[Change of immunologic reactivity of the animal body under the effect of various antiblastic agents during primary immune response].

Tests staged with mice and rats demonstrated 5-fluorouracil, fluorafur, methotrexate, cyclophosphane and vinblastine capable of inhibiting to a different degree the primary immune response and the factors of nonspecific immunity. Methotrexate displays the highest activity and specificity of the immunodepressive effect. By using different doses of the drug in immunizing the animals with sheep erythrocytes and vi-antigens the factors of both specific and non-specific immunity were inhibited in all cases. With their single introduction 5-fluorouracil and fluorofur can stimulate the synthesis of humoral antibodies and have no effect on the immune response. With their multiple administration the immunological reactivity of the organism becomes depressed. The extent of changes involving non-specific factors doses not depend upon the pattern and schedule of the drug administration. Cyclophosphane and vinblastin inhibit the immune response when they are introduced 24 hours after immunization. Vinblastin had the faculty of bringing down the activity of the nonspecific immunity, whereas under the effect of cyclophosphane it did not change, except for the complement.


Patient acceptability of two diuretic/potassium supplement preparations.

In a random crossover study in general practice, sixty patients with heart failure were given one week's maintenance treatment with the recommended dosage of Burinex K or Lasix+K. Burinex K appeared to be easier to swallow than the supplement tablets of Lasix+K although the differences were not significant. Patients showed a highly significant preference to take two tablets on one occasion (Burinex K) rather than two different types of tablet on three separate occasions (Lasix+K). Despite pharmacological arguments in favour of stimultaneous versus separate administration of potassium supplement and diuretic, patient acceptibility is of over-riding importance in the long-term.


A single-blind comparative clinical trial of lymecycline and amoxycillin in the treatment of acute bronchitis in general practice.

A single-blind comparison of lymecycline and amoxycillin was performed by three general practitioners in the treatment of acute bronchitis. A total of 132 patients were treated for seven days with lymecycline (204 mg) two capsules twice daily or amoxycillin 250 mg three times daily. Symptoms and signs assessed were cough, dyspnoea, sputum volume, purulence of sputum and temperature. Both drugs brought about a statistically significant improvement. For all parameters the improvements seen with lymecycline were superior to those seen with amoxycillin although in no case did any of these reach statistical significance. However, in the case of purulent sputum those patients receiving lymecycline showed improvement which reached borderline significance (0-05 less than p less than 0-1) as compared with amoxycillin. Side-effects in the case of both drugs were negligible.


Antidepressant treatment with maprotiline in the management of emotional disturbances in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a controlled study.

In coronary artery disease the patients usually manifest both anxiety and depression disturbances. A controlled clinical study was conducted to test the efficacy of a new antidepressant agent, maprotiline, in the early stages of acute myocardial infarction. The sample consisted of 126 patients, sixty-three receiving orally 25 mg of maprotiline twice daily and the remainder 5 mg of diazepam twice daily. Treatment lasted on an average two weeks (ten days to eight weeks). The depressive and/or anxiety conditions were rated on the basis of a questionnaire administered before and after treatment. Depression improved markedly in patients receiving maprotiline, while the two drugs developed a comparable anxiolytic action. Tolerability was good. No clinical or ECG evidence of cardiotoxic signs was detected. The importance of a drug with these characteristics in the management of emotional disturbances in the early stages of coronary artery disease is emphasized.


Clinical study of broncholytic effect and side-effects of isoetharine ('Numotac').

In thirty-nine adult asthmatics a clinical trial was carried out with 10 mg slow-release tablets of isoetharine ('Numotac', 3M Riker) at two dose levels: 10 mg and 20 mg four times a day. The trial was double-blind with crossover after six weeks. Twenty-three patients reported a positive effect on their respiratory symptoms when isoetharine had replaced their previous treatment; negative effect was reported by one patient while twelve patients were undecided. Tremor was a common side-effect but except in three cases it was slight. There was no difference in side-effects between the high and the low doses if the initial dose was low. However, there were significantly more side-effects when the trial was started with the high dose.


Study of a new analgesic compound in the treatment of tension headache.

The effect of a new analgesic compound (propoxyphene, acetaminophen, caffeine, hydroxyzine) was investigated in a single-blind study comparing it with plain acetaminophen administered to forty patients with tension headache. For the study, patients were assigned to one of two groups of twenty each. Starting dose for each group was one to two tablets followed by one tablet every four to six hours. The results show that 90% clinical success was obtained with the analgesic compound, while a 45% success was obtained with plain acetaminophen. This is a statistically significant difference. Side-effects observed with analgesic compound were primarily drowsiness and dizziness of mild intensity; acetaminophen caused gastro-intestinal alterations (nausea, vomiting) and dizziness of greater severity. Therapy was withdrawn in 20% of patients taking acetaminophen because of side-effects. The dosage of analgesic compound required to control each episode of tension headache was smaller than that of acetaminophen. These results can be explained by a possible potentiation of pharmacological activity of the compound's components. It can be concluded that the analgesic compound is a new and effective combination for the symptomatic treatment of tension headache.


Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone-17, 21-dipropionate and salicylic acid during the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.

The percutaneous absorption of betamethasone-17, 21-dipropionate and salicylic acid was studied after one and two weeks' treatment of psoriaris and eczema. The treated areas varied between 8 and 41 dm2. No change in the plasma cortisol levels was detectable by the routinely used laboratory method. The treatment gave no detectable salicylate concentrations in plasma.


Nefopam hydrochloride: new analgesic agent.

Two dose-levels of nefopam hydrochloride (i.e. 30 mg and 60 mg) were compared with two dose-levels of aspirin (i.e. 300 mg and 600 mg) and placebo in 125 male patients having pain associated with muscle disorders. Drugs were given as a single dose and pain intensity and side-effects monitored at thirty minutes and then hourly for four hours. Time-course action of the drugs revealed that aspirin 300 mg failed to achieve statistically significant analgesia at any post-treatment observation, whereas nefopam 60 mg was significantly better than placebo (p less than 0-05) at one and three hours in terms of pain intensity and at one hour in terms of pain intensity difference scores. Aspirin 600 mg was significantly different from placebo (p less than 0-05) at all hourly observations for both efficacy parameters, as was nefopam 30 mg (p less than 0-01). Summation of pain intensity difference scores showed aspirin 600 mg and nefopam 30 mg to be significantly different from placebo at the 0.025 and 0.005 levels respectively.


A clinical Trial of Tofranil in osteo-arthritis.

Animal experiments and uncontrolled clinical experience indicate that imipramine should relieve pain or enhance the effect of analgesics in osteoarthritis. A double-blind crossover trial using Tofranil 25 mg three times daily and matching placebo has, therefore, been designed and initiated.


Imipramine and rheumatoid factor.

It has been reported that imipramine reduces the titre of rheumatoid factor in schizophrenic patients. Twenty out-patients suffering from classical rheumatoid arthritis and having rheumatoid factor titre equal to, or greater than 1:64, were treated in a double-blind trial with imipramine 75 mg or matching placebo. In this study the dose of imipramine used failed to affect the levels of rheumatoid factor.


A clinical trial of Tofranil in rheumatic pain in general practice.

A multicentre double-blind clinical trial was conducted in general practice in which imipramine (Tofranil) was added to existing standard analgesic anti-rheumatic therapy in patients suffering from osteo-arthritis, rheumatoidtero-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. Twelve doctors admitted sixty-five patients to the trial. Fifty-five patients completed an eitht-week treatment period. According to clinical assessments imipramine brough about statistically significant improvements in pain, stiffness and grip strength and, according to patient self-rating, significant improvement in pain and stiffness. On the basis of a global assessment patients showed a highly significant preference for imipramine compared with placebo as adjunctive therapy.


Anafranil in the management of long-term pain: a preliminary report.

A clinical trial is being conducted in which single, nightly doses of 10 mg or 25 mg of clomipramine are added to the conventional analgesic therapy of patients with chronic painful conditions of the locomotor system. The initial impression has been obtained that the pain threshold of such patients can be modified by the addition of low doses of clomipramine and that, as a result, daily doses of analgesic may be reduced.


Nitrazepam and temazepam: a comparative trial of two hypnotics.

A specially designed sleep questionnaire was used to assess the performance of the two hypnotic drugs. Psychiatric patients were given 5 mg nitrazepam or 10 mg temazepam in identical capsules, and were allowed more if necessary. A double-blind cross-over design was used. We found that 5-2 mg nitrazepam showed few differences from 13-2 mg temezepam. The two regimes produced fairly similar reports on patient satisfaction, quality of sleep, number of awakenings, depth of sleep and other variables. Patients on nitrazepam were a little more clear-headed in the morning, though they tended to wake later, sleep longer, and take more sleep over the 24-hour period. No toxicity was found with either drug over the 434 patient days of administration. In view of the advantages of the benzodiazepine drugs over their predecessors, we feel that it is worth exploring further the use of temazepam as a sleep inducing drug.


Response of osteoarthritis to ibuprofen or flurbiprofen.

Flurbiprofen and ibuprofen, two propionic acid derivatives with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, were compared in a double-blind multiclinic study in 195 patients with osteoarthritis of the peripheral joints. The patients were given 80 mg/day flurbiprofen or 1600 mg/day ibuprofen for six weeks. Pain, subjective evaluation and functional tests improved significantly in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatments in any of the responses. Gastro-intestinal side-effects, generally mild, developed in 5-6% of the patients.


A double-blind comparative clinical trial of floctafenine and four other analgesics conducted in general practice.

Three hundred and twelve patients suffering from painful conditions were admitted to a multicentre, double-blind controlled trial, conducted in general practice in which five analgesics--floctafenine (Idarac), paracetamol, aspirin, dihydrocodeine and pentazocine--were compared. Overall ratings of analgesic effect placed floctafenine first in rank order. Floctafenine was statistically significantly superior in effect to pentazocine but not to the other three agents as far as doctor ratings were concerned; and superior to both pentazocine and dihydrocodeine in the opinion of patients. Fewer patients experienced side-effects on floctafenine than on the other four analgesics and this difference between floctafenine and pentazocine, and floctafenine and dihydrocodeine was statistically significant.


