Delayed and prolonged vascular leakage in inflammation: the effects of dehydromonocrotaline on blood vessels in the rat cremaster.

Local application of dehydromonocrotaline to the rat cremaster produces a delayed prolonged increase in vascular permeability with a time course similar to that of the pulmonary oedema seen after intravenous injection of the same substance. Study of the injured area by the carbon labelling technique and by electron microscopy shows that the increased permeability involves both capillaries and venules of all sizes within the region exposed to dehydromonocrotaline. The vascular leakage appears to be due to a direct effect on the endothelium of small blood vessels. Carbon deposition in labelled capillaries and venules is predominantly intramural and indicative of increased vascular permeability. Accumulation of carbon within the lumen of capillaries is uncommon, and accounts for only a small fraction of total capillary labelling. The findings indicate that capillaries are a major source of inflammatory exudate in this type of injury and suggest that the importance of leakage from capillaries has been underestimated in other types of delayed prolonged increase in vascular permeability.


Tetracycline dependence in a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

An isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis exhibited an enhanced zone of growth around a tetracycline disc. All six tetracycline-related compounds investigated produced this effect, which could only be demonstrated on certain media. Modification of this phenomenon resulted from variation of the incubation temperature.


Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis in the rat. I. Factors influencing induction.

Albino Holtzman, albino Wistar and hooded HS rats were injected fortnightly for 14 weeks with human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant. Half of the rats were pretreated with Freund's complete adjuvant and some were unilaterally nephrectomized. Anti-GBM antibody glomerulonephritis, characterized by proteinuria (greater than 100 mg/16 h) and a diffuse linear deposition of host immunoglobulin along the glomerular basement membrane, was first detected in Holtzman rats 4 weeks after treatment with GBM had begun, and had developed in 69% of these rats by 15 weeks. In contrast, none of the similarly treated Wistar or HS rats became proteinuric at any time, although a few showed weak glomerular fluorescence at the end of the experiment. Thus Holtzman rats are susceptible, and HS and Wistar rats are resistant to experimental anti-GBM antibody glomerulonephritis. Pretreatment with Freund's complete adjuvant apparently shortened the induction period of the experimental disease in the Holtzman rats whereas unilateral nephrectomy appeared to decrease their susceptibility to it.


Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis in the rat. II. A histopathological and fine structural study.

Human glomerular basement membrane (GBM) emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant was injected into 16 Holtzman rats. Eleven (69%) of them subsequently developed glomerulonephritis. This disease was characterized by glomerular changes which included focal lobular hypercellularity due to localized hyperplasia of intracapillary (mesangial or endothelial) cells which often obstructed glomerular capillaries. Later, affected lobules showed necrosis of intracapillary cells, and capillary lumina were filled with homogeneous eosinophilic material. An immunoperoxidase technique revealed autologous anti-GBM antibody in all 3 layers of the GBM and in some regions it was present in greater amount in the lamina rara interna and externa than in the lamina densa. Experimental auto-immune glomerulonephritis in the rat is thus characterized morphologically by a focal proliferative glomerulonephritis which proceeds to focal glumerulosclerosis.


Further studies of the acute effects of phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone and indomethacin on the rat kidney.

Experiments were donducted on rats to determine the lowest dose of either phenylbutazone or indomethacin capable of producing papillary necrosis and in each case it was found to be 50 mg/kg body weight. A single dose of oxyphenbutazone (444 mg/kg), a major metabolite of phenylbutazone in man, produced patchy cortical necrosis, which became more extensive during daily administration for 4 days, despite evidence of regeneration. Although papillary necrosis as such was never seen with this substance, there was evidence of damage to the lower nephron in the form of tubular necrosis and calcification.


Oncogenicity tests of p-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline and p-nitroso-N,N-diethylaniline in NZR rats and NZO mice.

Whole-of-life tests of the C-nitroso compounds p-nitrosodimethylaniline (NDMA) and p-nitroso-diethylaniline (NDEA) have been completed in male rats and mice fed maximum tolerated doses continuously over the first halves of their respective natural lifespans. The chemicals were offered at a concentration of 300 mg/litre drinking fluid, but the doses of NDEA consumed were only 75% of the NDMA doses, in both species. Possibly because of this the results with NDEA were statistically not clear-cut, but there was a significant increase in tumour incidence after NDMA treatment in both species. The main sites of tumorigenesis after NDMA were lung, kidney and malignant lymphoma in the rats, and lung, duodenum and malignant lymphoma in the mice. The results confirm our own earlier experiment and provide the first evidence of oncogenic activity in this class of compounds.


Serum pyridoxal and folate concentrations in diabetics.

Serum pyridoxal and folate concentrations were measured in 518 diabetics. There were 185 males and 333 females. The level of pyridoxal was significantly lower in the diabetics when compared with 371 'healthy' controls and 25% had levels below the lower limit of the normal range. No significant difference was observed between diabetics being treated by diet alone, oral hypoglycaemics or insulin. Only 20 patients had a reduced serum folate level and in 6 this was accompanied by a low pyridoxal concentration. The results suggest that diabetics may have an increased demand for pyridoxal.


An ultrastructural study of the pathogenesis of tissue injury in limited Wegener's granulomatosis.

Intravascular lysis of leucocytes was an early event in the process of tissue injury in a patient with limited Wegener's granulomatosis. This lysis, with consequent liberation of free organelles into the circulation, was followed by platelet aggregation and fibrin deposition in vessels with intact endothelial cells. Necrosis of endothelial cells also occurred early in the tissue injury. Complete obstruction of vessel lumina, with necrosis of their walls and of alveolar pneumocytes, followed. The alveolar spaces filled with fibrin and cell debris, and macrophages and fibroblasts migrated into these areas. The ultrastructural findings offer a rationale for current therapy. Cyclophosphamide therapy led to improvement in the clinical state, pulmonary function and histological changes.


Haemoglobin C and haemoglobin O Arab-thalassaemia in families of Greek origin.

A case of Haemoglobin C trait and a family with Haemoglobin O Arab thalassaemia from Greece are described. Both Haemoglobin C and Haemoglobin O Arab were identified by peptide analysis.


Haemoglobin Lepore Washington in an Australian family.

Haemoglobin Lepore Washington is reported apparently for the first time in a white Australian male. Because some of this patient's family have similar blood changes it is assumed that they also have inherited the disorder.


Emergency management of the injured child.

Now that the crisis situation is past and the child appears to be stable, do not be lulled into a sense of security. Repeated examinations will be necessary to uncover significant internal injuries, such as a subcapsular hematoma of the spleen or liver that gives rise to continuous slow bleeding and may not show signs or symptoms until several hours after the time of injury. the first chest film may be within normal limits. A film several hours later may show the characteristic infiltrates of pulmonary contusion. Arterial blood gases may change before demonstrating other physical signs or symptoms of metabolic or respiratory deficiencies. The primary physician who cares for the multiply injured child must be familiar with the special needs of infants and children. They are not little adults. Dosages of medications differ; these children have special needs to meet for growth and development, and special psychologic needs. In dealing with the very young, do not give up too soon, especially with central nervous system injury. Many of these children have the ability to make a ""miraculous'' recovery, with little or no residual damage. I would like to make a special plea for the early use of hyperalimentation solution in the treatment of the multiple injury as a means of promoting optimum growth, development, and healing of the injured child.


The adaptation of the fetal red cells of newborn lambs to extrauterine life: the role of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and and adult hemoglobin.

The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationship of the rise and fall of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) with the increase in adult hemoglobin and the decrease in red cell oxygen hemoglobin affinity after birth in normal lambs. It was found that the mean maximum DPG level was 26.71 +/- 4.98 mol/g Hb at 7.5 +/- 1.1 days. At the same time the mean P50 and adult hemoglobin level was 27.0 +/- 1.4 mm Hg and 31.1 +/- 11.i%, respectively. In the individual lambs, the level of their maximum DPG correlated inversely with the amount of adult hemoglobin (r-0.77, P less than 0.05). Once the DPG began to decrease, there was an inverse correlation between the DPG and the adult hemoglobin present in the red cell (r = 0.68, P less than 0.001). It appeared that the rise in DPG postanatally is only a compensatory mechanism until an adequate amount of adult hemoglobin is present. This fact was borne out by the second part of the study in which exchange transfusions with adult red cells were performed on five newborn lambs during the first 24 hr after birth and aborted the rise in DPG.


D-glyceric acidemia: biohcemical studies of a new syndrome.

Studies of a mentally retarded boy, clinically suffering from nonketotic hyperglycinemia, are reported. Using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, enzyme specificity studies, and spectropolariometry D-glyceric acid in extremely elevated concentrations was demonstrated in both serum and urine (serum: 1.0-1.3 mmol/liter, urine: 33-187 mmol/liter). Hydroxypyruvic acid was not detectable in urine from this boy using a gas chromatographic method with a limit of detection of 0.3 mmol/liter. Enzyme assays of D-glyceric dehydrogenase on blood leukocytes demonstrated significantly lower activity in the patient compared with five normal children.


A behavioral phenotype in the de Lange syndrome.

The behavior of nine patients with the de Lange syndrome was studied using videotape, a recording protocol of eight standardized stimulus conditions, and a visual, digital time reference which permitted precise coding and quantitative analysis. These patients avoid or reject social interactions and physical contact, and they do not distinguish in this between a stranger and the mother or her substitute. Social interactions with the adult stranger were scored in patients 1-7 as negative for 28-56 sec/min, whereas they were positive for 1-6 sec/min. Statistical significance was at the level of P less than 0.01. In the case of the mother negative responses ranged from 21-45 sec/min and positive from 3-27 sec/min. The patients exhibit infrequent facial expressions of emotion, and frequently display stereotypic movements. On the other hand, vestibular stimulation or vigorous movement appeared to be an effective means of eliciting pleasurable responses. When held in arms in the vertical position only one of nine children smiled at all and the frequency for that child was 0.8/min. When the child was bounced vigorously in the same position, all smiled but who was too large to be bounced. In the eight the frequency of smiling ranged from 0.8-3.6/min. The data obtained indicate that a specific behavioral phenotype is associated with this syndrome.


