Carcino-embryonic antigen activity in urine of patients with bladder carcinoma. Clinical evaluation of carcino-embryonic antigen. II.

This paper deals with the study of CEA levels in urine from healthy control subjects, of patients with bladder carcinoma or previous bladder carcinoma, and other groups of patients. In 53% of the patients with bladder carcinoma and without urinary infection, urinary CEA was increased. There were no false positive results. It is concluded that urinary CEA is a valuable aid in the detection of malignant tumour growth in the bladder. The results are compared with several tumour parameters, e.g. tumour size, stage of disease and histological parameters. Evidence is presented that CEA in infected urine is not produced by bacteria and that, like soluble vaginal excretory products, this substance has antigenic groupings in common with CEA from bladder tumours.


Clinical significance of urinary carcino-embryonic antigen estimations during the follow-up of patients with bladder carcinoma or previous bladder carcinoma. Clinical evaluation of carcino-embryonic antigen, III.

Urinary carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) was measured in a follow-up study of 101 bladder carcinoma patients. Urinary CEA estimation during follow-up appears to be of clinical value. Negative results can be interpreted only in relation to previously increased values. Positive results are of value in retrospect when combined with negative data, e.g. in evaluation of suspicious bladder changes and as an early indication of renewed tumour growth. Increased CEA levels in urines from patients with urinary infection rapidly decline once the infection is cured.


Turbidimetric determination of haptoglobin.

A specific, accurate and simple determination of haptoglobin is described with an antiserum against the antigenic determinants of the three haptoglobin phenotypes 1-1, 2-1 and 2-2. Antihaptoglobin is the determining factor in the formation of an antigen-antibody complex with maximal light absorption properties. Haptoglobin concentration is expressed as hemoglobin binding capacity. For the three haptoglobin phenotypes we found similar correlation between the turbidimetric method and the direct measurement of hemoglobin binding capacity by agar-electrophoresis.


A new enzymatic determination of cholesterol. The use of aldehyde dehydrogenase to measure H2O2 producing reactions, II.

Cholesterol oxidase, coupled with the catalase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, is proposed for the determination of cholesterol. The main advantages of this procedure over comparable methods employing cholesterol oxidase are its short reaction time and the use of NADP which permits the direct calculation of the cholesterol concentration from the absorbance value.


[Experience with the glucose-dehydrogenase-UV-method for the determination of blood glucose (author's transl)].

A method for glucose determination using glucose-dehydrogenase is described. Our experience with this method is based on 70 000 determinations of blood glucose within six months. Linearity over a wide range, accuracy and specificity highly recommend this method. No interference was noticed by substances physiologically occuring in blood. The glucose-dehydrogenase-method correlated well with the hexokinase glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase method for the determination of blood glucose.


[Chromatographic investigation of the substrate properties of 8-bromo-ATP in the nucleoside diphosphate kinase reaction (author's transl)].

8-bromo-ATP is a substrate of nucleoside diphosphate kinase. Its reactivity is similar to that of ATP, and the reaction appears to be unaffected by the different conformations of these two substrates. The nucleoside diphosphate kinase reaction with 8-bromo-ATP cannot be monitored photometrically (optical test) using an NADH/NAD+-dependent enzyme system, because the product 8-bromo-ADP is not a substrate for pyruvate kinase. Measurements of the nucleoside diphosphate kinase reaction with 8-bromo-ATP therefore, were carried out by chromatographic analysis of the nucleoside-triphosphate/diphosphate ratio.


A spectrophotometric method for the determination of monoglyceride hydrolase.

A monoglyceride hydrolase assay is introduced in which the activity of the enzyme is determined by the use of coupled enzymatic reactions. Measurements are easy to perform on a conventional photometer; they are specific, precise and show good reproducibility.


Gas chromatographic estimation of homovanillic acid in serum of normals and psychotic patients.

Homovanillic acid is extracted from 0.5 ml serum with ethyl acetate at acidic pH, and its pentafluoropropionic anhydride and hexafluoroisopropanol derivative injected into a 3% SE-30 column at 140 degrees C, fitted with an electron capture detector. In a group of normal volunteers (n = 42) a mean value of 62+/-45 mug/l was found. The distribution of the serum concentrations was found to be bimodal. Using the same procedure for the homovanillic acid estimation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mean values of 73.0+/-41 mug/l serum and 68+/-36 mug/l CSF were found for a group of 22 untreated patients with paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome. After treatment with neuroleptics, for 1 week to 1 month, the homovanillic acid concentration increased significantly only in the CSF. By the procedure described, other acidic metabolites of biogenic amines are extracted together with homovanillic acid and can also be estimated in the same sample.


[Bivariate evaluation of laboratory findings: immunoglobulin G and albumin in cerebrospinal fluid (author's transl)].

Using radial immunodiffusion, albumin and immunoglobulin G were determined in non-preconcentrated cerebrospinal fluid from 127 controls and from 239 patients. In controls the concentrations of albumin and immunoglobulin G followed normal distribution. The two variables were correlated linearly (r = 0.60). The elliptic bivariate normal range was calculated, and was found to contain 95% of the paired values. As a clinical limit, this range discriminated more effectively between normal and altered pairs than the two one-dimensional normal ranges X+/-2 s, thus improving the evaluation of laboratory findings in the single case. Likewise in clinically defined groups of patients, bivariate evaluation of results provided additional evidence. In many distinct clinical syndromes, e.g. bacterial encephalomeningitis, polyneuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, albumin and immunoglobulin G concentrations exhibited an especially close correlation, probably resulting from damage to the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. However, no correlation of these two variables was detected in acute encephalomeningitis due to virus infection, and in multiple sclerosis: in these groups, immunoglobulin G concentrations were elevated independently of albumin. Since evidence is lacking as to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, it seems noteworthy that the same phenomenon was observed in a well-defined group of viral infections.


[Determination of the activity of peptidases and amino acid aryl amidases (author's transl)].

A modification of the Bratton-Marshall reaction for the quantitative determination of enzymically released p-nitroaniline is described. It is very sensitive, easily performed, shows good reproducibility, and it is suitable for routine use in clinical chemistry.


Critical evaluation of measurement of platelet monoamine oxidase in man.

Some biochemical characteristics such as substrate specificity, substrate affinity and inhibitor sensitivity of monoamine oxidase of human blood platelets were investigated. Tyramine, tryptamine and beta-phenylethylamine were used as substrates. The apparent Michaelis constants, maximal velocity rates and I50 for the inhibitor tranylcypromine were determined. The data were analyzed according to Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon. The influence of amitriptyline, a prototype of tricyclic antidepressants, on the selected variables (Km, V, I50), was studied. The parameters investigated showed remarkably low interindividual differences when healthy volunteers were tested. The inhibitor activity of amitriptyline towards platelet monoamine oxidase depends on the substrate used. Amitriptyline concentrations which showed a pronounced effect on the enzyme characteristics are significantly higher than plasma levels of the drug found under therapeutic conditions.


On the self-regulation of the occipital alpha rhythm: control strategies, states of consciousness, and the role of physiological feedback.

In an experiment investigating the self-control of occipital alpha strength, a factorial design was employed with two levels of feedback (available or non-available), three levels of instruction (Cognitive, Oculomotor, and none), and two levels of lighting (on and off), except that the no-feedback-no-instruction group was not run. The Cognitive instructions were based on the strategies reported in the literature: To generate alpha, persons were instructed to relax, "let go", try to feel pleasant and serene, and allow themselves to review pleasant personal experiences; to suppress alpha, persons were instructed to concentrate, try hard, exert themselves mentally, and try to fell anxious or frustrated. The Oculomotor instructions to generate alpha were to visually blur and not focus, and to suppress alpha were to "look" and focus. The results led to the following conclusions: (a) Feedback-augmented enhancement and suppression of occipital alpha strength is always mediated by learned control of oculomotor processes, although sometimes persons are not aware that they are employing this strategy, especially in the case of alpha enhancement; alpha feedback trainees learn to "not look" in order to enhance alpha strength. (b) Whenever Cognitive strategies are successful in producing alpha strength changes, this is due to the fact that they can be efficient mediators of changes in oculomotor processes. (c) Feedback together with simple Oculomotor instructions leads to more successful alpha control than either alone. (d) High or enhanced levels of occipital alpha strength are not invariably accompanied by the "alpha experience", in fact, if a person is not led to expect it, the alpha experience will usually not occur during occipital alpha enhancement feedback. (e) States of nonsensory awareness, such as an absorption in thoughts and feelings, are reliably associated with enhanced occipital alpha strength. This association is what would be expected: Since vision is the dominant sensory modality in humans, it is reasonable that when visual processing is reduced during alpha enhancement feedback that there is also reduced sensory awareness in general and often greater attention to thoughts and feelings. (f) Alpha feedback per se is neither necessary for nor especially facilitative of the achievement of the alpha experience. Thus, if the alpha experience is more likely to occur with alpha feedback than without it, this is due to the special circumstances that make up the feedback situation and not due to alpha feedback per se.


An analytical model for ovarian follicle dynamics.

Differential counts of follicles of different sizes in the ovaries of intact and hypophysectomized strain A mice of various ages have been analysed statistically. The influence of age on the number of follicles in each size group is described. The number of small follicles in the ovarian pool declined exponentially, whereas numbers of follicles in other groups displayed two peaks, one during immaturity and the other in adult life. These appeared sequentially in follicles in successive groups. The proportion of follicles growing and dying was estimated and age dependent fluctuations in the time spent by follicles in each group were demonstrated. Further calculations then determined the mean inflow and outflow of follicles to and from the various groups throughout the lifespan. Hypophysectomy during post-puberty decreased only slightly the utilization of small follicles from the pool and did not prevent their subsequent development to the two-layered stage. Many follicles then died at this stage of development, indicating that the initial main site of gonadotrophic action may be on medium sized follicles with two layers of granulosa cells.


Effects of epididymal occlusion on sperm maturation in the hamster.

