[Cytochemical and freeze-etching studies of the ultrastructure of a Rickettsiella in a crustacean (author's transl)].

Several characteristics of the intracellular cycle of Ricketsiella are elucidated, particularly regarding the envelope and the cytoplasm of dense forms (elementary bodies) as well as the proteinic inclusions of giant bodies. Cleavage faces have been displayed by freeze-etching, both at the level of cell wall and of plasma membrane. Their characteristics approach those of Gram-negative bacteria and are pratically common to all the stages. Appearance and significance of a polysaccharidic cement joining the outer membrane of the cell wall to the inner membrane (plasma membrane) in the dense forms are discussed. The arrangement of ribosomes and the structure of the nucleoid are described. A 6 nm lattice periodical structure is shown in the proteinic inclusion. Significance of these data for a classification of Rickettsiella and chlamydias is discussed.


[Toxic metabolites from Fusarium causing alimentary toxic aleukia (author's transl)].

The toxicity of extracts from Fusarium poae and F. sporotrichioides, incriminated as agents of alimentary toxic aleukia, is attributed to the presence of 12-13-epoxytrichothecenes. This is specially the case of T2 toxin and diacetoxyscirpenol.


[Rifampicin diffusion in non-infected human bone (author's transl)].

Rifampicin levels in serum, cortical bone and spongious bone were measured by a biological assay in 13 non-infected patients undergoing total replacement of the hip. Samples were collected after 24-72 hours rifampicin administration (daily oral dose: 600 mg). The mean level was 0.67 +/- 0.48 microgram/g in cortical bone and 3.35 +/- 0.72 microgram/g in spongious bone. Rifampicin diffusion was also assessed in normal bone from crista iliaca needle biopsy specimens in 7 patients treated for osteitis or septic arthritis. Bone and serum levels did not appear linearly correlated but, in any case, bone levels were much higher than MIC for Staphylococcus aureus which is usually involved in bone and joint infections.


[Supplement No XX to Kauffmann-White scheme (author's transl)].

In that supplement are given the characters of new Salmonella serotypes recognized in 1976 by WHO collaborating Centre for reference and research on Salmonella. Nineteen belong to the sub-genus I, 10 to the sub-genus II, 11 to the sub-genus III. Biochemical and antigenic variants of already known serotypes are described.


[New correlation between absorption of calcium and activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatases].

From an homogeneous breeding one can occasionnally select a rat (rat +) showing an exceptionally high calcium absorption. For such a rat, high calcium absorption is accompained by a similar high alkaline phosphatase activity in the ileum. This fact was shown in six different assays. For rat +, this enzymatic excitation seems specific for intestinal phosphatase. Other characteristic enzymes of brush border such as maltase, invertase and leucylaminopeptidase do not vary much. Only slight modifications of phosphatase activity were observed in other organs or tissues: plasma, kidney, bone. The variations for liver are more important but unsignificant. The high calcium absorption is related to  alkaline phosphatase. It is observed atdifferent steps  of the preperation and can be increased by sorbitol, this last property being characteristic of the enzyme. The aptitude of a rat + for high calcium absorption is only momentany. When it goes back to usual calcium utilization, intestinal mucosa shows a normal phosphatasic activity.


[Unexpected demonstration of copper deficiency  in the rat].

During many years, Wistar's rats were fed after weaning a semipurified diet containing 0.4 ppm copper and did not present clinical disorders of copper  deficiency. Rats of same strain fed on the same diet, but housed in a new physical environment presented, a year later, specific signs of deficiency. A new salt-mixture raising the copper content of the diet to, 5.2 ppm made the deficiency signs diseapear and the rats growth come back to the initial rate. These results  showed once again the important relations existing between the organism and its physical environment, the  diet being just one of these elements. Rigorous breeding conditions, animal selection and modernisation of animal houses involve  a specific feeding related to this new conditions particularly when semipurified diets are used for weaning rats.


[Comparative study of the formation of glycogen and trehalose during starvation in the Lepidoptera Bombyx mori L].

Glycogen reserves are entirely consumed during total starvation of Bombyx mori L. larvae. While the storage of glycogen is lowering and the dietary supply of carbohydrates stopped, the amount of trehalose also decreases but less rapidly than this of glycogen. Relative homeostasis is maintained but only for the ten first hours of inanition. Quantitative evaluation of blood trehalose, which is preformed more rapidly than glycogen analysis, might be used as an efficient test to characterized some physiopathological states.


[Why is bread consumption decreasing?].

In France bread plays a very special and ambivalent role among our foodstuffs because of the considerable drop in its consumption, its alleged harmful effects on our health and the respect in which it is traditionally held. More than half the 1 089 adults interviewed in this study say they have decreased their consumption of bread in the last 10 years. The reasons given vary according to age, body weight and urbanization level. The main reasons given for this restriction are the desire to prevent or reduce obesity, the decrease in physical activity, the general reduction in food consumption and the possibility of diversifying foods even further. Moreover, the decreasing appeal of bread in relation to other foods, as well as a modification in the structure of meals, in which bread becomes less useful to accompany other food, accentuate this loss of attraction. However, the respect for bread as part  of the staple diet remains very acute as 95 p. 100 of those interviewed express a reluctance to throw bread away,  more for cultural than economic reasons. Mechanization and urbanization having brought about a decrease in energy needs, the most common alimentary adaptation is general caloric restriction by which glucids, and especially bread, are curtailed.


[Surveys on the possible presence of aflatoxin and ochratoxin in corn harvested in France in 1973 and 1974].

0,1 and 1,9 p. 100 of French corn samples harvested in 1973 and 1974 contain respectively 4 to 42 ppb aflatoxin and 15 to 200 ppb ochratoxin A. Because the dilution of this product in the feed, such amounts could not be considered causing acute or chronic mycotoxicosis. In case of corn contamination by ochratoxin A, the analysis of technologic parameters conclude to question the drying corn with ears in cribs and the delayed drying after the reception of corn in storage corporation.


The effect of hypertonic ointments on corneal alkali burns.

Alkali-burned rabbit corneas were treated with 40% glucose or 5% sodium chloride ophthalmic ointments 3 times daily for 6 weeks and examined clinically and histologically. Treatment with hypertonic ointment as compared to untreated controls demonstrated decreased corneal neovascularization and ulceration. The possible nutritional advantage of hypertonic glucose did not prove beneficial compared to hypertonic sodium chloride.


Intraocular lens implantation: report of 100 cases (50 intracapsular vs. 50 extracapsular).

This paper compares the results of 50 intracapsular lens implants with 50 extracapsular lens implants. The intracapsular lens implants were done from 1969 to 1971 and were considered successful in approximately 70% of the cases as compared to the extracapsular lens implants which were done from 1974 to 1975 and were considered successful in 96% of the cases. Extracapsular cataract extraction with lens implantation is a safe procedure. I believe that 80% of all cataract surgery within the next 10 years will be performed with extracapsular extraction and lens implantation.


The significance of intraocular hemorrhages due to subarachnoid hemorrhage.

A retrospective study of 320 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage revealed a 20.8% incidence of intraocular hemorrhages. While diagnostically helpful, intraocular hemorrhages also were prognostically significant. The overall patient mortality was 31.6%. In those with intraocular hemorrhages the mortality was 53.6% compared to 19.7% in those without intraocular hemorrhages. Fifty-eight percent with bilateral intraocular hemorrhages died versus 48% with unilateral hemorrhages. Vitreous hemorrhage, though infrequent, may be a major complication in survivors of subarachnoid hemorrhage.


Orbital neurilemoma.

The diagnosis of orbital tumors is a challenging one. Neurilemomas are among the rarer causes of lesions in this location and usually are curable by local excision. The results of tests used in diagnosing orbital tumors are inconsistent in patients with this disease entity. Four patients with orbital neurilemoma are reported. Radiographic (including arteriogram, venogram, and computerized axial tomography) and ultrasonic findings were helpful in making the diagnosis.


The Fuchs' spot: an ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic study.

A correlation of funduscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings in the Fuchs' spot of high myopia is presented. A variety of ophthalmoscopic changes indicate that both serous and hemorrhagic detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory retina are associated with this lesion. Fluorescein angiography, however, reveals subretinal reovascularization from the choroid as the basic underlying disease in most cases reviewed. Wide variations in the ophthalmoscopic appearance of the pigmented maculopathy of high myopia necessitate a more descriptive approach than that indicated by the term "Fuchs' spot." Fluorescein angiography becomes a necessity to delineate neovascular lesions as paracentral tufts may possibly be treated with laser photocoagulation to reduce progression.


Visual recovery after recurrent rupture of the globe: case report.

A 42-year-old man was injured twice in his left eye. The first injury resulted in a lacerated skin wound on the forehead, eyebrows and lids, a broken orbital wall and rim, and a small rupture of the sclera at 12 o'clock. The second injury caused a rupture of his left globe. During the operation a large scleral rupture, 1 mm from the limbus, a prolapsed iris, vitreous, and the lens were found under the conjunctiva. The would had been cleaned, the prolapsed iris and vitreous were excised, and the scleral wound sutured. One year after the injury the visual acuity was 6/10 with an aphakic contact lens correction and binocular vision was established. Diagnostic features and indications for immediate repair are discussed.


Surgical repair of extreme bilateral ptosis by modified anterior approach.

This report describes an apparently unique anterior approach surgical repair of a congenital ptosis which had progressed with age and had functionally almost blinded the patient. Poor tear production was the reason that neither conventional maximal levator resection nor sling procedures were considered desirable. A method of levator resection with no interference with the conjunctiva is presented, although since performance of the surgery, a similar method has been published. A few caveats of ptosis surgery are offered.


[Directivity a qualitative function of hearing aids (author's transl)].

"Directivity" is the name applied by the authors to the overall audioprosthetic phenomena which they have demonstrated in their research into the correction of deficient hearing, using hearing aids equipped with directional microphones. They propose a double blind test in order to attempt to demonstrate objectively the reasons which experimentally and in the Laboratory decide the choice of a hearing aid with a directional microphone or an omni-directional microphone. Amongst other things, the test makes it possible to confirm whether the improvement in intelligibility in a recreated noisy atmosphere is linked or not to the possibilities of directional detection offered by aids equipped with a directional microphone.


