized municipalities, the size of migrants from one municipality of the rural area signifying the permanency in the pioneer colonization project.


Physical fitness of children aged 5 and 6 years.

Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2 max) of 85 healthy kindergarten children, 46 boys and 39 girls, aged 5 and 6 years, was determined by means of track running. Their physique, skinfold thickness, grip and back muscle strength, and performances of 25 m-run, 50 m-run, standing broad jump, and 5 min-endurance run were also measured. Skinfold thickness of girls was significantly larger than that of boys. Boys were significantly superior to girls in all the motor performances. The Vo2 max per unit of body weight was 49.46 ml/kg/min for boys and 46.30 ml/kg/min for girls, the sex difference being significant at the 0.001 level. The correlation coefficient between Vo2 max per kg body weight and 5 min-endurance run performance was 0.417 for boys and 0.049 for girls, while that between absolute Vo2 max and body weight was 0.899 for boys and 0.563 for girls. The regression equation of the absolute value of Vo2 max (liter/min) on body weight (kg) was: Y=0.051X-0.025 for boys and Y=0.024 + 0.408 for girls, the regression coefficient of boys being twice as large as that of girls. It appears that at ages 5-6 sex differences are exhibited ont only in muscle strength and agility but also in endurance run and aerobic work capacity.


Physiological and morphological factors associated with successful fencing performance.

The relation between fencing success during a season of intercollegiate competition and various physiological and morphological variables were determined in 14 fencers. Bivariate and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which the independent variables, individually and collectively, accounted for the variance in two measures of fencing success. The fencing scores correlated significantly with VE max, Vo2 max, the 2 km run, and weight, while there was no significant correlation between the fencing scores and submaximal heart rate at 6 mph, and 1 min steptest score, or other morphological measurements. Cardiorespiratory fitness variables of Vo2 max and VE max accounted for the greatest variance in each of the two fencing scores (57.7 and 58.1%, respectively). Although morphological factors play a role in fencing success, their influence is small when physiological factors are accounted for. Future energy-cost studies are suggested to determine the physiological basis for the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and fencing success.


Pinto--a new coat patterning factor in Syrian hamsters.

A new patterning factor is described for the Syrian golden hamster. It is called pinto (symbol pi), and it causes large random white areas to be present on the sides and dorsum, interrupting the ground color of the animal. Belly fur is white instead of grayish and there is an overall color lightening effect on self-colored areas. Pinto acts as an autosomal recessive factor. The relationship of pinto to other white patterning factors in hamsters is discussed. It is concluded that pinto is non-allelic with and not linked to any of the other autosomal white patterning factors: piebald (s), white band (Ba), anophthalmic white (Wh), and dominant spot (Ds). The remaining white patterning factor, mottled white (Mo), is sex linked and is assumed to be genetically unrelated to pinto.


Effects of varied durations of training on improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance.

Twenty-nine subjects trained for 6 weeks for the purpose of comparing the effects of various durations of exercise. All subjects trained three days per week at 75% of maximum heart rate. Training durations were 5 min (N = 10), 15 min (N = 10) and 25 min (N = 9) with over 80% of the training sessions consisting of monitored treadmill walking on a grade. Pre and post-testing consisted of a maximal treadmill walk and a submaximal bicycle ride for the three training groups and a control group (N = 10). The improvements in treadmill time were 7.7%, 14.7% and 20.2% for the three training groups, all significant. The improvement for the 5 min group was not different than that of the control or 15 min groups. Improvement in the 25 min group was significantly greater than the control and 5 min groups, but not the 15 min group. The same differences were noted when estimated maximal oxygen uptake changes were analyzed. The results indicate that at least 15 and preferably 25 min of exercise is necessary to produce optimal endurance improvement with the training intensity and frequency used in this study.


Reaction time in bimanual simultaneous motions.

Electromyographically determined reaction times (EMG-RTs) of the finger flexor and extensor of both forearms were measured for four different motions: inward (task 1), flexion of both wrists; outward (task 2), extension of both wrists; to the left (task 3), extension of the left wrist and flexion of the right; and to the right (task 4), flexion of the left and extension of the right. The EMG-RTs were shorter and synchronization errors in terms of left to right differences of EMG-RTs were smaller in tasks 1 and 2 than in tasks 3 and 4. Comparing the flexors and the extensors, the extent of prolongation of EMG-RTs in tasks 3 and 4 differed significantly on the left side, being larger in the flexor than in the extensor, but there was no difference in the extent of prolongation between the flexor and the extensor on the right. It was suggested that the timing of initiation of movements in simultaneous motions was primarily determined by the pattern of muscle coupling in both limbs, and not by the direction of movements. The steadiness of motor function and of the right hand in right-handed subjects was also discussed in regard to hand preference.


Studies on water vapor pressure gradient from external air through clothing to the skin in relation to external humidity and clothing conditions.

Using a hygrometric capsule method developed by the authors, water vapor pressure was measured at each layer of clothing as well as at the skin surface on a human subject under actual wearing conditions. The pattern of vapor pressure gradient from the skin surface through clothing to the external air was examined in relation to the ambient vapor pressure and ths sort of textiles worn. The following findings were obtained. 1) Water vapor pressure gradient was greater between coat and external air than that between coat and underwear. The gradient became steeper again between underwear and the skin. 2) Under given clothing conditions, vapor pressure at each layer of clothing as well as at the skin varied according to the ambient humidity. However, the pattern of vapor pressure gradient from the skin through clothing to the external air was not greatly influenced by the external humidity. 3) The pattern of vapor pressure gradient from the skin through clothing to the external air was not greatly influenced by the external humidity. 3) The pattern of vapor pressure gradient through the clothing as a whole differed according to the kinds of textiles used for coat and underwear.


In vitro transcriptional probes of heterotic rat liver chromatin.

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase I from E. coli has been used as probe for determining the capacity of purified chromatin isolated from inbred and hybrid rats during the course of postweaning development to serve as template for RNA synthesis in vitro. An analysis of variance reveals both strain- and age-specific differences in the incorporation of [3H]UTP into RNA. The ability of inbred chromatin to support synthesis exceeds that of the hybrid at every age examined except 50 days, with values in the inbred line approaching those in the hybrid line with increasing age. These data suggest that template characteristics may vary substantially with regard to strain and age and may contribute to differences in heterotic development.


Studies of an outbreak of acute hepatitis A: I. Complement level fluctuation.

An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred in a rural elementary school in Colbert County, Alabama, in October and November 1972. The outbreak was caused by sewage-contaminated drinking water and involved 49 children and 1 adult. Acute and convalescent serum samples were obtained from the hepatitis patients, and from each of 24 unafflicted matched controls at the same time. Strinkingly, the levels of the third and fourth components of complement (C'3 and C'4) were markedly reduced in the acute samples from the sick children but returned to normal in the convalescent ones; the C'3 and C'4 levels in the healthy matched controls were not reduced. In addition, antigen-antibody complexes were found in convalescent sera from some of the sick children. These findings indicate that immune complexes are present in acture hepatitis A and suggest that the techniques for future virus isolation may have to be altered.


The effect of intradermal administration of Corynebacterium parvum on the immune response to hepatitis Bs antigen.

The immunopotentiating effect of the intradermal administration of a course of four doses (0.25 ml) of a standard suspension of killed C. parvum (2 mg/ml) was studied in a group of 10 asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers, as well as in 11 persons with antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and six without HBsAg or anti-HBs. HBsAg, anti-HBs, and leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) studies were performed in pre- and post-inoculation blood samples. C. parvum produced a substantial increase of anti-HBs titre in persons with preexisting anti-HBs. However, anti-HBs responses were not induced in carriers. HBsAg was not eliminated and its titre remained practically unchanged in carriers. These results support the hypothesis that in carriers the specific defect in the immune response to HBsAg possibly exists at the B cell level.


Interaction of coxsackievirus B-3 and peritoneal exudate cells of adult mice treated with cyclophosphamide.

Interaction of coxsackievirus B-3 with peritoneal exudate cells (p.e.c.) of adult mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP) and of normal untreated mice were examined. The measurement of virus concentration in the supernates and the infective center assay of the virus-treated p.e.c. showed no significant differences in viral uptake between the p.e.c. of mice treated with CP for 1 and 24 hours, and the cells of normal untreated mice. However, a significant decrease in viral uptake was found in p.e.c. of mice collected 72 hours after treatment with CP. This relationship in viral uptake between the CP-treated and normal p.e.c. was reversed when the cells were exposed to antimacrophage serum (AMS). The p.e.c. from normal mice exposed to AMS inactivated significantly less virus than similar cells treated with normal rabbit serum. The peritoneal cell-free fluid of mice treated with CP and coxsackievirus B-3 for 24 hours, contained less virus than the fluid from mice injected with virus alone. It is therefore concluded that the reduction in viral uptake by the p.e.c. derived from mice 72 hours after CP-treatment may contribute to the severity of infection in CP-treated mice.


