Increased glucose disposal after jejuno-ileostomy.

Nine patients were studied 1.5--3 years after jejuno-ileostomy for obesity by an intravenous glucose infusion technique designed to imitate blood glucose concentrations after glucose ingestion. Whereas serum insulin and gastrin concentrations were normal, blood glucose concentrations were significantly depressed compared to preoperative levels as well as to levels in matched normal subjects. Thus, in the fasting state mean concentrations (+/- S.E.M.) of blood glucose, serum insulin and gastrin in the patients were, respectively, 3.3 +/- 0.2 mmol/l, 95 +/- 22 pmol/l and 38 +/- 4 pmol/l. The corresponding concentrations in the matched normals were 4.3 +/- 0.2 mmol/l, 70 +/- 18 pmol/l and 39 +/- 6 pmol/l. The glucose concentrations in the patients were low in all situations, i.e. in the fasting state, after oral glucose ingestion and during the intravenous glucose infusion. The results indicate that jejuno-ileostomy in obesity greatly facilitates peripheral glucose disposal. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is not yet known.


Circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in juvenile insulin-dependent diabetes. Correction of abnormalities by adequate blood glucose control.

Circulating lymphocytes from 39 juvenile insulin dependent diabetics of recent onset were studied by six membrane marker techniques and mitogen stimulation. Well controlled (n = 14) were grouped separately from poorly controlled (n = 25) patients. The total lymphocyte counts were not different from 50 control subjects. The percentage of T-cells detected by erythrocyte rosettes and B-cells detected by erythrocytes--antibody--complement rosettes was significantly decreased only in poorly-controlled diabetics (64.1 +/- 1.3 and 9.7 +/- 1.8, vs 71.0 +/- 1.0 and 15.3 +/- 0.6 in controls). Cells bearing receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG immunoglobulins were decreased in both groups. Mitogen stimulation was not different from controls but was significantly lower in poorly controlled than in well controlled diabetics. Optimal blood glucose control for 5 +/- 2 days using an external artificial pancreas led to a rapid normalisation of membrane marker values and mitogen responsiveness of lymphocytes from previously poorly controlled diabetics. Separate in vitro experiments showed that glucose had an inhibitory effect on mitogen stimulation at concentrations greater than or equal to 8.3 mmol/l and on T- and B-lymphocyte numbers at concentrations greater than or equal to 55.6 mmol/l. DL 3-hydroxybutyrate tested at 17.1 and 34.2 mmol/l only depressed mitogen responsiveness. Such results suggest a rapidly reversible T-cell defect closely linked to the existing metabolic disturbances.


Receptor binding and effects of insulin and NSILA-S on glucose transport and metabolism in adipocytes from hypophysectomized rats.

Isolated fat cells from normal and hypophysectomized rats have been compared with respect to: 1) binding of insulin and NSILA-S, and 2) effects of these two hormones on glucose transport and metabolism. Although both insulin and NSILA levels were decreased in the serum of hypophysectomized rats, insulin binding was decreased to about 63% of normal, whereas NSILA-S binding remained unchanged. Basal lipogenesis was similar in adipocytes of normal and hypophysectomized rats, but was not stimulated by either insulin or NSILA-S. Similarly, neither of the two hormones stimulated the net gas exchange of "intact" fat pads from hypophysectomized rats. In striking contrast to these findings, 3-O-methylglucose transport in unstimulated fat cells of hypophysectomized rats proceeded at a maximal  rate which was not further enhanced by insulin or NSILA-S. These results suggest that the lack of one or several hormones of the pituitary causes one or several enzyme deficiencies responsible for the limited rate of lipogenesis, which otherwise would proceed at a very rapid rate because of unrestrained glucose transport.


The influence of insulin on the lipids in the pulmonary artery and the lungs of severely diabetic rats. A histochemical and chemical study.

The effect of insulin on the triglyceride deposits found in the pulmonary artery branches of streptozotocin-diabetic rats was investigated by treating the animals for two, five, nine or 14 days with insulin (3--8 units/day). Histochemical analysis showed that the triglyceride deposits in the pulmonary artery developed within three to four days after the induction of diabetes, but were not present in any animals five days from the initiation of insulin therapy. Plasma triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, phospholipid and total cholesterol concentrations were within the normal range within two days of the inception of insulin therapy and random plasma glucose levels were normal within five days. Analysis of lung lipids showed that after 14 days of insulin treatment the decreased content of phospholipids and the increased content of non-esterified fatty acids found in diabetic rats were also normalized. These findings suggest that insulin has an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism in the pulmonary artery and lung tissue in the diabetic state.


The postoperative stomach: a comparative study of double-contrast barium examinations and endoscopy.

The results of double-contrast examinations of Billroth I and Billroth II anastomoses were compared to endoscopic results in 37 patients. Radiographic and endoscopic correlation was present in 32 of the 37 patients (86%). All 22 cases with enlarged perianastomotic folds on the double-contrast examination had endoscopic confirmation. The double-contrast examination provides excellent visualization of the Billroth I and Billroth II anastomosis and adjacent mucosal detail. We advocate its use as the routine examination of the postoperative stomach.


Radiographic examination of the stomach following surgery for pancreatic pseudocyst. A source of diagnostic error.

The radiographic changes in the stomach following drainage procedures for pancreatic pseudocysts are described and illustrated. Principles of modern surgical techniques are reviewed and the occurrence and significance of barium reflux into the cyst are discussed. Contrary to previous statements, it is pointed out that reflux into the cyst may occur following Roux-en-Y cystojejunostomies. Radiographic presentations mimicking peptic ulcers, rigid gastric segments, and pseudodiverticula formation, related to the healing postoperative process, are emphasized.


Jejunal monilial bezoar following total gastrectomy.

A case is reported of monilial bezoar involving the jejunum following total gastrectomy in a patient who was neither severely debilitated nor immunosuppressed. This condition should be differentiated from the more commonly occurring postgastrectomy phytobezoar.


Radiology of cholecystectomy complications.

Postoperative problems following simple removal of the gallbladder are infrequent. Radiographic studies may be valuable in suggesting or confirming the diagnosis when not clinically evident. Plain films, contrast studies, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) all can be useful modalities in this area. Several examples of complications related specifically to the operative field in cholecystectomy are reviewed.


Spiral filling defect in the common bile duct.

A spiral filling defect in the common bile duct was found in an elderly woman with intermittent obstructive jaundice. A large, smooth papilla was shown on hypotonic duodenogram. At laparotomy, mucus strans were found in the DUCT, and ampullary carcinoma in the duodenum. The significance of the mucus strand and large duodenal papilla is discussed.


Aberrant hepatic artery: a potential cause for error in the angiographic diagnosis of traumatic liver hematoma.

In a patient undergoing selective hepatic arteriography for suspected liver trauma, a nonopacified area of the liver, initially thought to represent a hepatic hematoma, was later discovered to be due to the presence of an accessory right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. This case illustrates the need for a search for aberrant vasculature whenever a liver hematoma is suspected on the basis of a selective hepatic arteriogram.


Inverted diverticula of the gastrointestinal tract.

Inverted diverticula of the gastrointestinal tract are rare. This paper briefly presents the roentgen findings of an inverted Meckel's diverticulum and is the first reported case of the roentgen appearance of an inverted colonic diverticulum.


Glucagon-induced small intestinal hypotonia demonstrating bleeding lymphoma.

While a patient was being evaluated for melena, a glucagon-induced hypotonic examination of the small intestine demonstrated a small ulcerated mass in the jejunum. The tubeless hypotonic examination was performed after multiple gastrointestinal series, small intestinal series, barium enemas, and visceral arteriography--including celiac and superior mesenteric arteriograms--failed to identify a bleeding site. Surgical exploration revealed three ulcerated lymphomatous lesions in the jejunum. The lack of side effects, rapidity of onset, and shortness of duration of intravenous glucagon suggest that this type of hypotonic examination of the small intestine may prove useful as an adjunct to the small intestinal series.


The continent ileostomy (Kock pouch): roentgenologic features.

The principles of construction of a continent ileostomy by means of a reservoir as originally described by Kock are reviewed. Roentgenologic studies in 5 patients with such reservoirs are described. There may be a correlation of incontinence with peristaltic activity as well as nipple valve extrusion. The radiologic features are explained in terms of the anatomy of the reservoirs. One patient with postoperative ileitis is described. Roentgenologic studies may be of particular value to the surgeon in follow-up of these patients by demonstration of postoperative nipple valve extrusion and inflammatory changes in the pouch or remaining small intestine.


The extent of successful colonscopy: its implication for the radiologist.

Records of 230 colonoscopies were reviewed to determine the success in viewing the entire colon and the extent of the colon viewed when colonoscopy was incomplete. It was found that colonoscopy was complete to the cecum or ileum in 57% of studies, and that an average 63.8% of the colon was viewed during incomplete studies. Overall, 84.4% of the combined length of all colons examined was successfully viewed. The significant numbers of incomplete colonoscopies suggest that colonoscopy and the barium enema examination must remain complementary for maximum detection of colon lesions.


The collar button ulcer. A radiologic-pathologic correlation.

The collar button-shaped ulcer is a distinctive radiographic manifestation of inflammatory disease of the GI tract. Its hallmark is mucosal ulceration with undermining submucosal extension limited by the relatively resistant underlying muscle wall. Such a process is commonly associated with ulcerative colitis where it may be seen diffusely in advanced stages of the acute disease. Occasionally, however, it may be seen in any ulcerating inflammatory disease. In the more aggressive transmural diseases, it is likely to be a localized and transient phenomenon. The same pathophysiological mechanism gives rise to the common appearance of benign ulceration anywhere in the GI tract and, particularly, in the undermined gastric ulcer.


Obliteration of thumbprinting with double-contrast enemas in acute ischemic colitis.

Three cases of transient ischemic colitis are described in which the typical thumbprinting sign was obliterated by air insufflation during double-contrast barium enema examination. The causes of this sign, the possible mechanism of its loss during double-contrast enema, and implications of this are discussed.


Complete duplication of the colon in assoication with urethral duplication.

A case is presented in which complete colonic duplication is associated with genitourinary and bone abnormalities including a complete duplication of the urethra. The etiology, appearance, clinical course, and classification of various large bowel duplications are discussed.


[Prediction of anemia or polycytosis from the hematocrit determination in the umbilical artery of the newborn (author's transl)].

