Concentrations of oxytetracycline, tetracycline and doxycycline in mandibular osteitis.

Treatment of osteitis in the mandible after surgery is still a clinical problem. Levels of three tetracyclines--doxycycline, oxytetracycline and tetracycline--were measured in serum and dental alveolar serum in 30 patients undergoing oral surgery. The serum concentrations were higher than the dental alveolar serum concentrations in all patients. The maximal concentration in the alveolar serum for doxycycline was between 3.0 and 3.5 mug/ml while the corresponding values for oxytetracycline and tetracycline were between 1.0 and 2.0 mug/ml. When the dental alveolar serum concentrations of the various tetracycline analogues were related to their range of inhibitory concentrations for microorganisms isolated from mandibular osteitis, it was found that each drug reached levels sufficient to inhibit most but not all strains.


Doxycycline concentration levels in bone, soft tissue and serum after intravenous infusion of doxycycline. A clinical study.

As part of a longitudinal study, the influence of preoperative single dose doxycycline treatment on the overall incidence of early postoperative wound infections in orthopaedic surgery, 34 patients with various fractures were given an intravenous infusion of doxycycline 2-4 hours before the operation. The serum concentrations of doxycycline were determined on specimens taken during the operation and on 4 other occasions, the last being 48 hours after operation. All patients except 4 had serum concentration levels of 0.4 mug per ml or above at 48 hours. During the operation, specimens of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and bone were also taken. The doxycycline concentrations were determined in the various tissues and correlated to the concomitant serum concentration. The results were analysed with regard to the possible influence of preoperative single dose doxycycline treatment for prevention of early postoperative infections.


In-vitro effect of doxycycline on levels of adenosine triphosphate in bacterial cultures. Possible clinical applications.

Short-term effects of doxycycline on viability and levels of intracellular ATP in bacteria were studied. Inhibition of growth by doxycycline was reflected in a corresponding inhibition of the accumulation of intracellular ATP which was clearly demonstrable within 1-2 hours. The effects of doxycycline on intracellular ATP were dose-dependent and the use of ATP assays for quantitation of antibiotics in serum is discussed. In 45 clinical isolates exposed to doxycycline a positive correlation was found between antibiotic-induced inhibition of intracellular ATP levels and inhibitory zone diameters with the disc diffusion method, indicating possible clinical applications in rapid susceptibility testing.


In-vitro effects of Candida albicans of amphotericin B combined with other antibiotics. Preliminary observations.

The effect of amphotericin B combined with rifampicin or doxycycline on growth, oxygen consumption and ATP levels in cultures of Candida albicans, was studied. Alone, neither rifampicin nor doxycycline--even at high concentrations--affected the growth of the test organism. However, when combined with a concentration of amphotericin B which alone did not affect the growth of C. albicans, a pronounced fungistatic effect was obtained with therapeutically attainable concentrations of the drugs.


Selective pressure of tetracyclines on the faecal flora. A comparison between tetracycline and doxycycline.

The aerobic faecal flora was studied in two groups of healthy adult persons, each group consisting of 18 individuals, before a course of either doxycycline or tetracycline HCI, at the cessation of therapy and 5 weeks afterwards. The main object of this study was to evaluate the effect of antibacterial treatment on the occurrence of mutagenic resistant and plasmid carried resistant strains in the faecal flora, and in particular development of resistant E. coli. The frequency of resistant strains increased after treatment with both of the drugs without significant differences.


Systemic prophylaxis with doxycycline in surgery of the colon and rectum.

A prospective randomized double-blind study on the effects of doxycycline as prophylactic antibiotic in elective colonic surgery is presented. 82 patients were evaluated. 39 were treated and 43 were controls. Mechanical cleansing of the bowel and a low residue diet for two days was routine. 200 mg doxycycline or placebo (2 capsules) were given orally 4-6 hours preoperatively and 100 mg (1 capsule) for 5 postoperative days. A significantly lower incidence of wound sepsis, intraabdominal complications and septicemia was registered in the doxycycline compared to the control group, 12.8 and 44.2 per cent respectively. After proctectomies, infections in the perineal field occurred in 3/9 and 5/10 cases in respective groups. In the doxycycline group, however, they were the only complication, whereas among the controls they were generally combined with infections in the abdominal field, 4/5. Peroperative contamination seemed to carry easier consequences in the doxycycline group. The results are discussed further. Doxycycline appears to be an excellent antibiotic for peroperative and short postoperative prophylactic use in potentially contaminated abdominal operations, not only because of its observed effects, but also when its negligible tendency to cause adverse reactions is taken into consideration. Bacterial cultures, concentrations of doxycycline in serum and tissues and their relation to infections will be accounted for and discussed in a separate paper.


Emepronium bromide (Cetiprin) as a postoperative spasmolytic agent in transvesical prostatectomy.

To find out whether Cetiprin reduces the vesical spasms seen after cystotomias, a double-blind investigation including 22 men was carried out. Eleven of the men were given 25 mg Cetiprin i.m. twice a day for 2 days after transvesical prostatectomy, then 200 mg orally 3 times a day the following 12 days. The rest of the men, 11 patients, received placebo. In the Cetiprin group 9 patients had no vesical spasm postoperatively, whereas 1 had moderate and 1 had severe spasms. Only 4 patients were without spasms in the control group, whereas 5 had moderate and 2 severe spasms. The postoperative reduction of the bladder volume were counteracted by Cetiprin. No significant influence on liver- or kidney function was seen with the dosages mentioned.


Influence of pretransplant transfusions on kidney graft survival.

A study was made to elucidate the influence of transfusions on graft survival in 42 transplanted patients. In this series of multitransfused patients the number of units given was without significance, whereas transfusions given before onset of renal disease deteriorated graft prognosis. Possible explanations are discussed and a restrictive transfusion policy is advocated for patients, for instance with malformation of the urinary tract, who may be future candidates for transplantation.


Experimental arthritis of rabbits caused by intra-articular injection of autologous Fab2 produced by digestion of IgG with cathepsin D. II. Microscopical and immunohistochemical findings in long-term experiments.

Over 20 successive intra-articular injections of autologous or homologous cathepsin D-Fab2 produce chronic destructive arthritis marked by dense round-cell infiltration, epitheloid hyperplasia of the lining layer, lymph nodules and a few germinal centres. 75% of the animals become Rf-positive and develop high titers of homoreactants to cathepsin D-Fab. Both these antibodies are synthesized in the synovial membrane and phagocytosed. Careful study of control animals makes it possible to exclude the possibility that the effects observed are due to the repeated joint traumata, to endo- or exotoxin-like substances, to chromatographed lysosomal material or to traces of cathepsin D. Autologous and homologous Fab2 have largely identical effects, while those of homologous or autologous IgG are much less marked. These comparisons suggest that the cathepsin D site of IgG acts as a strong antigen when exposed in the joint. The synovitis thereby induced has a pronounced tendency to spread to the left knee joint which was injected with physiological saline.


Immunotherapy with levamisole in rheumatic diseases.

The immuno-modulatory effect of Levamisole in the treatment of rheumatic diseases was studied in an open trial. Nine patients with theumatoid arthritis (RA), 13 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and one with Reiter's syndrome (RS) were treated initially with 150 mg Levmisole daily for 4 weeks, then intermittently 3 days a week. Significant clinical improvement was observed in 7 out of 9 patients with RA, in 4 out of 13 patients with AS, and in the one patient with RS. An increased skin sensitivity to a panel of antigens was noted in 3 out of 9 RA patients and in 6 out of 13 AS patients. A fall in rheumatoid factor titre was observed in 2 out of 5 patients with seropositive RA. No development of other auto-antibodies was observed. No significant changes in the absolute lymphocyte counts either of the total counts or of the T, B, and null cell counts, were noted. Drug-related adverse reactions were seen in 13 patients, mostly allergic skin rash which required a short interruption in therapy. Severe leucopenia was observed in 2 patients, whereupon therapy was definitely withdrawn. Levamisole seems to have a definite beneficial effect on RA and a possible effect on AS and RS. Severe adverse reactions, mostly on the haemopoietic system, demonstrated some potential hazardous complications of the drug and required physical and laboratory examinations at short intervals.


Controlled trial of D-penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. Dose effect and the role of zinc.

The findings are reported of a controlled clinical trial comparing in 66 rheumatoid arthritis patients 0 g (placebo), and 0.50 g a day and 1 g a day of penicillamine. Each of these groups has been subdivided into two, one part receiving 5 mg a day of zinc metal supplement, the other a placebo. The trial was planned to be double-blind, and for each patient to take part for 4 months. The results prove the effectiveness of penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. 0.50 g a day has the same effect as 1 g a day but gives less side effects. Zinc supplement inhibits the clinical effects of penicillamine but does not prevent the side effects.


[Changes in serum concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphates and alkaline phosphatase activity due to anti-ipileptic treatment].

1. In a retrospective study the serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate and the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase in 54 epileptic patients treated by a variety of antiepileptic drugs (group A) were compared with those in 54 non-epileptic control patients (group B). Group B was chosen by computer to assign to each epileptic one control patient of identical sex and age. Patients affected by kidney or liver diseases were excluded from the study. 2. The data showed significantly lower calcium and phosphate concentrations and a higher activity of alkaline phosphatase in group A. Serum phosphate, but not calcium, was inversely correlated to the activity of serum alkaline phosphatase. 3. A minority of the epileptic patients were treated either by diphenylhydantoin or phenobarbital. The serum calcium tended to be lower under the former drug. The combined intake of both drugs produced no further hypocalcemic effect.


[Non-HL-A specific anti-thrombocyte autoantibodies in patients after kidney transplantation].

Occasional episodes of thrombycytopenia in patients after renal allotransplantation have led to the discovery of antiplatelet autoantibodies directed against specificities not shared by other blood cells and not identical with any of the hitheryo known platelet-specific isoantigens. The antibodies seem to be responsible for the mild thrombocytopenia sometimes observed in kidney-transplant patients. The presence of these antibodies could not be correlated with any biochemical or clinical parameter of the transplanted patient; more specifically, they had no negative effect on transplant survival or function.


