Early- and late-onset bipolar affective disorder. A genetic study.

A group of 46 bipolar probands was divided equally into those with early (before age 30) and later onset. The only significant difference found was a higher morbidity risk for the relatives of the early-onset group. Slater's model for a polygenic transmission was found compatible with this group, but insufficient data prevented its application in the older-onset group. In all other respects, however, no significant differences were found. Age of onset of illness may be unhelpful in elucidating the genetic basis of affective disorder. Further progress will depend on the development of more sensitive mathematical models and the finding of specific genetic markers.


In vitro effects of imipramine on proliferation of human leukocytes.

The effects of imipramine hydrochloride on cell proliferation were investigated in leukocyte cultures derived from normal volunteers. Nine different doses of imipramine were added in vitro at random for 4, 24, 48, and 68 hours, the three lowest concentrations being within the range of plasma levels reported in psychiatric patients receiving the drug therapeutically. Cell proliferations, as measured by mitotic index, was affected by both the concentration and the duration of drug exposure; the higher the dose and/or the longer the drug in culture, the lower the mitotic index. Imipramine concentrations corresponding to therapeutic plasma levels had no effect on mitotic index regardless of the length of exposure.


Plasma MAO activity unrelated to genetic vulnerability to primary affective illness.

Plasma monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was studied in 37 patients with primary affective illness, 105 relatives and spouses, and 37 normal controls, using carbon 14-labeled benzylamine as substrate. No differences between patients and controls were found, and there was no association of altered enzyme activity with the ill or well persons within families. Plasma MAO activity is heritable, and there are no effects of sex or of age in the observed age range (18 to 82 years).


CNS monoamine metabolism in bipolar affective disorder. Evaluation using a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.

Carbidopa, a decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, inhibits the peripheral synthesis of nor-adrenaline, serotonin, and tryptamine. By reducing the peripheral component of end-products of these amines in urine, a more accurate assessment of central nervous system (CNS) amine metabolism is provided. Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), tryptamine, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were measured over ten days in ten normal controls and eight bipolar depressives. After a three-day baseline period, carbidopa, 100 mg three times a day, was given for seven days. While the patients tended to excrete less MHPG in the baseline period, these differences became somewhat larger, and statistically significant when peripheral contributions were reduced with carbidopa. While carbidopa resulted in striking inhibition of tryptamine excretion, and smaller decreases in the excretion of 5-HIAA and MHPG, evidently from storage pools, there were no significant differences in degree of inhibition between patients and controls. Absolute values of 5-HIAA and tryptamine were similar for both groups, during the baseline and again with carbidopa. These results after carbidopa are compatible with a central catecholaminergic deficit in bipolar depressives and the use of urinary MHPG as an index of CNS catecholamine function.


[Histochemical and ultrastructural investigations on the activity of methylglyoxal (bis)-guanylhydrozan (methyl-GAG) on organ cultures of malignant tumors (author's transl)].

Methyl-GAG was tested in organotypic cultures of malignant tumors of human and mice. In 3 cases, a reduction of the activity of two oxydoreductases (lactate dehydrogenase and NADH-diaphorase) after treatment with methyl-GAG was observed whereas in 19 other cultivated tumors no change of enzyme activity was induced by methyl-GAG. Electronmicroscopy revealed only minor structural alterations of tumor cells after application of methyl-GAG as compared with control cultures.


[On the epidemiology of malignant neoplasms in the German Democratic Republic in the period of 1962 to 1972 (author's transl)].

On the basis of the model for the evaluation of mass attendance, described in (2), a first survey is given on the epidemiology of malignant neoplasms (sum of all diagnoses 140-209 ICD, 8. Rev.) from 1962 to 1972. The development of prevalence in male and female populations is about the same (a clear increase during 1967 and 1969). In spite of a lower incidence of care by women than by men, the mass attendence of women is clearly greater than of men, because the prognosis for women is better than for men. The 5-years-survival rates are for women about 38% and for men only 14%. The cancer prevalence in the GDR (population about 17 Mio.) is nearly 400000, supposed that medical care for cancer patients ends only by death of the patient. An analysis of single diagnosis is not given in this paper.


[An epidemiological study of cancer of the ovary (author's transl)].

A study of 149 patients with ovarian cancer compared to 149 age-matched women out of the population is analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in nearly all extragenital and all gynaecological diseases. No differences were found in menstrual history, history of hormonotherapy, age of menarche and menopause, number od nulliparous women, number of deliveries and abortions, radiation exposure, double primaries, blood groups, family history and consumption of nicotine. The findings in this study showed a difference in two variables: There were more women with hypertension and more never married women among the patients with ovarian cancer. It is not possible to define a group of high risk with these findings. It is suggested that endocrine factors influence the onset of ovarian cancer. Therefore these factors more should be taken into consideration in further epidemiological studies.


[Scientific foundation of gastric cancer control (author's transl)].

Although many facts on epidemiology of gastric cancer and on the preceding atrophic gastritis are known, sufficient scientific foundations for planning primary prevention are lacking. It is suggested that with rising standards of living and hygiene and with dissemination of optimal nutrition according to physiologic aspects, incidence of gastric cancer will further decrease. 2. It is possible to identify some high risk groups: elderly persons with familial aggregation of stomach cancer, blood group A, pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, anacidity, and patients operated upon for benign epithelial neoplasms or gastric ulcer. Prophylactic supervision of this segment of the population seems mandatory but by this means, only a small percentage of all gastric cancer can be detected early. 3. Our knowledge is sufficient for the  planning of intervention studies, e.g. long tome prophylactic application of ascorbic acid or vitamin A or intensive drug treatment of atrophic gastritis. Therefore we have started such a trial using carbenoxolon. 4. Screening methods for detection of early gastric cancer in asymptomatic persons have been evaluated in Japan. Their application in Europe cannot be generally recommended. The cost-benefit ratio is prohibiting. 5. Today, the main route to detect stomach cancer when curable is the thorough examination of persons with dyspeptic complaints. Radiological examination holds the first place and is supplemented by fibergastroscopy which enables aimed biopsy and cytologic examination of gastric juice. All other methods have only limited value in selected situations. 6. Without resignation we must realize that a solution of the problem cannot be expected in the near future. Further efforts are necessary in order to gain solid scientific foundations and to introduce research results into medical practice.


Influence of cystamine on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nitrazepam.

The influence of cystamine on pharmacokinetics of nitrazepam was studied. Experiments were performed on the third day after the administration of cystamine, since the author's previous investigations showed that the protective action of cystamine in radiation sickness was strongest at this time. CA premedication resulted in more rapid resorption, lower level of nitrazepam in blood, and more rapid elimination of the drug.


Effect of O-ethylrutoside on serum and hepatic lipids in acute ethanal-treated rats.

The serum total lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and free fatty acid concentrations, as well as hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels, were increased in acutely ethanol-treated rats. Treatment of ethanol-given animals with o-ethylrutoside resulted in a significant reduction in all examined fractions of serum lipids and in the hepatic total cholesterol level.


The central action of gamma-aminobutyric acid in rats.

The influence of 100--600 microng of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) injected into the right lateral ventricle of the brain on behavior and activity of the cerebral cholinergic system was studied in Wistar rats. Proportionally to dosage, GABA inhibited motor and exploratory activity in the rats. Reduction in the content of acetylcholine in the pons and medulla oblongata was accompanied by increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. GABA changed AChE activity differently in various parts of the brain. GABA depressed motor and exploratory activity in rats in a degree dependent on its dosage and inborn exploratory of the rats, and this effect was accompanied by changes in the cerebral cholinergic system.


Relations between glycogen phosphorylase activity and activities of amylolytic enzymes in rabbit skeletal muscle.

In previous studies an inverse relation was found between glycogen phosphorylase activity and activities of amylolytic enzymes (a-amylase, neutral and acid glucoamylase) in extracts from various muscles. The present study was carried out in an attempt to explain this phenomenon in enzyme systems isolated from rabbit skeletal muscles: glycogen phosphorylase--a-amylase, glycogen phosphorylase--neutral glucoamylase, and a-amylase--neutral glucoamylase. Inhibition of a-amylase activity in presence of glycogen phosphorylase, as previously observed in muscle extracts, was absent in the system of purified enzymes, but was restored by addition of proteins of the muscle extract, particularly proteins of the mitochondrial fraction which form a complex with glycogen. The mechanism of inhibition of a-amylase activity depends on competition for the altered substrate: glycogen phosphorylase degrades the glycogen-protein complex as well as free glycogen, whereas a-amylase acts mainly on the free polysaccharide. In presence of glucoamylase, activity of glycogen phosphorylase decreases, mainly because of the inhibitory influence of glucose liberated by glycoamylase. In the a-amylase--glucoamylase system, activity of glucoamylase increases due to its greater affinity to the breakdown products of glycogen by a-amylase compared with affinity to intact molecules of the polysaccharide. These results explain the antagonism between glycogen phosphorylase and amylolytic enzymes and permit its schematic presentation.


Erythrocyte lipids in chronic renal failure.

The erythrocyte cholesterol, total phospholipid and individual phospholipids content have been determined in patients with chronic renal failure, resulting from glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis. The rise in total phospholipid, confined predominantly to the sphingomyelin and lecithin classes was found. It was often accompanied by decrease in the phosphatidylethanol-amine content. The cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was found to be reduced. The excessive lipid loss during incubation of erythrocytes in glucose-rich medium has been observed in some patients.


Changes in the lymphoreticular system of Swiss mice subjected to antigenic stimulation, immunosuppression, or both.

The influence of chronic antigenic stimulation, immunosuppression with azathioprine, or both acting simultaneously on the lymphoreticular system in Swiss mice was studied. The response consisted of abnormal hyperplasia of the lymphoreticular system with the character of malignant lymphoma. On the basis of the microscopic pattern of the changes, three types were distinguished. Chronic immunization by humoral-cellular dysregulation, can cause abnormal hyperplasia of the lymphatic system.