Among 430 deliveries a random group of 100 newborns were used to determine the value of the umbilical arterial hematocrit for the prediction of neonatal anemia or polycytosis. Normal values were Hct, 48 vol.% to 72%. Even considering the PH of umbilical arterial blood, the Hct. in the umbilical attery permits an excellent prediction on the neonatal Hct. at 15 to 60 minutes post-partum. When the umbilical arterial Hct. is normal a capillary Hct. determination is not necessary for routine diagnosis. If the umbilical arterial Hct. is below 46% or above 61% a capillary Hct. is necessary since below 46% or above 61% neonatal anemia or polycytosis could be found.


[The forensic value of the length and weight of newborns, the placental weight and the correlation between placental and newborn weight in the evaluation of paternity (author's transl)].

The length of the infant, the weight of the infant, the weight of the placenta, and the correlation between the weight of the placenta and the weight of the infant are coarse parameters for the estimation of the maturity of an infant. We plotted these parameters of 20,000 deliveries in relationship to the stated length of gestation from 23--46 weeks. Our results correspond to those quoted in the literature. The values of the parameters show a marked variation which is accentuated by the small number of cases with very short or very prolonged gestation. These parameters are only of limited value in the determination of the paternity. The mean values including the first standard deviations are of some importance.


[Results of the follow-up of the position of intra-uterine device by ultra-sonography (author's transl)].

The position of the intra-uterine device copper-T in 1372 women was followed up by ultrasound for four years. During this time 2565 ultrasound studies for the position of the intra-uterine device were carried out. The intra-uterine device was found in the cervix in 81 ultrasound investigations and removed or exchanged. In 12 cases the device was pushed back into the uterine cavity. 12 women became pregnant. This corresponds to a Pearl index 0.72 with a mean insertion time of 14.6 months and 20.000 patient-months of wearing of an intra-uterine device. In 9 of the 12  pregnant cases the device was found in the cervix. 6 of these patients reported only once instead of the projected four times for ultra-sound follow-up and the last normal ultrasound follow-up was usually nine months or longer ago. Our findings suggest that the contraceptive effectiveness of an intra-uterine device can be improved by regular ultra-sonic control of the position and can by approximated to the effectiveness of hormonal contraception.


[Pregnancy with an intra-uterine device in place (author's transl)].

Report on a 33 year old gravida 3 para 2 which was referred at 24 weeks gestation by ultra-sound with an intra-uterine device in place. The patient was referred for therapeutic abortion ab 10 weeks gestation by dates. Since the pregnancy was in fact 24 weeks the risks were explained to the mother and continuation of the pregnancy recommended. At approximately 36 weeks gestation a healthy make infant 2600 grams was delivered by double footling breech spontaneous delivery. A cavernous hemangioma of the right knee was probably not due to the intra-uterine device but an incidental occurance. The Copper-T intra-uterine device was removed under general anesthesia fourteen weeks following delivery.


[A rare increase in the incidence of Siamese twin deliveries (author's transl)].

Between 1964--1978 4 pairs of siamese twin were born among 28,039 deliveries. The incidence was 1 : 7009. Three pairs of siamese twins were delivered vaginally and died during delivery. The fourth patient was delivered by Caesarean section and the infants died a few hours following delivery. Autopsies showed that none of the cases were viable. The problems of the diagnosis and obstetric management of siamese twins are discussed. The antenatal diagnosis is difficult out should ideally be obtained. Vaginal deliveries are difficult and dangerous for the mothers. Caesarean section is the perferred method of delivery. The four personal cases are reviewed.


[A case of a papillary fibroepithelial proliferation with focal atypias within an epoopheron cyst (author's transl)].

This case report deals with a fibroepithelial proliferation with focal atypias within an epoopheron cyst in a 47 years old woman. The woman does now, 5 years postoperatively very well. No X-ray therapy had been done upon the patient.


[Secondary amenorrhoea in a case adrenocortical tumour (author's transl)].

The paper reports on a rare case of a secondary amenorrhea caused by a tumour of the adrenal cortex. The exact preoperative diagnosis, the therapy and the further postoperative control are discussed.


[Retroperitoneal lipoma-aspects on differential diagnosis (author's transl)].

A laparotomy has been performed in a 49 years old woman. Preoperatively a large ovarian cystoma has been diagnosed. Factitiously a retroperitoneal lipoma was extirpated with a weight of 12,5 kg.


[Early diagnosis of cancer in operative gynaecology. II. On the general effects of preventive cancer examinations on operative gynaecology (author's transl].

Beyond early diagnosis of cancer and treatment of cancer the increase of gynaecological operation is primarily due to a liberalization of the indications. That more women have gynaecologic disease in the framework of the classical indications than before cannot be substantiated. The causes of the changes in indications are outlined. Demands of patients as consumers on a new expansive medical care system are among the changes. Self interests of the Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who constitute a larger percentage of medical specialists at present are part of the reason. The principle of preventive examinations has a psychological impact and the practice of the preventive examinations has an administrative impact on the increasing number of gynaecological operations. This trend is discussed with the example of hysterectomy. The experience of other countries is mentioned in which the advantages and disadvantages of an increasing number of gynaecological operations is analyzed and in which a regulation is attempted to prevented escalating costs. It can be assumed that a similar analysis and regulation will become necessary in Germany.


[Vaginal exstirpation of uterus following gynaecological or obstetrical laparotomies (author's transl)].

Of a total of 3,213 vaginal exstirpations of the uterus, this operation was performed in 132 women following gynaecological laparotomies. In spite of this, the incidence of complications was not increased. It is concluded that the advantage of the vaginal route of operation in hysterectomies need not be refused to patients in whom laparotomies have been performed if certain conditions are observed.


Chronic immune colitis in rabbits.

A chronic colitis has been induced in rabbits having many of the histological features of human ulcerative colitis. Animals were first immunised with the common enterobacterial antigen of Kunin and haemagglutinating antibodies demonstrated in high titre. An immune complex colitis was then established by the injection of soluble immune complexes following mild irritation of the rectum with dilute formalin as previously described. The rabbits developed an acute colitis within the first week but, in contrast with unsensitised rabbits, the inflammation persisted and was still present at six months as assessed by proctoscopy and rectal biopsy. Kunin-sensitised rabbits receiving intravenous saline, antigen, or antibody alone did not develop a chronic colitis. It is suggested that hypersensitivity to colonic bacterial antigens may be one mechanism whereby an acute colitis becomes chronic.


Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in Iran.

Nineteen cases of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis all affecting adults and all involving the small intestine have been collected in two centres of Iran (Shiraz and Tehran) over a 20 year period, the pathological findings being divided into three groups: pure submucosal, combined submucosal and subserosal, and pure subserosal cysts. Experimental PCI was produced in cadavers using high pressure oxygen insuflation of the lungs, thus lending support to the theory that it has a mechanical origin. Other theories of aetiology include tumour, nutritional deficiencies, gas-forming organisms, alveolar rupture, and acid-base disturbance. In most of the cases presented high intraluminal pressure produced by obstruction appeared to force intraluminal gas through a breach in the mucosa into either the lymphatics or perivascular tissue to produce PCI. It is concluded that the aetiology in the vast majority of adult cases is mechanical in nature and that bacteria seem to play very little part, unlike their role in the PCI of infants.


Measurement of serum proteins during attacks of ulcerative colitis as a guide to patient management.

Serial measurements of 11 serum proteins have been made throughout 39 admissions of 36 patients to hospital for the treatment of acute attacks of ulcerative colitis. There was a striking correlation between rapid changes in C-reactive protein and pre-albumin concentrations and the clinical response to medical treatment. Measurements of the alpha1-acid glycoprotein, albumin, and total serum protein concentrations at the time of admission were found to correlate with the outcome of the attack. Measurement of these proteins provides a useful guide to the management of patients with attacks of ulcerative colitis.


Reversal of ammonia coma in rats by L-dopa: a peripheral effect.

Ammonia coma was produced in rats within 10 to 15 minutes of an intraperitonealinjection of 1.7 mmol NH4CL. This coma was prevented with 1.68 mmol L-dopa given by gastric intubation 15 minutes before the ammonium salt injection. The effect of L-dopa was correlated with a decrease in blood and brain ammonia, an increase in brain dopamine, and an increase in renal excretion of ammonia and urea. Intraventricular infusion of dopamine sufficient to raise the brain dopamine to the same extent did not prevent the ammonia coma nor affect the blood and brain ammonia concentrations. Bilateral nephrectomy eliminated the beneficial effect of L-dopa on blood and brain ammonia and the ammonia coma was not prevented. Thus, the reduction in blood and brain ammonia and the prevention of ammonia coma after L-dopa, can be accounted for by the peripheral effect of dopamine on renal function rather than its central action. These results provide a reasonable explanation for the beneficial effects observed in some encephalopathic patients receiving L-dopa.


Hepatitis from dantrolene sodium.

The clinical course and histological changes in the liver during a presumed adverse reaction to the drug dantrolene sodium are described in four patients. After a typical prodrome one developed a moderately severe hepatitis-like illness. Another also had a prodrome but never became jaundiced. In the other two, abnormal liver function tests were detected on routine screening. In each case liver biopsy showed changes typical of an acute hepatitis, but the severity was unrelated to the clinical presentation. In addition, there were also changes in the portal tracts resembling ascending cholangitis. In each case liver function tests returned to normal after withdrawing treatment with dantrolene.


Inhibition of secretin stimulated pancreatic secretion by pancreatic polypeptide.

The effect of PP on secretin-stimulated pancreatic secretion was assessed in five healthy subjects. During an intravenous infusion of BPP at a dose which produced plasma levels similar to those seen after meals in healthy young adults the volume and bicarbonate content of duodenal juice was reduced by 25% (p less than 0.05) and 24% (p less than 0.05) respectively, while protein and bilirubin concentrations were more markedly reduced by 68% (p less than 0.0005) and 67% (p less than 0.0005) respectively.  PP, thus, may be an important inhibitory factor in the control of bilirubin and pancreatic enzyme secretion in man.


Gastrin and the ultrastructure of G cells in the fasting rat.