[Follow-up surgery for carcinoma of the tonsil (author's transl)].

This study involves the frequency, techniques and results of follow-up surgery for carcinoma of the tonsil treated by transcutaneous radiotherapy. Local or lymph node failures affect 65% of patients treated by radiation. Follow-up surgery was used in 86% of these failures. After reviewing the various techniques and their oncological results, the authors discuss the best timing for follow-up surgery. They compar their results of surgery in the case of sub-total treatment, surgery for recurrences and routine surgery two months after the end of transcutaneous irradiation. The results are in favour of routine surgery. If it is accepted, since this point is open to discussion, that radiotherapy remains the appropriate initial, and sometimes adequate, treatment for carcinoma of the tonsil, the frequency of local and lymph node recurrences should lead to the indication, in certain cases, for complementary surgical therapy. This routine additional surgical treatment should be discussed in the context of the initial protocol of the treatment of a carcinoma of the tonsil.


[Primary coblat therapy and secondary surgery for supra-glottal carcinoma (author's transl)].

This statistical study concerned 218 carcinomas of the laryngeal vestibule and margin treated at the Curie Foundation between 1958 and 1967, by primary cobalt therapy followed when necessary by secondary total laryngectomy. It shows that cobalt therapy alone gives excellent results in early forms (T1 and T2) even in the presence of N1 or N2 nodes. By contrast, the proportion of cures is much lower in T3 and T4 forms. Secondary total laryngectomy was used in only 25 cases out of 127 failures. The postoperative course was often difficult (4 fatal complications and 3 pharyngostomies) but 7 of the patients were cured at 5 years. The use of a surgical technique with minimal trauma and in particular respecting the integrity of the carotid gutters has been associated, in a more recent series, with a notable improvement in the results obtained (one cure out of 2 at 3 years).


[Métastases of carcinoma of the kidney to the salivary glands. A case of intraparotid metastasis (author's transl)].

The authors first report the histopathological distribution of 111 parotidectomies carried out between 1965 and 1975. They then describe a case of a malignant tumour of the parotid which was shown by histological examination to be a metastasis of a carcinoma of the kidney, this being the first manifestation of the primary tumour. Finally, the authors review the literature concerning metastases of carcinoma of the kidney to the ENT area. They feel that the great rarity of parotid localisations is due to the fact that they may be confused with an acinous carcinoma of the parotid if histochemical stains are not used.


[Routes of approach to the vidian nerve (author's transl)].

The authors describe the various routes of approach to the deep recesses of the pterygo-maxillary fossa. A brief historical review indicates the importance of the work of Golding-Wood who started this type of surgery. Description of the personal technique of the authors via a trans-maxillary approach. Review of the endo-nasal approach of Poch-Vinals by cryotherapy and of M. Port mann by electro-coagulation. A parallel is then drawn between the trans-maxillary approach and the endo-nasal approach of Prades by dissection from the spheno-palatine orifice. The respective indications are discussed.


[Principles and technicals studies of investigating photosensitivity of the skin (author's transl)].

The authors report the principles of investigating photosensitivity of the skin: objects of testing and some basic practical consideration (doses, laws of irradiance, choice of wavelength in a test). Artificial sources for irradiation are studied. Xenon arc lamp is the most suitable. Two main kinds of device are suitable for routine radiant energy measurement; the thermopile with linear spectral response and the photoelectric cells without linear relationship between wavelength and sensitivity. To delimit the emission of xenon arc, the authors use absorption filters (cut-off type). Irradiation monochromator is indispensable to much dermatological photobiology, especially action spectrum study. Methods of measurement, time course of the response dose response relationship, threshold response and action spectrum of normal and abnormal effects of light on the skin are described. Routine phototesting procedure enclose: minimal erythemal dose, phototest, photopatchtest. Technical study and interpretation are exposed. For the dermatologist, phototesting procedure is necessary for the diagnosis. Mechanism of photosensitivity (phototoxic or photoallergic reaction) and wavelength dependence have to be known for an appropriate treatment.


[HL-A system in psoriasis; study of 31 families (author's transl)].

31 families with at least two psoriatic members, including sometimes three generations (4 families) have been studied looking for HL-A markers. They include 80 affected (45 females, 35 males) and 75 healthy persons. BW 17 has been found present in 58 p. 100 of the unrelated patients, versus 7 p. 100 only in the normal population (p less than 10-9). Relative risk (R.R.) for the people bearing BW 17 is 38.34. Increase of B 13 is slight and non significant. BW 16, BW 37, BW 27 are within normal range. B 12 (R.R. :0.36) seems to have a protecting effect. B 8, B 14 are also decreased. Study of way of genetic transmission favours existence of a dominant gene of susceptibility frequently associated with BW 17 and particularly with haplotype A 1, BW 17. But other genetic or environmental factors may also play a role.


[Effect of podophyllin resine on the mobility of langerhans cells (author's transl)].

The application of an alcoholic solution of podophyllin resin at concentrations above 10 p. 100 on guinea-pig udders, produces in epidemic Langerhans cells the same cytological effects as those by colchicine and vinca alcaloid in culture cells. The Langerhans cells are a suitable experimental model in vivo because of its easy ultrastructural identification, its migratory character and its preferential localization in epidermis.


Therapeutic activity of sulphadimethoxine and bifuran against E. tenella and effect of medication on the development of immunity.

Therapeutic activity of sulphadimethoxine and Bifuran in drinking water against different levels of infection (5,000 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000 oocysts per chick) with Eimeria tenella and effect of medication on development of immunity was assessed. Medication was started after 96 hours of the infection. Sulphadimethoxine gave better control (performance indices: 234, 193, 155 and 112, respectively) than Bifuran (performance indices: 194, 129, 74 and 40, respectively) against all levels of the infection tested. Effectiveness of both the drugs decreased with increasing levels of the infection. Both the drugs interfered in the development of immunity which was inversely proportionate to the level of infection. Interference in development of immunity was more with sulphadimethoxine but these chicks were still solidly immune to the challenge infection.


[The life cycle of Microphallus gracilis Baer, 1943, a parasite of Neomys fodiens in the Pyrenees. Modalities of the transmission of the Digenea in nature (author's transl)].

Microphallus gracilis develops to the sporocyst stage in the digestive gland of the snail Bythinella reyniesii. The xiphidio-cercaria monostomous, anenterous in type, is liberated in water and actively penetrates a Crustacea Gammarus pulex where it encysts. From the point of view of the transmission ecology, the natural focuses of M. gracilis are composed of two different areas: an area where the parasite multiplies coinciding with biotope Bythinella and an area limited to the length of the river where the parasite spreads.


[Malacophagous aptitudes of some French Zonitidae snails and their advantage in biological control of Lymnaea (Galba) truncatula Müller (author's transl)].

Experimental study of malacophagous aptitudes of different species of french Zonitidea snails. Analysis of their possibilities of grouping with Zonitoides nitidus in order to get an association of complementary predators in biological control of Lymnaea truncatula. The experiences show that the numbers of surviving snails are next for the groups: Zonitoides-Oxychilus draparnaudi and Z.-Aegopinella. But Aegopinella migrates less from experimental areas. Proposition of a technique of biological control without environmental modification.


[Factors responsible for cercarial concentration of schistosoma mansoni in Guadeloupe].

Research carried out in Guadeloupe on the sites of transmission of Schistosoma mansoni shows that the circadian evolution of the cercarial concentration (rhythm of presence) differs slightly according to the biotope:--in a running water habitat (greater than 0,10 m/s) the rhythm of presence is superimposed on the rhythm of emergence, which leads to a risk of contamination reaching a maximum between 11 a.m. and noon; --in a slow running water habitat (around 0,01 m/s), the acrophase of the rhythm of presence is clearly retarded in comparison with that of the rhythm of emergence. In this case, the risk of contamination is greatest between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. because of the accumulation of cercariae. The absolute value of the cercarial concentration in running water results from two antagonistic processes: production of cercariae depending on the amount of Biomphalaria glabrata infected and dilution of cercariae depending on the flow rate of water. Thus along one channel the cercarial concentration shows great variation depending upon which of the above processes predominates. These results demonstrate that the risk of human contamination can never be directly deduced from the demography of vectors.


A review of the genus Impalaia Mönnig, 1923 (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea).

Four species are considered valid for the genus Impalaia--I. tuberculata Mönnig, 1923, I. nudicollis Mönnig, 1931, I. okapiae van den Berghe, 1937 and I. taurotragi (Le Roux, 1936) Travassos, 1937. I. tuberculata var. longispiculata Wetzel and Fortmeyer- 1960 and I. aegyptiaca Soliman, 1958 are considered synonyms of I. tuberculata Mönnig, 1923. I. nudicollis of Daubney, 1933, Yeh, 1956 and Pande et al. 1962 are tentatively considered synonyms of I. tuberculata Mönnig, 1923 and I. dremomys Yen, 1973 is transferred to the genus Heligmonella Mönnig, 1927 and becomes Heligmonella dremomys (Yen, 1973) n. comb. Heligmonella dremomysi Durette-Desset, 1974 becomes Heligmonella moreli nom. nov.


The science of pinning the neck of the femur.

Experiments show that the cancellum of some femoral heads and of the trochanteric region is too weak to support a nail. A simple classification of traumatic femoral neck fractures is presented. These are either vertical or, less commonly, transversely disposed. Either type may be undisplaced, impacted, or displaced. For adequate fixation of undisplaced vertical and all displaced fractures a nail plate is essential. For undisplaced transverse fractures and impacted vertical fractures two screws usually suffice. Impacted transverse fractures require no active treatment. Hammering nails into the femoral head can cause fractures of the articular cartilage, split the femoral head in two, lead to avulsion of articular cartilage under the weight-bearing area, and osteoarthrosis. Early weight-bearing on weak implants can be disastrous. For the unsolved fracture a sliding pin compressing the fragments should be used. In a series of 54 displaced fractures so treated, 50 united. Prosthetic replacement should be reserved for patients with poor-quality bone. Children are best treated with a Coventry lag screw. Non-union after internal fixation in young patients should be salvaged by an excisional osteotomy, but a prosthesis is the answer for elderly patients. Late segmental collapse is explained in terms of contact stresses.


