Clinical study on the antifungal activity of griseofulvin in the presence of surfactants.

Scales were taken from 128 human volunteers suffering from ringworm infections and grown on Sabourand's media to determine the type of organisms causing the disease. Groups of 32 patients each were treated for sixty days with griseofulvin tablets containing dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, cetyl pyridinium chloride and polysorbate 80 respectively, while another group of 32 was given tablets containing griseofulvin only for the same period. The subjects treated with griseofulvin tablets containing surfactants showed a higher rate of cure than those treated with griseofulvin alone.


Screening for mumps immunity with the microtiter solid-phase radioimmunoassay.

A solid phase radioimmunoassay on microtiter plates was adapted for the estimation of mumps antibodies using commercially available complement-fixing mumps antigen. The sensitivity of the test is superior to that of hemagglutination inhibition and lies in the same range as the virus neutralization test performed on chick fibroblasts. The method is useful for screening large series of human sera, for instance in connection with vaccination programs.


Gonorrhoea in the asymptomatic patient: presentation and the role of contact tracing for heterosexual men and women and for homosexual men.

Clinically silent gonorrhoea is the major problem in the control of the disease. Only 12 per cent of infected women reported in 1974 because of symptoms, compared with 97 per cent of infected heterosexual men and only 35 per cent of homosexual men with gonococcal proctitis alone. Homosexual men, compared with heterosexual men, had twice as many subsequent sexual contacts after infection and had a higher incidence of early syphilis. Eighty-four per cent had experienced passive anorectal intercourse. Ninety-seven per cent of men with gonococcal urethritis reported because of symptoms, but occasionally (particularly after unsuccessful treatment) urethral gonorrhoea in men may be clinically silent and even require tests of the overnight urethral secretion for diagnosis. For women, and for homosexual men who have had passive anorectal (or oral) intercourse, the indication for attendance for tests for gonorrhoea should be having run the risk, and not the presence of symptoms. Routine tests of the anorectum for gonorrhoea are essential in cases of 80 women at risk, and for most homosexual men since over 80 per cent of these men will have had passive anorectal intercourse. Because gonococcal infections following treatment-failure are often clinically silent in both women and men, symptoms cannot be relied upon to indicate such failure. Follow-up smears and cultures are always essential.


Description of a computer program for the determination of regional cerebral blood flow.

The regional cerebral blood flow in man was measured, following a short injection 133 Xenon into the internal carotid, by processing the hemispheric clearance curves detected with an Anger gamma-camera. An automatic calculation program is described which permits the estimation of the two compartmental blood flows. The merits of this procedure are discussed.


Electrocochleography by mathematical modelling.

The aim of this work is to critically review some of the classical electrocochleographic methods in accordance with the systems theory: (a) in describing, by means of mathematical models, the different parts of the auditory system concerned in the generation of stimulus-evoked signals; and: (b) in comparing the outputs of these models with the measurements of the cochlear potentials. It must be stated clearly that we realise that many of the conclusions drawn could be criticised, it is hoped that future research in the field with be stimulated by this work.


Computer-aided anaesthesia administration.

Certain repetitive tasks of the anaesthesiologist are studied and modelled for automatic processing. These analyses make it possible for optimal control procedures to be programmed and administered by less trained anaesthesia professionals. A dynamic programming model is developed and validated with real data collected from several hospitals in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. By conjunctively monitoring certain transients in the anaesthesia administration process, the scarce supply of anaesthesiology manpower can be more efficiently deployed.


Implications of fertility patterns in the Republic of Korea: a study by computer simulation.

Implications of various fertility patterns in the Republic of Korea (ROK) are studied by computer simulation. These patterns include the factors: age of marriage, sex preference, abortion (induced), contraception and sterilisation. As a result of studying a large number of combinations of these factors, the following tentative conclusions, among others, are reached. If future cohorts of women in the ROK become limiters after two live births and marry according to an observed high level marriage distribution, at least two of the methods of birth control--abortion, contraception, and sterilisation--will have to be used extensively to yield a mean number of live births (MNLB) in these cohorts of the order 2-2. However, if these women marry later than the observed high level marriage distribution and, in addition, accept effective methods of contraception more widely and use them more effectively, then the MNLB experienced by these cohorts could move below 2-5 wihtout the extensive utilisation of abortion and sterilisation.


Semiautomatic processing of neurophysiological data: part I--a device for measuring potential intervals from film.

