[Comparative study of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive properties of ftorafur].

In experiments staged on mice with transplantable leukemia L 1210 an immunodepressive and antineoplasic action of phthorafur was studied. Depending upon its dose phthorafur lowered the number of lymphoma colonies and antibody-forming cells in the spleen of the animals immunized with sheep erythrocytes. The maximal immunodepressive action was found to set in following administration of the agent in a dose of 500 mg/kg 24 and 48 hours after antigenic stimulation.


[Antimycotic activity in vitro and in vivo of 5-fluorocytosine on pathogenic strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans].

The authors have analyzed the 5 Fluoro Cytosine (5FC) activity on strains of Candida albicans and Criptococcus neoformans, both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined; in vivo tests of pathogenicity on rabbit and mouse have been executed. The various findings obtained have shown a strong activity of the 5FC on strains of Candida and Criptococcus.


[Interaction in vitro between polymorphonuclear leukocytes and subcellular fractions of Streptococcus pyogenes].

The effects of cellular subfractions of S. pyogenes on phagocytosis from neutrophils were studied. Cell-walls and membranes were found to stimulate the phagocytosis at low concentrations: at immediately higher doses they show to have a citotoxic effect.


[Serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: comparative evaluation of the Sabin-Feldman, indirect immunofluorescence and complement fixation tests].

The AA. compared the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFI), with dye test and complement fixation test (CFT), used in diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis. CFT sensitivity is slightly inferior to that of dye test and IFI; the later give strictly similar results especially at medium and high titers; IFI is more readily and safety performed and easier to interpret.


Suicide in Jewish legal and religious tradition.

While God's primordial warning that He will require a reckoning for the blood shed by suicide has lost nothing of its admonitory and deterrent purpose, Jewish law, as it developed in the course of time, in actual practice takes cognizance only of two kinds of suicide: One that is permissible, by reason of its motivation, and that may in given situations even be highly laudable; and one that is the outcome or symptom of mental disturbances or otherwise legally excusable. Nor is the law relating to suicide the only instance where Jewish jurisprudence succeeded in neutralizing threats of divine punishment by an embarras de richesse of human justifications.


Variation of M protein with sequential transfer of group A streptococci in semisynthetic media.

The growth and production of M protein by 18 strains of Streptococcus pyogenes of different M types were compared in semisynthetic media having either starch or Tween 80 as binders of oleic acid and either acid-hydrolysed casein or casitone as a source of amino acids. Most strains of M-type 12 showed substantial loss of M protein synthesis within several sequential transfers in the casein hydrolysate-Tween (CH-Tw) medium, but M protein synthesis was brough to its original concentration by a single transfer to semisynthetic medium to which 4% (v/v) horse serum or 50% (v/v) Todd Hewitt broth had been added. Six of eight strains of M-type 22 showed a complete loss of M antigen within one ortwo transfers in the CH-Tw medium. Re-initiation of M protein synthesis required the presence of both Todd Hewitt broth and horse serum. No evidence was found correlating loss of M protein to synthesis of proteinase since proteinase was not formed in the CH-Tw medium. Although the genetic loss of M protein synthesis did occur with one strain, the experimental results emphasized that variation in specific concentration of M protein or cessation of its synthesis resulted primarily from the absence of nutritional factors regulating its synthesis.


Effect of chemical sympathectomy and pinealectomy upon gonads of voles (Microtus agrestis) exposed to short photoperiod.

Day length or photoperiod is an important determinant of seasonal breeding or sexual maturation in the vole (Microtus agrestis). Exposure of voles to short (6 h) photoperiods slows gonadal development or causes active gonads to regress. Abolishing pineal activity either by chemical sympathectomy, using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), or by surgical pinealectomy, prevents this inhibiting or regressing effect of shor photo period upon gonads. Thus, the pineal gland appears to play a part in the measurement of day length by voles and in the physiological causation of their seasonal breeding.


Differential effects of intraventricular luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) and norepinephrine on electrical activity of the arcuate nucleus in the proestrous rat.

Effects of intraventricular infusions of LH-RH and norepinephrine (NE) on the electrical activity of the arcuate nucleus were investigated in normally cycling proestrous rats. Under urethane anesthesia, recordings were made of amplitude-discriminated multiple unit spike activity and integated multiunit activity (MUA) in parallel with cortical EEG. Control infusions of saline (2 microliter, isotonic, pH 5.5) were ineffectual, but LH-RH (0.5 microgram) induced a significant increase in both multiunit spike activity and integrated MUA. While the response appeared to be continuous, statistical  analysis revealed 2 phases: a quick rise which persisted for approximately 5 min, followed 15 min later by a longer-lasting elevation in activity. The onset of the 2nd increase corresponded with the attainment of peak values of pituitary LH output. Subsequent treatment with 20 microgram NE, on the other hand, resulted in a marked depression of activity. The fact that NE depresses arcuate neuronal activity at dose levels which cause the release of LH and that LH-RH increases activity within the same population of neurons, while possibly mediating an 'ultrashort-loop' negative feedback effect, suggest that this responsive component of the arcuate nucleus, perphaps the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic system of neurons, is inhibitory to LH release.


The kinetics of biological phase transitions manifested by sigmoid time curves: a review of approaches.

Experimental biological data showing a time course of sigmoid shape are customarily interpreted in terms of mass-action chemical kinetic theory of reactions in free solution. But the reactive sites in biological systems are often located in solid or structured cellular components through which cooperative interactions may occur, resulting in phase transitions. In inorganic systems, the time course of phase transitions often shows experimental curves of sigmoid shape, and this may be predicted theoretically. Therefore it is suggested that when sigmoid time curves are observed in biological systems containing solid or structured components, mathematical analysis based on cooperative interactions and phase transitions is more likely to be valid than analysis based on mass-action concepts.


[Television cytophotometer based on the principle of summation selected on given levels of optical density].

A method of cytophotometry and the apparatus for its realization are described. The object with heterogenous distribution of the dye stuff is represented as a set of areas with different optical density with following summation of these areas. The apparatus is assembled on the whole of the industrial serial instruments. The identify of measuring results obtained with a two-wave cytophotometer and with the one described here is shown.


[Thermostating device for oriented inclusion of small biological specimens into melted media].

A compact attachment for microscope-type instruments is described enabling to introduce, rapidly and qualitatively, minute biological speciments into melted embedding medium and ensuring the safety of optics.


Sickle-cell anemia. Anesthesiological considerations.

An operation and anesthesia for patients suffering from true sickle-cell anemia, carries a substantially increased risk for these patients. This article describes the implications for the anesthetist and the measures to be taken during the phases the patient is in his care. For a better understanding of the background of these measures of brief discussion of the pathogenesis and clinical course of the disease is presented.