[Migration of the wire after osteosynthesis].

In a 20 year old woman, sudden death due to hemopericardium ensued on osteosynthesis with Kirschner wire of a dislocated sternoclavicular joint. The wire moved to the aorta ascendens and to the right auricle thus causing lethal bleeding into the pericardium. The pathogenesis of the wandering wire is discussed and compared with observations in the literature describing causes, history and clinical phenomena. Wandering after osteosynthesis due to dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint is particularly dangerous, whereas in the case of broken clavicle, dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, fracture of the humereus or in the region of the hips, no serious complications occur as a rule. Present-day text-books on surgery do not make sufficiently detailed reference to the wandering wire syndrome.


[Primary hyperparathyroidism. An analysis of 152 patients with special references to acute life threatening complications (acute hyperparathyroidism)].

Tthe findings of 150 patients with proven primary hyperparathyroidism are reported. The purpose of the analysis was to find differences between the various clinical manifestations of the disease. Furthermore the occurrence of acute hyperparathyroid crisis in our series as well as in the literature are described. 65.8% of the patients were females, 34.2% were males. The leading symptom in 98 patients (group I) were kidney stones and in 23 patients (group II) cystic bone disease. Both manifestations of the disease occurred in only 7 patients (group III) and no symptoms related to the kidneys or to the bones occurred in 24 patients (group IV). Because of the difference of the clinical manifestations the additional data were analyzed for each group separately and compared with each other. There was no difference in the mean serum calcium levels for all four groups, however, patients of group I were on the average younger, the duration of the disease was longer and the weight of the parathyroid adenoma was lower compared to the other three groups. Data are presented regarding calcium excretion, phosphate clearance and tubular reabsorption of phosphate for each group. At operation single or multiple adenoma formation was present in 133 patients, whereas diffuse hyperplasia was found in 17 and carcinoma in 2 other patients. 46 of the adenomas were found in atypical anatomical localisation. This observation is responsible for the many unsuccessful or second explorations of the neck. The weight of the adenomas varied between 0.1 and 23.5 g. The most difficult diagnosis was that of diffuse hyperplasia. The success of the surgical intervention was usually established in over 80% of the cases within 24 to 48 hours after the operation with a significant fall of serum calcium. There is still no definite explanation for the variability of the clinical manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid hormone determinations on larger numbers of patients are not yet published. The assumption, that different hormones or peptide fragments are responsible for the different action on bone and kidney is discussed. In our series of 152 patients acute hyperparathyroid crisis occurred eight times. Our findings are compared to the other well documented cases in the literature. Main symptoms were nausea, vomiting abdominal pain and different states of cerebral dysfunction. Most of the patients had calcium levels over 16 mg/100 ml. Partial renal insufficiency with elevated blood urea and phosphate retention was found in ov er 50% of the cases. Overall mortality of all cases with acute parathyroid crisis is 52.5%. The pathogenesis of acute hyperparathyroidism and the implications of high calcium levels are discussed. According to our own experience hypercalcemia can be controlled with an intensive therapeutic program and emergency operation for acute parathyroid crisis is no longer necessary.


Calcium and secretion: distinction between two pools of glucose-sensitive calcium in pancreatic islets.

D-Glucose, but not L-glucose or 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, stimulates 45Ca2+ uptake by both lanthanum-displaceable and lanthanum-nondisplaceable pools in pancreatic islets. The nondisplaceable pool probably represents secretory granules, while the displaceable pool may be located in the beta-cell membrane. Kinetic studies with isotopically labeled islets suggest that only the displaceable pool participates in the short-term coupling of the glucose stimulus with secretion.


Country practice in the 1920's.

Experiences in a country practice in the Eastern Cape and later in small town practice during the 1920s are described. Economic circumstances compelled me to become a general practitioner. I had regrets in 1924, but nor since then. General practice has been a rewarding experience.


Congenital absence of the vagina and associated defects. Report of 5 cases.

Five cases of congenital absence of the vagina are presented. A discussion of the anatomical and clinical features follows and the reconstructive surgical techniques are briefly described.


Free flap transfer with microvascular anastomosis.

The development of the flap transfer technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery has evolved to the stage where free transplantation of a full-thickness skin flap, by means of microvascular anastomosis, has become posssible. For the first time in South Africa, a case is documented where such a free graft was used successfully to reconstruct a severe burn contracture of the neck. Experience with this and subsequent cases has taught valuable lessons about the procedure.


A clinical and epidemiological study of gastro-enteritis.

Over a 13-year period, 2,903 Asian, Coloured and White children with gastro-enteritis were admitted to the Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital, Salisbury. During a pilot study of 250 patients conducted over the first 2 years, a definite seasonal variation in the occurrence of gastro-enteritis, with a peak incidence in winter, was noticed, and this led to a more detailed study of 2,653 patients over the next 11 years. Bacterial pathogens were recovered from 27% of patients, strains of Shigella accounting for 12% Salmonella for 7% and Escherichia coli for 8%. A severe outbreak of E. coli infection occurred between October 1971 and December 1972, and 4 of a total of 9 deaths occurred during this period, all in children suffering from E. coli 0111/B4 infections. The bacterial recovery rate was highest in the summer (40%) and lowest in the winter (12%). Winter diarrhoea broke out over 3-month periods during each year and accounted for 37% of the cases, but none of the children who contracted it died. The clinical picture of winter diarrhoea differed from the others and the most serious illness was that caused by enteropathogenic strains of E. coli. The over-all mortality in the series was 0,27%.


[Treatment of postoperative sternal osteomyelitis (author's transl)].

Report on 5 cases of postoperative sternal osteomyelitis after cardiac valve replacement. In 3 cases evaluation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in probes taken of sternal wounds. Treatment of the osteomyelitis with continuous irrigation and suction supported by excochleation of the fistulae and application of pure spongiosa chips to the bone defect of the sternum. Uncomplicated postoperative course in 4 patients. In 1 patient postoperative time too short for a final decision.


Reprecipitation phenomena arising during the preparation of demineralised sections. III Scanning electron microscopic examinations of secondary calcium phosphate deposits.

Sections of teeth partly demineralized in 10% formic acid were examined by X-ray diffraction, microradiography and scanning electron microscopy. In the undemineralized circumpulpal dentin, the tubules were empty, lying in a matrix containing hydroxyapatite. In the "plume" areas of remineralisation, the tubules were filled with mineral deposits. X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of brushite and monetite in these areas. In the outer layers of dentin the tubules were empty, lying in a matrix containing some residual hydroxyapatite. These findings confirmed that the remineralisation process occurred within the dentinal tubules.


Improved temperature control of the Technicon tissue processor paraffin bath.

Modifications of the Auto-Technicon Tissue Processor Paraffin Bath are described. The modification are a combination of electrical and mechanical changes that will ensure long-term reliability of the unit and dependable temperature maintenance of the paraffin. Extensive testing has verified that modified units are able to stabilize temperature within a range of 0.25C over many months of continuous operation.


[Photocoagulation: a microsurgical welding method for ophthamology].

The author describes first of all the history of photocoagulation from its very beginning up to the most recent instruments. Then examples are given of the different possibilities of application. Besides the detachment of the retina and the tumors, the diseases of the vessels of the retina are playing an important role.


Aspects of tropical paediatrics.

Malnutrition interacting with infectious and parasitic diseases are the main causes of the appalling mortality in childhood in the tropics. The most important single safeguard against these in infancy is breast feeding and the trend now evident to abandon this is a disaster which demands urgent attention. Reasons for this trend are discussed. Efforts to control infectious diseases, other than smallpox, have had little success and the emergence and spread of dengue haemorrhagic fever in S.E. Asia have added new dimensions to the problem. Malaria is still widely prevalent in the tropics and falciparum malaria, holoendemic in much of Africa, remains a major cause of death with its most serious impact on pregnant women and children. The emergence and spread of drug resistant strains of this parasite in parts of the world is a cause for serious concern. Quartan malaria is also an insidious corruptor of health in childhood and commonly causes the nephrotic syndrome. Neonatal jaundice, often associated with G6PD deficiency, is increasing in frequency in urban areas of Africa and now constitutes a significant hazard to the newborn and requires urgent investigation. These problems in tropical paediatrics indicate the need for urgent reappraisal of our role as a profession in the affairs of the tropical developing world.


Infectivity of falciparum malaria patients for anopheline mosquitoes before and after chloroquine treatment.

The infectivity of 25 falciparum malaria patients for Anopheles balabacensis and Anopheles minimus, before and after chloroquine therapy, was studied in central Thailand. The proportion of patients infective for these mosquitoes was not affected by the administration of chloroquine, however, an elevation was observed in the median values for the numbers of oocysts on the guts of the A. balabacensis, but not the A. minimus, fed on infective patients after initiation of treatment.


Precipitating antibody response to malarial S-antigens.

The gel diffusion test has been used to detect antibodies to malarial S-antigens. Sera were obtained from entire Gambian village communities, from young children with acute P. falciparum malaria, from children convalescent from such infections and from immune adults. In community studies, small selections of S-antigens detected antibody frequently in sera from older persons but rarely in sera from young children. Larger panels of antigens detected antibodies in sera from half of 50 malarious children while homologous antibody responses were observed in 22% of 267 children followed at intervals during convalescence from malaria. In these latter cases, antibody tended to appear more swiftly when antigen was lost rapidly from the circulation, and observations made on individual responses indicated that antibody production was influenced by factors other than the intrinsic properties of the antigens. In adult sera antibodies usually occurred in association with IgG.


Gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum: phagocytosis by leucocytes in vivo and in vitro.

Phagocytosis of the extracellular gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum has been demonstrated in vitro, and in vivo in the bloodmeal within the mosquito midgut. Up to 84% of the gametocytes were ingested within two hours in vitro, compared to 7% in the same period in the mosquito gut.