This paper describes the operation and construction of an electromechanical device designed to make measurements on oscillograph recordings of nerve or muscle potentials for subsequent computer analysis. The device consists of a motor-driven shaft which moves the record past a fixed cursor, and an electronic counter which records the movements of the shaft, thereby providing a cumulative tally of the distance of the current position of the cursor from some arbitrary origin on the record. When the device is connected to a paper tape punch, the operator can punch the distance measurement associated with potential along the record onto the tape. The format of data on the tape readily allows further analysis by computer.


Immunosuppression in Burkitt's lymphoma. II. Peripheral blood lymphocyte populations related to clinical status.

We have studied peripheral blood lymphocyte populations, defined in terms of their E and EAC' rosette-forming capacity in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma and controls. Total lymphocyte counts were reduced in patients compared to controls (p less than 0.005), and correlated with clinical stage and disease status. Presenting patients with Stage D tumours had the lowest levels, while patients in remission for at least 18 months had total lymphocyte counts similar to those of controls. Absolute numbers of both E and EAC' rosette-forming cells (RFC) were reduced, compared to controls, in tumour-bearing patients (p less than 0.0005 for both E and EAC' RFC) and also, to a lesser extent, in patients in remission (p less than 0.025 and less than 0.05 for E and EAC' RFC respectively). In the case of E RFC a significant reduction was present even when patients in remission for over 18 months were considered alone (p less than 0.05). Non-RFC were present in similar numbers in patients and controls, so that the reduction in total lymphocyte count can be accounted for entirely by the reduced numbers of RFC. As anticipated by this, percentages of RFC were also reduced in patients compared to controls, EAC' RFC to a lesser extent than E RFC. Non-RFC percentages were correspondingly increased. Tumour-bearing patients had significantly impaired PHA responses and cutaneous reactivity, which correlated significantly with very low levels of RFC. One possible explanation for these results is that immunoreactive lymphocytes are sequestered within the tumour. This is consistent with the immunosuppression observed in tumour-bearing patients, and would also result in difficulty in detecting even a powerful tumour-specific immune reaction by means of an assay dependent upon the participation of peripheral blood lymphocytes.


Cancer incidence in Alaska natives.

A survey of cancer incidence among Alaska Natives for the 5-year period 1969-73 revealed fewer cancer cases overall than expected in relation to US rates, but significantly increased risk for certain cancer sites: the nasopharynx in both sexes (with excesses over 15-fold), the liver in males, and the salivary glands, gallbladder, kidney and thyroid in females. Compared with earlier reports, the observations suggest marked changes in cancer incidence among Alaska Natives over the past two decades, with declines in esophageal and invasive cervical cancers, and increases in cancers of the lung, colon and rectum.


Survey of human lymphoblastoid cell lines and primary cultures of normal and leukaemic leukocytes for oncornavirus production.

Velocity sedimentation of uridine-labelled cultures was found to be more reliable than isopycnic sedimentation in detecting oncornavirus production in lymphoid cells. Of 13 cell lines (including six derivea from Burkitt's lymphomas and two from leukaemic leukocytes) only one, the leukaemia-derived, Epstein-Barr virus-producing line QIMR-WIL, showed any activity. The nature of the QIMR-WIL particles was further defined by isolation of uridine-labelled 70S RNA and by the simultaneous assay for reverse transcriptase and 70S RNA, but production of such particles was detected in only three of 10 assays. Pretreatment of cells with 5'-iododeoxyuridine or culture in arginine-free medium did not induce particle production. Syncytia assays using XC cells were negative. Of 13 primary cultures (nine samples of leukaemic leukocytes and four of cord leukocytes) treated with mitogens and subjected to inducing conditions, one (leukocytes from a patient with acute myelogenous leukaemia) showed evidence in successive assays of oncornavirus synthesis. The low and transient yield of oncornavirus-like particles obtained in this work parallels that reported in previous studies of fresh lymphoid cells and primary cultures.


Fc receptor-bearing cells as a reliable marker for quantitation of host lymphoreticular infiltration of progressively growing solid tumors.

