Chemotaxis in Spirochaeta aurantia.

Cell of Spirochaeta aurantia M1 suspended in isotropic buffer solution swam in nearly straight lines and appeared to spin around their longitudinal axis. Occasionally, cells stopped and flexed, and then resumed translational motility, usually in a different direction. The average cell velocity was 26 micron/s. A quantitative assay for chemotaxis was used to test various chemicals for their ability to attract S. aurantia M1. The cells exhibited a tactic response toward 5 X 10(-2) M D-glucose between 10 and 35degree C; the optimum response was at 25degree C. At 5 degree C motility was not impaired, but D-glucose taxis was abolished. Chemotaxis toward D-glucose was stimulated by L-cysteine (2 X 10(-4) M). D-Glucose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, D-galactose, D-fucose, D-mannose, D-fructose, D-xylose, maltose, cellobiose, and D-glucosamine were effectve attractants for S. aurantia M1. D-Galactose taxis and D-fucose taxis were induced by the presence of D-galactose in the growth medium. The amino acids tested did not serve as attractants, tgrowing cells of S. aurantia M1 exhibited an aerotactic response.


Conjugation-induced lysis of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

About 15% of the conjugating cells of Schizosaccharomyces pombe were observed to lyse spontaneously during the conjugation process. Lysis occurred at the site of union.


Efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in continous cultures of Candida parapsilosis.

By using a gas balance technique, the effective oxidative phosphorylation ratio in glucose-limited continuous cultures of Candida parapsilosis was calculated to be 2.4 +/- 0.2. When this value was used, the molar growth yield with respect to adenosine 5'-triphosphate was found to be 10 g of cells produced per mol of ATP.


Ethylene-induced growth in Phycomyces mutants abnormal for autochemotropism.

Genetic evidence is presented supporting the hypothesis that ethylene gas is responsible for the avoidance response (autochemotropism) in Phycomyces.


Genetic control of arylsulfatase synthesis in Klebsiella aerogenes.

It was shown that at least four genes are specifically responsible for arylsulfatase synthesis in Klebsiella aerogenes. Mutations at chromosome site atsA result in enzymatically inactive arylsulfatase. Mutants showing constitutive synthesis of arylsulfatase (atsR) were isolated by using inorganic sulfate or cysteine as the sulfur source. Another mutation in which repression of arylsulfatase by inorganic sulfate or cysteine could not be relieved by tyramine was determined by genetic analysis to be on the tyramine oxidase gene (tyn). This site was distinguished from the atsC mutation site, which is probably concerned with the action or synthesis of corepressors of arylsulfatase synthesis. Genetic analysis with transducing phage PW52 showed that the order of mutation sites was atsC-atsR-atsA-tynA-tynB. On the basis of these results and previous physiological findings, we propose a new model for regulation of arylsulfatase synthesis.


Neutral amino acid transport systems of tissue culture cells.

We have studied the interactions among a varied group of neutral amino acids for uptake into two different animal tissue culture cell lines. 3T3 mouse cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells were used in these studies. The results showed that the affinities of the amino acids clustered into two groups, one including amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid and the other group included amino acids such as leucine and phenylalanine. The specificities and properties of these systems are similar to those described earlier for the Ehrlich ascites cell, System A (alanine-preferring) and System L (leucine-preferring). System A is highly concentrative, sensitive to sodium ion, and serves only poorly for exchange while System L is not very concentrative or sensitive to alkali metal ion, although it serves very well for exchange with endogenous amino acids. The kinetic parameters for several amino acids are reported and other properties of the transport systems are discussed.


Regulation of phospholipase A2 activity by different lipid-water interfaces.

The activity of pancreatic phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) is controlled not only by the architecture of the catalytic site, but is also strongly dependent on the penetrating power of the interface recognition site and the packing density of the lipid-water interface. The influence of the latter two factors on the interface activity has been investigated using chemically modified phospholipases A2 in which the NH2-terminal L-Ala8 has been replaced by DL-[3-13C]Ala, or in which the polypeptide chain has been elongated with DL-[3-13C]Ala. The [DL-(3-13C)Ala8]phospholipase A2 could be resolved into the pure diastereoisomers, [D-(3-13C)Ala8]phospholipase A2 and [L-(3-13C)Ala8]phospholipase A2 by elution on Sephadex G-100 in the presence of a micellar lipid-water interface, as well as by conventional ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose. Similar procedures did not effect, however, a separation of DL-[3-13C]Ala7-phospholipase A2 into their respective diasteroisomers, indicating the strategic role of the NH2-terminal L-Ala8 residue in the interaction process between the enzyme and lipid-water interfaces. Kinetic experiments using various micellar short chain lecithins revealed the apparent absence of an interface recognition site in [D-(3-13C)Ala8]- and DL-[3-13C]Ala7-phospholipase A2, while these proteins still possess considerable enzymatic activity toward monomeric substrates. In contrast, however, kinetic experiments using monomolecular surface films, allowing a continuous change in surface density of the substrate molecules, revealed that [D-(3-13C)Ala8]- and DL-[3-13C]Ala7-phospholipase A2 at low surface pressure possess about 60 and 30% of the interface activity of native phospholipase A2, respectively. These results therefore suggest that the modified phospholipases A2 do possess an interface recognition site although less powerful as compared to that of the native enzyme, enabling the estimation of the surface density of micellar short chain lecithins.


Biological and biochemical properties of Phaseolus vulgaris isolectins.

Affinity-purified phytohemagglutinin from red kidney bean resolves into five isolectins by SP-Sephadex ion exchange chromatography. Recoveries ranging from 30 to 130 mg of protein for each isolectin are easily achieved. The isolectins have similar amino acid compositions which differ only in threonine, lysine, and arginine. A distinguishing feature of the amino acid composition is the total lack of sulfur-containing amino acids. Each isolectin contains about 4% mannose and 2.2% N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. All isolectins on electrophoresis form single protein bands under denaturing and nondenaturing conditions in polyacrylamide gels, and all have apparent subunit molecular weights of 33,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isolectins are also homogeneous by ultracentrifugation and have apparent native molecular weights of 115,000 +/- 4,130, suggesting tetrameric quaternary structures. Whereas 80% of the starting erythroagglutinin activity is recovered, one of the five isolectins possesses 50% of that original activity. As sequentially eluted from the ion exchange column, each isolectin displays progressively higher erythroagglutinin and lower lymphocyte mitogenic activities. Based on their relative biological activities, the isolectins are assigned the structures L4, L3E1, L2E2, L1E3, and E4, where L and E represent lymphocyte- and erythrocyte-reactive subunits, respectively, and the subscripts represent the proposed subunit composition.


Structure of carbohydrate of hemoglobin AIc.

Hemoglobin AIc is a minor component of normal adult erythrocytes whose concentration is elevated approximately 2-fold in patients with diabetes mellitus. Previous work suggested that the unique structural feature of hemoglobin AIc is the presence of a low molecular weight sugar moiety at the NH2-terminal valine of the beta chain. In this study the structure of the carbohydrate moiety and the nature of its linkage of the beta chain were investigated. Enzymatic digestion of borohydride-reduced betaAIc chains followed by ion exchange chromatography led to the isolation of two distinct NH2-terminal glycovalylhistidines. Comparison of these glycodipeptides with synthetic glycovalylhistidines by thin layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy gave direct evidence that the naturally derived materials correspond to glucitol and mannitol valylhistidines. Model reactions showed that glucose and mannose react with valine under mild conditions to form an adduct which upon sodium borohydride reduction yields in both cases glucitol and mannitol valines. This suggests a common intermediate, 1-deoxy-1-(N-valyl)fructose, for both reactions. From these studies we conclude that hemoglobin AIc has, as the NH2 terminus of the beta chain, 1-deoxy-1-(N-valyl)fructose. The possible biosynthetic pathways of hemoglobin AIc are discussed.


DNase-sensitive sites in nucleosomes. Their relative suspectibilities depend on nuclease used.

We have used three endonucleases having different catalytic and physicochemical properties to digest HeLa nucleosomes (chromatin core particles) which had been labeled with 32P at their 5'-DNA termini. Each endonuclease nicks nucleosome DNA at the identical sites, supporting the idea that the conformation of the DNA within a nucleosome is the major factor influencing its nuclease susceptibility and indicating that nucleases can indeed yield important information as to nucleoprotein structure. On the other hand, the relaative susceptibility of a given site can differ for each nuclease, indicating that enzyme-substrate interactions unique for each enzyme influence the course of the reaction; this limits the structural information which can be obtained by using a single nuclease to study nucleoprotein structure.


Evaluation of biodegradable ceramic.

An evaluation of a porous biodegradable ceramic, tricalcium phosphate, has been carried out. When implanted in cancellous bone, it is rapidly infiltrated with bone and slowly resorbed. When held rigidly against raw, bleeding, cortical bone, again rapid bone ingrowth occurs. The material does not give rise to any untoward tissue reaction, nor does it cause any systemic reaction. It can therefore be concluded that the material is safe for use in clinical practice, and can be used in specific instances either to replace or to supplement bone grafting.


Effect of fluoride on the stabilization of metal implants in the femur of rabbits.

A single application of fluoride to the epiphysis of the femur induced accelerated bone formation. The additional bone gave rise to a stability effect on the implant inserted in the femur as expressed by an increased dislodgement force required.


On the fate of methyl methacrylate in blood.

The fate of methyl methacrylate in fresh human blood was investigated in vitro by using gas chromatography. It was found that methyl methacrylate is present in cells in concentrations twice as large as in plasma, but it disappears exponentially with time at a rate that is at least 10 times faster than that in cells.  The rate constant in cells is very small or even zero. The half-life of methyl methacrylate in whole blood is 3 hr at 20 degrees C. Gas chromatography is a convenient method for the rapid determination of methyl methacrylate levels in blood.


Properties of heparin--poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers. II.

A heparin--poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer in which heparin has been covalently bound was studied. This copolymer showed no release of heparin but presented heparin-like anticoagulant activity when suspended in plasma. After contact with plasma, the copolymer lost part of its antithrombin activity which could be restored by a high ionic-strength medium. Because of its solid form, this copolymer offers new possibilities for producing interesting anticoagulant surfaces.