Hamster epididymal spermatozoa were isolated in the caput, corpus and cauda regions for one, two and three days. Sperm suspensions from these regions were assessed for morphology, motility, viability; and for fertility by A.I. The ability to capacitate was tested by checking for acrosome reactions when the sperm were cultured under defined capacitating conditions at 37 degrees C in vitro. Normal, mature cauda sperm were highly fertile (overall 77% of ova fertilized) and showed 50-80% incidence of acrosome reactions after six hours in culture. Isolation for up to three days had no effect. Immature sperm from the caput and corpus were poorly motile, infertile, and did not manifest an acrosome reaction. Isolation for one and two days produced improvements in motility, and distal migration of the cytoplasmic droplet skin to normal maturation, however the sperm remained infertile and did not capacitate in vitro. Survival after three days isolation was poor. Thus the development of fertilizing ability in hamster epididymal spermatozoa is closely related to the ability to manifest an acrosome reaction in vitro; however it is only poorly correlated with motility and morphology. Completion of sperm maturation in this species appears to require the environment of the cauda epididymidis.


Changes in the shape of the developing vertebrate nervous system analyzed experimentally, mathematically and by computer simulation.

Two forces are necessary and sufficient to produce the transformation of the newt neural plate from a hemispheric sheet of cells one cell thick to a keyhole shape. These forces are: (1) a regionally programmed shrinkage of the surface of the neural plate (accomplished by contraction of the apical surfaces of the neural plate cells and elongation of these cells perpendicular to the plate); and (2) displacement of the whole sheet caused by elongation of either the notochord or the overlying neural plate cells in the antero-posterior direction. A computer simulation and mathematical analysis ("morphodynamics"), together with experiments and observations on embryos, were used to deduce the morphogenesis of the neural plate from these forces.


Response of the ovary in the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), to various combinations of photoperiod and temperature.

Responses of the ovary of the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, to various regimes of photoperiod and temperature, were studied during the different periods of the annual ovarian cycle. During the preparatory and post-spawning periods moderate temperatures of 25 degrees C and above, regardless of photoperiod, were more favorable for the formation of yolky (stage III) oocytes than coller temperatures (below 23 degrees C). Even under conditions of continuous dark or light, ovarian development occurred as a function of warm temperatures. Gravid ovaries were maintained beyond the spawning period only with a temperature of 30 degrees C, photoperiod notwithstanding. Nevertheless, moderate or cool temperatures did not prevent the ovarian regression that occurred by the first week of October in the post-spawning period. Regulation of ovarian activity at least in part by an endogenous circannual rhythm appears possible.


Protein synthesis in lethal nucleocytoplasmic hybrids between the species Pleurodeles waltlii Michahelles and Ambystoma mexicanum Shaw (urodele amphibians) obtained by nuclear grafting.

Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, proteins stemming from the nucleus of the donor species in nucleocytoplasmic hybrids were determined. The interspecific lethal nucleocytoplasmic hybrids of Pleurodeles waltlii and Ambystoma mexicanum were studied. The presence of these proteins at the blastula or early gastrula stages attests to the early nuclear control of their synthesis.


A role for esterases in the fertilization process.

The corona penetrating enzyme of sperm is shown to be esterolytic in nature. This is the first known function of the several sperm esterases and indicates the cementing substance between cells of the corona radiata contains an essential ester linkage.


Photoperiodic control of antler cycles in deer. III. Decreasing versus increasing day lengths.

Deer were exposed for three years to photoperiods which increased or decreased two hours every four months, starting at 4L/20D or 20L/4D, respectively. Under both sets of conditions, antlers were repeatedly shed and replaced, usually in synchrony with every other time the day lengths were changed. On decreasing days, antler cycles were omitted as the photoperiod passed the equinox (12L/12D). On increasing days, the equinoctial photoperiod induced prolonged episodes of antler growth. The tendency for the antler replacement cycle to lock onto alternate changes in artificial photoperiods is consistent with the seasonal growth of antlers every other time the day lengths change in the natural environment. It is suggested that antler replacement is triggered neither by shortening nor lengthening days, but by the alternation of such changes irrespective of the direction of the shift in the photoperiod.


The regeneration of brachial nerves of contralateral origin into benervated fused newt forelimbs.

Previous studies involving the end-to-end fusion of the forelimbs of the adult newt have demonstrated that new limbs can regenerate from the transected ends of proximo-distally reversed limb segments. The limb regeneration could only have been initiated by nerve fibers of contralateral origin. The purpose of the present study is to describe histologically the manner in which nerve fibers of contralateral origin regenerate through the junction of fused limbs into the opposite limb. The first sign of nerve regeneration into the opposite limb was observed at eight days post fusion. The nerves crossed over into the opposite, originally denervated limb in a highly dispersed manner. These nerve fibers eventually aggregated, however, either under the skin or within persisting nerve trunks. By 19 days post fusion the nerve fibers had reached the elbow region of the originally denervated limb and by 25 days they were seen at the most proximal extent of the limb. The diameters of the axons seemed smaller than the diameters of regenerating axons observed in non-fused newt forelimbs.


Anesthesia as an effective agent against the production of congenital anomalies in mouse fetuses exposed to electromagnetic radiation.

A total of 130 female mice pregnant at 8 days were exposed singly to a 7.3 watt microwave waveguide at 2,450 MHz wave length while being monitored for total obsorbed dose, the exposure being four minutes. Among the 1,328 offspirng examined (327 of which were controls) those not anesthetized but irradiated showed greater fetal damage than those that were anesthetized and placed in one of the three positions with respect to the radiation beam. Immobilization with anesthesia and restraint in the broadside position provided the greatest protection to the fetus against any teratologic effects. Anesthesia reduces the body temperature to a degree equivalent to the rise in temperature expected from the radiation conditions used, hence the protection against the primary thermal effect of microwave irradiation.


Effects of various low temperatures, cryoprotective agents and cooling rates on the survival, fertilizability and development of frozen-thawed mouse eggs.

Frozen mouse eggs were examined to determine the effects of low temperatures, concentration of cryoprotective agents and cooling rates on their survival, fertilizability in vitro and subsequent development. Dimethyl sulfoxide administered at 1.5 M concentration was found to be the most effective cryoprotective agent. Upon thawing, 51% and 56% of the eggs appeared to be normal after having been cooled at 0.33 degrees C/min to -30 degrees C and -50 degrees C, but only 18% of the eggs appeared to be normal after having been cooled at the same rate to -75 degrees C. When eggs were cooled at 0.33 degrees C/min to -45 degrees C and the cooling rate increased to 1 degree C/min from -45 degrees C to -75 degrees C, 44% and 72% appeared normal upon thawing. Of the normal eggs fertilized in vitro from C3H mice, 65% cleaved to the 2-cell stage and 24% of the 2-cell eggs developed into blastocysts. Following the transfer of 17 blastocysts into three recipient mice, one mouse delivered three normal young.


Alterations in the developmental properties of stroma during the development of the urogenital ridge into ductus deferens and uterus in embryonic and neonatal mice.

The ability of mesenchyme from the urogenital ridge to participate in the development of male and female urogenital organs was studied by preparing homo- and heterotypic recombinants of epithelium and stroma from ductus deferens and uterus of neonatal mice. The recombinants as well as intact 14-day old embryonic urogenital ridges (URG) were grown for two to eight weeks in adult male and female hosts. The development of ductus deferens and seminal vesicle from female UGR's grafted into male hosts and uterus from male UGR's grafted into female hosts demonstrate that the mesenchyme of embryonic UGR's is capable of participating in the development of either male or female urogenital structures. During normal development of the female urogenital tract, the bisexual morphogenetic potentiality of UGR mesenchyme persists postnatally as demonstrated by the ability of uterine stroma to support normal differentiation of epithelium of ductus deferens in male hosts. Conversely, during the normal development of the male urogenital tract, the morphogenetic potentiality of mesenchyme of the urogenital ridge is restricted as stroma from the ductus deferens appears incapable of participating in uterine morphogenesis in male or female hosts. These differences in the developmental properties of UGR stroma may be attributed to differences in hormonal conditions in male and female fetuses.


An ultrastructural analysis of chick embryonic skin development in vitro.

Behaviour of 6-day chick embryo thigh skin in vitro in two different nutrients was studied electron microscopically. In explants supported with chicken serum containing medium epithelium keratinized faster than and in a similar way to that in ovo, except for the absence of corpuscola cribriformia in pericytes. It did not in explants supported with chick embryo extract containing medium, but underwent a noticeable ultrastructural evolution, mainly of granular reticulum and Golgi complexes. In the two series of cultures mesenchyme presented the same ultrastructural characteristics, especially as far as collagen fibers were concerned. The above data rule out the suggested regulatory role of collagen fibers in epidermal differentiation and support a possible epidermal two-step differentiative process. They are discussed in relation to the general mechanisms implicated in skin evolution.


Intercellular junctions in the Xenopus embryo prior to gastrulation.

A freeze-fracture study of Xenopus embryos at the eight-cell stage revealed the presence of tight junctions and small aggregations of 120 A diameter intramembranous particles. These aggregations consisted of up to ten particles and resembled forming gap junctions. Examination of early blastulae showed that fully developed gap junctions were present, apparently occurring very infrequently. These results support the contention that specialized junctions mediate electrical coupling during early amphibian development.


The reaquisition of cell adhesiveness following tissue disaggregation by eleven different agents.

Disaggregation of seven-day embryonic chick neural retina tissue by eleven different agents produces cells which require variable periods of time to become aggregation competent in culture. The time required between cell isolation and the beginning of inter-cellular adhesion in rotation culture is dependent upon the particular isolating agent used and ranges from zero to sixty minutes.


Induction of meiosis by injection of heterologous protein kinase and phosphorylase kinase in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Meiosis reinitiation has been triggered by injection of beef heart protein kinase or rabbit phosphorylase kinase into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Successful injections are followed by germinal vesicle breakdown, chromosome condensation, formation of a normal meiotic spindle, and appearance of an amplifiable maturation promoting factor. Meiosis reinitiation does not occur when the enzymes are introduced into the oocytes simultaneously with EGTA or after pretreatment with cycloheximide. Antipain, an antiprotease which abolishes the response of oocytes to progesterone, does not suppress the meiosis reinitiation induced by injection of protein kinase or phosphorylase kinase.