Development of guanylylimidodiphosphate-dependent activation of adenylate cyclase by glucagon in the neonatal rat heart.

The basal adenylate cyclase activity of the rat heart increases with the age of the animal. By itself, 10(-5) M glucagon activates only adenylate cyclase activity from adult rat hearts. In contrast, 10(-5) M glucagon in the presence of 10(-4)M 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP) clearly activates adenylates cyclase activity in the 14-day-old rat heart, with some activation being evident in hearts of 7-day-old animals. GMP-PNP, 10(-4) M, activates adenylate cyclase activity by itself at ages of 14 days and older, but to a far lesser degree than in combination with 10(-5) M glucagon. Activity elicited by NaF increases throughout the neonatal period. The ratio of NaF-stimulated activity to basal activity increases from 6.3 at 2 days to 10.0 in the adult, a change which is not statistically significant. We conclude that a cardiac receptor for glucagon is present early in neonatal period of the rat, but this receptor cannot effect activation of adenylate cyclase and an increase in heart rate, or depletion of glycogen. Even in the presence of 10(-4) GMP-PNP, the response to glucagon by cardiac adenylate cyclase depends on the age of the rat. In heart cells from a 7-day-old rat, the response is barely measurable but the magnitude of the response increases each week.


Riboflaven and bilirubin response during phototherapy.

Twenty-four jaundiced neonates were studied, 12 in the treatment group and 12 in the untreated group. Patients were randomly selected to receive oral riboflavin. The mean 24-hr bilirubin decrease was determined during phototherapy. Blue light (420-470 nm) energy ranged from 6-10 muW/cm2. The observed 24-hr bilirubin decreased was compared with the expected decrease based on an energy-dose-response relationship. Riboflavin-treated infants received either 6-7 mu W/cm blue light energy or 810 muW/cm (same as control group). Those infants receiving less energy than the control group (8-10 muW)cm2 had a mean 24-hr bilirubin decrease (3.05 mg/100 ml/24 hr) equal to the control group (3.09 mg/100 ml/24 hr). Those riboflavin-treated infants receiving energy equal to the control group showed a greater decline (5.2 mg/100 ml/24 hr) in their mean 24-hr bilirubin. Although effective, additional in vivo studies are required to clarify the full effects, especially on DNA, of using photosensitizers such as riboflavin in the presence of bilirubin and blue light energy (420-470 nm).


Evaluation of the Porta-Warm mattress as a source of heat for neonatal transport.

One risk of transport of newborns to referral centers is hypothermia. Modern transport incubators have limitations in their ability to keep infants euthermic. As tested in the laboratory and during actual transport the Porta-Warm mattress extends the capability of the transport incubator to keep neonates euthermic by (1) reducing the time required to warm the incubator and (2) warming the incubator in cooler environements. The mattress is an effective adjunct to the transport incubator for keeping newborns warm during transport.


Urogenital tract abnormalities in sons of women treated with diethylstilbestrol.

Since in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) is known to cause abnormalities of the female genital tract later in life, exposed male offspring were located, surveyed by mail, and compared with unexposed male offspring from the same period and medical practices. The exposed and unexposed respondents appeared comparable and did not differ in their response to most medical questions. However, a larger proportion of exposed than of unexposed boys had experienced problems in passing urine (12.9% vs. 1.8%, P = .0003) and abnormalities of the penile urethra (4.4% vs. 0%; P = .017).


Solitary thyroid nodules in childhood: is the incidence of thyroid carcinoma declining?

Solitary thyroid nodules in childhood had a 40% to 70% incidence of malignancy in the era of low-dose therapeutic irradiation. In the last 15 years, 36 children have been evaluated for such nodules, with a final diagnoses of carcinoma in 17%, adenoma in 58%, and miscellaneous diagnoses in 26%. All patients with carcinoma were euthyroid and had no history of irradiation in infancy. Treatment included thyroidectomy and full-replacement thyroid therapy. Benign neoplasms were often "cold" by scan; all patients were euthyroid except one adolescent body with T3 toxicosis. A majority proved to be follicular adenomas at surgery. Miscellaneous benign conditions outnumbered carcinoma and included variations in migration or embryologic development of the thyroid anlagen, thyroiditis, and a thyroid abcess. A 99mTc scan proved more valuable in diagnosis than thyroid function tests: a "hot" nodule usually suggested a developmental abnormality of the thyroid rather than a tumor. Our series of children, born since the dangers of irradiation have become common knowledge, suggests there may be a changing trend in the pathology encountered in solitary thryoid nodules.


Physical signs in childhood asthma.

In 62 children with bronchial asthma, the presence of subjective dyspnea and wheeze, and some physical signs commonly associated with chronic obstructive airway disease in older patients, were compared with results of routine pulmonary function tests. Overall, airway resistance and the relationships of residual volume and functiona residual capacity to total lung capacity were increased and other measurements of pulmonary function were moderately decreased. The time-honored subjective dyspnea, wheeze, rhonchi, and prolonged expiration were least useful as indices of severity of disease. Most of the patients, particularly those in whom laboratory testing revealed marked impairment, had notable rhonchi, prolonged expiration, scalene muscle and sternocleidomastoid contraction, and supraclavicular indrawing. Only sternocleidomastoid contraction and supraclavicular indrawing clearly correlated with the severity of airway obstruction. A call is made for a search for these useful signs, whose presence may be the only clue to moderately severe disease; however, their absence does not guarantee absence of severe airway obstruction.


Pharmacokinetics of theophylline in children with asthma.

The pharmacokinetics of theophylline following intravenous injection of aminophylline, 4 mg/kg of body weight, were determined in 30 children with asthma and in 6 normal adult volunteers. The average total clearance of theophylline was 87 ml/hr/kg in the children and 57 ml/hr/kg in the adults. The biologic half-life of theophylline in the children ranged from 1.42 to 7.85 hours, reflecting mainly pronounced interindividual differences in the elimination rate constant of the drug. There was no significant difference between the children and adults with respect to the distribution rate constants and apparent volumes of distribution of theophylline, but the elimination rate constant of the drug was considerably higher in children than in adults. Thus, children eliminate theophylline more rapidly on the average than do adults and also show pronounced interindividual differences in the elimination of the drug. Compared to adults, children tend to require relatively larger amounts of theophylline per day and the doses may have to be given at shorter intervals of time.


Care of the critically ill child: the bleeding neonate.

Serious bleeding episodes in newborn infants can usually be diagnosed following careful clinical assessment and a few simple laboratory tests. Certain conditions are found almost exclusively in "sick" infants, whereas other coagulation abnormalities occur in otherwise "healthy" neonates. Successful management of hemorrhage necessitates a correct diagnosis which thereby dictates appropirate therapy. In some cases, such as in DIC, successful outcome ultimately depends on correction of the underlying pathophysiology which triggered the coagulation disturbance.


Jansen's metaphyseal dysostosis.

A case of Jansen's metaphyseal dysostosis, a rare disorder of endochondral ossification, is described. This is the first case in which the severe radiographic manifestations of this disease were detected at birth. Linear growth is significantly retarded at 2 years of age. Nevertheless, because full ossification with trabeculae is anticipated, early recognition and appropriate management during the phase of active growth should minimize deformities.


Hemolytic-uremic syndrome: absence of circulating endotoxin.

In children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome endotoxin determinations were carried out in the peripheral circulation in order to get evidence for the hypothetical role of endotoxin in the pathogenesis of the disease. For this purpose the Limulus test was used to determine endotoxin activity in 16 patients with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. In the plasma of these patients no endotoxin could be detected above the lower detection limit of 100 pg/ml, although in all patients with septicemia due to gram-negative bacilli the test was positive.


Near-drowning in children: clinical aspects.

Drowning is the third most common cause of death in the pediatric age group in Florida. The clinical presentation, laboratory data, modes of therapy and outcome of 34 cases of near-drowning in children under the age of 14 years were reviewed. The most common clinical findings on admission were a history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, tachypnea, pulmonary edema, and acidosis. Twenty-eight (82%) patients survived. Twelve (35%) required mechanical ventilation. Of these only six survived, four of them with severe neurological sequelae. Modern management of respiratory failure is important for the ultimate survival of these patients; however, the final neurological outcome seems to be related to brain damage at the time of the asphyxia rather than to subsequent management.


The school nurse practitioner: providing improved health care to children.

School nurse practitioners have the competence to participate in providing a broad range of direct primary health care and services to the school-age child. Greater utilization of these specially prepared and highly qualified nurse practitioners as providers of health care in the school is a practical and effective method of adding to the quality, availability, and continuity of health care for the school-age child.


Gasoline and flammable and nonflammable clothing studies.

Studies were conducted on mannequins using gasoline and flammable and nonflammable children's clothing. The results indicate that the flame-resistant standards currently required by law for children's sleepweare lead to much less severe burns.


A pediatric screening examination for psychosocial problems.

In an effort to avert the cumulative effects of unresolved emotional problems on children's social and school adjustment, a psychosocial phase was added to a pediatric multiphasic examination. Based upon a cumulative stress concept, the screening procedures included child behavior and family stress questionnaires for parents, and abbreviated standard psychological tests for children, administered by specially trained aides. Computerized results were reported to the child's pediatrician. Follow-up by mental health counselors attached to the pediatric clinic was provided for patients identified as being at high risk of serious psychosocial problems. Evidence of validity of the screen, factors affecting the scores, and effectiveness of clinical follow-up of high-risk patients are discussed. Valid semicomputerized screening of school-age children for serious psychosocial problems can be carried out routinely and at relatively low cost by paraprofessional personnel in a pediatric setting. Impediments to effective use of the screening results on the part of both health care provider and patient are discussed.


Incidence of illness in early group and family day-care.