Sesquiterpene lactones. XIX. Preliminary studies on the mode of action. Inhibition of synthesis of tumor cell protein and RNA.

The isotopic examinations of the mode of action of cytostatic active acid 8a-isobuetyric-14,15-dihydroxy-germacran-1 (10),4,11(13)-trienolide 12(6) (alatolide) have demonstrated that the compound at concentration 5-6 X 10(-5) M induces defective changes in HeLa cells resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis in 93-8% and RNA in 91-9% and, in consequence, cell death. At lower concentrations 2-8 X 10(-6) M, the compound inhibits protein synthesis in 73% and RNA in 5-7%. The direct influence of alatolide on DNA synthesis is doubtful.


A search for antitumor compounds. XII. Biologic studies. Antitumor properties of 12 new 1-nitro-9alkylaminoalkylaminoacridines.

Results of the studies on antitumor activity of 12 new 1-nitro-9-alkylaminoalkylaminacridines in mice bearing Sa-180 are presented. Only one of these compounds, viz. C-846 was active repeatedly in Sa-180 test; the activity of 5 other compounds tested (C-845, C-848, C-852, C-865 and C-866) requires further elucidation by means of new tests with Sa-180. The remaining 6 compounds were inactive. Some other general effects in mice bearing Sa-180 and some aspects of the structure-activity relationship are discussed.


Synthesis of N-alkyloamino- or arylo-imide derivatives of succinic acid.

10 new imide derivatives of phenylsuccinic acid possessing alkyloamine, alkyloaryl or aryl groups at nitrogen atom were obtained.


Synthesis of 3-aminoalkyl derivatives of 5-5-diphenylhydantoin.

The nucleophilic substitution of 3-bromoalkyl-5,5-diphenylhydantoins will appropriate amines gave new 3-aminoalkyl derivatives of 5,5-diphenylhydantoin.


[The liver and drugs. Blood chemical and ultrastructural findings after experimental administration of 7-cromanol-3-methyl-taxifoline].

An experimental model which, unlike classical animal pharmacology models, stresses behaviour not of the organ or organism as a whole but of the cell ultrastructures of linked metabolic areas, is proposed. The new model would appear capable, within limits, of surmounting some of the main objections made when extrapolating animal data and referring it to humans. The application of the model to the analysis of the effects induced by administration of 7C3MT at the level of the liver cell metabolic areas described. Electron microscope observations show the substance has a positive influence on the functioning of structures engaged in synthesis and those occupied in breaking down drugs, thus supporting the hypothesis that the substance improves the liver's functional kinetics.


[Bacteriuria. Bacteriological diagnosis and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents].

In a brief introduction, methods for collecting urine and diagnosis criteria are reviewed. Data relative to a study of about 10,000 samples of urine from patients admitted to various departments of the Milan Ca' Granda Hospital in 1975 are then reported. The frequencies of the various species of bacteria isolated in cases of bacteriuria are reported. Those occurring most frequently were Proteus (40.7%) of whose four species, Proteus mirabilis and Proteus rettgeri cover almost all cases, and Escherichia coli (26.1%). As for individual isolated microrganisms, the sensitivity to 13 chemotherapeutic agents was tested. E. coli, Klebsiella and Enterococcus demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity with respect to the majority of antibiotics considered.


[Evaluation of cellular DNA in the study of the relations between fibrocystic disease of the breast and breast cancer].

Two cases of breast carcinoma observed four years after breast biopsy for fibrocystic mastopathy are presented. These two cases have been subjected to microspectrophotometric measurement of cell DNA as an objective test for the evaluation of risk in breast fibrocystic disease. Tissue specimens of the two carcinoma cases showed in some lesions aneuploid DNA, while control groups always showed a typical diploid situation. This technique is suggested when epithelial proliferative pictures in adenose-cystic mastopathy seem to reach serious histopathological levels.


A comparison of professionally employed lesbians and heterosexual women on the MMPI.

The hypothesis tested is whether lesbianism implies psychopathology. The MMPI was given to 26 nonpatient lesbians who were professionally employed full time, and the results were compared to those for a group of 29 similarly employed heterosexual women. With the exception of the Sc scale, no difference was found on the clinical scales. The lesbian group achieved a significantly higher elevation than the nonlesbians on the Mf and Sc scales. Further analysis of the data on the Sc subscales indicated no difference on the pathological part of the scale, but rather a difference in degree of social alienation. Analysis of the data according to a second variable, living status, found significant differences and has important implications for future studies of the lesbian population. Single women, regardless of sexual orientation, scored significantly higher on scales K and Pa and on the Pa subscale naivete. A significant interaction between sexual orientation and living status was achieved on one scale, the F scale.


Attitudes toward sex in the aged.

Eighty university students and 40 staff members of a nursing home for the aged rated their reactions to three stories: a neutral (decision-making) story, a coital story, and a masturbatory story. For each story, the age and gender of the main character were varied. Results indicated an absence of negative attitudes toward sex in the aged. However, sex in the aged was less credible than sex in young people. Nursing home staff members had more negative attitudes toward sexual stories than did the students. Gender of rater had little effect. Coitus was rated more favorably for the male character than for the female character, and the reverse was true for masturbation.


The polycystic ovary syndrome:psychosexual correlates.

Eleven women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) were interviewed prior to treatment to assess psychosexual and behavioral characteristics. Because the polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by an elevated plasma level of free testosterone that presumably develops after birth, we examined specifically the six areas traditionally explored in prenatally androgenized women--play preference, energy expenditure level, interest in dress and appearance, career vs. family preference, sexual arousal to narrative and visual stimuli, and sexual initiative.  While these women described patterns in all categories similar to those reported in the earlier studies of prenatally androgenized women, their behavior was significantly different only in sexual initiative from that of two normal groups. These findings suggest that increased sexual initiative may be a heretofore unemphasized clinical feature of the polycystic ovary syndrome and conceivably a concomitant of elevated free plasma testosterone.


[Traumatic lesions of the peripheral arteries. Personal case studies].

Twenty cases of peripheral artery lesion observed over a period of 2 yr are presented. The reasons--other than technical faults--leading to surgical failure are considered. The most common of these are: over-long waiting time, failure to reconstruct the vein, and infection.


Can fetishism occur in transsexuals?

The literature concerning the relationships between transsexualism and transvestism and their association with fetishism is reviewed. Sexual activity, including sexual arousal to women's clothes, is frequently reported in histories of transsexuals. Characteristics are reported of 12 male subjects who have shown sexual arousal to women's clothes and who have a sustained cross-gender identity combined with a desire for a change-of-sex operation. Diagnostic categories alternative to transsexualism for subjects who cross-dress are inadequate to classify at least some of the 12 subjects reported. Restricting the definition of transsexualism so as to exclude those who have shown fetishistic features is considered premature.


[Hematological findings and blood coagulation tests in anorexia nervosa].

Red cell and haemoglobin values in 44 women with a typical picutre of anorexia nervosa showed that 20.5% presented a picture of true anaemia. Blood iron was low, sometimes very low, with a mean value of 66 mg 0/0. Clotting parameters: PTT, TT, PT, circulating platelets and TEG were normal. This finding serves to explain the low incidence of haemorrhage and the ready haemostasis noted in this disease, in spite of the considerable food deficit.


On an empirical calculus of reinforcement magnitude.

Current available measures of sexual orientation are briefly reviewed. A novel sexual orientation measure is proposed, based on experiments in operant psychology. Previous relevant studies are reviewed, and it is suggested that a deficiency is their reliance on a single response as the dependent variable. The matching law is introduced, and it is argued that this provides a potentially powerful framework within which the relative reinforcement magnitudes of sexual stimuli may be computed, using as the dependent variable the relative rates of two responses. The proposed assessment method provides a means of answering the question "What is the reinforcement magnitude of various classes of erotic stimuli for a given individual?"


The Peruvian brothel as sexual dispensary and social arena.

This ethnographic description of a Peruvian brothel suggests that the organization of the brothel is determined to a considerable extent by social considerations as well as sexual needs. The authors describe a temporal arrangement that provides for a separation and differential treatment of two social groupings or classes that patronize the brothel. The wealthier and older clients are provided with sexual services within a setting that might be described as a "macho theater" in which social needs are also allowed expression. The less wealthy classes are served in almost purely biological fashion and can ill-afford within this setting the "macho" practices provided to other more wealthy clients.


[Comparative human studies of a new anti-hypertensive drug (2,6-dichloro-benzylidene-aminoguanidine acetate) and methyldopa in hypertensive patients].

A between-patients trial between a new anti-hypertensive drug (Guanabenz) and methyldopa in subjects with essential hypertension showed the new preparation to be active and endowed with a satisfactory therapeutic index.


[Parietal tumors of the stomach].

The preoperative diagnosis, histopathology, clinical picture and treatment of tumours originating in the muscle and nerves of the stomach wall are described in the light of a series of cases collected over a period of 12 yr at the B Surgery Division, Varese District Hospital. Differential diagnosis and histological assessment of malignancy are not always easy. Transition forms exist in addition to those that are typically malignant or benign. Surgical management must take into account the extent, histological features and progess of the tumour. It can range from simple removal by enucleation to resection of the wall around the point of insertion of the tumour, or to distal, proximal or total gastroresection.


[In-vitro studies on the catabolism of acetyl urea in liver tissue].

In vitro-studies were carried out with hepatic tissue from freshley slaughtered cows using 14C acetyl urea (in which the urea-C-atom was labelled). Methods of thin-layer chromatography were used to investigate the process of acetyl urea degradation. The cows had not previouslybeen adapted to acetyl urea. The test mixtures used contained 3.3 mg or 20 mg acetyl urea per 100 ml of the homogenate. The pattern of acetyl urea degradation in these mixtures was investigated after 1 min, 3 mins, 10 mins and 30 mins. The degradation rates were found to be the same for both types of test mixtures. This indicated that a saturation of the substrate had not been accomplished, even when higher concentrations of acetyl urea were used. Supplementary addition of urease to the test mixture for decomposing the quantity of urea always produced did not alter the rates of acetyl urea degradation. From this it may be concluded that  even under in vivo-conditions some urea will be liberated when acetyl urea passes through the liver.