Diabetogenic activity of the anterior pituitary (a progress report).

The exact nature of the diabetogenic activity of the anterior pituitary gland remains a mystery. While growth hormone (GH) fractions clearly can produce a diabetogenic effect, there is increasing evidence that GH itself does not exert this effect. Several new theories that purport to explain the nature of diabetogenic activity are discussed. The current evidence supports the view that the activity is the result of a GH fragment or some other closely related protein such as the one ("diabetogenic protein") first described by LOUIS and CONN. A progress report of the research on this new "diabetogenic protein" is given.


The stimulus-secretion coupling of glucose-induced insulin release. XXII. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of glycolysis in isolated islets.

When isolated islets of Langerhans are suddenly exposed to glucose, the entry of the hexose into islet cells first occurs at a high rate resulting in rapid equilibration of free glucose across the cell membrane; thereafter, the rate of net glucose uptake depends on its metabolism. More than 95% of the glucose taken up by the islets is converted to triosephosphate. The fractional contribution of the sorbitol and pentose-phosphate pathways to such a process does not exceed 10%. The output of lactate from the islets accounts for approximately half of the glycolytic flux. At increasing glucose concentrations up to 4.3 mM, the rate of glycolysis increases towards a first asymptotic value; at higher glucose levels (up to 27.8 mM), a sigmoidal pattern is seen tending towards a second saturation value. The total ATP content of the islets does not correlate with their insulin-secretory activity. It is suggested that, in the process of glucose-induced insulin release, glycolysis may regulate physiological processes possibly located in the micro-environment of the cell boundary.


[Researches on antibiotic-resistance in "Shigella sonnei" and "flexneri" and in "Salmonella typhimurium" (author's transl)].

Ampicillin (A), streptomycin (S), aminosidin (K), chloramphenical (C) and tetracycline (T) resistance was investigated in 130 S. typhi murium, 18 Shigella flexneri and 13 Shigella sonnei strains, recovered from enteritis cases in 1970-1973. All Salmonella and 70% Shigella strains (without any appreciable differences between Sh. sonnei and flexneri) were found resistant and most multiresistant. A-S-K-C-T resistance was frequently found: in 48% of the Salmonella and 12% of the Shigella strains. As for resistance transfer by conjugation, it was obtained in more than 90% of the resistant strains. The Authors, after some remarks about transferable resistance factors diffusion, give some advices on antibiogram making technique.


[Researches on metal-resistance and conjugation-transfer in "Escherichia coli" strains (author's transl)].

The resistance for HgCl2, NaAsO2, Co(NO3)2, NiSO4, ZnSO4, Agtno3, and CdSO4 in 40 strains of Escherichia coli, was investigated. In 16 of 23 Hg-resistant strains, resistance transfer was obtained by means of conjugation with Salmonella typhi. Hg-resistance was present only in antibiotic-resistant strains, but no correlation was possible with any antibiotic-resistance determinants: because Hg-resistance transfer may occur independently, and it is possible to obtain clones spontaneously segregant for the mentioned trait. As for the possible mechanisms of bacterial metal-resistance, several hypothesis were prospected, the most credible one that of a detoxification of the metallic salt.


[Progressive character of embryogenesis in placental animals].

The article presents evidence of the placental animals being isolated from the rest of higher vertebrates according to many peculiarities of their structure and the embryonic development. The most important of these signs are the following: female genital tracts are disposed to the inside from the urinary tracts (in embryos the Müller's canals are on the inner side of the wolffian ducts); in placental animals there are no tertiary egg sheaths which are physiologically substituted for the trophoblast; the provisory organs reveal great variability; the allantoid placenta performs not only metabolic but also endocrinous functions. The evolution of peculiarities of the structure and development characteristic of placental animals was performed by a series of successive aromorphous phenomena. Theri mighty adaptive radiation is the result of greater perfectness of placental animals.


[Haemolysin production in "Escherichia coli" strains isolated from urinary tract infection, infantile enteritis and commensal flora (author's transl)].

A total of 933 strains of Escherichia coli, of which 146 isolated from cystitis cases, 515 from infantile enteritis one and 272 from healthy individuals, have been chicked for haemolytic activity. A good 45.2% of the strains from the urinary tract, but only 7.7% of the enteritogenic and 3.6% of enteric commensal ones were found to be haemolytic. Among the cystitis strains, a high number (30/146 with an incidence of 20.5%) belonged to O6 serogroup. Serotype O4 was also frequently found (9.5%). Among the urinary strains, of which more than half (53.4%) were included in O1 up to O10 serogroups, the haemolytic ones were comprised in O2, O4, O6, O55 and O75 serogroups. Finally, the Authors point out the importance that the haemolytic activity of Escherichia coli may have in the pathogenesis of the renal injury at the light of some late experimental works.


[The "Escherichia coli" responsable of gastroenteric symptoms (author's transl)].

From 450 aerobic cultures of children stools specimens 212 Escherichia coli strains have been isolated: 122 serotypes were enteropathogens (of these 65 were pure cultures): it can not be concluded that only these strains are responsable of gastroenteric symptoms.


[Evolutionary transformations of the esophageal lining in vertebrates and man in light of the theory of phylembryogenesis].

The comparative histological study of processes of embryonic histogenesis of the oesophagus epithelium in certain representatives of vertebrate animals (fishes, amphibia, reptiles, birds, mammals) and man was carried out in the light of the academician A. N. Severtsov's theory of phylembryogenesis. It has been shown that phylogenetic changes of the oesophagus lining of vertebrates related with its evolutionary transformations are regularly reflected in the stages or steps of the oesophagus epithelium histogenesis in ontogenesis of each systematic unit of the subtype. The first step is the phylembryogenesis of the oesophagus lining in all vertebrates is the monolayer epithelium of the endodermal origin; the secone step is the striated muco-ciliated (in low vertebrates and most reptiles) and pseudostratified (embryos of higher vertebrates) epithelium; the third step is the pseudostratified mucous epithelium (bony fishes) and stratified lining (prefetuses of higher vertebrates). The forth step is the stratified mucous (steppe turtle) and stratified muco-ciliated epithelium (fetuses of birds, many mammals and man). The fifth step--stratified squamous epithelium (birds, mammals, man). The academician A. N. Severtsov's theory of phylembryogenesis clearly points to the origins (the entoderm), routs and mechanisms of the transformation of the oesophagus lining in its evolutionary development.


[The coagulase test: considerations. II note (author's transl)].

The Authors carried out a research on 22 strains of Staphylococcus, isolated from pathological specimens, studying the free coagulase and the clumping factor with human, pig and rabbit plasma and two types of anticoagulant, citrate and heparine. The results are discussed test by test and in relation one to another.