Efficacy of amikacin in septic abortion: serum and urine antibiotic concentrations.

Septic abortion is a frequent cause of maternal death in our patient population. The great majority of bacteria isolated were enterobacteria. Since antibiotics capable of destroying the cell wall release endotoxins (reducing vasoconstriction and tissue hypoxia) antibiotics which do not destroy bacteria like amikacin are preferred. Amikacin, 500 mg intramuscularly every twelve hours, was used concomitantly with uterine curettage and fluid and electrolyte restoration in thirty septic abortion patients. All the patients responded, obviating the need for more heroic surgical treatment such as hysterectomy. Previously used antibiotics have not been as effective in our patient population.


A double-blind comparison of a new combination (halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin) and active controls in cutaneous candidiasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses.

One hundred patients participated in the studies of cutaneous candidiasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses. Seventy patients with the former diagnosis were treated with either halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin or hydrocortisone-iodochlorhydroxyquin ointment combinations on a double-blind parallel comparison basis. Similar results were obtained after both therapies. Thirty patients with symmetrical bilateral lesions of steroid-responsive dermatoses were treated with halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin cream on the lesions on one side of the body and hydrocortisone-iodochlorhydroxyquin cream on the opposite side. A double-blind design was used in directly comparing the response to each of the two drugs. Considering the results of all dermatoses together the test combination was statistically superior to the control cream (p less than 0-05). However, while numerical superiority of good responses to the halcinonide combination was recorded in psoriasis, no statistical significance could be derived due to the limited number of cases. No side-effects occurred with any drug combination use. In the opinion of the authors halcinonide-neomycin-amphotericin cream and ointment are safe and effective in the treatment of cutaneous candiasis and steroid-responsive dermatoses.


Butorphanol: a double-blind comparison with pentazocine in post-operative patients with moderate to severe pain.

A double-blind, randomized trial was conducted with 124 post-operative patients to compare the analgesic activity and possible side-effects of a new synthetic analgesic--butorphanol tartrate (1, 2, and 4 mg)--and pentazocine lactate (30 and 60 mg), adminstered intramuscularly. Butorphanol was determined to be 16 times more potent than pentazocine, on a weight basis. Both medications provided maximum pain relief within one hour after administration, and had comparable durations of action. Drowsiness was the most common side-effect, and it appeared to be dose related in all test groups.


Comparative efficacy and safety of cephradine and cephalexin in children.

Cephradine was compared to cephalexin a randomized, double-blind study for the treatment of bacterial infections in 162 children between four months and eleven years of age. In addition to evaluations of clinical and bacteriologic responses to therapy, the relative safety of the two cephalosporins was assessed for all children, including eight who were not included in the evaluation of drug efficacy. The children in the efficacy evaluation had either lobar pneumonia or skin infections and received oral suspensions of cephradine (25-110 mg/kg per day) or cephalexin (25-150 mg/kg per day) for five to fifteen days. Overall clinical and bacteriologic responses were nearly identical in the two groups, and both antibiotics proved to equally safe and effective for use paediatric practice.


Light, behavior, and biologic rhythms.

The most potent environmental synchronizer of "biologic clocks" in mammals is the light-dark cycle. The author describes experiments that identify a particular pathway--a derect connection between retina and hypothalamus--as the main route by which such biologic rhythms as the daily activity cycle, the estrous cycle, and the annual reproductive cycle are entrained to the external environment.


Clofazimine in the treatment of dapsone resistant leprosy.

Dapsone resistant patients treated with clofazimine 100 mg daily show a consistent response to treatment. Concern is expressed regarding the prolonged persistence of viable organisms during treatment, with the attendant risk of further resistance developing. The importance of prevention of this problem is discussed.


Clinical trial with rifampicin in the treatment of leprosy.

Rusults of treatment with Rifampicin in ten untreated and uncomplicated cases of active lepromatous leprosy are compared with those of D.D.S. in a similar number of cases. Though clinical improvement was similar in both the groups, improvement in B.I. and M.I. appears to be better in the latter group. High price of Rifampicin is its greatest drawback at present.


Detection of mumps virus antigens in Hodgkin's disease tissues.

Mumps virus antigens were demonstrated in biopsied tissues from Hodgkin's disease patients by indirect immunofluorescence. Impression smears from ten lymph node and two spleen specimens revealed viral antigens in the nucleus, cytoplasm or both. Measles virus antigens were detected in six out of seven Hodgkin's disease tissue (lymph nodes) both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. All tissues tested for the presence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV, an avian paramyxovirus) antigens were negative. Control tissues were obtained from patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, breast cancers, adenocarcinomas and a number of other disease processes. In control tissues mumps antigens were detected in seven out of 31 specimens and measles antigens in nine out of 18 tissues.


Immunofluorescent studies on chimpanzee humoral responses to human melanoma cells.

Eight chimpanzees were immunized, each with a single melanoma cell line. It was found that the serum of only one of the eight chimpanzees showed immunofluorescence with four of the five melanoma cell lines at the membrane surface; but it showed no fluorescence with normal skin fibroblasts, WI-38 cells, HeLa cells, human or monkey kidney cells. With appropriate absorption studies it was found that the antiserum was specific to melanoma cell lines. Trypsinated cells showed bright patchy membrane fluorescence, whereas non-trypsinated cells showed bright full ring fluorescence. The chimpanzee's antibody was C'-fixing IgG. It was concluded that the immunized chimpanzee produced antibody to surface antigen(s) common to four of the five melanoma cell lines tested.


Results with CCNU in resistant Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

72 patients with advanced malignant lymphoma resistant to standard chemotherapy were treated with 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea (CCNU) at 130 mg/m2 orally every six weeks. Objective responses were noted in 13 of 39 evaluable patients with Hodgkin's disease, three of 15 patients with lymphocytic lymphoma, and one of seven patients with histiocytic lymphoma. Responses lasted one to 22 months (median: four months) and occurred in patients whose disease was resistant to alkylating agents, vinblastine, vincristine, corticosteroids, procarbazine, and bleomycin. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were frequent toxic effects of therapy.


[Ectopic induction of bone and cartilaginous tissue in diffusion chambers in adult rabbits under the effect of ground bone tissue].

The possibility of induction of bony and cartilaginous tissues in the diffusion chambers inserted in the abdominal cavity of adult rabbit under the influence of crushed bone was shown. The induction occurred when the crushed bony tissue moistened with blood was autotransplanted in the chambers together with the crushed muscle. No formation of tissues do novo occurred in the chambers with the crushed bony tissue moistened with blood only. The formation of atypical islets of bony tissue was observed from time to time in the connective tissue capsule overgrowing the diffusion chambers. The bony and cartilaginous tissues were found neither in the chamber, nor on its surface when the empty diffusion chambers were inserted. The comparison of these results with the data obtained earlier allows to conclude that the crushed bony tissue is an inductor rather than a source of ectopic osteogenesis. In those cases when the bony and cartilaginous tissues formed de novo, the connective tissue elements of the crushed muscle were their source.


[Cultivation of mammalian postimplantation embryos outside the body].

The possibility is considered to use in vitro cultivation of the embryos of laboratory rodents at the postimplantation developmental stages in experimental embryology and teratology. Different variants of the method are estimated and the optimal conditions of cultivation are described (nutrient medium, gaseous phase, depth of explants' immersion, rate of medium flow, etc). The causes are discussed which limit the duration of in vitro development and enhance the appearance of some defects. The results are given for application of the method when studying the mechanisms of teratogenic effect of chemical drugs.


[Decrease in the immune response in old age and ways of restoring it].

A comparative age study of the immune response in females of CBA mice to the injection of ram erythrocytes has shown that the decreased level of response in old animals depends on the delayed involvement of T- and B-populations of lymphocytes in the process of antibody formation. The intensification of immune response in old animals is possible under the additional antigenic stimulation and introduction of syngenic bone marrow cells from intact mature animals.


Naloxone reversal of analgesia produced by brain stimulation in the human.

The analgesia resulting from electrical stimulation in the periventricular grey matter at the level of the posterior commissure in the human patient has been reversed by naxolone. This finding raises the possibility that such stimulation is effective because morphine receptor cells may be activated.


Myocardial infarction without pain. A study of the sensory function of the upper limbs.

The sensory function of the upper limbs was examined in 18 subjects who had a myocardial infarction without a well-defined episode of chest pain. The cutaneous pain threshold was significantly higher than in normals. The ischaemia of the upper limbs induced patterns of sensations different from the normals, with onset of pain and of autonomic and coenaesthesic disturbances. These modifications of the sensory function are the same as observed in subjects with a previous painful infarction, but are quite different from those observed in patients with angina pectoris.


[Activity of intracellular and extracellular nuclease according to the phases of growth of pigment and pigment-free strains of Serratia marcescens].

Changes in the activity of intracellular and extracellular nuclease of pigment and pigment-free strains of Serratia marcescens were studied. The activity of intra- and extracellular nuclease of the pigment-free strain was higher than that of the pigment strain at all growth stages of the microorganism. The activity of intracellular nuclease in the lag-phase was higher than in the phase of exponential growth of both strains. Prior to cell division the enzyme activity declined in both strains. At the beginning of the stationary phase the activity of intracellular nuclease was relatively stable in both strains. By the end of the stationary phase the activity of intracellular nuclease of the pigment-free strain increased 4--6 fold and that of the pigment strain remained unchanged. Simultaneously the activity of extracellular nuclease of the pigment-free strain increased and that of the pigment strain grew but slightly.


[Regulation of growth and lysine-synthesizing activity of the lysine producer, Brevibacterium SP 22 L., by the intensity of stirring of the medium].