[Energy requirements for the synthesis of body proteins during growth as determined in model experiments in rats. 2. Studies with dietary casein and wheat gluten used unsupplemented or supplemented with methionine or lysine].

Rats were used in 7 trials each comprising 9 animals (197 total metabolism trials carried out at an environmental temperature of 30 degree). The animals received casein, casein+methionine, wheat gluten, wheat gluten+lysine as protein sources and were investigated for their nitrogen and energy turnover. The rations fed contained between 10% and 27% protein. Supplementation of the natural proteins with synthetic amino acids positively influenced the growth rate and the rate of N retention. The feeding of wheat gluten as sole protein source induced an absolute depression of the food and energy intake. The rates of tetention of protein and fat energy per animal/day showed opposing trends, in dependence upon the protein levels in the rations. It was found in the trials with casein that the proteins yielded 25%, or 18% of the total energy retention if the rats received low protein rations while the percentage of protein energy retention increased to 49-53%, if the rations contained high protein levels. The rats utilized between 67% and 84% of the metabolizable energy for the turnover of body energy. A negative correlation was found between the levels of energy utilization and protein intake. The energy demends for protein retention were calculated (mean of all trials) to be 1.67 kcal of metabolizable energy while those for fat retention amounted to 1.15 kcal. The energy demands for protein retention were not found to be dependent on the type of protein source used. The maintenance requirements of the rats were 102 kcal of metabolizable energy per kg LM0,75.


[Estimation of the net energy using volatile acids produced in the process of in-vitro digestion with ruminal fluid].

47 types of green feeds and roughages were subjected to an in-vitro fermentation with dilute ruminal fluid. The volatile fatty acids produced in this process were determined quantitatively in accordance with the method of digestibility estimation proposed by Tilley and Terry (1963). An average of 5 Mol FFS (FFS=volatile fatty acids) was found per kg of dried feed, a value is also reported in the literature. The ratios of acetate to propionate to n-butyrate to iso-butyrate to n-valerianate were 64.2 : 25.4 : 6.6 : 0.8 : 1.5 : 1.5. In this ratio, propionic acid predominated so that acetic acid and n-butyric acid were misrepresented compared with the data of in-vivo measurements made for the corresponding foodstuffs. Consequently, it is only within certain limits that values of FFS concentrations obtained in vitro may be used for estimating net energy data, disregardful of the fact that the FFS are the main source of metabolizable energy in ruminants. The reliability index for an estimation of Starch Equivalents and NEFr based on the above-mentioned method was found to be considerable lower (0.71 and 0.80) than that based on in-vitro digestibility measurements (0.86).


[Data on artifical rearing of dual-purpose calves belonging to the dairy-beef type. 2. Effect of single or twice daily milk feeding and omission of Sunday milk feeding].

The authors carried out a 2x2 factor trial to investigate in which way different regimes of drinking and the feeding of a concentrate mixture at 2 levels of nutrition would affect the general development, food consumption and nutrient utilization of the calves or would influence their state of health and their behaviour in the period of milk feeding, and after weaning, up to the age of 6 months. No significant differences in the average liveweight were noted between th groups of calves that were milk fed once or twice daily and those milk fed once or twice daily with the exception of Sundays. The feeding of 2 types of concentrated food significantly influenced the liverweight of the calves only at the time of weaning. Significant differences in weight increases were only noticed with regal to the average daily weight increases until weaning, i.e. between the groups of animals receiving milk feeds twice daily, with the exception of Sundays, and the groups fed different types of concentrate mixtures. The different kinds of feeding did not influence the amount of solid food consumed by the animals, nor did it affect the level of nutrient utilization and the general behaviour of the animals. It was found that in the animals receiving milk once daily,except Sundays, the symptoms of diarrhea observed in the early phase of milk nutrition disappeared more slowly than in the outher animals.


[Primary sclerosing cholangitis].

A case of intermittent cholostatic icterus has been observed at the Civil Hospital of Castellamonte. Clinical and laboratory examinations did not permit precise diagnosis, hence the decision to carry out exploratory surgery. The finding was hepato-choledochic fibrosis with severe stenosis of the lumen and patency of Vater's tubercle, with no calculosis or previous bile way operations. Transcholedochic and transpapillary biliary drainage was therefore performed with a T tube. The patient is in good condition about two years after the operation and cholangiocarcinoma can be excluded. It is therefore considered that the case can be classified as a "primary sclerosing cholangitis".


[Transketolase activity in thiamine deficiency of the kidney in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) following continous feeding with raw hearring].

The feeding of crude, thiaminase-containing herring to rainbow trout produced external symptoms of thiamine deficiency after a period of 150 days. The level of transketolase activity in the kidney decreased continuously until the first appearance of deficiency symptoms, while the TPP effect showed an upward trend. After prolonged feeding of crude herring the decline of transketolase activity is accompanied by a deficiency of the apoenzyme of transketolase. The administration of thiamine-containing food to the thiamine-deficient animals induced an immediate increase n transketolase activity. Once the external deficiency symptoms are very pronounced the death of the animal can only, if at all, be prevented by an injectionof thiaminie.


Heterogeneity among flavivirus proteins separated in slab gels.

35S-methionine-labeled proteins specified in Vero cells by flaviviruses were analysed by SDS-phosphate electrophoresis in polyacrylamide slab gels. The clarity of the profile produced by Kunjin virus permitted designation of the nonstructural proteins, and confirmed the identity of NV21/2; the profile included a protein previously designated V2 (core protein) but now named NV11/2 because it migrates perceptibly faster than V2. Despite a varying background of labeled host proteins, identifiable profiles were obtained for 11 of 12 flaviviruses.  The large non-structural proteins NV5 and NV4 migrated at apparently the same rates for all viruses. Profiles of the remaining proteins displayed varying amounts of heterogeneity, notably in the migration of the envelope protein V3 which showed no evidence of subgroup specificity.


[Macroscopic structure of the bulbourethral glands of man].

Certain features of the topography and structure of human bulbourethral glands (b.u.g.) were studied in 200 objects. The following parameters are described: 1. the main types of configuration of b.u.g.; 2. average size (without statistical deviations in different age groups of adults); 3. dense, lobular and scattered types of structure. Topographically the b.u.g. can be characterized as diaphragmal, diaphragm-bulbar and bulbar. According to anomalies of mutual disposition of twin glands they can be classified into separated, connected and inosculated ones. In single cases there occurred additional b.u.g. disposed in the bulb of penis, except normal glands localized in the urogenital diaphragm.


[Choline acetyltransferase in the neural plexus of the main artery of cat's brain].

Methods of Burt (1961, 1970) and Kása (1970) were used in order to study localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT 2.3.1.6) and method of Koelle to study the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE 3.1.1.7) in nerve plexuses of the cat's brain major artery. It has been established that ChAT is detected mainly in preterminal and terminal fibres of the plexus while AChE is detected along the total length of the fibre. The activity of AChE is higher than that of ChAT.


[Changes in the functional activity of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal neurosecretory system in acute experimental pancreatitis].

Changes in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal neurosecretory system were studied in 29 dogs 6 h and 1, 7, 30 days after development of acute experimental pancreatitis against the background of treatment with single paranephral novocaine blockade and without treatment. Pancreatitis was caused by K. D. Toskin's method. The disease was accompanied by a sharp increase of the neurosecretory system activity which found its manifestation in hypersecretion of the neurosecretory nuclei cells increased moderately, a considerable quantity of neurosecretion was preserved in neurohypophysis, i.e. there were no signs of overstrain of the neurosecretory system.


[Characteristics of neuronal structure and afferent connections of the central gray matter of cat's brain stem].

The central grey matter was studied in kittens and adult cats by Golgi method after destruction of the reticular formation. Two types of neurons have been shown. One of them--similar to those of the reticular formation--from the external two thirds of the substance. Others--similar to neuroblasts--lie near the wall of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Afferent fibres running to neurons of the vertebral and lateral parts of the external zone of the central grey matter from the reticular formation zone adjacent to nuclei of the spinal pathway of the trigeminal nerve and from the caudal reticular nucleus of the pons were detected. The neurons of the internal, parietal zone of the substance are considered as haemoreceptors of the liquid cerebral medium. The material is discussed from the viewpoint of participation of the structures in question in the functional system controlling behavior of man and animals during starvation.


[Morphofunctional rearrangement of the drainage system of the limbs in acute disorders of blood- and lymph circulation].

The state of venous and lymphatic beds of extremities was studied in rabbits after resection of fragments of main veins and extirpation of popliteal lymph nodes in different series of experiments or in a single step. It has been established that independent of the kind of surgery the total drainage bed of the extremity is changed. Compensation of the disturbed outflow is realized due to development of collateral pathways and direct anastomoses in both beds as well as due to inclusion of paravasal collectors. The terms of recovery of the oxygen strain in muscles, chronaxy and rheobase of muscles as well as the time of passing labeled albumin through the foot-pelvis region (radio-isotope method) are objective criteria for estimation of the functional sufficiency of collateral pathways.


[Regularities and differences in the structure of the circulatory bed of the sternum].

The investigation has been carried out in 95 preparations of the anterior chest wall of corpses of humans of either sex aged from newborns to 90. It has been established that the blood supply of all the layers of sternum is brought about by the anterior and medial branches of the internal sternum artery forming subperiosteal plexuses on its anterior and posterior surfaces. The posterior plexus is better developed. Its loops are of less size and denser per a square surface unit. Three types of blood supply of the manubrium sterni posterior surface have been distinguished (right-side, balanced and left-side types) as well as two variations of blood supply of the sternum body (in the first variant two sternal branches approach the sternum at the level of every intercostal space, in the second variant--only one does). The outflow of the venous blood from the sternum is brought about into the anterior and posterior venous subperiosteal plexuses and then via one of the three anatomical variations into the internal thoracic veins. The subperiosteal network of the sternum in newborns and infants is of segmentary character and is formed in relation with developing ossification nuclei. With age, in the process of fusion of the ossification nuclei the subperiosteal network looses its segmentary character and acquires a common total character.