Immune competency of nude mice bred from homozygous and heterozygous mothers.

The immune competency of nude mice born from matings of strictly homozygous nu/nu X nu/nu parents was compared to nude mice derived from the breeding of either heterozygous nu/+ mothers by nu/nu fathers or nu/nu mothers by nu/+ fathers. Spleen cells from nude mice born from heterozygous mothers had significantly higher levels of beta-bearing cells than mice born from homozygous mothers and were minimally stimulated by the T cell mitogens Con A and PHA-P. In contrast, there were no detectable maternal influences when survival of skin allografts and primary sheep red cell stimulation were studied. Homing studies of 51Cr thymocytes in term-pregnant nude mice suggest that the enhanced T cell characteristics of nude mice born of nu/+ mothers are caused in part by placental transfer of allogeneic maternal lymphocytes.


Immunogenetic analysis of H-2 mutations. V. Serological analysis of mutations H-2da, H-2ra, and H-2ka1.

The H-2 and Ia antigenic composition of strain pairs B10.D2 (H-2d) and M504 (H-2da). A.CA (H-2f) and M506 (H-2fa), and CBA (H-2k) and M523 (H-2ka) was compared by testing their cells against a battery of oligospecific antisera, by performing absorption analysis, and by cross-immunization. The two strains of each pair are congenric and differ in taht the second strain of the pair carries a mutation that occurred in the H-2 haplotype of the first strain. The Ia composition of each mutant haplotype was found to be the same as that of the haplotype from which the mutant was derived. Several differences in the serologically detectable H-2 antigens were found. The H-2d and H-2da haplotypes were found to differ in that the latter lost at least one and gained another antigen. The affected antigens were demonstrated to be classic H-2 antigens controlled by the H-2D locus. The H-2t and H-2fa haplotypes were found to differ in that antigens 26, 37, and 39, controlled by the latter, bound their respective antibodies less firmly than those controlled by the former haplotype. Since all three antigens are coded for by the H-2K locus, since no change was found in the D-region controlled antigens, and since the H-2fa mutation maps in the K end, we conclude that most likely the mutation occurred in the K region. The H-2k and H-2ka haplotypes were found to differ in that the latter lost one antigen encoded by the H-2Kk allele. This mutation, therefore, must have occurred in the H-2K locus. The data tip the scale of evidence in favor of the interpretation that each of the H-2 mutations occurred in a single region, either K or D. No evidence for a second mutation within any of the other H-2 regions was found.


A genetic survey of rat cardiac allograft rejection in presensitized recipients.

A genetic study of cardiac allograft rejection in 24 rat strain combinations sensitized by skin graft immunization has revealed that all grafts are rejected in either accelerated or hyperacute fashion. In the four strain combinations tested, the BN strain responded by rejection in hyperacute manner and the ACI strain was highly immunogenic in four strain combinations. No evidence for genic interaction was revealed by presensitization when the parental L and Bf or LBf F1 strains were studied with WfBN F1 recipients. The Lewis strain, used in many enhancement studies with BN or LBN F1 did not react with hyperacute rejection when immunized with BN. F1 hybrid to F1 hybrid haplotype-matched combinations showed accelerated rejection only. In a segregating backcross population of (L X LACI)F1, hyperactue rejection was associated with disparity at the Ag B (H-1) locus. It is concluded that the rat is a suitable species for studies of hyperacute rejection if the proper strain combination is chosen; strain-specific immune responsiveness, as well as disparity at the major histocompatibility complex and antigen dose, may be a factor in producing the phenomenon.


Expression of HLA system antigens on placenta.

The levels of HLA-A and -B antigens expressed by placenta have been assessed relative to parental and other A and B antigen types that were not shared by the foetus. A purified preparation of placenta plasma membrane was used to estimate the antigen activities. The results indicate that maternally and paternally inherited A and B antigen activities and beta2-microglobulin are expressed to similar extents but at much lower levels than in spleen lymphocytes (less than 5%). The possibility that the amounts detected were caused by contamination with blood or maternal tissue was ruled out. The low levels of A and B antigens may account for the lack of a cellular immune response to the other polymorphic cell surface antigens of the trophoblast. No evidence was obtained for the expression of a significant level of Ia antigens.


H-2/HLA cross-reactions. Absorption analysis of cytotoxic antihuman activity in anti-H-2 mouse sera.

Absorption experiments and subsequent retesting on human peripheral lymphocytes were performed with the congenic anti-H2f mouse serum known to give strong cytotoxic reactions with human cells which correlate with the presence of HLA-A2 antigen (mouse serum ASP 223, donor strain B10.M (H-2f), recipients (B10 X A.SW)F1 (H-2b/H-2s) hybrids; antibodies present in the serum anti-H-2.9, 8,37). Depending on the dose of A2-negative cells used for absorption, the serum can be rendered operationally monospecific to HLA-A2. Absorption experiments with lymph node cells of different mouse strains have shown that H-2f.p.w7 haplotypes share the ability to absorb completely the antihuman activity with about 15 X 10(6) cells. Consequently, the antihuman activity is not attributable to the presence of the anti-H-2.9 private specificity in the serum. H-2d.k.r haplotypes have weak absorbing capacity, because 500 X 10(6) lymph node cells are needed to absorb 70% of the antihuman cytotoxic acitivity. All strains that were able to absorb antihuman cytotoxic activity from ASP 223 shared the specificity H-2.8. Thus, the H-2.37 specificity seems to be responsible for strong and the H-2.8 specificity for weak absorbing capacity. The absorbing capacity of the H-2d haplotype was localized in the H-2.K end. Mouse lymph node cells have a 10- to 20-fold higher absorbing capacity for the antihuman activity than thymus cells. It was shown that H-2.K end public specificities predominantly expressed on lymph node cells are responsible for the generation of antihuman (anti-HLA) cytotoxic activity in anti-H-2 sera.


The immunodepressive and hematotoxic activity of imidazole-4-carboxamide,5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) in mice.

The immunodepressive and bone marrow stem cell-reducing activities of imidazole-4-carboxamide,5-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno) (DTIC), an antitumoral agent reported to possess little immunodepressive capacity in man, have been investigated in mice and compared with those displayed by cyclophosphamide (Cy). In this species, single doses of DTIC could profoundly depress antilymphoma allograft resistance as well as the number of antibody-producing cells after primary and secondary stimulation with sheep erythrocytes. The highest immunodepressive activity was observed when DTIC was given before antigen and the effect observed was substantially more long lasting than seen with Cy, which was, however significantly more active on a milligram per kilogram basis. In contrast, both agents displayed a quantitatively equal activity in reducing bone marrow stem cells. It is concluded that DTIC can be an effective immunodepressant and that this activity may have clinical implications.


Pathology of liver transplantation.

Experience with renal transplantation indicates failure of the graft is usually due to immunological rejection. In a previous study of human liver transplantation, rejection was the major cause of transplant failure in 4 of 17 patients )24%); in this review of 76 liver transplantations, 64 of which survived the first postoperative week, rejection was the primary cause of graft failure in only 4 of these 64 cases (6%). The two most common causes of transplant failure were technical difficulties with the operative procedure and sepsis; these accounted for 47 (62%) graft failures of the total of 76 transplants. Biliary obstruction and sepsis are more common causes of liver failure than rejection, and patients with recurrent jaundice are now studied intensively for evidence of obstruction. Only after obstruction is excluded, is immunosuppression intensified. These results are a basis for optimism concerning the future of liver transplantation in management of potentially fatal liver disease.


[Displacentar transfer of fluorescent antibodies from mothers to their newborns in a Wuchereria bancrofti endemic area in India (author's transl)].

The immunofluorescent antibody test against D. viteae applied to mothers blood and the umbilical cord blood of their newborns showed a very close association of the two endpoint titers in 50 pairs of examinations. In 37 cases the titer of the child was corresponding with the titer of its mother, in 10 cases the newborn's titer was one dilution below, in 2 cases two dilutions below the mother's titer. The titers of newborns of 15 mothers with titers greater than or equal to 1:80 were in 11 cases positive; 11 children of 15 mothers with a titer of less than or equal to 1:40 had a corresponding endpoint titer, in 4 it was below 1:40. There was a formal dependence between age of mothers and titer of mothers and their children. In 20 children reexamination after 6 months showed in no case an endpoint titer of 1:40 or above, regardless, whether previously mother or child had a high titer or not. These results indicate that in a W. bancrofti endemic area material antibodies against filariae, demonstrable in IFT against D. viteae are transferred diaplacentarly to the newborn, which are no more demonstrable after the sixth month of life.


Development of fluorescent antibodies directed against larval stages, eggs, and adults of Schistosoma mansoni in mice harbouring unisexual or bisexual infections.

The development of antibodies corresponding to the different developmental phases of Schistosoma mansoni was studied in mice subjected to experimental unisexual and bisexual infections. Blood samples were taken at weekly intervals for up to 5 months and tested by indirect immunofluorescence against frozen sections of male and female worms (collected from animals with unisexual infections), of liver of infected hamsters (containing schistosome eggs) and of the hepatopancreas of infected snails (containing schistosome larval stages). Antibodies appeared around the 10th day. The earlier appearance of antilarval antibodies observed previously could not be confirmed. The study of unisexual infections demonstrated that anti-egg antibodies can be differentiated from antilarval and anti-adult worm antibodies. With all four antigens a stronger serological reaction was obtained in bisexual than in unisexual infections. The anti-male antibodies were always present at higher concentrations than the anti-female antibodies.


[Comparative investigations in closing nephrotomies with conventional suturing technique and dura ribbons (author's transl)].

On 13 rabbits total longitudinal nephrotomies were performed on both kidneys. On the right side the margins of the parenchyma were sutured together with figure eight sutures. On the left, the nephrotomies were closed by tying ribbons of human dura around the kidney. Excretory urograms after 4-8 months showed no differences on both sides. On histological examination there was no difference of the scars. After roentgenological and histological criteria there are no advantages by closing kidney wounds with dura ribbons versus conventional suturing technique.