[Study of erythroid colony formation of rabbits in vitro: the effect of spleen extract from irradiated rats on CFU-E (author's transl)].

The rabbit was bled to activate the erythropoiesis, and the serum was stocked for culture. After two days, non-adherent bone marrow cells of the same rabbit were havested, and cultured consequently with auto-plasma and auto-serum, which had been prepared, alpha-medium, erythropoietin (Ep) and spleen extract derived from rats sublethally irradiated 8 days before. The FB-16-24-TC (Limbro Co.) was used for culturing bessel by the addition of round cover-glass on the bottom of each well. The preparations were made by the routine Giemsa and hemoglobin stain methods on 3rd, 5th and 9th day of culture. The erythroid and non-erythroid colonies were calcurated under the microscope with x200 or higher magnifications. Small erythroid colonies consisted of 8 approximately 16 cells were scattered on the 3rd day, and undifferentiated or granulocytic colonies also frequently appeared on the specimen. On the 5th day, medium size colonies consisted of 32 approximately 64 cells were observed. The most effective irradiation for active extract was 700R. On the other hand, if the culture medium did not contain the spleen extract, the number of colonies decreased. Other results showed that this extract have hardly any enhancement on colony formation without Ep in the medium. Therefore, it is probable that the extract may have contained the potentiators for the erythroid, as well as for the myeloid progenitors. Whether these spleen factors are the same or not as that reported by Knospe et al. or Morley et al. is unknown. The study is in progress.


Shoulder replacement in the chimpanzee: surgical and post-operative management.

A modified "Floating-Socket" total shoulder replacement was implanted in an adult male chimpanzee using an anterior surgical approach. The surgical technique and the post-operative course are described. Clinical and X-ray follow-up for 17 months reveals satisfactory function of the implant with no apparent loosening of either glenoid or humeral components.


Pregnancy diagnosis in an orangutan using two prepared test kits.

The Nonhuman Primate Pregnancy Test (NPPT) kit and the Gravindex Slide Test (GST) were compared for the diagnosis of pregnancy in an orangutan. The NPPT was found to consistently detect chorionic gonadotropin earlier and longer than the GST. During approximately the last trimester of pregnancy, both tests registered negative results. It was concluded that the NPPT is a simple, effective pregnancy test for breeding age orangutans.


Preservation of shock-frozen myocardial tissue as shown by cryo-ultramicrotomy and freeze-fracture studies.

Myocardial tissue was quickly quench-frozen by letting the specimen fall either into liquid nitrogen (LN2) or into LN2-slush, or, by drill-propelling the specimen into LN2 at a speed of 1.5 m/s. The preservation of the tissues was studied in ultrathin, dry-cut and freeze-dried cryo-sections. Shock-freezing by propelling into LN2 yields extensive areas of well preserved tissue without hole damage. Quenching into LN2-slush shows variable results, while a maximum of hole damage is obtained by letting the specimen fall into LN2. Replicas of freeze-fractured tissue which had been quench-frozen by the same methods confirmed these observations. By the drill-propelling, areas 2000-5000 micrometer2 wide reveal good preservation without visible ice crystals. Such areas occur within a superficial band of tissue to a depth of c. 20 micrometer. Even at 35 micrometer and 50 micrometer depth good preservation may be registered at the periphery of the replicas. Description is given of modifications in accessories and methods in order to make the LKB CryoKit more suitable as a routine instrument. These modifications cover replacement of the knife coolant container by a coolant brass container in open connection with three copper tubes, replacement of one of the LKB Dewar flasks by a 25 litre Dewar equipped with a Balzers filling device, and replacement of the LKB plastic sleeve fixed to the back of the specimen coolant container, by two perspex-glass discs mounted in the slit between the Ultrotome base and the cryo-chamber. In addition, modified constructions are presented of the grid-carrier, the press-assembly as well as of the container for freeze-drying and warming up of the frozen sections.


A resistance monitor with power cut-off for automatic regulation of shadow and support film thickness in freeze-etching and related techniques.

A resistance monitor with sensors and automatic power cut-off has been developed to control the thickness of Pt-C shadow and C replica films in freeze-etching and related techniques. The monitor and sensors, in conjunction with newly modified evaporators, should considerably reduce the amount of C and Pt required and should prove useful in other applications employing vacuum evaporation of thin films of Pt, C, or other conducting materials.


Freeze-etching of unglycerinated tissue dispersions by application of the oil emulsion technique.

The oil emulsion technique has been applied to rat brain and liver tissue for freeze-etching preparation without antifreeze pretreatment. It has been demonstrated that the dispersed tissue exhibits a high degree of vitrification throughout the mostly globular fragments up to at least 30 micrometer in diameter. Signs of insignificant ice crystal formation of 50 nm and less could only rarely be detected. Although the dispersion process seriously affects the tissue organization as a whole, most cellular organelles and the plasma membrane show satisfactory preservation of structure. In larger tissue drops, a local overall structural preservation of the original cellular organization is recognizable. The results obtained demonstrate the applicability of this method to various biological objects for realizing sufficient cryofixation in the absence of cryoprotectants.


A simple low-cost critical point dryer with continuous flow dehydration attachment.

A simple low-cost critical point dryer with continuous flow dehydration attachment is described. By using the critical point pressure chamber for all fluid exchanges, loss of material and air-drying artefacts due to specimen handling are reduced. An operating schedule that allows the optimum path around the critical point process to be followed is proposed.


A light microscope attachment for isolating small specific areas from slide embedded monolayers: an aid in electron microscopy.

Based on the idea of a spring-loaded microscope objective, a boring attachment has been designed and constructed to fit a standard revolving multi-objective holder. It enables many small specific areas of a slide embedded specimen to be selected, ringed and bored out without removing the slide from the microscope stage.


The site of lymphatic blockade in endemic (non-filarial) elephantiasis of the lower legs.

1. The femoral lymph nodes of 13 patients with endemic (non-filarial) elephantiasis of the lower legs are compared with those of 13 non-elephantiasic adults from the same area. 2. Features characteristic of the disease include reflux of darkly-staining lymphocytes into the afferent lymphatics, crowding of the small lymphocytes into the sinuses with sheets of similar cells in the periphery of the node. The phenomena occur in relation with endolymphangitis of afferent lymphatics in some cases. 3. The picture closely resembles that produced experimentally in animals by occlusion of the incoming lymphatics and is interpreted as indicating delay in, or absence of, transport of the lymphocytes through the node into the central circulation (Gowans cycle). In elephantiasis, the loss of lymph-flow results from endolymphangitis of the afferent lymphatics. 4. The presence of microgranulomata and of birefringent particles was also noted but is not discussed here. 5. The present study indicates that the lesion responsible for the irreversible elephantiasis of the lower legs is in the distal lymphatics.


Inequality in the distribution and differential utilization of health services: a Botswana case study.

The uneven provision of health care in a developing country, Botswana, is examined. Curative out-patient attendance and in-patient hospitalization rates were found to vary markedly for groups of the population living at different distances from health facilities. Those people living 10 miles or less from clinics and hospitals had far higher utilization rates than those living at further distances. If the disparity in service provision described is to be altered then the planning and development of health services should concentrate upon the provision of basic health care and adapt to the manpower and economic constraints within which such systems operate.


[Dialysis-computer program. IV. Summary report. Epidemiology of complications].