Fabrication of large arrays of cortical electrodes for use in man.

Techniques are described for fabrication of electrode arrays for stimulation and/or recording from a human cerebral cortex. These arrays may be neurosurgically inserted (with or without a Penrose drain) in the course of a conventional craniotomy or craniectomy, and are easily removed without reopening the incision. Termination of the connecting wires in a special percutaneous pedestal has also permitted chronic implantation. The contacts and connecting wires are made of pure platinum embedded in a Teflon ribbon-cable matrix. The choice of materials combines biological acceptability, electrochemical stability, and integrity of the insulation, but imposes special fabrication procedures.


Development of semicrystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Swollen crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) networks were developed and tested as potential biomaterials. They were prepared by electron-beam irradiation of aqueous PVA solutions at various temperatures and doses of irradiation. These materials were characterized by low mechanical properties and especially by low elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength. Reinforcement was achieved by a two-stage dehydration-annealing process, introducing crystallites in the polymeric network. Improved mechanical properties were achieved due to the presence of this crystalline PVA phase. Due to their structure, these hydrogels are proposed to be used as biomembranes for selective transport of macromolecules and as biomaterials for synthetic articular cartilage applications. Surface heparinization was accomplished by reacting heparin to the hydroxyl groups of the PVA surface, through covalent acetal bridges.


An ultrastructural study of cross-fertilization (Arbacia female x Mytilus male).

Insemination of sea urchin (Arbacia) ova with mussel (Mytilus) sperm has been accomplished by treating eggs with trypsin and suspending the gametes in seawater made alkaline with NaOH. Not all inseminated eggs undergo a cortical granule reaction. Some eggs either elevate what remains of their vitelline layer or demonstrate no cortical modification whatsoever. After its incorporation into the egg, the nucleus of Mytilus sperm undergoes changes which eventually give rise to the formation of a male pronucleus. Concomitant with these transformations, a sperm aster may develop in association with the centrioles brought into the egg with the spermatozoon. Both the male pronucleus and the sperm aster may then migrate centrad to the female pronucleus. Evidence is presented which suggests that fusion of the male pronuclei from Mytilus sperm with female pronuclei from Arbacia eggs may occur, although this was not directly observed. These results demonstrate that Mytilus sperm nuclei are able to react to conditions within Arbacia eggs and differentiate into male pronuclei.


The effect of footwear on venous pressure at the ankle.

The response to exercise of venous pressure at the ankle was measured in two groups of normal subjects when barefoot, wearing normal shoes and in exercise sandals. The results demonstrate a significantly greater fall in venous pressure in exercise sandals than in shoes approximating to that of barefoot walking. In patients with superficial varices, the fall in venous pressure during exercise when wearing exercise sandals was again highly significant when compared to walking in shoes, approximating to normal values, and the possible therapeutic application of this finding is discussed.


Continued initiation of DNA synthesis in arginine-deprived Chinese hamster ovary cells.

When exponentially growing CHO cells were deprived of arginine (Arg), cell multiplication ceased after 12 h, but initiation of DNA synthesis continued: after 48 h of starvation with continuous [3H]thymidine exposure, 85% of the population had incorporated label, as detected autoradiographically. Consideration of the distribution of exponential cells in the various cell cycle phases leads to a calculation that most cells in G1 at the time that Arg was removed, as well as those in S, engaged in some DNA synthesis during starvation. In contrast, isoleucine (Ile)-starved cells did not initiate DNA synthesis, as has been reported by others. Experiments with cells synchronized by mitotic selection confirmed this difference in Arg- and Ile- deprived behavior, but also showed that cells which underwent the mitosis leads to G1 transition during Arg starvation remained arrested in G1 (G0?). The results suggest that Arg-deprived cells continue to maintain some proliferative function(s) while Ile-deprived cells do not.


Demonstration of Balbiani ring RNA sequences in polysomes.

A polysome extract from salivary glands of C. tentans was sedimented in a 15-60% sucrose gradient. Fractions from the heavy polysome region (1,000-2,000S) and fractions from the light polysome region (200-1,000S) were pooled separately, and the long-term labeled RNA was released by Sarkosyl/pronase and analysed by in situ hybridization. The results showed that BR 1 and BR 2 sequences were present in the heavy and the light polysome regions of the sucrose gradient. From control experiments with EDTA-treated extracts, it was concluded that most of the recorded BR 1 and BR 2 sequences were in fact located in polysomes. The finding that BR products enter polysomes suggests that they act as messenger RNA molecules. This study therefore strongly supports the concept that chromosome puffs represent active genes.


Production of plasminogen activator by established cell lines of mouse origin.

The correlation between malignant transformation and increased plasminogen activator synthesis has been studied in a variety of established cell lines. In contrast to the behavior of secondary mouse embryo cultures, which always show increased fibrinolytic activity when transformed, no such correlation was found within the BALB/c 3T3 line and its transformed derivatives. Cell lines were established from tumors initiated in BALB/c mice by several transformed cell lines. These lines were generally found to contain no more plasminogen activator than the cells used for inoculation. A correlation was found between transformation and plasminogen activator synthesis within Swiss 3T3 cell lines. However, the correlation was not maintained by serum revertants of transformed Swiss 3T3 cells.


Peritoneal exudate cells. IV. Characterization of colony forming cells.

The adherence, phagocytic activity and buoyant density of mouse peritoneal exudate colony forming units (CFU-PE) were investigated. There was a significant enrichment in the proportion of CFU-PE in the adherent cells population, defined as cells adhering to a plastic surface within 30 minutes of incubation. The phagocytic activity of CFU-PE was studied by incubating exudate cells with iron particles for 45 minutes. The cells were then separated into phagocytic and non-phagocytic cell fractions by passing the incubation mixture through a magnetic field. A significant enrichment of CFU-PE was seen in the phagocytic cell fraction. When exudate cells were fractionated in a Ficoll discontinuous density gradient, more than 88% of CFU-PE were recovered at the 16/18% and 18/20% interfaces. It is concluded that CFU-PE are adherent cells, have strong phagocytic activity and have a buouant density between 1.0562 and 1.0703. When bone marrow cells were studied by these techniques, the committed stem cells for both granulocytes and marcophages (CFU-C) were enriched in both non-adherent cell and non-phagocytic cells populations. In the Ficoll density gradient, CFU-C banded at a heavier density region than CFU-PE.


Surface membrane differentiation of hemopoietic cells as observed by radioactive labeling.

Bone marrow cells from normal rats were separated by velocity sedimentation into three distinct populations corresponding to granulocytes, lymphocytes and reticulocytes. Cells from each population were surface labelled via the lactoperoxidase radioiodination or the tritiated borohydride reduction. Distinct labeling patterns were observed on SDS-PAGE for each cell populations. Separation of bone marrow cells from anemic rats injected with TAB vaccine led to four populations corresponding to successive stages of erythroid cell maturation. Labelled protein patterns were not in this case as different from one population to the other, except for one species which increased in intensity with the degree of maturation. The tritiated glycoprotein profiles show a shift from high to low molecular weight species during the process of maturation.


Complications of external cardiac massage: report of a case of laceration of the right ventricular outflow tract.

Closed chest cardiac massage is simple and usually a safe procedure for cardiac resuscitation. However, it is not innocuous and is occasionally associated with serious and even fatal complications. A case is reported in which fracture of the upper part of the left half of the sternum occurred following midline sternotomy. The sternum was re-approximated in the usual manner by interrupted wire sutures, but the fracture was not specifically repaired, because it was thought to be adequatley stabilized by this closure. Postoperatively, the patient required closed chest cardiac massage which caused a fatal laceration of the outflow tract of the right ventricle due to penetration of the sharp edges of fractured fragments. We believe fracture of the sternum which occurs while retracting it with sternotomy retractor during open heart surgery should be deliberately repaired to avoid this serious complication.


Essential factors in the kinetic analysis of RNA synthesis in HeLa cells.

Further evidence of mRNA in HeLa cells with a half-life two hours or less is given. A kinetic model of RNA synthesis in HeLa cells is described in which equilibration of label occurs first into the acid soluble pool (evidence is given that this pool feeds RNA synthesis) and thence in nuclear and cytoplasmic molecules. The measured accumulation of label in nuclear and cytoplasmic poly (A) is examined with the model and parameters were found which are consistent with  the quantitative transfer of nuclear poly(A) to the cytoplasm. The strengths and limitations of the model are discussed.


Foot vasomotor tone following aortofemoral and femoropopliteal reconstructions for limb ischaemia.

A foot arterial resistance index (FARI), determined plethysmographically, was used pre- and postoperatively to compare foot vasomotor tone following arterial reconstructions of the lower limb with and without the addition of lumbar sympathectomy. The index was measured before and during reactive hyperaemia in 40 patients without vascular disease; in 32 patients who underwent aortic reconstructions, 14 of whom were randomly subjected to a concomitant bilateral lumbar sympathectomy; and in 8 patients who had a femoropopliteal bypass for limb salvage. This study indicates that the addition of lumbar sympathectomy to aortic reconstructive operations enhances blood flow to the foot by significantly reducing foot vasomotor tone. Sympathectomy performed to reduce foot arterial resistance in patients undergoing successful femoropopliteal reconstructions may be of no benefit since a persistent marked postoperative hyperaemia of the foot is present.


RNA synthesis and processing as a measure of phenotypic variability in cytodifferentiation and neoplasia.

Neoplastic cell lines exhibit RNA synthesis and process patterns which are related to phenotypic attributes more complex than merely the rate of proliferation. Mouse neuroblastoma cells of the same genotype but different differentiated states have different ribosomal RNA precursor processing patterns, while plasmacytoma cells of different genotypes but the same differentiated state have the same pre-ribosomal RNA processing pattern. In addition, our observations indicate that chromatin-associated RNA is involved in cytodifferentiation and is closely related to phenotypic variability. When neuroblastoma cells are induced to differentiate, there is a 2- to 3-fold increase in the labeling of chromatin-associated RNA. Both of the differentiated cell lines, human myeloma and mouse neuroblastoma, have slow-labeling, stable chromatin-associated RNA while this same fraction from HeLa cells is labeled rapidly and is unstable.