The effect of fasting on serum and antral gastrin concentrations and G cell ultrastructure in the rat has been examined using a radioimmunoassay and quantitative electron microscopy. Serum gastrin levels in fasting animals were markedly reduced and there was also a significant decrease in antral gastrin concentrations after 48 hours and 72 hours of fasting. This was associated with a significant fall in the granule content and cytloplasmic volume of individual G cells, at its greatest by 48 hours. A relative absence of electron dense granules in the Golgi zones of cells from animals fasted for 72 hours suggested a paucity of newly formed granules, but fasting produced no detectable change in the electron density of the granule population taken as a whole. The results indicate that, during fasting, release and then synthesis of gastrin is inhibited, so that granule stores and cell size diminish. The correlation between the granule content of G cells and the antral content of gastrin suggests that hormone release occurs by exocytosis, rather than by any change in the content of individual granules.


Grey-scale ultrasonography in cholestatic jaundice.

Grey-scale ultrasonography was performed without access to detailed clinical information in a prospective study of 55 jaundiced patients. Forty-one were eventually proved to have an extrahepatic obstructive cause, and 14 had intrahepatic "medical" disease. Satisfactory ultrasound images were obtained in 54 patients, and the bile duct calibre was correctly reported in 53 (96%). All 14 medical cases were correctly identified. Two patients with gallstones (one with a normal sized duct) were incorrectly classified as medical. A specific and correct disease diagnosis was given in five of the 14 medical cases (one metastases, four cirrhosis), and in 23 of the 41 obstructive cases (12/14 pancreatic cancer, 5/15 gallstones), 5/5 bile duct compression, 1/3 bile duct cancer. Ultrasonography is safe, cheap, and acceptable to patients. It should be the first imaging investigation in jaundiced patients, providing remarkable diagnostic accuracy and important guidance for further management.


Jejunal lysozyme activity and the Paneth cell in coeliac disease.

The jejunal mucosa of patients with coeliac disease contains significantly fewer Paneth cells (PCC) per crypt (p less than 0.001) and tissue lysozyme activity (JLA) P less than 0.001) when compared with a group of subjects with normal jejunal mucosa. Neither PCC nor JLA return to normal with complete clinical recovery and otherwise complete histological recovery on a gluten free diet. There is a significant linear correlation between JLA and PCC suggesting that the Paneth cell is the principal source of jejunal lysozyme.


Light and electron microscopic studies of antibiotic associated colitis in the hamster.

Lincomycin and its analogue, clindamycin, are capable of producing mild to severe colonic mucosal injury in humans (antibiotic associated colitis). Patients with the disorder may have severe diarrhoea, pseudomembranous plaques, confluent pseudomembranes, and/or a frank, diffuse haemorrhagic colitis. The present study was designed to assess the Golden Syrian hamster as an animal model for antibiotic associated colitis and to describe lesions seen in the animal model by light, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy. A colitis was produced in Golden Syrian hamsters by oral or parenteral administration of lincomycin, clindamycin, or N-demethyl clindamycin. Animals were killed at intervals and microscopic studies made of sequential morphological changes in the ileum, caecum, and colon. The microscopic lesions in the early stages of the disorder were abnormalities within the brush border, cellular oedema, and hyperaemia. Changes in the intracellular organelles were observed in more severely damaged epithelial cells. Epithelial hyperplasia resulted in the piling up of cells on the mucosal surfaces. In specimens with the most severe damage, complete loss of epithelium from the mucosal surface was observed. Pseudomembranous plaques were occasionally seen. Comparison of the clinical, gross, and histological features of the animal disease with the human disorder suggest that, although minor differences are present, the hamster model is suitable for experimental studies of antibiotic associated colitis.


[Studies on the Nin-formyl group as possible protecting group against tryptophan indole side chain tert-butylation (author's transl)].

Investigations on the Nin-formyl group as a protecting group of the tryptophan indole side chain under the conditions of conventional peptide synthesis using model compounds are described. The protecting group prevents the tert-butylation of tryptophan residues during acidolytic removal of tert-butyloxycarbonyl groups and allows the preparation of tryptophan tert-butylester in good yields. However, because of the observed side reactions, as hydrogenation of the indole to a 2,3-dihydroindole side chain, instability of the protecting group under various experimental conditions, the Nin-formyl group is only of limited use in peptide synthesis.


[Toxicity of ammonium acetate in rats with acute and subacute galactosamine-induced hepatitis (author's transl)].

Ammonia toxicity and the protective effect of arginine thereon were investigated in rats after single and repeated doses of galactosamine. Urea cycle enzymes and ornithine-oxo-acid transaminase activities were measured in rat liver homogenates. Ammonium acetate proved to be less toxic in rats treated with single or repeated doses of galactosamine than in untreated animals. Urea cycle enzyme activities of galactosamine-treated rats were clearly lowered. The protective effect of arginine against lethal ammonia intoxication was found in animals that had been treated with galactosamine as well as in untreated rats. Since the toxicity of ammonium acetate is lower in rats with galactosamine hepatitis, in which the activities of the liver urea cycle enzymes are reduced, it seems likely that ammonia detoxication in galactosamine-poisoned rat liver partly bypasses the urea cycle.


[2alpha-Hydroxylation of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in the lung of guinea pigs (author's transl)].

The hydroxylation of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone at C-2 in guinea pigs was measured with [1alpha,2alpha-T]5alpha-dihydrotestosterone as substrate by isolation of the liberated HTO ("Stoffwechsel-labile Markierung"). The hydroxylation measured in vivo by radiospirometry (condensation of body water with HTO from the expired air) was much higher in males than in females, due to the high hydroxylation capacity of the lung in males. In addition to lung, adrenal and liver showed a high, sexual organ low hydroxylation capacity for 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.


[Protein-bound mono (adenosine-diphosphate-ribose) levels during the cell cycle of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum].

In Physarum polycephalum two fractions of ADPR-protein conjugates could be differentiated on the basis of their susceptibility towards hydroxylamine. Quantitation during the cell cycle revealed independent synthesis of the two species, the NH2OH-resistant fraction being formed during S phase, while the NH2OH-sensitive conjugate increased sharply at the S/G2 boundary. These findings indicated that nuclear ADP-ribosylation reactions are more than one function.


Pyruvate dehydrogenase and ATP citrate (pro-3S)-lyase activities in adipose tissue and liver of the young lean and the older obese rat.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase and ATP citrate lyase, two lipogenic enzymes, were measured in young, lean and older, obese rats. While no significant differences were observed between the livers of the two groups, both enzymes were greatly reduced in epididymal adipose tissue of older rats. A similar decrease was found in adipose tissue from the perirenal, but not from the interscapular region. Prolonged meal-feeding over a one-year period did not prevent the loss of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in epididymal fat pads. In short term experiments of two weeks' duration this feeding regimen elevated the activities of both enzymes in adipose tissue of young but not of older rats. It is concluded that the state of activity of adipose tissue pyruvate dehydrogenase and ATP citrate lyase is at least in part responsible for the augmented lipogenesis observed in meal-fed rats and for the reduced lopogenic capacity and insulin sensitivity seen in old obese rats.


Inhibition of porcine glandular kallikreins by structurally homologous proteinase inhibitors of the Kunitz (Trasylol) type. Significance of the basic nature of amino acid residues in subside positions for kallikrein inhibition.

The newly synthesized chromogenic substrate D ValLeuArgNHNp was employed to study the inhibition strength of Trasylol-like inhibitors from bovine lung (TKI), sea anemone (SAI), snake venoms (NNV and HHV), snails (HPI) and cow colostrum (CTI) against porcine pancreatic, submandibular and urinary kallikreins. The dissociation constants of the corresponding kallikrein-inhibitor complexes were found close to Ki = 1.5 x 10(-9)M (TKI, SAI, NNV) or to Ki = 10--210 x 10(-9)M (HHV, HPI). CTI does not inhibit the three porcine glandular kallikreins. Comparison of the inhibitory active areas of the inhibitors with their affinities to the three kallikreins shows that kallikrein inhibition is observed only if basic amino acid residues are present in distinct positions of the inhibitory active sites.


Minigastrin; corrected structure and synthesis.

Evidence is presented that minigastrin is the C-terminal tetradecapeptide amide of gastrin and not the tridecapeptide amide as previously reported. Synthesis of the tetradecapeptide amide sequence, Trp-Leu-[Glu]5-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-Nh2, was achieved by a series of fragment couplings which were mediated by the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide procedure in presence of either N-hydroxysuccinimide or 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. Purification of all intermediate fragments, and of the final protected tetradecapeptide amide, was by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography. Removal of the protecting groups was effected by treatment with 90% trifluoroacetic acid in the presence of a large excess of scavengers. Purification by ion-exchange chromatography afforded the pure tetradecapeptide amide. This material had full physiological activity.


[Hemoglobins, XXV. Hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) CTT III from Chironomus thummi thummi (Diptera). Primary structure and relationship to other heme proteins (author's transl)].

The amino acid sequence analysis of hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) CTT III from Chironomus thummi th. (Diptera) has been checked with automatic methods and completed. The protein chain consists of 136 amino acids and contains a neutral exchange isoleucine/threonine in position 57. The molecular weight of the heme protein (Thr) is 15400. The primary structure gives the chemical basis for the refinement of the X-ray structure and the understanding of the mechanism of the Bohr effect in this monomeric hemoglobin. A homologous alignment to vertebrate globins is reported. The resulting data for the phylogeny of proto-and deuterostomian animals and the function of this hemoglobin are discussed.


Reflections on psychiatry in the general-hospital setting.

For psychiatry to be successfully integrated into the general hospital, the psychiatrist must function within the medical model, and his mode of practice must be consistent with general-hospital caretaking. The author discusses the positive effects of consultative and liaison psychiatry linkages in the general-hospital setting as well as the problems of financing; there are inequities of reimbursement for consultation and a lack of payment for liaison services. He makes several suggestions about the education of the psychiatrist; it should not be geared exclusively toward the psychiatrist's role as a primary caretaker. Medical schools should introduce students to the discipline of psychiatry and its interrelationships with other disciplines. Teaching hospitals should train the psychiatrist in the medical model. The author feels that the future of general psychiatry does not lie in primary care per se but in its being an identified specialty closely allied to super-specialists and to primary caretakers alike.


The expanding roles of general-hospital psychiatry.