The intensity of medium stirring at a constant pO2 influenced the specific rate of Brevibacterium sp. 22 L growth and lysine synthesis. During periodic cultivation the maximum specific rate of the culture growth can be achieved with a more intensive stirring than the maximum lysine synthesizing activity. At different intensities of medium stirring the lysins synthesizing activity was directly related to the activity of tricarboxylic acid cycle dehydrogenases. It is suggested that a decrease in the lysine synthesizing activity of the bacterial culture at a high intensity of medium stirring is connected with an inhibition or repression of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes.


[Chitinase from Serratia marcescens BKM B-851].

The chitinase biosynthesis was studied during the cultivation of the strain of Serratia marcescens BKM B-851 with a high chitinolytic activity. Under submerged cultivation of bacterial cells on the medium containing demineralized crab shell extracellular chitinase showed maximum activity on the 3rd day. Cells of S. marcescens BKM B-851 synthesized chitinase as an adaptive enzyme. Chitinase obtained from the culture liquid by ammonium sulphate precipitation was then dialyzed and liophylized. It displayed optimum hydrolysis of colloid chitin at pH 7-8 and 50 degrees C and of native chitin at 30 degrees C.


[Method of arrest and fixation of growth of yeast cultures in the postincubation period].

In order to arrest the growth and to fix yeast cultures during the postincubation period on natural and synthetic nutrient media, 10% oxalic acid can be used. The fixative is used at a concentration of 0.025 and 0.05 ml/l. Therefore, it induces on noticeable dilution of the suspension and allows precise measurements of the yeast weight.


[Characteristics of asparaginase from Escherichia coli at different stages of purification].

Asparaginase of Escherichia coli obtained according to the previously developed scheme (extraction, acidification, heating with ammonium sulphate, twice repeated precipitation with ethanol and DEAE-cellulose chromatography) was examined by the methods of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and molecular weight assay. Asparaginase activity was measured by the Nessler method. With respect to the above characteristics, the asparaginase preparation was very similar to those described in the literature, e.g. Krasnitin (FRG) and Leunase (Japan).


[The use of radioisotopes in hospital nuclear medicine in the Province of Brescia (author's transl)].

The radioisotopic investigations carried out in 1973 at the Nuclear Medicine Department of the Brescia Civic Hospitals have been analyzed statistically with regards to the age, sex, profession of the patients, and distance from the Nuclear Medicine Department. The genetically significant dose with respect to the population of the town of Brescia is estimated at 0.5 mrem/annum.


Some factors affecting the transformation of the yeast-like to the mycelial-like forms of Candida albicans.

Various carbohydrates tried as inducing agents for mycelia formation in Candida albicans in liquid medium have revealed that mycelia formation was very pronounced in the presence of any of the sugars like xylose, galactose, lactose and trehalose. Glucose and fructose favoured lavish yeast growth. Arabinose supported neither yeast nor mycelia growth to any appreciable extent. In a growth medium containing a mixture of glucose and galactose, a glucose concentration of 0.7% (w/v) and above was required to maintain the fungus completely in the yeast form. The possible reason as to why sufficient glucose maintained the yeast form while galactose favoured the mycelial form was discussed.


Isolation of chloramphenicol-resistant variants from a human cell line.

Variant clones resistant to 40 microng/ml chloramphenicol were isolated from the human cell line VA2-B after treatment with either ethyl methanesulfonate or N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Among 17 clones analyzed, one variant, CAP-23, was investigated in detail. CAP-23 cells in the presence of 40 or 100 microng/ml chloramphenicol grew at essentially the same rate as cells in the absence of the drug; chloramphenicol resistance persisted even after 20 generations in the absence of the drug. No obvious morphological changes in mitochondria were observed by electron microscopy of thin sections of CAP-23 cells. In vivo mitochondrial protein synthesis in CAP-23 cells was inhibited little, if any, by chloramphenicol, and the variant showed and partial cross resistance to mikamycin and carbomycin. In vitro protein synthesis in mitochondria isolated from CAP-23 cells showed, likewise, low levels of inhibition by chloramphenicol. This suggests that the drug resistance of the variant CAP-23 is due to altered mitochondria.


Biochemical genetics of Chinese hamster cell mutants with deviant purine metabolism: isolation, selection, and characterization of a mutant lacking hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase activity by nutritional means.

Mutants of the Chinese hamster ovary cell derived from CHO-K1 have been selected for lack of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.8) (HGPRT) without the use of a drug-resistance protocol. The procedure depends on the use of a parental strain carrying a mutation making it unable to synthetize purines and thus dependent upon exogenously added purines for growth. The standard "BUdR-visible-light" procedure is then used to select those cells which can use adenine but cannot use hypoxanthine as a purine source. These cells are shown to be thioguanine resistant, to be unable to incorporate exogenously added hypoxanthine into purine nucleotides, to complement our other adenine-specific purine auxotrophs, Ade-H and Ade-I but not to complement a cell isolated by virtue of thioguanine resistance, and to lack the activity of HGPRT. The use of such multiply marked mutants and cells related to them for further analysis of purine nucleotide biosynthesis and interconversion is discussed.


[Discovery of the nature of the process of fertilization and of the role of nuclear structures in this process (on the centenary of the discovery)].

The history of the discovery by O. Hertwig (1875-1878) of the very nature of fertilization--the fusion of the egg's and spermatozoon's nuclei--is presented. In result, the principle of continuity of the nuclear structures in embryonic development was proclaimed. It is noticed that the correct understanding of such phenomena as maturation of the egg, meiosis and fertilization as well the role played by the nuclear structures in these processes was achieved not at once but gradually due to joint efforts of the number of scientists (E. van Beneden, O. Bütschli, H. Fol, W. Flemming and others).


[Ultrastructure of the proximal neurosecretory contact region in a sturgeon].

The proximal neurosecretory contact region (PCR), a homologue of the tetrapoda median eminence occupies the rostral and chiefly the ventral surfaces of the hypothalamic tuber cinereum. Three types of granule-containing neurosecretory fibres and their terminals have been found in the PCR with the electron microscope. Peptidergic, A1 and A2 type fibres contain granules of 120--300 nm and 100--170 nm in diameter, correspondingly, and monoaminergic B fibres have granules of 80--100 nm in diameter. Neurosecretory terminals and tanycyte vascular "endfeet" make contacts with a 70 nm thick outer basement membrane of the primary portal capillaries. Some thin horizontally oriented tanycyte branches form a multiserial layer bordering the external zone of the PCR from the preoptico-hypophyseal tract. Few neuroglial cells with pale cytoplasm and numerous lysosomes and lipofuscin granules are seen there. It is hypothesized that, like in other vertebrates, in the PCR of Acipenseridae both peptide and monoamine hypophysiotropic neurohormones may be discharged in the portal circulation to affect the functional activity of glandular cells of the pars distalis.


[Protein biosynthesis of the xenogeneic heart during perfusion with the aid of a donor].

Biosynthesis of sarcoplasmic and contractile proteins was studied in cat heart, extracorporeally connected to the rabbit circulation. Biosynthesis of sarcoplasmic proteins was inhibited by 34-40% in ventriculus dexter of the perfused xenogenic heart. Heteroperfusion caused an increased incorporation of 35S-methionine into total proteins of the right auricle and of the interventricular septa and also into contractile proteins of both myocardium ventricles of rabbit-donor. The heteroperfusion did not affect the penetration of the labelled amino acid into various parts of perfused and donor hearts.


Chloroquine resistance trials in Papua New Guinea. 1. Maprik and Popondetta areas.

The response of Plasmodium falciparum infections to a standard weight related dose of chloroquine using the W.H.O. Extended Field Test was investigated in the Maprik and Popondetta areas of Papus New Guinea. Fourteen cases of P. falciparum in Maprik and 12 cases at Popondetta were followed daily for seven days and weekly for a further three weeks after receiving 25 mg/kg of chloroquine over three days. All subjects responded well, the parasitaemias cleared in all cases by the fourth day after initiation of treatment and no recrudescences occurred in any subject in the month following therapy. No indication of chloroquine resistance was found in these two areas.


The problems of sampling and of the statistical evaluation of microbial numbers in mineral waters.

Problems in sampling are considered and the implications of various sampling schemes discussed in terms of the risks involved to the users of the schemes. It is concluded that microbiological testing alone cannot guarantee the "safety" of a product. The reliability of analytical procedures of use in the microbiological examination of water is examined and a method of determining the state of statistical control of the procedure described. Finally control charts available for monitoring a manufacturing process are discussed with particular emphasis on the cumulative sum test and its application to colony counts from water.


Immunocompetence, immunodeficiency and prognosis in cancer.

Immunocompetence and prognosis are related in solid tumors, malignant lymphomas, and acute leukemia. Among the parameters of immunocompetence vigorous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to recall antigens or to primary immunization with Keyhole limpet hemocyanin, vigorous in vitro lymphocyte blastogenic responses to mitogens such as PHA, and relatively high B-lymphocyte levels, all correlate with a good prognosis. The spectrum of immune reactivity as measured by established delayed-type hypersensitivity to recall antigens and in vitro blastogenic responses to mitogens and antigens is similar in melanoma patients and their nontumor-bearing spouses. In melanoma, only patients with widespread inoperable metastatic disease show severe immunological deficiency and this is selective for certain antigens. There are highly significant differences in response to specific antigens when patients with melanoma and lung cancer are compared. Immunotherapy with BCG and C. parvum can boost immunocompetence as measured by recall DTH skin testing. However, the relationship between the initial immunocompetence and prognosis still holds in patients receiving BCG immunotherapy to prevent recurrence of melanoma. These data indicate that a broader survey of immunological reactivity in cancer patients is needed, that immunological testing is useful in cancer prognosis clinically, and that the results of immunological testing can be used to evaluate therapy and to indicate new pathways for improved treatment.


[Principles of collecting the material for morphological and morphometric studies in pathology].