[Reaction of the conducting vessels of the liver to experimental venous congestion at the early period of the experiment].

Effects of experimental venous congestion on the vessel wall and liver parenchyma were studied in rats. The development of venous arterial reactions, dilatation of lymph capillaries and vessels were found to occur in response to venous congestion. Inspite of these reactions the disturbance of the capillary blood flow increased. The instant sharp restriction of the blood outflow from the organ and direct proximity to the obstacle for blood outflow seemed to prevent the organ from compensating the effects of experiments.


[Study of microcirculation of the human mouth mucosa by the method of contact microscopy].

The work presents a new installation and a method for intravital investigation of microcirculation in man. The installation is a modification of the contact fluorescent microscope MLK-1 produced by the Leningrad Optico-Mechanical Amalgamation which consists of the introduction of a polarization light-dividing prism into the optical scheme of the microscope for examination of the object in polarized falling rays and of substitution of the illumination source of the microscope (lamp KLM9-75) for the xenon lamp DKSSh-120, working both in the standard and given impulse regimen. The latter opens opportunties for determination of the blood flow rate in capillaries. The determination principle is that the effect of bloodflow "stop" is observed in the case of "coincidence" of the bloodflow in the capillary and the lamp modulation rate. The mucouse membrane of the oral cavity (cheek) was used as the object for investigation. It has been shown that its microcirculatory bed in normality is represented by capillary loops in the shape of a hair-pin having the diameter of 2;92--7,74 mkm. Their amount in the view field fluctuates between 8 and 20. The average blood flow rate in the capillaries under study is 0,4 mm/sec.


[Structure of the mastoid process in children].

The structure of the mastoid process of the temporal bone was studied in 138 total preparations obtained from children who had died of different causes except otogenic diseases at the age of from 1 to 16. The final formation of the pneumatic part of the mastoid process was found to occur at the age of 8--12. Further differentiation of the mastoid process structure occurs without an increase of pneumatization and is characterized by rearrangement of the cellulae mastoideae towards the thickening of intercellular septa and isolation of cells. Variants in the structure of the mastoid process in every children age are likely to depend on the intensity of the osteogenic process taking place in criminal bones, in the temporal bone in particular.


[Suppression of drug therapy in epilepsies].

A group of 36 epileptic patients is studied; in 35 the drug was suppressed and in 1 the treatment was not started. The group was compared with epilepsy in general regarding to the age of onset, the time of the disease, the frequency of the seizures, the clinical manifestations and the EEG pattern. In view of the results attained by the investigation the author draws the following conclusions: 1) in the group studied the onset of the disease prevailed at the second decade of life; 2) the disease duration was lower than 1 year in 55% of the cases; 3) the cases submitted to early treatment predominate in the group studied; 4) the patients with pure convulsive seizures predominate when compared to those with focal convulsive fits; significant differences were not found when the EEG pattern of the group studied was compared with epilepsy in general; the rate of normal EEG was similar in both groups.


Mechanical responses of human hypothenar and calf muscles in normal and pathological states.

A study has been made of the isometric twitches of hypothenar and calf muscles in man. The twitch contraction time for hypothenar muscles ranged between 55 78 ms, while for the calf muscles it ranged between 90 and 125 ms. According to their speed of contractions the hypothenar muscles were considered belonging to the so called intermedious group while the calf muscles integrate the slow group. It has been also demonstrated that these techniques can successfully be applied to the investigation of several neuromuscular disorders.


[Neurologic involvement caused by insecticides. Study of chronic manifestations in 13 cases].

The clinical study of 13 patients with chronic neurological manifestation induced by insecticides (organophosphorades and organochlorades compounds) is reported. Twelve patients were male and farmers and one was a saleslady. The authors adopted five conditions for diagnosis: frequent contact with insecticides, synaptomatology directly related to the compounds exposition, clinical and laboratorial exclusion of others pathologies, quickly improvement of the symptoms when the patients were away from their original environment and high levels of insecticides in blood and urine determination. The clinical data was not uniform and the manifestation include pure motor neuropathy, mixed sensory-motor neuropathy, mielopathy and cranial nerves palsies. No relationship could be established between the insecticides (type, frequency of number of exposition) to the clinical picture. The insecticides determination was positive (moderated or elevated levels) in all patients and in 40% of controls (traces). Eletromyographic studies showed a neuropathic pattern in the majority of cases and reduced motor nerve conduction velocities. The authors believe that insecticides determination has a relative value and others criterion must be used in the diagnosis of chronic illness caused by insecticides. They think that others factors can be related with the symptomatology (hypersensibility, malnutrition, previous sensibilization or cumulative effect).


[Isaacs' syndrome. Report of a case and review of the literature].

The case of a 17-year-old boy who had been well until the age of four when progressive stiffness of lower limbs developed is reported. Soon walking became difficult and on on his thighs, buttocks and calves one could notice the appearance of myokymia. Painful and intermittent spasms were often present specially after physical strain. This was followed by profuse sweating. Strength was normal but muscle relaxing was slow mainly in the quadriceps. The familiar history for neuromuscular pathology was negative. Muscle enzymes, thyroid function tests were within normal limits and muscular biopsy showed no abnormalities. The EMG disclosed a permanent spontaneous activity, more evident in the quadriceps, which was normal in shape, amplitude and duration. In association to this activity multiplets discharges and low motor units were also observed; in interferencial pattern appeared at maximum contraction but the multiplets and low motor units potentials kept on showing even though voluntary muscular activity ceased. The therapeutic essay with carbamazepin had a dramatic effect upon the course of the patient's conditions. He showed a great improvement with this drug and today leads a normal life being able even to play soccer and ride a bicycle. An interesting remark which should be done is the fact that the flexion of the neck inhibits the quadriceps myokymia whereas the extension makes them to appear and even worsen. Unfortunately is was not possible to carry out a more accurate investigation concerning electropharmacology and hystopathology as the patient was uncooperative and refused to undergo such examinations. However the authors believe that this clinical picture can be considered as a case of "continuous muscle-fibre activity" due to the great similarity it bears to the cases related by Isaacs in 1961. An extensive review concerning the pertinent literature has been done.


[Behcet's syndrome with neurologic involvement. Report of a case in a pregnant women].

A case of Behcet's disease in a pregnant patient is reported. The patient showed central nervous system involvement as well eyes, mouth, external genitalia and skin lesions. The neurological signs were cranial nerves palsies and pyramidal tract involvement. The cerebrospinal fluid showed hypercytosis and hyper-gammaglobulin. The patient was treated with sistemic dexamethasone and eye drops of atropine and fluorometolone. The delivery was by elective cesarean section at 8th and a half month of pregnancy. In the examination of 6 month-old the infant was normal. The patient improved but remained with important visual loss. The authors think that the pregnancy helped the partial recovery and the good evolution; similar cases have been reported in the literature. A rapid review about the central nervous system involvement and treatment of Behçet's disease is made.


[Chondrosarcoma of the orbit. Report of a case].

A case of chondrosarcoma of the orbit is reported. The patient complained of marked deterioration of her vision, pain and presented exophatalmus of the left eye. Chondrosarcoma of the orbit are rare and this is the first case reported in the Brazilian literature. Diagnostic and prognostic are discussed.


[Brothers affected by the Charcot-Marie-Tooth peroneal muscular atrophy with a positive variant of the anticipation phenomenon].

Considering the genetical peculiarity of Charcot-Marie-Tooth's muscular atrophy, a family with three affected brothers was investigated, in which beginning date was discovered to be progressively antedated. Afterwards, this possible variant of anticipation is discussed, because such condition is quite ununsual, not only in this disease, but in Human Genetics, in a general sense.


[Microsurgical cerebral revascularization].

Techniques of microsurgical revascularization are reviewed. A series of 5 cases, submitted to 6 anastomosis of the superficial temporal artery is presented.


[Bifrontal decompressive craniotomy as the treatment for severe cerebral edema].

The authors present the results observed with large bifrontal decompressive craniotomy performed on 12 patients with severe cerebral edema, 10 of them related to cerebral contusion, which did not respond to conventional methods of therapy. All patients had before surgery very bad prognosis, with severe neurological signs of higher brain stem compression. Bilateral carotid angiography was sistematically performed before and after surgery, constituting as a matter of fact the decisive element indicating cerebral decompression. Six patients (50 per cent) survived and 5 of them (41.6 per cent) had an excellent neurological and mental improvement. Considering these results, we think that a large bifrontal decompressive craniotomy is the best method of treatment in such cases, specially when performed precociously. These patients, however, need very special care after surgery, if possible in units of intensive therapy, owing to the large incidence of complications.


Signs of essential blepharospasm: a motion-picture analysis.

Motion pictures of 15 patients with essential blepharospasm were studied. Previously unrecognized signs indicated multiple cranial nerve involvement. These signs include impersistence of gaze, lid retraction, tongue thrust, head tilts, head jerks, vertical gaze spasms, and asymmetry. The sugns were also observed in a patient with bilateral blepharospasm who had a history of Bell's palsy suggesting facial nerve injury as a possible factor in blepharospasm. The presence of these signs can be explained by known neural pathways, but the site, or sites, of the lesion remains obscure. These signs may be important in assessing severity and in treatment evaluation.


The outflow tract in pigmentary glaucoma: a light and electron microscopic study.