The frequency of reported illness in children enrolled in a day-care center was compared to frequency in home-reared children and in children in family day-care homes. Children ranged from 6 to 42 months of age (mean, 21 months). Data on seven categories of illness were collected by bimonthly telephone interviews with parents during two consecutive winters. In the first year of the study gastrointestinal and total illnesses were reported significantly more frequently in children enrolled in the day-care center, though major illnesses were not. In the second year of the study illnesses were significantly more frequently reported in center children though mainly at the younger ages, that is, prior to 2 years of age. The mean numbers of illnesses and symptoms reported per call over the 2 years of the study were 2.56, 1.36, and 1.35 for center, home-reared and family day-care children respectively. Though it has been shown elsewhere that psychological health may be unaffected by early group care, the present findings imply that physical health may be somewhat reduced. It is unknown whether these children will be more resistant to infection at a later age.


Experience and reason--briefly recorded.

Solitary pyogenic hepatic abscesses were identified as the cause of fever, abdominal pain, and hepatomegaly in two otherwise normal children who were seen at St. Louis Children's Hospital during the past year. Liver function tests were normal and blood cultures were negative in both patients. These cases illustrate that pyogenic liver abscess may occur in normal children and should be considered whenever fever of unknown origin is associated with abdominal complaints. Only in this way can we hope to improve upon the results cited previously, namely that the majority of liver abscesses remain undiagnosed during life.


Lethal short-limbed chondrodysplasia in early infancy.

Nineteen cases of chondrodysplastic short-limbed dwarfism in early infancy were studied in the context of current clinical classification based on established radiographic criteria. The histopathologic findings were sufficiently distinctive in most categories to provide additional diagnostic criteria and to contribute to the understanding and delineation of these disorders. 1. Homozygous achondroplasia is distinguished by markedly disturbed endochondral ossification that differs from the pattern seen in typical heterozygous achondroplasia. The physeal chondrocytes contain abundant granules of glycogen. 2. Achondrogenesis, the severest form of chondrodysplasia, exists in 2 types, in which the histopathologic findings appear to be distinctive and diagnostic. Type 1 is characterized by severe disturbance in endochondral ossification. The zone of resting cartilage contains relatively normal matrix, and the chondrocytes contain intracytoplasmic inclusions. The cartilaginous matrix in type 2 is markedly deficient, and the chondrocytes have a large, primitive, mesenchymatous appearance. 3. Thanatophoric dwarfism is associated with disorganized endochondral ossification similar to that in homozygous achondroplasia, but there is no accumulation of glycogen within chondrocytes. Type 2 thanatophoric dwarfism is differentiated from classical type 1 by the presence of cloverleaf skull and histologically by many bone-lined, penetrating vascular canals in the physis and by hyperactive osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the metaphysis. 4. Asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia of Jeune is differentiated histologically into 2 types. Type 1 is characterized by patchy distribution of endochondral ossification in the physis, irregular physeal-metaphyseal junction and large islands of poorly mineralized cartilage in the metaphysis. Type 2 is characterized by uniform distribution of endochondral ossification that is disorganized and is accompanied by advancing cartilage forming latticelike meshwork in the metaphysis. 5. Chondroectodermal dysplasia, which is radiographically similar to asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia, is marked by the presence of large islands of poorly mineralized cartilage in the spongiosa of vertebral bodies. Disorganized endochondral ossification is, however, uniformly distributed, and there is no latticelike advancing cartilage in the metaphysis. 6. Chondrodysplasia punctata is characterized by myxoid and cystic degeneration of physeal and epiphyseal cartilage with focal calcification. Type 2 (Conradi-Hünermann) has a nearly normal pattern of endochondral ossification, even though there may be severe disturbance and retardation of the process. The columnization of physeal chondrocytes is normal. Type 1 (rhizomelic) differs by having markedly retarded and disorganized endochondral ossification. 7...


[Anti-HL-A immunization in polytransfused patients according to the antigenic composition of the transfused blood].

The presence of anti-HL-A antibodies in a polytransfused person very often is a sign of a bad prognosis for survival of renal grafts or for the efficacity of leucocyte transfusion. In this paper, we describe the immunization of 5 patients who have been studied for several years. The number of units transfused as well as antigenic HL-A composition of these units are known for each patient. This enabled us to identify for each antigen, the number of blood units transfused (results given in %). Our observations confirm facts already described by several authors, study of voluntary programmed immunization, with the cells from the same donor. Furthermore, we are aware that there does not appear to be any direct relationship between proportion (absolute value) of the antigens received and specificity of antibodies. The time needed for an individual to become immunized does not appear to be related to the number of transfusions. This could lead to the modification of the criteria allowing to classify individuals as "responders" or "non-responders".


The erythrocyte-granulocyte rosette. An immune cellular interaction found in some cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemias.

Erythrocyte-granulocyte rosettes (EGR) were found in the capillary blood of two cases of autoimmune haemolytic anemia, the first caused by an IgM non-I antibody and the second by an IgG. Both antibodies activated complement, and C3b was demonstrated on the erythrocytes. The rosettes appeared as arrangements of 6-10 red cells adhering to a central granulocyte; phagocytosis was most generally absent. The finding of EGR in the capillary blood may be useful for the recognition of complement activation up to the C3b stage in some cases of autoimmune haemolytic anemia.


Volumes and cellularity in populations of hematopoietic clones.

Volumes of hematopoietic spleen colonies were estimated by measuring parameters of superimposed triaxial ellipsoids. Observations were made on groups of colonies that contained only undifferentiated cells or had differentiated to varying degrees into purely erythropoietic, purely granulocytic or purely megakaryocytic colonies. The average volume occupied by one cell and surrounding matrix, the so-called single cell space, was determined for each type of colony. The estimated colony cellularity was then computed from the measured colony volume and the tabulated single cell space. The techniques of measurement are described. Formulas are provided to estimate mean and variance of volumes and their cell contents. Data on the distribution of spleen colony size and cellularity after seven days of growth are given.


Separation of Met-tRNAf and Met-tRNAm by chromatography on Sepharose 4B columns.

Unfractionated rabbit liver tRNA, charged with [3H]methionine by use of rat liver enzymes, was separated into two [3H5methionine-containing fractions by column chromatography on Sepharose 4B. The two fractions were identified as Met-tRNAMetm and Met-tRNAMetf by (a) their different ability for form a GTP-dependent ternary complex with IF-MP, and (b) the absence of the first fraction after selective charging of the tRNA with E. coli amino acyl tRNA synthetase. The methionine residue was without noticeable influence on the separation.


Affinity chromatography of thymidine kinase from a rat colon adenocarcinoma.

Thymidine kinase from a transplantable colon adenocarcinoma, induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and maintained in CDF rats, was purified by affinity chromatography using thymidine-3'(4-aminophenylphosphate) coupled to carboxyhexyl-Sepharose. Most of the contaminating protein passed through the column; non-specifically adsorbed protein was washed from the column by 0.1 M KC1 in 0.01 M Tris-HC1, 7.5. Thymidine kinase was eluted with 0.1 mM thymidine, 0.1 M KC1 in 0.01 M Tris-HC1, pH 7.5. The purified enzyme accounted for about 26% of the applied activity; the specific activity of the purified material (peak fraction) was 3,500 moles TMP formed per mg protein per 10 min., a 1,800-fold purification of the applied extract. The preparation is free of nucleoside phosphotransferase, but contains other protein impurities. Purification was completed in less than 1 hour, making this a useful procedure for isolation of this unstable enzyme.


Ion-affinity electrophoresis. Preparation and properties of phosphorylated polyacrylamide gels.

Strong, pliable polyacrylamide gels containing covalently bound phosphate groups have been formed by radical-initiated copolymerization of acrylamide and a phosphorylated, N-substituted derivative of acrylamide. Under conditions of disc electrophoresis, the gels provide enhanced resolution in the separation of hemoglobin A from S, and separate two forms of yeast glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Preliminary evidence suggests that the improved resolution is due to ionic adsorption of the proteins to immobilized phosphate groups, implying that the gels may function as supports for electrophoretically powered separations involving ion-exchange or affinity chromatography.


Systematic evaluation of cellular radiosensitivity parameters.

Cellular radiosensitivity parameters of the track structure theory of Katz and co-workers are evaluated from a sum of squares minimizing computer program for nonlinear models. Based on these observations, suggestions are presented for efficient experiment design for the determination of these parameters from track-segment bombardments of high LET radiations.


Dosimetry for irregular shaped fields of beta rays.

The feasibility of using various shapes and sizes of field limiting devices and collimators with beta-ray eye applicators has necessitated the study of dosimetry for these fields. A method of calculating surface and depth doses for any shaped field from the data for circular fields is presented. The depth dose evaluation is based on a measured dose function which is defined as the dose rate at a particular depth for a particular circular field. The evaluated values for the surface and depth dose were compared with experimentally obtained values for three non-circular fields. The good agreement in these data indicates the practicability of the method suggested.


Transport calculations of gamma ray flux density and dose rate about implantable californium-252 sources.

Gamma flux density and dose rate distributions have been calculated about implantable californium-252 sources for an infinite tissue medium. Point source flux densities as a function of energy and position were obtained from a discrete-ordinates calculation, and the flux densities were multiplied by their corresponding kerma factors and added to obtain point source dose rates. The point dose rates were integrated over the line source to obtain line source dose rates. Container attenuation was accounted for by evaluating the point dose rate as a function of platinum thickness. Both primary and secondary flux densities and dose rates are presented. The agreement with an independent Monte Carlo calculation was excellent. The data presented should be useful for the design of new source configurations.


Conversion from exposure to dose for megavoltage beams under 3 MeV.

An exact expression was developed for conversion from exposure in air to dose in some medium at the depth where the kerma equals the dose. This depth was estimated for 60Co beams in water using published data, and found to be 0-4 +/- 0-05 cm. An example of the use of the conversion relationship for a 60Co beam is given.


Attenuation measurements of a fast neutron radiotherapy beam.

Attenuation measurements have been made for pressed wood, steel and lead in the neutron beam generated by 35 MeV deuterons on a thick Be target, using narrow-beam, semibroad-beam and broad-beam geometries. In addition, the measurements were extended to the neutron beams from 25 and 15 MeV D+ on Be, for semibroad-beam geometry only. A tissue-equivalent plastic ionization chamber was used as the detector; hence the measured parameter approximated the total (n + gamma) dose in tissue. After correcting for radiation scattering around the absorbers, the remaining curves were nearly exponential in most cases, and a build-up factor could be employed to describe the varying degree of scattered radiation dose as a function of absorber thickness and geometry. The results given should be applicable in designing primary-beam shields and collimators, as well as providing a useful basis for extending calculations to other geometries through Monte Carlo techniques.