Methods of random sampling of preparations for investigation of pathological processes of diffuse and focal character are described; a possible classification of pathologoanatomic material is suggested. It is recommended to consider the total volume of an organ as a combination of submultitudes of elementary volumes non-intersected in pairs; these volumes should be selected according to the table of random numbers. For this purpose, the organ is dissected in parallel blocks of a given thickness perpendiculary to its root and on the last block a lattice is placed with numbered squares giving numeration for submultitudes of elementary volumes.


Malaria parasites of rodents of the Congo (Brazzaville): Plasmodium chabaudi adami subsp. nov. and Plasmodium vinckei lentum Landau, Michel, Adam and Boulard, 1970.

Descriptions are given of the blood forms, sporogonic stages and enzyme forms of Plasmodium chabaudi adami subsp.-nov. and P. vinckei lentum, malaria parasites of the thicket-rat Thamnomys rutilans of the Brazzaville region. The two species differ from each other in both morphological and enzymic characters. P.c. adami and P. v. lentum differ from the other subspecies of P. chabaudi and P. vinckei principally by their enzyme forms.


[Trauma and tumor].

The analysis of the literature data and the author's own findings justifies the conclusion that a single mechanical trauma may be of importance in the development of tumours of various genesis, as well as in the development and localization of metastastatic foci.


Assay of human lymphokines in vitro. Evidence for a migration stimulation factor (MStF) which interferes with the macrophage migration inhibition assay.

When cultured in vitro, human lymphocytes produced a range of materials which were able to reduce the migration inhibitory effect of human macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) and in some cases stimulated macrophage migration to greater than control levels. In addition, lymphocytes stimulated with antigen or mitogen produced a lymphokine-like migration stimulation "factor". Detectable production of this factor occurred 24--48 h after antigen stimulation. The migration stimulation factor (MStF) (MW 50-250,000; pI 6-5) was not chemotactic and could be separated from migration inhibition and chemotactic factors by chromatography and iso-electric focussing.


[Degradation of intracellular proteins at different stages of growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae].

The rate of degradation of intracellular proteins at different growth stages of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast was determined. It has been demonstrated that the rate of degradation of intracellular proteins increases 2--3-fold at the late exponential phase. The increase was accompanied by corresponding changes in the activities of yeast proteinases A and B. In the presence of specific yeast proteinase inhibitors (pepstatin and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride) the rate of protein degradation in vivo decreased. The intermediate products of cell protein degradation have been found. These TCA-insoluble products could be extracted by various solvent systems. Their subsequent brakdown was suppressed by specific proteinase inhibitors.


Hyperendemic subperiodic Bancroftian filariasis: a search for clinical and immunological correlates of microfilaraemia.

A study was carried out in the Kingdom of Tonga, an area of hyperendemic Bancroftian filariasis, to determine whether correlations could be made between microfilaraemia, as diagnosed by membrane filter concentration, and immunological (skin test, immunoglobulin levels) or clinical findings. There was no relationship between the presence or degree of microfilaraemia and any clinical manifestation or skin test reaction. The skin test positivity rate for microfilaraemic and amicrofilaraemic individuals was approximately the same for all age groups. Among those aged 0 to 4 years, 48% of microfilaria positives were negative in the skin test. The highest average IgG and IgE levels were found in the groups with the highest microfilarial densities, i.e., in children with a history of fever and in adults with a history of lymphangitis/lymphadenitis. Over a period of a year, the microfilarial density changed significantly in 18 (34%) of 53 adults.


Subclinical intestinal malabsorption in developing countries.

Asymptomatic small intestinal disease characterized by abnormalities of structure and function has been reported from many developing countries. Abnormalities of structure include changes in villus architecture and in appearance under both the light and the electron microscope. Changes in function include abnormalities in the absorption of xylose, fat, vitamin B(12), amino acids, and dipeptides and excessive faecal losses of nitrogen and energy. The etiology of the condition is unknown but appears to be closely related to exposure to the environment. The nutritional consequences of this condition have not been fully explored but for people living on marginally sufficient dietary intakes they may be extremely important.


Changes in basic cardiovascular activities during the lifetime of the rat.

In an effort to characterize rats as animal models for aging research, literature dealing with cardiovascular physiology and structure has been reviewed, and available data has been summarized in tabular form. The approach has been to present functional parameters on the basis of rat strain, age, sex, and experiemental condition, in the cases where these are known, so as to develop a unified reference source of baseline data. Hemodynamic properties, such as heart rate, cardiac output, blood pressure and related vascular parameters, have been found to change during the lifetime of rats in such a way as to make the cardiovascular system less efficient in meeting organismal requirements with increasing age. At the cellular level, changes in structure, electrophysiology, and contractile properties have been reported which could account, at least in part, for observed deterioration in cardiovascular function during aging.


Changes in the biochemistry of the rat heart with increasing age.

Effects of increasing age on biochemical parameters of rat hearts have been summarized, as far as possible, in a descriptive, qualitative manner. Where available, the strain, age, and sex of rats have been included. Due to a lack of uniformity in expressing chemical components and enzyme activities found in rat hearts, it is inappropriate in a review of this type to advance hypotheses regarding the nature of biochemical changes that may be contributing to or be the results of aging processes.


Some aspects of the central nervous system of the rat during aging.

Literature pertaining to structural and functional changes in rat brain taking place with increasing age has been reviewed. For the most part, only young rats have been studied. Brain weight does not appear to change dramatically throughout the life span of rats beyond early development. Neuronal and neuropil elements appear to undergo age-related changes with respect to size, number, and intercellular relationships. Intracellular organelles show evidence of degeneration. Additional studies on central nervous system function in relation to age are required in order to ascertain the meaning of particular structure changes.


Associated differences in response to alcohol in rats and mice: biochemical and behavioral review.

The purpose of this review was an examination of the biochemical and behavioral literature on alcohol and aging. The biochemical literature indicated that older animals  show differences in response to alcohol using metabolic measures such as: alcohol dehydrogenase, blood alcohol concentration, and acetaldehyde. However, these differences were not always in the predicted direction (i.e, a reduction with increasing age), suggesting that changes in these metabolic factors do not fully explain differences among age groups in response to alcohol. Behavioral data demonstrated that preference for alcohol was affected by the age of the animal and/or previous experience with the drug. Generally, alcohol preference decreases with advancing age, but this was dependent in a large part on the genotype of the animal and the concentration of alcohol used. Several methodological problems are apparent in the literature on age-related changes in response to alcohol (e.g., narrow range of ages used, inadequate dose-response curves and an absence of proper control groups). Ways of reducing these problems and directions for future research were discussed.


Failure to detect chromosome damage in bone-marrow cells of mice and Chinese hamsters exposed in vivo to some ergot derivatives.

A known chemical mutagen (Trenimon, Bayer), and three ergot derivatives (ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotoxine mesylate, and methysergide hydrogen maleate) were tested in mice and Chinese hamsters for mutagenic effects by means of the micronucleus test and the conventional chromosome method. In contrast to Trenimon, which proved to be a powerful mutagen in these test systems, neither of the ergot derivatives showed an effect. It is concluded that these compounds, at subtoxic or therapeutic dose-levels, have no potential for damaging the chromosome complement of in vivo treated mammals.


A comparative clinical trial of fenbufen and indomethacin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 12-week double-blind crossover trial compared fenbufen and indomethacin in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Fenbufen (600-800 mg/day) was significantly superior to indomethacin (75-100 mg/day) in improving the physical measurements of rheumatoid arthritis activity. Twenty-four patients who demonstrated marked or moderate improvement in the double-blind study participated in a 14-week single-blind study. After one week on placebo, patients received either fenbufen once a day at bedtime, fenbufen twice a day, or indomethacin three times a day for 12 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of placebo. All three treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement. The two fenbufen groups were significantly superior to indomethacin in improving the physical measurements of rheumatoid arthritis activity. No significant differences were found between the two fenbufen treatment groups. Drug-related side-effects reported during both studies were significantly fewer with fenbufen than with indomethacin.


A double-blind crossover comparison of Orudis (ketoprofen) and indomethacin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Twenty-three patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in a double-blind crossover investigation of ketoprofen (Orudis) and indomethacin. Ratings which assessed the degree of joint involvement showed consistently greater improvement with Orudis, and side-effects occurred with less frequency. The majority of patients expressed a definite preference for Orudis.


A comparative trial of orphenadrine and tofenacin in the control of depression and extrapyramidal side-effects associated with fluphenazine decanoate therapy.

A trial involving patients receiving fluphenazine decanoate was designed to compare the effects of orphenadrine hydrochloride (Disipal) and its major metabolite, tofenacin hydrochloride (Elamol) on the Parkinsonian side-effects and depression occurring during fluphenazine decanoate therapy. The trial was a double-blind one, with crossover. It was found that both drugs exerted an adequate control on the Parkinsonian side-effects, but there was no significant difference between their effects. Ophenadrine, however, was shown to be significantly superior (p less than 0-05) in the control of the depressive side-effects.


A double-blind comparative trial of loxapine and trifluoperazine in acute and chronic schizophrenic patients.

A double-blind comparative trial of loxapine and trifluoperazine was carried out in 57 acute and chronic schizophrenic patients. In both groups of patients loxapine proved to be equivalent in its effects to trifluoperazine and there were suggestions it might be rather more effective in chronic patients. Side-effects were similar with the two drugs but anticholinergic effects, excitement, dizziness and faintness occurred rather more commonly with loxapine. Laboratory tests, urine analysis, cardiovascular and ophthalmological investigations showed no significant abnormalities.


Diflorasone diacetate: vasoconstrictor activity and clinical efficacy of a new topical corticosteroid.

Diflorasone diacetate, a new topical corticosteroid, was generally more potent than three high potency reference standards (fluocinonide, beta-methasone 17-valerate and fluocinolone acetonide) when the compounds were dissolved in 95% alcohol and applied in vasoconstrictor assays in healthy volunteers. On the basis of additional vasoconstrictor assay results, a 0-05% concentration of the steroid in a cream vehicle containing 15% propylene glycol was developed for therapeutic evaluation. In a double-blind comparison in 384 patients with dermatoses, 0-05% diflorasone diacetate cream was as effective as 0-05% fluocinonide cream in the therapy of lesions of psoriasis or atopic/neurodermatitis.