The Diaphane-program instituted under the authority of the French Society of Nephrology has been steadily expanding since 1972. By December 1977, about 1500 patients treated in 30 public and private Dialysis Centres were followed up by this system. Full coverage of expenses is provided by the participating Centres. The statistical work presented in this report involves 1572 adult patients treated between June 1972 and December 1976 in 24 dialysis centres. The amount of collected data and the duration of the observation period permit to build up evolutive profiles of the population of patients treated in France by maintenance hemodialysis, of the various techniques and strategies used and of the main complications recorded in the patients. 1. Mean age of patients at start of dialysis is steadily increasing, from 40.1 years in 1972 to 48.2 years in 1976. 2. The predominance of male patients, constant over each year, may be explained by an increased proportion in man of chronic glomerulonephritis and renal vascular diseases. The sex-ratio in patients with chronic pyelonephritis is close to the one recorded in the French population. 3. The regular decrease of the mean plasma creatinine level at time of first dialysis recorded since 1972, is probably related to an earlier start of treatment. However, 10.6 per cent of the patients taken on treatment in 1975-1976 still had a plasma creatinine greater than or equal to 200 mg/100ml. 18.7 per cent had a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 120 mmHg, and exsudative lesions at eye fundi examination were found in 33.5 per cent. The delay in initiating dialysis treatment may account for the frequency of early acute cardiopulmonary complications such as pulmonary oedema and pericarditis and also for the increase in the mortality rate recorded during the first year of treatment: 12.1 per cent instead of 6.2 per cent during the second year. This particularly relevant for the younger age group of patients. 4. There seems to be some social disparity concerning the detection of renal disease and the conditions under which dialysis treatment is started: chronic renal disease is detected at an earlier stage and dialysis treatment initiated for lower values of plasma creatinine and of diastolic blood pressure in patients belonging to the "higher income" group of population. 5. The percentage of patients dialysed twice a week is steadily increasing, whereas the average weekly dialysis time decreases, being about 15 hours in 1976. Day and evening dialysis replace overnight dialysis. Disposable flat-plate dialysers are used increasingly. 6. Episodes of hypotension and cramps are the incidents most frequently recorded during the dialysis sessions. Risk factors evidenced in the occurrence of hypotensive accidents are: the female sex, age greater than or equal to 55 years in males, orthostatic blood pressure drop at the end of previous dialysis, weight loss of more than 4 per cent of total body weight during dialysis...


Comparison of the mode of immunopotentiating action of BCG and wax D. II. Effect on the methylcholanthrene carcinogenesis.

The effects of BCG and wax D on methylcholanthrene (MCA) carcinogenesis in mice were studied. BCG given 8 weeks after MCA administration conferred a significant protection against carcinogenesis. When given either on the same day as MCA injection or 4 weeks after MCA, BCG slightly increased tumor incidence. Wax D provided a marked protection against tumor development when given 4 weeks after MCA. An enhanced tumor development was obtained, when wax D was administered either on the day of MCA injection or 8 weeks after MCA. These results indicated that the effects of BCG and wax D on MCA carcinogenesis varied with the timing of administration. When BCG and wax D increased the level of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) at the initiating time of tumor development, a protection against carcinogenesis was obtained. On the other hand, BCG and wax D enhanced tumor development, when it increased antibody formation at the time of initiation of tumor development.


Studies on the fresh water cercariae in Leyte Island, Philippines. 5. Cercariae from Planorbidae.

In the previous papers of this series, the cercariae from Oncomelania quadrasi (Part 2), from Thiaridae (Part 3), and from Viviparidae and Pilidae (Part 4) were reported continuously. The present paper deals with the cercariae from Planorbidae. These studies were all carried on during the period of 1975 and 1976 in Leyte Island, Philippines. The number of snails examined were, 2,214 Segmentina hemisphaerula, 837 Gyraulus convexiusculus, and 279 Indoplanorbis exustus. From the former two species of snails, eight species of cercariae were detected, but no cercaria was found from Indoplanorbis exustus. The eight species of cercariae comprise 3 furcocercous cercariae, 2 amphistome cercariae, one echinostome cercaria and 2 xiphidiocercariae. These are described and illustrated with a tentative name from Cercaria leyteensis no. 29 to Cercaria leyteensis no. 36, in addition with some remarks on their presumptive life histories.


Genetic resistance to Friend leukemia virus in mice: masking of Fv-2 phenotype by an epistatic gene, Fv-4.

Mice of strain G which have Fv-4rr genotype resemble those with Fv-2rr genotype in resisting the induction of spleen foci or splenomegaly by Friend leukemia virus. However, NB-tropic Friend virus replicates well in Fv-2rr mice, but not in G mice. To determine the Fv-2 genotype, G mice were crossed with Fv-2rr mice, and the hybrids were tested for the susceptibility to NB-tropic Friend virus. The (G X Fv-2rr) F1 hybrids were similar to G. In F1 X Fv-2rr backcross generation, three types of mice appeared; 1) G type, 2) Fv-2rr type and 3) Fv-2ss type. Mice of the last type supported virus replication and developed splenomegaly. Mice of types 1), 2) and 3) appeared with the expected ratio of 2:1:1. It will be concluded that in G mice Fv-4r gene suppresses the virus replication, and hence masks the expression of Fv-2s gene. Data of F2 generation support this conclusion.


Studies on a simple Limulus test, a slide method.

A simple micromethod of Limulus test was studied. Briefly, this method is as follows. A 20 microliter aliquot of Pregel lysate solution and the same amount of sample are dropped on the same place on the silicone coated slide glasg and mixed well. Then it is incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes in a moisture chamber. After the incubation, the vibration of the droplet surface is observed. When the vibration is no longer observed, it is judged as positive reaction, and when the vibration is still observed as before the incubation, it is judged as negative reaction. Compared with the conventional tube method, this method has advantages as below: 1) the judgement of the result is relatively objective, 2) shorter incubation period is enough for the reaction to take place and 3) smaller amount of Limulus lysate is enough for each sample. Besides these merits, the detection limit of this method is not inferior to that of the tube method.


Studies on the subsynaptosomal distribution of psychotropic drugs in rat cerebral cortex.

After administration of H3-imipramine, H3-dimetacrine and S35-chlorpromazine by the direct lateral intraventricular injection, synaptosomes-rich fraction (F-B) was isolated from rat cerebral cortex by differential and 3-stepwise density gradient centrifugation. The isolated F-B fraction was treated by hyposmotic-lysis followed by freezing and thawing once or 15 times and, furthermore, fractionated into the subsynaptosomal distribution of these drugs showed the same distribution patterns, i.e., the larger portion of radioactivity was recovered in the synaptic ghost membranes-rich fractions. On the other hand, synaptic vesicles-rich fractions contained less radioactivity. On the disrupting process of F-B fraction, when the F-B fraction was treated by hyposmotic-lysis followed by freezing and thawing 15 times, only pellet (FD-6) fraction was obtained as compared with freezing and thawing once (4 interphase layers were obtained). Morphological examination revealed that the synaptic ghost membranes were located in the FD-6 fraction, but morphological damages were not observed. Under these conditions, H3-imipramine showed a 74.1% of release from the synaptosomes, while release with H3-dimetacrine and S35-chlorpromazine was 3.9 and 11.3%, respectively.


Purification of histamine receptor (VI). An improved double labeling method with "double protection".

Studies were done on the specific labeling of the histaminergic H1-receptor of the longitudinal smooth muscle of cat small intestine. A procedure involving 'double protection' combined with the double labeling technique was developed. The first protection was the usual with a protective antihistamine, promethazine, and the second was cross protection of non-specific sites with non-hitaminergic drugs, thioriazine and atropine. Muscle tissue protected with promethazine against non-radioactive dibenamine was treated with 3H-dibenamine in the presence of these second protectors. The second protectors covered non-receptor sites which had been protected from non-radioactive dibenamine with promethazine. The dose-response curves were carefully checked in each experiment to confirm that the second protectors did not interfere with the specific coverage provided by the first protector. Finally 14C-dibenamine was applied to measure non-specific binding after which the labeled muscles were fractionated and the radioactivity was counted. The specificity of labeling achieved in the receptor-rich fraction by this method is discussed.


The inhibitory effect of papaverine on respiration-dependent contracture of guinea pig taenia coli in high-K medium. III. The differential effect of papaverine and rotenone on DT diaphorase.

The differential effects of papaverine (Pap) and rotenone (Rot) were studied on the highly respiration-dependent contracture of guinea pig taenia coli in 40 mM potassium (40-K) medium, on isolated DT diaphorase activity and on mitochondrial respiration. The inhibition of guinea pig taenia coli to the 40-K induced tension by Rot (5 x 10(-7)M) was fully reversed by the addition of a water soluble vitamin K3 (VK3) derivative or menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB). A low concentration (10(-7)--10(-6)M) of Pap which had no effect on the 40-K induced tension inhibited the VK3 restored tension from the Rot suppression, corresponding to a Pap inhibition of the isolated DT diaphorase. Inhibition of the effective concentration of Pap to the 40-K induced tension development was never reversed by addition of VK3 or MSB. In taenia coli, both MSB and VK3 established a bypass of the Rot sensitive site on the mitochondrial respiratory chain by means of the DT diaphorase system. The difference in washout-efficacy between Pap and Rot on the inhibition of 40-K induced tension was ascribed to a difference in their mitochondrial binding properties.