[Histogenesis of the thymus gland normally and under a change in the level of sympathetic mediation].

Under study was the dynamics of the ultrastructure of the reticular epithelium and lymphocytes of the thymus in postnatal ontogenesis of Balb/c mice. Special attention was given to secretory granules, vacuoles, folliculoid structures, intercellular contacts and cytoplasmic communications (bridges). In parallel the developmental dynamics of the capillary ultrastructure and the state of the adrenergic innervation apparatus were studied. The morphological data are compared with the functional dynamics of the thymus. The postnatal dynamics of means of the transmission of immunological information in the thymus was found. No adrenergic innervation was shown to be present in the thymus of newborns. The role of this mediation as a factor of thymus morphogenesis was confirmed.


[Role of the endocrine function of the islands of Langerhans in the mechanism of development of hypothalamic obesity].

Administration of alloxan to rats which developed hypothalamic adiposity damaged the pancreatic beta-cells and reduced the insulin secretion, thus arresting further weight gain despite some excess in food ingestion. A conclusion was drawn that in injury of the ventro-medial nuclei of the hypothalamus the most significant mechanism of obesity development was insulin hypersecretion induced by this action.


[Localization of specific antigen in the organs of animals inoculated with live measles vaccine].

There was a short-lived localization of the antigen of the attenuated measles virus in the neurons and the vessels of the brain in the newborn  mice and hamsters inoculated subcutaneously with  live measles vaccine. In adult animals the virus specific antigen was revealed in the lymphoid system only. As to the brain tissue of the inoculated animals, the symptoms of serous meningitis and vascular disturbances were observed for a brief period of time. The vaccinal measles virus was not isolated from the brain tissue with the aid of the biotest on tissue culture.


[Isolation of the thermolabile E. coli enterotoxin and the study of its biological properties].

Enterotoxin was obtained from the culture of E. coli O15 by salt precipitation and gel-chromatography. The toxic activity of the preparation increased during the isolation and purification: 60-fold according to the results of the method of ligated rabbit intestinal segment and 66-100-fold according to the skin test. The "plateau" and the second fraction obtained as a result of gel-chromatography were inactive according to the results of the method of ligated intestinal segment, but possessed PF-activity in the skin test. Two suppositions are put forward: 1) possibly the factor of vascular permeability and the diarrheal factor were two different substances ((molecules), or 2) the skin test was more sensitive for determination of the toxicity than the method of the ligated segment of rabbit intestine.


[Origin of stromal mechanocytes in the bone marrow cell cultures].

The method of indirect immunofluorescence with the use of the isolinear antiserum was applied to the study of the linear reference of fibroblasts growing in the monolayer bone marrow cultures from the semisyngenous heterotropic transplants and radiochimerae. As shown, fibroblasts from the bone marrow of complete radiochimerae were of the recipient origin, whereas the histiocytes-macrophages (in the same cultures) - of donor origin. All the fibroblasts in the bone marrow cultures of the heterotropic transplant belonged to the initial donor, whereas 80% of the histiocytes were recipent's. This is a direct proof of the fact that stromal mechanocytes and hemopoietic cells, and also macrophages belonged to different cell lins.


[Upward extension of esophago-gastric resection in carcinoma of the cardia: our current trend in the light of experience in 52 cases].

A first lot of patients (18 cases) operated for carcinoma of the cardias, with oesophageal resection performed at a distance of 4-5 cm. from the neoplasia, evidenced high mortality (7 cases) within the first twelve months. In a second lot of patients (17 cases), a study of the oesophageal section was made and showed invasion in 7 cases; this led to the level of the oesophageal resection being extended to a distance of 8-10 cm. from the tumour; in 17 cases thus operated (third lot) only one case of invaded oesophageal section was found. Systematic extension of the oeophageal resection, in cases of cancers of the cardias, to the level of the inferior pulmonary vein is therefore proposed in order to obtain a radical surgical result.


[Congenital stenosis of the esophagus (personal case and review)].

Starting from personal observation of a case of congenital stenosis of the oesophagus, the Authors proceed to a review of the scanty literature on the subject. After a discussion of the most outstanding aspects of differential diagnosis, the frequent necessity of histological verification, especially in adolescence and adult age, in order to obtain a correct understanding of the nature of the case, is stressed. On the basis of an essentially favourable prognosis, the Authors maintain that, where medical and dilating treatment is insufficient, surgery is indicated and evidence the straight-forward nature of the process of exeresis in stenosis of valvular type.


[Closure of wounds with the Redon, Jost and Troques method].

Since presentation of this method to the Paris Academy of Surgery in March 1954, its use has spread thanks to improvements it has brought to the care of operated patients and through its simplicity of use. Its certain advantages are as follows: Rapid cicatrisation and reduction of hospitalisation time; Better quality of scars: Favourable effects on operated patients as a result of cleanness of wounds and reduction in treatments; Marked saving of dressings; Inexpensive and reusable equipment.


["Detection" criteria in the early diagnosis of osseous tumors].

From the sum of the indications already given by the case history with regard to age and mode of starting and evolution, as well as from the objective examination with regard to site and the radiological examination as regards the x-ray aspect and the particular figurative manifestations, it is already possible to form some idea at least concerning the presence or otherwise of the bone tumour and its benign or malignant character, or in some cases even the type of tumour. Logically the diagnosis must generally by made on the basis of the mentioned laboratory examinations, hospital observation, biopsy and histological examination, naturally taking into consideration the various factors for and against, to which reference has already been made. In any case, since this is not the place for a study of the individual bone tumours or for differential diagnosis of the various bone tissues, it would seem that, for the purpose of being able to recognise or even only suspect the presence of a bone tumour in good time for it to be sent to hospital for effective treatment, the mentioned alarm and recognition criteria should be borne in mind as soon as any doubt is felt by the general practitioner; and such doubt should arise fairly easily, since it is always better to be over-suspicious than under-suspicious.


Estimation of incidence and recovery rates of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia from longitudinal data.

A method is described of estimating the malaria incidence rate ĥ and the recovery rate r from longitudinal data. The method is based on the assumption that the phenomenon of patent parasitaemia can be represented by a reversible two-state catalytic model; it is applicable to all problems that can be represented by such a model.The method was applied to data on falciparum malaria from the West African savanna and the findings suggested that immunity increases the rate of recovery from patent parasitaemia by a factor of up to 10, and also reduces the number of episodes of patent parasitaemia resulting from one inoculation. Under the effect of propoxur, ĥ varies with the estimated man-biting rate of the vector while r increases, possibly owing to reduced super-infection.