Buttons obtained by trephination from both eyes of a 44-year-old myopic man with pigmentary glaucoma were studied by light and electron microscopy. Although clinically both eyes exhibited heavy pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork in the whole circumference, microscopically the trabecular meshwork of the left eye contained more pigment granules than that of the right eye, which appeared relatively acellular with collapse of the trabecular sheets. In both eyes endothelial cells covering the trabecular sheets were filled with pigment and showed various stages of degeneration. The intertrabecular spaces contained free pigment granules as well as cell debris. These observations suggest that plugging of the trabecular spaces by pigment and cell debris together with fragmentation and collapse of trabecular sheets contribute to the decrease in the facility of outflow that occurs in pigmentary glaucoma.


Reconstruction of lower fornix: a new approach.

A new procedure has been devised to deepen the inferior fornix of anophthalmic sockets. It is useful when there is fore-shortening due to shifting or relaxation of tissues rather than contracted scar tissue or absence of mucosal lining.


Experimental photocoagulation of the human retina. I. Correlation of physical, clinical, and pathologic data.

Thirty-eight retinal burns were inflicted by a modified xenon-arc photocoagulator in the eyes of eight human volunteers. The ophthalmoscopic characteristics of these lesions were correlated with the degree of histopathologic damage. Definitive clinical criteria that helped to predict the severity of the retinal burns were established. The dose of radiant energy received was further correlated with the histopathologic changes in determining the threshold of safety standards of bright flashes of white light to the human eye. Lesions from patients with blue irises were produced by considerably higher dose rates than comparable lesions from patients with brown irises and the fovea was more susceptible to damage than the rest of the retina.


Experimental photocoagulation of the human retina. II. Electron microscopic study.

Minimal retinal damage in xenon-arc photocoagulation lesions in man 14 hours to three days after exposure was confined to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and consisted of accumulation of lysosome-related bodies in the cytoplasm. Slightly more intense damage consisted of dilation, vacuolization, and breakdown of the lamellae of the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, preferentially around melanin-rich cell portions. Underneath more heavily vacuolated cells of the RPE, already in the periphery of ophthalmoscopically just-visible lesions, damage extended into the endothelial cells of the choriocapillaris and into the photoreceptor elements. Macrophages escaped from the choroidal circulation to appear on both sides of the Bruch membrane and within the subretinal space. More intense lesions showed features identical to those described in monkeys and are expected to show the same morphologic pattern of healing.


Experimental siderosis in the rabbit: correlation between electroretinography and histopathology.

An iron foreign body was placed into the vitreous cavity of 22 rabbits' eyes. The electroretinographic (ERG) changes over a-15-week period were recorded. These changes were compared to those in a group of 12 normal rabbits and a group of 5 animals in whom a sham operation was performed. Twelve eyes were enucleated during this period and examined histopathologically. Histopathologic and functional changes in siderosis were both progressive in time, but the ERG values were more consistent among the 22 animals than the morphologic changes. Iron oxidation (Fe0 leads to Fe2 leads to Fe3) was found and suggested to be the mediating factor of the direct iron cytotoxic effect on the retina.


Noninvasive copper measurement in chalcosis: comparison with electroretinography and ophthalmoscopy.

The developement of chalcosis bulbi in rabbits' eyes is investigated by ophthalmoscopy, electroretinography, and diagnostic x-ray spectrometry (DXS), a new method for in vivo analysis and quantitation of metals. The DXS is shown to provide an effective method for the early detection of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) dissolution. The ophthalmoscopic changes observed in chalcosis are discussed in relation to dissolution of IOFB and electroretinographic findings.


Quantitative antibiotic sensitivity determinations of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from eye cultures.

The sensitivities of 108 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from patients with a variety of ocular conditions, were tested quantitatively against nine antibiotics by means of a microtiter broth-dilution method. Of the nine antibiotics, cephalothin sodium had the lowest (and therefore the best) minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MBC and MIC of gentamicin sulfate were very close to those of cephalothin. The MBCs and MICs of erythromycin, ampicillin sodium, penicillin, tetracycline, methicillin sodium, and carbenicillin disodium were moderately good. Chloramphenicol had the poorest response.


The early phase in Leber hereditary optic atrophy.

Clinical, ophthalmoscopic, perimetric, and color vision tests and visual evoked responses were recorded in symptomatic and asymptomatic eyes in five members of a family with Leber hereditary optic atrophy. The presymptomatic eyes showed abnormalities in the retinal nerve fiber layer. Optic nerve dysfunction was found before central vision failed. The appearance of degenerating retinal nerve fibers, particularly in the papillomacular bundle, was documented photographically in the weeks after the onset of visual symptoms. Treatment with prednisone and hydroxocobalamin did not reverse or halt serious impairment of vision.


Hereditary vitelliform macular degeneration: variable fundus findings within a single pedigree.

A pedigree of 141 persons with hereditary vitelliform macular degeneration was studied. Of the 80 patients examined, 20 were affected. Fundus photographs of selected lesions in this pedigree demonstrated the broad spectrum of phenotypic expression of this hereditary disorder. This entity has an extremely variable expression even among affected members of the same family.


Multifocal Best's vitelliform dystrophy.

Three members of a family had multifocal, macular and extramacular--Best's vitelliform dystrophy. The lesion in one patient was observed over a ten-year period. A striking symmetry of locale and evolution of these lesions is noted between the eyes of a patient as well as among the three members of the family. The pseudohypopyon of the vitelliform cyst and the vitelliform deposits showed fluorescence before fluorescein injection. A hypofluorescent halo surrounded most lesions.


Flicker fusion thresholds in Best macular dystrophy.

Flicker fusion threshold intensities were measured as a function of flicker frequency for patients with Best macular dystrophy having normal or near-normal Snellen visual acuity. These data were found to differ from normal in ways that may be interpreted to be an abnormal elevation of the foveal cone threshold, a loss of cone temporal resolution, or both. The results led to the conclusion that Best macular dystrophy affects the neurosensory retina even when Snellen visual acuity is normal.


Optic disc neovascularization of uveal (choroidal or posterior ciliary)  origin.

Fluorescein angiography during the choroidal phase of perfusion has been used to study the origin of blood vessels comprising neovascular tissue of the disc. These newly formed vessels were shown to derive their blood supply primarily from the uveal circulation rather than from the retinal circulation. This is related to the observation that many normal disc blood vessels originate from the choroidal or posterior ciliary circulation.


Role of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas.

Computerized tomography has manifest usefulness in the roentgenologic identification of intracranial masses, and acoustic neuromas are no exception. Nonetheless, traditional roentgenographic examinations for the workup of acoustic neuromas should not yet be completely discarded in favor of this new modality. Computerized tomography scanning is an insensitive and unreliable technique for delineating the size and configuration of the internal acoustic canals. With current technology, it will not reliably show neuromas less than 1.5 cm in cross-sectional dimension. Technical artifacts may also contribute to false-negative and though rare to false-positive findings. The false-negative rate will be unacceptably high in the presence of small lesions if this technique is treated as a definitive examination rather than a screening one. Though uncommon, it may also be negative in the presence of relatively large lesions.


Effect of a new antithrombotic agent at microvenous anastomotic sites.

In the search for a suitable agent to prevent thrombosis at microvenous anastomotic sites, a double-blind sequential trial was performed to evaluate the effect of a new potent antithrombotic agent, 6-methyl-1,2,3,5-tetrahydroimidazo [2, 1-b] quinazolin-2-one hydrochloride monohydrate (BL3459). Rabbit neck veins 1.5 mm in diameter, were chosen for study and were anastomosed with Nakayama ring pins. In a comparison with heparin, the results show a highly statistical diminution in thrombosis rates when using BL3459. It would appear that this new compound would substantially improve tissue survival if it were adopted for use clinically for grafting autologous tissue that is based on an anastomosed microvascular pedicle. It could also prove to be clinically useful to treat a variety of problems requiring an antithrombotic agent.


Prediction of auditory sensitivity. Small sample confirmation using acoustic reflex thresholds.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the accuracy of a previously described method for predicting hearing loss, using a comparison of acoustic reflex thresholds for pure tones and broad-band noise, would occur in a small sample under clinical test conditions. Fifty subjects, whose hearing levels ranged from normal to profound hearing loss, contributed acoustic reflex threshold data on 100 ears. Auditory sensitivity predictions calculated from these data were compared to the degree of auditory sensitivity evidence with use of conventional audiometry. The results indicate that the primary advantage in using acoustic reflex thresholds as a means of predicting auditory sensitivity seems to be the differentiation between ears with normal hearing and sensorineurally impaired ears.


Scalp distribution of early (0 to 10 msec) auditory evoked responses.

Auditory nerve and brain stem evoked responses were summated from multiple scalp and earlobe electrodes from five subjects with normal hearing to determine the spatial voltage relationships along the coronal and/or sagital planes that make up the electrode array. All recordings maintained their positive polarity, and polarity inversions were not observed at any cephalic sites; thus, a null potential line was not identified for these short-latency potentials at the scalp. Less distinct potentials were derived from the earlobes when referenced to the chin. Linked earlobes generated some potentials of negative polarity. These observations lend additional support to the concept that early auditory scalp potentials are most likely generated from far field neural aggregates located caudally to the auditory cortex.


Endotracheal intubation. Complications in neonates.

Different opinions have developed on the use of endotracheal intubation in newborns and neonates for airway distress syndrome. The ensuing complications of the prolonged use of these airway tubes are drawing increased interest. This article reviews the case reports of 88 patients who received endotracheal intubation for airway problems and evaluates the complication rate as it correlates to the various contributing factors of duration of intubation, size of endotracheal tube, frequency of intubation, concomitant infections, and age of patient, which all lead to the complication rate.


Headdress. Unrecognized cause of neck mass.

The principal lymphatic drainage of the scalp is into the posterior cervical lymph chain. Recent experiences in the differential diagnosis of neck mass have implicated the scalp as a common source of cervical lymphadenopathy. Specific attention is drawn to a popular ethnic headdress called "corn-rows" as a source of dependent lymphadenitis.


Effect of tympanic neurectomy on human parotid salivary gland. Histopathologic, Histochemical, and Clinical Study.