[Metastrongylidae parasites of European Soricidae. Description of Paracrenosoma combesi n. sp., from Crocidura russula Hermann, 1780 (author's transl)].

Description of Paracrenosoma combesi n. sp. (Skrjabingylinae), a lung parasite from the common white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula Hermann, 1780 in Spain, and differentiation from the only european species of the same genus, Paracrenosoma skrajabini (Pologentsev, 1935). Description of Stefanskostrongylus soricis (Soltys, 1954) (Angiostrongylinae) from the bronches of the pygmy shrew Sorex minutus Linnaeus, 1766, in Spain and comparison with the data of the same species in Oriental Europe.


The regional distribution of retinal circulation.

The retinal circulation of the cat has been studied in vivo by high-speed cineangiography and post mortem by indian ink injection. Flow patterns in the arterial tree, relative volume inflow per unit area, and capillary circulation times were recorded. The retinal circulation shows progressive slowing of linear flow rate in arterioles and capillaries on passing centrifugally from the optic disc to the periphery; this is largely responsible for the reduced perfusion rate.


Role of ischaemia in the initiation of peptic ulcer.

Study of intramural vascular pathways to the human gastroduodenal mucosa shows that some persons have patches of mucosa supplied by end arteries. These patches occur only in the ulcer-bearing areas. It is suggested how this may contribute to the initiation of peptic ulceration and explain some of its features.


Effects of excess vitamin A on the cranial neural crest in the chick embryo.

Experiments on fertile hens' eggs have shown that an excess of vitamin A has a highly specific effect on the migration of cranial neural crest cells in the early stages of chick embryogenesis. Migration is disrupted and retarded. This is consistent with the causal mechanism proposed by Poswillo for the Treacher Collins syndrome.


[Description of Onchocerca dewittei n. sp. (Filarioidea), parasite of Sus scrofa, in Malaysia (author's transl)].

Onchocerca dewittei n. sp. was collected from a wild Boar at the metatarse level (tendons and subcutaneous connective tissue); it can be differentiated from other species by the female cuticle showing straight ridges which overlap in the lateral fields, and by its relatively thick microfilaria (length 228-247 mu and width 6-7 mu). This suidean Onchocerca displays some primitive characters such as straight ridges and persistency of ten pairs of caudal papillae in the male; but as a whole this species is undoubtedly more highly evolved than O. raillieti Bain, Müller and coll., 1976, a parasite of Equidae.


Management of inferior vena caval injury in liver trauma.

The management of patients with severe hepatic trauma and damage to the inferior vena cava presents many difficulties. Our experience suggests that vena caval injury is more common than has previously been reported. In spite of the severity of the injuries a period for resuscitation is usually available and operation must not be started until full supportive measures are ready. We have evolved a technique of vascular isolation of the liver aboiding the use of internal vena caval shunts that permits repair of the damaged vena cava.


[Description of the male of Pholeoixodes rugicollis (Schulze and Schlottke, 1929) (Acarians, Ixodina) (author's transl)].

The hitherto unknown male of Pholeoixodes rugicollis (Schultze and Schlottke, 1929) is described with reference to related species. 48 males were obtained by breeeding wild nymphs collected from a Stone-marten, a Marten and a Fox.


Morphometric study of emphysema: an hypothesis on the evolution of the anatomic damage of the disease.

Mathematical analysis of morphometric studies on the destruction of pulmonary tissue in cases of centrilobular emphysema has been used to identify degrees and localization of structural damage. From the data, an hypothesis of sequential, cumulative, individual destructive events has been developed to explain the distributive and progressive parenchymal changes in the lungs.


Simple, direct determination of serum 5'-nucleotidase.

A simple determination of 5'-Nucleotidase in blood serum without deproteinization is described. The enzyme activity is distinguished from that of a nonspecific alkaline phosphatase by nickel inhibition and the inorganic phosphate released from adenosine monophosphate used as substrate is determined by a method previously described. Additional studies include the determination of optimal conditions for the reaction and nickel inhibition.


Analytical applications of immobilized enzymes.

Several clinical laboratory methods using enzymes as reagents now may utilize immobilized enzymes. These are enzymes attached to solid surfaces by adsorption, covalent binding, cross linking or similar means. Immobilized enzymes are widely used presently in convenient tests for urine glucose and galactose or blood glucose and urea, and in serum glucose or urea determinations by automated methods. Advantages include enhanced stability, enzyme conservation, reuse and economy. Limitations in clinical analysis include the requirement for proper handling of both the immobilized enzyme and the specimen with which it is used. Immobilized enzymes of the future should aid in the new discoveries regarding sequential enzyme-catalyzed reactions in living cells and expand the utility of enzymes as reagents in analytical laboratory science.


Disorders of galactose metabolism.

Galactose metabolism occupies a central position in modern biology through its relationship to cell surface antigenicity and its metabolic function as a component of glycolipids and glycoproteins. Disturbances in three fundamental reaction sequences of this hexose have led to a delineation of pathways of the chemistry resulting in the understanding of its metabolic fate. These inherited disorders of metabolism are prototypes for the application of nutritional therapy of biochemical genetic defects.


Age at puberty in relation to age at marriage and parenthood: a national longitudinal study.

A longitudinal study of a British cohort has collected information on puberty, judged by menarcheal age for the girls and the pubertal stage of the boys at age 14 3/4. This information has now been related to the ages at which these young people married and became parents. For the young men there was evidence of a direct relationship between degree of sexual maturity at age 14 3/4 and their ages at entry into marriage and fatherhood. For the young women, if pregnancy did not intervene between menarche and marriage, there was evidence of a direct relationship between menarcheal age and marriage age. But there was no evidence that these earlier-maturing young women became mothers at earlier ages than later maturers. This arose through the later-maturing young women having shorter first birth intervals than the earlier maturers. Premarital conceptions were also more prevalent amongst the later maturers.


Marriage and mobility in Britain--secular trends in a nationwide sample.

A nationwide sample survey of 2338 married couples provides information on the birthplaces and residences at meeting of couples first married between 1920 and 1960. Four measures of marital mobility are analysed according to year of marriage and year of first meeting. In their original form all measures show the expected increase in mobility from the 1920s to the 1930s with an exceptionally steep rise in the 1940s and a decline after the Second World War. The role of the war in promoting migration both of civilians and of soldiers is briefly reviewed. Women show rather different migration patterns from those of men. Age at marriage is positively correlated with movement in this sample, but a stronger association is provided by age at first meeting. Mobility averages for each cohort are adjusted for the changes in age at marriage, both real and peculiar to this sample, which have occurred since 1920, and also for variation in the population sizes of birthplaces in the sample over time, and changes in the relative frequencies of different socio-economic classes. After adjustment, little ghange is seen in material mobility over the four decades covered by the survey and many of the differences which do remain after adjustment lack statistical significance. Some socio-economic explanations are offered for these conclusions.


Barr body distribution and estrogen receptor protein in mammary carcinoma.

The study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between Barr body distribution and estrogen receptor protein content of mammary carcinoma. The proportion of cells with one or more Barr body was determined in 105 specimens of mammary carcinoma from Guard stained imprints. Receptor protein content of the specimen was measured by the dextran charcoal method and compared with histopathologic features of the carcinomas. Primary carcinomas with Barr bodies in more than 10 percent of tumor cells were more likely to have higher levels of receptor protein than those with a lower proportion of Barr body containing cells (P less than 0.005). The results obtained for primary carcinoma may explain why patients with carcinomas that have a high proportion of Barr body positive cells are more likely to respond to hormonal therapy. Furthermore, these observations, when correlated with other available data about ERP suggest that an X-chromosome is involved in the synthesis of and/or carries the locus of action for estrogen receptor protein.


A light-sectioning technique for contouring and measuring a child's face.

A contouring device for measuring the face (Cobb, 1972) was adopted and developed to make it suitable for use with children. Modifications were made to overcome incomplete facial coverage and lack of common head orientation by incorporating a method of optical head positioning which had been invented during the assessment of a stereophotogrammetric technique (Ainsworth and Joseph 1976). The precise alignment of a series of exposures with a common datum enables a set of contour maps to be processed by computer to produce three-dimensional measurements and sections of the complete face.


Significance of endometrial cells in cervicovaginal smears.

A study was undertaken to determine the significance of finding normal endometrial cells in routine cervicovaginal smears. The results indicate that the presence of normal endometrial cells in cervicovaginal smears in patients under 40 is generally not of significance, but similar findings in older patients correlate significantly with pathologic changes in the endometrium. In the older age group, therefore, such findings clearly indicate a need for further evaluation, including tissue sampling of the endometrium.


Clinical applications of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.

A quantitative electrophoretic test for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes was applied to the analysis of human tissues, cells and fluids in order to obtain their normal isoenzyme patterns and to form a reference record. The same test was employed in the analysis of serum samples from patients with defined pathological conditions. The abnormal serum isoenzyme patterns were correlated with the tissue patterns, thus indicating the origin of the abnormality. This type of correlation, together with the clear demonstration of the actual isoenzymes and their quantitation, improves diagnostic discrimination and enhances the early detection of a biochemical abnormality that aids in the prevention of disease.


Factor analysis of finger ridge-counts in Blacks and Whites.

Finger ridge-counts of an American White, American Black and an African Black sample were subjected to factor analysis. The analysis was carried out using correlation matrices computed from 10-ridge counts, each finger being represented by its largest count, and from 20 ridge-counts, using both radial and ulnar counts for each finger. The 20 count analysis was much more informative, demonstrating the relative independence of the radial and ulnar sides of the fingers. Moreover, the radial and ulnar counts themselves generally resulted in two factors reflecting counts on the ulnar digits and the median digits. The independence of the thumb was also demonstrated. There was considerable intersample consistency, although some evidence of sex and race variation was observed.


Lead concentrations in semen of healthy men without occupational exposure to lead.