Physics of contrast mechanism and averaging effect of linear attenuation coefficients in a computerized transverse axial tomography CTAT) transmission scanner.

Detailed studies of the basic contrast mechanisms in computerized transverse axial tomography scanners have been carried out. Contrast is related to the effective atomic numbers and electron densities of materials and the resultant linear attenuation coefficients. We have therefore quantitatively evaluated various samples defined by these parameters. A multienergetic X-ray source causes resolution degrading problems arising from the averaging effect of the linear attenuation coefficients. The controversy regarding the use of fixed length water bath as a reference to compensate the spectral shift (hardening) effect of the multienergetic X-ray source is also analysed and reported. Computer simulations demonstrating the sensitivities of the linear attenuation coefficient measurements and errors, as functions of the energy spectrum, were made for representative cases. Simulation results indicate that by using a full water bath, artifacts stemming from the multienergetic X-ray souce can be significantly reduced. An alternative approach using a count rate equalizer, considered to be another way of reducing the wide dynamic range in count rate when a water bath is not used, is also studied and the results reported.


Quantitative proton tomography: preliminary experiments.

An attempt has been made to see whether energetic protons (158 MeV) could be used instead of X-rays in computerized axial tomography to detect density differences of the order of those at which commercial X-ray tomographs cease to be useful. A circularly symmetrical phantom consisting of Lucite and sugar solutions was used, and density differences of 0-5% were reconstructed with reasonable accuracy from data obtained with very simple equipment. Discontinuities in either density or chemical composition, or both, seem to cause artifacts in the reconstruction. These may be related to the West-Sherwood effect.


An improved method for detecting passive pills.

One of the principal disadvantages of the passive pill as a telemetric method for measuring various physiological parameters has been its resticted range. The reasons for the restricted range with existing detection methods are discussed. An improved method using a locking spectrometer based on third-order phase-sensitive detection is described and its performance is assessed. A significant increase in the usable range of a high sensitivity passive pill is obtained.


Measurements of trabecular bone structure in man.

A quantitative analysis of trabecular bone structure is presented, based on omnidirectional distributions of paths across (a) trabeculation and (b) marrow cavities. The omnidirectional distributions, which take into account structural anisotropy, are generated from measured distributions of paths. Representative examples are given, together with values of two commonly quoted structural parameters, the ratio of endosteal surface to bone volume and percentage bone volume. Data on the biological and age variations in the third lumbar vertebra are also presented and an index of trabecular anisotropy suggested. Finally, the results are compared with those of other workers and estimates of useful skeletal parameters given.


Determination of the efficacy of the mechanism changing the relative rate of blood flow through cutaneous and deep lying veins with temperature.

An analytical model of the circulation in the upper extremities of man is used; it consists of one artery, a deep vein lying close to the artery and returning a fraction p of the arterial blood flow, and a cutaneous vein carrying the fraction (1 - p). Using the model, a method is given for finding, for any subject, the efficiency of the mechanism which changes the circulation pattern with temperature. A patient's extremity is immersed in water at 25 and 10 degrees c and the rate of blood flow and rate of heat loss from that flow are measured. Computation of p for these two temperatures is reduced to the solution of two linear equations. The method is applied to 11 subjects and gives good agreement with results obtained by a more elaborate method.


Calculation of retinal temperature distributions resulting from laser irradiation of the eye: I. Continuous lasers.

The paper develops a simple analytic expression for the maximum temperature rise attained in the retina as a function of laser power, exposure duration, retinal absorption parameters and image radius. It is assumed that the laser beam has a Gaussian intensity distribution and is absorbed, following Beer's law, in both the pigment epithelium and the choroid layers of the eye. The final expression is mathematically accurate to 1% and is valid for image radii ranging from 20 to 500 mum and for exposure times from 30 ms to infinity. Consequently, this analysis is ideally suited to the interpretation of laser threshold damage experiments using shuttered gas lasers operated in their uniphase mode. Finally, the problem of defining a safe exposure level to laser radiation is considered. However, the lack of available information on minimum retinal image diameter and maximum absorption coefficient permits only an estimate of this parameter to be made.


Follow-up study of patients treated by x-ray epilation for tinea capitis. Estimation of the dose to the thyroid and pituitary glands and other structures of the head and neck.

This study is a further investigation of radiation dose to various head structures in the children given X-ray therapy for tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). In this work, estimates of the dose to the thyroid and pituitary gland were obtained with lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosemeters using a child's head phantom. Doses were also measured for the parotid gland and several skin sites where skin tumours developed in the irradiated cases. In a previous study, brain and scalp doses of 140 and 500-800 rad had been estimated for the treated group using this same head phantom. In this work dosemeters were also placed in the same brain locations so that comparisons could be obtained between the two studies. The thyroid dose was estimated to be 6 +/- 2 rad and the pituitary dose was 49 +/- 6 rad for the conventional tinea capitis treatment. The dose to the parotid gland was 39 rad and the dose to skin sites on the face and neck where tumours occurred ranged from 20 to 40 rad. The data for the thyroid adenoma response from this and other studies involving irradiation of children suggests a linear dose-response relationship within the first 30-40 years after exposure with a risk of about 0-04% per rad.


Radioimmunoassay of prostaglandins E1, E2, and F2alpha in unextracted plasma, serum and myocardium.

A radioimmunoassay procedure for the determination of PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2alpha is presented. The procedure involves the pre-precipitation of each prostaglandin specific antiserum with the precipitating antisera (ARGG), and the use of these antisera mixtures in assaying for PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2alpha. Applicability of the methods to unextracted plasma, serum and myocardial homogenate has been demonstrated through tests of specificity, recovery, reproducability and parallelism. A mathematical correction for cross-reactivity between PGE1 and PGE2, and their opposing antisera is given. To demonstrate the utility of the methodology in differentiation of experimental variables, prostaglandin concentrations in unincubated serum, incubated serum, and the rate of prostaglandin production in serum of dogs are given.


PGE2: opposite effect on catecholamine release from phaeochromocytoma and adrenal medulla.

The effect of PGE2 on catecholamine release from human adrenal medulla and phaechromocytoma was studied in slices incubated in vitro. In each of 3 normal human adrenal medullae PGE2 (10(-7) M) caused a significant inhibition of the release of catecholamines in in vitro incubation. In each of 3 phaechromocytomas studied PGE2 (10(-7) M) caused a significant increase of catecholamine release in in-vitro incubation. The possible relevance of this mechanism to the regulation of catecholamine release in phaeochromocytoma is discussed.


The effect of PGE2 and PGF2alpha on the response of guinea pig myometrium to adenine nucleotides in vitro.

Prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha potentiate contractile effect induced by adenine nucleotides ATP, ADP and AMP in guinea pig myometrium in vitro. Prostaglandins and nucleotides were added to the organ bath in minute concentrations which have been proved ineffective or slightly contractile when both groups of substances were administered separately. The data of the present work, together with our previously published studies (9, 10, 13), where the action of exogenous adenine nucleotides, NAD and adenosine on rabbit's jejunum in vitro has been proved antagonistic to the contractile effect of various prostaglandins, suggest that prostaglandins and adenine nucleotides appear to block selectively or augment each other's action on various organs. The initial hypothesis that there is a regulatory correlation between endogenous prostaglandins and the function of purinergic nerves also is reinforced.


The possible mode of action of prostaglandins: X. Antagonism between prostaglandin F2a and prolactin or human chorionic gonadotropin: a comparative study.

A comparative assessment of the efficacy of prolactin or HCG in reversing the luteolytic property of a single dose (2.0 mg/kg) of PGF2a was conducted in pregnant (day 10) rats. It was found that prolactin maintained pregnancy in 90% of the test animals. HCG though found to maintain pregnancy in 70% of the PGF2a-treated pregnants, the fetal survival rate was, however, recorded to be 62% against the control value of 98%. Conversely, prolactin replacement maintained the fetal survival rate as high as 93.4%. Moreover, the growth of the fetuses, placentae and corpus luteum in the pregnants having prolactin in conjunction with PGF2a was also found to be greater compared to the animals which had a combined regimen of PGF2a and HCG, but identical to controls. On the other hand, similar combined regimen when applied to hysterectomized pregnant rats, it was observed that though the vaginal diestrus was maintained by the prolactin or HCG in the presence of PGF2a, the prolactin regimen was found to be superb compared to HCG in the maintenance of luteal weight and functional activity. It was concluded that the antifertility effect of PGF2a in the rat is primarily the consequence of luteolysis and prolactin seems to be a much more appropriate hormonal replacement compared to HCG, a long-acting LH, in antagonizing the luteolytic property of PGF2a.


Jugular levels of 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F and progesterone around luteolysis and early pregnancy in the ewe.

Six non-pregnant ewes at day 12 of the estrous cycle each had a day-12 embryo transferred into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum, and 4 non-pregnant ewes at day 13 each had a day-13 embryo similarly transferred. Four control ewes, 2 at day 12 and 2 at day 13 received sheep serum into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum. Jugular blood samples were taken at 2-hourly intervals for 3 days post-surgery, then twice-daily for a further 4 days, and the plasma radioimmunoassayed for progesterone and 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F. All control ewes exhibited estrus within the expected time range and pulsatile peaks of 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F occurred coincident with declining progesterone levels. With one exception, the recipient owes had prolonged cycles and those ewes found pregnant at necropsy, 30 days after transfer, showed no progesterone decline and no pulsatile peaks of prostaglandin during days 12 to 16 after estrus. These observations suggest that the presence of the embryo at a critical stage after mating suppresses the release of uterine prostaglandin F2alpha.


Labor induction with prostaglandin F2alpha. Influence on psychomotor evolution of the child in the first 30 months.