Interrelationships between water and cellular metabolism in Artemia cysts. VI. RNA and protein synthesis.

Using 14CO2 as a labelled precursor the relationship between the initiation of protein and RNA synthesis, and water concentration, has been examined in cysts (encysted embryos) of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina. Although incorporation of radioactivity into amino acids and nucleotides occurred in cysts at hydrations as low as 0.3 g H2O/g dried cysts, incorporation into proteins and RNA was not measurable until the cysts had achieved a hydration in the range of 0.6-0.6 g/g. In no case was radioactivity detected in DNA of unemerged cysts. Fully hydrated cysts (about 1.3 g/g) that were actively synthesizing proteins and RNA, stopped doing so when dehydrated to levels below the same hydration range: thus, the hydration dependence does not involve appreciable hysteresis. The hydration range required to initiate synthesis of these macromolecules is essentially the same as that previously shown to initiate embryonic development.


Pentose utilizing variants of Novikoff hepatoma cells: modification of growth and morphological properties.

A series of variant lines that utilize multiple pentoses for growth in place of glucose have been isolated from an 8-azaguanine resistant line of Novikoff hepatoma cells (N1S167). These variants utilize for growth ribose, xylose, arabinose, and/or deoxyribose. The variants growing on pentose containing medium (a) exhibit a density dependent cessation of growth, (b) have a morphology change to a more flattened cell type, (c) become binucleated in the presence of cyto chalasin B, and (d) show an altered sensitivity to trypsin treatment.


Preparation and high-performance liquid chromatography of iodinated diethylstilbestrols and some related steroids.

Diethylstilbestrol and estradiol have been converted to their mono- and poly-iodinated derivatives by electrophilic substitution of positive iodine into the activated aromatic rings. Both chemical and electrochemical procedures have been employed for the iodination, and the latter procedure proved to be superior. These iodinated derivatives have been purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography, and characterized by ultraviolet and mass spectroscopy.


Gas-liquid chromatography of the N-heptafluorobutyryl isobutyl esters of fifty biologically interesting amino acids.

Fifty amino acids are analyzed as their N-heptafluorobutyryl isobutyl esters by gas chromatography on a column of 3% OV-101 on Gas-Chrom Q. The identification and quantification of unusual amino acids, specifically those occurring in the marine environment, in the presence of common protein amino acids is reported. Regular relationships between elution temperatures and amino acid structures are found, thus allowing the estimation of elution temperatures of other amino acids.


The separation of substituted carbohydrates by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Separation of a wide variety of partially and completely substituted carbohydrates was achieved by using two types of gel permeation columns. The relative retention time was dependent on two factors: the relative polarity of the carbohydrate and its molecular weight.


Detection and determination of organophosphorus insecticides in tissues by thin-layer chromatography.

The toxicological analysis of 12 common organophosphorus insecticides is described. Suitable methods for the extraction of organophosphorus insecticides from tissues are proposed. The detection, identification and estimation of these insecticides by thin-layer chromatography is described for 25 solvent systems and a series of chromogenic reagents. The distribution of insecticides in human body tissues in five cases of poisoning by ethyl parathion, malathion, dimethoate, sumithion and phosphamidon has also been studied.


Adsorption chromatography of viruses.

The adsorption isotherm of influenza viruses on wide-pore glass was measured and was found to conform to Langmuir's equation. The affinity constants were estimated at three temperatures and the free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were calculated. A detailed study showed that the transition from adsorption to total elution is very sharp and proceeds under critical conditions of pH near the pK of the SiOH groups. Therefore, conditions are very favourable for the elution chromatography of viruses. An efficient procedure for the purification and simultaneous concentration of influenza viruses was developed.


High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of pyruvic acid and alpha-ketoglutaric acid in serum.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of pyruvic acid and alpha-ketoglutaric acid in serum is described which is based on the formation of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones. The syn-anti isomerization of the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone of pyruvic acid is also discussed.


[Investigations on the production of mycotoxins and their quantitative analysis. VI. Citreoviridin (author's transl)].

UV-densitometric and fluorodensitometric evaluations of the mycotoxin citreoviridin on thin-layer plates are described. The UV maximum is at 360 nm on thin-layer plates and at 388 nm in ethanolic solution. Its emission maximum has been found to be at 525 nm both in chloroform and on thin-layer plates. The two procedures are similar in their sensitivity. Since the UV-densitometric evaluation is more reliable, it is preferred to fluorodensitometric procedure.


Esterification of trifluoroacetic acid with phenyldiazomethane for quantitative gas chromatographic analysis. Methods involving separation from biological materials.

Trifluoroacetic acid in biological materials has been quantitatively determined by gas chromatography. Benzyl trifluoroacetate has been prepared by the reaction of the acid with phenyldiazomethane, and has been successfully analyzed by gas chromatography without any interference from other peaks. The procedure has been used to determine trifluoroacetic acid in microsomal suspension incubated with halothane, a gaseous anaesthetic.


Computer processing of fatty acid analysis data.

A Fortran computer program for the processing of fatty acid data from the anlysis of fats and oils by gas-liquid chromatography is described. The analytical method and calculations are described primarily for the analysis of butterfat and margaine fat, but with minor changes could be adapted to suit other fats and oils. The program computes the concentration of each fatty acid as weight % and mole %, the percentage glycerol, the theoretical iodine value, and other relevant combinations of fatty acids.


Routine analysis of barbiturates and some other hypnotic drugs in the blood plasma as an aid to the diagnosis of acute poisoning.

A gas-liquid chromatographic method has been devised whereby both the qualitative and the quantitative analysis of a number of hypnotic drugs in the blood may be accomplished simultaneously. Small (50-mul) plasma aliquots are required. The technique is rapid and will detect 2 mg/l concentrations of these compounds. The barbiturates glutethimide, methaqualone, and meprobamate are the principal drugs covered by the scheme. After overdose the concentrations that occur in man are at, or above, this minimum level of detection.


Thin-layer chromatography of histidine, histamine and histidyl peptides at picomole level using a unique fluorogenic reaction with fluorescamine.

A thin-layer chromatography procedure has been devised for detecting histidine, histamine, histidyl peptides and related imidazole compounds; it is based on a unique fluorogenic reaction, in which the compounds are derivatized with fluorescamine, converted into different fluorescent products by heating in strong acid medium, and separated on silica gel plates with an appropriate solvent system. As little as 4 to 60 pmole of the histidine derivative could be detected under long-wave (366 nm) ultraviolet radiation. Other classes of compounds gave no fluorescent spots.


Quantitative analysis of protein and non-protein amino acids by gas-liquid chromatography.

The quantitative analysis of protein and non-protein amino acids by gas-liquid chromatography is described. The amino acids are determined as their n-butyl N-trifluoroacetyl esters on an OV-17 (methylphenyl silicone polymer) column. The relative molar responses of 16 protein and 30 non-protein amino acids are reported.


Separation of alkylated guanines, adenines, uracils and cytosines by thin-layer chromatography.

A one-dimensional thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method using a mixture of two solvents and commercially available silica gel plates to separate mixtures of alkylated guanines, adenines, uracils and cytosines is presented. RF values for the bases and the solvent systems used are listed. The addition of approximately 1 ml of ammonium hydroxide to the solvent has been found to prevent streaking and results in non-distorted developed spots. A mixture of 19 adenine and uracil bases was resolved on silica gel plates employing two-dimensional TLC. Chloroform-methanol (90:10) was used for the first dimension and chloroform-propanol (90:30) for the second.


Simplified detection of quaternary ammonium compounds by gas chromatography.

An analytical method for the measurement of quaternary ammonium compounds in biological fluids has been developed. Samples are prepared by forming the corresponding iodides, which are extracted and isolated. The residue is taken into n-hexane or into water and part of the solution obtained is injected onto the gas chromatograph where thermal degradation takes place. The methyl iodide released is measured by a 63Ni electron capture detector. This method is quite sensitive and detects with good reliability and reproducibility as little as 10(-14) mole quaternary ammonium compound.


Biochemical applications of a quantitative high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay of warfarin and its metabolites.

A quantitative high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay of warfarin and its diastereoisomeric alcohols and 4'-, 6-, 7-, 8- and benzylic hydroxylated metabolites was accomplished using a reversed-phase, microparticle column (muBondapak/C18) employing 1.5% acetic acid (pH 4.7)-acetonitrile (69:31) as solvent. Concentration of these compounds on the column prior to their elution permitted the loading of 0.01-0.5 ml solutions of warfarin and metabolites without consequent alterations in peak heights and resolution. Details of the use of this technique in the study of R and S warfarin metabolism by hepatic mixed function oxidases and in the determination of warfarin and its metabolites in blood are presented.


Hydrophobic interaction chromatography on uncharged Sepharose derivatives. Effects of neutral salts on the adsorption of proteins.

In the presence of different neutral salts in high concentrations (ionic strength 1-3 M), pentyl-Sepharose was saturated with human serum albumin, and decyl-Sepharose with ovalbumin and phycoerythrin; the amount of protein bound to the adsorbent was taken as a measure of the hydrophobic interaction. The effects of the different ions on the adsorption of protein could, with one exception, be arranged according to the Hofmeister series. As the adsorption might also be influenced by alterations in the protein conformation, caused by the neutral salts, the proteins were studied by circular dichroism. Circular-dichroism spectra showed that 3 M sodium bromide and 3 M sodium thiocyanate changed the conformation of human serum albumin and ovalbumin, whereas 3 M sodium chloride and 1 M sodium sulphate did not. The conformational changes observed with sodium bromide and thiocyanate were accompanied by decreasing protein-adsorbent interaction, except for ovalbumin in 3 M sodium thiocyanate.


Gas chromatographic determination of cocaine in whole blood and plasma using a nitrogen-sensitive flame ionization detector.