Lead analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectrometry of semen and blood specimens from 21 medical students and technicians (ages 19 to 41 years) who had no occupational or avocational exposure to lead (Pb). Seminal Pb concentrations averaged 5.9 (S.D. +/- 2.7) microgram per dl (range = 1.0 to 11), and blood Pb concentrations averaged 13.1 (S.D. +/- 3.5) microgram per dl (range = 7.0 to 19). Sperm counts averaged 54 X 10(6) (S.D. +/- 29 X 10(6)) sperm per ml (range = 13 X 10(6) to 120 X 10(6)). Seminal protein concentrations averaged 2.9 (S.D. +/- 0.5) g per dl (range = 2.0 to 4.0). No significant correlations were found between seminal Pb concentrations and blood Pb concentrations or between seminal Pb concentrations and sperm counts. In each subject, the concentration of seminal Pb was less than or equal to the concentration of blood Pb. These measurements are the first published data on seminal Pb concentrations in healthy men, and they serve as reference values for measurements of Pb in semen from Pb-poisoned men.


British and West African facial form in ideal occlusion.

True lateral cephalometric radiographs of 20 adult male British subjects and 20 Nigerian adult males were collected. All subjects showed an ideal occlusion of the teeth. These radiographs were analysed using a facial polygon joining the points Nasion, Sella, Articulare, Gonion and Menton. Additionally, measurements were made of the axial inclination of the incisor teeth and the distances from the incisal edges and apices of the teeth to the facial plane. Statistical examination of the results using "t" tests revealed that the average British mandible had a longer ramus but shorter body joined at a wider angle than the Negro, that the nasal part of the face was longer on average in the British group and that the incisor teeth, on average, projected further and were inclined further forward in the Nigerian group. A linear discriminant function in only three variables predicted with 100 per cent accuracy membership of the two groups. The three variables were the mandibular body length, the height of the nasal part of the face, and the amount by which the incisal edges of the lower incisor teeth projected beyond the facial plane.


Sex and lateral asymmetry of the finger ridge-count.

In a sample 719 individuals, the bimanual difference in ridge-count (right minus left) differed only slightly between the two sexes, the mean difference being 0-621 (females minus males). This is not statistically significant, but further evidence suggests that this difference may be real.


An anthropological study of the Malay and the Chinese of Malaysia.

Data for the ABO blood groups and for handclasping, arm folding, handedness, ear lobe types and camptodactyly are presented for 104 Malay and 57 Chinese males in the city of Alor Star, Kedah, Malaysia. The two groups exhibit marked differences in the frequencies of most of these attributes.


Use of a photodensitometric technique to quantify microscopic lung lesions in mice: Antiviral activity against swine influenza virus.

During studies of swine influenza virus (A/NJ/76) infection, a technique was devised to quantify the pulmonary lesions in infected mice treated at different time intervals with antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. The technique is based on the premise that as the severity of microscopic change increases, the optical density of lung sections also increases because of edema and increased cell numbers in infected lungs. Seven days after intranasal instillation of the virus, mice were killed and the lungs were perfused with 2% glutaraldehyde at constant pressure. Lungs were processed in a routine manner, sectioned at standard levels, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. By using standard photomicrography equipment, multiple optical density measurements were made of lung sections in a carefully controlled systematic manner, and a mean optical density was determined for each lung. The optical density of lungs of mice treated before and after infection with amantadine, rimantadine, or ribavirin was significantly reduced compared with that of the lungs of infected, untreated controls. If treatment was delayed until 15 h after infection, amantadine and ribavirin were effective in reducing pulmonary optical density, but rimantadine was without effect. These findings correlated well with mean lung weight of each group; however, the sensitivity of the optical density technique was greater. Subjective scoring of microscopic lesions revealed differences only between infected and uninfected controls. The densitometric method offers promise as a reliable means of objectively quantifying the pulmonary response to a variety of infectious, toxic, and therapeutic agents.


Mechanism of action of EM 49, membrane-active peptide antibiotic.

EM 49 (recently renamed octapeptin) is a membrane-active peptide antibiotic that has been reported to affect the structure of bacterial membranes (K. S. Rosenthal, P. E. Swanson, and D. R. Storm, Biochemistry 15:5783-5792, 1976). In this study, it is shown that the effects of EM 49 on bacterial metabolism are similar to those of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. EM 49 stimulated bacterial respiration within a narrow concentration range corresponding to minimum inhibitory concentrations and inhibited respiration at concentrations comparable to minimum biocidal concentrations. In addition, the peptide increased membrane proton permeability and lowered the adenosine 5'-triphosphate pool size. Parallel studies done with the related antibiotic polymyxin B demonstrated that the two peptides differed considerably in their effects on bacterial respiration. In contrast to EM 49, polymyxin B did not stimulate respiration at any concentration. It is proposed that the primary action of EM 49 is to disrupt the selective ion permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane, thereby relaxing the membrane potential.


Antibiotic susceptibility of Chlamydia trachomatis.

The antibiotic susceptibility of Chlamydia trachomatis isolates was determined in a tissue culture system. Representatives of all currently recognized serotypes of trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis agents were tested. Tetracycline and erythromycin yielded similar results, with 1.0 mug/ml preventing chlamydial replication. Rifampin was the most active antibiotic, with 0.25 mug/ml completely suppressing inclusion formation of all strains. Fifty percent end points were usually achieved at one-fourth to one-eighth the 100% suppression level. Penicillin was not as effective, and the assays were often irregular. Antibiotic susceptibility of these chlamydiae was essentially the same, regardless of serotype, anatomic site infected, geographic origin, or antibiotic use in the community.


Penetration of cefamandole, cephalothin, and desacetylcephalothin into fibrin clots.

The conversion of cephalothin into a less active metabolite (desacetylcephalothin) might influence its distribution in tissues. An experimental rabbit model devised to determine concentrations of antibiotics in subcutaneous fibrin clots was used in this study. Groups of five to six animals received 100-mg/kg intravenous injections of either cefamandole or cephalothin. One hour after the injection, the concentration of cefamandole in serum was 20 times higher than that of cephalothin. Whereas cephalothin was undetectable at 4 h, cefamandole was still detectable at the end of the experiment. The half-lives of cephalothin and cefamandole in serum were 16 and 27 min, respectively. The concentration of cefamandole found in fibrin clots was severalfold higher than that of cephalothin. The half-life of cefamandole in clots (81 min) was superior to that of cephalothin (38 min). Although concentrations of both antibiotics were higher in serum than in clots at 1 h, the concentrations of these drugs in the clots persisted at higher levels throughout the next 5 h of the experiment. The extent of binding of cefamandole (87%) to rabbit serum was greater than that of cephalothin (50%). At least 55% of cephalothin was metabolized in vivo into its less active metabolite desacetylcephalothin. This metabolite was found in higher proportion in the serum (75%) than in the clots (55%). Whereas only 12% of the free (unbound) cephalothin reached the clots, 78% of the free cefamandole was found in the clots. This lower level of penetration of unbound cephalothin might be explained by the short half-life of this antibiotic, not permitting equilibrium to occur.


Spontaneous implantation of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the digestive tract of chickens in the absence of selective pressure.

In the absence of selective pressure by antibiotics, resistant enterobacteria implanted rapidly in the intestinal tract of chickens, where these organisms subsequently persisted in high numbers. Food could be an important source of this contamination: resistant Escherichia coli present in small numbers in the diet became rapidly and persistently established in the gut. The human caretaker played a passive role in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria between separate groups of chickens. Resistant enteric organisms colonized the gut of animals, with different population sizes. Some strains were able to reach high numbers (10(7) to 10(9)/g), and other strains established themselves at a lower level (10(3) to 10(5)/g), whereas a third type seemed to be only transient inhabitants, unable to persist.


High-pressure liquid chromatographic assay of netilmicin in plasma.

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of netilmicin in plasma was developed. The procedures involve acetonitrile protein precipitation, methylene chloride extraction, and dansylation to form the fluorescent dansyl derivative of netilmicin, which is extracted into ethyl acetate and chromatographed on a reverse-phase column with aqueous acetonitrile as the mobile phase. A good linear relationship between peak height measurements and netilmicin concentrations was found. This method is sensitive and reproducible; a netilmicin concentration as low as 0.5 mug/ml can be measured with only 0.1 ml of plasma sample. The results of assays of plasma or serum samples by this high-pressure liquid chromatographic method correlate well with those obtained by microbiological assays.


Blood, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of several antibiotics in rabbits with intact and inflamed meninges.

Because cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) antibiotic levels fail to predict either clinical success or relapse in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, we examined simultaneous antibiotic concentrations in the blood, brain, and CSF of control rabbits and of animals with experimental pneumococcal meningitis. Cefamandole pharmacokinetics were analyzed in detail and compared with those of cephalothin, ampicillin, penicillin G, and tobramycin. After 4 h of continuous intravenous infusion, cefamandole reached concentrations in both brain and CSF in excess of the minimal bactericidal concentration for the test organism and compared favorably with ampicillin and penicillin in achieving bacteriological cure. Cephalothin levels in the central nervous system remained undetectable in both control and infected animals during this time. Tobramycin concentrations were measurable in the CSF, but not in brain tissue in association with an inflammatory stimulus.


Clinical pharmacology of netilmicin.

Pharmacological studies of netilmicin were conducted in 30 cancer patients. After intravenous administration of 50 mg of netilmicin or gentamicin per m(2) over a 1-h period in 10 patients, the mean peak serum concentrations occurred at the end of the infusion and were 7.6 and 7.3 mug/ml, respectively. At 6 h, the mean serum concentrations of both drugs was 1.1 mug/ml. After intramuscular injection of 50 mg of netilmicin per m(2) to each of the same 10 patients, the mean peak serum concentration was 5.5 mug/ml and occurred at 1 h, and, at 6 h, the mean serum concentration was 1.4 mug/ml. The mean proportion of netilmicin excreted in urine during 6 h after intramuscular injection was 55%, and after intravenous injection it was 40.9%. Results were similar with gentamicin sulfate. After administering 60 mg of netilmicin per m(2) intravenously over 30 min every 6 h in 9 patients, the mean peak serum concentration (7.9 mug/ml) occurred at the end of the infusion. The concentration gradually decreased to below 2.0 mug/ml after 4 h. Continuous infusion of 60 mg of netilmicin per m(2) every 6 h after a 60-mg/m(2) loading dose in 11 patients produced levels consistently above 2.9 mug/ml, during the initial 6-h infusion, and levels above 2.0 mug/ml for at least 1 week.