Electrophoretic introduction of calcium ions into the cortex of Xenopus laevis oocytes triggers meiosis neinitiation.

Meiosis reinitiation has been triggered via electrophoretic driving of Ca++ into the cortex of Xenopus laevis oocytes freed from functional follicle cells by collagenase treatment. Mg++ could not be substituted for Ca++. Ca++ induced maturation resembles progesterone induced maturation in so far both are inhibited by cycloheximide, give rise to amplifiable MPF in the cytoplasm of treated oocytes and allow chromosome condensation and the formation of a normal meiotic spindle.


Purification and polypeptide composition of Semliki Forest virus RNA polymerase.

A purification method for Semliki Forest virus-specified RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from BHK cells is described. The procedure entails (i) the preparation of a crude cell lysate by Dounce homogenization of cells 3-5 h post-infection, (ii) differential centrifugation to give a 15 000 g 'mitochondrial' pellet, (iii) equilibrium centrifugation on discontinuous sucrose gradients (Friedman et al. 1972) to give a membranous band of density 1-16 g/ml, (iv) solubilization with Triton N-101 and velocity centrifugation to give a 25S solubilized polymerase complex and (v) affinity chromatography through an oligo (dT)-cellulose matrix bearing immobilized 42S virus particle RNA. The overall purification was approx. 360-fold with a 5% recovery of activity. Of the various intermediate fractions in the purfication procedure, only the relatively crude post-nuclear supernatant fraction was competent to synthesize the major single-stranded RNAs found in infected cells. Other fractions incorporated precursor only into replicative intermediate (RI) or replicative from (RF). Analysis of the product RF showed that it was of the same size and could bind to the same extent to oligo (dT)-cellulose as the RF isolated directly from lysates of infected cells. Displacement hybridization and ribonuclease digestion suggested that the purified polymerase could only complete previously initiated progeny positive strands using negative strands as template and, even in its most highly purified form, was still tightly bound to its template. Analysis on polyacrylamide slab gels revealed the presence of three 35S-labelled polypeptides in the purified polymerase preparation, but a polypeptide which had identical electrophoretic mobility to the lowest mol. wt. polypeptide of the purified polymerase was also present in material from mock-fected cells which had been taken through the purification procedure. From these results we conclude that only two virus-specified polypeptides are present in the polymerase. A scheme for the synthesis of these polypeptides is presented in the accompanying paper.


RNA polymerase components in Semliki Forest virus-infected cells: synthesis from large precursors.

Two previously undescribed stable polypeptides (referred to as nsp 90 and nsp 63) appear in mammalian and avian cells infected with Semliki Forest virus. They are distinguishable from the virus structural proteins and their known precursors by their molecular weights and tryptic peptide maps, and are identical in size to two polypeptides found in purified preparations of virus-specific RNA polymerase. Data from pulse-chase experiments and from the use of inhibitors of proteolytic cleavage indicate that nsp 90 and nsp 63 are synthesized via a series of post-translational cleavages from three larger polypeptides, p200, p184 and p150. The labelling kinetics after synchronous initiation of protein synthesis are also consistent with the synthesis of nsp 90 and nsp 63 from a common initiation site, and show that nsp 63 is located close to this site. It is concluded that nsp 90 and nsp 63 are components of the virus-specific RNA polymerase, and are synthesized via a post-translational cleavage scheme entirely separate from that leading to the synthesis of the virus structural proteins.


Purification and physicochemical characteristics of African swine fever virus.

Methods for the purification of African swine fever virus (ASFV) and its dissection into two fractions are described. The difficulties which have been encountered previously in attempts to purify the virus, namely contamination with large amounts of cellular constituents and aggregation of the virus particles, have been overcome by treatment with Tween 80 and by the use of 1 M-NaCl in the sucrose gradients. Five major polypeptides, mol. wt. 10(3) X 125 (VP1), 76 (VP2), 50 (VP3), 44 (VP4) and 39 (VP5) were found in the purified particles. The virus was dissected by treatment with Nonidet NP 40 into (a) a fraction which had the appearance of an empty capsid shell and capsid shell and contained the polypeptides VP2 and VP3 and (b) a structure containing VP1 and VP4. The location of VP5 was not ascertained.


[Contribution to the anatomoclinical and genetic study of tuberous sclerosis in infancy (author's transl)].

A case of Bourneville's disease is described, which is unusual because of the absence of clinical symptomatology until death occurred in the ninth month of life. Moreover, the post-mortem examination revealed the presence of cortical plaques of tuberous sclerosis which were in number, size and extension much more pronounced than in any previously published cases. On the basis of extensive topographical preparations of continuous sections taken from two cerebral hemispheres, the author provides an exact spatial representation of the tuberous sclerotic lesions and demonstrates the almost complete integrity of the central grey nuclei and the rhinencephalic complex. From data collected on numerous published infantile cases, in which he records the date of the onset of epilepsy, and, in addition, making use of neuropediatric and electrophysiological studies, he attempts to demonstrate that the appearance of the first neurological symptoms is related to certain stages of the cerebral corticalisation. So far as genetic factors are concerned, the family histroy did not provide any evidence of disease in ancestors, and a clinical examination of the parents did not disclose any stigmata of Bourneville's disease. This case can thus be considered as sporadic, due to a new mutation.


[A genealogical study of Steinert's disease (author's transl)].

As a result of retrospective genealogical studies on 41 cases of myotonic dystrophy, the authors have found: 1) sound arguments to support the hypothesis of anticipation often discussed in association with this disease; 2) a high rate of mortinatality in the progeny of affected females; this aspect merits being taken into consideration in genetic counselling and should be reported to obstetricians. Its pathogenetic determination still remains obscure; 3) a relative frequency of illegitimacy in familes with affected fathers. On the basis of the low fertility associated with the disease, the authors postulate that new mutations may not be rare. Finally, they emphasize two little known symptomatic features, the first being the frequency of lithiasis, the second the frequency of neoplasms. This latter observation, however, still requires confirmation.


Creatine-phosphokinase (CPK) activity in relatives of patients with X-linked muscular dystrophies: a Brazilian study.

Serum CPK was measured in 135 families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and 19 with the Becker type (BMD). Increased CPK was found in 62% of the carriers of DMD and 62.5% of the BMD. Two certain carries of DMD and one of their daughters showed clinical signs of myopathy. Three studied DMD pregnant carriers suggest that there is a decrease in CPK levels around the 4th-5th months of gestation. In genetic counselling of suspected carriers the CPK activity of their normal daughters should always be considered. Our data suggest strongly that CPK activity decreases in carriers with increasing age.


[A small supernumerary metacentric chromosome: interprétation test (author's transl)].

The report relates to a new case of small supernumerary metacentric chromosome. The phenotypical variability of previously published cases suggests that this chromosomal anomaly may arise from multiple origins. Our study shows the difficulties of a cytogenetic interpretation and the limits of the semeiologic arguments. It is, however, possible to hypothesize an 18 partial trisomy.


Comparative levels of creative ability among elementary school children.

Eighty-six black fourth-grade children and 111 white fourth-grade children randomly selected from normal classrooms in a rural country school system in Tennessee were compared on Torrance's Unusual Uses and Ask and Guess activities. No differences were found on the frequency or flexibility measures of either activity. No attempt was made to examine the results on any variable except race. Pearson Product Moment Correlations were computed on the Torrance Test results and Stanford-Binet intelligence test scores for both groups. The correlations were quite different with r = +.51 for the white students and r = +.22 for the black students.


An examination of errors in children's visual and haptic-tactual memory for random forms.

Hypotheses were advanced that (a) errors of omission would occur more frequently than errors of commission, and (b) errors would be related to stimulus complexity. Forty-eight children, 12 boys and 12 girls from each grades 1 and 3 were given a memory task for recognition of random polygons of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 sides; these forms were presented either visually or haptically. Visual memory was found to be superior to haptic memory, and performance on both tasks improved with age. Analyses of error-type and sideness, the two major variables of a priori interest, indicated support for both hypotheses. The curvilinear relationship between errors and sideness suggested difficulty in identifying shapes of intermediate complexity.


Empathy and pseudo-empathy: the affective judgments of first- and third-graders.

Eighty male and female first- and third-grader Ss were presented one of two brief videotaped social interaction episodes. Half of the Ss viewed an unambiguous tape in which a target character's affective response was congruent with the situational context in which he operated. The remaining Ss viewed a similar, but ambiguous tape in which the nonverbal affective response of the target character was incongruent with situational demands. Ss' responses were scored on the basis of their judgments of the target character's affective state and facial expression, and the degree of relative certainty with which they made their affective judgments. No differences were predicted or found in any of the empathic responses of first- and third-graders to the unambiguous tape. The two age groups studied did, however, differ significantly in their responses to the ambiguous tape. As anticipated, the first-grade Ss employed a highly centered inference strategy and based their judgments on only one of the available incongruous cues. The older Ss, by contrast, recognized the incongruities present and expressed little confidence in their ability to infer the true affect state of the target character.


Kinematics of locomotion by cats with a single hindlimb deafferented.

1. Cinematographic measurements were made of stepping by cats on a motor-driven treadmill, both normally and 2-3 wk after deafferentation of the LH (left hind) limb. 2. After surgery, rhythmic cycling of the LH limb was blurred whether the leg was dragged, as by some cats, or if it was lifted from the surface, as by others. 3. Interlimb coordination was also blurred with respect to normal, although distinct rhythms were still seen. The RH (right hind) limb descended prematurely and, in the walk, had a prolonged stance phase. The interval between touchdowns of hind- and forelimb on the left side no longer equaled that interval on the right side. 4. As is true for a normal cat, if the LH-deafferented animal stumbled, relatively normal single and interlimb cyclings were regained after several strides. 5. By kinematic analysis, force deficits were found in the deafferented LH limb both during the stance, when extensors should be most active, and the swing, when the limb failed to attain a normal position above the surface of the belt. Weight bearing by the LF (left fore) limb was altered in some animals. 6. At high speed, mean LH stance duration failed to decrease in the normal fashion. Inter-limb timings were reset to greater extent than in low-speed walking, as if the LH limb was being used only minimally. 7. It was concluded that both rhythm and force were impaired in the deafferented limb and also in the three intact limbs, whose weight bearing had to compensate for LH weakness. The changed mechanical demands after surgery were probably met by interactions between the remaining afferent input and central pattern generators so as to secure fairly effective and expedient locomotion.