Disaggregated cell suspensions made from transplanted solid tumors, either chemically-induced fibrosarcomas, or spontaneous mammary carcinomas, can contain very high numbers of Fc receptor-bearing cells which are of host origin. Because most types of lymphoreticular cells have Fc receptors, and because T cells--most of which are Fc receptor-negative--appear to infiltrate such tumors only to a very limited degree, the possibility that Fc receptor cells could serve as a reliable and simple marker for host lymphoreticular cell infiltration of solid tumors was tested. This was accomplished by comparing the ratios of Fc rosetting cells to serologically detectable host cells in H2d or H2k haplotype tumor cell suspensions grown in (H2d X H2k)f1 hybrid mice, where host cells could be distinguished from tumor cells by treatment with the appropriate anti-H2 serum. Ratios of 0.8 to 1.08 were obtained for four different tumors including the SaD/2 fibrosarcoma, a CBA spontaneous fibrosarcoma, and the T1699 and CaD/2 mammary carcinomas. Analysis of the results showed that enumeration of Fc rosettes was a reliable host cell maker for at least three of the four tumors tested. The mean non-malignant host cell content of the various tumors, as assessed by anti-H2 cytotoxicity tests, ranged from 23% to 41%.


Canine testicular tumors: epidemiologic features of 410 dogs.

Histologically confirmed testicular tumors were diagnosed in 410 dogs from 12 North American veterinary university hospitals and clinics. Three tumor-cell types, Sertoli cell tumor, interstitial cell tumor and seminoma, were about equally represented. Several breeds were identified with high risk for different testicular tumor-cell types. Cytogenetic and immunogenetic studies of these dog families could offer leads applicable to familial testicular cancer in man. The multiplicity of breeds within the series suggests that, as in man, other factors, in addition to hereditary, play a role in etiology. Cryptorchid dogs appear to have a 13.6 times higher risk of testicular tumor than normal dogs. Additionally, male dogs with an inguinal hernia have an increased risk (4.7) of testis tumors. There were no detectable excesses of other urogenital anomalies or urogenital tumors among the series. The Shetland Sheepdog is suggested as an appropriate model for research into the mechanisms responsible for testicular maldescent and tumorigenesis.


In vitro generation of primary and secondary cytotoxic cell-mediated immune responses to chemically induced mouse sarcomas.

Mixtures of lymph node and spleen cells from normal (untreated) BALB/c mice and from BALB/c mice whose syngeneic tumors had been excised 7-28 days previously ("tumor-excised mice"), were sensitized in vitro by cultivation for 9 days with cells from syngeneic, methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas. The in vitro-sensitized lymphoid cells were tested in a 36-h microcytotoxicity assay for reactivity against target cells carrying the sensitizing tumor antigens, as well as against control target cells lacking these antigens. After co-cultivation with tumor cells, lymphoid cells from both normal and tumor-excised mice were cytotoxic to tumor cells carrying the sensitizing antigens. The cytotoxicity was generally specific, and occurred at low effector: target cell ratios (in some experiments down to 1:1). When lymphoid cells from tumor-excised mice were exposed in vitro for 9 days to cells carrying the same antigens as those which were originally present on the surgical excised tumors, the effector cells obtained gave a dose-dependent cytotoxic response suggestive of a linear relationship. When lymphoid cells from normal mice were similarly sensitized for 9 days, specifically cytotoxic lymphoid cells were generated but no linear dose-dependent response was detected.


Lung tumour incidence in mice treated with hydrazine sulphate.

Lung tumour incidence in mice fed with hydrazine sulphate (1.1 mg/day/mouse) was studied in male and female mice of Swiss, Strong "A" and F1 cross of ICRC (female) X C3H (Jax) (male), as well as in C17 males. Swiss strain mice showed 100% lung adenocarcinomas. None of the treated mice of different strains had liver tumours. Hydrazine sulphate also induced adenocarcinomas of lung in Strong "A" and F1 cross of ICRC females X C3H (Jax) males but it produced lymphomas of lung in C17 strain. Female mice of Swiss strain and F1 hybrids showed greater susceptibility to hydrazine sulphate than the males. It was interesting to observe that protein and vitamin B deficiency in the diet shortened the tumour induction period in Swiss strain mice.


Changes in phosphorus metabolism during the tumor growth inhibition by metabolic acidosis.

Ammonium chloride-induced metabolic acidosis produces an increase of the phosphorus turnover rate in tumor tissue. The lower blood protein-bound 32P seems to indicate that the high phospholipid turnover observed in tumor may be related to an increased molecular degradation. It seems likely that this phenomenon together with the augmented release of phospholipid-bound calcium may induce important changes in the cell membrane behavior.


Serum calcium balance during early phase of diphenylhydantoin therapy.

The timing of anticonvulsant-induced disturbances of calcium metabolism was investigated in ten epileptics before diphenylhydantoin therapy and during it for up to three years. There was a significant decrease in average serum calcium and an increase in average serum alkaline phosphatase one month after the commencement of the therapy, these values remaining constant thereafter. Decreased serum inorganic phosphate and elevated hydroxyproline levels were also seen in the patients during the followup. At any time after the start of the drug therapy, 10 to 40 per cent of the patients had abnormalities in one or more of these parameters. The findings suggest that prophylactic therapy with vitamin D is indicated from the earliest phase of anticonvulsant therapy to prevent the development of bone disease.