Microassay methods for taurine and cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase activity.

Microassay methods for taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) and cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD: EC 4.1.1.29) have been developed. Cation exchange resin (Dowex 50W x 8, 200--400 mesh) was used for the separation of taurine from other fluorescamine reactive substances. The "taurine fraction" in this column chromatographic procedure was collected and fluorescence development was carried out. The maximal sensitivity obtained for taurine was 25 pmoles. The specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity and recovery for taurine obtained by this method were satisfactory enough to be used for biological applications. The activity of CSD was determined by measuring the formation of 14CO2 from DL-[1-14C]-cysteine sulfinic acid using a specially designed micro-vessel. The activity in cerebral tissues containing 5 microgram of protein was accurately detected by this microradiometrical method. Using above microassay methods for taurine and CSD activity, it was found that in the rat spinal cord, taurine is distributed rather evenly, whereas the distribution of CSD activities is uneven and the highest activity is localized at the dorsal part of the dorsal horn.


[Visual imagery and eye movements: effects of projective size of image on eye movements (author's transl)].

The effects of size of image on eye movements were explored. Eye movements of 18 subjects were recorded by the corneal reflection method. The subjects imagined various objects within an indicated circle of concentric circles presented externally. As the result, two types of the subjects were observed. They were as follows: (a) The majority moved their eyes within the projective angle under the 10 degrees condition and the 30 degrees condition whereas they scarcely showed eye movements under the 1 degrees condition. Asked whether a property of the stimulus belonged to the image, over 60% of the subjects, under the 30 degrees condition, showed a saccade to the proper projected part which might be considered as scanning. (b) Some subjects hardly moved their eyes under any of the conditions.


[Concentration on a task and change in pulse rate and finger skin blood flow (author's transl)].

Eight subjects were given a pursuit tracking task (Exp. I), a continuous task involving the adding of digits (Exp. II), and the Uchida-Kraepelin psychodiagnostic test (Exp. III). Experiments I and II employed distributed practice. Finger Skin Blood Flow (SBF) and Pulse Rate (PR) were measured during the experiments. It was found that SBF was smaller during trials than during intertrial rests, the latter being smaller than rests with eyes closed. SBF was smallest during the first trial (Exp. I & II) or the first minute (Exp. III). PR reversed direction with some differences being observed between the changes in PR and SBF. The results indicate that concentration on a task is reflected better by SBF than by PR.


Ligandinuria in nephrotoxic acute tubular necrosis.

Ligandin (GSH-S-transferase B), an abundant intracellular soluble protein in rat proximal tubules, hepatocytes, and small intestinal mucosal cells, is believed to be a component of an organic anion transport system. Its presence in urine was determined immunologically and catalytically in adult, female, Sprague-Dawley rats that were given mercuric chloride or potassium dichromate. These nephrotoxic agents produce severe renal failure, with epithelial necrosis in the proximal tubule. Mercuric chloride perferentially injures the terminal part of the proximal tubule, while potassium dichromate damages more proximal segments. Ligandinuria was consistently detected immunologically and catalytically from 6 to 24 hr following injection of mercuric chloride. Potassium dichromate administration did not result in immunologically detectable liganduria; however, GSH-S-transferase activity, which provides a more sensitive assay, was frequently detected. The findings are consistent with immunofluorescent localization of ligandin in the proximal tubule. Immunologic or enzymatic measurement of ligandin in urine may provide a sensitive index of acute injury to the proximal tubule.


Effects of acute ureteral obstruction on glomerular hemodynamics in rat kidney.

In order to study the effects of acute ureteral obstruction on glomerular hemodynamics, glomerular hydrostatic capillary pressure (PG), pressure in the first-order peritubular capillaries (EAP), and intratubular pressure (PT) were directly measured in superficial nephrons on Munich-Wistar rats by micropuncture with a servo-nulling device, in control conditions and one to two hours after ureteral ligation. Single nephron filtration fraction (SNFF) was calculated from arterial and peritubular blood protein concentration. SNGFR was measured by conventional micropuncture techniques in control conditions and was calculated from efferent arteriole blood flow (EABF) and SNFF during ureteral obstruction. EABF was obtained by timed complete collection of blood from superficial efferent arterioles. Afferent arteriole blood flow (AABF) and resistance of afferent (Ra) and efferent arterioles (Re) were calculated from conventional equations. Ureteral obstruction markedly increased PT from 12.9 +/- 1.4 to 36.8 +/- 6.1 (SD) mm Hg. The fall in SNGFR (from 23.3 +/- 6.4 to 17.9 +/- 5.2 [SD] nl/min) was blunted by the rise in PG (from 45.5 +/- 3.6 to 59.3 +/- 4.0 [SD] mm Hg) and AABF (from 130.0 +/- 59.1 to 144.2 +/- 69.0 [SD] nl/min), secondary to a fall in Ra. These results demonstrate that SNGFR is maintained early after complete ureteral obstruction because of afferent arteriole dilatation.


Sodium, renin, aldosterone, catecholamines, and blood pressure in diabetes mellitus.

Interrelations among plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone and cortisole levels, 0lood volume, exchangeable sodium, urinary catecholamines, and blood pressure were studied in 35 normal subjects and 60 age-matched non-azotemic patients with diabetes mellitus (60% with hypertension, 15% with orthostatic hypotension). Basal PRA, plasma aldosterone, cortisol, blood volume, plasma potassium, and urinary electrolytes were comparable in diabetic and normal subjects. Diabetic patients, however, had a 10% increase in body sodium (P less than 0.01), and 8% of them showed normal postural PRA responses and subnormal aldosterone responses; 22% had subnormal PRA and normal aldosterone responses, and 17% had subnormal responses of PRA and aldosterone. Non-PRA-related aldosterone responses could not be explained by ACTH or electrolytes. Orthostatic decreases in blood pressure correlated (P less than 0.01) with both catecholamine excretion and basal PRA. This suggests that in diabetes mellitus, body sodium is increased. Basal PRA and plasma aldosterone are usually normal, but their postural responses are frequently impaired. Absent aldosterone responses, despite normal PRA responsiveness, may reflect an adrenal abnormality or an ineffective form of renin. Marked postural aldosterone stimulation, unrelated to PRA, ACTH, or electrolytes, points to a potent unknown factor in aldosterone control. Low levels of free peripheral catecholamines and PRA may be complementary factors contributing to postural hypotension.


Kinetics of procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide in renal failure.

Four normal subjects and four functionally anephric patients were given 6.5 mg/kg of body wt of procainamide hydrochloride i.v., and plasma concentrations of procainamide (PA) and its major active metabolite N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA) were measured. Two individuals in each group were fast isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH) and PA acetylators. The pharmacokinetics of PA and NAPA were analyzed with a computer program (SAAM 23). Volume of distribution (Vdss) and renal clearance of PA were similar in normal subjects regardless of acetylator phenotype. Nonrenal clearance was faster (383 vs. 244 ml/min), and PA elimination half-life (t 1/2) was shorter (2.6 vs. 3.5 hr) in fast acetylators. In the functionally anephric patients, Vdss was similar to that of normal subjects. Nonrenal clearence was faster (117.5 vs. 93.5 ml/min) and PA t 1/2 shorter (10.8 vs. 17.0 hr) in fast than in slow acetylators. In these patients, acetylation accounted for 56% of PA elimination, and NAPA concentrations reached 0.8 microgram/ml or more. The t 1/2 of NAPA in renal failure was 41.5 hr, in accord with predictions from studies in normal subjects, assuming no impairment in nonrenal NAPA elimination. PA metabolism, however, is severely impaired by renal failure, so PA t 1/2 was prolonged to an unpredictably greater extent than would be expected from studies in normal subjects.


A controlled trial of nondrolone decanoate in the treatment of uremic anemia.