[Pathophysiological damage to the kidney due to temporary ischemia and measures to avoid these changes (author's transl)].

The efficacy of the so-called 'hyperosmolar kidney preservation' is proved experimentally and clinically with respect to protecting the kidney from the otherwise lethal effect of protracted periods of warm ischemia. Furthermore, the protective effect of various pharmacologic agents against 2 and 3 h of normothermic ischemia is investigated and the pathophysiology of renal ischemic damage is pointed out.


Evaluation of cellular immunologic responsiveness in the clinical management of patients with prostatic cancer. IV. Leucocyte adherence inhibition.

As a possible alternate to existing in vitro assays of cell-mediated host responsiveness to tumour, a modification of the leucocyte adherence inhibition test employing peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), has been evaluated in patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. PBL from patients with prostatic cancer reacted to varying degrees with 3 M KC1 extracts of autologous and allogeneic prostatic tumours when cultured in the presence of homologous serum. When sensitized PBL and tumour extract were cultured in autologous serum, inhibition ('blocking') of the interaction of PBL and antigen was observed. 'Blocking' was not observed when the tumour extract was allogeneic with respect to the origin of PBL and serum. Cross-reactivity between individual tumours within a given tumour type is in keeping with observations of anti-tumour immunity in patients with other tumours. Observations suggestive of a specificity of 'blocking' for autologous tumour only, is somewhat unique and will require further confirmation. While preliminary, these results provide further evidence suggestive of anti-tumour cell-mediated immunity in prostatic cancer patients previously observed by inhibition of leucocyte migration. The observed 'blocking' effect of autologous serum may be analogous to that observed in the technically more complex colonly inhibition and lymphocyte cytotoxicity tests and may be indicative of one means by which the potential effects of sensitized PBL are inhibited in vivo.


Purification of hepatitis B surface antigen using polyethylene gylcol, pepsin and Tween 80.

A simple, inexpensive procedure for the isolation and purification of HB8Ag from plasma is described. The technique included precipitation of HBsAg with PEG and elimination of normal plasma proteins by digestion with pepsin. Tween 80 was used to remove contaminating lipoprotein(s). This technique resulted in about a 200-fold gain in the specific activity of HBsAg and yielded about 20-40% recovery. Rabbits immunized with the purified antigen produced type-specific antibodies to HBsAg without detectable reactivity to normal human plasma antigens.


[Modification of the local hemolysis method for the detection of antibody producing cells producing antibody to virus antigens].

A modification of Jerne and Nordin's method of local hemolysis for detection of antiviral antibody-synthesizing cells is described. CrCl3 was used as the coupling agent. This method is simple enough but it requires either highly purified virus antigen or viruses propagated in a heterologous culture.


[Nonspecific methods of prophylaxis of influenza and other acute respiratory diseases with dibasole and ascorbic acid].

A marked prophylactic effect of dibasole and ascorbic acid in influenza and other acute respiratory diseases (ARD) is described. The analysis was based on comparison with a control group observed for the same period and being at the same risk of contracting infection with influenza or other ARD. The control group was given glucose according to the same procedure.


A history of orthopedics in San Francisco and the West.

The unique development of early medical specialization in the West can be traced to California's geography and economic development. Such early specialization produced men with orthopedic inclinations. Early orthopedists founded the first medical school and the first modern teaching hospital, helped to found Stanford's Lane Medical Library and made the first use of x-rays in the West. In addition many of these orthopedists were prominent in the political and social activities of the time.


[A new antigen induced by oncornavirus D in mouse fibroblast culture].

It was established by the CFT and immunofluorescence that oncornavirus D inoculated into continuous mouse fibroblast cultures induced in them a new antigen differing from those of the virus and of the original non-infected cells. The antigen was shown to accumulate during cultivation of the infected cells. No antigen was induced by oncornavirus inactivated by heating or neutralized by antiviral antiserum. The physico-chemical and immunological properties of the new antigen experimentally induced in the mouse fibroblast culture are identical to those of the new antigen present in cultures of human J-96, HeLa and HEp-2 cells.


[Fragmentation of human adenovirus type 6 DNA by means of restrictase of E. co R I and BAM I].

The effect of restricting endonucleases of E. co RI and BAMI on DNA of human adenovirus type 6 was studied. E. co RI and BAMI restrictases cleave virus DNA into 4 fragments each. The molecular weight of E. co RI fragments was: A--17.5X10(6), B--3.63X10(6), C--1.56X10(6), D--1.05X10(6), those of BAMI fragments: A--9.7X10(6), B--7X10(6), C--4.09X10(6), D--3.1X10(6). By means of terminal nucleotidyltransferase and the procedure of partial DNA hydrolysis, the alteration of fragments obtained by the effect of E. co RI enzyme in adenovirus type 6 genome was determined and found to be A--D--C--B.


Regeneration of yeast protoplasts. A freeze-etching study.

The submicroscopical structure of yeast protoplasts regenerating the new cell wall or merely its fibrillar component was studied by freeze-etching. No relation was found between the number and distribution of plasma membrane particles at various stages of regeneration. Hexagonal arrangement of the particles was found only solitarily even in protoplasts synthesizing intensely glucan microfibrils in liquid media. The fibrillar network on protoplasts grown in liquid medium or fibrillar groundwork of the cell wall on protoplasts grown in gelatine medium were exposed only after etching on etched faces. The microfibrils did not penetrate the outer leaflet of the unit membrane, which consequently indicates that no structural relation could exist between the fibrils and the plasma membrane particles. During conversion of cells to protoplasts, plasma membrane invaginations were arranged end-to-end to form prolonged furrows which persisted until cell wall regeneration had been completed. Then the long furrows broke into short units. Thus plasma membrane invaginations appear to be loca, rigid differentiations of the plasma membrane which may migrate laterally. Neither the plasma membrane nor the adjacent cytoplasm showed signs of reverse pinocytosis. The endoplasmic reticulum, which was hypertrophic during regeneration, consisted of extensive membranes, often parallel in arrangement. The cytoplasm frequently contained groups of small globular particles without characteristic localization.


[Cause and significance of increased endothelial permeability in the development of arteriosclerosis].

The above survey described the physiological and pathological transport of molecules through the arterial endothelium. The barrier function of the endothelium can be interrupted by the humoral substances and such ones be longing to the vascular wall as well as by haemodynamic stress. With the intercellular junctions being opened by destruction or contraction of the endothelium, macromolecular plasma constituents get into the subendothelium where they are retained. By this retentive effect an increased endothelial permeability causes, even with physiological plasma-lipid concentrations, an accumulation of lipoproteins and other large plasma particles in the intima and upper media. The continuous plasma insudation consequently leads to the formation of an intimal regneration tissue, the intimal proliferation. Under the conditions of pathological plasma-lipid concentrations there is to be noticed an acceleration of regeneration processes. Though the new experimental results characterize the endothelial alteration as an initial process, the individual reaction of the vascular wall forms the biochemical and structural correlate of arteriosclerosis. From the results described it can be concluded that the inhibition of permeability disturbances and the involved proliferation processes of the arterial wall as well as the prevention of a hyperlipoproteinaemia are a causative therapeutical basis of prophylaxis and metaphylaxis of arteriosclerosis.


[The lh-rh-test in men with fertility disorders (author's transl)].

89 mal patients with fertility disorders underwent a test with 50 mug synthetic LH-RH. The basal levels of FSH and LH are elevated in patients with azoospermia, with testicular atrophy, varicocele and Klinefelters syndrome. They increase with age. After stimulation with LH-RH the highest relative peaks (maximal value divided by control value) of LH are seen younger patients, in those with varicocele, and oligozoospermia. The FSH-values do not differ significantly between these groups. Low relative peaks of LH are seen in older patients. In Klinefelter's syndrome the relative peaks of FSH and LH are significantly lowered.


[The use of difluocortolone valerate for various dermatoses].

Diflucortolone valerate 0.1% in cream form was investigated in 50 patients with various inflammatory dermatoses. The results were very good in 82% of the cases, good in 8% and moderate in 10%.


[Results of a multi-center, international clinical trial of difluocortolone valerate (Nerisona)].

The new corticosteroid diflucortolone valerate was clinically investigated in an international, multi-centre trial by a total of 162 dermatologists in 22 countries in more than 6,285 patients with inflammatory and allergic skin diseases. Depending on the condition of the skin, diflucortolone valerate was applied as a cream, ointment or fatty ointment at a concentration of 0.1%. Most of the patients treated with the cream displayed weeping skin conditions. The ointment was used mainly in patients with neither weeping nor very dry skin conditions, while the fatty ointment was employed mainly in very dry processes. After the exclusion of invalid record forms, 5,578 cases remained for computer evaluation. The results confirm that the success rate in local corticoid therapy can be improved by adapting the base to the respective skin condition. The forms investigated were found to be highly effective preparations with excellent skin tolerance. They can be placed on a par with today's leading topical corticoid preparations.


[The use of difluocortolone valerate in various dermatoses].

Diflucortolone valerate was clinically investigated as a fatty ointment in 30 dermatological patients. Although this form of application is a special presentation for the treatment of very dry dermatoses, patients with not so dry and weeping dermatoses were also treated in this trial, the object being to include the role played by the vehicle in the results of therapy. Very good to good results were achieved in 80% of the cases treated, while the result was observed to be poor in only 10% of the cases. This latter percentage is comprised for the greater part of patients who had previously been treated with other corticoids and of patients with weeping dermatoses.


[Difluocortolone valerate in dermatology].

The investigational preparation Nerisona Cream (diflucortolone valerate 0.1%, investigational no. SH K 183 MB) was used in 47 patients with various inflammatory or pruriginous dermatoses. Either very good or good results were achieved in 89.3% of the cases. Nearly all the patients thought highly of the cosmetic properties of the preparation. No side effects were observed.


[Difluocortolone valerate: a new corticoid for topical use].