Responses of cells of posterior lateral line lobe to activation of electroreceptors in a mormyrid fish.

Activity of neurons in the lateral line lobe was studied by intracellular recording of responses to stimulation of the lateral line nerves and of electroreceptors on the skin surface. Two modes of activation occur for cells responding to inputs from medium receptors. There is a direct monosynaptic input mediated by a single fiber. Short latency of response and antidromic spread from cell to afferent fiber indicate that the mediating synapse is electrotonic. The second input is from a number of additional fibers and is relayed, presumably by the granule cells. At shortest latency this input is disynaptic, probably involving at least one electrotonic synapse. A relay is indicated by heterosynaptic facilitation of the PSP and by pronounced depression with repetitive stimulation. The monosynaptic input may be on the axon. Disynaptic inputs are distributed over the dendrites, and impulses can arise in the dendrites. What appear to be spikes restricted to dendritic regions are often recorded as small brief potentials in the cell body. There is a somatotopic projection of the electroreceptors to the lateral line lobe. The monosynaptic input comes from a specific receptor in the periphery. Strong disynaptic inputs come from a group of receptors generally found anterior, but less commonly posterior or lateral, to the receptor giving rise to the monosynaptic input. Additional inputs that are inhibitory come from surrounding receptors. The inhibition only affects responses to the disynaptic input. The different inputs and multiple sites of impulse initiation must modify the cell's response as compared with the input-output relations that would be obtained with inputs acting on a single summation point. Cells responding to activation of large receptors are infrequent. They are characterized by low threshold, little latency change near threshold, and ability to follow high frequencies of stimulation.


Frequency response of human soleus muscle.

1. The properties of human soleus muscle were studied by systems analysis. Single stimulus pulses and random stimulus pulse trains were applied to a branch of the nerve to soleus muscle and the resultant tension fluctuations were recorded. 2. The frequency-response function between stimulus pulses and tension conforms to that of a second-order, low-pass filter. The parameters of the second-order system, low frequency gain, natural frequency, and damping ratio, varied systematically with the angle of the ankle. As the ankle was flexed (the length of the muscle was increased), the low frequency gain increased, the natural frequency decreased, and the damping ratio was unaffected or increased slightly. 3. These results are discussed in relation to the twitch responses of human soleus muscles and the responses previously observed in cat muscles.


Axon conduction block in a region of dense connective tissue in crayfish.

1. The excitor nerve which innervates the opener muscle of the crayfish walking leg was stimulated repetitively for prolonged periods of time. 2. After an initial facilitation and subsequent depression of the postsynaptic potentials, occasional stimulus pulses failed to evoke a postsynaptic response; eventually, every second stimulus pulse failed to produce a postsynaptic potential change. This is termed the 1:1 block state. 3. The block resulted from failure of the appropriate nerve action potentials to propagate through an identifiable region of the axon. This region was in the joint between the propodite and the carpopodite and was characterized by dense surrounding connective tissue. 4. Associated with block development is a decrease in axon conduction velocity and an increase in the amplitude of the postsynaptic potentials; this latter phenomenon is termed anomalous facilitation and results from a decrease in the extent of synaptic depression. 5. The cause of the conduction block resides in the associated nonneural tissue and not in some geometrical property of the axon. 6. It is concluded that extracellular accumulation of K+, because of limited diffusion possibilities and possibly reduced Schwann cell tissue, depolarizes the axon, leading to propagation failure.


Mechanoreceptors for near-field water displacements in crayfish.

1. Mechanosensory hairs on the surface of the crayfish telson are dually innervated, one sensory cell responding to headward, the other to tailward deflection of the hair. The average conduction velocity of headward elements was 0.8 m/s (variance 0.08) and of tailward elements 1.2 m/s (variance 0.19). In a frequency range from 0.05 to 200 Hz, thresholds were lowest near 20 Hz: 0.08 mum (pp) for headward-sensitive and 0.1 mum (pp) for tailward-sensitive cells. 2. The receptors are displacement sensitive since thresholds are of the same order of magnitude over the frequency range 1-70 Hz when the hair is moved by a vibrating wire loop. With natural stimuli (surface waves), the velocity component of the particle movement (and consequently force) becomes influential. The coding of a broad range of stimulus intensities is aided by variations in mechanical properties of the hair. 3. Marked directionality (better than 4:1), in addition to the dual innervation, enhances vector detection. At least part of this characteristic stems from the hingelike articulation of the hair on the body surface: the hair can be moved easily 40 degrees tailward and 20 degrees headward, but must be forced in the orthogonal direction. Morphological studies indicate the presence of a double pivoted hinge, with rigid guides for movement of the hair shaft. Preliminary results of electron microscope examination show a clearly polarized arrangement of densely packed microtubules in the two dendrites; they appear interconnected in groups of two and three along a line parallel to the sensitivity plane of the receptor. 4. The 50-fold threshold difference between the results of behavioral experiments in lobsters (24) and the data for the individual receptors reported here may be due to improvement in signal-to-noise ratio by central nervous averaging of  the input from an estimated 2 X 10(3) receptors (Procambarus), and/or to the kind of threshold criteria applied to individual receptor thresholds. As would be expected (35), the sensory cells of each directional class synapse with separate interneurons: in this way, the organism might employ differential microphones to reduce background noise. 5. The receptors are analogous to those of the lateral-line system in lower vertebrates in having receptors with sensitivities polarized by 180 degrees. These similarities suggest that in both cases monitoring of near field water displacements has proved in essential way of orienting in opaque waters.


Integration of directional mechanosensory input by crayfish interneurons.

1. Interneurons activated by mechanosensory hairs on the crayfish telson respond selectively to directional displacements of the medium; the directions of maximum sensitivity lie 180 degrees apart in approximately the rostrocaudal plane, corresponding to the directional sensitivities of the two populations of primary afferent neurons. We have examined the basis for this selectivity by intracellular recording in the interneurons, correlating subthreshold potentials with activity evoked in identified afferents by bending single hairs or by producing nearfield displacements of the medium. 2. Interneurons can usually be caused to discharge by a brief train of impulses in single sensory axons. Unitary EPEPs are associated with arriving affterent spikes in the fourth (sensory) root; each primary interneuron receives convergence from several sensory axons, all sensitive to the same direction of movement. Since each afferent axon is drawn from a pair innervating a single sensory structure, this remarkable specificity of connection is unlikely to depend on an anatomical mode of address. 3. Higher order interneurons receive from directionally sensitive lower order interneurons of the same class, as well as from primary afferents of that class. The responses of such cells may show much more decrement during a train of displacement stimuli than do those of lower order cells. Directionality does not appear to be enhanced. 4. During the "null phase" some interneurons appear to be actively inhibited: bending of single hairs 180 degrees away from the effective direction may produce membrane hyperpolarization and slow spontaneous discharges, and shocks to afferent roots produce mixtures of monosynaptic EPSPs and polysynaptic IPSPs.


Electrical measurement of axon diameter and its use in relating motoneuron size to critical firing level.

1. Action potentials of single plantaris motoneurons were recorded monophasically from fine ventral root filaments. A resistor was placed in shunt across the recording electrodes and its value was varied until the size of the action potentials was reduced by one-half. At this point the resistance of the filament was taken to be equal to that of the shunt, and the quotient of action-potential amplitude divided by filament resistance was proportional to the axonal action current. 2. The measurement of axonal action currents depends on the assumption that the filament-electrode system obeys Ohm's law. Tests were performed which validated this assumption. It was then shown that the axonal action currents varied as the square of conduction velocity over the range of alpha and gamma motoneurons. 3. A direct correlation was established between the critical firing levels of motoneurons and the sizes of the impulses in their axons after the recorded sizes had been normalized in accordance with the resistances of the ventral root filaments in which they were located. Since both the CFL and axonal diameter were related to impulse size, they were related to each other (Fig. 6). 4. Evidence is cited justifying the conclusion that the dimater of a motor axon is directly related to the size of its soma. Thus, it may be inferred that the critical firing level of a motoneuron is a function of its size.


Modulation of spike frequency by regions of special axonal geometry and by synaptic inputs.

1. Spike propagation across the nonhomogeneous section of the giant axon in ganglion T3 of the cockroach was analyzed by intracellular microelectrodes recording at the posterior and anterior ends of T3. Ascending and descending potentials were evoked by stimulation of A5-A6 and T2-T3 connectives. 2. At high frequencies, descending and ascending impulses exhibit the following: a) consecutive reduction in the spike amplitude, b) a decrease in the afterhyperpolarization; c) gradual appearance of a prepotential together with an increase in delay of spike initiation; d) failure of full spike invasion into the recording area, showing only a decremental potential. 3. The duration of a train required to block spike propagation when the whole connective is stimulated is much shorter (about 6 times) than that required when a single giant axon is stimulated. 4. The conduction block is associated with a marked decrease in effective membrane resistance, greater than that expected from depolarization and delayed rectification. 5. Synaptic potentials could be recorded in the giant axons in the caudal base of ganglion T3 after stimulation of either the ipsilateral or contralateral connectives at both ends of the ganglion. These synaptic potentials could be blocked by d-tubocurarine (d-TC) or low Ca2+-high Mg2+. 6. Activation of these synapses produces a marked increase in membrane conductance, blocking propagation of spike trains through the ganglion. 7. After these synapses are blocked by d-TC or low Ca2+-high Mg2+, high-frequency stimulation still produces a conduction block. 8. It seems that conduction of spike during repetitive stimulation is affected both by accumulation of extracellular potassium, which depolarizes the membrane and causes sodium inactivation, and by activation of synaptic inputs to shunt the membrane in this region. 8. Each of these two mechanisms by itself can produce conduction block along the giant axons in ganglion T3.