Five patients with bilateral chronic recurrent parotiditis and ten patients with unilateral persistent paratoid gland fistulas underwent tympanic neurectomies. Two biopsy specimens from the diseased gland were examined. The first biopsy specimen was taken at the time of operation, while the second one was taken six months later. All specimens were subjected to both histopathologic and histochemical investigations. Definite degenerative and atrophic changes occured in all parotid gland specimens taken six months after selective tympanic neurectomy. All patients were completely cured at about that time. This supported the practical indication of the selective tympanic neurectomy for treating certain benign disorders or diseases of the parotid gland that require persistent arrest of the function of its secretory units.


Békésy audiometry and tone and reflex decay tests in diabetics.

The responses of nine diabetics (without substantial hearing loss) to Békésy audiometry and tone and reflex decay tests at 250, 1,000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz were determined. Excessive tone decay was found at 8,000 Hz in two subjects. This was found to be significant when compared with a normal group of 19 subjects tested at this frequency. Two diabetics had a 25 to 30-dB separation of the Békésy tracing at 8,000 Hz. All other findings were normal. It was concluded that excessive adaptation at threshold is to be expected at 8,000 Hz in diabetic subjects.


Double lateral osteotomy in rhinoplasty.

Double lateral osteotomy has proved to be useful in the management of broad, thick, and heavy maxillary processes. The technique of performing two lateral ostotomies and the indications for its application are described. The results obtained from cadaver dissection and clinical experience with this technique are discussed.


Cementomas--aggressive or innocuous neoplasms?

No class of tumor is so inadequately discussed in the otolaryngology literature as the "cementomas". Until recent years, four distinctly different benign fibro-osseouslesions containing cementum were clumped together under the heading of cementoma. The separate entities in this tumor class are benign cementoblastoma (true cementoma), cementifying fibroma, peripical cemental dysplasia, and gigantiform cementoma (florid osseous dysplasia). Only an occasional case of the gigantiform variant or an unusually aggressive cementifying fibroma requires an extensive operation for complete excision.


Eustachian tube blockage and Meniere's disease.

On the basis of our clinical experience, it has been noted that an unusually large proportion of patients with Meniere's disease have intermittent eustachian tube blockage. A review of the tympanograms of 81 patients with Meniere's disease, representing 107 ears, showed that 25 (30.9%) of the patients and 35 (32.7%) of the ears had abnormal negative middle ear pressure. The maximum compliance peak was in at a pressure point in excess of --100 mm H2O. Further investigation of these patients has led us to conclude that intermittent eustachian tube blockage frequently accompanies Meniere's disease, yet it is not necessarily the cause of the symptomatic disorder.


Modified technique of iontophoretic anesthesia for myringotomy in children.

A modified technique is described for iontophoretic anesthesia in children who require myringotomy and insertion of a tube (tympanostomy). Principal modifications include the following procedures: (1) preoperative parenteral sedation; (2) relatively painless injection of lidocaine hydrochloride-epinephrine hydrochloride solution into the external auditory canal skin after iontophoresis alone to eliminate the extreme bony canal wall tenderness; (3) injection of lidocaine-epinephrine solution into an atelectatic middle ear to anesthetize the promontory for painless tube insertion; (4) substitution of a disposable ECG electrode for a metal plate electrode to eliminate the possibility of electrical burn from metal-to-skin contact. These modifications enhance the effectiveness and the safety of iontophoretic anesthesia, minimize the need for general anesthesia, and liberalize the indications for tympanostomy.


Soft-tissue sarcoma of the head and neck after puberty.

The most frequent soft-tissue sarcomas in the head and neck are are embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas and neurofibrosarcomas. Histological grading and the staging of the lesions bear on the prognosis of the disease. The use of sequential surgical resection plus postoperative radiation therapy has considerably improved the local control of these sarcomas. The use of multiple-drug systemic chemotherapy as an adjuvant to radiation therapy is fraught with considerate complications in this seris of patients. Studies are ongoing for a better understanding of the immunologic changes that occur in patients with sarcoma.


Sickle cell anemia and sudden deafness.

Little is known about the relationship between sickle cell anemia and hearing loss. The case reported here illustrates the potential hazard to hearing during a sickle cell crisis. The audiometric findings are suggestive of possible cochlear and neural involvement.


Cementomas. II. Aggressive cemento-ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid region.

Aggressive cemento-ossifying fibroma is the most aggressive tumor of all cementum-containing neoplasms. An extensive, destructive cemento-ossifying fibroma of the ethmoid region was found in a patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a cemento-ossifying fibroma in this location. A radical maxillectomy was ultimately required to control the tumor, preserving orbital contents. The unique site of origin is thought to be the result of an ectopic periodontal membrane or of  a primitive mesenchymal cell rest.


Quality obstetric care: the ideal.

The various, apparently often conflicting interests of the patient, the doctor and the health service are examined in a general fashion fashion in this personal view of what constitutes the ideal in obstetric care. No statistics are invoked, as it is contended that it is well nigh impossible to gainfully compare specialist and general practitioner obstetric services.


What is meant by the "at risk" pregnancy?

Monitoring to detect the "at risk" foetus has advanced dramatically in the last decade; clinical as well as more sophisticated methods have been discussed. Some of these are well within the scope of the general practitioner who has undergone further training in obstetrics. If all practitioners are aware of these advances, ready consultation for the continued monitoring of the foetus at risk will decrease the avoidable perinatal loss and quality of the neonate, which at the present time is showing  virtually no improvement.


Perinatal mortality: a social or obstetric problem?

Perinatal mortality results from a combination of both social and obstetric factors. These are age, parity, stature, race, legitimacy, education, social status and the utilization of skilled medical care.


The doctor and the patient in early breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer mortality has not fallen in 30 years, and a renewed attempt at early diagnosis should be made. A study of women's attitudes to breast cancer and surgery has shown their behaviour to be influenced mainly by unconscious factors, including ego-defences, anxiety and depression. Doctors know that early breast cancer treatment is desirable, but the proportion of women having their breasts examined, or being taught breast self-examination, is small. Further attempts at reducing delay in breast cancer treatment must take into account the unconscious processes affecting behaviour, and individual doctors could play a greater part by the education of women in their surgeries.


Cancer: prevention, screening and early diagnosis.

The priniciples for setting up early detection and screening programmes are set out. Outlines are given of procedures available, at the time of the writing, in respect of some commonly occurring cancers; these sites being the lung, the female breast, the large bowel and the uterine cervix. The family doctor's role in the field of cancer is an important one. Some aspects for this role are discussed.


Insulin resistance and new insulins.

Insulin therapy is required in the treatment of diabetic patients manifesting persistent ketosis. Although most patients in this category are young, many elderly diabetics fall into this group. In patients without ketosis, the indications for insulin therapy are less easy to define. In general, insulin is required if blood glucose levels cannot be maintained below 200mg/100ml following adequate diet, attainment of ideal body weight, and oral hypoglycaemic therapy.


Trichlorfon toxicity in pigs.

A field outbreak of suspected poisoning is recorded from feed medicated with the organophosphorus insecticide trichlorfon. A controlled experiment showed that toxicity could occur when trichlorfon was fed from 3-5 days at levels greater than that recommended. Signs recorded were inappetence, muscle tremor, ataxia and deaths. Attention is drawn to conditions which could result in overdosage and toxicity when used on the farm.


The effects of diarrhoea, tail length and sex on the incidence of breech strike in modified mulesed Merino sheep.

Merino sheep were treated with purgative to induce scouring and the effects of tail length and sex on the incidence and origin of breech strike were examined. In sheep treated with the modified Mules operation, those with tails docked very short were strongly predisposed to tail strike, and to a lesser extent, crutch strike. Tails docked level with, or just below, the tip of the vulva in ewes, and at the equivalent length in wethers, were struck far less frequently. Within each tail length group, wethers tended to be more susceptible than ewes. L. cuprina was the principal species of fly involved in strikes, although the presence of L. sericata and C. augur was conspicuous.


Histophilus ovis infection in sheep in Western Victoria.

Organisms resembling Histophilus ovis were isolated from sheep in Western Victoria in association with synovitis, septicaemia and/or abscessation in 2 to 8 week old lambs. Histopathological lesions in these lambs were indicative of bacterial embolism with thrombosis. Similar organisms were also isolated from sheep in 2 flocks with a high neonatal mortality rate. These isolations were from vaginal swabs from the ewes, placentas and from one lamb which had meningitis, ependymitis, choroid plexitis, hepatic necrosis and focal myocarditis. The morphology, cultural characteristics and biochemical activity of the organisms are described and it is suggested that the organisms may be better classified in the genus Actinobacillus.


The prevalence of bovine keratoconjuctivitis in a beef cattle herd in north eastern Queensland.

The prevalnece and severity of IBK in a group of Shorthorn and crossbred (approximately 50% B. indicus) cows, steers and calves were observed during a 31-month period, from November 1970 to May 1973, in North Queensland. In both the wet summer and dry winter seasons, IBK prevalence was significantly higher for all classes of Shorthorn than crossbred animals. Prevalence was consistently highest during the wet summer months (peak February-March). Ninety-six per cent of Shorthorn cows contracted IBK and 53% severe IBK, compared with 53% and 7% respectively, of crossbreds. Permanent and temporary blindness occurred in 3% and 10% of Shorthorn cows, but not crossbreds were affected. The implications of these findings are also discussed.


Incidence of Tritrichomonas foetus in young replacement bulls following introduction into an infected herd.

Three hundred 8-year-old Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis bulls, with a 47% incidence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in the 30 surveyed, were removed from a herd of approximately 6000 cows and replaced by 325 two-year-old Brahman bulls. A sample of 50 of the replacement bulls was examined at introduction and found to be uninfected. After 2 years, the incidence of infection in a sample of 80 of the replacement bulls was 4%. The results suggests that a major reduction in incidence of infection in extensively managed herds might be achieved by the exclusive use of young bulls for mating.


The distribution and biology of Austrosimulium pestilens, a serious biting-fly pest following flooding.