The clinical efficacy of diflucortolone valerate as a fatty ointment was investigated in 65 patients with very dry dermatoses. The results were very positive, being excellent in atopic eczema, neurodermatitis and atopic cheilitis. No side effects were observed.


[Topical treatment of dermatoses with difluocortolone valerate fatty ointment].

The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic effect of the new corticoid, diflucortolone valerate, with the effect of fluocinolone acetonide. The study was conducted as a randomised double-blind trial in 60 patients with various dermatoses. The results were good in 89% of the cases treated with diflucortolone valerate fatty ointment, while the same result was achieved in only 63.5% of the cases treated with fluocinolone acetonide ointment. No side effects were observed during the use of diflucortolone valerate fatty ointment, while local side effects occurred in 2 cases during the use of fluocinolone acetonide ointment.


[Difluocortolone valerate for topical use in dermatology].

59 patients with various skin disorders - most of them in the acute stage - were treated in this trial. The topical investigational preparation was a cream containing 0.1% diflucortolone valerate. The results confirmed that the preparation has a quick-acting and effective antipruritic and antiphlogistic action. The results achieved were good or very good in 91.52% of cases and moderate in 8.47%. No side effects were observed.


[Clinical tests of the therapeutic effect of a new difluocortolone valerate cream].

Diflucortolone valerate 0.1% in the form of a cream - Nerisona Cream - was investigated in various dermatological diseases. Very good results were achieved in 68.7% of the total of 64 treated cases, good results in 18.8%, moderate results in 9.4% and poor results in 3.1% of the cases. The patients assessed the cosmetic properties of Nerisona Cream as excellent. No side effects were observed.


[Clinical tests of a new corticoid for topical use: Nerisona].

Diflucortolone valerate 0.1% (Nerisona), a new topical corticoid, was clinically investigated in ointment form in 51 patients suffering from neither weeping nor very dry allergic and inflammatory skin diseases. The results obtained were good, improvement being observed in 92.1% of the treated cases. The cosmetic properties of the preparation were excellent. No local or systemic side effects were observed.


[Treatment of inflammatory dermatoses with difluocortolone valerate].

The authors investigated the therapeutic effect of diflucortolone valerate as an ointment in 40 patients with inflammatory dermatoses of various etiology. They described the antiphlogistic and antipruritic effect of the preparation as excellent and practically devoid of any side effects and cosmetic problems.


[Evaluation of a new corticoid for various dermatoses].

Diflucortolone valerate 0.1% (investigational number SH K 183 MB) in the form of a cream was clinically investigated in 41 patients with dermatological disorders. All the patients had been treated previously with other topical preparations, but without success. Complete healing or distinct improvement of the objective and subjective symptoms of the disorders was achieved in 100% of the cases treated with the investigational preparation. No side effects were observed at all.


[Topical use of the new corticoid difluocortolone valerate in dermatology].

The object of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of Nerisona Fatty Ointment in very dry skin conditions. A total of 37 patients, most of them with chronic dermatoses, was treated. Either very good or good results were achieved in 83.8% of the cases. The side effects observed were very slight.


[Bouble-blind unilateral comparison of difluocortolone valerate and flumethasone pivalate ointments].

A 0.1% diflucortolone valerate ointment was investigated in a randomised double-blind contralateral comparison against a 0.2% flumethasone ointment in 52 selected patients with neither weeping nor very dry dermatoses. The results are presented and commented on according to indications.


[Clinical tests with Nerisona cream (SH K 183 MB)].

50 patients with weeping dermatoses were treated with the investigational preparation SH K 183 MB - Nerisona Cream. Very good or good results were achieved in 90% of the cases. No systemic or topical side effects were observed. The cream was assessed as being very good in respect of its cosmetic properties.


[Secretory immunoglobulins and serum antibodies after oral infection of the white mouse with Salmonella typhimurium (author's transl)].

White Mice were infected via the gastrointestinal tract with S. typhimurium. The immunoglobulin class of specific antibodies appearing in serum and intestinal secretions was determined. Specific antibodies were detected as early as 7 days after infection in the intestinal secretions, and reached maximum titers on day 21. These antibodies belonged exclusively to the IgA class. After day 21, at a time when serum antibodies had reached high titers, antibodies of the IgG class were also detectable in the gut in low levels. Specific antibodies of the IgM class could never be demonstrated in intestinal secretions. Antibody titers remained at almost constant levels over the entire test period of 92 days in those animals with Salmonella in their intestine. In animals, where Salmonella were no longer demonstrable in the gut, antibody titers decreased. Serum antibodies could first be detected 12 days after infection. They reached maximum titers between day 21 and 36. Until day 21 equal levels of IgG and IgM antibodies were found. Later on, antibodies of the IgG class predominated. In Salmonella carriers antibody titers remained on high levels over the entire test period. In animals negative for S. typhimurium in liver and spleen, antibody titers declined until the end of the test period. A new and simple method for raising a class-specific anti-mouse IgA Antiserum by immunization of rabbits with IgA from washings of the small intestine is described.


Effect of heparin on the priming with a protein antigen in mice.

Heparin has been found to stimulate or suppress the priming activity of a protein antigen (cock muscle phosphorylase-b) in mice depending on the various parameters (the dose of antigen, timing of administration, etc.). The adjuvant effect of endotoxin on priming was potentiated by a single dose of heparin injected 10-12 hours after immunization. Optimal doses of heparin incorporated into Freund's incomplete adjuvant also enhanced the humoral immune response first of all the development of 7 S immunologic memory. The possible mechanisms are discussed.


[The so-called aging heart in 50- to 100-year-old subjects].

The cardiovascular system of aging people exhibits a number of morphological, functional and clinical special features. Alterations in shape, size and weight of the heart, alterations of coronary arteries, valves and aorta are accompanied by typical changes in several hemodynamics variables. The result is a diminution of the adaptation capacity to physical exertion and increased incidence of failure. However, heart failure cannot be regarded as a physiological process; it is caused by a coincidence of an increasing polypathy of the aging heart (coronary artery disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertrophy, valve-changes,disseminated degenerative changes) and the polypathy or multimorbidity of the whole aging organism. In advanced age the various forms of ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris, infarction, failure, arrhythmias) show increasingly atypical courses, complications and a higher degree of mortality. Modern therapeutic measures like demand pacemakers or bypass operations are principally applicable. Our study of now 326 patients of very high age shows that the good state of their cardiovascular system (probably genetically determined) is mainly responsible for reaching high age.


[Diastematomyelia--its importance in the treatment of congenital scoliosis].

The risk of neurologic complications following corrective surgery in congenital scoliosis is ten times greater than in idiopathic scoliosis, the main reasons being transfixation of the spinal cord by diastematomyelia or by other adhesions of the spinal cord. Therefore preoperative myelography is advisable in congenital scoliosis. The typical findings from 3 cases of diastematomyelia, as shown by myelography and by operation, are presented. The clinical and x-ray features are shown as well as neurological signs, which are easily overlooked.


[Resection arthrodesis in the treatment of bone tumors located near the knee joint (author's transl)].

First of all the authors limit the indications to resection arthrodesis in bone tumors located near the knee joint and present the main features of the procedure. These consist of the technical requirements for a radical operation, the type of osteosynthesis with special supports and the type of compensation for the defect. Based on the well known surgical techniques of Juvara, Merle d'Aubigné and J.Böhler, a precedure was presented which has been clinically tested for 6 years. In this procedure which is based on individual locations of tumors, a homologous bone canal helps to compensate the resection defect. The biological characteristic of the healing of this interponate was described. Finally, recommendations for postoperative aftercare were presented whereby the long support in orthopedic apparatus and the renewed spongiosa accumulation as a result of the removal of the metal were mentioned.


[Biosynthesis of aroma compounds by microorganisms II. Formation of sulphur containing flavour substances from methionine by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (author's transl)].

Using methionine as single nitrogen source 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol, 3-(methylthio)-propanal, 3-(methylthio)-propylacetate and 2-methylthiophan-3-one were formed in anaerobic model fermentations by Saccharomyces cerebisiae. The sulphur compounds were enriched by liquid-liquid extraction and detected by a selective flame photometric detector (FPD). The identities of the components were confirmed by mass spectrometry. It could be shown by quantitative determiniations that methionine was metabolized with 56--61% to 3-(methylthio)=1-propanol, when it was given to the medium in concentrations from 10 to 100 mg/1. 3-(methylthio)-propylacetuate, 3-(methylthio)-propanal, and 2-methylthiophan-3-one only could be detected in traces.


[On formation of fluorescent compounds in formaldehyde treated tissues (author's transl)].

In formaldehyde treated tissues, fluorescent compounds are formed. We could demonstrate, that these compounds result from a reaction of biogenic amines such as beta-phenylethylamines or beta-(3 indolyl) ethylamines with formaldehyde to yield the fluorescent 3,4 dihydroisoquinolines or 3,4 dihydro-beta-carbolines.


[Gastrin: recent points of view (author's transl)].

In a short survey recent results of research on gastrin are presented. Special stress is laid upon the mechanism of liberating gastrin, the role of the vagus in this process and the consequences of gastric surgery on serumgastrin. In clinical practice the differential diagnosis of hypergastrinemia in ulcer disease is very important, for it will have a decisive influence on the therapeutic decisions and the specific kind of surgical treatment.


[10 years of kidney transplantation; own experiences (author's transl)].

From 1964 to the end of 1974, kidney transplantation at Kantonsspital Zürich included 267 allotransplants in 249 recipients. Cadaver kidneys were used exclusively. The total survival for patients and kidneys amounts to 69%, and 61% respectively. In 100 consecutive primary transplants performed after January 1, 1972, a one year patient survival of 86% and a one year kidney survival of 73% were achieved. The typical complications encountered in these series are shortly discussed.


[Clinical use of polish glue "chirurcoll-polfa" (author's transl)].