A procedure is described for the determination of as little as 20 ng of cocaine from 1 ml of whole blood or plasma. Methods are also given for the storage of whole blood or plasma containing cocaine as well as for whole blood or plasma extracts. Blood levels in patients receiving intranasal cocaine for topical anesthesia while undergoing rhinoplasty are also presented.


High-pressure liquid chromatography of peptides.

Peptides varying in size from di- to decapeptide have been subjected to high-pressure liquid chromatography on Phenyl-Corasil, Poragel PN, and Poragel PS under reversed-phase conditions with acetonitrile-water mixtures. It has been found that residual silanol groups in the Phenyl-Corasil and the functional groups in the Poragels significantly influence retention. Peptides were also chromatographed on a Hydrogel IV gel filtration packing with aqueous eluants, and it was found that effects other than gel filtration play a major role in determining retention.


Protein binding of a series of rifamycins to bovine serum albumin as measured by the "two-phase partition" technique.

A "two-phase partition technique" was developed and improved so as to be useful for the study of the interaction of proteins with low-molecular-weight ligands. The technique permits the macromolecule to be present almost entirely in one of the two aqueous phases without the aid of any physical solid interface, which is particularly useful in studies of lipophilic ligands. Compared with the other two-phase systems set up for binding studies, that used in this work takes advantage of the use of a more suitable medium, which permits a better protein partition even at very low ionic strengths. As an example of its usefulness the measurement of the binding parameters of a series of rifamycins to bovine serum albumin is reported.


Further modifications of the auxanographic method for identification of yeasts.

A modified auxanographic carbohydrate assimilation procedure for the identification of medically important yeasts is described. This method employs a heavy inoculum of unstarved yeasts, autoclaved yeast assimilation medium, pour plates of shallow depth, and commercially available carbohydrate-impregnated disks. The accuracy of this procedure was established in a comparison with the Wickerham broth method.


Pasteurella pneumonia: report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of pneumonia due to Pasturella ureae was encountered in a 57-year-old man who developed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and respiratory insufficiency while convalescing in the hospital from a hip fracture and multiple rib fractures. Cultures of his sputum grew an essentially pure growth of Pasturella ureae. This organism, a small gram-negative rod, could be differentiated from the other Pasteurella species by its ability to hydrolyze urea and failure to produce indole. The literature on Pasteurella infections is briefly reviewed, and the recent taxonomic revisions of the genus Pasteurella are discussed.


Mycoplasma growth inhibition by arginine.

Arginine enhances the growth of nonfermenting mycoplasmas. However, arginine can restrict the growth of glucose-fermenting mycoplasmas and should not be added to media used to cultivate these species.


Effect of carbohydrate source on Kanagawa-type hemolysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Almost all strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus produced Kanagawa-type hemolysis on media of high salt content in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates.


Respiratory and baroreceptor reflex interactions in man.

Respiratory and arterial baroreceptor reflex interactions were studied in six healthy young adults. Carotid baroreceptors were stimulated with two intensities of neck suction during early inspiration or expiration at 100 or 150% of each subject's normal tidal volume. Sinus node responses to moderate baroreflex stimuli were inhibited by inspiration, but responses to intense stimuli were not influenced by the phase of respiration. Supranormal tidal volume did not diminish responses to inspiratory baroreflex stimuli, but significantly reduced responses to expiratory stimuli. These results provide evidence for a central respiratory baroreceptor reflex interaction in man whose quality is dependent upon the level of afferent baroreceptor activity and the depth of inspiration.


Erythroid colony formation by polycythemia vera bone marrow in vitro. Dependence on erythropoietin.

In the plasma clot culture system both normal and polycythemia vera (PV) bone marrow cells respond to erythropoietin (Ep), giving rise to large numbers of colonies of erythroid cells. In PV, but not in normal individuals, the marrow produced endogenous erythroid colonies (EED) in the absence of exogenous Ep. The number of EEC formed varied from patient to patient comprising anywhere from 6 to 29% of the total number of colonies formed in the presence of Ep. Exposure, before use in culture, of fetal calf serum and citrated bovine plasma to the gammaglobulin fraction of rabbit anti-Ep serum followed by treatment with goat anti-rabbit gamma-globulin re sulted in a significant decrease in EEC formation. Addition of anti-Ep directly to the culture medium produced similar results. In addition, the production of EEC in response to added Ep was inhibited in the presence of anti-Ep. Addition of very small doses of highly purified Ep to anti-Ep-treated cultures resulted in the reappearance of a significantnumber of EEC formation in PV may be due to a population of erythroid-committed precursors that are abnormally sensitive to small concentrations of Ep which may be present in fetal calf serum and citrated plasma. Although the mechanism of formation of these cells is not known, it appears that the final steps in the formation of red cells derived from this clone of precursors is subject to the usual Ep control.


Circulating complement breakdown products in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Correlation between plasma C3d, circulating immune complexes, and clinical activity.

Quantitative determination of the small C3 breakdown product, C3d, was used to investigate complement activation in 45 plasma samples from 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The mean plasma C3e level in these samples (3.0 +/- 1.3 mg/100 ml) was significantly increased (P less than 0.001) as compared to patients with degenerative joint disease (0.9 +/- 0.4 mg/100 ml) and healthy blood donors (0.8 +/- 0.5 mg/100 ml). C3d levels were increased by more than s SD in 79% of RA samples. Plasma C3d levels were compared with C3d concentrations in synovial fluid. In most RA patients, the C3d levels were higher in synovial fluid than in plasma. A very significant correlation between plasma C3d levels and circulating immune complexes, as measured by determination of Clq binding activity (Clq BA), was observed (P less than 0.001). C3d levels were more elevated in RA patients with extra-articular disease manifestations (3.8 +/- 1.2 mg/100 ml) as compared to patients with joint disease alone (2.2 +/- 1.0 mg/100 ml). C3d levels and Clq BA were also significantly correlated (P less than 0.001) with the RA disease activity expressed by an index derived from sedimentation rate, joint score, and duration of morning stiffness. A close relationship between C3d levels, Clq BA, and the clinical activity further appeared during follow-up studies. The present observations suggest that a parallel but rather independent activation of the complement system may be induced by immune complexes in circulating blood and in the joint spaces during the course of rheumatoid arthritis.


Altered distribution of lysosomal cathepsin D in ischemic myocardium.

To determine the influence of cardiac ischemia on the activity and subcellular localization of lysosomal cathepsin D, anesthetized rabbits were subjected to ligation of the circumflex coronary artery. Total enzyme activity remained unchanged throughout the 2-h ischemic period, but the subcellular distribution of cathepsin D, as analyzed by biochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, was altered dramatically. A marked increase in nonsedimentable (i.e., 40,000-g supernate) activity developed by 30-45 min and increased further by 2 h. Simultaneously, the immunofluorescent localization of cathepsin D was also changed significantly. Within 30-60 min after occlusion, the fine, particulate staining observed in control myocytes was replaced by bright fluorescent patches composed of large granules. Many of these structures displayed prominent halos of diffuse fluorescent staining in the neighboring myocytic cytoplasm, apparently outside lysosomes per se. After 2 h, when nonsedimentable activity was maximally elevated, most of the fluorescent particles had disappeared completely. During this same interim there was no detectable change in the distribution of lysosomal cathepsin D within interstitial cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that an early feature of cardiac ischemia is the release of cathepsin D from myocytic lysosomes into the cytosol of damaged cells.


Interaction of factor VIII antigen in hemophilic plasmas with human antibodies to factor VIII.

By utilizing a simple modification of previous immunological assays, we have demonstrated that most, if not all, hemophilic plasmas contain antigen reactive with human antibodies directed against Factor VIII procoagulant activity (VIIIc). Antibodies developing in a nonhemophiliac patient and in a hemophiliac patient gave similar results. The VIIIc antigen so identified was removed from hemophilic plasmas with immobilized rabbit antibody which reacted with normal VIIIc and von Willebrand's disease antigen. These data suggest that there are greater antigenic similarities between normal and hemophilic Factor VIII than previously thought.


Hypophosphataemic osteomalacia associated with a malignant tumour of the tibia: report of a case.

A case of vitamin D resistant hypophosphataemic osteomalacia with glycosuria and aminoaciduria is reported. The course of the disease was dramatically altered by the removal of a bone sarcoma which probably had been growing slowly since the onset of the patient's symptoms five years previously. The histology and electron microscopy of the tumour are described. Three years after the operation the patient remains free of symptoms.


Erythrocyturia, smoking, and occupation.

In a population of 432 apparently healthy men aged 50 years and over 19-2% had one or more erythrocytes per high-power field in the urine while 8-1% had more than 10. Erythrocyturia seemed to be strongly correlated with tobacco consumption. No significant association with occupation could be demonstrated but the data were insufficient to refute the possibility of such an association. Raised levels of orthoaminophenols as a result of abnormal tryptophan metabolism induced by smoking might cause microhaematuria in smokers. As these metabolites are carcinogens microhaematuria might be a valuable sign of cancer of the urinary bladder.


Automated red cell indices and marrow iron reserves in geriatric patients.

The marrow iron reserves, automated red cell indices, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity of 69 geriatric patients were recorded. A fall in the mean red cell volume (MCV) to between 71 and 82 fl failed to distinguish between iron deficiency and the 'anaemia of chronic disorders'. However, there was no reserve of marrow iron in the eight patients with an MCV of 70 fl or less.


Platelet dynamics in chronic liver disease with special reference to the role of the spleen.

In all of 12 patients with chronic liver disease, whose platelet dynamics were investigated by the 51Cr-labelling technique in association with surface counting, platelet survival was reduced and in 11 the splenic platelet pool was increased. Surface counting showed high initial spleen liver ratios in eight patients, and in four there was evidence of progressive destruction of platelets in the spleen. In one patient, subsequently shown to have a hepatoma, progressive accumulation of platelets was noted at the tumour site.


Tectal efferents in the branded water snake, Natrix sipedon.