The long-term effects of elective induction of labor at term by amniotomy and the intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha were studied in 40 children. No untoward effect of this procedure on the psychomotor development of the children during the first 30 months could be demonstrated.


A possible role of prostaglandins in the regulation of ovum transport and oviposition in the domestic hen?

Prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha provoked a contraction of longitudinal tissue strips from the uterine, vaginal and isthmus regions of the chicken oviduct; no response was induced in longitudinal tissue strips from the magnum and infundibulum. PGF2 induced a contraction of circular and longitudinal uterine strips and of circular stips from the isthmus and infundibulum. With both circular and longitudinal vaginal strips a relaxation was obtained. A dose-dependent response was observed with circular magnum strips: contraction with low doses and relaxation at higher doses. No response was obtained with longitudinal tissue strips from the isthmus, magnum and infundibulum. The possible influence of both prostaglandins in the mechanism of ovum transport and oviposition in the domestic hen is discussed.


Abortifacient efficiency of 15 (S) 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha-methyl ester administered vaginally during early pregnancy.

Forty early pregnancies (menses delay 13 - 27 days) were terminated by administering four vaginal suppositoreis each containing 1.0 or 1.5 mg of 15 (S) 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha-methyl ester, one every third hour. In 14 cases serial measurementsof serum estradiol and progesterone were performed during and after therapy. Uterine contractions and bleeding started 1 - 17 hours after administration of the first suppository. Abortion was complete after one week in five women (13%), and after two weeks in 30 (75%). A curettage was performed on eight women, residual placental fragments were found in seven and pregnancy continued in one woman. Mild diarrhoea (65%) and vomiting (40%) were the major side-effects, despite premedication. Estradiol and progesterone levels fell progressively during the therapy. Self-administration of 4 or 6 mg of the methyl ester caused too low a rate of complete abortion for use in practice, but it may be a valuable and practical agent for preoperative dilation of the cervix.


Use of combination prostaglandin F2alpha and hypertonic saline for midtrimester abortion.

Midtrimester abortion was induced by intramniotic prostaglandin F2alpha in combination with hypertonic saline alone in 102 others. Abortion time and duration of hosptial stay were shorter with the prostaglandin-saline combination.


Induced abortion in the 8-9th week of pregnancy with vaginally administered 15-methyl PGF2alpha methyl ester.

15(S)15-methyl PGF2alpha methyl ester was self-administered vaginally to terminate pregnancy in 42 women in the 8-9th week of gestation. Ten patients received a total of 6 mg of the compound over 15 hours (Group I) while the remaining 32 patients received 5.5 mg of the prostaglandin compound during a shorter period of time or 9 hours (Group II). If parts of the conceptus were expelled during treatment, surgical intervention was excluded. All patients were followed closely after treatment with repeated serum HCG assays and clinical examinations. All patients in Group II and eight out of ten patients in Group I aborted following treatment. In 33 of the 42 patients, the serum HCG levels and the clinical course following the expulsion of the conceptus indicated that abortion was complete. Gastro-intestinal side effects were minimal if anti-diarrheic agents were given prophylactically. The incidence of uterine pain was variable but could in most cases be controlled by oral or rectal administration of analgetics. The results of this study suggest that the use of this compound for termination of pregnancy may be safely extended through the 9th week of gestation and in certain cases be an alternative to the normal operative procedure.


Uneven ventilation in smokers.

A body plethysmographic technique designed to detect small degrees of uneven ventilation in the lungs is presented. The technique is based on the same theoretical model as the frequency dependence of compliance. It has the advantage of requiring little time, no cooperation by the subject and no computation. Signs of uneven ventilation were found in 3 of the 42 normal controls, in 6 of 51 light smokers and in 66 of 103 heavy smokers. The data are compared with measurements of closing volume, of the slope of phase III of the single breath nitrogen washout and of maximal mid-expiratory flow rate.


Frequency dependence of regional lung clearance of 133Xe in normal men.

We measured the one-half time of 133Xe washout from the whole lung and from 9 horizontal lung regions in 6 normal men during normal breathing and at 50 breaths/min. The diaphragm was located with a contour map prior to the selection of the 9 horizontal regions. Artifacts caused by the tissue solubility of 133Xe were reduced by expressing regional clearance relative to whole lung clearance. During normal breathing there was a progressive increase in the relative clearance of 133Xe from the lung apex to the base when each region was compared to the lung as a whole. At 50 breaths/min, relative clearance increased from the lung apex only for about 18.5 to 20 cm. At that point, the relative clearance rate of the horizontal regions began to fall and at the lung base was slower than that of the whole lung. These results are consistent with the concept that dependent lung regions have longer time constants than regions at the top of the lung.


Effects of simulated altitude on O2 transport in dogs.

The effects of exposure to simulated altitude on skeletal muscle and on the cardiocirculatory system rhave been studied on awake, conscious, dogs (16-39 kg) at rest and during moderate treadmill exercise at 15% incline. Measurements were obtained in Denver at a PB of 635 mm Hg and after 3 weeks of continuous exposure to a PB of 435 mm Hg using a hypobaric chamber. At both levels of PB the dogs showed marked panting, associated with pulmonary hyperventilation and low PaCO2's (28 mm Hg at 635 and 17 mm Hg at 435 mm Hg). Resting VO2's were high (12.4 and 11.4 ml/min-kg) reflecting the high respiratory outputs. [Hb] and Hct increased significantly after 3 weeks at 435 mm Hg with a 4 mm Hg decrease in P50. Q, HR, SV and systemic blood pressures were normal in both normoxic and hypoxic animals, at rest as well as during exercise. Arterial and mixed venous PO2's decreased in the hypoxic dogs (82 to 56 and 42 to 36 mm Hg, respectively) but arterial O2 content, arterial-venous O2 content difference and systemic O2 transport remained unchanged. Capillary density in the sternothyroid muscle doubled (617 to 1245 cap/mm2) after 3 weeks at a PB of 435, whereas the average muscle fiber diameter decreased about 30%. Calculations indicate that the PO2 in the 'lethal corner' of the muscle fiber is relatively higher in the hypoxic animal because of the decrease in fiber size and intercapillary distances.


Respiratory properties of blood in awake and estivating lungfish, Protopterus amphibius.

Blood respiratory properties have been studied in awake and estivating African lungfish, Protopterus amphibius. Fish had been estivating 28-30 months when blood was sampled. Hematocrit, O2 capacity and blood hemoglobin concentration increased by about 50% during estivation. Red cell Hb concentration (MCHC) was unaltered. Total blood concentration of nucleoside triphosphates (NTP) was reduced 50% in estivation. Thin-layer chromatography showed that the change in NTP resulted from a GTP/Hb (guanosine triphosphate) reduction to 20% of the value in awake fish. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) concentration remained largely unaltered. GTP/Hb changes were accompanied by marked changes in O2 affinity. The P50 value in blood from awake fish was 33 mm Hg at pH 7.5 compared to 9 mm Hg for the estivating fish. The n-value changed insignificantly. An increased Bohr effect was present in estivating fish, but its importance will depend on circulating pH in the two states. Standard bicarbonate ranged from a low of 8.6 mMol-L-1 (P plasma) at pH 7.5 in an awake fish to 49.6 mMol-L-1 (P) in an estivating fish. CO2 dissociation curves showed a variable Haldane effect having its highest value in the in vivo range of PCO2. The striking increase in O2-Hb affinity during estivation is regarded as an adaptation to a reduced alveolar O2 availability associated with estivation. Altered mechanics of pulmonary ventilation and reduced ambient O2 availability caused by the subterranean habitat may have been selection pressures for the development of the high O2 availability caused by the subterranean habitat may have been selection pressures for the development of the high O2 affinity. The mechanism behind it rests with the recorded change in erythrocytic concentration of GTP.


Study of CO2 sensitive vagal afferents in the cat lung.

Single unit activity was recorded in the cat vagus in order to detect possible receptors firing in response to changing lung CO2 concentration. The cats were ventilated at a high rate (60-120 breaths per min) and inspired CO2 concentration was altered between 0 and 8% in a step-like fashion, each phase consisting of about 10 breaths. Thus the effects of changing intrapulmonary CO2 concentration could be differentiated from the effects of stretch of lung tissue. Activity was recorded in 7 cats from 120 units firing in phase with ventilation. Many receptors showed some CO2 sensitivity, but no fiber was found discharging in response to CO2 exclusively. The results provide no evidence for the occurence of specific CO2 receptors in the feline lung with vagal afferents functionally similar to those reported for the avian lung.


Respiratory frequency control during hypercapnia in vagotomized, anesthetized cats.

There is a small, but significant, increase in frequency during hypercapnia in vagotomized, anesthetized animals, indicating involvement of an extravagal mechanism in the response. The intent of this study was to determine the source of this second mechanism regulating frequency during hypercapnia. Experiments were performed on 22 vagotomized, anesthetized (Dial) cats. Frequency (f), inspiratory time (ti) and expiratory time (te) responses to CO2 were monitored before and after sectioning of afferent nerves from the carotid bodies (carotid sinus nerve section), chest wall (dorsal rhizotomies, T1-T12) and diaphragm (dorsal rhizotomies. C4-C7). Most vagotomized animals responded to 6% CO2 with an increased frequency, decreased ti and no consistent change in te. The responses to CO2 were essentially unaltered following chest wall and diaphragm deafferentation. Sodium cyanide stimulation of the carotid bodies produced similar respiratory pattern changes as CO2; furthermore, the f and ti changes with CO2 were still present following carotid body deafferentiation. The results of this study suggest that: (1) afferents from chest wall and diaphragm mechanoreceptors are not responsible for the vagal-like effects on ti and f during hypercapnia, (2) afferents from lung mechanoreceptors, via the vagus nerves, are the only inputs from respiratory mechanoreceptors causing an increased f during hypercapnia, (3) the extravagal mechanism responsible for the decreased ti and increased f during hypercapnia is inherent to the medullary-pontine rhythm generator, and (4) input from the chemoreceptors can elicit the response.


Ventilation, gas exchange and metabolic scaling of a sea turtle.