The authors describe the clinical use of Polish surgical glue "Chirurcoll-Polfa" (n-butylic, n-heptylic ester of cyano-acrylic acid) in aerosol and liquid form. The glue was applied in 1441 in- and outpatients with good results. The glue was applied on skin wounds, penetrating injuries of the eyeball and parenchymal organs (lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys), on wounds after electrocoagulation of erosions of the cervix uteri. The glue was also useful in closure of cerebrospinal liquid leaks and gastrointestinal and bile fistulas. It was applied to tighten sutures and anastomoses of the gut and used during operations of the middle-ear.


[Enhancement of toxin production and sporogenesis in Cl. tetani 471 cultures under the influence of endogenous metabolites].

A study was made of the dynamics of the population quantity, the delicate morphology of the bacterial cells and the toxin formation in the Cl. tetani 471 cultures grown in fluid nutrient medium with caseine hydrolysate in the industrial 100-litre reactors and under laboratory conditions. Endogenous metabolites contained in the filtrates of the periodic Cl. tetani 471 cultures which reached the phase of accelerated death were capable of enhancement of the toxin formation when introduced in the amount of up to 1 : 100 at the beginning of the exponential growth of the same cultures in the reactors. The growth of the some oligosporogenic strain in the filtrates of the periodic cultures obtained at the beginning of the stationary phase or of the accelerated death phase was characterized by a slower increase in the vegetative cell count, by enhanced spore-formation and by the second, after the initial, increase in the concentration of the microbes partially connected with the spore vegetation.


[The band precipitation test with the soluble Coxiella burnetii antigen in the diagnosis of Q rickettsiosis].

Soluble antigen obtained by the treatment of Coxiella burneti of the I phase with trichloracetic acid could be used in the capacity of a precipitinogen in the band-precipitation reaction in the diagnosis of Q-rickettsiosis and in mass epidemiological studies.


[Intraepithelial shigellae invasion of the intestinal mucosa in patients suffering from acute Sonne dysentery].

Data are presented on detection of intraepithelial localization of shigellae in the biopsy materials of the large and small intestine mucosa of the patients with various forms of acute Sonne dysentery, in comparison with the clinico-morphological picture of the disease. Biopsy specimens (60 of the large and 7 of the small intestine) were stained with thionine and examined bacterioscopically; an intracellular distribution of the microbes was revealed in 58 cases; in 53 of them a subsequent identification of the microbes by the fluorescent antibody method was carried out; in 47 cases (88.7%) invasion of Sh. sonnei into the cells of the epithelium of the mucosa of the large and the small intestine was confirmed. There proved to be a direct relationship between the severity of the course of the disease, the level of shigellae localization and the extent of contamination by them of the cells of the large intestinal mucosa. The role of the penetrating capacity of shigellae in the development of the pathological process in dysentery is discussed.


[Interaction with the Hep-2 epithelial cells of Sh. flexneri R mutants and hybrids differing in O antigen structure].

The results of a study of the interaction of the R-mutants of Sh. flexneri of various chemotypes and shigellae hybrids with a definite genetic characteristics differing by structure of the O-antigen labeled with 3H-glucose, with the cells of the HEp-2 line demonstrated that the presence of the full value lipopolysaccharide structure apparently promoted the fixation of shigellae to the epithelial cells. The rough shigellae strains could retain the capacity to penetrate into the cells and to multiply partially in their cytoplasm, this pointing to the existence of additional factors providing the invasiveness of dysentery bacillae independent of the full value structure of the polysaccharide of their O-antigen.


[A study of Proteus L forms during reversion by means of electron microscopy and ultrathin sections].

The method of scanning electron microscopy was applied to the study of the Proteus L-forms which reversed directly on the millipore filters. It appeared that reversion was accompanied by elongation of the cell, piriform cells forming as the result. Filamentous cells segmented into short fragments and large bodies with a spongy surface structure with numerous ruptures were also revealed in the reversing culture. The method of ultrathin sections showed the other membrane in many cells to be fragile and readily twisting forming vesicles collecting into chains. As supposed, this is connected with degenerative changes involving the outer membrane of the paternal L-forms at the early reversion periods. An interrupted structure of the outer membrane was also demonstrated in many cells. It is supposed that in this case a synthesis of the outer membrane de novo at the later stages of reversion is dealt with. Phenomenon of "extrusion" of the multilayer structures into the periplasmic space, characteristic of spheroplasts, is described. A marked similarity of the morphological picture of reversion and at the initial stages of L-transformation, i.e. of the processes representing a looking glass reflection of one another, is described.


[Detection of bdellovibrios and bacteriophages in the seawater near the shores].

The frequency of occurrence of bdellovibrios and intestinal bacteriophages at the sites of contamination in the sea and along the sea shore and at the points remote from the sources of contamination was studied. At the contaminated sites bdellovibrios were revealed in 73.3-100% and bacteriophage in 75-83.4% of the samples. There was found to be a moderate correlative association between the bdellovibrios, bacteriophages and the coli titre. In the water of the shore region of the sea bdellovibrios were found in 15.4%, and bacteriophages in 20.9% of the samples. An attempt at a sanitary assessment of beaches by the data of bdellovibrio detection was unsuccessful. There was found no correlative association between the coli-titre and the bdellovibrios in the water of the shore area. Bdellovibrio proved to play an insignificant role in the processes of self-purification from the intestinal microbial flora of weakly and moderately contaminated sea water. Taking into consideration the high resistance in the sea water of the intestinal bacteriophages preference was given to them over the bdellovibrios as the index of the sea water contamination.


[Changes of various factors of nonspecific humoral immunity in acute dysentery].

The level of total Enterobacterial Enterotoxins of the blood serum, of beta-lysins, lysozyme activity, complement and normal antibodies were studied in 191 patients with acute Flexner dysentery and in 285 patients with acute Sonne dysentery, depending on the period of the disease, its severity, the treatment applied, and the species of the causative agent. The level of the nonspecific humoral immunity factors increased before the treatment and its normalization depended on the treatment applied.


[Molecular weight and size of the molecules of immunologically separate Shigella sonnei colicine types].

Biologically active electrophoretically homogeneous fractions of Sh. sonnei colicines (isolated by gel-chromatographic distribution on Sephadex) were characterized within the range of each of the immunologically isolated type by constant values of the molecular weight and the molecule size and also by close specific activity values. Immunologically nonhomogeneous types of colicines produced by Sh. sonnei differed considerably by their molecular-weight characteristics, the size of the molecules and the specific activity. The detected identity of the absorption spectra in the ultraviolet region of different types of colicines could point to the commonness of the structural elements of their protein molecules.


[The incidence of frequently occurring Sh. sonnei phage types in the GDR].

On the basis of literature data (from 1955 to 1970) and own studies (from 1962 to 1974) the authors present information on phage types of Sh. sonnei the most frequently encountered in the GDR. It was possible to trace the detection and the incidence of individual phage types at the territory of the republic (by time). In centralized typing there were obtained rather constant and standard results. Further improvement of phage typing and also its complex use together with other methods of typing is necessary in epidemiological practice.


[In vitro obtaining stable L forms of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci type 1 and 12].

Stable L-forms of hemolytic streptococcus of group A of the 1st and 12th types were obtained in vitro under the effect of penicillin. L-form strains were passaged over 40 times and failed to reverse to the initial. Stability of the obtained L-cultures of the 1st and 12th types was confirmed by electron microscopy which showed the absence of cell wall in them. Morphology of the colonies on hard nutrient medium showed some difference in the L-form strains of the 1st and 12th type. Phage contrast microscopy demonstrated in the culture of the 12th type a relatively greater number of granular structures; as to the L-form cultures of the 1st type, it was mainly represented by the globular elements. Submicroscopic characteristic of the L-form of streptococcus was revealed on the ultra-thin sections of both L-form strains.


[Morphological changes using live vaccine from the suppressor S. typhimurium revertant in model experiments].

The work of was aimed at the morphological study of the harmlessness and protective activity of the live salmonella vaccine prepared form the suppressor S. typhimurium revertant intended for the prophylaxis and treatment of carrier state after the sustained food poisoning. It was shown to model experiments on mice that oral immunization caused no development of pathological changes, and at the same time prevented the appearance of the disease in infection of the animals by the virulent strain--S. typhimurium No. 415 in a dose of 100 LD50. A marked immunomorphological reaction developed in the small intestine and the lymphoid organs.


[Various aspects concerning the intensification of bacterial preparation production].

The authors present a classification of the process of cultivation of the microorganisms, which are divided into periodic, quasi-continuous (semi-continuous and multicyclic) and continuous. The advantages of the quasi-continuous processes in comparison with the periodic ones (obtaining the required amount of biomasses at shorter periods) and the continuous ones (no special expensive apparatus is required) are demonstrated. The question on the expediency of organizing the structural subdivision for the cultivation of different microorganism species at the bacterial preparation plants is raised.


[Various debatable questions of epidemiology of intestinal infections. II. Interrrelationship between the intensity of enterobacteria accumulation in food and their pathogenic dose].

Experiments carried out by various methods demonstrated that the intensity of accumulation of various enterobacterial species in food and artificial nutrient medium was different: typhoid bacilli reproduced less intensively, reproduction of E. coli was the most intensive; as to other salmonellae and Sh. sonnei--they occupied an intermediate position. It is supposed that the rate of enterobacterial multiplication was an evolutionally justified sign of the species and was to a definite extent proportional to the pathogenic dose.


[Morphological and physiological peculiarities of spherical (11r) mutants of Escherichia coli K12].

A study was made of morphology, character and the rate of reproduction in 8 11r mutants obtained from Hfr and F--strains of E. coli K12 under the effect of N-nitroso-N-methylurea. The capacity of 11r mutants to realize several types of reproduction: transverse division, budding, asymmetrical division, and formation of granular forms was demonstrated. The rate of cell division, total DNA, RNA and protein synthesis were lower at the phase of rest and early exponential growth phase in the 11r mutants than in the parent cultures. Hyperosmotic conditions created by various stabilizers, media with increased viscosity and of different chemical composition, and also cell wall hydrolysate and their precursors failed to stimulate the 11r mutant reversion. A change of morphology, but not the reversion was seen on the media containing glycine and penicillin. Reversion was spontaneous with low frequency; it was observed in induction of inverse mutations with N-nitroso-N-methylurea.