[Time, technic and results of replacement operations in irreparable radial nerve damage].

In cases with poor motor regeneration following radial nerve damage the Perthes method of tendon transfer is recommended. At the same operation a secondary nerve suture should be performed. The flexor carpi ulnaris tendons is used as the motor for the extensor digitorum communis and extensor pollicis longus, the palmaris longus tendon for the abductor pollicis longus. Attention is focused on some technical details including the mobilisation of the motor muscles, the direction of pull, the tension of the motor and the position in which fingers and wrist should be held during suture.


[Treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns on fingers].

The treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns by injection, as it is recommended by many authors, does not give a satisfactory outcome in cases in which the fingers are involved. In these cases the treatment might be dangerous. However good results are seen after early excision of the burned area and covering the defect with split thickness skin grafts. In a case report the typical course and treatment is demonstrated.


Effects of human chorionic somatomammotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin on skin homografts in rats.

The action of HCS and HCG on cell-mediated immunity has been investigated. Full-thickness skin homografts were performed in 40 whole adult female Wistar rats. Brown rats of the A X C strain were selected as donors. The animals were divided into four groups injected with HCS, HCG, HCS + HCG, and saline. The graft rejection time and the wet and dry weight of thymus and spleen were evaluated. No hormonal treatment showed any effect on skin graft survival. Thymus weight, both wet and dry, decreased significantly by treatment with HCP or HCS + HCG. No modification was observed in spleen weight. These results do not agree with the theory that HCS and HCG modify immunological competence of maternal lymphocytes and thus may contribute to prevent rejection of the fetus.


Lymphocyte receptors. I. Receptors for Fc of IgG and complement (C3b) on immunoglobulin-bearing, antigen-binding and antibody-secreting cells.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) bearing, antigen-binding and antibody-secreting cells were investigated for the presence of membrane receptors for the Fc part of IgG and for C3b on their surface. Fc and C3b receptors were detected on the surface of most Ig-bearing and of most antigen-binding cells. Fc receptors were also detected on IgM antibody-secreting cells but not on IgG-secreting cells. C3b receptors were not detected on any antibody-secreting cells. These receptors are either lost from the B cell surface as they differentiate into antibody-secreting cells or are blocked in vivo by immune complexes or C3b.


Lymphocyte receptors. II. Receptors for rabbit IgM on human T lymphocytes.

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were found to give an opsonic adherence reaction with IgM-coated erythrocytes. This reactivity could only be detected after incubating the lymphocytes at 37 degrees, was confined to the T-lymphocyte population and could be inhibited by IgM but not IgG. It is concluded that human T lymphocytes possess a receptor for IgM.


The specificity of the Fc receptor on murine lymphocytes for immunoglobulins of the IgG and IgM classes.

It is shown that the Fc receptor for IgG on lymph node cells recognizes IgG molecules of mouse IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b subclasses. The presence of an intact CH3 domain is required to bind IgG to the Fc receptors. While monomeric IgG molecules are shown to bind to Fc receptors, heat aggregated IgG was found to bind more efficiently. The various forms of IgM molecules investigated show only weak or no binding in comparison. The significance of these results is discussed with relevance to the possible biological function of the Fc receptors on lymphocytes.


Binding of heterologous anti-brain antibodies to mouse B cells.

Antibodies produced in rabbits against mouse brain are able to react with the majority of lymph node and spleen murine lymphocytes, as demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence. Cells stained by a suitably absorbed rabbit anti-mouse brain serum showed various degrees of fluorescence, from bright fluorescent rings to a few speckles per cell; lymphocytes from the spleen of deprived mice (B mice) predominantly stained in small caps. Double labelling experiments in which B cells were identified by their 'easily detectable' surface immunoglobulin revealed that a great proportion of these cells had two overlapping caps, a large one formed by the anti-immunoglobulin serum and a small one formed by the anti-brain serum. Up to 10 per cent of these spleen B cells, however, appeared as strongly fluorescent as T cells, with the suitably absorbed heterologous anti-brain serum. No anti-immunoglobulin activity was detected in this serum. It is therefore suggested that some B cells may bear on their surfaces a theta or theta-related antigen similar to that on T cells.


Distribution of plaque-forming cells in the mouse for a protein antigen. Evidence for highly active parathymic lymph nodes following intraperitoneal injection of hen lysozyme.

The distribution of plaque-forming cells (PFC) throughout the lymphoid system of CBA mice was followed with time after a primary intraperitoneal injection of hen egg white lysozyme emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (HEL-CFA) and after a secondary soluble injection. Throughout the primary response (predominantly IgG) and during the first week of the secondary response (exclusively IgG), the highest density of PFC was found in the draining parathymic lymph nodes, followed by the local spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. The antibody-forming activity of the bone marrow increased as the immune response progressed, so that by the 3rd week of the secondary response this compartment provided the majority of the PFC. PFC first appeared in the accessory axillary, brachial or inguinal lymph nodes and in the thymus a few days after the secondary injection but accounted for only 1-5% of the total activity during the entire course of the secondary response. The specificity of the antibody produced in the spleen, parathymic and mesenteric lymph nodes was identical as judged by plaque inhibition by seven chemically related lysozymes which implies that these PFC were well mixed. It is postulated, therefore, that the change in distribution of PFC from an early local response to a general systemic response, and finally to a predominantly bone marrow response, was due to the migration of memory cells from the draining parathymic lymph nodes and spleen throughout the lymphoid system with an ultimate settling of the cells in the bone marrow.


Numerical immunotaxonomy of Leishmania. I. Differentiation of four strains of Leishmania by serological tests.

This paper describes the application of numerical methods to the arrangement of four leishmanial strains according to their reactivity and cross-reactivity in tests of parasite agglutination, indirect immunofluorescence and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis with antisera prepared by immunization or infection of rabbits, guinea-pigs and mice. Using corresponding pools of animal sera as test 'reagents' the antigenic reactivity of the four leishmanial strains (L. enriettii, L. tropica major, L. aethiopica and L. mexicana amazonensis) was scaled by reference to end-point serum titres; and antigenic relationships between individual strain pairs were expressed as mean similarity coefficients, giving equal weight to the results of the different serological tests. Overall analysis of the results revealed that L. mexicana amazonensis and L. tropica major were the two most closely related strains, clustering with an overall similarity coefficient of 89%, whereas coefficients of similarity between other strain combinations fell between 75 and 80%. Although different sera had different discriminatory capacity for the leishmanial strains, two combinations of serum reagent and test system yielded relationships between the four strains that most closely approximated to the overall values. These were: (a) immunofluorescence tests with mouse antisera; and (b) agglutination tests with selected rabbit antisera. The results illustrate the use of a number of immunological parameters in relating micro-organisms of a given genus, and reveal a serological classification of the four leishmanial strains at variance with their geographical origin.


Relationships among differentiated T-cell subpopulations. I. Dissociated development of tuberculin type hypersensitivity, Jones-Mote type hypersensitivity and activation of helper function.

Relationships among tuberculin type hypersensitivity, Jones-Mote type hypersensitivity and activation of helper T cells were studied in AKR mice by means of footpad reaction, migration inhibition test and antibody production against the trinitrophenyl group. (1) Immunization with SRBC in saline, Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) or complete adjuvant (FCA) and fixed-SRBC (FRBC) in FIA- or FCA-induced delayed hypersensitivity as demonstrated by footpad swelling. (2) Migration inhibition was  positive in the groups immunized with SRBC or FRBC in FCA, but negative in those immunized with SRBC in saline or FIA or FRBC in FIA. This may suggest that the former has to be assigned to tuberculin type and the latter to Jones-Mote type. (3) Both pre-treatment with BCG and with cyclophosphamide (CY) augmented delayed footpad reaction in the mice immunized with SRBC in saline. However, migration inhibition was positive only in the group pre-treated with BCG. BCG may convert the reaction from Jones-Mote type to tuberculin type, while CY may augment the reaction of Jones-Mote type. (4) FRBC in saline scarcely induced delayed footpad reaction, whereas they activated helper function efficiently. Thus, three types of immunological phenomena attributable to the functions of T cells may depend upon distinct subpopulations of differentiated T cells which are raised by different methods of immunization.


The T cell-dependent period of the immune response to sheep erythrocytes.

To study the T cell-dependent period of the immune response of mouse spleen cells to sheep erythrocytes the co-operation between T and B cells was abrogated at different times during the in vivo or the in vitro response. The abrogation was performed by killing the T cells with anti-theta serum or anti-H-2 serum. The surviving cells were subsequently cultured in vitro and the number of IgM plaque-forming cells was determined each day. The results indicate that T cells play an important role during the first 3 days of the response in vivo. However, during the in vitro response the presence of the T cells is only required during the first 2 days. The difference between the response in vivo and in vitro is probably due to a synchronous start of the plasma cell development in vitro and a more asynchronous start of this process in vivo.


The comparative effectiveness of rabbit anti-mouse thymocyte sera in potentiating the survival of mouse skin or tumour allografts made across the H-2 barrier.

A group of fifteen rabbits were immunized five times, at weekly intervals, by intravenous injection of mouse thymocytes. After an interval of 3 months the rabbits were then re-immunized three times at intervals of 7 days. The rabbits were bled prior to the commencement of immunization to obtain normal rabbit serum (NRS), and 7 days after the first, third, fifth, sixth and eigth immunizations. Thus pulse (P), P1, P3, P5, P6 and P8 rabbit anti-mouse thymocyte serum (RAMTS) was obtained. Further pairs of rabbits were immunized three times, at intervals of 7 days, by injection of thymocytes pre-incubated with NRS, or P3, P6 or P8 RAMTS. Thus RAMT(NRS)S, RAMT(P3)S, RAMT(P6)S and RAMT(P8)S were obtained. The immunosuppressive potency of the antisera were compared by their ability to promote the survival of A-strain skin grafts made to CBA mice and A-strain mammary carcinoma transplants in CBA mice. Administration of P3, P5, P6, P8, RAMT(P3)S and RAMT(P6)S led to progressive tumour growth, but only P3 and P5 prolonged skin graft survival. Pre-incubation of tumour cells in the several RAMTS samples did not enhance their growth in sub-lethally irradiated (350 rad) CBA hosts. It is thus suggested that the preferential survival of tumour allografts was due to their ability to outgrow a degree of host response able to destroy a skin graft.