A patient with so-called primary reticulum cell sarcoma of the brain with 6.5 years' survival, treated as 'meningeal leukaemia'.

This paper describes the case history of a 43 year-old patient with so-called primary reticulum cell sarcoma of the brain. The CSF contained cells suggestive of leukaemia which in view of an assumed myelofibrosis, initially seemed also possible to originate from a haematopoietic focus. The patient complained of intermittent violent headaches, which were controlled by spinal taps to release highly cellularised CSF under high pressure and by intrathecal MTX injection, every 4-6 weeks over a period of 4.5 years. In the terminal stage the patient developed paraplegia which, partly on the basis of neuropathological findings, was ascribed to the large accumulated dose of MTX. The tumour proved to be localised in the fornix; the localisation adjacent to the ventricular system made the intermittent cell eruptions in the CSF possible. On the basis of an erroneous diagnostic assumption, a therapy was instituted which resulted in a survival of 6.5 years, which is exceptionally long for a patient with 'primary reticulum cell sarcoma' of the brain.


The diuretic effect of muzolimine (Bay g 2821) on hepatogenic ascites.

A double-blind study was carried out in 22 patients with hepatogenic ascites to examine the effectiveness of the combination of muzolimine and spironolactone in comparison with combinations of furosemide and spironolactone and placebo and spironolactone. Despite the heterogeneous and variable case material, there was no significant difference between the 3 patient groups prior to treatment. After a diuretic-free preliminary period, all patients received 300 mg spironolactone daily plus 80 mg muzolimine, 80 mg furosemide or placebo for 7 days. Before the start of treatment and at daily intervals, measurements were made of waist size, body weight, and urinary and electrolyte elimination. Blood chemistry was investigated before treatment and on Days 4 and 7. Analysis of the results showed that the combination of muzolimine and spironolactone produced a statistiscally significant stronger saluretic effects than the other two combinations. This can be explained by the different sites of action of muzolimine and spironolactone, resulting in an additive effect. Neither subjective nor objective side-effects were observed during the 7-day treatment period.


Perhexiline maleate in the treatment of angina pectoris in patients awaiting coronary artery bypass surgery.

Twenty-five patients with angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease who had not responded to other medical therapy and on the waiting list for coronary bypass surgery were treated over a period of 4 weeks with perhexiline maleate (100 mg to 400 mg/day) in addition to their other therapy. There was an 80% reduction in the average number of both anginal attacks and nitroglycerin requirement when the pre-treatment week and the 4th week of perhexiline maleate therapy were compared (p less than 0.0001). Six of the patients had no anginal attacks at all and did not require sublingual nitro glycerin tablets during the 4th week of perhexiline maleate therapy.


Comparison of 0.25% desoxymethasone ointment with 0.05% fluocinonide ointment in psoriasis.

A double-blind comparative trial was carried out in 56 patients with psoriasis to assess the effectiveness of 0.25% desoxymethasone and 0.05% fluocinonide ointments. All patients showed marked improvement in their condition with twice daily application of the ointments during the 2-week period of the trial. Erythema, scaling and induration on the desoxymethasone-treated side showed a significantly better improvement than on the fluocinonide-treated side.


A double-blind crossover comparison of tolmetin sodium and phenylbutazone in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A double-blind crossover study was carried out in 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to investigate the relative efficacy of tolmetin (1600 mg/day) and phenylbutazone (400 mg/day). Each drug was given for 4 weeks, preceded by a 2-week wash-out period during which patients received paracetamol alone for pain relief. Assessments were made of duration of morning stiffiness, grip strength, articular index, joint size, and degree of pain. Both drugs produced significant improvements compared to paracetamol, particularly in pain relief and, apart from morning stiffness, tolmetin proved equally effective as phenylbutazone. Three patients (2 on tolmetin and 1 on phenylbutazone) were withdrawn because of side-effects. In general, however, both drugs gave rise to only minor side-effects.


Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function in Parkinsonian patients treated with melatonin.

The pineal principle, melatonin, was administered to 4 Parkinsonian patients. Hypothalam0-pituitary-adrenal function tests were performed before and after 4 weeks of treatment. At a maximum dosage of 1 g daily no impairment of H-P-A function was detected.


The specificity of five DNAases as studied by the analysis of 5'-terminal doublets.

The 5'-terminal dinucleotides released by five deoxyribonucleases (spleen acid DNase, snail acid DNase, pancreatic DNase, Escherichia coli endonuclease I and crab DNase) have been determined on E. coli DNA (51% dG & dC) digests having different average sizes (Pn) in the range 50 to 10. It has been shown that the composition of the 5'-terminal dinucleotide (a) is independent upon the degradation level, at least in the range explored; (b) is strongly different from the composition of E. coli DNA doublets, these differences being characteristic for each enzyme; (c) is very significantly different from the statistical composition of 5'-terminal dinucleotides, as calculated from the composition of 5'-terminal and penultimate nucleotides. A calculation of the statistical composition of the trinucleotides split by each enzyme, using the 3'-terminal nucleotide data in conjunction with the 5'-terminal dinucleotide results provided a qualitative "specificity spectrum" for each enzyme.


RNA-protein interactions in the ribosome. Binding of 50-S-subunit proteins to 5' and 3' terminal segments of the 23-S RNA.

Limited digestion of the Escherichia coli 50-S subunit permits the isolation of two large fragments of the 23-S RNA. One arises from the 5' end of the 23-S RNA and contains about 1200 nucleotides. The other arises from the 3' end of the 23-S RNA and contains about 2000 nucleotides. Each of the ten 50-S proteins known to bind specifically and independently to the 23-S RNA were tested for their ability to interact with these two RNA fragments. It was determined that the 5' terminal segment contains the specific binding sites for proteins L4, L20 and L24, whereas the 3' terminal segment contains the specific binding sites for proteins L1, L2, L3, L6, L13, L13 and L23.


Transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins of Escherichia coli.

Transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins in Escherichia coli were measured using the ultraviolet sensitivities of the rates of synthesis of individual ribosomal proteins. The ultraviolet sensitivities of gene transcriptions are proportional to the distances from the promoters. The longest transcriptional units for ribosomal proteins are 3.6 x 10(6) of DNA molecular weight corresponding to 1.8 x 10(6) of RNA or to 180 000 of protein. The length would cover 10--12 genes of ribosomal proteins (of an average Mr of 15000-18000).


Incontinence of urine of sphincteric origin in the female child.

Urine incontinence of sphincteric origin in the little girl can have several origins: epispadias, hypospadias, bilateral single ectopic ureters, isolated sphincteric agenesis, iatrogenic lesion of the sphincter, complications of ureterocele. Creation of a new urethra alone, whatever the technique used, seldom restores continence. In addition, the proximal urethra is supported by means of an aponeurotic flap, the results improve considerably: in this series, 6 good results out of 7. In surgical correction of epispadias in girls, the author recommends combining the technique described by Islam and supporting the bladder neck by the Goebbel Stoeckel's technique.