[Typing of Shigella sonnei in the GDR during epidemiological surveillance].

A total of 35,503 strains of Sh. sonnei were typed during the period from 1962 to 1974 at the Institute of Experimental Epidemiology. The principal method used was bacteriophage typing, and biochemical typing and determination of colicine formation served as auxiliary methods. Colicine type, resistogram and in some cases R-factor were determined in some of the strains. Such complex typing of Sh. sonnei is of value in epidemiological practice.


[Half a century since the discovery of tularemia in the USSR].

The all-round and detailed study of tularemia carried out in the USSR for 50 years (1926-1976) offered a possibility to lay scientific foundation and to carry out an effective control of this infection in the whole country, providing a sharp and stable reduction of the incidence of this infection in man. By a number of sections and by practical results tularemia investigations in the USSR excelled foreign data.


[Development of a differentiation scheme for Hafnia using the H antigen].

The authors suggest a differentiation scheme for Hafnia bacteria by the H-antigen, including 36 varieties of the flagellar antigen. A collection of H-test-strains which can be used in elaboration of technology of preparation of Hafnia H-sera was determined.


[Theoretical and practical significance of the plaque formation intensification phenomenon in the presence of a specific antigen in experiments in vitro].

Experiments were conducted on 40 guinea pigs, 30 rats and 75 mice; a study was made of the presence and the mechanism of the phenomenon of intensification of plaque-formation under conditions of penicillin, ursol, horse serum, homologous intestine extract sensitization, or after hemostimulation on addition of a homologous antigen to preparations made by the modified Jerne's method. The presence of the phenomenon after the animal contact with penicillin, ursol, or hemo-stimulation, and its dependence on the interaction of the allergen with the immunocompetent cells were revealed.


[Mathematical express interpretation of the results of biochemical typing for identification of representatives of Enterobacteriaceae].

With the aid of Ypapi-14A computer the authors studied the sets of biochemical tests to assess the differential significance of each of the tests in identification of representative of the Enterobactericeae family. The sequence of the tests under study in the order of interpriorty by the differential significance was determined. The test sets providing the best identification variants were demonstrated. Complete identification of enterobacteriae was possible in all the cases with the use of 6 to 9 tests.


[Biology of spheroplast- and protoplast-like types of L-forms of Escherichia coli K12 converted with penicillin].

A total of 21 strains of stable L-forms were obtained under the action of penicillin on various Hfr and F- strains of E. coli K12. Three morphological types of the L-forms obtained differed by the character of the cell elements, sensitivity to chemical agents, antibiotics and to T4 and T6 phages. Cell wall was revealed in one type of the L-forms, but the rest L-form types were devoid of the cell walls. Reference of the L-forms which preserved the cell wall to the spheroplastic type, and the L-forms devoid of the cell wall to the protoplastic type is suggested. A possibility of L-forms of spheroplastic type obtained from the Hfr strains to retain the sensitivity to f2 phage and to transmit their chromosomes to bacterial recipients in conjugation was demonstrated. The results obtained are discussed.


[Various data concerning the ultrastructure of Proteus spheroplasts].

Spheroplasts were obtained under the action of penicillin on the same medium which was later used to obtain the L-forms. Spheroplast formation started 15 to 20 minutes after the addition of penicillin and reached the maximum in 2 hours. The first dividing forms were revealed at that time, and this division continued for at least 24 hours. The majority of the cells represented spheroplasts surrounded by outer and cytoplasmic membrane, and only some--true protoplasts--had cytoplasmic membrane alone. Division was anomalous in comparison with the bacterial forms with the cell wall: it was noted that either both daughter cells were surrounded by a common outer membrane, or one daughter cell had two membranes serving as a spheroplast and the other--one membrane, serving as a true protoplast. Individual vesicles and myelin-like structures were found to be extruded into the periplasmic space or directly into the surrounding environment. In the latter case pearl-like structures described by Ryter in the formation of protoplasts in bacilli were observed. However, in the Proteus such structures were largely formed by the material of the plastic layer of the cell wall, and to a lesser extent--by the lipoproteid membrane.


[A study of pancrealysates of Sh. flexneri 2a and Sh. sonnei fractionated by filtration through Sephadex G-200 and ultracentrifugation].

A high-molecular fraction of the O-antigen of Sh. flexneri and Sh. sonnei was isolated from the antigen complex by gel-filtration through Sephadex G-200 and ultracentrifugation. The high-molecular fraction obtained by ultracentrifugation at 105000 g contained no low-molecular components.


[Properties of O-antigens of enterobacteria and construction of preparations for serological diagnosis of enteric infections by passive hemagglutination].

Quantitative assessment of the main properties of the O-antigens of enterobacteria of significance in the reactions based on passive hemagglutination revealed the character of inter-relations between the antibody-binding, hemosensitive and specific agglutinating activity in various O-antigen preparations, and to lay foundation under the most effective method for obtaining the preparations with set properties for various preparations and reactions.


[Action of different cell types in influenza antibody production. 5. Keeping the immunologic memory to influenza virus A serotype by B- and T-lymphocytes].

The authors present data on the cooperation of the B- and T-lymphocytes in secondary immunological response to the antigens of influenza virus of serological type A. Cells of the spleen, bone marrow and the thymus in various combinations from the intact and immunized animals were transplanted to sublethally irradiated recipients; influenza virus was administered at the same time. Immunological memory to the virus antigens of serological type A proved to be preserved both by the B- and T-lymphocytes. Both in the primary and in the secondary response B-lymphocytes served as the precursors of cells-producers of antibodies.


Change in strength of aponeurotic tissue enclosed in the suture during the initial healing period. An experimental investigation in rabbits.

In order to ascertain whether tissue in which suture thread is inserted undergoes weakening, the strength against sutures in healing aponeurotic layer was determined in rabbits. The dorsal aponeurosis was used as test tissue. A paravertebral incision 10 cm long was made in it, and this was sutured with 00 (USP) multifil steel thread. The strength measured as holding strength against a single suture was noted 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after the procedure. The contralateral aponeurosis was used as control in each animal, and was tested in identical fashion. Two series of experiments were carried out, one with loosely tensed thread (Series I) and one with tightly pulled sutures (Series II). In series I the strength on the experimental side was reduced by 10 percent (average) on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days compared to the controls. Increase in strength was seen, however, from the 3rd to 14th days, and was significant (p less than 0.05). In series II the measured values showed significantly (p less than 0.05) lower strength on the experimental side compared with the controls throughout the 14-day period of the experiment. Moderate reduction in the strength of healing aponeurosis was thus recorded. The duration of this weakening depended on how tightly the suture loops were tied.


Immuno-electron microscopic localization of immunoglobulins in amyloid fibrils of senile plaques.

Amyloid fibrils in senile plaques of the brain of patients with senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease combined specifically with horseradish peroxidase (HRPO)-labeled rabbit anti-human IgG. Light and electronmicroscopic immunoperoxidase technique was used to prove this. The fact may mean that immunological factors were involved in the pathogenesis of amyloid fibrils in the senile plaques, and probably also in that of senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease.


Immunoperoxidase staining of simple nuclear bodies in sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) by antiserum to Measles nucleocapsids.

Nuclear bodies have been found with great consistency in brain tissue from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). There has been controversy as to the significance of these structures and their relationship, if any, to the disease. In this study, a non-productive, cell-associated strain of SSPE measles virus grown in tissue culture on Vero cells showed the continued presence of nuclear bodies, frequently in close association with the continued presence of nuclear bodies, frequently in close association with the SSPE measles virus nucleocapsids. Immunoperoxidase (I-P) staining with specific antiserum against measles virus nucleocapsids was done. The resultant positive labeling of the nuclear bodies demonstrates that they contain measles virus antigen and suggests that the nuclear bodies play a role in the development of the measles virus nucleocapsids of SSPE.


Turku sugar studies. V. Final report on the effect of sucrose, fructose and xylitol diets on the caries incidence in man.

The purpose was to study differences in the caries increment rate as influenced by various sugars. The trial involved almost complete substitution of sucrose (S) by fructose (F) or xylitol (X) during a period of 2 years. There were no significant initial differences as to caries status between the prospective sugar groups; 35 subjects in the S-group, 38 in the F-group, and 52 in the X-group. During the entire study 10 subjects discontinued or were excluded. The clinical and radiographical observer error was reported and discussed. After 2 years the mean increment of decayed, missed and filled tooth surfaces was 7.2 in the S-group, 3.8 in the F-group, and 0.0 in the X-group. The weakness of the DMFS-index in not showing the development of new secondary caries and the increase in size of the lesions was overcome by expressing the caries activity in terms of indices showing the total quantitative and qualitative development. The results showed a massive reduction of the caries increment in relation to xylitol consumption. Fructose was found to be less cariogenic than sucrose. It was suggested that the non- and anticariogenic properties of xylitol principally depend on its lack of suitability for microbial metabolism and physico-chemical effects in plaque and saliva.


Kinetics of duodenal ulcer healing: effect of treatment with cimetidine.

In a double-blind trial, 12 in-patients with endoscopically proven duodenal ulceration were treated with cimetidine (0.8 g daily) or placebo. Ulcer sizes were assessed endoscopically before treatment and at weekly intervals during treatment. Duodenal-ulcer healing was significantly more rapid in patients on cimetidine than in those receiving the placebo (p less than 0.0005): half-times of ulcer healing were about 6 days (on cimetidine) as compared to about 20 days (on placebo). No untoward clinical or laboratory effects were observed.


Turku sugar studies. VI. The administration of the trial and the control of the dietary regimen.