Thirty-seven male dialysis patients, from three university hospital centers known to have adequate iron B12, and folate stores, were entered into a controlled trial to study the effects of nandrolone decanoate (200 mg i.m. weekly) on their anemia. An initial six-month stabilization period was followed by a randomized 12-month study, with crossover between treatment and control groups occurring at six months. Patients received parenteral iron therapy plus oral folate throughout the trial. All serious illnesses or major blood losses excluded the patients from analysis. The 24 patients with remnant kidneys showed an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit of 24% by the end of six months of treatment (P less than 0.005), with a corresponding decrement during the six months of control, but the five anephric patients showed no statistically significant change compared to those patients whose kidneys were in place during the study. Complications of treatment were minimal, with injection site hematoma the only significant local effect and a rise in triglyceride the only significant systemic disturbance. Despite the improvement in anemia, the disadvantages, including the high cost of treatment, the apparent plateauing of benefits by five months, the minimal subjective improvement in life style, the risk of i.m. injection, plus the long term effects of increased lipids, should limit this therapy to patients with remnant kidneys who have severe symptomatic anemia or frequent transfusion requirements.


The effect of steroids on the circulating lymphocyte population. I. Changes in the thoracic duct lymphocyte population of the rat after neonatal thymectomy and prednisolone treatment.

The influence of prednisolone on the thoracic duct cells of rats was measured by the cell count in lymph at different times after a single injection and correlated with lymphocytolysis in lymphoid tissues. In both control and neonatally thymectomized animals there was a marked fall in the cell count and flow at 3 hours and the percentage reduction was greater in thymectomized animals. Restitution was rapid in both groups and pretreatment levels were regained in 17 hours. The blood mononuclear cells followed the same pattern. In animals with an intact thymus adrenalectomy causes a significant increase in thoracic duct cell counts but in neonatally thymectomized animals thoracic duct lymph is unchanged after adrenalectomy. It can be concluded that in the rat lymphocyte level in the circulating pool is thymus dependent but restoration of the circulating cell count after steroid induced involution is independent of intact thymic function. Our data support the hypothesis of lymphocyte trapping and redistribution as a major mechanism after a single cortisone dose.


The effect of steroids on the circulating lymphocyte population. II. Studies of the thoracic duct lymphocyte population of the guinea pig after neonatal thymectomy and prednisolone treatment.

The effect of corticosteroids on the lymphatic tissue and circulating lymphocyte pool in the guinea pig has been studied. No signs of increased lymphocytolysis was seen and only after 1--2 weeks treatment with a long acting corticosteroid was the thymic cortex reduced and thymic weight decreased. Three hours after injecting a short acting steroid a 30--40 per cent reduction in the thoracic duct cell count was seen in both control and thymectomized animals. Restitution to pretreatment cell level was completed in 17 hours. Mononuclear cells in the blood were markedly depressed up to 40 hours. The changes in the circulating lymphocyte pool in the resistant guinea pig seem to be in principle the same as in the sensitive rat but less pronounced. It can be concluded that the lymphocyte level in the circulating pool is thymus dependent but restoration of the cell count after steroid treatment is independent of intact thymic function. This data supports the hypothesis of lymphocyte trapping and redistribution after a single steroid treatment.


Variation in output of leukocytes and erythrocytes in human peripheral lymph during rest and activity.

The output of lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and erythrocytes in peripheral leg lymph from healthy volunteers has been followed during night and everyday activity, during and after venous stasis, ergometer cycling and warm foot bath and during immobilisation in horizontal position over two 24-hour periods. The output of lymphocytes exceeded the output of monocytes and erythrocytes. Granulocytes were not found except immediately after cannulation. The cell output was low during night rest and the horizontal position for 24 hours. After assumption of the upright position the output of lymphocytes increased about 80 times and the output of erythrocytes 40 times probably because of washout of cells accumulated in tissue during rest. During ergometer cycling and venous stasis the output of cells increased and even more in the one hour rest period following this experiment. During venous stasis the output dropped but increased after the stasis had been released. The pattern of variation in lymphocyte, erythrocyte and monocyte output was the same. This indicate that the fluctuation in output depends on variation in blood flow in the tissue. The output of cells during and after heating seems to be dependent also on increased capillary permeability for cells as the output of erythrocytes exceeded the output of lymphocytes. The high erythrocyte/lymphocyte ratio in blood versus a low ratio in lymph shows that these two cell types pass through the capillary wall by different mechanisms.


Effect of hypotonic volume expansion with water diuresis on renal lymph.

Water diuresis was induced in dogs, under chloralose anesthesia, by hypotonic volume expansion of 5 to 10% body weight. The average diuretic response was 12.5 ml/hr/kg body weight with a urine osmolality of 175 mOsm/L. Renal hilar lymph flow and thoracic duct lymph flow increased significantly by an average of 125% and 150% respectively. The Na concentration in plasma and lymph fell by approximately 7.0 mEq/L whereas that for Cl was relatively unaffected. Control lymph to plasma ratios of approximately 1.050 for Na and 1.130 for Cl were not significantly altered even when plasma concentrations fell significantly. Urea, glucose and K concentrations were little affected. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that renal hilar lymph reflects in part the composition of the outer medullary interstitium which is directly influenced by the electrolyte pump in the ascending thick limb of Henle.


Contrasting haemodynamic patterns of portal hypertension in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

18 cases of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis taken at random were studied. The transumbilical portal pressure, the trans-splenic portal pressure, the occluded thoracic duct pressure, and thoracic duct lymph flow were measured simultaneously before and after splenectomy. The findings were correlated with the clinical data, liver pathology, and operative findings. The transumbilical portal pressure-trans-splenic portal pressure gradient was found of significant importance. It was considered positive when the transumbilical portal pressure was higher than the trans-splenic portal pressure, in such cases the primary generating factor of portal hypertension is most probably of hepatic origin (post or presinusoidal obstruction; organic or functional). The gradient was considered negative when the transumbilical portal pressure was lower than the trans-splenic portal pressure; in such cases the primary generating factor of portal hypertension is most probably of splenic origin (hyperdynamic spleen) or in the portal vein (thrombosis). A significant correlation was found between the type of this gradient, the thoracic duct lymph flow and the clinico-pathological state. The thoracic duct flow was highest in the non-bleeders. Definite contrasting haemodynamic patterns were found between bleeders and non-bleeders. The bearing of these contrasting patterns on the selection of the operative procedure in the treatment of portal hypertension is suggested.


Lymphographic appearance of nodal extramedullary hematopoiesis simulating lymphoma.

A 63 year old man underwent lymphography because of anemia, splenomegaly, and fever. Nodes in the high para-aortic region had the appearance of involvement with malignant lymphoma. Subsequent biopsy showed that these changes were due to the partial replacement of nodal tissue with extramedullary hematopoiesis.


Lymphangiomas involving the ovary. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Lymphangioma involving the ovary is an extremely rare tumor. There are only 8 cases documented in the literature. This report describes a case of peritoneal lymphangiomatosis which presented as an apparent ovarian tumor and rapidly recurred and spread into adjacent and distant peritoneal organs following oophorectomy. We will comment on its complete response to irradiation treatment and review the literature.


Analysis of trochlear nerve palsies. Diagnosis, etiology, and treatment.

At the McGill University neuro-ophthalmology unit, 52 patients with superior oblique palsy were seen during the 2-year period October 1973 to August 1975; these included patients with congenital, traumatic, vascular, and other more rare causes of trochlear paralysis. Half of the patients with congenital palsy had diplopia, requiring treatment, although surgery was rarely necessary. Patients with palsy due to trauma, the major cause in our series, included four with bilateral involvement. With the exception of recovery in a single muscle of one patient in this group with traumatic palsy, no spontaneous recoveries have been observed. Treatment modalities have been tried, including observation alone, occlusion for symptomatic relief of diplopia, use of prisms, and recession of the ipsilateral inferior oblique muscle. Four patients with palsy of presumed vascular cause recovered spontaneously within a 4-month period. All patients who were surgically treated improved.


Esophageal carcinoma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1935-1971.

In order to estimate the incidence rate of esophageal carcinoma in a defined populat;on, all cases in bona fide residents of Olmstead County, Minnesota, newly diagnosed from 1935 through 1971 were identified and reviewed. There were 33 confirmed cases. The mean annual incidence was 2.6/100,000 men and 0.8/100,000 women. The age-adjusted incidence rates in this population are lower than those reported recently from other populations. Of the 27 patients whose disease was diagnosed before death, only 1 survived more than 6 years after initial diagnosis of the esophageal carcinoma, and all had died before the end of the study.


The human nasal cycle.