A new method for detection and localization of urinary infection: the fluorescence antibody test.

The urinary sediment of 56 patients with active urinary infection were studied through a direct immunofluorescence technique in order to detect the presence of antibody-coated bacteria (ACB). In 35-36 pyelonephritis cases the results were positive. However, in 11 cases with lower urinary infection there was no sign of ACB. A pathological intravenous pyelogram (IVP) was obtained from 33 pyelonephritic cases. In 32 cases the fluorescent antibody (FA) test was positive, in one it was negative. In the remaining 3 pyelonephritic cases the IVP was normal and the FA test positive. In these 3 cases cystograph revealed presence of urethral-vesical backflow. A good statistical correlation was obtained by comparing the positive results of the test with the titer of sericeous antibody against the bacteria causing the infection. We have introduced some variations to the original method which permits simpler administration of this test to ambulatory patients and increases the diagnostic possibility of those cases of bacteriuria less than 100,000 bacteria/ml.


[Fluorocarbons in question].

In this study, two fluorocarbons (FC): difluorodichloromethane (FC 12) and monofluorodichlormethane (FC 11) are mainly concerned. These products are extensively used and we attempt to demonstrate their absence of acute, subacute and chronic toxicity as well as teratogenic action. After inhalation, the FC rapidly diffuse into the blood, cerebrospinal fluid and all the "milieu interieur" where a balanced condition is quickly established. Only a few reactions, all reversible, concerning respiration circulation, nervous system and metabolisms are observed when the concentrations in the air is greater than 20% for FC 12 and greater 5% for FC 11. The eliminations of these gase from the body is completed 20-50 mn after fresh air is reinhaled. The problem of  the "sudden sniffing Death" is finally taken into consideration. They probably are due to the stopping of the heart by ventricular fibrillation, a consequence of a direct and proper action of the FC on the heart or a sensibilisation of the heart to adrenaline. However this sensibilisation necessitates the presence of more than 40 microgram of FC per ml of blood, concentration never obtained in the most intensive use of aerosols.


[Analysis of volatile N-nitrosamines. A brief review].

The different steps of analysis of volatile N-Nitrosamines: separation from product, clean up, detection, quantification and confirmation are reviewed and discussed. The two best analysis procedures are: 1) combined gas-chromatography; mass-spectrometry, 2) combined gas-chromatography; thermal energy analyzer. However a bundle of proofs is always necessary to ascertain the presence of Nitrosamines.


Joseph LeConte on evolution, education, and the structure of knowledge.

During the last quarter of the nineteenth century the theory of evolution profoundly influenced American thought. In the form of Social Darwinism it significantly shaped views on race, civilization, and political theory. Sociology and psychology were developing concurrently as disciplines. All of these were destined to have an effect upon education, for many intellectuals believed that science in general and evolutionary theory in particular were directly applicable to all areas of thought. Among the advocates of such a role for science and evolutionary theory was Joseph LeConte, whose views on the subject are outlined and compared with his contemporaries.


The impetus to scientific psychology: a recurrent pattern.

In the nineteenth century, the personal equation, which concerned individual differences in the accuracy of astronomical observations, provided an impetus to the development of experimental psychology. During the first decade of Wundt's laboratory, the measurement of the duration of mental acts received more experimental attention than any other subject. Twentieth century developments in the theoretical physics have stimulated interest in the nature of mental operations and conceptual transformations, a topic which is currently receiving increased attention in psychology. It is suggested that the history of psychology may provide a useful data source for additional work in this area.


Vocational guidance during the Depression: phrenology versus applied psychology.

The paper describes the design and use of a machine, the "Psychograph," which automatically measured the size and shape of the skull and provided evaluations of mental traits according to phrenological principles. Developed in 1930, the psychograph was billed as a diagnostic tool capable of providing suitable vocational guidance to the thousands of unemployed as a result of the Depression. Its appearance prompted a vigorous opposition from the Psychology Department at the University of Minnesota, especially in the person of Donald L. Paterson. Subsequently, the psychograph was merely exploited for its entertainment value and disappeared after the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago.


Reflections on the golden age of Columbia psychology.

This paper discusses the Golden Age (1920-1940) of the Columbia University psychology department and analyzes some of the sources of its strengths and weaknesses. Much of the credit goes to Robert S. Woodworth, the dean of American experimental psychology, who set up the objective eclectic orientation of the department, recruited a remarkable group of competent faculty members, and above all kept up a cooperative unified spirit in the department. Because the Columbia University psychology department was so influential during its Golden Age, its organization, staffing and departmental characteristics are analyzed. Probably the key to its success was the capability of a guiding genius, Robert S. Woodworth, who gathered a remarkable group of scholars about him. Woodworth's objective eclectic orientation provided the broadest possible approach within a rigorous experimental-statistical orientation. Woodworth's scholarly approach pervaded the department so that many of his colleagues also wrote pioneering encyclopedic works in their particular fields of specialization. The writings of the Columbia psychologists truly shaped the field.


Effect of specific growth rate and glucose concentration on growth and glucose metabolism of Escherichia coli K-12.

Chemostat cultures of E. coli K-12 revealed that the metabolic change from respiration to aerobic fermentation can be obtained with increasing specific growth rate at low glucose input concentration (0.1%), or increasing glucose input concentrations at low specific growth rate (0.1 h-1). Both effects do not affect biomass formation. The metabolic change is not related to a pathway switch of glucose utilization. The increase in specific growth rate causes suppression of succinate dehydrogenase, and NADH oxidase, whereas glucose increases cause suppression of succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome a and 2-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Both phenomena are reflected in the specific oxygen uptake rate, specific carbon dioxide production rate and respiratory quotient values. Growth limitation could be related to a maximal glucose uptake rate of the cell and thus constitutes an entirely different effect caused by high glucose input concentration.


Antimicrobial action of dodecyldiethanolamine: activation of ribonuclease I in Escherichia coli.

Treatment of Escherichia coli with the antimicrobial agent N-dodecyldiethanolamine results in damage to the cytoplasmic membrane and rapid release of components of the metabolic pool. A slower secondary release then takes place. The material in the secondary release contains mainly low molecular compounds, nucleotides and nucleosides derived from the breakdown of ribosomal RNA. Some transfer RNA is also released. Breakdown of RNA occurs as a result of activation of the 'latent' ribonuclease I. Breakdown is inhibited by the ribonuclease inhibitors Ca2+ and Mg2+ and does not occur in a ribonuclease I-deficient strain of E. coli.