Visual information reaches the dorsal thalamus by two distrinct routes in most reptiles. Retinal efferents terminate directly in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLGN). Retinal information is also channeled indirectly through the tectum to nucleus rotundus. Retinal projections to DLGN and tectum are also well established in snakes, but the status of the tecto-rotundal link of the indirect visual pathway is uncertain. Thus, tectal efferents were studied with Fink-Heimer methods in banded water snakes (Natrix sipedon). The tectum gives rise to crossed and uncorssed projections to the brainstem reticular formation. Commissural connections are effected with the contralateral tectum via the tectal and posterior commissures. Tectum projects densely to the ipsilateral basal optic nucleus. Bilateral ascending projections reach the pretectal area, nucleus lentiformis mescencephali, lateral habenular nuclei, and posterodorsal nuclei. Ascending projections reach the ventral lateral geniculate and suprapeduncular nuclei. There is a diffuse projection to the central part of the caudal thalamus and a dense, bilateral projection to the DLGN. These results indicate that the relation of the tectum to the dorsal thalamus is different in snakes than in other reptiles. Nucleus rotundus is either absent or poorly differentiated and there is a strong convergence of the direct and indirect visual pathways at DLGN.


The organization of the pulvinar in the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). II. Synaptic organization and comparisons with the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus.

The purpose of these experiments was to compare the synaptic organization of the subdivisions of the pulvinar defined in the preceding paper (Robson and Hall, '77) with each other and with the organization present in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The electron microscope was used to analyze normal synaptic arrangements and degenerating axonal terminals resulting from lesions. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the grey squirrel contains synaptic clusters similar to those described previously for other species. These clusters are characterized by large optic tract terminals which form multiple contacts onto large dendritic processes and other processes containing flat or pleomorphic vesicles. The geniculate lamina adjacent to the optic tract receives projections from the superior colliculus as well are from the retina. The terminals of the superior colliculus axons are small and medium sized and lie outside of the synaptic clusters. The retinal terminals are in the clusters. In the pulvinar, the rostro-medial subdivision contains synaptic clusters which resemble those in the lateral geniculate nucleus. These clusters contain large axon terminals which make multiple contacts onto large dendrites. However, these terminals are not contributed by an ascending sensory pathway but by axons from striate cortex. The rostro-lateral and caudal subdivisions of the pulvinar also contain synaptic clusters, but these clusters consist of a segment of a large dendrite which is ensheathed by medium-sized terminals. Since only a few of these medium sized terminals in any one cluster degenerate after tectal lesions, and none degenerate after cortical lesions, it is suggested that the morphological arrangement of these clusters may permit the convergence of axons from several sources, some of which are unidentified, onto the same dendritic segment.


Mesquite pollen--an aeroallergen in asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Skin reactions to mesquite pollen extract occurred in 62% of 100 consecutive patients tested at an adult allergy clinic despite absence of the plant within about a 50-mile radius. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) studies confirmed that the skin tests represented specific IgE antibodies to the mesquite pollen. Nasal, conjunctival, and bronchial challenges indicated that mesquite provoked symptoms in a specific manner. The pollen was trapped at a considerable distance from its source. Mesquite surveys and climatologic data suggested a route and method of transport. Mesquite pollen is a potent allergen capable of evoking immediate hypersensitivity reactions in a susceptible population remote from the plant source.


Allergens in bee venom. III. Identification of allergen B of bee venom as an acid phosphatase.

Allergen B previously isolated from honeybee venom and shown to be a mildly acidic protein consisting of polymers of a chain of 49,000 d is shown to have acid phosphatase activity. Allergen B is homogeneous by several criteria. No acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, or esterase activity was found in any other allergen or fraction of bee venom. Acid phosphatase activity was also found in yellow jacket venom and extracts of venom sacs from bumblebees and paper wasps.


Nutritional implications of renal disease. I. Current overview and general principles.

Treatment exclusively by nutritional means does not appear to provide a therapeutic answer for the patient with complete loss of renal function. Clearly, however, rational dietary treatment prior to ultimate loss of renal function is a valuable, ameliorating therapy in chronic progressive renal failure and--once the patient is on maintenance dialysis--it is a major deciding factor in the success of this life-maintaining regimen.


Nutritional implications of renal disease. III. Nutritional needs of patients with renal disease.

There is now evidence that, due to metabolic alterations, the patient with renal disease has special nutrient needs for vitamin D, vitamin B6, and possibly for amino acids. Schreiner and Maher have described (34) the uremic patient as "a walking laboratory of applied renal and metabolic physiology." The uremic patient may also be viewed as a walking laboratory of nutritional problems that should be further explored to determine optimal dietary requirements.


Discontinuing the phenylalamine-restricted diet in young children with PKY. Psychosocial aspects.

Analysis of questionnaires, informal group meetings, and individual interviews with parents and their children with phenylketonuria gave insight on the attitudes and experiences surrounding discontinuance of the phenylalanine-restricted diet. The investigation identified important aspects of changing social interactions as termination of the restricted diet progressed. The study suggests that preparatory discussions with parents and children prior to the change in diet should be held to avoid undue stress and conflict in such families.


Cyclandelate: effect on circulatory measurements and exercise tolerance in chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower limbs.

Thirty-nine patients with arterial insufficiency of the lower limbs were treated with cyclandelate or placebo in a double-blind cross-over study, to evaluate the effect of this drug on symptomatic and physiologic indicators of circulatory status. The following measurements were used: skin temperature of the big toe and dorsum of the foot; blood flow in the calf at rest and after exercise on a foot ergometer to the point of claudication; walking distance to the development of claudication; exercise tolerance on a foot ergometer; and reflex vasoconstriction on the skin of the toe in response to cooling of the upper extremities. During treatment with cyclandelate, significant improvement occurred in each of these measures of circulatory efficiency.


Effect of L-dopa on polycythemia.

A patient with Parkinson's disease, in whom polycythemia vera was known to be present for several years prior to the onset of parkinsonian symptoms, received treatment with a preparation consisting of L-dopa plus a decarboxylase inhibitor (Madopar). Improvement in the parkinsonian symptoms was associated with marked improvement in the polycythemia. A therapeutic trial of the same L-dopa preparation in 2 other patients with polycythemia had similar effects. The cases are presented and the possible central therapeutic effect of L-dopa is discussed.


Procainamide-induced systemic lupus erythematosus with hypocomplementemia.

Procainamide-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a well recognized clinical syndrome believed to be characterized by normocomplementemia. However, in 7 cases of drug-induced SLE recorded in the literature, hypocomplementemia was found. The present report concerns a well documented case of procainamide-induce SLE with hypocomplementemia. The patient improved and complement values returned to normal after procainamide therapy was discontinued and replaced by digitalis and steroid therapy.


Applied genetics for the practicing optometrist.

A good preventive blindness program includes a strong program in genetic counseling. Optometrists can be of substantial assistance to a genetic counseling program by: 1) being informed of the various types of inherited ocular disorders, and their modes of transmission. 2) becoming aware of the presence of disorders in other members of the patient's family, and 3) encouraging the affected family members to seek genetic counseling prior to conception. This article is designed to serve as a guide for familiarizing the practicing O.D. with the various types of inheritance patterns, specific disorders which follow these inheritance patterns, and some of the ocular and systemic characteristics of the disorders. Only those anomalies of structure and/or function which have an identifiable (and therefore a predictable) genetic mode of transmission will be discussed. This article is intended to serve as a brief and general review of some of the more common ocular disorders, and not as a comprehensive text on the genetics of ophthalmic diseases. Emphasis is placed on the optometric management of each disease discussed.


Research in orthokeratology. Part IV: Results and observations.

Changes in unaided visual acuity, corneal integrity and lens position are differentially affected by contact lens fitting procedures. The effects on these parameters, from contact lenses fitted by defined conventional and orthokeratological techniques, are given and compared to each other and to a group of non-contact lens wearers. General trends and variability of data are discussed in conjunction with pertinent clinical observations for the three groups.


[Results of the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in women. A homogenous series of 293 operations].

The statistic from 278 cases of urinary incontinence in women in a gynaecological department are reported. There was one unexpected death (from coronary thrombosis) and one hemiplegia. From the remaining cases althogether 5-7 p. 100 failures, 7-9 p. 100 partial successes and 86.5 p. 100 cures. The operations undertaken were: 33 Berkow's operation, 138 retro-public colpopexies, 29 interposition operations of placing the uterus between the bladder and the vagina, 52 sub-vesical slings of skin and 26 other different operations. All in all the percentage of failures or partial failures in the different catergories of operation are identically the same, namely about 12 p. 100. This impression can be corrected because we are dealing with small series of cases. But study of the failures in particular is indicated, to search for reasons and for whether this consistent percentage of failures may not be due to a factor which is not curable by surgery as, for instance, a factor of intrinsic muscular weakness.


Hepatitis B circulating immune complexes. Characterization by radioimmunoprecipitation--PEG assay (RIPEGA).

Incidence of circulating immune complexes (IC) was investigated in carriers of hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) and/or anti-HB antibodies (anti-HBAb). Three methods were used: radiolabelled C1q binding test (C1qBT), complement fixation test (CFT), and optical density (OD) measurement after dissolution of 3% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitate of serum. A highly significant correlation was obtained between these three techniques. The level of IC was higher in carriers of HBAg without anti-HBAb, than in others. The characterization of HBAg and anti-HBAB in IC was carried out by a new procedure, the radioimmunoprecipitation-PEG assay (RIPEGA), This sensitive and reproducible test was performed by incubation of 125I-HBAg or 125I-HBAG with 3% precipitate of the carriers' sera. Separation of free from complexed 125I-HBAg or 125I-HBAb was achieved by PEG precipitation. A highly significant correlation was found between the levels of circulating IC evaluated by the C1q-BT and the quantities of HBAg or anti HBAb measured by RIPEGA. RIPEGA was used to quantify HBAg and anti-HBAb present in serum from HBAg and/or anti-HBAb carriers, confirmed by a radioimmunoassay. In preliminary results, RIPEGA was shown to be more sensitive than classical radioimmunoassay.


A simple method for detection of IgG rheumatoid factor.