Ventilation of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) was affected by the position in which the animal was placed: supine animals breathed slowly 0.07 breaths/min) and deeply (8.0 L/breath); prone animals breathed more rapidly (0.43 breaths/min) and more shallowly (3.5 L/breath). From the respiratory exchange ratio and other indicators it appears that green turtles hyperventilate during exercise and hypoventilate during recovery. O2 consumption of the resting sea turtle (0.024 L-kg-1-h-1) is similar to that of other large turtles. Maximal O2 consumption (0.25L-kg-1-h-1) is greater than that of other large turtles. Minimal O2 consumption scaled in proportion to the -0.17 power of the body mass of green turtles over the range of 0.030 to 141.5 kg. The maximal O2 consumption scaled in proportion to the -0.06 power of body mass for the same range of body masses.


[Familial olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy with myoclonus. Limits of cerebellar myoclonic dyssynergia (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome)].

The case is described of a woman of 26 suffering (like her mother, a brother and a sister) from a progressively degenerating cerebellar syndrome, at first considered to be hereditary cerebellar ataxia, but which, after action myoclonus appeared, was diagnosed as dyssynergia cerebellaris myoclonica (D.C.M.). Anatomical verification however revealed a syndrome of olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy comprising massive demyelinisation of the white matter of the cerebellum and of the cerebellopontine fibres; atrophy of the pontine nuclei; the cerebellar cortex itself was severely affected; moderate nigral lesions; marked spinal lesions of the cerebellospinal fasciculi and of the posterior columns; lesions of the anterior horns and of the bulbar nuclei; cortical chromatolysis. The fact that the dentate system remained unaffected, also noted in some cases of olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy with myoclonus, whilst in a number of other cases the lesion remains clinically silent, emphasises the difficulty in establishing an accurate correlation between myoclonus and dentate nucleus. Discussion of the nosological limits of D.C.M.: confirmed cases generally displayed lesions of the dentate system and hereditary degenerative spino-cerebellar lesions. The same clinical symptoms can be observed in cases which do not come under this classification--or even under that of degenerative conditions of the cerebellar system--and D.C.M. appears to be only a syndrome, the Ramsay-Hunt syndrome.


[Striato-nigral degeneration. Apropos of a clinical, therapeutic, and anatomic study of 2 cases].

The authors report two anatomo-clinical cases of striato-nigral degeneration with trial of L-Dopa; one of them included an olivoponto-cerebellar degeneration. The features of this degeneration are compared with the literature and related to heredo-degenerative diseases of the nervous system.


[Loss of voluntary control and retention of automatic reflex in certain muscles innervated by cranial nerves in 2 cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].

The authors present two clinical observations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S.) in which a loss of voluntary control was associated with retention of automatic and reflex activity of muscles innervated by cranial nerves. In the first case the face and swallowing were affected, in the second the movements of the eyes. These phenomena are exceptional in A.L.S.


[Major histocompatibility system in multiple sclerosis].

The comparison of Histocompatibility Testing in 82 MS Patients and 368 controls is presented. The increase in HL-A7 and decrease in HL-A12 are confirmed. A significant increase in HL-A8 is reported. Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction confirms the LD7a increase (19 out of 24 Multiple Sclerosis patients tested); 100% of the patients bearing the HL-A7 determinant are found to be LD7a. The presence of specific Immune Response genes in Multiple Sclerosis is discussed.


[The Atri system. Immunogenetic lymphocytic system associated with ABO and ABH secretory systems].

The antigen Atri can be detected on the lymphocytes of 5.19% of ABH Secretor A individuals. The Atri substance is present in the plasma of the same individuals and can be fixed on group O erythrocytes. It is also found in the saliva of 30/32 A individuals not secreting substance A. Its existence in the saliva of A Secretor individuals, however, cannot be proved due to the presence of both the A and Atri antigens. The Atri substance is neutralized by the soluble substance A extracted from the gastric mucous of a pig. Yet the A and Atri antigens can be shown to be distinct on lymphocytes by redistribution of the corresponding sites and blocking of the A sites by an immune anti-A. On a genetic level, the Atri specificity might belong to a lymphocyte system comprising three alleles: Atri, RB and W100. These three specificities have the common characteristic of being expressed on a certain percentage of the lymphocytes of group A individuals. This system, provisionally named Atri, is functionally associated with the ABO system and secretor system. Nevertheless, the fact that in several families the Atri antigen is not expressed by the parents shows that its expression on lymphocytes requires the intervention of at least one gene in addition to the A and Se genes.


Typical results of computer-olfactometry.

After pulsed peripheral olfactory impulses it is possible, under suitable testing conditions, for specific sensory potentials to be read from the surface of the skull and, after repetitions, added up (olfactorially evoked cortical potentials). Typically, there developes a so-called twin-potential containing the equivalents of the electrical activites of the nervus trigeminus and the nervus olfactorius in two peaks of the cortex equivalents. In an objective manner, in other words without intentional or vegetative influence by the test person, it is possible by the weakening or lack of one or the other or both part-potentials to obtain information about the functioning of the olfactory sense. Typical examples will be presented.


Experience with the new pneumatic nasal tampon in cases of critical nasal bleeding.

A pneumatic nasal tube is recommended to control serious bleeding in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. This is easily administered and tightly seals the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The tube allows reduced nasal respiration with sufficient sealing. It is available in three sizes and has been proven useful by the authors.


[Basic principles of radioimmunoanalysis].

The authors review  the principal characteristics of radioimmunoassay (R.I.A.), in grounds of the so-called "saturation analysis" techniques, which are of increasing interest among the chemical laboratory procedures. They study each element of R.I.A. separatedly, and finally they make a brief display of the different applications of radioimmunoassay stressing its significance in the endocrinological field.


Disordered gas exchange in the blood caused by nasal tamponade.

The authors have examined the pH, the pCO2, the pO2, and the oxygen saturation of the blood of patients upon whom endonasal surgery followed by tamponing of the nose had been performed. The gas values were examined on the second postoperative day and two days after the tampons had been removed. It was found that the blood pH remained within normal limits, whereas during the acute obstruction the pO2 values were diminished, the pCO2 values were increased, and the oxygen saturation of the blood was noticeably diminished. The authors recommend carefulness if the noses of patients with cardiorespiratory insufficiency are to be tamponed.


[Effects of adrenalectomy and cortisol administration on the concentration of free fatty acids, triglycerides and total lipids on the liver of rats].

The hepatic concentration of triglycerides, free fatty acids and total lipids was determined in four groups of rats: normals, adrenectomized and normal and adrenectomized previously treated with cortisol, 30 mg. In chronic adrenectomized state, total lipids and hepatic triglycerides are diminished, particularly the triglycerides. Adrenectomy does not appear to have significative effect on the free fatty acids. The administration of cortisol does not change those observations and, when given to normal animals, decreases the hepatic concentrations of free fatty acids, triglycerides and total lipids.


[Incorporation of 1-C14 palmitic acid into liver lipids of rats in different hormanal states].

Adrenalectomy and/or cortisol-induced variations in the in vivo and in vitro incorporation of 14C-palmitic acid 1 into the different fractions of rat liver lipids were studied. The different fatty acids incorporations follow analogous patterns in every hormonal state in vitro. Incorporation rate is faster in normal animals, but adrenalectomy or the administration of cortisol produces a marded delay. Cortisol does not modify the anomalism observed in the adrenoprival state. In vivo, the incorporation of palmitic acid into the different liver lipids--for the same hormonal state--does not follow the same pattern.


Endoscopic and histopathological observations of chronic maxillary sinusitis.

111 patients are studied in order to find possible relations between the endoscopic images and histopathological findings in the chronic maxillary sinusitis. The clasification of the different types of sinusitis is based on the aspect of the mucosa (normoplastic, hypoplastic, polypous, polypoido-polypous) and on the histological features (lymphoplasmocytic, eosinophilic, eosino-lymphoplasmocytic infiltration, low cellularity). The confrontation of the sinusoscopic and histopathological observations give interesting information, such as differenciation between stabilized and evolutive sinusitis, simple and complicated inflammation. This information facilitates our therapeutic choice.


[Hormone dependence in functional thyroid cancers, survival after total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine and thyroid extract therapy].

The authors reviewed current criteria on hormone-dependence in functional thyroid cancers, presenting data of compared disease evolution based on the casuistics of thyroid carcinomas from the files of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, with 5 and 10 year follow-up studies in some of the cases. They found a higher number of survivors among the patients with papilliferous carcinoma in both 5 and 10 year follow-up groups whom, aside total surgical removal of the gland and the administration of thyroid extracts, those who had thyroid residues left were given 100 mc of 131I. Among the patients with follicular adenocarcinoma, under the same comparative conditions, differences were not very clear in the 5 year follow-up group, while the 10 year follow-up group showed marked differences. The authors conclude that an adequate combination of the three therapeutic procedures may allow a higher survival rate.


The correlation between permanent septal deformities and nasal trauma during birth.

Both the outer and inner nose as well as the position of the parietal bones of 972 patients at an age of 3 to 82, were examined giving evidence of the configuration of the infant's head at birth and thereby of the "severity" of the birth. In comparison with the sectio-patients the configuration of the infant's head in the birth canal reveals statistically recorded deformations of the outer and inner nose with an obstruction of the nasal breathing in 20% of the patients examined. The degree of the configuration has a definite influence on the degree of the nose deformation. The adjustment of the rotary direction of the infant's head in the 1st and 2nd vertex presentation determines the direction of the nose deformation. The demand of many authors for an immediate rhinological examination and corrections in the newborn child, for instance on the septum, to be performed still in the obstetrical department, must due to our own examinations be advocated.


Results of clinical olfactometric studies.