Ultrastructure of region of a low safety factor in inhomogeneous giant axon of the cockroach.

1. The structure of the ventral giant axons of the cockroach at the level of ganglion T3 was studied by means of light and electron microscopy. 2. From serial sections and cobalt injections, the axons diameter was found to range between 40 and 60 mum at the caudal end of ganglion T3; toward the center of T3 they narrow to 20-40 mum, and again expand to 30-45 mum anteriorly in ganglion T3. 3. Each giant axon sends off several branches, 1-15 mum in diameter, into the neuropil. The giant axons and the bases of their branches are enveloped by cytoplasmic processes of glial cells. The periaxonal space is about 100-200 A. 4. Distally the branches are devoid of glial envelopes and the extracellular space between the branches and other axonal profiles is about 200 A. Terminals with presumptive chemical synapses on the giant axon branches were found. Clear vesicles, 300-400 A in diameter, are seen clustered together. The width of the supposedly synaptic gap is about 100 A. 5. In some areas the branches and other axonal profiles form close appositions.


Theoretical analysis of parameters leading to frequency modulation along an inhomogeneous axon.

1. Theoretical computations were conducted on a computer model of a segmented, nonhomogeneous axon to understand the mechanism of frequency block of conduction. 2. The model is based on the Hodgkin-Huxley equations modified in several ways to better describe the cockroach axon. We used cockroach parameters where available. 3. The increase in fiber radius was spread over a series of segments to approximate a taper. We found that a taper allows a larger overall increase in fiber diameter than a single step to be successfully passed. 4. We studied effects on a train of impulses. The modified equations included effects due to changes in extracellular potassium concentration resulting from the repetitive firing of the axon. 5. An increase in diameter which allows a single spike to pass blocks the subsequent impulses in a train at the taper if potassium concentration variability is introduced. This could explain the low-pass filter characteristics of axon constrictions. 6. Results of the model fit well with the experiemental spike shape and height. Data were computed for the refractory period and its dependence on the taper parameters.


Imaging small pulmonary ischemic lesions after radioactive carbon monoxide inhalation.

A new method is described for imaging small ischemic regions in the lung immediately after a single breath of radioactive carbon monoxide (11CO). A tungsten-collimated scintillation camera is used to visualize the  0.51-MeV annihilation photons due to the 11C. In normal dogs the entire field is cleared of 11CO within 10 sec. However, in dogs with experimentally occluded 2-mm-diam segmental arteries, the ischemic but well-ventilated segment appears as a region of persistent high radioactivity, due most likely to temporary entrapment of 11CO-labeled red blood cells in the ischemic region. This technique also provides a simple noninvasive means for instantly labeling the systemic circulation without left heart catheterization.


Significance of delayed 67Ga localization in the kidneys.

One hundred and seventy-five 67Ga-citrate scans were performed to detect suspected occult inflammatory processes. None of the patients had a known malignancy. Renal activity was noted in 12 patients (6.8%) on the 48-hr image. These patients had either pyelonephritis, acute tubular necrosis, vasculitis, or a renal abscess. Since delayed 67Ga uptake in the kidneys may be the first evidence of renal disease, further investigation, including either arteriography or biopsy, is necessary. In patients with a known malignancy, tumor involvement must be considered.


A simple technique for measuring relative renal blood flow.

To determine whether externally monitored early renal uptake of 131I-hippurate is proportional to renal blood flow, the renal uptake of 131I-hippurate at 1--2 min after injection was compared with the renal accumulation of radioactive carbonized microspheres in dogs. A renal artery catheter equipped with a balloon was used to decrease renal blood flow unilaterally. One minute after the intravenous injection of 100 muCi of 131I-hippurate, about 1 muCi of either  85Sr- or 98Nb-labeled carbon microspheres was injected into the left ventricle. Radioactivity was measured over both kidneys. The total radioactivity within each kidney region of interest was corrected for background and integrated over the 1--2 min after injection. Thirteen measurements of relative renal blood flow were made for seven dogs. The dogs were then killed and both kidneys were excised and counted for the radioactivity of the microspheres. The 1--2-min relative renal uptake of 131I-hippurate correlated well with relative microsphere uptake, suggesting that relative renal blood flow can be simply determined from the external measurement of renal uptake of 131I-hippurate.


Intercomparison of myocardial imaging agents: 201Ti, 129Cs, 43K, and 81Rb.

Thallium-201, 129Cs, 43K, and 81Rb were evaluated as "static" myocardial-imaging agents. Optimal settings of the scintillation camera were determined for each agent. Accumulation for good-quality images can be started as early as 5 min after the dose with 43K, 10 min with 201T1, and 30 min with 129Cs. Imaging times were comparable for 43K, 129Cs, and 201T1 (using the 80-keV x-rays). High-energy photons from the 81Rb preparation, largely from 82mRb contaminant, made it impossible to obtain an interpretable image without the addition of more shielding. Absorbed radiation dose from 81Rb is lower than that from 43K, 129Cs, and 201T1. The highest background activity was observed with 81Rb, followed by 43K, 129Cs, and 201T1 in that order. Overall, 201T1 was best suited for imaging acute myocardial infarction with currently available equipment, and 129Cs was next best. However, because of instrument setting and commercially obtained preparations, 81Rb could not be properly compared with the other radionuclides in our study.


Right atrial myxoma presenting as nonresolving pulmonary emboli: case report.

A case of right atrial myxoma causing extensive pulmonary embolization is described. Five years elapsed between the initial consultation and the correct diagnosis. The patient has been free of symptoms for 3 years following surgical removal of the tumor. The clinical manifestations of right atrial myxoma, the differential diagnosis, and the atypical lung-scan features are discussed.


Gallium imaging in pulmonary artery sarcoma mimicking pulmonary embolism: case report.

Primary pulmonary artery sarcoma provides perfusion-ventilation images, as well as arteriographic studies, that can suggest pulmonary embolism. The awareness of atypical correlation among the studies for pulmonary embolism can lead to an early suspicion of pulmonary artery tumor. Imaging with 67Ga-citrate may facilitate earlier diagnosis.


Intense myocardial uptake of 99mTc-diphosphonate in a uremic patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism and pericarditis: case report.

A patient on chronic hemodialysis, with secondary hyperparathyroidism and uremic pericarditis, showed marked myocardial uptake of 99mTc-diphosphonate. Several possible mechanisms for the myocardial uptake are discussed.


Scan findings in a case of splenic infarction due to amyloidosis: case report.

Spleen images in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy showed numerous areas of decreased radiocolloid accumulation. Microscopic examination revealed areas of coagulation necrosis with diffuse amyloid infiltration in the spleen. In this patient, amyloidosis is considered to have caused the infarct.


Scintigraphic detection of hepatic metastases with 131I-labeled steroid in recurrent adrenal carcinoma: case report.

Abdominal scintigraphy using a new 131I-labeled steroid agent was performed on a 40-year-old women proven by surgery to have adrenocortical carcinoma. Considerable accumulations were observed at the sites of liver metastasis. Hepatic scintigraphy and autopsy findings revealed that the accumulation was more marked on the active cancer cells and only slight in the central necrotic tissue. Adrenal scintigraphy is valuable in the study of metastatic hormone-producing adrenal carcinoma.


Quality assurance for 99mTc-Sn-pyrophosphate.

Because skeletal images obtained with a commercial lyophilized preparation of 99mTc-Sn-pyrophosphate were occasionally degraded by liver and spleen uptake, a method for preparing 99mTc-Sn-pyrophosphate and a system for in-house quality assurance were developed. Control of the age of the stannous chloride solution and the final pH of the 99mTc-Sn-pyrophosphate eliminated the undesirable uptake. The quality and body distribution of the in-house preparation were compared to those of the radiopharmaceutical from a commercial kit.


A new dual-probe system for the rapid bedside assessment of left ventricular function.

A mobile dual-probe system has been developed for the rapid bedside measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from the beat-to-beat count rate variations that occur during the transit of a single  radionuclide bolus through the left ventricle (LV). Cardiac output, pulmonary blood volume, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume can also be calculated. The dual-probe system incorporates a central collimated probe for monitoring activity in the LV surrounded by an annular detector collimated in such a manner as to provide simultaneous real-time monitoring of the LV background activity. The LVEFs obtained from this system correlated well with LVEFs derived from conventional single-plane contrast angiography (r=0.90) in a series of 33 patients with coronary artery disease. Positioning the dual probe over the midpoint of the LV is accomplished with standard M-mode ultrasound. Since the method is noninvasive and sensitive to volume changes in the LV, the dual probe is particularly useful for monitoring seriously ill patients as well as those with segmental wall-motion abnormalities.


Direct recording on rectilinear scan images on 4x5-in. film.

Rectilinear scans are usually recorded on 14 X 17-in. x-ray film. This is costly both in terms of film and storage space. Using 4 X 5-in. film instead of the larger film will reduce this cost. An Ohio-Nuclear Model 84FD dual-probe 5-in. scanner was converted for the production of scan images directly on 4 X 5-in film (Kodak SO-79 nuclear medicine film). The smaller images may be viewed directly on a standard x-ray viewbox, or they may be projected if a larger image is desired. The image quality is excellent. This system has replaced the 14 X 17-in. film at our institution.


Effect of dietary chromium on glucose tolerance and serum cholesterol in guinea pigs.