The number and the roles of psychiatric units in general hospitals have been growing rapidly in recent years, and general-hospital psychiatry presents broad opportunities for service delivery, education, and research. Most or all the basic components of a community mental health center can be found within a general hospital, and as psychiatrists move back into the mainstream of medicine, the general hospital takes on added value. Training advantages include the exposure of medical students and primary care residents and physicians to mental illness and its impact on families as well as the interaction between psychiatric and nonpsychiatric trainees at various levels. The author discusses differences that hinder the optimal use of general-hospital psychiatric units, such as funding, regulatory controls, and regional variations in length of stay.


Issues facing American hospitals.

Major issues facing general hospitals today include the spiraling cost of health care and attempts by both the hospital industry and government to stem it. Although psychiatric care has not contributed substantially to the inflation in health care costs, the author predicts that psychiatric services would not escape public regulation of hospital costs. He urges psychiatrists to pay closer attention to the influential role of health systems agencies in determining health care needs.


Focal therapy in the day hospital.

The authors describe their adaptation of focal therapy to the day hospital setting. Its goal is circumscribed characterological change through the interpretive uncovering of only one area of conflict. It has previously been used mainly with patients seen in individual outpatient treatment who are more likely to meet the regorous selection criteria; however, the day hospital's more intense setting permits it to be used with patients who would be disqualified in outpatient treatment. The authors present a case report of a severely disturbed woman who benefited significantly from the treatment technique.


Six-year program shows benefits of shared laboratory services.

The VA Hospital in Columbia, MO, and the University of Missouri Medical Center conduct the largest shared laboratory service in the VA hospital system. Sharing has enabled these institutions to eliminate unnecessary duplication of resources, develop new laboratory capabilities in subspecialties, handle additional routine procedures, better use the expertise of senior staff pathologists, develop uniform standards, enhance quality assessment, and expand training programs.


Who makes decisions about new technology in hospitals?

Three top managers from different kinds of hospitals explain how decisions to buy expensive new technology are made in their institutions. Financial feasibility, competition with other hospitals, and the advantages of new equipment to patients and members of the medical staff are all considerations administrators must keep in mind when buying new equipment.


Innovative program keeps them 'down on the farm'.

A shortage of nurses continues to be felt in rural areas of the country. In an experimental program conducted by a college department of nursing in a small rural hospital, nurses received training and were retained by the rural hospital. All training was conducted at the hospital, and all graduates received high marks on the RN examination.


Joint nursing-pharmacy program helps reduce medication errors.

A hospital's nursing and pharmacy staffs have substantially reduced errors in medication administration, especially errors of omission. They have achieved the reductions partly through primary nursing, which demands greater accountability for total patient care, including medication, from each nurse. Other methods and aids include corrective action, special reports and audits, "remainder" cards, and a computer system.


Tests measure ethylene oxide risk to hospital's central supply staff.

A hospital used a specially devised but relatively simple method to monitor the levels of ethylene oxide (EO) to which employees were exposed at various locations in its central supply department. Based on the results of the tests, the hospital has taken follow-up actions to reduce EO concentrations and to initiate a multihospital testing program in its area.


Careful study and management can cut low-occupancy costs.

Several assumptions that are often made about low occupancy and the excess costs that such a situation involves are qualified and clarified by this author. The complexity of low-occupancy situations is made clear, and the many factors involved in such situations are explained. Before administrators take action to alleviate a low-occupancy situation, a thorough analysis should be done. Several alternative responses to low occupancy are suggested here.


A systems approach can ensure high-quality care and low costs.

Risk management programs in hospitals are necessary not only because of some state laws that require them, but also because they can help to cut malpractice costs. In a systems approach to risk management, an effective incident reporting system should be developed, a medical incident review committee should be established, and attempts to involve attending physicians should be made. This approach can encourage a higher level of patient care and can cut costs.


Beauty in a hospital aids the cure.

Color photography, coupled with nature, acts as a healing medium on a conscious level as well as on subliminal levels. Reproductions of scenes in nature give off a healing energy, and colors have the ability to calm or excite. Therefore, the use of nature photography in a hospital is a powerful therapeutic agent.


Choosing art for your hospital: some basic do's and don'ts.

Artwork can serve many functions in the hospital beyond that of decoration. How to go about selecting the best type of art for your hospital and some of the considerations that should be taken into account when doing so are explained herein.


Implementing a multiphased hospice program.

By implementing a hospice program in three phases, each of which can be integrated with existing services in general acute care and long-term care facilities, a health care institution can provide the community with an important new service. And the parent organization incurs only the cost or providing additional inservice and medical education.


An analysis of Catholic-sponsored hospices.

The patient-centered emphasis of the hospice concept of care for the dying impacts forcefully on hospice staff and boards of trustees. The Catholic Hospital Association has recognized the important differences between such care and more usual hospital services, and cautions that these distinctions be maintained.


Reimbursing hospice care: a Blue Cross and Blue Shield perspective.

The Associations' "Initial Statement on Hospice Care and Payment for Hospice Services" comprises three criteria and many recommendations. The statement can guide local Plans and other third party payers, wary of repeating past mistakes that increased costs without improving care.


Telling the story: ethics and dying.

What does the telling of stories have to do with theology or religion or ethics? Transcending utilitarian, principlist, or situationist approaches to ethics, one may look at life as story and the way a life is lived as character. "Death is the final chapter in each life story. . . . At death individuals make the ultimate decision, the final choice. . . ." Will they be able to affirm their years of living? Character will determine an individual's responses.


Mercy Hospice: a hospital-based program.

Coordinating the features of the hospice concept within the standard practices and policies of a general hosptial challenged those who developed the Mercy Hospice program at St. John's Hospital, Oxnard, CA. After two years' experience, they report on a program that has evolved to serve many different needs of terminally ill patients and their families both within the health care facility and in patients' homes.


Pastoral care and the hospice.

Appropriate pastoral care for the terminally ill must help dying persons face their past, present, and future. The care given must help patients toward reconciliation and resignation, and toward faith in the new life promised by Jesus.


How incentives for bus use solved parking problems.

St. Marys Hospital Medical Center, Madison, WI, solved its problem of limited parking space by subsidizing city bus passes and establishing a shuttle service between a peripheral parking lot and the hospital.


Serum alkaline phosphatase phenotypes and secretor status in several Jewish populations in Israel.

The frequency of serum alkaline phospatase phenotypes and secretor trait is determined for Israeli Jews originating from three distinct geographical regions: Eastern and Central Europe (group I), North Africa (group II) and the Middle East (group III). The frequency of the Pp 2 serum alkaline phosphatase phenotype in each of the three groups were 33.56% (group I), 29.79% (group II) and 24.07% (group III). The average frequency for the three groups combined was 30.58%. The corresponding frequencies of the se gene in the three groups were 0.4765, 0.5149 and 0.5468, respectively, and the average frequency for the total number examined was 0.4978.


Plasma protein and red cell enzyme groups among the Nepalese.

Nepalese blood samples were tested for two plasma proteins and seven red cell enzyme systems. Polymorphic variation was present for the haptoglobin protein system and for the acid phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase locus 1, adenylate kinase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase loci controlling red cell enzyme systems. Gene frequencies are compared between the eastern and western Nepalese tribes, and with the distribution pattern known in other South and South-East Asian population groups. The possible interpretations of these observations are discussed.


Schizophrenia: a study of genetic models.

The likelihoods of observing 25 four-generational families of schizophrenics comprising 1,333 individuals have been calculated on the basis of 12 different genetic models and one control 'sporadic' model. The control model gave a log10 likelihood (L), of -240.92. Five of the genetic models were definitely excluded as incompatible with certain pedigrees. The three models with the highest likelihoods were: one locus, the heterozygote having a 10% probability of being classified schizophrenic (L: -220.05); two interacting loci (L:-219.46); and four polygenes (L:-216.87).


Variability in sib pair genetic identity.

Using a realistic model of meiotic crossing over the variability in full sib genetic identity is estimated by simulating 200 independent pairs of sibs. The standard deviation of the percentage of the autosomal genome identical by descent (IBD) was found to be about 0.056. Simulations of sibships larger than size two revealed that the average within sibship standard deviation is between 0.054 and 0.056, thus indicating that sib pair variability is insensitive to the nonindependence structure present when considering all possible sib pairs contained in a large sibship.


Some enzyme polymorphisms in Malaysian mothers and their newborn.

Four red cell enzyme systems were studied in Malaysian mothers and their newborn belonging to three racial groups, the Malays, Indians and Chinese. No significant heterogeneity was observed in the distribution of phosphoglucomutase (PGM1), adenosine deaminase (ADA), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and acid phosphatase (AP) phenotypes between mothers and their newborn of the three groups. Pooled mother and child acid phosphatase data show a significant heterogeneity between the Malays and Chinese, and between the Malays and Indians. This is comparable to previous studies conducted. For the placental phosphoglucomutase (PGM3) system, a significant heterogeneity was observed between the Chinese and Malays only. No significant heterogeneity was detected in the distribution of PGM1, ADA and 6PGD phenotypes among Malays, Chinese and Indians.


Genetic variants of human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in a Saharian and Pygmy family.

In two African communities, inhabitants of a Western Sahara oasis and Bi-Aka Pygmies (Central Africa), a genetic study of the distribution of G6PD phenotypes has been undertaken. Obtained data show the existence in both groups of slow electrophoretic variants with no enzyme deficiency or moderately reduced activity. Biochemical characterization of G6PD types was performed. In the Saharian family in which inheritance pattern of mutant G6PD was investigated, two alleles were found, the Negroid marker GdA- and Gd+Madrona, segregating among the different members. In the Pygmy family the Gd+Ibadan-Austin gene was detected. The incidence of these mutations in the groups studied, a comparison with similar G6PD variants observed in other African populations and the geographic distribution of these slow molecules are discussed in this paper.


Erythrocyte glyoxalase I polymorphism in several population groups in Israel.

The genetic polymorphism of red blood cell glyoxalase I (GLO) has been investigated in 9 population groups in Israel: Ashkenazi Jews, non-Ashkenazi Jews from Iran, Iraq, Balkan, North Africa, Yemen, Turkey and Egypt as well as Arabs living in Israel. The distribution of GL01 and GLO2 genes in the 9 communities was not homogeneous (x2 = 14.48; d.f. = 8; p less than 0.0005). Jews from Iran were found to have the lowest GLO1 frequency (0.2294), while those from Egypt had the highest gene frequency (0.3968). The other investigated communities were shown to have intermediate values for this gene frequency. No significant difference has been found between Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi Jews (with the exception of those from Egypt) or Arabs living in Israel.