Structural requirements of guanide, biguanide, and bisbiguanide agents for antiplaque activity.

The bactericidal efficacy of 16 guanide, biguanide, and bisbiguanide agents was studied in vitro against intact preformed plaques of four oral (plaque-forming) microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans, S. sanguis, Actinomyces viscosus, and A. naeslundii. The activities of these agents were examined in relation to their molecular configurations. These studies indicated that the bis- and biguanide configurations are important for efficacy, as is the length of the alkyl side chain. No structural moiety determined efficacy by itself. Furthermore, the activities of these agents were studied to determine the minimal conditions (concentration, duration, and frequency) of treatment required for likely clinical efficacy. At least six agents were judged to have equal or greater efficacy than the reference agent, chlorhexidine digluconate. A plaque bactericidal index was derived for the most potent agents, and comparison to the bactericidal properties of chlorhexidine was expressed as a chlorhexidine coefficient.


Pharmacokinetics of cefaclor in normal subjects and patients with chronic renal failure.

We studied the pharmacokinetics of cefaclor, a new cephalosporin antibiotic, in normal subjects and subjects with chronic renal failure. Cefaclor was largely, but not entirely, eliminated by the kidneys. The cefaclor half-life in normal subjects was 40 to 60 min; in subjects with essentially no renal function, it increased to 3 h. In normal subjects, 50 to 70% of a 250-mg dose was excreted in the urine within 8 h. The linear relationship between the elimination constant and creatinine clearance allowed the construction of a useful dosage modification nomogram.


Radiometric determination of the concentration of amphotericin B in body fluids.

A new assay was developed to determine the concentration of amphotericin B in body fluids. The Bactec radiometric system was used to measure CO(2) production by a test strain, Candida albicans MDA 448, in the presence of amphotericin B. After 5-h incubation, drug concentrations as low as 0.2 mug/ml could be detected. The results are comparable to those of the commonly used agar diffusion assay with Paecilomyces varioti.


Animal fecal carriership and biotypes of Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus was found in 44% of the rectal swabs from 377 pigs and in 12% of the swabs from 147 cows. Seventy-one percent of the isolates from pigs showed fibrinolytic activity and grew in colonies of the negative violet type on crystal violet agar. In this group, 47% of the isolates coagulated both human and bovine plasmas and were characterized as intermediate type, whereas 24% coagulated human plasma and were classified as human biotype A. Among the fibrinolysin-negative isolates, 15, 12, and 2% were identifiable as animal biotypes B, C, and E, respectively. The cow isolates were classified as intermediate type (51%), human biotype A (40%), and animal biotype C (9%).


Nitrification in the intertidal zone: influence of effluent type and effect of tannin on nitrifiers.

Nitrification by intertidal sediments was measured by using a tide simulator that approximated the cycle of seawater on tidal flats. Sediments were chosen from sites affected by industrial and municipal effluents and pastoral seepage and runoff. The ability of sediments from different sites to nitrify endogenous nitrogen varied markedly. All sites exhibited an initial lag before activity commenced. The duration of this lag and the rate of nitrate production were different at each site. The sediments were also capable of oxidizing NH3-N supplied to them in seawater. This "nitrification potential" was highest at sites receiving nitrogenous effluents (slaughterhouse and sewage), but was also substantial in sediments affected by bark extract effluent and pasture runoff. The lowest potential and the longest lag were exhibited by sediments in an apple cannery effluent area. Enrichment cultures of nitrifying microorganisms were obtained from all sites using NH4+ as a source of energy, but enrichments for nitrite oxidizers were unsuccessful. Concentrated pine bark tannins, similar in origin to those in effluents at the well-nitrifying chipmill site, were tested for toxicity to pure cultures of nitrifying bacteria. Two Nitrobacter strains and one Nitrosomonas strain were unaffected by tannins even at 5 mg/ml. A Nitrosolobus and a Nitrosospira strain were inhibited partially at 5 mg/ml and only slightly or not at all at 1 mg/ml.


Emetic and refusal activity of deoxynivalenol to swine.

The minimum emetic dose of deoxynivalenol to swine weighing 9 to 10 kg was 0.05 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally and 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg orally. There was no emesis by undosed pigs consuming vomitus from pigs orally dosed with deoxynivalenol or penned with such pigs without access to vomitus. Analysis by gas-liquid chromatography of a sample of Gibberella zeae-infected corn containing about 25% visually damaged kernels indicated 12 ppm of deoxynivalenol. Deoxynivalenol added to feed reduced feed consumption of 20- to 45-kg pigs, ranging from a 20% decrease with 3.6 ppm to 90% reduction with 40 ppm. Loss in weight was associated with feed refusal. Feed refusal, however, was much greater for naturally infected corn samples than for feeds with equal concentrations of the pure compound added, indicating the involvement of an additional factor(s) in the swine refusal response.


Epichloë typhina from toxic tall fescue grasses.

Epichloë typhina, a clavicipitaceous systemic phytopathogen, was isolated from two varieties and three hybrids of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae). The morphology of the fescue isolates was compared with E. typhina isolated from bent grass (Agrostis perennans). In all isolates, conidia were identical and were typical of E. typhina. In fescue grasses the endophyte failed to produce stromata, but on bent grass the fungus seasonally produced stromata, typical of the genus. Cattle grazing the fescue grasses showed signs of the fescue toxicity syndrome, the E. typhina was found in frequencies of 100%; in grasses from pastures in which cattle showed no signs of the syndrome, frequencies were 0 to 50%. Nutritional factors in vitro were more complex for the isolates from fescue than for the isolate from bent grass. These studies suggested that E. typhina includes biotypes that might be involved in the toxicity syndrome. The fescue biotypes grew poorly on media, and yields were inadequate for toxicity studies. However, the bent grass isolate grew well on three media, and extracts from two of these were toxic to chicken embryos. All isolates produced in vitro the nontoxic fungal steroid tetraenone [ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one], which has been isolated from toxic fescue grasses.


Electron microscopy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae microcolonies grown on solid surfaces.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae sprain CL-8 was studied by using various surfaces for adherence and growth. Cells grown on Epon 812, Formvar, carbon, and glass were of similar morphology. Thin Epon pieces were good material for culturing the organisms and examining thin-sectioned microcolonies by transmission electron microscopy.


Limitations of lysine-iron-cystine-neutral red broth in the presumptive identification of Salmonella.

Lysine-iron-cystine-neutral red broth performed satisfactorily in the presumptive identification of Salmonella in preenriched food and animal feed samples enriched in tetrathionate-brilliant green broth. Homologous results from selenite-cystine enrichment broths yielded unacceptably high numbers of false negative reactions.


Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus after chilling in transport media: an explanation for divergent findings.

Differing incidences of Vibrio parahaemolyticus reported by separate government agencies are attributable to sample handling and subsequent isolation techniques.


Stimulation of the growth and respiration of a methylotrophic bacterium by morphine.

The growth of a pseudomonad on methanol was stimulated by the presence of morphine (or codeine) in the medium. The drug appeared to influence the amount of growth rather than its rate. Respiration of resting cells on a variety of substrates was stimulated by adding morphine. This report appears to be the first case of a microorganism whose growth and respiration is stimulated by an opiate.


[Quantitative studies on the regeneration of myelinated nerve fibers. III. Variations in the number and size of regenerated fibers after localized freezing].

The number and size of myelinated nerve fibers have been determined at standard levels in the nerve to medial head of right and left gastroenemius muscles of 45 rats in which the left sciatic nerve had suffered an localized freezing. The nerves have been observed from 10 to 720 days after the operation. In the contralateral nerve, the number of myelinated fibers decreased in average to 18.8%, the mean diameter to 11,2%. Male rats appeared to be more sensitive than female to the effects of the operation. In the regenerating nerve, the number of myelinated fibers returned to normal during 4th week and later increased up to a mean of 124%. Their distribution became bimodal after the 60th day. Both histograms could be superposed by the 330th day and the mean diameter came back to normal soon afterwards.


[Histoautoradiographic study on the incorporation of tritiated leucine at the level of the subfornical organ in the normal and dehydrated rat].

The histo-autoradiographic study of the subfornical organ by incorporation of 3H-Leucine in normal and dehydrated rats shows the existence of a protein synthesis; this synthesis is more important in dehydrated rats. Other studies are necessary to determine the nature and role of the substance synthetized.


[Mineralization at the level of the calcified cartilage zone. Value and significance of the spicule of calcification].

The calcified cartilaginous spicule, generated in the zone of the calcified cartilage, is included in the primary metaphysis. It is generally admitted that the spicule had a homogeneous structure. Studies of structure and ultrastructure of the calcified spicule made the existence of two definitely different zones obvious: one at the periphery of the spicule, the other in the center. The process of mineralization, noticed on the cartilaginous column, reveals that vesicules are at the origin of mineralization of the peripheral zone and that mineralization of the central zone involves the granules of proteoglycans more particularly.


The morphological phenomenon of paravascular reorganization of nerve conductors.

The work is devoted to the study of a peculiar morphological phenomenon called paravascular reorganization of nerve conductors. In its most general form this phenomenon takes the form of a flattening and an enlargement of the nerve bundles which surround the vessel in the zones of their paravascular localization. The nerve fibres undergo a number of morphological changes, the most characteristic of which are: proliferation of Schwann elements, foci of "demyelinization", varicose swelling of axons, mesh-like formations in the axis-cylinders. These changes are seen mainly in the myelinated fibres of afferent origin. The unmyelinated vegetative fibres remain unchanged in the zones of paravascular localization. The phenomenon of paravascular reorganization of the nerve conductors is of wide-spread occurrence in mammals and humans. It is found most often in flat organs and tissues whose thinness results in contiguity of blood-supplying vessels and nerve conductors. The role of vascular mobility as factor in the morphological reorganization of nerve conductors at their points of intersection and contact within the vascular walls is discussed.


Vitiligo and juvenile diabetes mellitus.

Five juvenile diabetics had vitiligo. In two children, the vitiligo preceded the onset of diabetes. Four of the five patients had thyroid, adrenal, or gastric antibodies or a combination of these. In three children HLA-B8 antigens were detected, and one additional patient had HLA-Bw15. Of eight nondiabetic children with vitiligo, one had abnormal glucose tolerance. To the evidence supporting an autoimmune form of diabetes mellitus we add another observation: the association of insulin-dependent diabetes and childhood vitiligo.