The effects of feeding three levels of dietary chromium (Cr) to non-pregnant guinea pigs, guinea pigs during pregnancy and lactation and F-1 offspring guinea pigs on weight gain, glucose tolerance, glucose peak time value and serum cholesterol concentration has been investigated. Dietary levels of Cr were: Basal Diet (B) = 0.125 ppm; B supplemented with 0.5 ppm Cr (S1 Diet) and B supplemented with 50 ppm Cr (S2 Diet). All groups had similar weight gain patterns and daily feed intake levels. Parent generation guinea pigs fed the B diet consumed less than 10 mug Cr/kg body weight/day while F-U guinea pigs consumed more than this amount. Mortality rates during pregnancy were greater in guinea pigs fed the B diet than in the Cr supplemented groups suggesting a possible protective effect by Dr. Glucose tolerance, glucose peak time values and serum cholesterol appeared to be more affected by pregnancy and generation of guinea pigs than by the level of dietary Cr. Results suggest that species differences may exist between Cr requirements of guinea pigs and rodents for avoiding glucose tolerance.


Postnatal patterns of brain lipids in progeny of vitamin B-6 deficient rats before and after pyridoxine supplementation.

The influence of deficient and adequate maternal intakes of pyridoxine on lipid profiles in brains of progeny at 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 days of age was studied. The effects of supplementing deficient dams at two different times with pyridoxine on the brain development of progeny were also examined. Three groups of weanling, female rats were fed diets deficient in pyridoxine (1.2 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet) and another group received a control diet (30.0 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet). One deficient group and the control group were fed their diets throughout growth, gestation and lactation. Two groups of dams were fed the deficient diet through growth, gestation and until 5 or 10 days postpartum when pyridoxine was supplemented by feeding the control diet. Body and brain weights were significantly lower in 15, 25 and 50 day-old progeny of deficient dams and deficient dams supplemented at 10 days postpartum. Cerebroside content at 15 days and ganglioside content at 15 and 25 days were significantly lower in brains of pups from unsupplemented deficient dams and deficient dams supplemented at 10 days postpartum. The postnatal development of cerebroside and ganglioside levels in brain was delayed or retarded in brain of pups from unsupplemented deficient dams. Supplementation of dams fed a low level of pyridoxine (1.2 mg/kg diet) with the vitamin beginning at 5 days postpartum reversed all observed effects of the low vitamin intake on brain lipids in progeny.


Postnatal patterns of fatty acids in brain of progeny from vitamin B-6 deficient rats before and after pyridoxine supplementation.

The influence of deficient and adequate maternal intakes of pyridoxine on fatty acid profiles in brains of progeny at 5, 10, and 15 days of age was studied. The effects of two different times of initiating rehabilitation of deficient dams on the brain development of progeny at 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 days of age were also examined. Three groups of weanling, female rats were fed diets deficient in pyridoxine (1.2 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet) and a fourth group received a control diet (30.0 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg diet) throughout growth, gestation and until 5 and 10 days postpartum. Supplementation with 30.0 mg pyridoxine-HC1/kg was begun in two deficient groups at 5 and 10 days postpartum. Fatty acids C18:2, C20:4, and C22:6 in cerebellum were significantly lower in brains of 15 day-old pups from unsupplemented deficient dams compared to values for pups of control dams. Significant reductions in the omega6 fatty acids (C18:2, C20:4, and C22:4) were evident in cerebellum of 15 day-old progeny of unsupplemented deficient dams. Fatty acids C20:1 and C24:0 were not detectable in cerebellum or cerebrum of the deficient group at 15 days but were evident in other groups. Supplementation of deficient dams with vitamin B-6 at 5 and 10 days postpartum prevented the reduction of omega6 fatty acids found in deficient progeny.


Effect of dietary copper, manganese, and zinc on nitrogen equilibrium and mineral distribution subsequent to trauma in mature rats.

Following fracture of the femur, changes in nitrogen retention and mineral tissue concentrations in response to graded levels of dietary copper, manganese, and zinc were investigated. Retained nitrogen and liver copper, manganese, zinc, nitrogen and glycogen were determined prior to trauma and at 48-hour intervals for 8 days posttrauma. The excretion of nitrogen increased, and liver copper,manganese, and zinc decreased, as did liver nitrogen and glycogen in response to fracture. Increasing dietary copper, manganese, or zinc increased liver copper, manganese, or zinc, respectively, and decreased nitrogen loss by traumatized rats. The data suggest that trauma induced a change in the concentrations of liver copper, manganese, and zinc which coincided with changes in liver nitrogen and glycogen. The results indicated that subsequent to femoral fracture, the nutritional requirement for copper, manganese, and zinc for minimal nitrogen loss were higher than the NRC requirements for the mature male rat.


A method to measure the adsorption of bile salts to vegetable fiber of differing water holding capacity.

Dietary vegetable fibers have physico-chemical properties which may influence their role in nutrition. A method is described which measures bile acid adsorption to fibers of differing water holding capacity. Such absorption studies are complicated by the water held in the fiber matrix which includes bile acid in solution. The entrapped solution gives some apparent adsorption but this can be removed by washing the fibers with water. This method differentiates between strong adsorption and reversible adsorption. This enables dietary vegetable fibers to be classified according to their bile acid absorption capacity which may be useful in selecting fibers for clinical trials.


Comparative human intestinal bioavailability of vitamin B-6 from a synthetic and a natural source.

Intraluminal perfusion of human jejunum has not been previously reported to demonstrate differences in bioavailability of vitamins from a food product. In this report, a triple lumen tube with a 30 cm study segment was used to study water soluble vitamin absorption in 15 normal subjects serving as their own controls. The intestinal uptake of vitamin B-6 from organ juice (O) and from a synthetic solution (S) perfused at 7.6 ml/minute were compared. In a separate series of perfusions in six subjects, the absorption of a mixture pf pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine from O and S solutions with and without glucose were compared. Mean vitamin B-6 absorption was significantly greater from S (65% uptake, transport rate 0.71 mug/cm/hour) than from 9 (30% uptake, transport rate 0.40 mug/cm/hour, p less than 0.05). The addition of glucose to S enhanced this difference. Triple lumen intestinal perfusion can be used to discriminate difference in bioavailability of water soluble vitamins from natural and synthetic sources.


Influence of diet on glucose tolerance, on the rate of glucose utilization and on gluconeogenic enzyme activities in the dog.

Four diets containing 0 to 62% of energy from carbohydrate and 24% to 48% of energy from protein were fed to young dogs. Two of the diets (diets LPLC and HPLC) were carbohydrate-free and two of the diets (diets HPHC and HPLC) contained 46% to 48% protein. The influence of these diets on several parameters of glucose metabolism was ascertained. Following an intravenous glucose load, plasma glucose levels were higher in dogs fed carbohydrate-free diets (diets LPLC and HPLC) than observed in dogs fed carbohydrate-containing diets (diet LPHC and HPHC). Consumption of high-protein diets (diets HPHC and HPLC) also impaired glucose tolerance. Estimates of glucose utilization were obtained. Dogs fed carbohydrate-containing diets exhibited a higher rate of glucose utilization than did dogs fed the carbohydrate-free diets. Fasting the dogs for 48 hours reduced the glucose replacement rate in dogs fed the carbohydrate-containing diets but did not influence the rate of glucose utilization in dogs fed the carbohydrate-free diets. The activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and of pyruvate carboxylase (PYCAR) in livers and kidneys of these dogs were influenced by the diets fed. Mitochondrial PEPCK and PYCAR activities in both liver and kidney were increased in dogs fed the carbohydrate-free diets. Consumption of the high-protein diets actually decreased the activities of PEPCK in liver and kidney mitochondria.


Effect of stable strontium on the tissue alkaline and acid phosphatase activities of rat: feeding studies.

The effect of feeding stable strontium (Sr) on the tissue alkaline and acid phosphatase activities was studied in young rats. These activities were reduced in liver and small intestine by 10% to 15% at 2 weeks, 20% to 30% at 4 weeks and in kidney by 20% at 6 weeks only in rats fed 2% Sr diet; bone alkaliine phosphatase activity was, however, increased by 80% to 100% (2-6 weeks) in these rats. Gross lesions like paralysis, hemorrhage, rickets and high mortality were observed after 4 to 6 weeks. Although no such lesions were seen, appreciable changes in enzyme activities as mentioned above were discernible in rats fed 1% Sr diet for 6 weeks. Feeding of a 0.5% Sr diet for a period up to 6 weeks had no deleterious effect. Recovery following consumption of a normal diet for 2 weeks was almost complete in liver and small intestine but not in kidney. The elevated tissue Sr levels do not explain the pronounced losses seen in this investigation as compared to those in the earlier in vitro experiments. This study depicts the possible damage due to prolonged therapeutic use of large amounts of stable Sr for the removal of radiostrontium.


Effect of dietary protein depletion on the galactose elimination capacity in intact rats.

The galactose elimination capacity (GEC) of rats fed low protein liquid diets and libitum with 5% or 0.5% of the energy as protein was compared with that of a control group receiving a similar diet with 25% of the energy as protein. The daily dietary energy intake was almost identical in the three groups. The rats fed the 5% protein diet showed slightly higher GEC than the control group. In the rats receiving the 0.5% protein diet, GEC was significantly decreased to approximately half of the control values and the hepatic protein content was reduced to the same extent. Body weight and liver weight showed reductions to approximately 75% of control values. Triglyceride content in the livers was increased five times in the protein depleted rats. The results indicate that GEC in rats deprived of dietary protein is determined by the amount of hepatic protein.


Evidence that vitamin A is not required for the biosynthesis of ovalbumin in chicks.

Four-day-old pullets fed a vitamin A-deficient diet were stimulated daily with 1 mg 17beta-estradiol-3-benzoate/day for 6 to 19 days. The onset of vitamin A deficiency had no effect on oviduct growth in these chicks; even though vitamin A-deficient chicks showed a severe decline in growth rate while controls (fed the same diet supplemented with retinyl palmitate) continued to grow, estrogen stimulated resulted in similar oviduct size. Ovalbumin concentrations of estrogen-stimulated chicks were determined by immunoprecipitation of the soluble protein supernatant fraction of oviduct. The concentration of ovalbumin in oviducts of chicks fed a vitamin A-supplemented diet was similar in the concentration in oviducts of chicks fed a vitamin A-deficient diet. The incorporation of [3H]glucosamine and 14C-amino acids into immunoprecipitable ovalbumin, following the in vitro incubation of minced oviduct, indicated that ovalbumin synthesis was not affected by vitamin A deficiency. The specific activity of incorporated [3H]glucosamine, the 14C-amino acid incorporation into ovalbumin, the relative rate of ovalbumin synthesis, and the relative effiency of [3H]glucosamine incorporation into ovalbumin were each similar between the two diet groups. The relative efficiency of [3H]glucosamine incorporation into sodium dodecyl sulfate and dithiothreitol extractable membranous proteins of oviduct was not affect by vitamin A deficiency.