The distribution of A. pestilens is expanded with records from the southern Gulf of Carpentaria Rivers. The value of sampling specific adult resting sites for the assessment of host range and vector potential is recorded. The value of CO2 as an attractant and the truck trap, or modifications thereof, as a collector of A. pestilens is also demonstrated.


A complement fixation test for the detection of Eperythrozoon infection in sheep.

A method is described for preparation of an antigen from E. ovis-infected blood first lysed by freezing and thawing, and then followed by sonic disruption of the centrifuged deposit. It was then used in a complement fixation test to demonstrate antibodies in sheep infected with E. ovis. The antigen was not anti-complementary and it retained its potency for long periods when stored concentrated, at about -20 degrees C. Repeated freezing and thawing also has had no effect on the potency of the concentrated antigen. The testing of 668 serums from commercial flocks where E. ovis infection has been diagnosed microscopically has shown the CFT to be a valuable diagnostic aid mainly on a flock sample basis, though the test could be of value on an individual sample basis if the sample were taken from a recently infected sheep.


Hypertrophic osteopathy and dysgerminoma in a mare.

A case of hypertrophic osteopathy is described in a mare with a vague history of abdominal discomfort over the preceding 12 months. Bony swellings were obvious in the pastern area of both forelegs. There was a dysgerminoma of the left ovary that had metastasised to several abdominal lymph nodes and had infiltrated the posterior vena cava. There was no gross thoracic involvement although there was histologic evidence of tumour metastasis in pulmonary arterioles.


A method for indirect measurement of arterial blood pressure in the horse.

A method using the Doppler ultrasound principle for indirect determination of arterial blood pressure in the horse is described. The method is simple and suitable for field situations. Validation studies show that systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements bear a close relationship to true values obtained by direct measurement.


Isolation of mycoplasmas from the genital tract of horses.

Vaginal swabs from 19 mares and penile swabs from 4 stallions were cultured for mycoplasmas. A single semen sample from one of the stallions was also examined. Twelve vaginal swabs and 2 penile swabs yielded mycoplasmas. Ten of the positive vaginal swabs were from mares with vaginitis, or with a history of failure of conception. Two were from apparently healthy mares, but one had been served by an infected stallion. One positive penile swab was from a stallion with ulcerative lesions and the other from a stallion with breeding difficulties. All 14 strains of mycoplasma utilised arginine, and the growth of 11 strains was inhibited by hyperimmune serum against one strain.


Studies on the transmission of Tritrichomonas foetus.

Although 2 experiments showed that non-infected bulls can passively transmit Tritrichomonas foestus from infected to non-infected cows during mating, the rates of transmission were low. The results of the second experiment, in which time intervals between services were recorded, suggested that T. foetus was most likely to become established in previously non-infected cows when the interval was less than 20 minutes. Application of 2 X 10(6) active cells of T. foetus to the vulva failed to cause genital infection in 10 cows.


Tolerance to imidocarb induced experimentally in tick-transmitted Babesia argentina.

Babesia argentina was repeatedly exposed to imidocarb by transmitting parasites from infected ticks in a series of 4 groups of nonsplenectomised calves that had been treated prophylactically at 2 mg/kg. As the number of exposures to imidocarb increased, the parasites more readily infected the treated calves, indicating increased tolerance to the drug. Tests comparing parasites not previously exposed to imidocarb with those exposed 4 times showed that a dose of 3 mg/kg imidocarb completely cured subclinical infections with non-exposed, but not exposed, parasites; a dose of 1 mg/kg controlled acute infections with either nonexposed or exposed parasites; and the virulence of the parasite was apparently unaffected by the exposures.


The occurrence and apparent effect on reproduction of a constriction of the vagina in the merino ewe.

The incidence and effect on reproduction of a constriction of the vagina was studied in 12 maiden merino flocks on 5 commercial properties in Western Australia. The overall incidence of the constriction was 11% with a range of from 2% to 27%. Ewes with a constriction of the vagina exhibited inferior reproductive capacity; fewer ewes lambed and of those that did fewer reared their lambs. A higher lamb mortality was recorded in lambs born to such ewes.


The use of preserved milk samples in the Brucella milk ring test.

Brucella milk ring tests (BMRT's) were performed on fresh herd milk samples and pooled samples, preserved at a processing factory with potassium dichromate. Preserved milk from samples pooled over a 10-day period, gave results that were similar to an average result for individual fresh daily samples over the same period. When fresh samples gave variable results and the pooled preserved sample gave a negative result, it was considered that the latter result was more reliable, possibly due to factors causing false positive reactions being diluted. Blood testing of herds for circulating antibody indicated that the use of either fresh or preserved milk samples could occasionally produce false negative or false positive results.


Neurologic lesions in young captive lions associated with vitamin A deficiency.

Ataxia and incoordination occurred in 7 lion cubs in a lion park. Postmortem examination of 3 cubs revealed thickened skull bones which compressed the brain and lead to prolapse of the posterior vermis of the cerebellum through the foramen magnum. In 2 of the lions compression of the anterior cervical spinal cord caused marked damage particularly in the dorsal funiculi. In both cubs the central canal of the spinal cord was abnormal being extended laterally. The pathological changes in the bones and the brain together with low liver vitamin A levels lead to a diagnosis of hypovitaminosis A.


Epidemiologic studies of the 1975 avian influenza outbreak in chickens in Alabama.

The epidemiology of the first reported non-fowl-plague avian influenza (AI) virus, A/Chicken/Alabama/75 (Hav4Neq2), isolated from chickens in the United States is discussed. The signs and pathologic changes have been described. The environment, nutrition, and stress factors are discussed as possible contributors to the disease syndrome observed in 3 commercial egg-laying flocks. Avian influenza antibody was demonstrated by agargel precipitation in convalescent chickens through 83 days postinfection. A serological survey of 321 additional poultry flocks was negative for antibodies against avian influenza. A survey was made by serology and virus isolation techniques on 387 wild free-flying birds that fed and roosted in the area. Wild waterfowl are discussed as a possible source of the AI virus.


Comparison of low-level rofenaid, low-level chlortetracycline, and vaccination with commercial bacterin for preventing pulmonary form of fowl cholera in turkeys.

The pulmonary form of experimentally induced fowl cholera was controlled effectively either by Rofenaid, a potentiated sulfadimethoxine, at 0.01% in feed, chlortetracycline at 0.0055% in feed, vaccination with a commercial fowl cholera bacterin and a combination of Rofenaid and vaccination. The medicated or/and vaccinated turkeys had a significantly (P less than 0.05) better livability than the unmedicated or unvaccinated exposed turkeys. Turkeys were exposed by contact with carriers and administration of Pasteurella multocida in drinking water. Transmission from carriers to recipients through the water was demonstrated. P. multocida was isolated from the mouths of recipient turkeys receiving low-level medication one week after carriers were introduced.


Evaluation of two avirulent vaccines for preventing experimental fowl cholera in turkeys, and use of one vaccine in the field.

The Clemson University (CU) strain of live cholera vaccine administered in water (LCVW) was effective in immunizing turkeys against the pulmonary, arthritic, and cranial forms of fowl cholera. The Missouri strain of LCVW immunized turkeys against the pulmonary and septicemic forms of fowl cholera. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from the orifice of the auditory tube of 5% of the turkeys vaccinated with the CU strain 2 weeks postvaccination, but not 4 weeks after challenge. Mortality was not increased by administering the CU strain of LCVW at 5, 10, 20, and 40 x the standard dose of 4 x 10(8) P. multocida. A low concentration of Rofenaid (providing 0.01% potentiated sulfadimethoxine) had no perceptible effect on the development of immunity with the CU vaccine.


Effects of three kinds of hypoxias on vigilance performance.

The consequences for vigilance performance of inhaling carbon monoxide at altitude were examined. In addition, the effects of altitude and CO at an equivalent reduction in O2-carrying capacity were compared. Ten subjects performed a visual vigilance task under four atmospheric conditions. Physiological measures included heart rate, blood pressure, and ventilation. Blood hemoglobin and CO levels were measured directly from blood samples drawn after 0,50 and 120 min of exposure. The physiological variables measured and subjective responses of subjects showed no changes attributable to the atmospheric conditions. A statistically significant change in vigilance performance as measured by precentage of signals detected, was found between control and low oxygen; however, performance under CO and the combination of CO and low oxygen was not different from control. The lack of deterioration in performance under the combination of CO and low oxygen suggested that the increased severity of the stress resulted in activation of compensatory mechanisms which counterbalanced the decreased O2 available to the tissues.


Avian lymphoid leukosis prophylaxis with mibolerone.

Duplicate trials with mibolerone at a dose of 1 microng/g of diet for the first 49 days of age reduced the incidence of lymphoid leukosis (LL) significantly (P less than .005) in chickens inoculated as day-old chicks with Rous-associated virus type 1 (RAV-1). The incidence of LL was not reduced in virus-challenged chickens administered mibolerone at 4 microng per gram of diet during days 29 through 49 of age. The bursal lymphocytic follicles atrophied significantly with both the 1- and 4-microng doses; but, on the basis of histologic examination, atrophy was more complete with the 1-microng dose of mibolerone administered during the first 49 days of age. Mibolerone appears to prevent LL development by producing early bursal atrophy of key target cells. These data suggest that mibolerone orally administered at 1 microng/g of diet during the first 49 days of age appears to be useful for LL prophylaxis. Field trials are under way to assess the effectiveness of mibolerone under natural conditions.


Inexpensive collapsible covered pen with slatted floor for turkeys.

Designed to confine turkeys for fowl cholera research was a collapsible pen with a hinged steel roof, wire sides, and slatted wooden floors. It is inexpensive to build; conserves labor in feeding, watering, and disposal of manure; protects against rain, sun, and predators; provides ventilation against heat; gives easy access to turkeys; and is collapsible


Cold-induced vasodilatation and peripheral blood flow under local cold stress in man at altitude.