A modification of a flow olfactometer with a new application appartus, with which "quasi-free" nasal respiration allows the elimination of adaptation without a special testing room, subsequent results using this device to examine olfactory thresholds before and after septum operations, as well as reference to threshold increases in 57 post-operative cases of cheilognathopalatoschisis are reported. An esthesio-neuroblastoma as well as the deformity syndrome with cheilognathopalatoschisis and encephalodystrophy are used as examples for combined olfactory transmission and perception disorders. Studies of 55 smokers with primary neurosensory disorders demonstrated a threefold increase in the olfactory threshold and an up to 50% decrease "fatique-time". A mean acetone deviation factor of 1.93 was seen in 100 students from 20-27 years of age before and after eating. Correspondingly, after a substantial breakfast and lunch, the olfactory threshold attained its maximum daily value within 90 minutes, much more pronounced than after intake of 80 grams of glucose solution. In contrast to the literature, the olfactory threshold was seen to continuously increase, dependent on age. Studies of the perceptive and recognition threshold on 100 normal individuals and 28 patients with hyposmia exhibited with 3 sigma, a significant difference. In patients with hyposmia, the absolute values for the two threshold types vary greatly, however not their deviation factors. More importance should be attached to the sense of smell as the so-called lesser senses give us the greatest pleasures.


[Superior and inferior cavography as well as azygography and retroperitoneal venography: methods, indications and results (author's transl)].

The diagnostic spectrum for venography of the trunk is broad. During the traditional superior and inferior cavography, which should be used for clinical bone marrow functional blockage in connection with a confirmed tumor or for thrombosis, the combined retroperitoneal venography and cavography which we developed for clinical use as well as direct azygography provide valuable supplementary information which can be significant especially for preoperative questions. In the case of carcinoma of the esophagus or stomach, the question whether or not the tumor can be surgically removed or whether the tumor is already inoperable may be answered before surgery. In addition, direct azygography is suitable as a method to seach for lymph nodes metastases in carcinomas of the lung, stomach, kidney, adrenals and pancreas which cannot be ascertained via mediastinalscopy, and for systemic diseases. In addition to the prognostic evaluation of the tumor  and the additional preoperative evaluation of neighboring tumors, various bone diseases of the lumbar vertebrae, e.g., inflammatory, tumerous and traumatic changes in the spine, may be localized on the retroperitoneal venogram and cavogram. They can also be used successfully to seach for metastases or in the case of a dislocation of an intervertebral disk. The execution of the various methods is relatively simple and they may be performed on a patient capable of surgery.


[Hyaline membrane disease: pulmonary changes and complications during ventilatory assistance in preterm infants (authors transl)].

The changing pattern of hyaline membrane disease and its iatrogenic complications during respiratory treatment are reviewed. The typical roentgenologic symptoms of pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pseudocyst, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary heamorrhage are described and illustrated. Their relevance for clinical management is discussed.


[The use of the liver-spleen-scan for the diagnosis of congenital Intrahepatic cysts of the bile duct (M. Caroli) (authors transl)].

After the short review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy for congenital intrahepatic cysts of the bile-duct (morbus Caroli), reference was made to the diagnostic significance of liver scintigraphy on the basis of two casuistic reports. Liver scintigraphy permits an exact localization of intrahepatic cysts as well as information regarding the course of the hepatopathy connected with morbus Caroli. In addition, 131-J-bromsulfon scintigraphy of the liver is a simple method for controlling the patency of the bile ducts. Our observations tend to indicate that preoperative and postoperative scintigraphic controls of the liver are practical for this disease.


[Roentgen Diagnosis of injuries of the diaphragm in childhood (authors transl)].

Three cases of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm were presented. In terms of the roentgen examination, one can differentiate between certain and incertain diagnostic criteria. The differential diagnosis was briefly metioned; an optimal examination technique is often not possible due to the severity of the injuries.


[New intensifier screens in pediatric radiology (authors transl)].

On the basis of the physical and clinical findings of this investigation, the characteristics of new screens made of rare earths were described. The possibilities of application for pediatric radiology and those advantages which can be achieved with the new screens were discussed. Possible technical difficulties were mentioned.


[Patient dosage load with the vidio amplifier technique in pediatric radiology (authors transl)].

The desired reduction of dosage with the indirect technique compared with the close up is only obtained if the vidio amplifier (i.e. 50 muR/picture) is adjusted exactly, if the input potential of 60 kV is not exceeded, particularly for infants, and no high kV grids are used. An adjustable diaphragm in front of the camera with the adjustment of the vidio amplifier and with the electron-optical changeover from, for example 9" to 5", would result in an additional reduction in dosage.


[A special gonad protector for comparative radiograms of the hips in infants (authors transl)].

A special, newly developed, gonad protector to be used for comparative radiograms of the hips in infants was introduced. This lead protector has a window which, due to its special shape, exposes only that portion of the skeleton which is important for the evaluation of dysplasia of the hip. In order to better protect the testes from scattered rays, a trough shaped lead plate is placed behind the scrotum.


The antisteroid action on the pineal gland.

The study presents the data gathered along the years on the antisteroid action of the pineal gland. Thus, it was demonstrated that administration of pineal polypeptides to the rabbit lowers the urinary 17-KS both of testicular and adrenal origin. Conversely, pinealectomy caused an increase in the level of these steroid hormones. The same pineal material induced a marked decrease both in the serum and testicular testosterone and in the plasma and adrenal corticosterone in the rat. At the same time administration of pineal polypeptides lowered the cholesterol in the serum, bile, liver, testis and adrenal. Melatonin had no effect on these biochemical indices, which demonstrates that the effects obtained with pineal polypeptides are not mediated by melatonin.


Endocrine implications in experimental tumoral metastasis. III. The influence of the thyroid status on the metastasis of 256 Walker carcinosarcoma intratesticularly grafted and on the in vitro proliferation of the tumoral cells.

The influence of thyroid status modifications on the metastasis of 256 Walker carcinosarcoma intratesticularly grafted to rats was examined. Inhibition of metastasization and of the secondary tumoral growth was noticed in animals chronically treated with thyroxine, while hypothyroidization realized either by surgery or by administration of synthetical antithyroid drugs enhanced metastasization and growth of the secondary tumors. The primary tumoral development was not significantly influenced by the thyroid status modifications. The variations of the thyroid hormonal level influenced nonspecifically the proliferation of the in vitro cultivated tumoral cells.


Air ions and the urinary 17-ketosteroids.

The authors correlated the aeroions variations in January, February and March 1963 with urinary 17-KS variations in 5 adult subjects. The results revealed that the excess of positive aeroions induced an increase of the urinary 17-KS eliminations, whereas the excess of negative aeroions induced a decrease.


Influence of the thymus polypeptide (TP) extracts on the mouse inoculated with influenza virus.

Administration of thymus polypeptide (TP) extracts to the mouse inoculated with the A2 AICHI influenza virus strain, causes a significant decrease in hemagglutination titres in the lung cells suspensions of the treated animals as compared to the nontreated controls.


Skeletal calcium retention in hyperthyroidism and in vitro calcitonin inactivation.

Studies on patients with severe hyperthyroidism revealed an increased skeletal avidity for calcium, expressed in terms of net retention, after a three-hour i.v. load of 10mg Ca/kg body weight. For the same hyperthyroid subjects the calcitonin inactivating potency of the sera was tested in vitro. The results were expressed as restant hypocalcemic potency of the calcitonin after incubation with the serum fractions. In hyperthyroid subjects two fractions in dilutions of 1:10 reduced the hypocalcemic activity of calcitonin by 75%. In normals this activity appeared only in one fraction. All these results suggest a prompt calcitonin release during calcium infusion which is however less efficient, probably because of the increased amount of calcitonin inactivating factor present in sera. The serum inactivating factor generally contributes to the short-time activity of calcitonin both in normals and in some clinical states with bone calcium imbalance.


Child with 46, XY/46, XY, 18p- mosaic.

A 46, XY/46, XY 18 p-mosaic was encountered in a child with cranio-facial dysmorphia, anomalies of the fingers, metaphyseal and epiphyseal dysgenesis, psycho-motor backwardness, anomalies of EEG and convulsions.


Gonadotropin secretion in patients with gonadal dysgenesis.

Plasma FSH and LH levels were investigated by the radioimmunological method of Burr et al. [1] in 35 patients with gonadal dysgenesis. In addition ten healthy, normally menstruating women were examined as controls. Plasma FSH levels were significantly elevated in the patients with gonadal dysgenesis, while LH concentration disclosed no characteristic alteration. There was no specific correlation between the plasma FSH and LH levels. The data obtained add further support to the idea that gonadotropin synthesis and release may be differentially affected by the gonadal steroids.


Disturbances in psychological functions of workers occupationally exposed to styrene.

The relationship between long-term occupational styrene exposure and disturbances in psychological functions was studied. The exposed group consisted of 98 male workers exposed to styrene in the manufacture of polyester plastic products, and the comparison group comprised 43 concrete reinforcement workers. The duration of exposure in years and the mean mandelic acid concentration in urine (five determinations during 5 weeks before the clinical examination) and the cumulative dose of exposure were used as the indicators of exposure. The psychological functions studied were intelligence, visuomotor speed, visuomotor accuracy, memory, vigilance, and psychomotor performance. Some personality test variables were also included. In a group comparison two variables (visuomotor inaccuracy and poor psychomotor performance) out of 20 showed statistically significant differences and characterized the styrene exposed group. These findings were confirmed when workers with low and high styrene exposure were compared. One variable measuring visuomotor speed and another measuring visual memory were related to the duration of exposure (R = 0.28, p less than 0.05). In a multiple regression analysis disturbances in visuomotor accuracy, poor psychomotor performance, and lowered vigilance proved to have some connection with a high mandelic acid concentration (R = 0.49, p less than 0.01). In addition workers with disturbances in visuomotor accuracy and slight disturbances in virumotor speed had higher mandelic acid concentrations when compared with those workers without any deterioration. The results indicate that disturbances in visuomotor accuracy and, to a lesser degree, in psychomotor performance are the main findings measured by test methods used in this study and related to one indicator of styrene exposure, mandelic acid concentration. The psychological methods used revealed subclinical symptoms related to exposure, and they should aid in making group diagnoses, e.g., when additional information is needed for the determination of the threshold limit value. The deterioration found in visuomotor accuracy could be related to lowered safety in work and traffic.


Neurophysiological findings among workers occupationally exposed to styrene.