125 voluntary subjects, divided into three groups, were originally chosen to participate in a two-year trial in which the dental and general effects of the consumption of sucrose (S 35), fructose (F 38) and xylitol (X 52) were elucidated through an extensive clinico-chemical analysis plan. Additionally 2 edentulous subjects were included in the X-group for survey of the general metabolic effects only. The subjects were given free of charge a versatile assortment of foodstuffs sweetened with either S, F or X. Using special distribution and control systems, the subjects were handled and controlled so that an almost comparable consumption of the products was achieved throughout the trial. The mean individual monthly intake of S, F and X was 2.2, 2.1 and 1.5 kg, respectively. The highest daily amounts of S, F and X per person varied between 200--400 g. The cooperation of the subjects completing the study in the F- and X-groups was 97%, expressed as the intake frequency of the correct sugar. Ten persons discontinued or were otherwise excluded for a diversity of reasons. No health problems were observed, except for transient osmotic diarrhoea in the X-group. These symptoms gradually disappeared and occurred later in the trial in the X-group almost to the same extent as in the S- and F-groups.


A quantitative histological method for the identification of a nucleus in the brain. the perifornical nucleus.

Cytoarchitectonic characterization of the hypothalamic perifornical nucleus in the rat, has been attempted by quantitative histological analysis. Data are given on the volume, cell numbers and cell densities of the nucleus. The applied method proved suitable for the identification and clear separation from their background of individual brain nuclei and for describing in exact terms the cellular heterogeneity.


Self-relaxation program for acting-out adolescents.

The present paper describes an adaptation of Jacobson's Progressive Relaxation aiming to suit the specific needs of a short term residential facility for acting out adolescents (shelter). The relaxation was induced in small groups and was geared to teach the participants self-relaxation. Each session, which lasts about 20 minutes, focused on the major muscle groups of the body. A tape of relaxation instructions was available for the use of individuals or groups, whenever the emotional need arose. A guided interview with twenty two participants indicated that the relaxation program was highly effective in reducing their emotional and somatic complaints, and in helping them to adjust to the shelter.


The prevention of hyaline membrane disease: new concepts and approaches to therapy.

New approaches to hyaline membrane disease have emerged in recent years. These developments are principally attributable to advances in our understanding of the following: (1) the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of HMD in relationship to pulmonary surfactant, (2) fundamental aspects of fetal lung development, including the movement of surfactant phospholipids from fetal pulmonary fluid to the amniotic space, (3) mechanisms for accelerating lung maturation, particularly with  maternally administered prenatal glucocorticoids, and (4) ventilatory techniques effective in protecting and conserving alveolar surfactant by the continuous application of end expiratory pressure. Prenatal assessment of the risk for developing hyaline membrane disease is now routinely possible by amniocentesis and analysis of the ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid. Such predictability, coupled with the ability to postpone delviery, allows the perinatologist in some instances to provide the fetus with ample opportunity for lung development in utero. Recent clinical trials around the world with pregnant women in premature labor document a significantly lower incidence of hyaline membrane disease after antenatal glucocorticoid treatment. In neonates with the disease weighing more than 1500 gm, it is now established that reduced mortality rates accrue from the use of end expiratory positive pressure. These clinical advances offer great promise in changing the nature of HMD management from procedures that are largely supportive to approaches that are truly preventative.


Sickling syndromes in children.

The sickle cell syndromes comprise a highly diverse group of disorders which have in common the presence of sickle hemoglobin in the blood erythrocytes. The establishment of a precise diagnoffort involving both the patient and his family, but because of the important differences in prognosis and management of these various syndromes, an accurate diagnosis is of fundamental importance. Definitive therapy has not yet been developed for any of these disorders, but with the application of available forms of treatment these patients can be benefited substantially.


Application of the microbiological safety experience to work with chemical carcinogens.

Selected references on laboratory design, use of hoods, and the potential hazards of specific common laboratory procedures have been culled from the microbiological safety literature. It is suggested that this information may be usefully applied to work with chemical carcinogens.


Prognostic significance of surface marker analysis in childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoproliferative malifnancies.

Blast cell surface markers for T- and B-lymphocyte characteristics were studied at diagnosis in 73 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoproliferative malignancies. Three distinctive groups of patients were identified on the basis of the analysis of blast cells for surface immunoglobulin (SIg), sheep erythrocyte (sE) rosette formation, and complement receptors, The seven group I patients had monoclonal IgM on their blast cells, morphologic features of Burkitt's lymphoma, abdominal masses, and very short survival. The 13 group II patients had receptors for sE, complement, or both on their blast cells, mediastinal or nodal masses, and short survival. The distinction between leukemia and lymphoma based on the presence of bone marrow involvement at diagnosis is not prognostically useful in this group of patients. The blast cells of group II patients could not be morphologically distinguished from those of the group III patients. The 53 groups III patients had SIG, sE, and complement negative blast cells and could be further subdivided on the basis of while blood cell count. The nine group IIIA patients (greater than 100.0 X 10(9)/liter) had in general short survival, while most of the 44 group IIIB patients (less than than 100.0 X 10(9)/liter) have remained in complete remission. Positive surface markers, mass lesions, male sex, and age of diagnosis less than 2 years of greater than or equal to 10 years appear to be interrelated factors indicating poor prognosis. Elevated while blood cell count is a prognostic indicator independent of surface marker analysis or presence of mass lesions.


Evaluation of survival data for chronic myelocytic leukemia.

Median survival figures are essentially worthless for evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy in different series of patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia. Such data are heavily influenced by the characteristics of the initial patient mix, which play the major role in determining mortality during the first year of treatment. The effects of differing initial proportions of poor-risk patients are dissipated within two years, however, and the annual mortality rates thereafter reflect the influence of antileukemic therapy. Comparison of these rates, from very diverse series of patients, yielded quite consistent results and indicated superiority of effective chemotherapy over irradiation or inferior drug schedules.


[Effect of the amniotic fluid on the formation of spontaneous rosettes].

Since half of the fetal transplantation antigens are paternal in origen, the conceptus could be considered as a particular allogeneic graft not rejected by the mother. The reason for this particular kind of tolerance remains mostly unknown, and an enormous amount of experimental work, clinical observations and hypothesis, sometimes contradictory, has been accumulating in the scientific literature. So far no one has been able to set an unifying and coherent explanation. Recently Gupta and associates suggested that the amniotic fluid (A.F.) could have an immunosuppressive effect and protect the conceptus from the attack mediated by the mother's immunocompetent system. The basis for this approach is in a previous work made by Murgita and Tomasi in mice. These authors showed that the mouse A.F. has inhibitory effect on its T cells, and this action was well correlated with the alpha-fetopretein content in the A.F. Gupta studied A.F. from five normal human pregnancies and incubated it with lymphocytes obtained from healthy volunteers. These cells showed a clear decrease in its rosette forming abilities. Extrapolating from the Murgita and Tomasi work, conclusions were arrived at that the alpha-fetoprotein present in human A.F. was responsible for the inhibitory effect. We have obtained 23 human A.F. from non pathological, a term pregnancies, and studied its action upon rosette formation. Two populations of spontaneous rosette forming T cells could be assayed: those binding sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at room temperature (active rosettes), and those needing incubation for two hours at 4 degree C. These two populations differ on its affinity for the SRBC, being the "active" ones those probably involved in the effector arm of the specific cellular immunity. The A.F. were obtained by amniocentesis or transvaginal methods, and those grossly contaminated by erythrocytes were discarded. After centrifugation and Millipore filtering, pH and osmolarities were recorded. Blood obtained from healthy donors was centrifugated on Ficoll-Hypaque and the mononucleated cell layer washed twice and incubated with latex particles 0,81 mu diameter, in order to exclude those with phagocytosing properties on the final score. Aliquots of the cells were incubated in A.F. or Hanks balanced salt solution 30' at 37 degree C. After centrifugation the supernate was discarded, and the cell pellet resuspended in Hanks. The "active" rosette test was made according to Wybran, and the "late" test as described by Ross. A rosette was defined as a mononucleated cell without engulfed latex and with three or more SRBC binding on its surface. The mean percentage of total rosettes was 51.4 +/- 10.5 when incubated with L.A., and 50.1 +/- 9.7 in the Hanks controls. The statistical comparison between both series showed no significance. The mean active rosettes from the L.A. incubated cells was 33.7 +/- 9.4 and 33.8 +/-10.1 in the control group. Again the statistical significance was null as it was when each A.F. was compared with its control...


Acrocentric chromosome associations in man.

Heterogeneity among chromosomes was found to be a highly significant source of variation for association proportions, while culture, slide, and observer were negligible sources of variation for association proportions although important for numbers of associations. The consequences of these results for tests of group differences are discussed. It seems evident that each pair of acrocentric chromosomes has its own characteristic probability of entering into association. This is presumably a combination of the probability for each individual member of the pair, a proposition easily tested utilizing acrocentric chromosomes carrying polymorphisms which allow each member of the pair to be individually recognized. A mathematical theory for pairwise satellite association was developed and shown to fit observations on banded chromosomes. While we found very significant heterogeneity among individuals in the frequency with which different chromosomes entered into associations, there was no significant evidence for preferential association between any particular chromosomes, either heterologous or homologous. This finding in our material of apparently random associations between different chromosomes is contrary to claims made by other investigators and should be tested on other material. No correlation was found between the phenotype of the chromosome, as judged by cytogenetic polymorphisms, and its probability of association.


Flow-fluorometric diagnosis of euploid and aneuploid human lymphocytes.

In this paper the potential of flow-fluorometric DNA determination as a convenient and economical alternative to conventional cytogenetics for the diagnosis of aneuploidy in human lymphocytes is explored. By comparing euploid and aneuploid samples, we found that the fluorescence signals emitted from propidium iodide (PI) stained cells are linearly proportional to DNA content. Variation in DNA content between euploid individuals of a given sex was sufficiently low to permit diagnosis of aneuploidy involving chromosomes with greater than 1.8% of the total diploid DNA (e.g., X, 8, 9, and 13). Interindividual DNA content variation with flow fluorometry was too substantial, however, to confidently diagnose trisomy 21. Fluorescent stains which exclude (variant) simple sequence DNA might overcome this limitation.