The cold-induced vasodilatation (CIVD) response was studied on 17 lowlanders (20-30 years) at Delhi, using a water bath maintained at 4 degrees+/-0.2 degreesC. The temperatures were measured at the tip of the index finger, centre of the palm, over a prominent wrist vein, and orally. Then the subjects were air-lifted to an altitude of 3500 m, where the measurements were repeated at weekly intervals for a period of 3 weeks. After this, they were flown back and retested. For comparison, the study at altitude was done on 10 acclimatised lowlanders and on 10 high-altitude natives. The peripheral blood flow under a local cold stress was calculated. Three types of CIVD responses--viz. typical hunting, proportional control, and continuous rewarmin--were observed. At altitude, the pattern was more or less the same but there was a significant reduction in the response. The responses of the natives were more or less identical to those of the lowlanders at sea level, and responses of the acclimatized lowlanders were better than the fresh inductees, but much less than the natives. The changes in peripheral blood flow was in accordance with the CIVD response.


The inhibitory effect of Corynebacterium parvum and Pasteurella multocida pretreatment on staphylococcal synovitis in turkeys.

Corynebacterium parvum and Pasteurella multocida were shown to be immunostimulants in turkeys, increasing the ability of whole blood to kill Staphylococcus aureus and prolonging the incubation time of experimental staphylococcal synovitis.


Somatosensory motion after-effect following earth-horizontal rotation about the Z-axis: a new illusion.

During rotation about the Z-axos while recumbent one is exposed to a changing pattern of pressure cues over the body surface. If the body is only loosely padded in the experimental apparatus, then apparent motion of part of the body surface may be experienced sometime after rotation has been terminated. This somatosensory motion aftereffect of opposite sign is temporarily abolished if one looks at the affected body area, but is again re-experienced when the gaze is shifted elswhere. The similarity of this motion aftereffect to those contingent on vestibular and visual stimulation is discussed.


Characteristics in the atmosphere of long-range transport aircraft cabins.

In the long run, the fatigue in aircrews performing frequent, long-range flights is linked to factors connected to the aircraft, such as noise, temperature, cabin pressure, atmosphere quality, and flight characteristics. These are the factors inherent to the aircraft which we have investigated during six long-range flights without time zone changes in DC-8 and DC-10 aircraft of the U.T.A. Cie. The results show that none of the pollutants researched reach doses considered hazardous by FAR 25 or by French legislation. This fact is due to the effective ventilation in the cabins. In flight, thermal comfort is limited by a too-low hygrometry RH = 12%. Even in a modern aircraft, the noise level remains high, but acoustical energy is spread over the less detrimental frequencies.


Spirometric assessment of potential respiratory impairment in general aviation airmen.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease continues to manifest an increasing prevalence in male Americans. A recent study of commercial airline pilots revealed a 12% prevalence of more-than-minor spirometric impairment. Because commensurate data were not available for general aviation pilots, in whom such impairment could also compromise flight safety, a parallel study was made. The BMRC and smoking questionnaires, chest expansion, and spirometric measurements of FEV1, FVC, FEV1%, MVV, and FFF 25-75% were assessed in 181 male general aviation pilots. All showed a general relationship to increasing age and smoking amount. Based on FEV1% and FEF 25-75% combined, minor or more-than-minor degrees of spirometric impairment were manifested by 25.4% of the pilots and moderate degrees by 12.7%. Very little impairment was reflected in the remaining spirometric parameters. Subsequent testing of such spirometrically impaired pilots for altitude, fatigue, and orthostatic tolerances related to general aviation flight safety is planned.


An outbreak of fowl cholera due to Pasteurella gallinarum in Uttar Pradesh (India).

An acute outbreak of fowl cholera in one-month-old chickens was investigated. Pasteurella gallinarum was isolated in pure culture from the heart blood of two moribund chicks. One of the isolants on experimental inoculation was found to be nonpathogenic for rabbits, mice, and chickens. It did not provide protection in rabbits against a virulent strain of P. multocida. This seems to be the first record of the isolation of P. gallinarum in India.


Left ventricular function during lower body negative pressure.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the response of the human left ventricle to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and to delineate the relation between left ventricular function and hemodynamic response. Ventricular function curves relating stroke volume to end-diastolic volum were obtained in 12 normal men. Volume data were derived from echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters at rest and during LBNP at -40 mm Hg. End-diastolic volume decreased by 19% (p less than 0.01) and stroke volume by 22% (p less than 0.05). There were no significant changes in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, or end-systolic volume. Thus, moderate levels of LBNP significantly reduce preload and stroke volume, i.e. produce a Starling effect, without affecting contractile state. The absence of significant changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure in the presence of a significant reduction in stroke volume is consistent with an increase in systemic peripheral resistance medicated by low-pressure baroreceptors.


Studies on the hematologic effects of long-term, low-dose microwave exposure.

Hematologic and morphologic investigations were carried out in order to discover changes during and after prolonged exposure to microwave radiation. A 12-cm wavelength CW microwave generator was used as a source of radiation and the mean power density was 5 mW/cm2. The rats were exposed to microwaves for a period of 90 d for 1 h/d. Before, during, and after the irradiation period, hematologic examinations were carried out. The histological examinations of various organs and tissues of irradiated rats were carried out after the experimental period. No significant difference in any of the observed biological parameters was detected in experimental animals in comparison with control. It was concluded that these results indicate that it is unlikely that prolonged microwave exposure to low-intensity (around 5 mW/cm2) will cause marked changes in the peripheral blood counts of the irradiated organism.


Heat stress in an aircraft cockpit during ground standby.

Measurements have been made of cockpit temperatures in a Buccaneer aircraft exposed to high air temperatures and radiation loads. With the canopy open 8 cm, and with the wind direction unfavourable for convective cooling, air temperatures inside the cockpit exceeded those outside by approximately 20 degrees C. This reduced to 10 degrees C with a favourable wind direction. An assessment of the likely heating effect of cockpit avionic equipment indicated that the addition of 1 kW and 2 kW of heat would raise cockpit temperatures by 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C respectively. Prediction of the combined effect of solar and avionic heat suggests that, in hot weather conditions, cockpit temperatures will be considerably in excess of the upper limit for effective physiological temperature regulation. Therefore, if aircrews are to be required to remain on ground standby within their aircraft under such conditions, maximum use must be made of convective cooling of the cockpit by the prevailing wind, and of sun shades to eliminate the greenhouse effect completely.


Psycho-physiological assessment of acceleration-induced changes in various seat configurations.

Ten subjects were exposed to high-G on the human centrifuge using seatback angles of 13 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees from the vertical, and body configurations of the lower portion of the body with pelvis and legs elevated, pelvis, elevated, and pelvis elevated with knees on chest (fetal position). Tolerance was measured by peripheral light loss. Mental status, respirations, core and ambient temperatures, and ECG were monitored. Daily physio-chemical data included: creatinine, bilirubin, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, BUN, glucose, LDH cardiac isoenzyme No. 5, SGOT, SGPT, CPK, CBC, and urinalysis. Tiredness, pressure on the chest, and general discomfort in the fetal position were reported. Physical examination demonstrated petechiae. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature increased post-session. There was a significant rise in values for albumin, chloride ion, creatinine, calcium, LDH, BUN, and immature white cells; and a decrease in values for phosphorus, SGOT, SGPT, protein, uric acid CO2, globulin, hematocrit, monocytes, and eosinophils.


Treatise on aeromedical evacuation: I. Administration and some medical considerations.

Well conceived administrative procedures must be considered the backbone of a good, strong aeromedical evacuation system. These procedures must insure 1) centralized control of patient transportation by aircraft, 2) specialized medical attendants and equipment for inflight medical care, 3) facilities for limited medical care of patients entering, en route in, or leaving the system, and 4) communications with destination and enroute medical facilities concerning patient transportation. There are no absolute contraindications to aeromedical evacuation. However, patients with the following conditions require special consideration. Such conditions are 1) severe anemia, less than 2.5 million RBC/cc or less than 7.0 g hemoglobin/100 ml, 2) respiratory embarrassment, and 3) trapped gas within any of the body cavities. Medical problems in aeromedical evacuation defy resolution only when patient preparation has been improper. When the patient is properly evaluated, then unnecessary, costly, hazardous, and special flights are avoided. Aeromedical evacuation presents no problem so long as one remembers that man is adapted for life at or near sea level and that changes in pressure with increasing altitude affect his physiological processes. This invisible barrier will continue to challenge human ingenuity in the conquest of high altitude.


Treatise on aeromedical evacuation: II. Some surgical considerations.

Preventive medicine is the primary responsibility of every physician. When prevention fails and therapeutic measures are required, the initial approach tends to be along a conservative line. When this approach fails, surgical intervention becomes a necessity. Surgical patients, both pre- and post-surgical, may be moved by aircraft providing that one is aware of the hazards in a hostile atmosphere in which pressure and temperature change with increasing altitude. Air or gas trapped in the body cavities expands in direct proportion to the decrease in pressure. This increased volume becomes significant at 5500 m, where the volume of air or gas in the body is doubled. Quite apart form intense discomfort and actual pain caused in certain types of injury, this expansion of gas at high altitude may constitue a real danger, such as in the probability of rupturing a recently sutured intestine and, in cases of pneumothorax, by disturbance of cardiopulmonary dynamics. Thus, aeromedical evacuation of the surgical patient becomes a challenge to those responsible for the medical care between the originating and destination hospitals.


Psychiatric syndromes and the airport.

The occurrence of psychiatric reactions at a large airport was studied in terms of both dynamic elements operating in the patients as well as aspects of the airport that might attract patients  who are in an acutely decompensated state. Three types of phenomena are delineated--the transient, neurotic and psychotic syndromes. The focus is on the last group and clinical examples are offered regarding the choice of the airport and the magnetic effect this setting has for a particular group of disturbed patients. The relationships of irrationally formulated ideas associated with separation from the family and wishes for reuniting are discussed.