A simple method for detection of IgG rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera and joint fluid is described. The technique is based on the action of 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol mixed directly with the material. After 2 h of incubation determinations of human anti-IgG were performed by latex agglutination test. Comparison with data obtained by using the conventional method, sequential 24 h treatment with 0.1 M 2-mercaptoethanol and 0.01 M iodoacetamide, shows similar results for both methods. A correlation was observed between the presence of IgGRF in synovial fluid and a severe clinical course with invalidating forms in patients suffering rheumatoid arthritis.


Nitrophenylated derivatives of epsilon-aminocaproic acid: synthesis and physico-chemical characterization.

Methods for the synthesis of the mono-, di- and tri-nitro derivatives of epsilon-aminocaproic acid are presented. Special attention is given to the purification procedure, as we have found that methods recommended in the literature do not produce a single product. Evidence is presented which shows that recrystallizing the haptens from hot ethanol produces a by-product which is the ethyl ester of the haptens. Characterization methods and physical properties of the nitro-phenylated derivates of epsilon-aminocaproic acid are summarized.


A new HLA antigen apparently not controlled by the known HLA loci.

The human allogeneic serum RM3 recognizes a lymphocyte structure inherited with the HLA chromosome. Population studies show several positive associations with antigens of the HLA-A and HLA-B series. Negative association have been found with antigens of the HLA-C series. Moreover the distribution of the RM3 factor is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with that of the HLA-C alleles. However, serological investigations (namely the 'lysostrip' technique) bring evidence that RM3 serum does not appear to contain antibodies directed against any of the antigens of the HLA-A, B and C series. The study of a segregant family, showing a crossing over between the HLA-A and HLA-B loci, shows that the RM3 factor segregates on the side of the HLA-A locus. In conclusion, within the limits of the serological approach used, the present study presents evidence of a new serologically defined HLA locus, different from those so far described.


Differences in the growth requirements of some strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum of human origin.

The growth requirements of Ureaplasma urealyticum strains T-McA, T-Pi, T-27, and T-207 were studied. All strains grew in T-broth containing horse serum. Only strain T-McA grew in broth containing serum fraction A, a finding that confirmed that ureaplasmas are not  homogeneous and suggested that they can be divided into two species on the basis of their requirement for horse serum. The growth factors required by T-McA are arginine, cystine, methionine, and unidentified metabolites in serum fraction A and trypticase soy broth. The vitamins in Eagle's minimal essential medium are not essential metabolites for T-McA but enhanced its growth. Therefore, we recommend that these vitamins be incorporated in ureaplasma media and that the effect of supplementing media with arginine, cystine, and methionine for the primary isolation of ureaplasmas be ascertained.


Concentrations of levamisole required for enhanced proliferation of human lymphocytes and phagocytosis by macrophages.

We studied the in vitro effects of levamisole on phagocytosis by macrophages and on proliferation of lymphocytes obtained from human peripheral blood. It was observed that levamisole directly stimulated phagocytosis in a lymphocyte-free system. Enhancement was optimal at a concentration that inhibited antigen- or mitogen-induced stimulation of sensitive lymphocytes. Lower concentrations of levamisole enhanced the proliferative lymphocyte response.


Disk diffusion susceptibility testing of Nocardia species.

The effectiveness of 13 antimicrobial agents against 51 clinical isolates of Nocardia was determined with use of agar dilutions and disk diffusion method. Amikacin inhibited less than 90% of isolates and, like the other aminoglycosides, showed good correlation between minimal inhibitory concentrations and sizes of zones of inhibition around the disks. Both sulfisoxazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were very active, although they required a 2- to 3-log lower inoculum for demonstration of susceptibility. Results with the two sulfa disks were variable, but they did allow distinction between sensitive and intermediate strains. All of the isolates of Nocardia were inhibited by 6.3 microng of minocycline; however, the degree of susceptibility could not be determined by zone diameters. Only two-thirds of these clinical isolates of Nocardia grew rapidly enough to be assayed by either susceptibility method.


Larva-specific antibodies in patients with visceral larva migrans.

Seven of 10 patients with visceral larva migrans (VLM) had serum precipitating antibodies specific for larval antigens of Toxocara canis as determined by double diffusion in agar. Such antibodies were absent in 114 normal adults and 25 patients with collagen disease. Precipitation of ascarid components by C-reactive protein resulted in false-positive reactions, but this precipitation was readily prevented by appropriate absorption of sera before testing. A more sensitive assay, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, revealed high titers of antibodies to larvae of Toxocara in all patients with VLM; the log2 titer ranged from 9 to 14. Five of eight household relatives of these patients and four children who had had VLM two to four years before testing had titers of 6-12. Of the 114 normal adults, 105 had titers of 0-2; nine had titers of 3-8. Of the 25 patients with collagen disease, 23 had titers of 0, and two had titers of 4 and 6, respectively. Additional studies of those patients indicated that infection with Toxocara can be distinguished serologically from ascariasis, filariasis, and trichinellosis.


Typhoid fever in the United States associated with the 1972-1973 epidemic in Mexico.

In 1972 and 1973 a nationwide outbreak of typhoid fever occurred in Mexico. The responsible strain of Salmonella typhi had a characteristic pattern of phage lysis, resembling the type A pattern, referred to as degraded Vi(A), and was resistant to chloramphenicol and other antimicrobial agents in vitro and in vivo. Eighty cases of infection with strains of S. typhi that were related to the Mexican epidemic strain were reported in the United States. The epidemic in Mexico subsided in mid-1973, and no further cases of typhoid fever due to chloramphenicol-resistant organisms were reported in the United States. Infections with chloramphenicol-sensitive strains of S. typhi with the phage lysis pattern of degraded (Vi(A) occurred in association with travel in Mexico before and after the height of the epidemic in Mexico. Although typhoid fever due to chloramphenicol-resistant organisms has not been reported in the United States since the subsidence of the Mexican epidemic, testing of isolates of S. typhi for antibiotic sensitivity is recommended because of the continued existence of resistant strains elsewhere.


Strains of Hong Kong influenza virus in calves.

Three strains of Hong Kong influenza virus isolated from humans were compared with a strain isolated from a calf for their ability to cause disease in calves. One of the human strains. A/Aichi/2/68, was detected for five days in a calf, but all three failed to cause signs of disease. Strain A/cal/Duschanbe/55/71 could be detected for seven days and caused an influenza-like illness in calves.


Acute epiglottitis in adults.

Nine cases of acute epiglottitis in adults, seen over a period of ten years, are presented. The presence of severe pain and dysphagia as universal presenting features are stressed, and the frequent absence of pharyngeal injection is noted. We found that the disease in adults differs from that in children in that pain and dysphagia are more marked, that stridor is a less prominent feature, and that Haemophilus influenzae appears not to be the sole causative organism.


Caloric test with oculogyral illusion as response.

It has been demonstrated that the caloric test can be simplified further by making use of the oculogyral illusion. Since the test is conducted under conditions of optic fixation, this method probably also enhances the sensitivity of the caloric test. The reproducibility of the tests also appears high, at least in respect of measures of "canal paresis". When used in conjunction with other tests for detecting vestibular imbalance, e.g. examination for spontaneous and provocation nystagmus using Frenzel glasses, this OGI caloric test should provide a convenient procedure for the clinical examination of vestibular function.


Polytef (Teflon) injection of the vocal cords. Experience with thirty-four cases.

The results of Polytef injection of the vocal cords in 34 patients carried out over the last three years are reviewed. Two complications of respiratory distress were noted. It was shown that it is easy and safe to carry out this procedure under general anaesthesia using a shorter needle and a modified laryngoscope. There were no complications to the general anaesthetic.


Congenital anomaly of the facial nerve.

A case of abnormal course of the facial nerve is described. It was observed in a patient without malformations of the auricle or the external auditory meatus and with a normal otoscopic picture; but multiple malformations, especially of the upper limbs and the genitalia, were present. The chromosome conditions were normal.


Primary lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the hypopharynx.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma (lymphoepithelioma) is a neoplasm that may be found in nasopharynx, nasal fossae, maxillary sinus, base of the tongue, tonsil, thymus and parapharyngeal area. Such a tumor is extremely rare in the hypopharynx and the case described is the second so far reported in the world literature, after the first case by Dockerty et al. (1968). The tumor is morphologically identical to those arising in other organs. Our patient died ten months after diagnosis.


Mechanism of increased prolactin secretion by sulpiride.

The effect of sulpiride, a neuroleptic agent, on the secretion of prolactin by the anterior pituitary gland of the rat was studied. A significant increase in serum prolactin was observed after subcutaneous administration of the drug. Although sulpiride (0-10 micronmol/1 or 0-14 mmol/1) had no effect on the secretion of newly synthesized or radioimmunoassayable prolactin in vitro, the drug significantly overcame the inhibitory action that dopamine (0-50 micronmol/1) exerted on prolactin secretion. Rats implanted with a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour MtTW15 showed an inhibition of prolactin biosynthesis and release. Injection of these rats with sulpiride restored prolactin biosynthesis and release of the hormone toward normal levels. These results demonstrate that sulpiride has a direct effect on the pituitary antagonizing the inhibitory effects exerted by dopaminergic mechanisms, although the drug itself does not stimulate the secretion of prolactin in vitro. Sulpiride may have a direct action on the pituitary lactotrophs in vivo, but effects at higher centres have not been excluded.


Steroid release in vitro by two luteal cell types in the corpus luteum of the pregnant sow.

Corpora lutea from sows at 30, 60 and 90 days of gestation were dissociated enzymically, and the components of the resulting cell suspension were separated by sedimentation at unit gravity. Two luteal cell populations of 30-50 micronm diameter and 15-20 micronm diameter were obtained and superfused for up to 18 h with Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, the cells being supported in a column in a matrix of Biogel. Fractions were collected every 30 min and assayed for progesterone and oestradiol-17beta. At 30 and 60 days of gestation the large luteal cells produced progesterone at an initial rate of approximately 100 ng/h/10(5) cells, which decreased to half this rate at 90 days. The smaller cells also released progesterone into the medium at approximately 15-20 ng/h/10(5) cells at all stages of gestation. At 30 days of gestation, neither cell type released significant amounts of oestradiol-17beta, but from 60 days onwards ,significant and increasing quantities were measured in the superfusates from the larger cells. Both cell types were perfused with porcine LH at the three stages of gestation, and both showed an immediate response in terms of progesterone release which decreased in magnitude with increasing age of gestation. The response of the smaller cells was greater than that of the larger cells.