The physiologic phenomenon of alternating congestion and decongestion of the nasal airways was studied by rhinomanometric techniques. This study included the largest reported normal population, 50 persons (32 females, ages 14 to 72 years, mean 25, and 18 males, ages 14 to 50 years, mean 23). The "mask-flowmeter" technique of active posterior rhinomanometry was used to collect data continuously (15-minute intervals) on each subject for about 7 hours. We defined the nasal cycle (in terms of rhinomanometry) as that alternating congestion and decongestion of the nasal airways producing a resistance change (comparing one side to the other, right and left) so that after two consecutive calculations (covering a 30-minute period) the resistance between the sides was at least greater than 20%. By this criterion, we found that 72% of the subjects demonstrated a clearly defined nasal cycle. This resistance difference of 20% between the two sides (right and left) reversed or changed sides at least once for two consecutive calculations during the 7 hours of testing. Normal individuals are not usually aware of this phenomenon because the total nasal resistance usually remains fairly constant and is less than the resistance of either one of the individual nasal passages.


The incidence and outcome of mumps orchitis in Rochester, Minnesota, 1935 to 1974.

A population-based study of mumps orchitis over a 40-year period in Rochester, Minnesota, is reported. All medical records for patients with orchitis, atrophic testis, parotitis, and diagnosed or suspected mumps for the population of Rochester were reviewed, and detailed abstracts were prepared for all those with mumps orchitis. Information abstracted included the relationship of testicular to parotid involvement, the presence of unilateral or bilateral testicular involvement and subsequent atrophy, the presence of other complications of mumps, the treatment of mumps orchitis, and the presence of other major diagnoses. Also investigated was the number of subsequent congenital malformations in male offspring of these patients. The age distribution of the patients with orchitis (median age, 29 years) differed appreciably from those with mumps (median age, 8 years). There was no apparent increase in genitourinary malformations in the male offspring conceived after the occurrence of mumps orchitis in the fathers. Of the 132 men who had orchitis, 2 subsequently had testicular neoplasms. Both of these patients were in the group of 47 who were noted to have an atrophic testis after the occurrence of orchitis.


Independence of canine gastric and duodenal pacesetter potentials shown by electric pacing.

Our objective was to determine if the canine gastric pacesetter potential spreads across the pylorus to influence the duodenal pacesetter potential, and vice versa. Electric pacing of the gastric corpus increased the frequency of the gastric pacesetter potential and slowed the velocity of its aborad propagation, but gastric pacing did not change the frequency of the duodenal pacesetter potential or alter the velocity or aborad direction of its propagation. Electric pacing of the distal duodenum increased the frequency of the proximal duodenal pacesetter potential, reversed its direction of propagation from aborad to orad, and slowed its velocity of propagation. However, duodenal pacing did not alter the frequency, velocity, or direction of propagation of the gastric pacesetter potential. Our conclusion is that the gastric pacesetter potential and the duodenal pacesetter potential are each independent of the frequency, velocity, and direction of propagation of the other.


Incidence of malignant testicular tumors in the population of Rochester, Minnesota, 1935 through 1974.

Twenty-four cases of testicular neoplasms detected in male Rochester residents over a 40-year period were identified using the Rochester-Olmsted County epidemiologic data base. This resource contains nearly complete medical information on residents of Rochester, Minnesota, and the surrounding community. An incidence rate of 3.7/100,000 males per year was calculated. This agrees well with other rates reported in the literature which range from 2.5 to 3.7/100,000 per year; there was no detectable trend over time.


Diastolic opening of aortic valve: an echographic observation.

Echocardiography provided excellent insight into the altered hemodynamics in a patient with acute, severe aortic regurgitation due to bacterial endocarditis. The most notable echographic findings were premature closure of the mitral valve and diastolic opening of the aortic valve. At surgery, the patient proved to have a large perforation in the base of the noncoronary cusp.


Carotid and vertebral-basilar transient cerebral ischemic attacks. A community study, Rochester, Minnesota.

THE purpose of this study was to determine the difference in prognosis among patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in the carotid arterial system and those with TIA in the vertebral-basilar arterial system. Nearly twice as many patients had TIA in the carotid system as had TIA in the vertebral-basilar system. The survival rates for patients with carotid TIA and those with vertebral-basilar TIA were similar. In both groups, the survival rate was lower than the expected survival rate, but only for the patients with carotid TIA was the difference significant. There was no significant difference in the probability of the occurrence of stroke between patients with carotid TIA and those with vertebral-basilar TIA. These data also indicate that the risk of stroke is much greater soon after the onset of TIA in either arterial system. Among all patients with TIA, the primary cause of death was cardiac disease. The causes of death had a similar distribution for patients with carotid TIA, for those with vertebral-basilar TIA, and for those with "mixed" or "unknown" types of TIA.


Menetrier's disease. Effect of medical and surgical vagotomy.

A 62-year-old woman with incapacitating atherosclerotic vascular occlusive disease was found to have severe hypoproteinemia as a result of Menetrier's disease. That diagnosis was suspected on roentgenographic and gastroscopic examinations and confirmed by examination of full-thickness surgical gastric biopsy specimens. The protein loss from the stomach was significantly decreased by treatment with trimethaphan and atropine and led us to perform proximal gastric vagotomy at the time of endarterectomy. Subsequent protein turnover studies suggest that there has been a significant  decrease in protein loss by the stomach. Further evaluation of the possible role of medical and surgical vagotomy in this disease seems warranted.


Achalasia in three siblings: a rare occurrence.

Three brothers from the iron range of northern Minnesota developed typical symptoms of achalasia in adult life. The diagnosis of classic achalasia was confirmed in each brother by roentgenologic examination and by esophageal motility studies and each patient was treated successfully by forceful dilation of the lower sphincter or by esophagomyotomy. Although the three brothers were raised in the same home and all worked in the iron mines, it appears unlikely that environmental factors were responsible for the development of this disease. The etiology of achalasia in siblings remains obscure but a genetic origin (autosomal recessive) seems most likely.


[Effect of selenium on peripheral blood in rats chronically exposed to benzene].

The studies have been performed on 32 adult male rats of Wistar strain, divided into three groups. Control rats have been exposed to benzene vapours, of 1200 mg/m3 concentration, 6 hours daily, for 12 weeks. In the remaining two groups, before the exposure to benzene vapours, the rats had been given, to their stomachs, sodium selenate at the dose of 1.0 and 5.0 microgram/kg (converting to selenium), for 10 consecutive days. In the blood from a tail, before the experiment and after 6 and 12 weeks of exposure to benzene, some hematological indices were determined. In control group and in rats which before the exposure had been administered selenium at the dose of 1.0 microgram/kg, lymphocytopenia, correlating with duration of exposure, and thrombocytopenia were found. In rats which before the exposure had been given selenium at the dose of 5.0 microgram/kg, lymphocytopenia did not occur and thrombocytopenia occurred as late as after 12 months of exposure. The authors think that selenium at the dose of 5.0 microgram/kg, indicates a protective effect on lymphocytic system, before benzene's toxic effects.


[Effect of carbon disulfide on peripheral blood leukocytes. I. Effect of carbon disulfide on in vitro chromosome structure and division capability of leukocytes in man].

The peripheral blood leukocytes in normal subjects were cultured according to Moorhead with addition of CS2 (0,75 microliter/ml of culture). It has been found that CS2 decreases the mitotic index, and in some cultures inhibits totally the cell division. Moreover, it causes structural disturbances of chromosomes being of pre- and postreplicative character as well as their viscous degeneration, lesser spiralization and sometimes pulverization. The presence of greater amount of erythrocytes of the donor's blood in the culture markedly diminished the intensity of these changes.


[Effect of tobacco smoking on plasma sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations and some parameters of acid-base equilibrium during physical exertion and in the course of restitution].

In 30 healthy men, aged 20-24 years, the effect of physical exercise on the concentration of Na and K in serum erythrocyte and whole blood, on the serum chloride concentration and on capillary blood acid-base equilibrium was studied (Group A). In another group of 20 men the same studies were performed after smoking of 4 cigarettes (Group B). Taking into consideration blood condensation plasma Na, K and Cl concentrations were found to be decreased significantly (p less than 0.05). Sodium concentration in erythrocytes increased significantly after exericse in group B as compared with group A (p less than 0.01). Similarly, potassium concentration in erythrocyte increased significantly 30 minutes after exercise in group B as compared with group A (p less than 0.005). There were no differences in changes in acid-base equilibrium after exercise between both groups--they indicated the shift towards metabolic acidosis.


[Methods of gas mixture preparation].