Modification of the tolerant state by neonatal thymectomy.

Immunological tolerance of sheep erythrocytes was induced by repeated antigenic challenge of rats which had been thymectomized on the day of birth. Thoracic duct lymphocytes from these thymectomized tolerant rats failed to mount adoptive responses against sheep erythrocytes and interfered with the capacity of normal lymphocytes to mount such responses. However, in sharp contrast with non-thymectomized tolerant rats, thymectomized animals responded well to sheep erythrocytes if challenge was accompanied by the injection of normal syngeneic lymphocytes. It is likely that the cells that are lacking from tolerant rats as a consequence of neonatal thymectomy are identical with the radiosensitive cells that suppress normal lymphocytes transferred to intact tolerant rats.


A cross-reactive antigen of thymus and skin epithelial cells common with the polysaccharide of group A streptococci.

Investigation of antibodies to the specific determinant of streptococcal group A polysaccharide in indirect immunofluorescence experiments has revealed the existence of a cross-reactive antigen in the epithelial cells of the thymus and skin. This CR antigen is contained by the epithelial cells of man and animals of different species. It has been demonstrated in all the individuals studied including animals producing antibodies to the polysaccharide of Group A streptococci. The principal cause of autoimmune thymitis characteristic of rheumatic fever and other autoimmune processes is probably damage done to the thymus by autoantibodies resulting from immunization with microbial cross-reactive antigens shared by the thymus. Reaction of the autoantibodies with thymic antigens may affect the immunosuppressive function of the thymus and the maturation process of suppressor T cells. These events probably constitute the basic stage in the development of an autoimmune process.


Isolation of human eosinophils and their lymphocyte-like rosetting properties.

A method for the isolation of large numbers of almost pure human eosinophils from peripheral blood using hypague-ficoll density gradients, gelatin sedimentation and carbonyl iron is described. Eosinophils were obtained from patients with parasitic infections, allergic reactions, undiagnosed eosinophilias and normal volunteers. Erythrocyte (E) and erythrocyte-antibody-complement (EAC) rosettes were formed by a number of eosinophils.


Limiting dilution analysis of helper T-cell function. II. An approach to the study of the function of single helper T cells.

Procedures have been described which are suitable for experiments utilizing a microculture system whereby one can easily study the function of single helper T cells. These are: (a) the elimination of the background anti-hapten response by preliminary anti-theta + guinea-pig complement complement treatment of the 'hapten-primed' population; (b) the removal of any contaminating hapten-specific B cells from the carrier-primed population by passage through nylon wool; (c) irradiation of long-term primed 'nylon wool' enriched helper cells tp prevent cell division; (d) the partition of individual helper cells by limiting dilution.


Restriction in the function of single helper T cells.

T cells involved in specific and nonspecific co-operation belong to a long-lived population. However, under conditions of limiting dilution of T cells it is not a common event to detect both types of co-operative event in a single microculture well. Likewise, as far as specific co-operation is concerned, the simultaneous expression of both direct and indirect PFC responses in a single microculture well is also unusual. Estimates obtained of the number of PFC generated by one T cell in specific co-operation correspond well to those generated by a single B cell; and it would seem that under conditions of the microculture system there is a marked restriction in the number of B cells that a single T cell may interact with in the short term. This restriction seems to be of a one T-cell to one B-cell relationship.


The dissociation of adjuvant properties of mycobacterial components from mitogenicity, and from the ability to induce the release of mediators from macrophages.

Twelve preparations from mycobacterial cell walls and culture supernatant fluids were tested for their ability to activate lymphocytes from Balb/c or Nu/Nu mice, and to increase the release of mediators from macrophages in vitro. The peptidoglycolipids (wax D) were B-cell mitogens and induced plaque-forming cells. These properties were lost if the glycopeptide component was removed, leaving the pure lipid, mycolic acid. Neither the glycopeptide fractions, with well-documented adjuvant properties, nor mycobacterial polysacchardie II-activated B cells. Only intact peptidoglycolipid showed synergy with the mitogenic effect of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) on thymocytes from Balb/c mice. The effect was much smaller than with E. coli lipopolysacharide (LPS) or dextran sulphate. The peptidoglycolipid also enhanced the release of factors from macrophages able to modify the response of Balb/c thymus cells to PHA. In this respect it resembled E. coli LPS. Adjuvant active glycopeptides did not share this property.


Casein-induced experimental amyloidosis. VI. A pathogenic role for b cells in the murine model.

The relationship between cellular (B-cell) responses and the development of casein-induced amyloidosis was explored. The main findings are: (1) B-cell abnormalities are more pronounced in amyloid susceptible CBA/J than in amyloid resistant A/J mice; these include increased mitogen responses to SIII, PI:C and DXS, and enhanced primary immune responses to T-independent antigens; (2) CBA/J amyloid spleen cell suspensions appear to be enriched with antibody dependent killer cells and precursors of antibody-forming cells; these abnormalities are not seen in casein treated A/J mice. This hitherto unrecognized proliferation of immunoblasts in casein-treated CBA/J animals raises the possibility that B cell-macrophage interaction may play an important role in the pathogenesis of amyloid disease.


The early history of optometry in Maryland.

The progress of optometry in Maryland began with the passage of the first optometry law in 1914. Following its passage by the Maryland Legislature, the Maryland Optometric Association embarked on a plan to develop the profession by sponsoring (1) educational programs, (2) the gradual elimination of store-front practices, (3) the adoption of a code of ethics, and (4) establishing free eye clinics throughout the state. Optometry's steady climb toward professional status also resulted in the introduction of new optical instruments and techniques of refraction. The American Academy of Optometry and the educational courses of the Optometric Extension Program are credited for the impetus to professionalize optometry.


A proposal for the inclusion of optometric vision care in Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

The need to broaden the Medicare program to include the full scope of optometric vision care is discussed...particularly the need of the elderly for total vision care and how optometry helps to meet this need. This article is particularly timely inasmuch as the Congress is now considering AOA supported legislation (S.2020, H.R.2987, and many identical House bills) to accomplish this objective. Two dozen Senators and nearly 100 Representatives are currently cosponsoring these bills.


Structure and control of assembly of cytoplasmic microtubules in normal and transformed cells.

Indirect immunofluorescence analyses using antibodies directed against 6S tubulin have shown an elaborate cytoplasmic microtubule complex (CMTC) in nontransformed cells in culture. The CMTC is strikingly altered in cells that have been transformed spontaneously by viruses or by chemicals. Assembly of microtubules in vitro and in vivo is markedly inhibited in the presence of elevated levels of calcium. Alteration of the surface of normal cells by brief treatment with low concentrations of trypsin initiate a rapid breakdown of cytoplasmic microtubules. Finally, a hypothesis is presented relating microtubule assembly and surface membrane modulation suggesting that calcium is the primary modulating signal.


Measurement of the lateral mobility of cell surface components in single, living cells by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching.

The use of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) techniques to monitor the lateral mobility of plant lectin-receptor complexes on the surface of single, living mammalian cells is described in detail. FRAP measurements indicate that over 75% of the wheat germ agglutinin receptor (WGA-receptor) complexes on the surface of human embryo fibroblasts are mobile. These WGS-receptor complexes diffuse laterally (as opposed to flow) on the cell surface with a diffusion coefficient in the range of 2 X 10(-11)  to 2  X 10(-10) cm2/sec. Both the percentage of mobile WGA-receptor complexes and the mean diffusion coefficient of these complexes are higher than that obtained from earlier FRAP measurements of the mobility of concanavalin A-receptor (Con A-receptor) complexes in a variety of cell types. The possible reasons for the differing mobilities of WGA and Con A receptors are discussed.


[Double jubilee of obstetrics in the Socialist Republic of Croatia].

The year 1977 is marked with two great jubilees of obstetrics in Croatia: in 1777 the first midwifery textbook in the Croatian language was published and its author was Jean Baptiste Lalangue, while in 1877, year-long efforts were fruitfully completed by the opening of a Midwifery School with the attached Maternity Ward in Zagreb. The first professor of the School (until 1905) was Dr Antun Lobmayer who was also the author of a midwifery textbook published in 6 editions. A short revie is given of Lalangue's textbook as well as a detailed description of the beginnings of work of the Midwifery School, which has continually been working up to the present time, and also of the Zagreb Maternity Hospital which in 1921 became and has remained the University Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Zagreb.


Localization of the protective antigen in Salmonella typhimurium.

Active protection to challenge with 100 LD50 of Salmonella typhimurium could be induced in white mice by inoculation with 10(3) live bacteria (0.1 LD50) or 10(8) heat killed bacteria (56 degrees C for 30 min), or 20 gamma ribosomal fraction. Passive protection could be given by antisera taken from hyperimmune rabbits inoculated with either the heat killed bacteria or by the ribosomal fraction. No direct correlation between antibody titre to 'O' antigen and degree of protection was observed. Absorption of any antisera with 'O' antigen decreases its protective power. The protective antibodies could be completely absorbed from both antisera by heat killed bacteria and released afterwards. Abosrption of 'O' antibodies from this preparation decreases the ability of the mice to survive the challenge. Our data suggests that the antigens which induce protective antibodies are located on the surface of the bacteria. The protection achieved by this antisera is probably the result of a synergistic effect between the antibodies to the 'O' antigen and other antigen(s).