HLA-A10 in pemphigus among Japanese.

The frequency of the major histocompatibility antigen, HLA-A10, was significantly increased (corrected P less than .025) in 43 unrelated patients with pemphigus vulgaris (41.9%) and in 25 patients with pemphigus foliaceus (48.0%), when compared with 60 unrelated healthy controls (16.7%). No significant correlations with other HLA or differences between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus were observed. Both forms of pemphigus were considered to link with the HLA-A10.


Treatment of psoriasis with long-wave ultraviolet light.

Repeated wxposures of 4 by 5-cm sites to erythemogenic doses (20 to 300 joules/sq cm) of long-wave ultraviolet light (UV-A; 320 to 400 nm) led to improvement of the psoriasis vulgaris condition in nine of ten patients treated. Comparison studies showed the therapeutic responses to be similar to that of daily sunburn spectrum (UV-B; 290 to 320 nm) radiation. This finding suggests that the therapeutic response spectrum for psoriasis may parallel the action spectrum for delayed erythema of all portions of the ultraviolet spectrum that pass through psoriatic scale.


Smokers' melanosis. Occurrence and localization in the attached gingiva.

The aim was to clinically study the frequency and extension of the melanin pigmentation in the attached gingiva and its relation to tobacco smoking. The population examined consisted of patients and dental nurse students at the School of Dentistry in Umeå, Sweden. All of the patients with pigmentation proved to be tobacco smokers. The pigmentation was given to name "smokers' melanosis.". Between 12.9% and 14.9% of those examined and between 25.5% and 31.0% of those who smoked had smokers' melanosis. Patients with smokers' melanosis had a significantly higher tobacco consumption than smokers without pigmentation. In 95.2%, smokers' melanosis was found in the mandible and was most common in the attached gingiva on the labial side of the canines and incisors. Smokers' melanosis is thus condidered to be caused by tobacco smoking and is expected to be found in other parts of the oral mucosa.


Topically applied antifungal agents. Percutaneous penetration and prophylactic activity against trichophyton mentagrophytes infection.

Penetration and prophylactic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection of topically applied antifungal agents were studied in human volunteers. The concentration and persistence of drug in the stratum corneum was determined after different treatment schedules and from different vehicles. Measurable levels of griseofulvin, clotrimazole, miconazole nitrate, and thiabendazole remained in the skin four days after discontinuation of topical applications. Griseofulvin, miconazole, and clotrimazole exhibited prophylactic activity against infection by T mentagrophytes spores in a standardized test. Griseofulvin was a significantly better prophylactic agent than either miconazole or clotrimazole.


Cell populations in experimental contact dermatitis.

Sequential biopsy specimens from contact dermatitis induced in the guinea pig by the application of dinitrochlorobenzene were studied by histologic, histochemical, and electron microscopical methods. At 12 hours, mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear cells reached their peak numbers. Increasing numbers of basophils were observed, and at 24 and 48 hours, the basophils reached their maximal numbers. The basophils were observed not only in the dermis but also in the epidermis, and they may have had an active role in inflammation or repair. A close relationship was noted between the macrophage and all of the successive cell populations in the dermis.


Topical treatment of herpes labialis with chloroform.

The efficacy of topical chloroform treatment of herpes labialis (HL) was evaluated in 50 patients with culture-verified HL. Treatment was begun within 48 hours of lesion onset, with either chloroform or camphor-in-oil placebo applied locally once a day for three days. Patients were observed daily by one investigator who also cultured and photographed the lesions. The photographs were evaluated by two other investigators. By direct observation, the time for scab formation was significantly less in the group treated with chloroform (P less than .01). No difference in time to healing was noted. Blind evaluation of the serial photographs showed a trend for more rapid scab formation and healing in patients treated with chloroform, but the differences were not significant. The minimal benefit derived from topical chloroform therapy of HL does not appear sufficient to recommend its routine use.


Erythropoietic porphyria. Two cases and the results of metabolic alkalinization.

Two previously unreported cases of erythropoietic porphyria are presented. Therapeutic modalities are discussed along with the results of both short- and long-term metabolic alkalinization. Although there was a substantial increase in urinary coproporphyrin excretion during a six- to 8-day period of alkalinization, three months of alkalinization therapy resulted in no substantial depletion of porphyrin stores and both patients continued to have new skin lesions develop, indicating no clinical improvement.


Ulcers of the leg in thalassemia.

Four patients had thalassemia and leg ulcers. In three patients the hematologic diagnosis of thalassemia had not been previously made; the presenting symptom was the leg ulcer. The diagnosis of thalassemia should be considered in patients who have unexplained chronic leg ulcers; the incidence of this complication of thalassemia may be higher than previously reported.


DeSanctis-Cacchione syndrome. A case report with autopsy findings.

One of the first patients studied by Cleaver on the DNA repair defect to ultraviolet light damage in xeroderma pigmentosum has been subjected to autopsy examination. This patient had the DeSanctis-Cacchione syndrome (microcephaly, dwarfism, mental deficiency, and choreoathetosis). Her autopsy findings were similar to those of the other three patients with this syndrome, emphasizing olivopontocerebellar atrophy, who underwent autopsy. The patient apparently could not tolerate psoralens because of increased incidence of carcinoma formation.


Acquired periungual fibrokeratoma. A rare benign tumor previously described as the garlic-clove fibroma.

A rare periungual tumor, clinically and histologically identical to the acquired digital fibrokeratoma, is discussed in association with the differential diagnosis of acral digital nodules. It is believed that this is the first report that conclusively links the previously described garlic-clove fibroma with the acquired digital fibrokeratoma.


Halo congenital nevus.

A 24-year-old woman noted a depigmented halo around a pigmented lesion that had been present on her abdomen since birth. The halo and the central pigmented zone showed no change during the following year. Light and electron microscopic studies disclosed an uninflamed nevus extending to the deep reticular dermis; peripherally, the basal layer of the epidermis was depigmented. These findings indicate that a halo may develop about an uninflamed nevus that does not involute, and that the nevus may show the specific histopathology of congenital nevus.


Atypical multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with paraproteinemia.

Two women had multiple subcutaneous nodules that showed features of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MR). Neither had joint symptoms. Both had a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an immunoglobulin G paraproteinemia, and raised levels of nonhepatic serum alkaline phosphatase. The skin lesions have been followed up, using light and electron microscopy, immunoperoxidase, and histochemical methods. The material in the giant cells stained positively for gamma heavy chain determinants: the light chain type in each case was that of the paraprotein. An attempt to reproduce the skin lesions in one patient by intradermal injection of her paraprotein failed.


Ulcerative systematized porokeratosis (Mibelli).

An unusual clinical variant of porokeratosis (Mibelli's disease) appeared in a patient soon after birth; the lesions were widely distributed mostly on the right half of the body. Spontaneous recurrent ulcerations occurred over certain sites. The right foot was grossly deformed as a result of atrophic scarring after ulcerations. Biopsy specimens of the classical lesion showed cornoid lamella. It is suggested that the term "ulcerative systematized porokeratosis" be used to describe this clinical variant of porokeratosis.


Recurrent pyoderma gangrenosum and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

Pyoderma gangrenosum has been associated with myelogenous leukemia and plasma cell dyscrasia. When associated with leukemia, pyoderma gangrenosum often has a distinctive clinical presentation with an advancing bullous margin. The pathogenesis of this disorder is unknown, although defective immune mechanisms may be operative. The occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia in the same patient has now been reported sufficiently to make it a recognized association.


Cobb syndrome.

Cobb syndrome consists of a vascular skin nevus associated with an angioma in the spinal cord. We describe a young man with this condition. To our knowledge, this is the 28th case reported. Cobb syndrome must be differentiated from other syndromes characterized by vascular cutaneous lesions associated with central nervous system abnormalities, such as Sturge-Weber, Osler-Weber-Rendu, Fabry-Anderson, von Hippel-Lindau, and ataxia telangiectasia.


Diffuse eosinophilic fasciitis. A new syndrome or variant of Scleroderma?

Recently, attention has been drawn to a scleroderma-like illness, characterized by transient eosinophilia, which is commonly antedated by unusual physical exertion, is apparently free from significant systemic changes, and in which the primary pathological alterations, consisting of intense inflammation and thickening with or without eosinophils, occur initially in the fascia, not the skin. These patients are said to respond well to oral corticosteroids and an occasional one may undergo spontaneous resolution. Clinicopathologic study of a patient with this syndrome, suggests an even deeper tissue genesis than that recently proposed for some of the cutaneoindurative disorders. Eosinophilic fasciitis probably represents an impressive, but perhaps relatively benign variant of diffuse scleroderma, according to reported cases.


Asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia. Clinical, radiological, and pathological information on 10 patients.

Review of 10 cases of asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia has shown a wide range of clinical effects and some variability in the radiographic features. Respiratory difficulty was severe in 7 babies and lethal in 6 of these. The seventh child is remarkable for his normal stature and excellent health at 15 years of age. 3 babies had no respiratory difficulty but 2 of them subsequently died of renal failure; one remains alive at 3 years. Microscopical abnormalities in the liver and kidneys were very frequent and appeared to increase progressively with age.


Necrotizing enterocolitis. Controlled study of 3 years' experience in a neonatal intensive care unit.

During the 3 years 1972-74, 17 infants were treated for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the Neonatal Unit at University College Hospital. The incidence of the illness was 0.2% of live births in the hospital and 2.7% of those referred from elsewhere. The mean birthweight of the affected infants was 1832 g (range 878-3850 g) and mean gestational age 33 weeks (range 28-40 weeks). The illness was diagnosed at a mean age of 16 days (range 3-33 days). 14 infants (82%) survived. One infant developed NEC because of a volvulus, and another because of an apparently abnormal arterial supply to a segment of bowel. Each of the remaining 15 infants was matched with 3 control infants in order to see whether any factors predisposing to the development of NEC could be identified. Birth asphysia, the use of umbilical catheters, the length of time that these catheters were in place, and complications of catheterization were all significantly more frequent in the infants who developed NEC than in the controls. These findings support the view that hypoxia and ischaemia of the gut wall are important in the pathogenesis of NEC.