State methods for preparation of gas mixtures have many disadvantages. Losses of components due to adsorbtion on the container surface (glass of plastic) are the main problem. Flow--dilution dynamic systems are much more convenient, giving practically unlimited quantities of mixtures of chemical substances with air at fixed concentration. Dynamic methods enable rapid change in concentration of generated mixture and surface adsorbtion does not exist. To produce at stable rate the substance to be diluted with air, microdiffusion, motor driven syringes (or peristaltic pumps) saturated vapours, permeation tubes and pressure cylinders may be employed. Our experience showed that pressure cylinders are the best for preparation of mixtures of gases (i.e. vinyl chloride) with air and peristaltic pumps are the best as the source of vapours for further dilution. The latter method may be employed as well for mixtures of several compounds (i.e. acetic acid esters) with air.


[Evaluation of the performance of regional industrial physicians according direct admission observations].

Results of the study of first-hand observations of district industrial physicians were presented. The study was based on specially designed observation inquiry sheets. 34.9% cases constituted prophylactic observation. Patients were found to be treated routinely. Patients complaining of an illness were usually given both a prescription and a disablement for work certificate or were sent to consult a specialist. Patients were sporadically sent for additional examinations or physiocotherapy.


[Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in various occupational groups of workers at the Polish State Railroads].

An epidemiological study on mycosis in 539 railway employees was carried out. The most frequent forms of the disease were: interdigital mycosis of feet and interdigital yeast infection of feet. Particularly frequent cases of mycosis and yeast infections were disclosed at workers of locomotive depots who were cleaning sewers. Frequent infections were also stated at workers whose work was being performed in a shift system and under various weather conditions. The infections with mycosis were more frequent among town inhabitants in comparison to those living in the countryside. Mycosis was mostly caused by antropophylic fungi.


[Rheumatoid arthritis and morbidity among wet spinning factory women workers].

Two hundred ninety women employed in the wet spinning mill of the linen plants have been examined. Their average age and duration of employment were respectively 45 and 17,5 years. Examined women worked in specific microclimate including temperature from 24 degrees C to 25.3 degrees C and the moisture of air from 63,5 to 72,5%. Rheumatoid Arthritis in women working in wet spinning factory was the aim of this examination. It has been stated that these surroundings have no influence on that sort of disease.


[Health conditions of workers exposed to CS-2 in xanthate plants].

26 men, aged 22-57, with various length of employment in xanthate plant, where they have been exposed to CS2, were subjected to laboratory examinations aiming to find out the effects of this substance on their health state. These studies had been produced by measurements of CS2 concentration in the air of work-posts, lasting for 7 months. This allowed to evaluate the exposure of the subjects and to compare the concentrations with the MAC, actually valid. The obtained results, both in the subjects blood and urine, did not unequivocally indicate any noxious effects of CS2, despite the fact that MAC in the air of working rooms was twice surpassed.


Transformation in Naegleria gruberi: patterns of RNA synthesis examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Naegleria gruberi were grown on bacteria and methods were devised to free the cellular RNA from bacterial RNA contamination. Use of actinomycin D and cycloheximide showed that the transformation of Naegleria from amoeba to flagellate required RNA synthesis for 30 min and protein synthesis for 40 min after the initial stimulus of distilled water. Comparison of the patterns of RNA synthesized during transformation with those during growth indicated a considerable amount of new RNA produced during the phenotypic change. Most marked was the increase in RNA co-migrating on polyacrylamide gels with the small ribosomal sub-unit RNA, together with RNAs between the latter and transfer RNA. These results were compared with other published results using axenically-grown cells cells and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Cells placed in 80 mM NaCl instead of distilled water fail to transform but the pattern of newly-synthesized RNAs was not significantly different from that seen in transforming cells. This suggested that high salt concentrations inhibit transformation by inhibiting synthesis and/or assembly of certain proteins rather than RNA synthesis. Eluted material from various regions of polyacrylamide gels containing RNA extracted from transforming cells was used in a cell-free system. Incorporation of 3H-glutamic acid but not 3H-tryptophan was stimulated by material extracted from the 18S regions of the gels.


Degradation of bacterial cyclopropane acids with boron trihalide reagents.

The cellular fatty acid compositions of Pseudomonas diminuta UC 501 and Streptococcus mutans OMZ-61 were compared in samples processed by a saponification-methylation procedure (method S) and in samples processed by a transesterification procedure (method T). All samples were heated in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The major acids found in samples of P. diminuta treated by method S included 16:0 (palmitic), 18:1 (octadecenoic) and 19 cyc (19 carbon cyclopropane acid). Those found in samples of S. mutans treated by the same method included 16:0, 18:1. 18:0 (stearic), 20:1 (eicosenoic), 20:0 (eicosanoic), 19 cyc and 21 cyc. When method T was used to process samples of both cultures, the cyc acids were degraded and artifacts were produced. Transesterification with boron trihalide reagents is therefore not recommended for routine analysis of bacterial fatty acids.


[The contamination of vegetable foods by lead containing street dust].

To assess the contamination of fruit and vegetables by lead-containing road dust, products displayed in the open air and in retail shops, respectively, were analysed for lead content. The lead exposure within the range of the retail shop was characterized by an aerosol with 0.2-2.5 microgram/m3 and a sedimentable lead dust of 2.13-6.55 mg/m2-30 d. The lead content of the products displayed in the open air was some 0.5 to 6-fold higher. This difference was statistically significant. 92-100% of the lead dust could be removed from the products by washing with water. Increased lead contents were also found on fruit stored in a cellar (0.66 and 0.42 p.p.m., respectively) near a parking place. In consideration of the proportion of these foods in the diet consumed, no health hazard to the population can be deduced from these data; but in single cases, a temporary rise of the blood-lead level may occur. Covering fruit and vegetables presented in the open air with thin-sheet plastics or selling such products in plastics bags will prevent contamination.


[Evaluation of the arsenic content of the air].

Determinations of the arsenic contents in subjects, aged 10-11 years, from an arsenic-exposed region yielded the following arithmetic means: hair, 5.5 p.p.m. (S.D. = +/- 4.2); urine, 0.011 p.p.m. (S.D. = +/- 0.010). In children from a non-exposed region the authors found; hair, 0.5 p.p.m. (S.D. = +/- 0.4); urine, 0.004 p.p.m. (S.D. = +/- 0.005). The average arsenic concentrations in the exposed region were 19 mg/m2-30 d (sedimentation dust) and 0.9 microgram/m3 (aerosol); the corresponding values for the control region were 0.029 mg/m2-30 d and 0.0 microgram/m3, respectively. The two groups of subjects had general clinical examinations. There was a significant difference between the two groups in total morbidity, whereas the morbidity structure was similar. This result cannot be brought in causal relation to the differences in arsenic contents; it is possible that other influences play a rôle in the region under investigation.


Adrenocortical responses to olfactory stimulation in rats with partial hypothalamic deafferentations and lesions.

Previous experiments from this laboratory using complete hypothalamic deafferentation have demonstrated that the adrenocortical discharge following olfactory stimulation is essentially mediated by neural pathways. In order to identify the neural afferents and the hypothalamic areas involved, this response was studied in rats with anterior (AD) and posterior (PD) partial hypothalamic deafferentations as well as in animals with bilateral lesions in the ventrolateral medial forebrain bundle (VMFB) and the gemini region (GR) in the hypothalamus. While rats with PD had a normal adrenocortical response to odor stimulation, this was completely inhibited in animals with AD and partially reduced in VMFB and GR lesioned rats. These data would indicate that the adrenocortical response following olfactory stimulation is mediated by anterior afferents to the hypothalamus and involves the VMFB and GR.


Effects of chronic stress on pituitary hormone release induced by combined hemi-extirpation of the thyroid, adrenal and ovary in rats.

Morphologic and hormonal changes, induced by combined ablation of a thyroid lobe, one adrenal and one ovary, were studied over a 15-day period in rats, some of whom were subjected to 8 h of daily immobilization. The compensatory hypertrophy (CH) of the contralateral glands in non-stressed animals was associated with a significant increase in the plasma levels of LH (from the 1st to the 10th day), prolactin (PRL, from the 3rd to the 6th day), FSH (on the 3rd day) and corticosterone (from the 6th to the 15th day), whereas GH titers were not altered. Immobilization for 1, 3, 6, 10 or 15 days inhibited the b.w. gain, induced involution of the thymus, enhanced compensatory enlargement of the adrenal, and blocked the CH of the ovary and, to a lesser degree, of the thyroid. This chronic stressor produced a marked rise in plasma corticosterone, antagonized the surge of PRL, FSH and LH, and decreased the plasma levels of GH. On the basis of these morphological and hormonal variations, it appears that severe chronic stress in hemi-thyroidectomized-adrenalectomized-ovariectomized animals further increases the ACTH response but antagonizes the increased secretion of the other pituitary hormones.