Saliva acid phosphatases in Malaysians: report of a new variant.

A total of 640 Malaysians, 355 of Malay, 155 of Chinese, and 130 of Indian ancestries have been examined for saliva acid phosphatases. The three ethnic groups were polymorphic for saliva acid phosphatase A (Sap-A) and saliva acid phosphatase (B (Sap-B). The gene frequencies were: Sap-A, Malays: A = 0.469, A' = 0.001, A degrees = 0.530; Chinese: A = 0.436, A' = 0.010, A degrees = 0.555; Indians: A = 0.533, A' = 0.012, A degrees = 0.456. For Sap-B, Malays: B = 0.925, B degrees = 0.075; Chinese: B = 0.797, B1 = 0.016, B degrees = 0.187; Indians: B 0.752, B degrees = 0.248. Phenotype ABB1 is described.


Increased de novo purine synthesis in cultured skin fibroblasts from heterozygotes for the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. A sensitive marker for carrier detection.

The metabolic consequence of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency, the accelerated rate of purine synthesis de novo, was utilized as a marker for the detection in cultured fibroblasts of heterozygosity for the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. This marker was found to be very sensitive allowing the detection of mutant cells in nonselected mixed mutant: normal cell cultures even at low proportion of 1 to 10. Exposure of the mixed cultures to selection for the mutant cell with azaguanine increased the sensitivity of the test. Cultures from different biopsies, obtained from heterozygote females, were found to contain different proportions of the mutant cell, ranging from 10 to 84%.


Effects on in vitro tumor growth of macrophages isolated from human ascitic ovarian tumors.

Macrophages were isolated from 22 human ascitic ovarian epithelial tumors and their growth-inhibitory capacity was tested using as targets the following in vitro tumor cell lines: murine TLX9 lymphoma and FS6 sarcoma; human myeloid K562 leukemia and human E cell line derived from an ovarian carcinoma. Macrophage preparations were heterogeneous in their interaction with tumor target cells, and assay conditions, such as the type of target cell, incubation time, and attacker to target cell (A:T) ratio critically affected the evaluation of the cytotoxic potential of tumor-associated macrophages. At an A:T ratio of 7:1 no cytostatic activity on TLX9 and K562 cells was ever observed, but in the presence of specific antibody 8 out of 12 macrophage preparations tested showed significant antibody-dependent cytotoxicity on TLX9 lymphoma cells. Macrophage preparations from two patients significantly inhibited growth of the FS6 sarcoma and a cytostatic activity on E cells was observed in five additional patients. Significant stimulation of the proliferative capacity of at least one of the target cell lines was observed in 11 subjects at an A:T ratio of 7:1. In 12 patients, macrophage cytostatic activity on E cells was also tested at an A:T ratio of 35:1; eight out of 12 preparations showed significant cytotoxicity under these conditions. When the same subject was repeatedly tested at short intervals the same pattern of inhibition or stimulation of tumor growth was observed.


Neoplasms in rats and mice fed butylurea and sodium nitrite separately and in combination.

In projected 485-day studies, Fischer 344 rats and C57BL/6 mice were fed 0.58% butylurea and 0.50% sodium nitrite mixed in the diet separately or in combination. The number and type of neoplasms were not significantly increased in either species receiving butylurea or sodium nitrite only. Feeding the two chemicals simultaneously induced neoplasms of the lung, Zymbal's gland, forestomach, intestine and hemopoietic tissues in rats, and malignant lymphomas in mice. The increased incidence of neoplasms in rats and mice fed butylurea and sodium nitrite in combination may result from in vivo formation of the carcinogen, N-butyl-N-nitrosourea.


Animal model and pharmacokinetic interpretation of nicotine poisoning in man.

The purpose of the study was to find an animal model and possible pharmacolokinetic interpretation of  the fact that a patient survived an accidental sc poisoning with a nicotine-containing animal tranquilizing dart. The same dose size of 3.58 mg/kg causing poisoning in man was administered to rabbits iv and sc. Blood samples were obtained for nicotine analysis by cardiac punctures; and blood pressure, respiration rate, and saliva flow were measured. Analysis of the original solution used in the dart excluded the possibility of sub-potency. The extent of unchanged drug reaching systemic circulation (extent of bioavailability) upon sc administration was 83%. Hence, the possibility  of survival in man due to rapid tissue metabolism was ruled out. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a significant reduction in sc plasma levels during the first half hour which is reported as the most critical period for patients experiencing nicotine intoxication. The disposition of nicotine in the rabbit, i.e. distribution and elimination, are identical upon iv and sc administration. The reduced toxicity, i.e. blood pressure and saliva flow rate, upon sc dosing may be explained by the difference in plasma level peaks between sc and iv administration.


Pharmacodynamic comparison of the acute effects of nomifensine, amphetamine and placebo in healthy volunteers.

In a double blind cross over trial the effects of single doses of 100 mg nomifensine, 15 mg racemic amphetamine and placebo were compared in 9 healthy volunteers. Assessments of choice reaction behavior, simple reaction time, critical flicker fusion and attention on continuous calculations were performed together with a series of self rating scales, a side-effect list and vital signs before and 90 min., 180 min. and 360 min. after each administration. While the only significant nomifensine effect was an increase of correct solutions in the continuous calculation task, amphetamine differed from nomifensine and placebor in a number of subjective variables which describe emotional changes typical for drug stimulation. Subjects also expressed the will to have amphetamine prescribed for fatigue and loss of drive, whereas preferences for nomifensine were virtually the same as for placebo. Under amphetamine heart rate and blood pressure were increased and side-effects were frequent. It is concluded that nomifensine showed none of those subjectively pleasant amphetamine effects which are responsible for the reinforcement function leading to amphetamine dependence.


Bioavailability of trithiozine (TR) in man and its relation to gastric secretion and gastrin plasma level.

Pharmacokinetics and gastric secretion suppressing properties of a new drug, trithiozine (TR), were studied in man. Its availability, if taken orally, is prompt and very good; its blood plasma level lasts for over 5 hr. In basal conditions volume of gastric juice is suppressed by TR as it is by propantheline bromide (PPB). In contradistinction to PPB, TR reduces basal acid output. After histamine stimulation TR is not as effective as PPB in reducing both volume and acid output. TR did not appear to affect the plasma gastrin level. Lack of typical anticholinergic side-effects such as dryness in mouth, vision blurring, etc., on the one hand, and antisecretory activity limited to basal conditions on the other, seem to offer a new modification of the old approach to therapy of gastroduodenal ulcer. Clinical trials seem justified.


Dermal neuroma simulating leprosy.

A 45-year-old Pakistani woman reported to a clinic in Karachi with a one-year history of hypopigmented lesions on the left side of the face and neck. On first presentation the lesions were rough-surfaced and hypoaesthetic; the clinical findings in this highly endemic area of the world suggested macular tuberculoid leprosy. The patient was treated with dapsone for a period of 5 years, but with no change in the appearance or size of the lesions. Subsequent biopsies revealed an unusual neuromatoid pathology in the dermis, in which axons were absent on light and electron microscopy, with neurilemmoma being considered as a possible diagnosis.


The role of lysosomes in the healing process of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Biopsy material in early and late stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis was obtained. The ultrastructural study using acid phosphatase reaction as a marker for lysosomes showed that in early stages parasites proliferate undisturbed within macrophage cytoplasm. At later stages numerous degenerating parasites were seen and macrophage lysosomes were observed adhering to and pouring their contents into the parasite. It is assumed that activated macrophages control intracellular parasitism by lysosomal activity.


Anetoderma.

Anetoderma is a rare cutaneous condition with characteristic clinical features and histopathology. The condition is classified into idiopathic (Jadassohn or Pellizzari type) and atrophic (Schweinger-Buzzi type) concomitant with other diseases, and secondary to infection or drugs.


A trial with fluocinonide in recalcitrant dermatoses.

The effectiveness and safety of fluocinonide 0.05% in a cream base (FAPG cream: fatty acid propylene glycol) were evaluated in 105 patients with recalcitrant corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses that had failed to respond adequately to at least two weeks' previous treatment with one of 21 other topical corticosteroid preparations. At the end of the three weeks, 66 (71.0%) of the 93 patients who qualified for analysis showed excellent to moderate improvement with fluocinonide. Side effects were rare and of a minor nature. The general effectiveness of fluocinonide is indicated in this single-blind trail in which excellent or moderate results predominated in 8 of the 12 different diagnosis.


Metabolic fate of aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic organisms: analysis of metabolites by thin-layer chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Aquatic organisms convert aromatic hydrocarbons into a variety of conjugated and nonconjugated derivatives. Analytical techniques based on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed to separate, identify and quantitate individual metabolites from fish exposed to radiolabeled naphthalene and 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene. Significant differences in profiles of individual metabolites were found in relation to the type of biological sample analyzed. Liver of naphthalene-exposed salmonids contained eight polar derivatives, as shown by HPLC. Two nonconjugates (1-naphthol and 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene) and three conjugates (1-naphthyl glucuronic acid, 1-naphthyl sulfate and 1-naphthyl glucoside) were identified. HPLC revealed that brain of 3H-naphthalene-exposed trout contained essentially the nonconjugated derivatives, 1-naphthol and 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene. TLC showed that the metabolites from trout urine were 1-naphthol, 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynapthalene, and 1-naphthyl glucuronic acid (99% of the total metabolites detected). Major components of the metabolite fractions of tissues and biological fluids were 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxy and glucuronic acid derivatives. Dihydrodiol derivatives arise from the corresponding arene oxides, some of which have been shown to be cytotoxic to certain mammalian systems.


Photoreceptor outer segment development: light and dark regulate the rate of membrane addition and loss.