Radioisotope dilution technique for determination of zinc absorption in vivo.

A radioisotope dilution technique was adapted for determination of the absorbability of dietary zinc. In 16 growing rats given a casein diet with 12.8 mg Zn/kg dry matter, a mean apparent Zn digestibility of 72.4% was observed in a 6-day balance period 9 days after an intramuscular injection of 65Zn-ZnCl2. There was no significant difference in the specific radioactivity of zinc in blood plasma on day 15 and in urine collected from day 9 to day 15 used to assess the fecal excretion of endogenous zinc. Consequently, there was good agreement between the corresponding mean zinc absorbability (94.8 vs. 95.3%) calculated from these data.


65Zn-labeled tissue zinc for determination of endogenous fecal zinc excretion in growing rats.

Experiments were conducted to study whether selected body tissues other than blood plasma provide suitable endogenous zinc sources to determine endogenous fecal zinc excretion and zinc absorbability by the radioisotope dilution technique. In 16 rats with a mean weight of 172 g on the day of 65Zn injection, the apparent digestibility of zinc (12.8 mg Zn/kg diet dry matter) averaged 72.4 +/- 6.2% during a 6-day balance period starting 9 days postinjection. Based on the specific radioactivity of zinc in plasma after 10 days, two-thirds of the fecal zinc were of endogenous origin and the corresponding zinc absorbability averaged about 91%. Zinc absorbabilities computed on the basis of the specific radioactivity of zinc in the small intestine, pancreas and/or kidneys after 15 days were closely comparable to the mean derived with plasma. Other tissues examined were found less suitable to reflect the specific radioactivity of endogenous fecal zinc.


Use of the split-skin graft in casualty practice.

The results are presented of the treatment of primary and secondary skin loss in an accident and emergency department by medical staff, of various clinical experience, with split-skin grafting. It is concluded that this is an effective form of treatment in casualty practice.


[Treatment of hemorrhage of the digestive system with amine alpha-adrenergic stimulants].

Noradrenaline was administered through the stomach or peritoneum in thirty patients of the Raza Hospital of the I.M.S.S. in an attempt to control severe gastro-intestinal bleeding as described by Dr. H. H. Le Veen. In 84% of the cases this was accomplished with an average elapsed time of 82 minutes. The method proved to be effective of various etiologies except in those cases in which an important size artery was involved. There were no side effects.


Cryptococcosis in renal transplant patients.

First, cryptococcal infections in transplant patients can be readily diagnosed and successfully treated; aggressive, innovative uses of currently available drugs should accomplish this. Second, some drug related toxicity, mostly nephrotoxicity and hematologic, is inevitable, and patients must be carefully monitored so that these effects may be minimized. Third, anti-fungal drug assays are available and can be performed and drug levels should be monitored, with the object of obtaining levels which are both reasonably safe and maximally effective in terms of known in vitro susceptibilities of the offending pathogen.


Late hypertension in renal transplant recipients: possible role of the donor in late primary hypertension.

Late onset (3-7 yrs) post-transplant renal hypertension is usually an indication of chronic, irreversible renal damage, and is a poor prognostic sign. In a small percent of patients (10%) however, hypertension can persist for years in conjunction with excellent renal function, and the absence of any known causes of early or late hypertension. This primary hypertension does not seem related to the recipient's pre-transplant blood pressure nor to the original renal disease. Rather, the high incidence of essential hypertension in the respective living related donor suggests that either a hypertensive diathesis exists, common to donor and recipient, or a transplantable factor inherent to the graft, or both causes, predispose to late onset primary hypertension.


Relationship of renal transplantation to hypertension in chronic renal failure.

Hypertension is prevalent in 49% of renal transplant recipients. Chronic rejection and impaired renal function may account for mild to moderate hypertension in most patients. The development of severe hypertension following renal transplantation, however, suggests TRAS, which is amenable to surgical correction with a high probability of success. Post-transplant hypertension did not correlate with renal diagnoses, sex, donor source and/or prednisone dose.


Renal artery stenosis in renal transplant recipients.

Of 13 patients with severe post-transplant hypertension, in 11 (85%) the hypertension was secondary to TRAS. Surgical correction of arterial stenosis reversed renal failure in 2 patients and cured or improved hypertension in 9 patients. Renin levels from TRV was normal in patients studied and was not useful in predicting surgical success. The patient's own kidneys are not the cause of post-transplant hypertension. Demonstration of an increased renin activity in the patient's own renal veins is not always associated with relief of hypertension by bilateral nephrectomy.


Effective monitoring and modulation of immune reactivity in allograft recipients.

This study demonstrates that current techniques of immune monitoring and modulation are available, which have potential to reduce early cadaver allograft loss from rejection to 5% or less. The techniques center on the monitoring of T lymphocyte levels and T lymphocyte reactivity, using relatively simple and reproducible assays, which give results within 4-72 hrs, depending upon the tests used. In addition, these techniques include modulation of T cell levels and reactivity using quality-controlled anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in low doses during the post-transplant period. High potency ATG demonstrates a significant capability of preventing early (3 mos) graft rejection, as well as maintaining low levels and reactivity of T cells for 3 mos or longer, when intermittent low dose therapy is utilized. Evidence is presented that ATG has a relatively selective effect on T lymphocytes and this may result in a degree of selective immunosuppression not achieved in clinical transplantation to date.


Generic inequivalence between two brands of chloramphenicol capsule.

Generic inequivalence between two brands of chloramphenicol capsules has been investigated. Both brands complied with official standards for drug content and capsule disintegration time, and exhibited similar anti-bacterial activity when tested in vitro. A slow dissolution rate was observed with one brand which could be related to a formulation defect which might explain reported therapeutic inefficacy.


Ureteric necrosis after kidney transplantation.

Uretero-cystostomy was used as reconstructive procedure in 298 cadaver kidney transplantations. Necrosis of the graft ureter occured in 10 cases (3.4%). 2 of these graft ureters had malformations and 1 was denuded at donor nephrectomy. The occurrence of ureteral necrosis was not related to histocompatibility or number of rejection crises nor to the duration of the warm ischemia. A higher incidence of ureteral necrosis after long cold ischemia is demonstrated, but the material is too small to permit conclusive evidence on this point.


Long term survival and graft function after cadaver kidney transplantation.

During the period 1968-75 310 cadaver kidney transplantations were carried out; 261 first-time, 45 second-time and 4 third-time transplantations. Graft survival after 5 years was about 30% for both the first and the second transplant. Patient survival after 5 years was about 50%. No relationship could be found between match grade and graft survival whereas the patient survival was definitely better in the younger age groups. The major cause of graft loss was rejection, vascular and ureteral complications being less frequent. The main cause of lethal outcome was complications to the immunosuppressive therapy and to a lesser degree cardiovascular events and malignant disorders. Cadaver kidney transplantation is an acceptable treatment of chronical renal failure particularly in younger persons and in cases where dialysis treatment is difficult.