The effect of an acute dose of biotin at a post-implantation stage and its relation with female sex steriods in the rat.

An acute dose (10 mg/100 g body weight) of biotin at the post-implantation stage (day 14 and 15) inhibited the fetal and placental growth, and in few rats it also caused resorption of fetuses and placentae. The maintenance of pregnancy with normal fetal and placental growth was effected with estrogen therapy, but progesterone failed to correct the biotin-induced effect. The uterine and placental glycogen, RNA and protein levels, as well as, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the ovary, liver and uterus showed a reduction following biotin treatment. Estrogen therapy under such conditions corrected these adverse effects of biotin overdose, while progesterone had no significant effects. The study suggests that the acute dose of biotin at an advance stage of pregnancy may cause adverse effects on the physiological regulation of gestation, possibly by creating deficiency of estrogen and gestagen. The possible role of estrogen in the fetal and placental growth and regulation of gestagen secretion is discussed.


Fundamental studies on physiological and pharmacological actions of L-ascorbate 2-sulfate. I. On the hypolipidemic effects.

The effects of L-ascorbate 2-sulfate (AAS) on the lipid metabolism were examined in Triton-induced hyperlipemic mice, hypercholesterolemic and normal rats, the following results being obtained. 1) In Triton-induced hyperlipemic mice, AAS (300 mg/kg) significantly decreased the serum cholesterol level, while L-ascorbate (AA, 175 mg/kg) was found ineffective. 2)In hypercholesterolemic rats fed 0.5% cholesterol diet, the consecutive administration of AAS decreased the level of serum cholesterol and liver triacylglycerols. AA only slightly affected these levels. However, both AAS and AA prevented the unordinal increase in the liver weight caused by cholesterol feeding. 3)In normal rats, the administration of AAS over a 4-week period decreased the levels of serum cholesterol and liver triacylglycerols.


Improved and effective assays of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase by the coenzyme-apoenzyme system (CAS) principle.

Standardized and reliable methods have been devised to assay preparations of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase from human erythrocytes by the CAS principle, i.e., the unsaturation and saturation of the coenzyme (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) of a Coenzyme-Apoenzyme System. This dual enzymic assay is effective to detect and measure human deficiencies of vitamin B6. A preferred procedure has been developed, particularly for individuals and for limited groups, but is also applicable to large groups. A simplified procedure, which emphasizes the statistical significance of difference between large groups was also developed. Lyophilized erythrocyte hemolysates appear stable for up to 7 days for simplified transportation.


Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and liver fats of the rats fed yeast grown on n-alkanes.

n-Alkane assimilating yeast, Candida tropicalis YO-148, was grown on an n-alkane-containing medium. A synthetic diet containing 6.8% of dried yeast was fed to rats. The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and liver fats was determined after a two week feeding period. The percentage of odd-numbered acids increased in the animals fed the yeast diet. Furthermore, it was shown that heptadecenoic acid, the major odd-numbered acid in yeast, was accumulated in neutral lipid fraction of adipose tissue fat. Fatty acid composition of protein isolate prepared from yeast cells had a profile similar to that of the original cells.


Effect of occupational and nonoccupational factors on the respiratory system of vinyl chloride and other workers.

There are suggestions in the literature that vinyl chloride (VC) acts as a lung irritant. Respiratory questionnaires and lung function tests were administered to 174 chemical (VC) workers, 81 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) workers, 72 former VC workers, and 136 rubber workers, and 68 maintenance workers with exposure to VC, PVC, and rubber. Except for small airways obstruction associated with rubber, increased respiratory symptoms and decreased pulmonary function were not associated with working in chemicals, plastics, or rubber. Some increases in baseline pulmonary function were associated with VC exposure. Acute reductions in pulmonary function were observed in smokers working in chemicals, plastics, and rubber. Heavier cigarette smokers over 40 years of age had the most adversely affected respiratory system. Work was not associated with chronic respiratory effects, but all exposure groups experienced some acute respiratory insult.


How is the acceptability of risks to the health of the workers to be determined?

The determination of risk at work is a shared responsibility of the employer and the employee, but objective evaluation of determining risk may be outweighed by economic considerations. Who and in what instances a person shall work is further modified by legal, social, and cultural restraints. The physician, as the agent of the employer, is often a key factor in deciding the real risk inherent in working in a specific environment, in informing management of the risk, and in determining which worker will accept the risk. The conscientiousness, competence, and ethical character of the physician are challenged by these responsibilities and circumstances, and a code of behavior is outlined for professional conduct of the occupational physician.


Hepatitis among plasma fractionation workers. An industry-wide study.

An industry-wide survey of plasm fractionation facilities in the United States was conducted during 1973-74. Hepatitis was reported among the workers with varying degrees of plasma contact at all plant sites. For each of fourteen facilities in this investigation, field inspections disclosed: (1) numerous overt instances of employee-product contact: (2) inconsistent methodologic approaches at virtually all stages of the plasma fractionation process; (3) at low level of management and employee awareness regarding the potential bio-hazard identified; and (4) disparate examples of hepatitis surveillance and prophylaxis. Our data suggests that there is a high risk of hepatitis among plasma fractionation workers and, as such, much more attention needs to be focused on the reduction of health hazards within this industry.


Chronic respiratory symptoms and job type within the rubber industry.

Associations between the presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and a history of working in certain production job categories within the rubber industry are presented. Environmental explanations for these associations are discussed. Particular attention is also paid to the methodologic diffculties in analyzing cross-sectional health data in relation to the mobile and environmentally varied work-histories of individual workers within the rubber industry.


Safe and unsafe behavior and its modification.

After discussing some of the limitations of existing behavioral safety research, the authors propose a new approach to the problem. The approach is based on systematically controlling the psychological environment by precisely defining and rewarding safe behabiors and extinguishing unsafe behaviors. This approach to changing behavior is broadly designated the experimental analysis of behavior, and comprises two separate components, applied behavior analysis and applied behavior management. Application of the principles to the problem of increasing the frequency of safe behaviors and decreasing the frequency of unsafe behaviors is illustrated with two examples, one real, one hypothetical. A conclusion is drawn that researchers pursuing behavioral approaches to accident reduction should utilize the methods and technology of applied behavior analysis and management.


Ocular optics and evolution.

The application of sampling theory to image formation in the human eye is related to the population density of photoreceptors. A close numerical agreement is revealed which suggests that an image-forming device is of cardinal importance in ocular evolution.


Changes of the postoperative minimal oxygen consumption of the newborn.

Minimal oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were studied in newborns without operation and with minor or major operation by means of open indirect calorimetry. (1) A postnatal increase in the mVO2 was observed in most of the full-term newborns without operation or with minor operation. (2) A postoperative increase in the mVO2, as observed in the adult, was not found in all newborns with a major operation. (3) This finding was particularly obvious in the newborn with a major abdominal operation and with a long pre- and postoperative periods of starvation. (4) The most important factor determining the postoperative decrease in the mVO2 is not the intensity of operative stress but the amount of caloric intake.


Transumbilical aortography in newborn infants for noncardiac diagnosis.

Transumbilical aortography and selective arteriography were performed in three newborn infants for the evaluation of massive hepatomegaly, large sacrococcygeal teratoma and extensive tumor of the thigh. The study was valuable in all cases and resulted in no complication.


Cutaneous loop versus Roux-en-Y ureterostomy: a comparison of two methods for diversion of urine.

Loop and Roux-en-Y ureterostomies are compared. Both methods have a place if diversion is necessary in cases of severe hydronephrosis and decompensated ureters. Although the loop ureterostomy has advantages, it can lead to problems, i.e., the nonfunctioning and the contracted bladder. This serious complication is not seen after Roux-en-Y ureterostomy, because the bladder continues to function. The localization of the new pyeloureteral junction is discussed as the formation of kinks in this region must be avoided.


Complicated giant hemangioma: excision using cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermia.

A child with a giant hemangioma of the left scalp, neck, and upper chest had severe complications including congestive cardiac failure. Surgical excision using cardiac bypass, deep hypothermia, and circulatory arrest was successfully carried out.


A new approach to the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

The acutely painful, enlarged scrotum has necessitated urgent exploration of the scrotum so as not to miss testicular torsion. This has led to unnecessary operations. The urgency with which the diagnosis is made is particularly important in infants and children for in these patients the signs and symptoms of testicular torsion may be minimal. Since its introduction in 1973, scrotal scanning has allowed a precise evaluation of the testicular perfusion and thus refined the indications for operation. Using scrotal scanning in a series of 18 patients with possible testicular torsion a correct assessment of testicular perfusion was made in every patient. In only two patients did the interpretation differ from the ultimate clinical impression. In one, the torsion had relieved itself before the scan was performed and at operation the testis had adequate perfusion. In the second, clinically suspected epididymitis was not confirmed. Because of the ease and rapidity with which the test may be done in children more testes should be salvaged with fewer negative explorations.


Infarction of the common bile duct in an infant after surfical exploration for jaundice: a possible cause of extrahepatic biliary atresia.

An infant explored for obstructive jaundice died 6 days postoperatively and was found to have extensive infarction of the common duct. This would have gone undetected had the patient survived and without careful sampling at autopsy. The incidence of this unsuspected complication is unknown. Surgical infarction may be one cause of fibrosis and secondary atresia of the extra-hepatic bile ducts.


The internal anal sphincter in translevator (low) anal anomalies.

Internal sphincteric function was studied manometrically in 19 children with translevator anal anomalies. The normal internal sphincter inhibitory response to rectal distension was present in ten pateints, attenuated in six, and absent in three. Our findings suggest that a functional internal sphincter is usually present in translevator anal anomalies.