The rate of membrane addition during outer segment development and the onset of membrane loss through shedding was evaluated for Xenopus laevis embryos reared at 23 degrees C in constant light (LL), constant darkness (DD), and cyclic light (12 hr L/12 hr D; LD). Embryos were placed under these lighting conditions 1 day following fertilization at open neural plate stages and were sampled each day for 9 days. Rod and cone outer segments were present in each treatment group on day 3 of development. At the end of 10 days of development, rod outer segment volumes were 708 +/- 195, 380 +/- 40, and 297 +/- 33 micrometer3 (mean +/- S.D.) for LL, LD, and DD treatment groups, respectively, whereas mean cone outer segment volumes were 57 +/- 8, 48 +/- 8, and 35 +/- 9 micrometer3 for these same treatment groups. The loss of outer segment material through shedding was assessed by monitoring the phagosome content of the pigment epithelium. Phagosomes were present in the pigment epithelium in DD embryos as early as 6 days of development, were present at day 5 only after the onset of the light cycle in LD embryos, and were rarely observed in LL embryos. The rate of outer segment membrane elaboration in rods (determined with 3H-leucine autoradiography) was virtually identical in LL and LD (100 and 98 micrometer3/day) but was greatly reduced in DD (70 micrometer3/day). These findings indicate that the relatively rapid rate of rod outer segment volume accumulation in LL embryos is due to a reduction in membrane loss through shedding and not to a higher rate of membrane addition as compared to animals reared in LD. In contrast, the reduced rate of rod outer segment development in DD embryos is the result of both a slower rate of membrane elaboration accompanied by the early onset and enhanced rate of membrane loss through shedding in darkness.


Sex-linked retinitis pigmentosa: ultrastructure of photoreceptors and pigment epithelium.

An ultrastructural study of a postmortem donor eye from a 24-year-old male patient with sex-linked retinitis pigmentosa showed abnormalities in all remaining cones and rods. Central foveal cones were reduced in number by about 50% and had shortened and severely distorted outer segments. Cones from the parafovea through the midperiphery gradually decreased in density and had no organized outer segments. In the far periphery, cones and rods had only slightly shortened outer segments. Photoreceptors equidistant from the fovea in all quadrants showed similar changes. The virtual absence of organized cone outer segments from the parafovea through the midperiphery was conspicuous in that this patient had full visual fields with large test lights 3 weeks prior to death. The pigment epithelium contained abnormally large numbers of melanolysosomes and few free melanin granules from the fovea through the midperiphery and few melanolysosomes and many free melanin granules in the far periphery. Whether or not these observations in the pigment epithelial cells represent a primary defect in this disease or reflect changes secondary to a defect in the photoreceptor cells remains to be defined.


An interophthalmic communicating artery as explanation for the consensual irritative response of the rabbit eye.

An arterial connection between the two internal ophthalmic arteries in the rabbit was confirmed. The consensual response to ocular injury and its relationship to this interconnecting artery was examined by transecting the interconnecting vessel and creating a monocular injury by anterior chamber paracentesis. In the rabbits of two control groups (those undergoing sham operation without vessel ligation and those undergoing no operation) there was a rise in protein in the aqueous of the uninjured eye. In the rabbits with the communicating artery transected, no such rise in contralateral aqueous protein occurred. It is concluded that in the rabbit this vascular connection can explain the contralateral hyperemia and aqueous protein increase seen after monocular trauma.


Prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis by microsomes of rabbit ocular tissues.

Microsomes of albino rabbit ocular tissues were incubated with (1-14C)-arachidonic acid for 15 min at 37 degrees C. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that ciliary body-iris microsomes were capable of synthesizing prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), PGE2, PGD2, thromboxane B2(TXB2), and 6-keto-PGF1alpha. Indomethacin 14 micrometer in the incubation medium essentially abolished all prostaglandin synthesis detectable by this method. Imidazole 10 mM in the incubation medium inhibited only TXB2 synthesis. Ciliary body-iris microsomes were incubated for 2 min at 0 degrees C with PGH2. The products of this reaction were superfused over spiral strips of rabbit aorta and produced the strong contractions typical of TXA2. Addition to imidazole to the incubation medium blocked the formation of the contracting substance. Incubation of ciliary body-iris microsomes with (1-14C)--8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid produced PGF1alpha, PGD1, and PGE1 but no evidence of any thromboxane product or 6-keto-PGF1alpha. Conjunctival and corneal microsomes synthesized prostaglandins, although less effectively than ciliary body-iris microsomes, when incubated with (1-14C)-arachidonic acid. Microsomes of sclera, retina-choroid, and lens synthesized little, if any, prostaglandins.


Oxygen tension under a contact lens.

Corneal thickness changes were measured on human subjects who wore gel lenses that varied in center thickness. Using these measurements and the results of an earlier study in which changes in corneal thickness were monitored on human corneas exposed to oxygen tensions below that in air, we showed that the oxygen tension under most contact lenses varies from 0 to 25 mm Hg which produces a corresponding oxygen flux into the cornea of 0 to 6 microliter cm2 hr. A critical oxygen tension and flux under the lens was found to be 10 mm Hg and 2 microliter cm2 hr, respectively, below which corneal swelling occurs. To maintain these critical levels of tension and flux, the minimum oxygen transmissibility of a stationary lens on the cornea was determined to be 5 X 10(-9) and 15 X 10(-9) (cm X ml O2)/(sec X ml X mm Hg) for the open and closed eye conditions, respectively.


Do rod signals control stimulus field prevalence in binocular rivalry?

We tested the hypothesis that rod signals mediate the effect of luminance on field prevalence in binocular rivalry. Results show that (1) field prevalence saturates at a luminance that is less than 0.001 that of the value reported for rod saturation, (2) the spectral sensitivity inferred from the prevalence-luminance relationship is not scotopic, and (3) the prevalence-luminance relationship does not behave univariantly under all chromatic conditions. We conclude that rod signals alone do not control field prevalence.


Contrast sensitivity of the human neonate measured by the visual evoked potential.

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded from a total of 97 1- to 10-day-old infants, with phase-reversing sinusoidal grating stimuli. The grating contrast or spatial frequency for which 50% of infants gave a statistically significant VEP was taken as a measure of threshold. This procedure yielded an estimate of neonatal acuity of 0.85 cycles/degree and an optimal contrast threshold of 50%. VEPs from an older infant showed good agreement with behavioral measures of sensitivity on the same individual. Comparison of the neonatal VEP results with behavioral data from 5-week-old infants, suggests little change in visual performance over the first month of life.


Different rates of functional recovery of eye movements during orthoptics treatment in an adult amblyope.

Although it is common clinical knowledge that oculomotor control appears to normalize during the course of successful orthoptics therapy for amblyopia, reports providing a quantitative analysis of eye movements during extended periods of treatment are lacking. We provide for the first time such a report in an adult amblyope. Aspects of eye movement control that tended to normalize with therapy include drift amplitude and velocity, duration and frequency of steady fixation, and pursuit gain. These results suggest that smooth pursuit control can be modified, even in an adult amblyope. Aspects of eye movement control that remained abnormal throughout therapy, in spite of normalization of visual acuity and centralization of fixation, include increased saccadic latencies, use of large saccades during small-amplitude pursuit tracking, and static overshooting. These results suggest that certain aspects of saccadic and pursuit control could either no longer be modified or would require longer periods for this to occur.


Psychodiagnosis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Patients with conditions in the intermediate range of severity often show adequate capacity to test reality but poor ego integration. To many, a modified psychoanalytic method is often applied. These patients are not easily classified within the standard nomenclature. The term "borderline" has been applied, in an illdefined manner at first; more recently, Kernberg has outlined, in more precise terms, the characteristics of this group from a psychostructural viewpoint. Genetic factors are important in this group also: a family history positive for mental illness is frequently noted. Amenability to analytic therapy is also related to the characterologic subtype, which carries prognostic implications as well. A multidimensional diagnostic approach is therefore crucial in this range of patients. A triaxial model is proposed and described, stressing (a) traditional diagnosis from the standpoint of genetic predisposition, (b) psychostructural diagnosis, and (c) characterological subtype. This method may help resolve confusion about diagnosis in the borderline realm and may lead to more accurate selection of treatment strategy.


Thienamycin, a new beta-lactam antibiotic. I. Discovery, taxonomy, isolation and physical properties.

A new beta-lactam antibiotic, named thienamycin, was discovered in culture broths of Streptomyces MA4297. The producing organism, subsequently determined to be a hitherto unrecognized species, is designated Streptomyces cattleya (NRRL 8057). The antibiotic was isolated by adsorption on Dowex 50, passage through Dowex 1, further chromatography on Dowex 50 and Bio-Gel P2, and final purification and desalting on XAD-2. Thienamycin is zwitterionic, has the elemental composition C11H16N2O4S (M.W. = 272.18) and possesses a distinctive UV absorption (lambda max = 297 nm, epsilon = 7,900). Its beta-lactam is unusually sensitive to hydrolysis above pH8 and to reaction with nucleophiles such as hydroxylamine, cysteine and, to a lesser degree, the primary amine of the antibiotic itself. The latter reaction results in accelerated inactivation at high antibiotic concentrations.


Neo-enactin, a new antifungal antibiotic potentiating polyene antifungal antibiotics. I. Fermentation, extraction, purification and physico-chemical and biological properties.

A new antifungal antibiotic, named neo-enactin, was isolated from the cultured mycelia of Strain H 829-MY 10, identified as a new subspecies of Streptoverticillium and named Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp. neoenacticus. The antibiotic was produced with a tetraene antifungal antibiotic, found mainly in the cultured mycelia of Strain H 829-MY 10 and it was extracted with methanol. The antibiotic is of a basic nature and it can be extracted with ethyl acetate at alkaline pH. Purification of neo-enactin was carried out by partition chromatography on cellulose and elution with ethyl acetate bufferized with phosphate buffer (pH 8.0). Neo-enactin shows strong antifungal activity and potentiates the antifungal activity of polyene antifungal antibiotics.


Piperacillin (T-1220), a new semisynthetic penicillin. II. In vitro antimicrobial activity and synergy comparison with carbenicillin and gentamicin.

Piperacillin, a new semisynthetic penicillin, was found to have potent antimicrobial activity against nearly all (405) tested bacterial species. Piperacillin was consistently 4 approximately 16-fold more active than carbenicillin against the Enterobacteriaceae, 16 approximately 32-fold against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas species, and 16-fold against Streptococcus faecalis. Carbenicillin and piperacillin were equally effective against Staphylococcus aureus, but inactivated by beta-lactamase. A 38% overall synergy rate for the piperacillin-gentamicin combination was identified, a finding similar to that for carbenicillin-gentamicin. Highest incidences of synergy were found for both antibiotic pairs tested on gentamicin-resistant isolates (Ps. aeruginosa and Providencia). In vitro findings suggest that piperacillin alone or in combination with aminoglycosides may be highly efficacious in the treatment of most serious bacterial infections.