[Alpha-hydroxy-acid dehydrogenase activity in Trypanosoma cruzi].

Crude extracts of culture forms of epimastigotes, Tulahuén strain, showed activity to catalyze the reaction alpha-ketocid in equilibrium alpha-hydroxyacid linked to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The enzyme utilizes the following substrates: alpha-ketobutyrate, alpha-ketoisovalerate, alpha-keto-beta-methylvalerate, alpha-ketocaproate, alpha-ketoisocaproate, alpha-ketoglutarate and pyruvate. Kinetics for the three last substrates were of the Michaelian type. For the other ketocids, curves of activity against substrate concentration exhibited a bimodal character. Km and V values for alpha-ketoisocaproate were strikingly higher than those for the other substrates. Electrophoretic separation of extracts on polyacrylamide gel and specific staining showed a single zone of enzymatic activity with similar mobility for all the alpha-OH-acids tested. This finding would indicate that the same protein is responsible for the reaction. The observations presented demonstrate that culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi possess the ability to interconvert pyruvate in equilibrium lactate and to regenerate NAD in anaerobiosis. Although the physiological significance of the reaction with alpha-ketoacids other than pyruvate is not known, similarity of substrate of substrate spectrum between alpha-OH-acid dehydrogenase from Trypanosoma cruzi and lactate dehydrogenase ioenzyme X from mammalian and avian spermatozoa is interesting. Perhaps activity of flagella requires analogous metabolic pathways.


Cellular resistance to arbovirus infection.

When an arbovirus enters an arthropod in an infected blood meal, several mechanisms may interact to affect its life cycle and ultimate transmissibility. Intrinsic absolute failure in the establishment of infection must be contrasted with infection that is successfully established but is variably modulated in its viral yield throughout the vector's life-span. Degrees of vertebrate host resistance make this modulation a central factor in determining whether an arthropod is an important vector in nature; moreover, human intervention that affects modulating mechanisms may become a basis for disease control. In the absence of evidence of real immune resistance to arbovirus infections in arthropods, other more primitive modulating mechanisms must be considered: interferonlike substances may be formed in arthropod cells; arthropod cells may "cure" themselves by a unique endophagocytic digestion of their virus burden; homologous interference with viral replicative processes may be mediated via wild or mutant viral RNA species acting to shut down further RNA synthesis; and homologous interference may be mediated by RNA of defective-interfering virus formed earlier in infection.


Aphasia in Maurice Ravel.

A selective loss of language resulting from left hemisphere cerebral lesions is familiar to all neurologists but only rarely does such a deficit allow preexisting extraordinary capabilities of the right hemisphere to emerge. A retrospective case history of French composer Maurice Ravel demonstrates such a right-sided cognitive system. At 58, Ravel was struck with aphasia, which quelled any further artistic output. Most strikingly, he was able to think musically but unable to express his ideas in either writing or performance. Hemispheric lateralization for verbal (linguistic) and musical thinking offers an explanation for the dissociation of Ravel's ability to conceive and to create. What makes Ravel's history interesting to the public as well as to physicians is not only the tragic toll exacted in this composer's personal and creative life but also the resultant loss of the output of one of the 20th century's towering musical geniuses.


Immunologic response and factors affecting its assessment.

The potential harmful effects of toxic compounds on the developing immune system are discussed. This discussion is illustrated by results of studies of the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the developing immune system of Fischer rats. While this compound and several others have been shown to have immunosuppressive effects, the available data do not support routine evaluation of the consequence of chemical exposure to the developing immune system.


Comparison of chemical and immunological characteristics of some commercially obtainable conjugates.

A method is suggested for the chemical and immunological characterization of commercially obtainable conjugates. 19 antihuman IgG; IgA; IgM and beta1A-beta1C conjugates of various origine were compared by means of the method. The most surprising characteristics of the samples were the great differences in that quality. Experiments carried out with conjugates of poor quality will produce doubtful or contradictory results. Reliable characterization of conjugates is an essential and important part of immunofluorescent examination.


The cultivation of BHK monolayer cells on DEAE Sephadex A50 beads maintained in suspension.

The effect of changes in the conditions which control the growth of BHK monolayer cells on the surface of DEAE Sephadex A50 beads is examined. For any particular parameter a range of conditions exists which supports the growth of cells to adequate levels.


Historical recollections of freeze-drying.

The history of freeze-drying is surprisingly recent. Although Altmann used freeze-drying for the preparation of histological sections as early as 1890, his technique went unnoticed for over 40 years. Shackell independently rediscovered the technique in 1909 for the preservation of biologicals. The industrial applications of freeze-drying do not appear to have been appreciated prior to the patients of Tival in 1927 and Elser in 1934, rapidly followed by the important contributions of Flosdorf in the United States and Greaves in England who were largely responsible for making large scale applications of freeze-drying possible. Stimulated particularly by a series of symposia in England and the United States and the renowned courses on freeze-drying organized by Rey in France, the atmosphere in the 1950s and early 60s was one of optimism for the future of freeze-drying, particularly in its application to food stuffs. Many of the dreams of that time remain unfulfilled, largely because of the higher costs of quality processing. Nevertheless, although the optimism may have somewhat dimmed, the promise remains, and economic changes in the future may well stimulate another surge in development.


Reflections on a do-it-yourself training program in clinical psychology.

This paper is a somewhat modified version of the inaugural Rapaport--Klein Memorial Lecture at Austen Riggs Center presented June 21, 1974. The author describes the experiences, the series of "apprenticeships" and clinical exposures, which coalesced into his education, from teenage days in the New York Madison House settlement, through Harvard undergraduate and graduate work, to Worcester State Hospital as head of psychological services and research. In conclusion, the author discusses the effects of the kinds of training experiences he has described on the issues that arose in the formulation of formal standards of training in clinical psychology.


Professional sociologists and the history of sociology: a survey of recent opinion.

Using members of the American Sociological Association, we attempt to determine the amount and degree of interest in the history of sociology; the particular nature of that interest; and the special sources of that interest. We find that the most significant factor affecting both degree and nature of interest in the history of sociology is the speciality of the sociologist himself.


Dr. Matataro Matsumoto: his career and achievements.