Relation of maternal and cord blood serum ferritin.

Serum ferritin was measured in 51 term normal pregnant mothers and the corresponding cord blood samples. All of the mothers had received prophylactic  oral iron and folate during pregnancy. The mean (+/-SD) maternal serum ferritin at the end of pregnancy was 58 +/- 42.9 microgram/l (range 16-201 microgram/l), compared to a mean of 183.2 +/- 61.2 microgram/l (range 62-313 microgram/l) in these newborns. No correlation was found between the serum ferritin of mothers and babies, nor between the serum ferritin and serum iron of mothers at the end of pregnancy or between these parameters in the newborn.


Cardiac biopsy in childhood.

Endomyocardial biopsy was attempted in 18 children aged 5 months to 15 years with 82% success. Biopsies obtained from 15 children were examined by light and electron microscope making positive morphological diagnoses in 3 cases. The biopsy findings were actively helpful in 7 other cases, which contrasts with experience in adult biopsy series. This is a low risk procedure which does not add to the hazards of cardiac catheterization in children.


Diet and serum cholesterol. An Australian family study.

Dietary intake patterns were studied in families in Busselton, Western Australia, known to have mothers and children with high, median, or low serum cholesterol values. There were no significant differences in the percentage contributions to total daily calories by protein, fat, or carbohydrate in mothers, children, or their families from these three groups. The results support the view that diet, per se, does not account for differences in observed serum cholesterol levels within a culturally homogeneous community.


Candida species and yeasts in mouths of infants from a special care unit of a maternity hospital.

A group of 99 babies born in hospital and subsequently transferred to the special care unit were examined for the presence of candidas orally. The rate of isolation rose from 6% neonatally to 53% on day 14 of life. Among infants who did not harbour the organisms when discharged from hospital, colonization rapidly took place so that 79% did so at 4 weeks of age, after which the rate fell to 50% at one year of age. The low incidence of clinical candidosis suggests that in these babies as in other groups C. albicans is normally a harmless commensal.


Diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. 3 cases of 'DIDMOAD' syndrome.

Three children with diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and high-tone deafness were shown to lack vasopressin, indicative of degeneration of the cells of the hypothalamic supraoptic nuclei. The syndrome being due to a single gene defect, inherited as an autosomal recessive, is therefore likely to be the result of an inborn error of metabolism with variable periods of latency in those affected.


Pseudohypoparathyroidism. Variable manifestations within a family.

A wide variety of clinical and biochemical manifestations have been reported in association with pseudohypoparathyroidism and associated disorders. This is illustrated by a family study in which the affected members show widely differing characteristics.


Prostaglandin-induced diarrhoea.

A child with chronic diarrhoea since birth responded to the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors aspirin and indomethacin. During a period without treatment, raised levels of prostaglandins F2alpha and E2 were observed. No source for these raised prostaglandins was shown, and it is suggested that she may have an inborn defect of prostaglandin metabolism.


Association of fatal Coxsackie B2 viral infection and necrotizing enterocolitis.

A case of fatal Coxsackie B2 viral infection and coexisting neonatal necrotizing entercolitis occurred. We suggest that this virus may have a role in the development of NEC.


[Studies on antigenic relationship between grass- and cult. rye pollens by skin-test, RAST and RAST-inhibition-test in patients with pollinosis (author's transl)].

Skin tests on patients suffering from pollinosis suggest frequently an antigenic relationship between various grass and cult. rye pollens. This problem was further studied using both, RAST and RAST inhibition test. The tests were performed with commercial grass pollen discs as well as with self-prepared disc labeled with cult. rye pollens and a combination of various grass antigens. Good agreement was found between self-made and commercial (single antigen) grass pollen discs (95.9%). RAST and skin test correlated also extremely well (92.3%). Mutual inhibition between grass and cult. rye pollens was measured by RAST inhibition test using self-prepared discs. High antigenic relationship between grass and cult. rye pollens was found, however, it could be demonstrated that the antibody pattern varies and contains "grass specific" antibodies.


Leukocyte chemotaxis after in vitro treatment with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA.

Isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were submitted to long wave ultraviolet light (UVA) with and without preincubation of the cells with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP). Leukocyte chemotaxis was determined in modified Boyden chambers using caseine as the attractant. Combined treatment (8-MOP + UVA) significantly inhibited the chemotactic activity with 8-MOP concentrations above 0.1 mug/ml and 2 J/cm(2). However, with high dosage of UVA (5 J/cm(2)) with and without 8-MOP still 25-30% cells migrated through the filters. Also, cell viability as determined by trypan blue exclusion was only moderately affected by combined treatment. The results indicate that these nonreplicating cells are comperatively insensitive to UVA and 8-MOP.


Immunoelectronmicroscopical demonstration of in vivo bound complement C3 in psoriatic lesions.

The presence of in vivo bound complement (C3) within the stratum corneum of 4 psoriatic cases is demonstrated ultrastructurally by the use of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase multistep technique. The positive reaction product was located in the intercellular space and on the surface of the parakeratotic cells within the horny layer. The membranes of the horny cells were not altered and peroxidase granules could also not be detected within their cytoplasm. The explanation of this finding as well as its pathogenetic significance is discussed.


Characterization of the synthesized collagen by mouse L-929 (L-5) cells.

In 48 h incubation L-929 (L-5) cells secreted collagenous protein accounting for 16% of the total protein. CM-chromatography, SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis and DEAE-cellulose chromatography revealed that the collagenous protein was mainly composed of type I collagen, having no collagen of type III. In addition, precursor-form collagen and tropocollagen molecules were found to be present in the incubate.


Lymphocytotoxic antibodies in lightdermatoses.

Occurrence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies of the "cold type" was studied in 92 cases with various lightdermatoses. They were detected in the sera of 39% of the patients with cutaneous porphyrias and never in cases with polymorphous light eruption and other photodermatosis. Correlations between their presence and the duration of the porphyria as well as the severity of hepatopathy could be observed. The results indicate the importance of a long-standing tissue damage in the production of these antibodies. In addition the findings confirm the hypothesis according to which polymorphous light eruption does not belong to the lupus erythematosus entity.


Lead effects among secondary lead smelter workers with blood lead levels below 80 microgram/100 ml.

A subgroup of workers from a secondary lead smelter was defined to include those with blood lead levels not exceeding 80 microgram/100 ml and with no past history of elevated blood lead. Central nervous system symptoms (tiredness, sleeplessness, irritability, headache) were reported by 55% of the group and muscle and joint pain by 39%. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels were elevated in 71% of cases. Low hemoglobin levels (less than 14 gm/100 ml) were found in more than a third of the workers. While BUN and creatinine were mostly in the normal range, there was nevertheless a correlation between ZPP and both BUN and creatinine. Reduced nerve-conduction velocities were present in 25% of the group; this was not significantly different from findings in a control group. The data indicate that a blood level of 80 microgram/100 ml is an inappropriate biological guide in the prevention of lead disease.


Surveillance of animal-bite cases in the United States, 1971-1972.

In January 1971, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) initiated a national animal-bite surveillance program in cooperation with 15 health jurisdictions that agreed to submit data to the center. During the 2-year surveillance period (1971-1972), 196,684 animal-bite cases were reported from the 15 reporting areas. An animal-bite case was defined as any biting of a person by an animal reported to CDC by a participating health department. Data pertaining to some factors associated with animal bites were reported, including the age and sex of the bitten person, the species of the biting animal, and, in some areas, the status of the biting animal with respect to vaccination against rabies.


Respiratory-function changes in textile workers exposed to synthetic fibers.

The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and acute and chronic changes in ventilatory function were studied in three groups of textile workers: 68 workers with exposure to synthetic fibers only, 30 with previous exposure to cotton, and 77 with previous exposure to hemp. The prevalence of dyspnea, grade 3 to 4, was significantly lower (P less than .01) in workers with a history of exposure to synthetic fibers only than in those previously exposed to hemp or cotton. No case of byssinosis was found in any of the workers studied. Values in ventilatory-function tests (FEV 1.0, FVC and MEF 50%) were significantly reduced during the work shift on Monday and Thursday. The Monday MEF 50% preshift values were significantly lower than expected in all three groups of workers. A comparison of the 1963-1973 data on the 77 workers previously exposed to hemp showed a lower prevalence of most chronic respiratory symptoms and smaller acute FEV1.0 and FVC reductions when they worked with synthetic fibers (1973) than when they were exposed to hemp (1963).


[Study of the heart conduction system in atrioventricular disorders].

A His electrogram was registered with a Castillo tripolar catheter in seven patients with atrio-ventricular discordance and transposition of the great arteries (corrected transposition). They all had ventricular septal defect, six had pulmonary stenosis. two had atrial septal defect, and only one patient presented first degree AV block. The QRS was of normal duration, 4 had RBBB morphology in the left precordials. Two with ASD and VSD had a prolonged P/A interval. In one, the His recording was polyphasic with a prolonged H-V (55 msec) and two others showed a wide polyphasic His potential (25 and 26msec), with a prolonged H-V. These 3 cases with prolonged His had a minor degree of RBBB. The remaining 3 showed normal AV conduction. In all, the Purkinje electrogram was registered. The duration of the Pu potential and the Pu-V were normal. Corrected transposition shows a high incidence of slow AV conduction, frequently not detectable in the usual electrocardiogram in agreement with previous anatomo-pathological studies. The distal block would explain the frequency of complete AV block with low cardiac output and frequent sudden death in this type of heart disease. The distal block would compel us to take e more agressive steps in its treatment. Atrial septal defect with slowing of the intra-arial conduction is not detected in the electrocardiogram.


[Static and dynamic volumes after myocardial infarction/clinical and radiological correlation].