Mechanism of action of aclacinomycin A II. The interaction with DNA and with tubulin.

Aclacinomycin A was observed to effect the thermal denaturation of DNA and to increase Tm. The visible absorption spectrum of the antibiotic showed bathochromic and hypochromic shifts upon reaction with native and heat-denatured DNA. [14C]Aclacinomycin A was demonstrated by equilibrium dialysis to bind to DNA. Native calf thymus DNA appeared to possess one binding site per ca. 6 nucleotides for the antibiotic with an apparent association constant of ca. 1.2 x 10(6) M-1. Heat-denatured DNA showed much less affinity for the antibiotic: one binding site per ca. 6 nucleotides with an apparent binding constant of ca. 3.5 x 10(4) M-1. The difference of association constants between double- and single-stranded DNAs suggested that the antibiotic may be intercalated between base pairs of the DNA double helix. [14C]Aclacinomycin A exhibited higher affinity for poly(dAdT) than for poly(dIdC). The antibiotic showed a significant difference spectrum with porcine tubulin, indicating an interaction with tubulin. The binding to tubulin was also demontstrated by equilibrium dialysis of [14C]aclacinomycin A and tubulin.


Prevention of penicillin-induced lysis of Staphylococcus aureus by cellular lipoteichoic acid.

The lysis of Staphylococcus aureus FDA 209P induced by benzylpenicillin was completely inhibited by cellular lipoteichoic acid isolated from an homologous organism. The cells prevented from penicillin-induced lysis were in static state and did not lose viability. The lipoteichoic acid inhibited either extracellular autolysin activity in culture supernatant or autolysis of whole cells in exponential phase of S. aureus. These results indicate that the prevention of penicillin-induced lysis of S. aureus by the lipoteichoic acid was brought about by the inhibition of autolytic activity of the organism.


Hydrogen-dependent nitrogenase activity and ATP formation in Rhizobium japonicum bacteroids.

Rhizobium japonicum 122 DES bacteroids from soybean nodules possess an active H(2)-oxidizing system that recycles all of the H(2) lost through nitrogenase-dependent H(2) evolution. The addition of 72 muM H(2) to suspensions of bacteroids increased O(2) uptake 300% and the rate of C(2)H(2) reduction 300 to 500%. The optimal partial pressure of O(2) was increased, and the partial pressure of O(2) range for C(2)H(2) reduction was extended by adding H(2). A supply of succinate to bacteroids resulted in effects similar to those obtained by adding H(2). Both H(2) and succinate provided respiratory protection for the N(2)-fixing system in bacteroids. The oxidation of H(2) by bacteroids increased the steady-state pool of ATP by 20 to 40%. In the presence of 50 mM iodoacetate, which caused much greater inhibition of endogenous respiration than of H(2) oxidation, the addition of H(2) increased the steady-state pool of ATP in bacteroids by 500%. Inhibitor evidence and an absolute requirement for O(2) indicated that the H(2)-stimulated ATP synthesis occurred through oxidative phosphorylation. In the presence of 50 mM iodoacetate, H(2)-dependent ATP synthesis occurred at a rate sufficient to support nitrogenase activity. The addition of H(2) to H(2) uptake-negative strains of R. japonicum had no effect on ATP formation or C(2)H(2) reduction. It is concluded that the H(2)-oxidizing system in H(2) uptake-positive bacteroids benefits the N(2)-fixing process by providing respiratory protection of the O(2)-labile nitrogenase proteins and generating ATP to support maximal rates of C(2)H(2) reduction by oxidation of the H(2) produced from the nitrogenase system.


Existence of carotenoids in Acholeplasma axanthum.

The neutral lipids of Acholeplasma axanthum contain carotenoid pigments, as evidenced by spectral characteristics, visual color, color reactions, and labeling with [2-14C-A1mevalonic acid. Approximately 80% of the label from [2-14C]mevalonic acid appeared in esterified fatty acids of the glycolipids and polar lipids. These carboxylic acids behaved as hydroxy acids of varying chain length.


Meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate D-dehydrogenase: distribution and the reaction product.

A high activity of meso-alpha-epsilon-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase was found in extracts of Bacillus sphaericus, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Proteus vulgaris among bacteria tested. B. sphaericus IFO 3525, in which the enzyme is most abundant, was chosen to study the enzyme reaction. The enzyme was not induced by the addition of meso-alpha-epsilon-diaminopimelate to the growth medium. The reaction product was isolated and identified as alpha-amino-epsilon-ketopimelate by a comparison of the properties of its 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone with those of an authentic sample in silica gel thin-layer chromatography, absorption, infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The alpha-amino-epsilon-ketopimelate formed enzymatically was decarboxylated by H2O2 to yield L-alpha-aminoadipate. This suggests that the amino group with D-configuration in the substrate is oxidatively deaminated; the enzyme is a D-amino acid dehydrogenase. L-alpha-Amino-epsilon-ketopimelate undergoes spontaneous dehydration to the cyclic delta1-piperideine-2,6-dicarboxylate. The enzyme reaction is reversible, and meso-alpha-epsilon-diaminopimelate was formed in the reductive amination of L-alpha-epsilon-ketopimelate.


Tripeptide hydroxamate from Corynebacterium kutscheri.

A tripeptide hydroxamate was isolated from cultures of Corynebacterium kutscheri grown on an iron-limiting medium. The metabolite was characterized by spectral measurements and by chemical degradation as L-alpha-aspartyl-L-alpha-N-hydroxy-aspartyl-D-cycloserine.


Fertility factors in Pseudomonas putida: selection and properties of high-frequency transfer and chromosome donors.

The octane plasmid (OCT) in Pseudomonas putida strains has been shown to be transferred at low frequency. However, bacteria which had newly received this plasmid showed a transient increase in donor ability. Using Octane+ P. putida as the donor, the transfer of most chromosomal markers was shown to be independent of OCT transfer, whereas the mobilization of the octanoate catabolism genes (octanoic and acetate) was dependent on OCT plasmid transfer. The presence of a fertility factor termed FPo has been postulated to explain these results. Strains carrying only this fertility factor have been obtained from strains carrying both OCT and FPo plasmids. Strains in which the OCT plasmid was transferred at high frequencies have also been isolated, and chromosome mobilization by OCT and FPo has been compared. A different gradient of transmission by OCT and FPo has been observed. It has also been shown that chromosome transfer by OCT was dependent on the bacterial recombination system, whereas the chromosome transfer by FPo was unaffected by the presence of a rec mutation in the donor strain.


Biosynthesis and cellular distribution of the two superoxide dismutases of Dactylium dendroides.

The synthesis and subcellular localization of the two superoxide dismutases of Dactylium dendroides were studied in relation to changes in copper and manganese availability. Cultures grew normally at all medium copper concentrations used (10 nM to 1 mM). In the presence of high (10 muM) copper, manganese was poorly absorbed in comparison to the other metals in the medium. However, cells grown at 10 nM copper exhibited a 3.5-fold increase in manganese content, while the concentration of the other metals remained constant. Cultures grown at 10 nM copper or more had 80% Cu/Zn enzyme and 20% mangani enzyme; the former was entirely in the cytosol, and the latter was mitochondrial. Removal of copper from the medium resulted in decreased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase synthesis with a concomitant increase in the mangani enzyme such that total cellular superoxide dismutase activity remained constant. The mangani enzyme in excess of the 20% was present in the non-mitochondrial fraction. The mitochondria, therefore, show no variability with respect to superoxide dismutase content, whereas the soluble fraction varies from 100 to 13% Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. Copper-starved cells that were synthesizing predominantly mangani superoxide dismutase could be switched over to mostly Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase synthesis by supplementing the medium with copper during growth. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that the decrease in Cu/Zn activity at low copper concentration is a result of decreased synthesis of that protein rather than the production of an inactive apoprotein.


Acetate assimilation pathway of Methanosarcina barkeri.

The pathway of acetate assimilation in Methanosarcina barkeri was determined from analysis of the position of label in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate formed in cells grown in the presence of [14C]acetate and by measurement of enzyme activities in cell extracts. The specific radioactivity of glutamate from cells grown on [1-14C]- or [2-14C]acetate was approximately twice that of aspartate. The methyl and carboxyl carbons of acetate were incorporated into aspartate and glutamate to similar extents. Degradation studies revealed that acetate was not significantly incorporated into the C1 of alanine, C1 or C4 of aspartate, or C1 of glutamate. The C5 of glutamate, however, was partially derived from the carboxyl carbon of acetate. Cell extracts were found to contain the following enzyme activities, in nanomoles per minute per milligram of protein at 37 degrees C: F420-linked pyruvate synthase, 170; citrate synthase, 0.7; aconitase, 55; oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, 75; and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-linked malate dehydrogenase, 76. The results indicate that M. barkeri assimilates acetate into alanine and aspartate via pyruvate and oxaloacetate and into glutamate via citrate, isocitrate, and alpha-ketoglutarate. The data reveal differences in the metabolism of M. barkeri and Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum and similarities in the assimilation of acetate between M. barkeri and other anaerobic bacteria, such as Clostridium kluyveri.


Phosphoglucose isomerase mutant of Rhizobium meliloti.

A mutant strain of complex phenotype was selected in Rhizobium meliloti after nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis. It failed to grow on mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, mannose, ribose, arabitol, or xylose, but grew on glucose, maltose, gluconate, L-arabinose, and many other carbohydrates. Assay showed the enzyme lesion to be in phosphoglucose isomerase (pgi), and revertants, which were of normal growth phenotype, contained the enzyme again. Nonpermissive substrates such as fructose and xylose prevented growth on permissive ones such as L-arabinose, and in such situations there was high accumulation of fructose 6-phosphate. The mutant strain had about 20% as much exopolysaccharide as the parent. Nitrogen fixation by whole plants was low and delayed when the mutant strain was the inoculant.


alpha-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase mutant of Rhizobium meliloti.

A mutant of Rhizobium meliloti selected as unable to grow on L-arabinose also failed to grow on acetate or pyruvate. It grew, but slower than the parental strain, on many other carbon sources. Assay showed it to lack alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (kgd) activity, and revertants of normal growth phenotype contained the activity again. Other enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and of the glyoxylate cycle were present in both mutant and parent strains. Enzymes of pyruvate metabolism were also assayed. L-Arabinose degradation in R. meliloti was found to differ from the known pathway in R. japonicum, since the former strain lacked 2-keto-o-deoxy-L-arabonate aldolase but contained alpha-ketoglutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase; thus, it is likely that R. meliloti has the L-arabinose pathway leading to alpha-ketoglutarate rather than the one to glycolaldehyde and pyruvate. This finding accounts for the L-arabinose negativity of the mutant. Resting cells of the mutant were able to metabolize the three substrates which did not allow growth.