[Psychopharmacological studies on the interactions between alcohol and oxazepam with regard to reaction behavior. 1st communication. Changes of psychomotor coordination and reaction behavior].

The interactions between oxazepam and ethanol were investigated in a pharmacopsychological study. The results of the psycho-experimental investigations are reported in this paper. The effects of oxazepam and/or ethanol doses given to 14 subjects with known blood concentrations of the respective substances were monitored and compared to placebo effects. - An analysis of the experiments with respect to the psychomotoric responses showed a tendency towards motoric instability under ethanol (A), whereas in the placebo experiment a relatively constant level of efficiency was maintained. In the oxazepam experiment (C) a slowing of the psychomotoric functions was observed. The concomitant influence of ethanol and oxazepam accentuates the motoric instability with a delay of the motoric responses. These effects remain visible, though slightly modified, after the administration of both substances at intervals (E). The experiments showed a decrease in efficiency during continuous exercise, a delayed response to optic and acoustic stimuli, and a retardation of the entire behavioral pattern under the influence of ethanol and oxazepam. The results indicate the existence of marked interactions between ethanol and oxazepam.


Cytological effect of nogalamycin in mammals and regression of methylcholanthrene-induced and spontaneous tumors in rats.

The cytological effect of nogalamycin was studied in rats, mice and cultured human leukocytes. Four standard test systems were used: (1) Analysis of spermatogonial cells, (2) Cytological evaluation of bone-marrow metaphase plates, (3) micronucleus test in polychromatic erythrocytes, and (4) Determination of chromosomal aberrations in cultured human leukocytes. The results of the studies indicated that the types and frequencies of cytological errors induced by the drug were not significantly different from the concurrent controls. Chemically induced fibrosarcoma tumors and tumors of spontaneous origin in rats were successfully regressed following the administration of nogalamycin. Simultaneous transplantation of chemically induced fibrosarcoma tumors and intraperitoneal administration of nogalamycin, irreversibly inhibited growth of primary tumors in rats. The most effective concentration of nogalamycin for either regression of actively growing fibrosarcoma tumors or inhibition of transplanted fibrosarcoma cells was 556 mug/kg of body weight.


Photochemotherapy (PUVA) and psoriasis: comparison of 8-MOP and 8-MOP/5-MOP.

Twenty-eight psoriatic patients received PUVA treatment (psoralen and long ultraviolet irradiations. Two preparations were used; 8-methoxypsoralen and a mixture of 5-methoxypsoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen. Both gave considerable improvement, but in 6 cases the lesions reappeared after 2 to 8 weeks, in spite of maintenance treatment. In this report, photochemotherapy of psoriasis was compared, using a UVA emitting lamp, 8-MOP, and a mixture of 8-MOP and 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP).


Trimethoxypsoralen in vitiligo.

The treatment of vitiligo has been unsatisfactory. Introduction of systemic furocoumarins to treatment regimens has given very promising results. Trimethylpsoralen has been found to be more potent than 8-methoxypsoralen. In cases studied, ultraviolet irradiation of affected sites following topical application of trimethylpsoralen was found to hasten the process of repigmentation. Simultaneous treatment of underlying disease produced a quicker response followed by sustained relief.


Leucocyte ascorbic acid in abnormal leucocyte states.

Leucocyte ascorbic acid was estimated in patients with abnormal leucocyte states and other haematological disorders. Levels below the normal range were found in most cases of chronic myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphatic leukaemia. Subnormal levels were found in more than a third of patients with acute leukaemias, lymphomas, glandular fever, myelofibrosis, and polycythaemia, and in the same proportion of patients receiving cytotoxic drugs, and also in those with a polymorph leucocytosis and those with purpura. Most patients with anaemia but a normal leucocyte count, and those with myelomatosis had normal levels. The majority of pregnant women tested had subnormal levels. In a wide variety of leucocyte disorders the leucocyte ascorbic acid may not be an accurate index of the body's Vitamin C status. The results also support the supposition that leucocyte ascorbic acid is mostly carried by normal mature polymorphs.


L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbate 2-sulfate, and atherogenesis.