Acute decrease of blood thyroid hormone by isovolemic exchange transfusion as a stimulus for pulse TSH release and its modifications by CNS Lesions.

The level of thyroid hormone in blood has been acutely decreased by about 20--30% within 20 min with the aid of isovolemic exchange transfusion (IET) of thyroid hormone free blood cell suspension (THFBCS) in three groups of rats: (1) intact control (C); (2) median eminence (ME)-lesioned; (3) thalamus (TH)-lesioned. The levels of thyroxine (T4) and TSH were measured by specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) before the transfusion and for 180 min after that. The level of T4 increased to the initial value at about 120 min after IET in C and ME-lesioned rats, while in TH it remained decreased until 180 min. Furthermore, at the end of IET the level of TSH in C and ME-lesioned rats was about 2--3 time higher than the initial value and its continuous decrease was observed until 180 min. In contrast, in TH-lesioned rats the increase of TSH level was delayed, being significant at 60 min only. It was concluded that IET of THFBCS acts as a stimulus of acute TSH release which was remarkably inhibited in TH-lesioned animals. In addition, the destruction of most of the ME did not apparently influence this response, as shown by essentially similar data obtained in C and ME-lesioned rats.


A study of pesticide residues in Michigan's general population, 1968-70.

A study undertaken in Michigan from August 1968 to April 1970 showed that the county of residence was the most significant factor for determining pesticide residue levels in humans. Occupation, sex, and location of residence were also determined to be associated with blood residue levels. Residues of sigmaDDT and dieldrin were greater in persons 45 years or older. No relationships were detected between blood hemoglobin and blood residue values. In general, as the blood levels for glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, and creatinine increased, so did the levels of pesticide residues. However, when all variables were used, no equation could be developed which would reliably predict a blood residue level given these demographic characteristics.


Pesticide and other chemical residues in total diet samples (XI).

In the Total Diet study, the Food and Drug Administration has, since 1964, reported residues of pesticides and other chemicals ingested in the average diet of the Nation's largest eater, the young adult male. During the eleventh year of the study, pesticide residues remained at the relatively low levels reported previously. Twenty market baskets were collected in 20 cities which ranged in population from less than 50,000 to 1,000,000 or more. Averages and ranges of residues found are reported for August 1974 through July 1975 by food class. The individual items used in making up the dairy and meat composites in four market baskets were analyzed for pesticides and the results are included. Data for lead, cadmium, selenium, mercury, arsenic, and zinc are also included. Results of recovery studies within various classes of residues are also presented.


Concentrations of total mercury in several fishes from Delaware Bay, 1975.

Mercury levels in eleven species of fishes collected from lower Delaware Bay in April 1975 ranged from 0.018 to 0.321 microgram/g and averaged 0.092 microgram/g. Raja eglanteria, the clearnose skate, had the highest mean mercury concentration (0.214 microgram/g). No correlation was found with feeding habits. These assays provide baseline data for future measurement of mercury accumulation by fishes in this region.


Influence of environmental factors on pesticide levels in sport fish.

The extent of pesticide contamination of sport fish from lakes and reservoirs in Indiana is described. Environmental and water quality factors significantly influenced the concentration of pesticides in fish. The influence of these factors was different between natural lakes and humanmade reservoirs. Largmouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), sunfish (Lepomis sp), and bullheads (Ictalurus sp.) were collected and analyzed for dieldrin, aldrin, DDT, DDE, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide. The collections and concurrent lake surveys were made during 1972-73. Soil and decaying plant particles appeared to influence the levels of dieldrin and sigma DDT taken up by largemouth bass. Strong correlations were observed between lake turbidity and true color and residue levels in the fish. Residue concentrations were also observed to vary between fish species, the seasons of the year, and watershed land uses.


Mirex residues in nontarget organisms after application of 10-5 bait for fire ant control, northeast Florida--1972-74.

The 10-5 bait formulation of mirex insecticide was applied to a 20,000-acre area of northeast Florida. For 24 months after application, samples of a wide variety of fauna were collected and analyzed for mirex content. Insects accumulated mirex to the greatest extent in the first 6 months after application; most residues had decreased greatly by 12 months. Other invertebrates showed low mirex levels during the first 9 months after application and none after 12 months. Fish possessed low levels of insecticides for 9 months; amphibians showed mirex residues for 12 months after application. In general, reptiles had low levels throughout the 24-month period and mammals had higher levels, particularly in fat tissues. Birds consistently had low to moderate mirex levels. After a single application of 10-5 mirex bait, only relatively low levels of insecticide were detected in exposed fauna. After 24-months, mirex was found infrequently and at low levels.


[The relationship between parathormone and calcium blood levels in primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnostic value (authors transl)].

The results of radio-immunoassay of parathormone in peripheral venous blood (using an anti-serum preferentially recognising fragments from the carboxyl-terminal pole) were compared with those of blood calcium measured on the same day in 33 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. In the 28 patients with hypercalcaemia, PTH was invariably high (27 cases) or at the upper limit of normal (1 case). In the 5 patients with normal blood calcium levels, it was normal in 3 cases. It is thus important to take blood calcium levels into account in the interpretation of PTH estimation, that latter being more valid during a hypercalcaemic phase.


Penta-acetyl-gitoxin: the prototype of a prodrug in the cardiac glycoside series.

Penta-acetyl-gitoxin is a suitable prodrug of gitoxin since it shows--side-effect latentiation, due to its inactive application form;--bioavailability, due to its improved solubility and thus good enteral absorption and--bioactivation, due to rapid de-acetylation in the body after absorption.


Synthesis and pharmacological testing on some theophylline esters.

Esters of theophylline-7-acetic acid with different amino alcohols were prepared as possible atropine substitutes, together with esters of some hydroxy acids with beta-hydroxyethyl theophylline. Moreover, esters possessing both theophyllinyl and piperazinyl moieties were prepared with the hope that their spasmolytic activity might be increased. Some of the prepared compounds proved to possess atropine-like activity.


Polarographic determinations of nimetrazepam in serum and whole blood.

In the elaborated polarograhic technique, serum has been shown the best biological material for the direct determination of nimetazepam.]


Kinetics of drug decomposition Part 51: Kinetics of indometacine photodegradation.

Indometacine aqueous solution degradation was studied under the influence of UV light. Spectrophotometric readings of absorbances at lambdamax = 270 nm were taken in order to follow changes of the indometacine solutions as a function of irradiation time. It was found that the degradation of indometacine under influence of UV light proceeds according a sequential reaction A k2 leads to B k2 leads to C k3 leads to D in which each individual step is a zero-order process Individual zero-order rate constants were calculated for indomatacine photodegradation under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. They indicate the first step (A leads to B) to be oxygen independent and the other processes (B leads to C leads to D) to be oxygen catalyzed.


The use of aromatic carbonyl derivatives in pharmaceutical analysis. Part 1.

The pharmaceutical analytical utility of one the aromatic carbonyl derivatives, namely 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde isonicotinyl hydrazone, was investigated. It was prepared and utilized for the colorimetric determination of Fe2+ in the presence of other metals, and for the determination of Fe3+. It was also utilized in the determination of Fe2+ in the presence of Fe3+, vitamins hormones, and tablet ingredients likely to be present in combination with Fe2+ in geriatric mixtures. A proposed colorimetric assay for ferrous sulphate tablets is presented and compared with the Brit. Ph 1968 method. The reaction of the chelating agent with other metal ions is described, and its chelate-combining ratio with iron Fe2+ and Fe3+ was determined.


Correlation between the hydrolysis constants and spasmolytic activities of some isoquinolines.

Correlation was found between the hydrolysis constant and spasmolytic potency of some isoquinoline derivatives measured on isolated guinea-pig's ileum: the greater the hydrolysis constant the greater was the antispasmodic activity. On the basis of the results obrained the influence of pH on the pharmacologic activity of these compounds may be explained.


Pharmacological study of the activity of a group of piperizine esters and changes in action relative to their chemical structure.

A group of original symmetrical and asymmetrical piperazine compounds containing ester function have been synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. All compounds are pharmacologically active. Some relationships between their chemical structure and biological activity are discussed. Analgesic and coronary dilatory and especially spasmolytic effects are marked for all asymmetrical esters. A number of the compounds are interesting for further investigations relative to their possible application in medical practice.