Ninety-six male workers occupationally exposured to styrene in 24 plants producing reinforced polyester plastic products were studied neurophysiologically. The mean age of the subjects was 29.6 +/- 7.4 years, and the duration of the exposure varied from 6 months to 14 years (mean 5.0 years). Mandelic acid concentration in the urine (mean of five values determined during five consecutive weeks) was used as the measure of exposure. The individual means of the mandelic acid concentrations varied from 7 to 4,715 mg/dm3 (median 808 mg/dm3). Neurotoxic effects of styrene exposure upon the central nervous system were revealed by abnormalities in the EEG. The overall prevalence of abnormal EEGs was 24% (23 out of 96), which is higher than that found among a normal population (p less than 0.05). Abnormal EEGs were found in one-third of the subjects with relevant styrene exposure (mandelic acid concentration over 700 mg/dm3), while low-level styrene exposure did not increase the prevalence of normal EEGs above that found in a normal population. Nerve conduction velocity measurements performed on 40 subjects did not reveal any definite relationship between neuropathy and styrene exposure. The EEG examination is useful in the investigation of the neurotoxic effects of styrene. Whenever a possibility exists of excessive styrene exposure or beginning poisoning, the workers should be submitted to an EEG examination.


Long-term exposure to jet fuel: an investigation on occupationally exposed workers with special reference to the nervous system.

In the present study the results of a neurological and neurophysiological health examination of 29 aircraft factory workers chronically exposed to jet fuel vapors are presented. The exposed subjects were classified into a heavily exposed and a less heavily exposed group. The examination included a standardized clinical neurological examination, measurements of the conduction velocities in the peripheral nerves, and threshold determinations of vibratory sensations in the extremities. All 13 persons examined in the heavily exposed group and 7 of the 16 in the less heavily exposed group stated that they had repeatedly experienced acute effects (dizziness, respiratory tract symptoms, heart palpitations, a feeling of pressure on the chest, nausea, headache) of the jet fuel vapors in the inhaled air. A high rate of symptoms indicative of neurasthenia and psychasthenia and symptoms and signs indicative of polyneuropathy was observed both in the heavily exposed group and in the two groups combined in comparison with reference groups. Considering the presented facts concerning (a) the acute effects on repeated occasions, (b) the high rates of symptoms indicative of neurasthenia and psychasthenia and symptoms and signs indicative of polyneuropathy, and (c) the differences in the observations made between the two groups with varying degrees of exposure to jet fuel, the authors interpreted the results as indicative of a possible effect of long-term exposure to jet fuel on the nervous system.


Exposure to butyl alcohol: uptake and distribution in man.

Twelve subjects were exposed to 300 or 600 mg/m3 of butyl alcohol in inspired air during rest and during exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Exposure lasted 2 h. The results were puzzling in view of the high blood/air partition coefficient for butyl alcohol. The arterial blood concentration was low. The concentration in the last part of the expired air, i.e., the ""alveolar'' concentration, was low. The quotient of ""alveolar'' concentration X 100/inspired concentration was low in relation to the low percentage uptake. However the high solubility of butyl alcohol in water may explain the results. Butyl alcohol was probably partially taken up in the water of the dead space mucous membranes during inspiration. It was then partially released from the membranes. Therefore the concentration of butyl alcohol in the last part of expiration was probably not the same as the concentration in the alveolar air.


A method for determining benzo(a)pyrene in air samples collected on glass fiber filters in occupational areas.

Benzo(a)pyrene was analyzed in air samples collected on glass fiber filters in occupational areas. Vacuum sublimation, thin-layer chromatography on acetylated cellulose, and fluorescence scanning of the thin layer plate were performed. The recovery of the method was estimated by an isotope dilution technique using 3H-benzo(a)pyrene. Special equipment was constructed for sublimation. The detection limit for authentic samples was found to be about 10 pmoles per filter.


Determination of exposure to electric fields in extra high voltage substations.

Electrophysical effects related to extra high voltage are surveyed for the determination of the exposure of personnel to electric fields in substations. It is concluded that the electric field strengths and the electrical discharges to the personnel are the important electrophysical factors. Instruments for measuring the field strength at grounded surfaces and at nonzero potentials were constructed. Results are presented of measurements with these instruments in substations. A dummy was used for the measurement of the distribution of capacitive currents to a man. The dummy can also be used for measuring the effectiveness of special shielding clothes.


Carbon monoxide: effects on oxygenation of the fetus in utero.

The partial pressure of oxygen in fetal blood decreases in proportion to the carboxyhemoglobin concentrations in fetal and maternal blood. Because fetal oxygen tensions normally equal 20 to 30 percent of the values for adults, this reduction can result in severe hypoxia of vital tissues. Decreases in oxygen tension may be a factor in the lower birth weights of infants born to women who smoke or are exposed to severe air pollution.


Thyroxine-induced activation of hypothalamo-hypophysial axis in neotenic salamander larvae.

Thyroxine injected into the hypothalamus of neotenic Ambystoma tigrinum induces metamorphosis by activating hypothalamo-hypophysial stimulatory control of thyroid activity, thereby removing the hypothalamic block to metamorphosis.


Ribosomal genes of Xenopus laevis: evidence of nucleosomes in transcriptionally active chromatin.

Most of the reiterated ribosomal genes in the somatic cells of larvae of a mutant of Xenopus laevis appear to be protected from short-term nuclease digestion by being packaged in the form of chromatin subunits or nucleosomes. Since these mutant animals probably require all of their ribosomal genes to be active in order to maintain viability, at least some of the transcriptionally active gene sequences are probably associated with chromatin subunits. Thus, association of DNA with nucleosomes may not necessarily preclude template activity, although such association is probably of a dynamic rather than a static nature.


Derepressed alloantigen in transplacentally induced lung tumor coded for by H-2 linked gene.

A transplacentally induced lung tumor of strain C3Hf mice grows progressively when transplanted to (C3Hf X A)F1 hybrid mice but not when transplanted to C3Hf recipients. Progressive tumor growth occurs in [(C3Hf X A)F1 X C3Hf] backcross mice inheriting the H-2a haplotype from the F1 parent. Furthermore, radioresistant immunity to the lung tumor can be induced in C3Hf mice by immunization with normal tissue of B10.A and B10.A(2R) but not of B10 or B10.A(5R) strain mice.


Central nervous regulation of body temperature during sleep.

The relationship between hypothalamic temperature and metabolic heat production was measured during wakefulness, slow-wave sleep, and paradoxical sleep in unrestrained kangaroo rats (Dipodomys). Hypothalamic temperature was manipulated with chronically implanted, water-perfused thermodes while cortical electroencephalogram, electromyogram, metabolic rate, and body movement were continuously recorded. During slow-wave sleep, in comparison to wakefulness, there is a lowered threshold hypothalamic temperature for the metabolic heat production response and a lowered proportionality constant relating rate of metabolic heat production to hypothalamic temperature. During paradoxical sleep no increase in metabolic heat production could be elicited by lowering hypothalamic temperature, which indicates that the thermoregulatory system is inoperative. These results provide a basis for explaining the changes in various body temperatures, metabolic rate, and other thermoregulatory responses during sleep in a variety of mammals.


Dopaminergic agents: influence on serotonin in the molluscan nervous system.

Treatment of the mussel Mytilus edulis with 6-hydroxydopamine or with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine decreased dopamine and increased serotonin in the nervous system. Treatment with dopamine decreased serotonin concentrations and prevented the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine. The serotonin concentration appears to be determined in part by the concentration of dopamine.


Disproportionate tonotopic representation for processing CF-FM sonar signals in the mustache bat auditory cortex.

The extent of cortical representation of the peripheral sensory field depends on its importance for species behavior. The orientation sound of the mustache bat (Pteronotus parnellii rubiginosus) invariably consists of long constant-frequency and short frequency-modulated components and is indispensable for its survival. A disproportionately large part of the auditory cortex of this bat is occupied by neurons processing the predominant components in the orientation signal and Doppler-shifted echoes. This disproportionate cortical representation related to features of biologically significant signals is comparable to that in the somatosensory and visual systems in many mammals, but it has not previously been observed in the auditory system.


[Organization of reanimation and intensive therapy in pediatrics].

The authors propose a definitely-arranged system for organization of reanimation and intensive therapy of children. It includes 5 component elements, viz. rooms and posts of reanimation aid at kindergartens and creches, polyclinics and sanatoria; intensive therapy wards at maternity homes and pediatric hospitals; anesthesiological, reanimation and intensive therapy departments of multispecialized pediatric inpatient departments; reanimation and anesthesiological centers; a consultative travelling reanimation pediatric team. The structural form of the patients' hospitalization at pediatric reanimation departments is analyzed. Of their total number 48 per cent are surgical patients after serious operative interventions on the organs of thoracic and abdominal cavities with multiple injuries and malformations; 27.1 per cent are infectious patients, 11.9 per cent - those suffering from poisonings and 10.7 per cent patients with somatic illnesses.


[Morbidity with temproary work loss among miners and engineering-technical personnel in the iron ore industry].

The influence of industrial-occupational and social-hygienic factors (vocation, age, underground and continuous service record, per capita income, nutrition) on the level of temporary incapacitation and also on the dynamics and structure of the disease incidence among average annually engaged and regular miners in ore-mining industry was studied. The use of multifactor correlation and regression analysis and of the Bayes probability method helped establish the dependence of the temporary incapacitation level on the age, occupational activities, continuous service record, family composition, education and per capita income. The administration and social bodies of the mine in concerd with medical workers have on the ground of the present investigation outlined ways and means for implementation of measures aimed at consolidating the health status of workers.


[Registration files on the dispensary coverage of the population].

To-day the quality of treatment on the dispensary levels is the most important factor in the work of medico-prophylactic establishments. The existing registration files on the dispensary coverage of thee population needs revision with a view of satisfying requirements of practicians. The organizational-methodological division of th Lvov regional clinical hospital has devised an optimal variant of registration forms that enable it to ensure keeping more exact records of patients undergoing the dispendary treatment, to cut down the time spend in checking, to more quickly obtain the needed current data and to strike balance of the medical commissions work in carrying out periodical medical examinations of the population.