Enhancing the expression of flavor neophobia: some effects of the ingestion-illness contingency.

Four experiments investigating factors contributing to enhanced ingestional neophobia are reported. Rats administered lithium chloride following ingestion of a novel coffee solution showed an enhanced neophobia reaction to vinegar and casein. This enhancement was specific to the novelty of both the conditioning and test fluids and was not observed in animals receiving noncontingent toxicosis. Poisoning alone, however, mediated a nonspecific fluid suppression that persisted for approximately two drinking sessions following treatment. In contrast to other experiments, the operation of generalization was detected only when a novel flavor was the test fluid, suggesting that neophobia enhancement is at least partially mediated by a conditioned novelty aversion resulting from the novel flavor-lithium contingency.


Lead screening by family physicians.

Blood lead level tests, by the finger-prick micromethod, were given to 333 children in a primary care practice. On initial testing, 18.6 percent of children had lead levels between 30 and 39 microng/100 ml and ten percent had lead levels of 40 microng/100 ml or greater. In the latter group, only 2.7 percent had levels in that range when retested with venous blood samples. Socioeconomic status, as determined by census tract residence, correlated with evidence of undue lead absorption. Of the children tested from socioeconomic Group I (I is highest), 3.4 percent were affected, as opposed to 60.0 percent of the children residing in Group V census tracts.


The functional heart murmur: a wastebasket diagnosis.

It is extremely helpful for the examiner to separate murmurs of nonorganic origin into one of two categories. The innocent heart murmur group defines five specific entities: the pulmonary systolic murmur, the vibratory systolic murmur, the supraclavicular systolic murmur, the mammary souffle, and the venous hum. All other nonorganic murmurs are classified as functional, and are produced by clinically recognizable alteration in anatomy and/or physiology affecting the circulatory system. This paper discusses each category and provides information regarding bedside diagnosis of selected murmurs.


Rational drug therapy of common illnesses in children.

Experience with the care of over 7,000 children with acute illnesses has shown that most need either no medication at all or can be adequately managed from a choice of but a handful of drugs precisely prescribed. A knowledge of rational therapeutics can decrease polypharmacy, the high cost of illness, and the risk of iatrogenic disease.


About the problem patient.

This paper presents a brief description of the phenomenon of the problem patient, the response of the physician, and alternatives to the impass which frequently occurs in the problem patient-physician relationship. There may be great utility in viewing the problem-patient problem as a patient-physician relationship problem. If this is done, the physician may be able to re-examine his/her expectations of the helping role and choose an alternate mode of relating to the patient, to the benefit of both the patient and physician.


A program for enhancing medical interviewing using video-tape feedback in the family practice residency.

In an effort to enhance the medical interviewing skills of family practice residents in the clinical setting, the Minnesota Communication Program was developed. The Program, which uses video-tape feedback as the primary teaching method, stresses the integration of biological and psychosocial data as well as the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. A description of the Program including goals, teaching strategies, and guidelines for implementing video-tape feedback is presented. The Medical Interview Skills Checklist (MISC) and its use as an assessment tool are described. Results of a survey eliciting residents' responses to the Program and the implications of video-tape feedback for medical education are also discussed.


The effect of career change from private practice to full-time family practice faculty.

This study investigated the timing and extent of the emotional impact of the career change of 33 selected family physicians who, after at least 15 years in private practice, moved into full-time teaching and/or administration in a family practice residency program. Their intrinsic feelings of being enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, and enjoying associates were all diminished during the first six months, dropped further in the second six months, but began to recover during the second year. Similarly the physicians' perception of their effectiveness in their new work -- confident, competent, and fulfilled -- was relatively low during the first six months, but began to rise during the second six months and again during the second year. A comparison is made between the responses of those who held positions as directors and those who were non-directors. Changes reported were less marked in those who became directors than in those who did not. Possible causes of this phenomenon are explored. Methods to soften the impact of the career change are suggested.


Satisfaction of patients in two  Air Force family practice programs.

This study was carried out to determine of patients enrolled in family practice clinics were satisfied with their care and to ascertain if there was a difference in the level of satisfaction between two groups of family practice patients: one group at a teaching medical center and the other at a general acute care community hospital. The overwhelming majority of family practice patients surveyed were extremely satisfied with the care they were receiving. The prime reasons for this satisfaction were physician continuity (having one physician for the whole family), personal attention, and having levels of satisfaction between the groups at a teaching and a non-teaching facility. Overall, families that had received preventive health instructions from their physician had a stronger desire to remain with family practice and had fewer dislikes about the program than did the group of patients who had not received any preventive health instructions from their physician.


Dog red blood cells: Na and K diffusion potentials with extracellular ATP.

External ATP causes a prompt increase in the Na and K permeability of dog red blood cells. By manipulating intra- and extracellular ion composition it is possible to observe ATP-induced net fluxes which can be explained in terms of the contribution of Na or K diffusion potentials to the membrane potential. Measurements of membrane voltage by a fluorescent dye technique confirm the existence of such potentials. A rough calculation of chloride permeability gives a value of the order of 10(-8) cm/s, which agrees with results in other species. The cells appear to be somewhat more permeable to bromide than to chloride.


Shear forces and blood vessel radii in the cardiovascular system.

What mathematical or physiological principles govern the radii of blood vessels in the cardiovascular system and by what mechanisms are those principles implemented? This question is studied in the contexts of fluid dynamics and physiology of the cardiovascular system, and a possible answer is examined in the light of empirical data.


The effect of extracellular potassium on the intracellular potassium ion activity and transmembrane potentials of beating canine cardiac Purkinje fibers.

We used open tip microelectrodes containing a K+-sensitive liquid ion exchanger to determine directly the intracellular K+ activity in beating canine cardiac Purkinje fibers. For preparations superfused with Tyrode's solution in which the K+ concentration was 4.0 mM, intracellular K+ activity (ak) was 130.0+/-2.3 mM (mean+/-SE) at 37 degrees C. The calculated K+ equilibrium potential (EK) was -100.6+/-0.5 mV. Maximum diastolic potential (ED) and resting transmembrane potential (EM) were measured with conventional microelectrodes filled with 3 M KCl and were -90.6+/-0.3 and -84.4+/-0.4 mV, respectively. When [K+]o was decreased to 2.0 mM or increased to 6.0, 10.0, and 16.0 mM, ak remained the same. At [K+]o=2.0, ED was -97.3+/-0.4 and Em -86.0+/-0.7 mV; at [K+]o=16.0, ED fell to -53.8+/-0.4 mV and Em to the same value. Over this range of values for [K+]o, EK changed from -119.0+/-0.3 to -63.6+/-0.2 mV. These values for EK are consistent with those previously estimated indirectly by other techniques.


Invasion of plant tissue in the rumen by the flagellate Neocallimastix frontalis.

The flagellate stage of the rumen phycomycete Neocallimastix frontalis invades and germinates on plant material in the rumen and in vitro, preferentially invading the lemmas, paleas, awns and flower bracts in members of the plant family Gramineae, and flower bracts in certain of the Papilionaceae. The principal sites of invasion were the stomata and damaged tissue, through which penetration of the plant tissue by the rhizoid of the germinating cell occurred. Subsequent growth of the vegetative stage occurred with the uptake of 14C from 14C-labelled plant tissue. Host diets rich in seed-head material normally supported higher population densities of N. frontalis in the rumen even though the dry matter digestibilities of these diets were lower.


Numerical analysis of relationships among rapidly growing, scotochromogenic mycobacteria.

Numerical analysis of the relationships among rapidly growing, scotochromogenic mycobacteria was carried out; a dendrogram was prepared by a single linkage method and the separation between species was tested. The following were distinct species: Mycobacterium alichiense; mycobacterium rhodesiae;Mycobacterium chubuense; Mycobacterium obuense; Mycobacterium gilvum; mycobacterium duvalii; mycobacterium flavescens; and mycobacterium vaccae. Mycobacterium tokaiense was reduced to a synonym of M. chubense. Mycobacterium parafortuitum, Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacterium neoaurum were considered to be subspecies of M. parafortuitum or part of a M. parafortuitum complex. The separation between species was tested by comparing the extent of overlap of one species with that of another. When two species showed no such overlap,they were regarded as distinct. The results of the test of separation agreed well with taxonomic relationships shown by the dendrogram. Characters useful for differentiating the species were found.


The effect of growth and urea concentration on ammonia production by a urea-hydrolysing mycoplasma (Ureaplasma urealyticum).

The rate of accumulation of ammonium ion in cultures of Ureaplasma urealyticum was independent of the growth rate and of the initial urea concentration above 0-025% in the medium, although the quantity of ammonium ion accumulating did depend on the initial urea concentration. Ammonium ions accumulated at a similar rate in U. urealyticum cultures of both rapidly and slowly growing organisms. Viable but non-growing ureaplasmas also produced ammonia in complete medium at a lower temperature than usual (25 degrees C) or in an inadequate growth medium at 37 degrees C. The rate of ammonium ion accumulation in a dying culture depended on the number of viable organisms present; this is relevant to diagnostic methods for ureaplasms which depend on detecting ammonia colorimetrically.


Crystallization and reaggregation of adenovirus type 5 structural components from infected cell extracts.

Treatment of adenovirus type 5-infected cells at late times after infection (48 to 72 h p.i.) by hypotonic buffer and subsequent manipulation of the crude extract has resulted in the crystallization and reaggregation of the adenovirus type 5 fibre and hexon components.


The effect of test content and context on the anxiety-intelligence relationship.

The effect of test content and context on the anxiety-intelligence relationship was investigated by group-administering an intelligence measure presumably free of anxiety provoking cues, comprehension of cartoons, and several conventional intelligence and achievement measures to 177 boys and girls in Grades 4-6 in greater Tel-Aviv. Since the humor comprehension intelligence measure was as negatively correlated with test anxiety as were the conventional measures, it was concluded that trait anxiety is not a sufficient explanation of the anxiety-intelligence relationship.