[Control computers in nuclear medicine].

Problems concerned with the use of desk computers in the nuclear medicine are considered, viz. the structure of technical components in the radiodiagnostic systems and mathematical logistics, an analysis into comparative characteristics of some systems, as well as the experience gained by the authors in elaborating specialized mathematical logistics. This experience and a pertinent analysis prompted the authors to conclude that the use of a computer at each stage of a radioisotope investigation is a matter of necessity and of top importance, without, however, being of cardinal aid in establishing a diagnosis. An effective instrument that will be capable of rendering good service to medicine at the present level of its development  should be complex diagnostic systems, whose creation will be the aim of further research work.


[Use of molecular biology approaches in studying hereditary diseases].

The application of some molecular biological methods for studying the causes of hereditary diseases induced by quantitative changes of the normal protein synthesis is discussed. The group of hereditary anemiae in humans (alpha- and beta-thalassaemia) taken as an example, possible defects at various stages of the protein synthesis control and modern methods of the analysis of these defects are considered and promises offered by such approaches are shown.


[Instrument for the plastic repair of large defects in the interventricular septum of the heart].

By taking advantage of an experience gained during 81 radical operations performed in connection with a defect in the interventricular septum of the heart at an early age the authors have worked out a new procedure for the plastic operation--closure of the defect with a transplant. A special instrument used for this purpose is described.


Methodological problems in the measurement of pain: a comparison between the verbal rating scale and the visual analogue scale.

The effect of analgesics on pathological pain in a double-blind, complete cross-over design was assessed by means of two rating scales, a verbal rating scale (VRS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). The VRS is widely used, but has several disadvantages as compared to the VAS. The results obtained by means of the VRS showed higher F-ratios (analysis of variance and Kruskall-Wallis H-test) than those obtained by means of the VAS. The VRS, which transfers a continuous feeling into a digital system, seems to augment artificially the measurement of effects produced by analgesics, and the VAS seems to assess more closely what a patient actually experiences with respect to change in pain intensities. The correlation between the two scales was highly significant (r = 0.81, P less than 0.001). The calculated regression line (y=-29.6 + 0.55-x) was not similar to the line of identity and showed much lower values for the VAS, supporting our interpretation. The distribution of the variances of the values obtained by means of both scales was not homogenous. This indicates that the homogeneity of the distribution of variances should always be checked and a Kruskall-Wallis H-test used, if they are inhomogenously distributed.


[Dynamics of the content of immunoreactive insulin and sugar in the blood during tests with glucose, tolbutamide and leucine in patients with Cushing's syndrome].

This work was aimed at the study of reserve capacities of the insular apparatus of the pancreas during the glucose tolerance test, and the test with tolbutamide and leucine in patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease. The mentioned patients showed an increase in the immunoreactive insulin (IRI) level on the fasting stomach and a fall of the regulatory capacities of the insular apparatus of the pancreas; this was expressed in a later and high increase in the IRI level during the tests.


[Effect of fasting on the function of the islands of Langerhans in rats with hypothalamic obesity].

Experiments were conducted on albino rats with hypothalamic adiposity caused by electrolyte damage of the area of the ventro-medial nuclei of the hypothalamus; it was shown that the character of food regimen had a significant effect on the function of the islar apparatus of the pancreas and glucose tolerance. There was a marked increase in functional activity of the beta-cells of the pancreatic islands and disturbed carbohydrate tolerance in the animals kept on food rich in carbohydrates. Prolonged starvation in rats with hypothalamic adiposity decreased the morphometric indices of overstrain in the insulinogenic tissue, and normalized the glycemic curves.


Growth as a monitor of nutritional status.

1. Methods of monitoring growth of individuals in a population, and average growth in height and other measurements of populations or subpopulations must be distinguished. 2. Individual monitoring of nutritional status should be by growth velocity charts, for height, chiefly, and weight, if interpreted correctly. Growth velocity may be reduced by psychological stress; it monitors a total micro-ecological situation, not just a nutritional one. 3. Population monitoring requires defined and repeated samples. The secular trend and the differences in height for age and in age at menarche related to occupational class and number of siblings reflect nutritional differences, but only as part of the same micro-ecology. Height for age and weight-for-height-irrespective-of-age have been recommended as monitors, especially for populations in developing countries. The latter poses methodological problems and is probably only legitimate between the ages of 1-0 and 9-9 years.


[Diagnostic value of antibody-coated bacteria in urine sediment (author's transl)].

An immunofluorescence test for detection of antibody-coated bacteria in urinary sediments of patients with significant bacteriuria was carried out. According to previous data antibody-coated bacteria were not observed in urines from patients with cystitis, while they were observed in urine specimens from patients with pyelonephritis. These results confirm that the immunofluorescence test can be useful in distinguishing infection of kidney from infection of the bladder.


Culture of cells from the urine and bladder washings of adults.

Cell cultures were attempted from the urine of 5 adults. Of the 28 cultures which were initiated, 21 resulted in the formation of one or more colonies of epithelial cells. Growth could be maintained up to 2 transfers. Poor colony formation was evident in 2 of 4 samples of a saline irrigation of the bladder. This technique may prove to be useful for short-term studies when venipuncture or biopsy are impractical and when epithelial cells are desirable.


Overcorrections of the Wies procedure.

The Wies procedure may be complicated by an overcorrection, which is in effect a cicatricial ectropion. Four cases of such a complication are presented. The mechanism of an overcorrection is related to the level of the incision in the lid and to the suture placement. Correction of this complication primarily involves lysing cicatricial bands maintaining the overcorrection. Placement of sutures maintains the lid in a normal position.


A simple procedure for mounting wrinkle-free sections on formvar-coated slot grids.

This paper describes a simple technique for consistent production of clean, unwrinkled, flat thin (500-1000 A) sections for TEM and thick (1/2-1 micron) sections for HVEM mounted on Formvar-covered slot grids for use in conventional and high voltage electron microscopy. The technique centers around use of a Formvar-covered aluminum supporting rack onto which slot grids that contain sections suspended in water are placed.


The present status of highly selective vagotomy.

Peptic ulcer has been the subject of extensive investigation in the search for a curative operation free of complications. Highly selective vagotomy is an elegant physiological approach to the problem, and has excited widespread interest. The reported results in uncomplicated duodenal ulcer disease indicate an almost nil mortality, a very low incidence of recurrent ulceration, a marked reduction in basal and stimulated acid secretion, and little or no interference with gastric emptying, hormone metabolism, or pancreatic and biliary function. The good clinical results at one year appear to be maintained at five years. Its use in the management of gastric ulceration and the complications of peptic ulcer disease also appears promising.


The influence of water diuresis on the course of experimental E. coli bacteriuria after unilateral nephrectomy in rats.

In rats of both sexes with experimental E. coli infection of the urinary bladder, we evaluated by quantitative bacteriology urinary and kidney tissue infection during low diuresis, during hydropenia, and during water diuresis. Particular attention was given to the question of whether the hypertrophying kidney following contralateral nephrectomy has the same sensitivity to infection ascending from the bladder as a normal kidney. The results showed that water diuresis results in a long-term significant bacteriuria with penetration of microorganisms into the kidney. However, we did not find that infection of a solitary kidney following contralateral nephrectomy was of any greater degree than infection in the kidneys of rats with both kidneys intact.


[Cutaneous candidiosis in an European beaver, Castor fiber. Epidimiological aspect and parasitic form of Candida albicans].

On the thigh of an Europa Beaver, Castor fiber L., dead after 8 years of captivity, a candidiasis has been found due to Candida albicans. Were reported successively: the frequence of C. albicans in the Europa Beaver and the Canada Beaver, the diagnosis, an epidemiologic aspect and the morphologic parasitic form of that yeast. In the epiderma parasited of the Beaver, C. albicans has developed in a yeast-form in the superficial strates of the skin and in the filamentous-form in the deeper.


[Dietary behavior during obesity].

Human alimentary behavior deals with a threefold need: energetic, hedonic and sociocultural. Among the clinical constellation offered by obese patients it could be worthwile to distinguish: 1. Some constitutional and organic obesities, pathogenesis of which does not imply an abnormality of alimentary behavior; 2. Conversely, in some other cases, psychological induced behavioral abnormalities are able to lead to an overstepping of the so called "normal" weight; 3. In other instances, the alimentary behavior reflects the elevation of the set point for weight. All these mechanisms are mutally reinforcing and could act simultaneously or successively accounting for the great variability of the individual situations. In any case environmental conditions are operating and play a pathogenic role more especially as the anatomic, physiologic and psychologic background is predisposed.


[Thrombogenic and atherogenic effects of dietary fats].

1. Epidemiologic studies have shown that CHD (arterial thrombosis) and venous thrombosis were closely associated with dietary saturated fat intake. 2. In vitro and in vivo studies are unanimous in that long chain saturated fatty acids, mostly-stearic acid, are thrombogenic, while linoleic acid has protective effects. 3. Stearic acid appears to modify the fatty acid composition of platelet phospholipids resulting in an increase in the aggregating and clotting capacities of platelets. 4. In coronary patients or in subjects eating saturated fats, similar modifications in platelet behaviour can be observed related to changes in platelet phospholipids. Those results appear to confirm the hypothesis that certain dietary saturated fats, in addition to induce hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis, predispose to thrombosis mostly through blood platelets.


[Genetic and environmental factors in normal and deviant dietary behavior of the child].

The alimentary behaviors of the child are approached from a developmental point of view, the genesis and the evolution of normal behavior allowing us to better understand the origin, the causality and the signification of pathological behaviors. In this perspective the study, in particular, of the evolution of the taste sensation and its ties with the development of personality permits better to understand the problem. Taking in account actually directions of research and some original works, several directions of study are presented, connected with the following aspects: topological and functional evolution of taste receptors, developmental evolution and individual differentiation of the gustatory sensation, hereditary determinants of gustatory sensation and their possible relations with other aspects of personnality, ethological, cultural and environmental (both, in the large and restrictive meaning) aspects and their place in reinforcements of alimentary behavior. A line of research, which overgoes the only descriptive point of view and has an explanatory aim, is proposed, inserted in a real context.