The painless intussusception.

There were 422 cases of intussusception at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, over a 12-yr period between 1959 and 1970. The histories of all patients who had no pain recorded were evaluated and the duration of signs and symptoms and the treatment required assessed. When compared with those who had pain, it was noted that the children with painless intussusception presented later, hydrostatic reduction was less likely to be effective, and operative reduction and resection was required more often.


Pseudolymphoma presenting as a cecal tumor.

A 7-yr-old with abdominal pain and melena had a barium enema which revealed a cecal lesion that proved to be a pseudolymphoma of the cecum and appendix--a site not previously reported.


Urine extravasation secondary to upper urinary tract obstruction.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of renal salvage in a neonate with presumed spontaneous perirenal leakage of urine associated with ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Many instances of such extravasation in this age group have been described with lower urinary tract obstructions. As in the latter cases, the occurrence of extravasation secondary to upper tract obstruction need not preclude primary reconstruction.


Ureteral triplication.

A case of ureteral triplication is presented. There was reflux of the middle ureter, which did not end in the kidney, but rather ended blindly. There was atrophic pyelonephritis of the upper pole because of an obstructed ureter, and a normal lower caleceal system and ureter. There were three ureters but only two originated in the kidney and two entered the bladder, with only one ureter originating from the kidney entering the bladder normally. The refluxing ureter and the obstructed upper pole and ureter were removed.


Angiomatous malformation of the testis in an infant.

A 2-mo-old infant with a benign vascular lesion of the right testis and epididymus was presented. The lesion was diagnosed by incisional biopsy avoiding orchiectomy. One year later, the lesion has not increased in size. A careful follow-up of patients with these rare lesions is required to increase our knowledge about the pathogenesis.


The use of dextrostix and dextrostix reflectance meters in the diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Dextrostix is now widely used as a method of screening for hypoglycemia of the newborn. There has always been some anxiety about its accuracy for estimating very low blood sugars; this is important, since symptomatic hypoglycemia of the newborn does not usually occur until the blood glucose falls below 20 mg/dl. In 1970 a reflectance meter was introduced which would measure the colour of the strip electronically. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the meter and its reliability in estimating hypoglycemia. The study was continued to investigate a new model of the reflectance meter which superseded the original one. In the pilot study using the original model, blood samples were taken from 46 babies. Readings of the Dextrostix were made by two independent observers and compared with a reading taken on the reflectance meter. These estimations were later compared with blood glucose measured by the glucose oxidase method. the meter showed a marked tendency to overestimate the blood glucose: 44 out of 46 samples were overestimated (Fig. 1, 2). In the second series 180 cord blood samples were collected. Because the intention was to study very low levels of blood glucose, the samples were allowed to stand at room temperature for several hours to allow glycolysis to occur. Again, readings were taken by two independent observers and compared with the readings taken on the new Dextrostix-Eyetone meter. The blood glucose was measured on each of the samples. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.8877, p less than 0.00005) between the blood glucose values and the readings taken from the meter, with no tendency towards overestimation (Fig. 3). A similar correlation (r = 0.8533, p less than 0.00005) was seen for the observers' readings and the chemical method, although there was a tendency to underestimate blood glucose (Fig. 4). When the meter gave an estimate of more than 20 ml/dl, in no case was the actual blood glucose in the profoundly hypoglycemic group of less than 10 mg/dl. When estimated by eye there was one case in which the blood glucose was only 7 mg/dl but the observer had estimated the result of 30 mg/dl. In order to avoid any possibility that a blood glucose was less than 20 mg/dl, it is necessary to take action on any estimate below 40 mg/dl on a Dextrostix. Despite this, Dextrostix remains a very useful method of screening for neonatal hypoglycemia, whether assessed by eye or with the new Dextrostix-Eyetone meter. the meter does give better results than estimating Dextrostix by eye, but the difference was never statistically significant.


A comparative study between the values of lecithin, sphingomyelin, lysolecithin, the L/S index, and the Clements test in amniotic fluid.

The relationship between the concentration of several phospholipids in amniotic fluid and the ocurrence of neonatal RDS was established some years ago. However the methods used for the determination of those substances are sophisticated and time consuming. They require specalized equipment and take at least 2 or 3 hours. CLEMENTS described a semiquantitative method which overcomes these disadvantages. The present study compared the concentration of lecithin, shingomyelin, lysolecithin and the L/S ratio against the results obtained when processing the same samples with the CLEMENTS Test. the results are expressed in mg/100 ml. for the different phospholipids and the test was evaluated as positive, intermediate or negative. a statistically significant correlation has been found between the values of lecithin, lysolecithin and L/S ratio and the results of the CLEMENTS Test, respectively. No correlation could be found with sphingomyelin (Figs. 1-4). It is concluded that the CLEMENTS Test can be a useful tool as a screening test available to any obstetrical centre.


Oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature in healthy newborns during the first two hours after birth.

A report is made on the continuous registration of oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature in 32 neonates during the first two hours of life. A short account of the registration technique is given. A comparative study shows, that oxygen consumption, heart rate and respiratory rate fall during the period of observation, whereas the rectal temperature rises. 26 out of the 32 neonates demonstrated a approximately linear fall of each of the oxygen consumption values during the period of observation. There is a similar relationship, which is statistically verified, between the oxygen uptake and heart rate. Oxygen consumption and heart rate can be correlated with each other after the first 60 minutes of life. This close and direct relationship between the oxygen consumption and the heart rate, an important parameter of the heart and circulatory system, stresses clearly the importance of the continuous registration of oxygen consumption for monitoring the general condition of the neonate. A change from this situation means a risk for the neonate which must be clarified by blood-gas analysis. A continuous registration of oxygen uptake for the surveillance of the neonate includes numerous vital functions and appears to be a more suitable parameter than single parameters which include only partial functions. The application of the method is simple and safe for the infant.


The effect of modern intensive monitoring in obstetrics on infant mortality and the incidence of hypoxia and acidosis.

We consider intensive monitoring to be fetal monitoring during labor and in the newborn period of all births using the most efficient methods. During the last ten years we have sequentially used the following techniques: Amnioscopy, blood analysis, estrogen determinations in urine, external and internal cardiotokography and internal pressure determinations, gas analyses of umbilical blood. amniotic fluid analyses (phospholipids), ultrasound (B-apparatus) and HCS determinations. All clinics dealing with risk pregnancies should have these techniques available. Total perinatal mortality decreased to below 2% after introduction of cardiotokography. During the last year it decreased to 0.89%. Premature mortality shows the same decrease and is 50% of total mortality. The frequency of premature deliveries remained unchanged at 6.2%. Both improved intensive monitoring and neonatal reanimation and intensive care contributed to the reduction of perinatal mortality. Continuous heart rate recordings make it possible to uncover hypoxic and acidotic states in time and this is of particular value for the premature infant. The incidence of acidosis (pH less than 7.10) was 2.03% before monitoring was introduced and fell to 0.45% this year when intensive monitoring became the rule. No pH lower than 7.0 was found this year. It is thus not sufficient to monitor only cases at risk, since in about 50% of infants born with acidosis no alarming symptoms were found that would have indicated the need for intensive monitoring. Infant mortality should be reduced to less than 1% if the diagnostic tools available are applied. Below this nonviable infants limit further improvement. Perinatal hypoxia and acidosis (below pH 7.10) should also be lower than 0.5% but at least lower than 1%.


Ultrasound and biochemical findings in intrauterine growth retardation.

An attempt was made to make an early diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation due to chronic placental insufficiency using ultrasound cephalometry and biochemical tests of placental function. We examined 83 hospitalised patients in whom there was a risk or suspicion of chronic placental insufficiency. For each patient an average of 4 determinations were made of head diameter, 10 of estriol and 3 of pregnandiol urinary excretion, 6 serum HPL and 7 of heat stable alkaline phosphatase (HSAP). Fetal growth retardation was assumed if the last 2 determined head diameters were below the normal curve with the same tendency and with term being well predicted. Biochemical parameters were considered to indicate pathological changes if they were 95% below normal values, with 2 below this range or 3 continuously falling below the normal level. Infants were assessed after birth both neurologically and somatically according to DUBOWITZ. Small for date infants were those whose birth weight was below the 10th percentile (LUBCHENKO). This was found to be the case in 15 out of 83 newborns five of whom were younger than 37 weeks. These 15 could be diagnosed before birth with various degrees of certainty. For estriol and HPL this was 67% or 53% and these two parameters were found to be the most valuable. Cephalometry was found to be less valuable with 20%, pregnandiol levels with 9% and placental HSAP with 33%. Hence it is recommended to perform serial determinations of estriol and HPL in the third trimester of pregnancy in all patients with histories indicative of fetal growth retardation and in those in whom the uterus appears small for date.


Estrogens, lactation and oral glucose tolerance test in the early puerperium.

An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on 98 women free from any known risk factor of diabetes on the fifth day of the puerperium. Results show that OGTT is greatly influenced by the conditions of lactation. A high proportion of abnormal curves (50%) is found among the group of women receiving estrogens as lactation suppressors at the time of the test. However, in breast feeding women or in non breast feeding women not given estrogen, the proportion of abnormal curves is less than 10%. It is concluded that the unexplained previously reported lack of specificity of the OGTT in the early puerperium could be related to hormonal treatment for lactation suppression.


Age and emotion of an offender as determinants of adult punitive reactions.

Male and female college students were shown videotapes of supposed male offenders describing the details of thefts they had committed. Videotaped sequences were varied so that offenders were 9 to 10 years old or of college age. Also, actors varied in their mode of emotional self-presentation. Comparisons of punishments suggested by subjects indicated that joyful actors received the highest level of punishment while distressed offenders received the lowest level of suggested punishment. It was also found that the emotions of children exerted a greater persuasive effect on subjects' ratings than did the emotions of adults although the pattern of results was similar across ages. These results were discussed as demonstrating that the age and emotion of an offender can exert considerable influence on the attribution of blame made by a disciplinarian.