Sex differences in discrimination of forms by elementary school children.

Thirty-six boys and 36 girls at each of two grade levels (second and fourth) were presented with a two-choice simultaneous form discrimination. The forms were five- or 10-sided, and symmetrical or asymmetrical. Ss received either a uniform array (both stimuli symmetrical or asymmetrical) or a mixed array (one stimulus symmetrical and the other asymmetrical). Boys performed better than girls, and older children were more accurate than younger ones. Several interactions among sex, age, and stimulus variables were obtained. The findings indicate sex differences in the development of the ability to process form information.


Effects of imprinting on lysine uptake and incorporation into protein in chick brain.

One-day old chicks were exposed for either 30, 60, or 120 min to an imprinting stimulus or kept in darkness in similar conditions. At the end of this time they were injected peripherally with 14C-lysine and killed 20 min later. The radioactivity of free lysine and that incorporated into protein was measured; incorporation was found to differ between exposed and dark birds only in the anterior part of the forebrain roof after 60-min treatment (E/D = 1.25). However, more free radioactive lysine was found in all brain regions of exposed birds at this time. When the specific radioactivity of the free lysine (dpm/nmol lysine) was measured there were no differences between the two types of birds, indicating that the incorporation difference was not due to a change in precursor radioactivity. The use of 14C-2-aminoisobutyrate confirmed that even with a nonincorporated amino acid pool size changes still occurred. The greater lysine incorporation in anterior forebrain roof was largely restricted to the cytoplasmic soluble fraction.


Synaptic connections of the interplexiform cell in the retina of the cat.

Electron microscopy of Golgi-impregnated material and of well fixed, ultrathin serial sections has revealed the synaptic connections of interplexiform cells in cat retina. In the inner plexiform layer these cells are postsynaptic to amacrine cells and probably presynaptic to both bipolars and amacrines. In the outer plexiform layer they are presynaptic to rod and cone bipolar cells and also pre- and postsynaptic to other interplexiform cell dendrites. The interplexiform cell in cat retina appears to be concerned with feeding back information from the inner plexiform layer to the dendrites of bipolar cells in the outer plexiform layer.


Serum enzyme changes in hot work.

A total of 31 workers employed in hot work in small-scale foundries, 13 gardeners engaged at light jobs under the sun and 16 sedentary persons were selected after medical screening for a study of the levels of serum enzymes [glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and adolase]. Only the LDH values in the foundry workers and gardeners differed significantly from that of the unexposed subjects. A trend of slight increase in activity of these enzymes after exposure was observed, though it was not statistically significant.


Familial translocation with partial trisomy of 13 and 22: evidence that specific regions of chromosomes 13 and 22 are responsible for the phenotype of each trisomy.

A newborn infant with clinical and pathological findings typical trisomy 13 and 22 syndromes had an extra chromosome which was a derivative chromosome from maternal balanced translocation affecting Nos. 13 and 22; 47,XY,+der(22),t(13:22)(q22:q12)Mat. The presence of extra specific euchromatic regions of No. 13(13q22 and/or 13q34) and No. 22 (22q11) seem to be responsible for the trisomy 13 and 22 syndromes.


Partial trisomy 14q -- and parental translocation of No. 14 chromosome. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of partial trisomy 14 (47, + 14q-) is presented. The proband's mother had a balanced translocation of 14q with the long arm of a No. 3 chromosome. Clinical and cytogenetic findings of this case are compared with 5 other cases of 47, + 14q-, in which one parent had a balanced translocation of the distal part of the No. 14 long arm to another chromosome. It appears that this chromosomal aneuploidy produces a fairly typical clinical picture.


Two reciprocal translocations associated with microcephaly and retardation.

The first case is reported of a karyotype containing two apparently unrelated reciprocal translocations, involving chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 7. It is suggested that the patient's psychomotor retardation and microcephaly may be the result of the loss of a small amount of chromosomal material accompanying these translocations.


De novo balanced reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(6;8)(q13;q22).

A 5-month-old infant was examined because of minor multiple malformations. He was found to have a de novo blanced reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(6;8(q13;q22). On follow-up at the age of 17 months his mental development was found to be within normal limits.


Outcome of unsuspected pneumococcemia in children not initially admitted to the hospital.

The records were reviewed of 97 episodes of unsuspected pneumococcemia in children not initially admitted to the hospital. Antimicrobial agents were prescribed at the first visit for 46 children; at the second visit 37 of them were improved and nine were not. No antimicrobial agents were prescribed at the first visit for 51; at the second visit 16 of these patients were improved and 35 were not. Pneumococcemia persisted in two treated children and in 13 untreated children. Meningitis was identified later in four children (two treated and two untreated). Although pneumococcemia in children may be a transient event, it may also persist or result in meningitis or other localized infections.


Rhabdomyolysis with severe hypernatremia.

Three children with severe hypernatremia presented with profound generalized weakness and biochemical evidence of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria. These findings in combination have not been previously reported, to our knowledge, in children with severe hypernatremia. Unusual complications included respiratory failure in one child and cardiac arrhythmias in two children. All three children had acute renal insufficiency; one required peritoneal dialysis.


Vitamin E deficiency and enhanced platelet function: reversal following E supplementation.

Marked platelet hyperaggregability to adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine, and collagen was demonstrated in two children with vitamin E deficiency, with complete reversal following E supplementation. No clinical thrombotic tendency was observed during the E-deficient state. The action of vitamin E in the schema of platelet arachidonate peroxidation appears to be at the step of phosphilpase A activation, or the conversion of arachidonic acid into the cyclic endoperoxides, since the peroxidation product malonaldehyde was increased during the E-deficient state with normalization following E sufficiency.


Kwashiorkor not associated with poverty.

Four infants are described with kwashiorkor that was unassociated with poverty or infection as predisposing factors of their disease. The condition followed various dietary regimens deficient in protein of five weeks to seven months in duration. Features of this "sugar-bady" form of kwashiorkor included a low level of physician awareness of malnutrition as a diagnostic consideration, growth retardation, edema, muscle wasting, mental changes, and mild lymphocytosis. Initially, recovery was associated with rapid loss of weight and anemia and subsequently with weight gain and return to good health.


Glutaric aciduria: clinical and laboratory findings in two brothers.

In two siblings with dystonic cerebral palsy the urinary metabolic profiles of organic acids were dominated by glutaric acid, a metabolite not normally present in urine. The exretion of glutaric acid amounted to several grams per day. The urinary excretion of beta-OH-glutaric acid and glutaconic acid was also enhanced. Imparied metabolism of glutaryl-CoA by leukocytes indicates that the patients suffer from an inborn error of lysine, tryptophan, and hydroxylysine metabolism. A defective oxidation of glutaryl-CoA to crotonyl-CoA, probably due to a deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase, is consistent with these findings.


Sound levels for neonates in transit.

Sound levels were measured in a neonatal intensive care nursery as well as during transport in ambulance, rotary wing, and fixed wing aircrafts. In the nursery, under usual conditions, the sound levels were between 58 and 70 dB; while in transit, they were invariably higher, particularly in rotary wing aircarft ( greater than 90 dB). The observations suggest that neonates in transit are exposed to potentially hazardous sound levels. Provision of means to attenuate the sound is desirable as a part of stabilization of infant during transport.


Effectiveness of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in children with renal osteodystrophy associated with hemodialysis.

Two children who were receiving maintenance hemodialysis were treated with 1 to 4 microng/day of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 for 500 to 700 days, respectively. Sequential parathyroid hormone levels and radiologic evaluations showed considerable improvement in one patient. The second patient initially responded with healing of the bone disease. Subsequent deterioration may be related either to medical noncomplicance and/or interference by diphenylhydantoin in the subsequent hepatic 25-hydroxylation of 1 alpha-OH-D3.


American and British data on a three dimensional assessment of personality in college students.

Reported data on American and British college student samples for the new Psychoticism, Extraversion, and Neuroticism (PEN) Inventory. Descriptive statistics for PEN dimensions for five American female samples (total 492 subjects), five American male samples (total 399 subjects), one British female sample (700 subjects) and one British male sample (700 subjects) were summarized. Intercorrelations of PEN dimensions for most of the American samples were reported. The pattern of significant intercorrelations tended to be in accord with previous work on prior related inventories. Similarities and differences among the sample descriptive statistics were discussed.


Experimenter prestige and feedback related to acceptance of genuine personality interpretations and self-attitude.

The present study examined the relationship between the prestige of the diagnostician and subjects' (a) personal validation of genuine, test-based personality evaluations and (b) pre- and postfeedback changes in self-attitudes. It was found that (a) subjects in all conditions rated the interpretations as being fairly accurate descriptions of their personalities; (b) the acceptance of the feedback did not vary as a function of experimenter prestige; and (c) receiving personality feedback had no effects on subjects' self-attitudes. This latter finding was examined from the viewpoint of social judgment theory.


Determination of pentobarbital in serum by electron-capture GLC.

A GLC method was developed for pentobarbital in serum. After extraction from serum, a pentafluorobenzyl derivative was prepared and quantitated by electron-capture detection. The method has a sensitivity of 0.1 microng/ml of serum, and the amount detectable is less than 0.2 ng/injection. Hexethal was used as the internal standard. Derivatives of other barbiturates were also made. NMR and mass spectrometric analyses confirmed the proposed structure of the 1,3-bis(pentafluorobenzyl) derivative of pentobarbital. The procedure was successfully applied to measurement of serum pentobarbital levels in humans.


Dissolution rates of corticosteroids utilizing sugar glass dispersions.

A method of increasing the dissolution rates of some orally administered corticosteroids was investigated. This method involved glass dispersions using dextrose, galactose, and sucrose as the carriers. These dispersions were prepared by the fusion process and were subjected to a modified NF XIII dissolution rate determination. The results revealed a marked increase in the dissolution rate of the corticosteroids contained in the solid dispersions when compared to the dissolution rate of the plan corticosteroid powder. The increase in dissolution rates was attributed to the presence of the corticosteroid in a very fine state of subdivision and to the increased wettability of the corticosteroid powder.