[The most frequent errors committed in infant nutrition; possible pathogenic effects].

The two initial years of life represent a period of growth and development which is not only extremely rapid, but is also a period of acquisition of alimentary behavior. We will not consider the problems posed by infant malnutrition in developing countries. In industrialized countries, mothers often fail to recognize the characteristics of different types of milk. Their children are consequently over-nourished frequently, but unconsciously. Certain foods of the infant diet contain relatively large quantities of sodium or sucrose. It is difficult to establish if this would engender a particular behavior towards salt or sugar, but the information available enables directives to be given both to the food industry and to mothers. Although little work has been done on the subject, it would be important to know the influence of the nursery (where numerous infants are kept 5 days a week from the age of two months onwards) and the primary school on the acquisition of alimentary behavior.


[Modification of pathogenic dietary behavior. Group technics].

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in our societies and it increases at a regular rate. This phenomenon ("the overweight society") reaches a sociological level. Individual solutions to weight problems are time-consuming; moreover their efficience--as demonstrated by statistical studies,  is rather poor. In contrast, group approach to weight problems offer theoretical advantages. Group therapy of obesity is based upon one of the following methods: classical nutritional approach, psychoanalytical group therapy, behavioral groups, free associations of obese people. Unfortunately comparison of these different methods, in regard to sucess and failures, as well as comparison to individual therapy is somewhat difficult from a methodological and theoretical point of view. However, global results of group therapy fail to prove some decisive advantages upon individual therapy. Exception to these discouraging results concerns those groups which were carefully selected so that they were strongly homogeneous in respect to several parameters selection of these parameters offers a promising way to new researchs. Obesity should not be looked upon like a disease or an homogeneous entity, but rather like a sympton. Some new theoretical concepts could be applied to group therapy of obesity and facilitate the scientific approach of this problem.


[Resistance to modification of dietary behavior].

There exist certain pathological eating behaviors (they deviate from the usual eating pattern in a given environment; ex.: hyperphagia, alcoholism, bulimia, nibbling sweets, etc.): there also exist certain pathogenic, though not pathological, eating behaviors (a "normal" behavior may induce an affection in given subjects; ex.: obesity in subjects with a normal caloric intake, hypercholesterolemia in subjects with a normal lipid intake, etc.). In the perspective of Public Health, the field of pathological behavior calls for specialized individual interventions, which can sometimes serve as research models; but the field of pathogenic behavior is now such a widespread social phenomenon (50% of the female population wishes to reduce, 50% of the male population dies from alimentary-linked cardiovascular diseases) that it must be systematically investigated. Such investigations would require: 1. A typology assessing the effectiveness of all the techniques aimed at a modification of eating behavior, whether preventive or therapeutic (through information, pressure, learning); 2. A typology of the resistance to change, whether physiological, psychological or psychosocial. A study of both typologies is necessary since until now all the attempts to induce a population as a whole to renounce food plethora have been unsuccessful, except when imposed by economic or political motivations. Moreover, in a society oriented toward consuming, a change in eating behaviors must be "consumable", that is, at once adequate and gratifying, in order to be accepted.


[Mechanisms of dietary selection in man: preferences and aversions].

Ingestion of food and water is the most important mean by which an animal maintains the integrity of the "milieu interne". In a free feeding situation the animal selects the nutrients demanded by the monitors of the internal fluid environment and avoids the malaise caused by ingested toxins; to doing, it maintains the constancy of its body composition. The essential features of this qualitative regulation have been extensively studied in the animal: the choice of nutrient is based on the sensory activity of the ingested material at the oropharynegeal level; some preferences and aversions are innate; others are acquired by conditioning; conditioned taste aversions can be acquired after a single association between the conditioned stimulus (taste) and the unconditioned one (malaise); some preferences and aversions are acquired slowly under the reenforcing effect of the nutritional activity of the ingested food. Are the same characteristics found in man? Studies in man are not numerous but it seems that the same mecanisms are patent in the neonate, the young child and the adult in a distressful situation. On the contrary, in a free feeding situation, sociocultural factors are prevalent.


[Constituents of food aromas].

A comprehensive review is given on the nature of the volatile compounds which participate to the aromas of foods. Its seems that light compounds, which are present in every food stuffs, give the fresh impression, and that more heavy components give the characteristic aromas. Although it is very important to consider that these volatile compounds have very different olfactory detection thresholds. The characteristic components of a food are often those which have very low detection thresholds and which are present at very low concentrations. The new analytical techniques have permitted the identification of more than two thousands compounds often present in minute amounts in foods (less than a gram per ton). But the problem is now to correlate these analytical data with the olfactory impression of tasters. Some correlations have already been obtained when a specific flavor corresponds to a small number of components, as it is often the case for off-flavors. An other problem for the food technologist is the study of the origins of the more interesting components. Some examples are given on raw materials (fruits and vegetables) and on fermented or cooked foods.


[Physiology of water intake].

There are appropriate and probably redondant receptors responding to imbalances of either the IC or EC space. Regulation of the EC space seems to evolve different distinct mechanisms for its two components i.e. volemic and interstitial space. They both elicit dipsic and natriophilic responses. Neurophysiology and neurochemistry of dipsic responses to the different types of dehydration is briefly reviewed. Hydromineral homeorheusis (1) can be achieved even without any participation of the orodigestive exteroreceptors, since animals survive without drinking, by self injecting water through an implanted atrial catheter. However, the contribution of exteroreceptors, particularly the oral ones, allow, in ordinary conditions, and even more in exceptionally stressing circumstances, to compensate for all imbalances more rapidly and in a more appropriate and amplified way. So, in everyday's conditions, drinking, in spite of its non-regulatory (i.e. non-triggered by actual imbalances of the inner milieu) appearance, results in an anticipatory and "luxurious" hydromineral regulation. This kind of ingestive behaviour is more adaptive than any behaviour which would tend only to correct imbalances after they happened.


[Deviations of dietary behavior].

Deviations of alimentary behavior, found in all psycho-pathological sectors, are sometimes isolated but more often accompany multiple psychic symptoms. These deviations are dominated by restrictive behavior. Epidemiological studies, case histories and transcultural data are scarce. Their obtention would undoubtedly yield more satisfactory therapeutics.


[Culinary art and social change: some remarks].

The development in France, long a rural country, of a new type of civilization characterized by industrialization, urbanisation and their corollaries threatens (in a real or imaginary way) both the quality of food (standardization, agricultural, industrialization and new toxicological and pollution problems) and the social-cultural signification of the meal (time constraints, convenience food, fast-food restaurants, etc.) particularly among social strata most involved in the new urban way of life. And yet a new interest and appreciation for cooking and culinary art spreads. Gastronomy can be regarded as a social privilege and/or a celebrative break in the course of ordinary meals: the new culinary vogue might well develop in opposition to--rather than in spite of--the onslaught of convenience food. Significantly enough, it is based on a new mythology and, as a consequence, on new aesthetic canons. The new food emphasizes the signs of nature, archaïsm, rurality, exotism (ethnic food) etc. It is also bound to conciliate the art of food and the image of the body imposed by contemporary culture (slimness, eternal youth...).


[Calculation of the volume of the grafted kidney. Value of this measurement by echotomography in renal transplantation].

From a necropsy series of 14 kidneys, it is very easy to prove, that there is a quite good correlation between the theorical calculated volume of the kidney and its real volume. It is possible to compare the kidney to an ovoid, and to calculate its volume, knowing the 3 dimensions which are its length, its width, its depth. In this way, by echotomography it is possible to estimate these three parameters at the level of the transplanted and to calculate the volume and if, after two successive examinations of control, the kidney volume is found to be enlarged (over 20%) a reject phenomenon must be diagnozed.


[Infectious complications in organ transplantations (author's transl)].

On the basis of various reported experiences the Authors emphasize the importance of infectious complications in organ transplantations. As a matter of fact these complications occur in a very high percentage of cases (over 50%); they have severe prognoses and are caused by such agents as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and metazoa. The Authors suggest microbiological monitoring of the recipient before, during and even after the transplantation, in order to single out the etiologic agent as rapidly and accrately as possible and thus to decide upon a suitable therapy.


[Use of microsystems for the identification of Enterbacteria in the microbiological laboratory: comments on technics and identification procedures].

The Authors have pointed out the characteristics of 3 miniaturized systems for the enterobacteria identification: Enterotube, API 20 E, Minitek. They particularly described the accuracy in biochemical reactions and the agreement between the mini-systems identifications and conventional (routine media) identifications (and reactions); all the identification errors made with micro-systems are reported and explaned. Nine atypical strains, which give some identification problems, are reported with all the biochemical profils. The more typical characteristics of the 3 miniaturized systems are summarized in a table.


[Effect of polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide on the state of phagocyte-lymphoid elements in aseptic inflammation].

Cytochemical study of NAD-diaphorase and acid phosphatase (mitochondria and lysosomes markers) in the cells of the abdominal cavity exudate with aseptic inflammation and additional action of polyvinylpyridne-N-oxide with molecular weight in the range of from 2000 to 150 000 formed a background for demonstrating the possibility of stabilizing by means of the latter compound of mitochondrial and lysosomal membranes of macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. The most pronounced stabilizing effect is produced by polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide with a molecular weight of 50 000 with its intramuscular introduction in a dose of 100 mg/kg.


[Effect of succinic and glutamic acids on the sensitivity of the hypothalamo-gonadotropic system to inhibitory effect of estrogens in old rats].

The daily s. c. injections of 0.58 gamma of stilbestrol to young hemicastrated rats suppressed compensatory hypertrophy (COH), but did not influence COH in old rats. Administration of succinate (i. p. per os or into the 3d brain ventricle) or of glutamate (per os) to old rats restored estogen suppression of COH.