Methane formation and methane oxidation by methanogenic bacteria.

Methanogenic bacteria were found to form and oxidize methane at the same time. As compared to the quantity of methane formed, the amount of methane simultaneously oxidized varied between 0.3 and 0.001%, depending on the strain used. All the nine tested strains of methane producers (Methanobacterium ruminantium, Methanobacterium strain M.o.H., M. formicicum, M. thermoautotrophicum, M. arbophilicum, Methanobacterium strain AZ, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanospirillum hungatii, and the "acetate organism") reoxidized methane to carbon dioxide. In addition, they assimilated a small part of the methane supplied into cell material. Methanol and acetate also occurred as oxidation products in M. barkeri cultures. Acetate was also formed by the "acetate organism," a methane bacterium unable to use methanogenic substrates other than acetate. Methane was the precursor of the methyl group of the acetate synthesized in the course of methane oxidation. Methane formation and its oxidation were inhibited equally by 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid. Short-term labeling experiments with M. thermoautotrophicum and M. hungatii clearly suggest that the pathway of methane oxidation is not identical with a simple back reaction of the methane formation process.


Uncontrolled septation in a cell division cycle mutant of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

A temperature-sensitive Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutant, cdc16-116, has been isolated which undergoes uncontrolled septation during its cell division cycle. The mutant accumulates two types of cells after 3 h of growth at the restrictive temperature: (i) type I cells (85% of the population), which complete nuclear division and then form up to five septa between the divided nuclei; and (ii) type II cells (15% of the population), which form an asymmetrically situated septum in the absence of any nuclear division. cdc16-116 is a monogenic recessive mutation unlinked to any previously known cdc gene of S. pombe. It is not affected in a previously reported control by which septation is dependent upon completion of nuclear division. We propose the cdc16-116 is unable to complete septum formation and proceed to cell separation and is also defective in a control which prevents the manufacture of more than one septum in each cell cycle.


Flagellation and swimming motility of Thermoplasma acidophilum.

Electron microscopy of thin sections of Thermoplasma acidophilum confirmed previous observations of the absence of a typical cell wall in this organism. Negatively stained specimens revealed the almost consistent occurrence in both strains examined of monotrichously arranged flagella, about 9 micrometer long, which describe a sinuous curve with a wavelength of 1.5 to 2.0 micrometer and an amplitude of 0.33 to 0.59 micrometer. Motility of T. acidophilum could be demonstrated microscopically by microcinematography and macroscopically. The theoretical implications of the demonstration of functioning flagella in a wall-defective organism are discussed in the light of current theories of the mechanism of flagellar motility and from a taxonomic point of view.


Flagellar-phase variation: isolation of the rh1 gene.

In Salmonella, expression of flagellar antigen alternates between two serotypes (phases) encoded by two genes, H1 and H2. The mechanism which controls the alternative expression of the H1 and H2 genes was examined by cloning these genes and the genetic elements which control their activity on hybrid vehicles in Escherichia coli. H2 gene activity was shown to be controlled by a recombinational switch located adjacent to the H2 gene. Activity of the H1 gene is thought to be repressed, when the H2 gene is expressed, by the product of another gene, rh1 (repressor of H1), which is controlled coordinately with the H2 gene. In this report, we describe the construction of hybrid lambda vehicles which contain, in addition to the H2 gene, a genetic activity corresponding to rh1. Variation of flagellar antigens analogous to that observed in Salmonella was observed when E. Coli strains were transduced with the hybrid lambda. By using the lambdaH2rh1 hybrid to program protein synthesis in UV-irradiated cells, the synthesis of a polypeptide was correlated with rh1 gene product activity. We conclude that the H2 region consists of two cotranscribed genes, H2 and rh1. The expression of both gene products is regulated by the same recombinational event.


Derepression of beta-1,3-glucanases in Penicillium italicum: localization of the various enzymes and correlation with cell wall glucan mobilization and autolysis.

The localization of the derepressible beta-1,3-glucanases of Penicillium italicum and the cell wall autolysis under conditions of beta-1,3-glucanase derepression (24 h in a low-glucose medium) were studied. About 15% of the total activity was secreted into the culture medium during the 24-h period and consisted of similar amounts of each of the three beta-1,3-glucanases (I, II, III) produced by this species. Treatment of derepressed mycelia with periplasmic enzyme-inactivating agents resulted in a loss of 45% of the mycelium-bound beta-1,3-glucanase. Analysis of periplasmic enzymes solubilized by 2 M NaCl or by autolysis of isolated cell walls revealed that only beta-1,3-glucanases II and III were bound to the cell wall. These two enzymes were capable of releasing in vitro reducing sugars from cell walls, whereas beta-1,3-glucanase I was not. In addition, the autolytic activity of cell walls isolated from  derepressed mycelium was greater than that of cell walls isolated from repressed mycelium. The incubation of the fungus in the low-glucose medium also resulted in the in vivo mobilization of 34% of the cell wall beta-1,3-glucan, and this mobilization was fully prevented by cycloheximide, which also blocked derepression of beta-1,3-glucanases. Derepression of beta-1,3-glucanase seems to be coupled to the mobilization of cell wall glucan.


Analysis of nonmotile mutants of the dimorphic bacterium Caulobacter crescentus.

A total of 69 spontaneous nonmotile mutants were isolated from the dimorphic bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. The majority of the mutants were unable to assemble a flagellar filament (Fla-), although eight were able to synthesize a short stub of a flagellum. A third mutant class assembled flagella of normal morphology but were nonmotile (Mot-). Genetic analysis by phiCr30-mediated transduction revealed 27 linkage groups for the fla and stub-forming mutations, and three linkage groups for the mot mutations. Intracellular flagellin detected by immunodiffusion was at the limit of detectability in most of the Fla- and stub-forming mutants but normal in the Mot- mutants. The Fla- and stub-forming mutants also showed decreased sensitivity to the swarmer-specific phages phiCbK and phiCb5 and phiCr40. One additional strain was totally resistant to phiCbK, and the mutation in this strain has been designated pleA. Each of the mutants containing mot mutations showed wild-type sensitivity to all of the phages tested.


Restriction enzyme cleavage map of Tn10, a transposon which encodes tetracycline resistance.

A cleavage map of a recombinant plasmid carrying Tn10 was constructed for 13 different restriction enzymes. The Tn10 region of this plasmid contains cleavage sites for BamHI, AvaI, BglI, BglII, EcoRI, XbaI, HincII, HindIII, and HpaI. Restriction enzymes PstI, SmaI, KpnI, XhoI, SalI, and PvuI do not cleave within the Tn10 element. This map confirms the previously reported structure of this transposon; it is composed of a unique sequence (approximately6,400 base pairs long), which in part codes for the tetracycline resistance functions and is bounded by inverted repeats (approximately 1,450 base pairs long).


Genetic mapping of a bacteriophage resistance mutation, pha-1, and the thi-1 mutation in Bacillus licheniformis.

A mutation, designated pha-1, resulting in resistance to bacteriophage LP-52, mapped between gly-3 and pepA1 in Bacillus licheniformis by transduction with phage SP-15. The thi-1 mutation was also found to be linked to gly-3. The map order was thi-1--gly-3--pha-1--pepA1--his-9.


Phosphate transport in arsenate-resistant mutants of Micrococcus lysodeikticus.

Two types of arsenate-resistant mutants of Micrococcus lysodeikticus were found: (i) mutants that grow in the presence of 10 mM but not 1 mM phosphate (Pi) with low uptake rate for Pi and arsenate, and (ii) mutants able to grow in the presence of 10 mM and 1 mM Pi, with a near-normal uptake rate for Pi but a low one for arsenate. The Km values for Pi transport and the Ki values for its competitive inhibition by arsenate were similar for the mutants and the wild type. Similar to the wild type, the mutants also accumulated Pi to high concentrations. In all strains, the transport of Pi was subject to repression by Pi. Mutant types showed lower Vmax but unaltered Km values for arsenate as compared to the wild type, and they accumulated arsenate to markedly lower levels. The results suggest a two-component transport system common to Pi and arsenate.


Dissociation of the NIC plasmid aggregate in Pseudomonas putida.

The NIC plasmid on conjugal transfer from Pseudomonas convexa Pc 1 to Pseudomonas putida PpG 1 dissociates into an independent fertility factor T and a nontransmissible NIC structural gene plasmid.


Haloperidol-induced comatose state with hyperthermia and rigidity in adolescence: two case reports with a literature review.

Two adolescents who developed severe extrapyramidal and hypothalamic reactions due to haloperidol therapy are describe. This is a rarely reported result of utilizing this medication in children and youth, and caution is urged in its use. Prolonged reactions have occurred.


Benzodiazepines in the treatment of aggressive patients.

A double-blind, controlled clinical trial of chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam and placebo was conducted in 65 outpatients with past histories of temper outbursts, assaultive behaviour and impulsiveness associated with anxiety, irritability and hostility. Of those tests showing statistically significant results, there was a tendency for oxazepam to be somewhat more effective in the reduction of anxiety than chlordiazepoxide. Oxazepam was also superior to the latter on 1 subscale of tests used to measure hostility. No paradoxical rage responses were noted.


Neuropsychiatric aspects of renal failure.

This report describes and discusses neuropsychiatric manifestations due primarily to interference with central nervous system functioning. Though most of the phenomena are associated with the uremic syndrome, other changes are secondary to treatment efforts and associated effects of the chronic condition.


Decay and interference processes in short-term retention of normal and brain-damaged patients.

The present study examined decay and interference mechanisms in short-term verbal retention in brain damaged patients with and without clinical memory impairment. Petersons' distractor technique was modified for this purpose. Results indicated that decay and impaired consolidation of memory traces was greater in organic amnesics, accounting for a greater degree of forgetting than proactive interference. Absence of an interference function is discussed in terms of the modified technique utilizing repeated trials to recall and more rigorously eliminating covert rehearsal, in addition to employing a more representative sample of organic amnesics than in provious studies.