A study was made of pulmonary function tests in patients averaging 2 years post MI, who did not present evidence of chronic bronchitis or other types of primary pneumopathy. The influence of smoking and moderate pulmonary congestion due to heart failure were studied. We found a significant inverse relation between dyspnea and the forced one second expiratory volume, as an expression of bronchial obstruction. There was a significant increase in the respiratory volume in patients after MI. This alteration was particularly evident in patients who smoked. On the contrary, in pulmonary congestion the tendency was towards a decrease in respiratory volume. We confirmed the importance of pulmonary function tests for the evaluation of subjective symptoms, this was confirmed by the finding of a decrease in the dynamic pulmonary volumes, specially in smokers, which demonstrates the unfavorable influence of smoking. Heart failure did not significantly influence static or dynamic parameters, although the residual functional capacity showed a tendency to decrease with the degree of congestion.


[Sexual activity in the convalescent from acute myocardial infarct. Bibliographic review].

There is little information in the medical literature about the renewal of sexual activity in patients who have suffered an MI. The knowledge which the internist and the cardiologist have are normally insufficient. The equivalents in energetic cost of a sexual relation of a middle aged adult, are similar to those of: a) a simple Master test of two stairs, b) walking rapidly the length of a street, c) climbing two flights of stairs. d) a test with ergometer to 100 watts or 600 kg-m-m, e) to walk the endles band at 3.5 miles/hour, f) to carry out activities equivalent to 6 cal/min. The average of the maximum cardiac frequency which is reached during coitus is from 115 to 120, equivalent to approximately 4-5 mets., during 20-36 seconds. In the post and preorgasmic period (1 min, before and after) the energetic cost is close to 4 mts. It should be emphasized that there should not exist an exact limit after which the patient who has had an MI is permitted to have sexual relations. The sexual activity should be advised if the patient has satisfactorily passed any of the equivalent tests mentioned above. The cardiologist should know these facts and not wait until the patient asks about them; he should have the initiative to openly discuss them with the patient and his partner from the period interhospitalary convalescence of the MI.


[Tetralogy of Fallot: long term results].

The experience of the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Service of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center with the surgical correction of Tetralogy of Fallot was reviewed. This includes 444 patients operated on between 1960 and 1975. The operatory mortality was 5.6%. The major cause of death was related to a decreased cardiac output. The postoperatory mortality is minimal (2.9%) and reoperations are rarely necessary. The 91.3% of the patients presented right bundle branch block in the immediate postoperatory period and 8.7% was accompanied by left anterior hemiblock. All of these patients are clinically well and to not present syncopal crisis or signs of AV block. 145 patients (33%) were re-catheterized in the late postoperative period. The hemodynamic results and the clinical evaluation show that in 85.6% of these cases the results obtained are from "Good to Excellent".


[Prinzmetal's angina].

We have described a coronary ischemic syndrome not infrequent. It has been diagnosed only a few times in our medium and it can cause grave risks for the patient if it is not recognized in time and managed in an adequate manner.


Studies on hyperactivity in rats given tranylcypromine stereoisomers and reserpine.

Hyperactivity, salivation, piloerection, exophthalmia and ejaculation occurred in rats given reserpine (5 mg/kg i.p.) 2 hr after an oral dose (5 mg/kg) of trans-dl-2-phenylcyclopropylamine (tranylcypromine, dl-Tcp). The same syndrome occurred in rats given the d-isomer (d-Tcp) plus reserpine but not in rats given the l-isomer (l-Tcp) lus reserpine. Neither alpha methyl-p-tyrosine (2 X 150 mg/kg s.c.) nor parachlorophenylalanine (200 mg/kg s.c.) pretreatment prevented the hyperactivity syndrome. The results suggest that mainly MAO inhibition and release of monoamines are involved in the hyperactivity syndrome produced by dl-Tcp plus reserpine.


Atropine substitutes and the writhing syndrome in mice.

The mouse writhing test has been used to evaluate analgesic drugs. In the present work the protective effect of atropine sulfate and eight of its substitutes was studied against acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. This was compared with the protection afforded by noramidopyrine, a non-narcotic analgesic. Both the time of onset of writhing and the number of writhes over a period of 15 min was recorded. The results seem to indicate some correlation between chemical structure and protective effect. Dicyclomine hydrochloride and orphenadrine hydrochloride produced an effect comparable with that of noramidopyrine, while atropine sulphate, oxyphenonium bromide and piperidolate hydrochloride were less potent. Homatropine methylbromide, mepenzolate methylbromide, amprotropine phosphate and penthienate bromide were ineffective.


The effects of propranolol HCl in hippocampal-lesioned rats.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of propranolol administration in rats lesioned in the hippocampal area. Chronic oral administration of propranolol to intact rats produced a significant decrease in mean systolic blood pressure. No significant changes in blood pressure were produced with propranolol treatment in rats lesioned in the septal or anterior hypothalamic areas, whereas, in rats lesioned in the hippocampal area, a significant elevation of blood pressure was observed. These findings confirm previous results that suggest that the hypotensive effects observed with chronic propranolol administration are mediated via the hippocampus.


Uptake, turnover and release of norepinephrine in pigmented and albino rat eye.

The uptake, turnover and release of norepinephrine were studied in the rat eye as a function of its pigmentation. The endogenous norepinephrine level was increased in eyes with melanic pigments and the exogenous amine uptake was decreased. In the coloured eye, two sites for norepinephrine uptake and release were present. Desipramine did not inhibit in the same manner the amine in the albino and pigmented eye. No variation was found in the norepinephrine biosynthesis for the two races of rats. The release rate of exogenous amine was higher in the pigmented rat eye.


Changes in the frequency of electroencephalographic rhythms of the rat caused by single, intraperitoneal injections of ethanol.

Ethanol (2-4 g/kg, i.p.) caused a slowing of the three main forms of electroencephalographic activity of the waking rat (hippocampal theta rhythm, and hippocampal and neocortical large-irregular amplitude activity). The effect was dose-dependent within those dose ranges, and bore a gross relation to blood ethanol levels. Lower dosages (0.5-1 g/kg) had no effect.


Pharmacology of 9-gamma-methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-HCl (ID-9206-HCl), a new potent antidepressant.

The pharmacological properties of 9-gamma-methylaminopropyl-9,10-dihydro-9,10-methanoanthracene-HCl (ID-9206-HCl) were examined in comparison with those of imipramine, amitriptyline and maprotiline in animals. ID-9206 showed the characteristic pharmacological profile of an antidepressent: anti-reserpine and anti-tetrabenazine activities, potentiation of central and peripheral actions of norepinephrine, and potentiation of methamphetamine and yohimbine actions. ID-9206 had weak peripheral anticholinergic activities and sedative effects. ID-9206 was less toxic in mice and rats than the other three antidepressants.


Effects of nicotine and cocaine on the release of acetylcholine from isolated human placental villi.

According to our studies, human term placenta contains about 112 nmol/g of ACh. In the present studies, isolated placental villi were suspended in Kreb's bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees and acetylcholine (ACh) released into the medium was analyzed by gas chromatography. The spontaneous release of ACh into the medium was linear with time and was 35 pmol/g/min. Cocaine in doses of 280 and 56o micrometer decreased the spontaneous release of ACh to 23, and 17 pmol/g/min, respectively. Raising the Ca2+ concentration in the Kreb's bicarbonate buffer from 2.34 to 4.64 mM, or the addition of nicotine (58 micrometer) to the bath increased the rate of release of ACh to 53 and 47 pmol/g/min, respectively. Cocaine decreased the rate of release of ACh even in the presence of Ca2+ or nicotine. ACh was not released when Ca2+ was absent in the medium. Nicotine did not stimulate the release of ACh in the Ca2+ free medium. High concentrations of K+ increased ACh release in the presence of Ca2+ and it did not have any effect on ACh release in the absence of Ca2+. These observations indicate that external Ca2+ is required for the release of ACh and cocaine acts possibly by preventing the entry of external Ca2+ into the syncytiotrophoblast, and thereby decreases ACh release from the placental villus.


The effect of dimethylphenylpiperazinium on the amine uptake process.

Dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) potentiated the contractile response of rat isolated vas deferens to norepineprine and decreased that to tyramine. This action of DMPP is explained by the observation that it inhibited the uptake of 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-tyramine into adrenergic nerve terminals.


Contractile responses to tryptamine analogues in isolated smooth muscle.

Tryptamine and its benzo[b]thiophene and 1-methylindole analogues had a lower affinity for receptors in rat stomach fundus strips than did serotonin; the interaction between serotonin and methysergide in this system was competitive, while the interactions between tryptamine and its analogues and methysergide were noncompetitive. In contrast, the affinity of tryptamine and 1-methyl-tryptamine for receptors in rat aorta strips was greater than the affinity for serotonin; all three compounds showed noncompetitive interactions with methysergide. The results support the hypothesis of differing serotonin receptors in the two tissues.


The effect of repeated administration of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on serotonin metabolism in the rat brain.

The level of serotonin (5-HT) was increased in the whole rat brain as well as in the hypothalamus plus midbrain region at 0.5 hr after the fifth or sixth daily dose of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 20.0 mg/kg, i.p., respectively. A decreased rate of 5-HT synthesis was also observed. A slight development of tolerance was indicated by the fact that elevation of 5-HT was smaller than that seen after a single dose (1).


Effects of D 600 and papaverine on the inotropic response to isoprenaline on left guinea-pig atria under the graded influence of changes of frequency and temperature.

Isolated left guinea-pig atria were used to examine the influence of D 600 and papaverine on baseline contractile function and inotropic response to isoprenaline, under variable conditions of temperature (27 degrees to 42 degrees C) and rate of beat (0.125 to 4 Hz). The inotropic stimuli, caused by increasing the frequency of stimulation and decreasing the temperature, could not overcome the depressive action of D 600 on basal systolic tension. In addition the inotropic effects evoked by papaverine at low rates of beat and high temperatures were converted into cardiodepressive effects at high stimulation rates and low temperatures. The inotropic response to isoprenaline appeared to be by far more resistant to the depressive actions of D 600 and papaverine than the baseline contractile function. Only at a stimulation frequency of 2 Hz, high concentrations of D 600 (3 X 10(-7)M) and papaverine(3 X 10(-5)M) reduced the response caused by isoprenaline. At a stimulation frequency of 0.5 Hz, however, D 600 left the inotropic responses to isoprenaline unchanged, whereas papaverine potentiated these responses. It appears from the present results that the frequency of stimulation and the temperature greatly modify the cardiodepressive actions evoked by D 600 and papaverine.