Dr. M. Matsumoto (1865--1943) is the most eminent figure in the history of psychology in Japan. Before the close of the last century, he acquired the scientific methods and technics of experimental psychology in America and Germany and introduced all of them into Japanese universities. Establishing psychological laboratories in both Tokyo and Kyoto, he trained many famous psychologists. He advocated "Psychocynematics" as early as 1910. Together with his followers he applied psychology to every aspect of our daily life. He organized the Japanese Psychological Association and several periodicals were started under his leadership. He also made some important artistic contributions to the fields of picture and caligraphy.


Society, self, and mind in moral philosophy: the Scottish moralists as precursors of symbolic interactionism.

Many of the concepts central to symbolic interactionism were anticipated by the eighteenth century Scottish moralists. The symbolic-interactionist and Scottish moralist orientations both hold that society alone engenders uniquely human qualities, self-arises through sympathetic interaction, and mind and self reconstruct their environments. George H. Mead's conception of though as internal dialogue between the "I" and "me" aspects of the self and his notion of the "generalized other" were foreshadowed by some of the Scottish moralists, particularly Adam Smith. These schools differ, though in their treatments of emotion, communication, political structures, and the origin of sympathy.


Galton and the birth of differential psychology and eugenics: social, political, and economic forces.

The social, political, and economic forces operative in nineteenth-century Britain are briefly described. This permits tracing the birth of both the scientific study of individual differences and the field of eugenics to the infrastructure of society at that time. The distinction is made between the normative doctrine of individualism and the factual study of individual differences. It is argued that democratic--liberal--capitalistic--individualism, in part, conditioned the beginning of differential psychology and eugenics. In this process, Galton's liberal views concerning individual freedom and opportunity for full development became transformed into their dialectic--totalitarian--collectivism--a vision of an ideal state which did not come into being. It is paradoxically concluded that those same social forces which helped bring about the birth of differential psychology and the entailing eugenics ideology prevented the latter from being accepted and implemented.


Laboratory instruments in the history of psychology.

The importance of laboratory instruments as sources for the writing of the history of psychology is stressed, and illustrated through the use of examples where their study has been profitable. Most importantly, the role of the Hipp chronoscope in the reaction-time experiment is discussed, and the importance of various changes introduced into its design by James McKeen Cattell is shown. A photograph, first exhibited by the Department of Psychology of Clark University at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago is included, and further illustrates the importance of these instruments to historians.


The faculty psychology of Thomas Reid.

Contradictory versions of Reid's faculty psychology have been presented. A reexamination of Reid's writings suggests that the term, faculty, was used not as a classificatory device but rather to refer to innate, universal, and active mental powers. Being active, the faculties are one of the basic causes of observable psychological phenomena. The relation of the faculties to other mental powers is considered. A new listing and classification of such powers is compared with that presented in 1936 by H.D. Spoerl which has been used as the basis for much of the subsequent analysis of Reid's faculty psychology.


[Standardization of the isotope dilution technic for chromium determination, using Cr-51].

In order to improve the identification and quantity determination of chromium in biological material the conditions for obtaining chromium chelate were studied. The method used for this purpose was gas chromatography standardized by isotopic dilution (Cr-51) technique. The results showed the adequacy of the method concerning sensitivity and standardization.


IgA nephropathy in children.

Three children presented with proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, episodic gross hematuria and normal renal function. Renal histology consisted predominantly of mesangial IgA deposition. The above clinical and biopsy findings are consistent with a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. To date, these 3 children have maintained normal renal function. The authors hypothesize that this may be due to the absence of simultaneous complement deposition within the glomerulus.


Complex traumatic posterior urethral strictures.

A distinction between simple and complex posterior urethral strictures is proposed. The development of a complex stricture, requiring an extensive transpubic repair, must be regarded as a less than admirable result of the initial treatment, even if it is occasionally inevitable. However, it is particularly important that our endeavors to improve the end result of the relatively rare severe urethral injuries should not result in over-management of the relatively minor injuries, since this could increase the stricture potential of many. Therefore, we must keep our over-all concepts of the initial management of urethral injuries under careful review. Posterior urethroplasty should be regarded as a specialist procedure. It can be made to appear beguilingly simple but it cannot be recommended for occasional or general use. Even the relatively simple free patch graft technique is inadvisable for use in the sphincter area for surgeons who do not have considerable experience of it in the relatively forgiving bulbourethral area. The results of repair of posterior urethral strictures, even the complex ones, by anastomotic procedures can be excellent but real competence depends upon a particular aptitude of the surgeon for the minutiae of reconstructive techniques, appropriate training in a specializing department, a real ongoing numerical experience and special instrumentation with facilities for detailed urodynamic evaluation of this sphincter active area of the urethra.


Studies of introital colonization in women with recurrent urinary infections. VII. The role of bacterial adherence.

The susceptibility of the vaginal introitus to colonization by enterobacteria appears to be the biologic defect that separates women who experience recurrent urinary infection from those resistant to recurrent infection. Colonization of a mucosal surface is mediated in part by the ability of an organism to adhere to the surface. We describe an in vitro model that measures the capacity of different bacterial species to adhere to human vaginal epithelial cells. Different bacteria are demonstrated to vary in their adhesive properties. Escherichia coli is shown to adhere more readily to vaginal cells from women with recurrent urinary infection than to similar cells from control women resistant to urinary infection (p less than 0.001). These studies suggest that biologic susceptibility to recurrent urinary infections in women is related to a defect at the cellular level that encourages or favors bacterial adherence.


Bladder defense mechanism.

In order for micro-organisms to infect the urinary tract they must adhere to the vesical mucosa so that they remain after voiding. Experiments in our laboratory demonstrated that the bladder has a self-protective mechanism capable of preventing bacterial adherence to the surface. Histochemical staining demonstrated that this substance is a mucopolysaccharide. Treatment of the mucosa with acid disrupted the protective layer and resulted in a 20 to 100-fold increase in bacterial adherence. Within 24 hours this layer reappeared and binding was again reduced to normal. This phenomenon was not related to microbial species or metabolic activity.


Stereotactic diagnosis of epilepsy by electrical stimulation.

The effects and role of electrostimulation have been studied in 44 acute stereo-EEG explorations. Analysis of the stimulus threshold and of the clinical and electrical responses allows to separate the epileptogenic, the irritative, the "physiologically" reacting and the actually "silent" areas of the epileptic brain. Electrical stimulation is a valuable diagnostic method to reveal the focality, the multiplicity and the degree of the seizure disposition in epilepsy.


Surgical and stereotactic attempts in intractable epilepsy.

The eras of surgical treatment of epilepsy, and experience with operations for epilepsy, especially those for temporal epilepsy, and stereotactic attempts based on depth multilead electrodes investigations  and electro stimulation are described. Classical exposure and focus resection seems adequate whilst stereotaxy ought to be improved for the selective elimination of target structure activating the coded seizure pattern.