Rabbits on a high cholesterol diet were divided into three groups: one group received subcutaneous injections of physiological saline 3 times/day, 5 days/wk for 10 wk; another group received subcutaneous injections of L-ascorbic acid (0.37 mmole) according to the same timetable; and the third group was administered an equivalent amount of L-ascorbate 2-sulfate as outlined above. Each week the serum levels of total and free cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. At the end of 10 wk the animals were killed and the cholesterol content of the livers, spleens, and adrenal glands was measured. The aortas were examined for plaque deposition; the deposits were excised and pooled according to groups; and the total mass and cholesterol contents of the pooled plaques were determined. Administration of ascorbic acid or ascorbate 2-sulfate did not prevent hypercholesterolemia or elevated levels of serum triglycerides. No significant differences among the groups were found either in tissue cholesterol levels or in the extent or type of lesions found. Although plaque deposition appeared to be similar in the aortas of these animals, a marked difference was found in total mass and cholesterol content of the plaques: The plaques of the saline-treated group had a total mass and cholesterol content approximately 2.5 times that found in the group injected with ascorbic acid and about 1.5 times that found in the animals treated with ascorbate 2-sulfate. These results indicate that ascorbic acid, in particular, minimizes the total quantity of plaque deposition even though it is ineffective in preventing hypercholesterolemia, elevated serum triglycerides, and accumulation of cholesterol by several tissues.


Effects of L-lysine administration on certain aspects of ascorbic acid metabolism.

The effects of administration of L-lysine on total ascorbic acid level of various tissues and plasma of rats were studied. The biosynthesis of L-ascorbic acid by the liver tissue was also followed. L-lysine was administered at a dose of 88.3 mg day-1 (20% of LD50) for each 100 g body weight for 14 days. L-lysine administration at the present dose elevated the total ascorbic acid level of liver, kidney, testes, spleen and brain tissues. The plasma total ascorbic acid level was also elevated. The synthesis of L-ascorbic acid from both D-glucuronolactone and L-gulonolactone by the liver was, however, reduced after L-lysine administration. It has been suggested that L-lysine administration at the present dose altered the plasma amino acid pattern which in turn impaired the in vivo synthesis of tissue proteins and, consequently, the synthesis of apoproteins of ascorbic acid-synthesizing enzymes, the D-glucuronoreductase and L-gulonooxidase, were reduced. The elevation in the total ascorbic acid level of extra-hepatic tissues and plasma after L-lysine administration was ascribed to the reduced catabolism and diminished urinary excretion of ascorbic acid.


Cardiac and renal pentose phosphate pathway activity in thiamine deficiency.

Thiamine deficiency was produced in young rats by feeding a thiamine deficient diet. At a time when neurological symptoms were severe, and cardiac and renal transketolase activities were decreased, the animals were sacrificed. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activities, and flux through the pentose phosphate pathway were similar in pair-fed control and thiamine deficient rats. These data suggest that altered pentose phosphate pathway activity is not a vital feature of murine thiamine deficiency.


Liver and brain thiamin depletion and neurologic signs in pigeon athiaminosis.

Blood pyruvate and free and phosphorylated thiamin contents of liver and brain were measured in pigeons during diatary thiamin deficiency. Neurologic signs (opisthotonus and ataxia) appeared in the course of thiamin deficiency or did not appear at all during the entire athiaminosis period. As compared to respective controls, which never exhibited any neurologic abnormalities in spite of thiamin deficiency, the symptomatic animals had a higher pyruvate level in blood and a significantly lower phosphorylated thiamin content in both liver and brain. A hypothesis on relationship between phosphorylated thiamin content of liver and brain and occurence of nervous symptoms was expressed.


Biotin deficiency in chicks fed a wheat-based diet.

A wheat-based diet produced severe biotin deficiency symptoms appearing at the age of ten to fourteen days and becoming very severe in the third and fourth week (group 1). Biotin supplementation with 50 mug/kg (group 2) reduced the symptoms almost completely, but did not restore completely growth compared to chicks receiving the diet supplemented with 300 mug biotin/kg compared to chicks receiving the diet supplemented with 300 mug biotin/kg (group 3). The plasma level of biotin was about, or lower than, 100 ng/100 ml plasma in groups 1 and 2, indicating biotin deficiency. In group 3, plasma biotin was above 200 ng/100 ml. Liver biotin, after two weeks, was low in group 1 (less than 600 ng/g), medium in group 2 (1000 to 1500 ng/g) and in group 3 above 2000 ng/g. Plasma and liver biotin levels are found to be suitable parameters for diagnosis of subclinical biotin deficiency in chicks.


[Effects of a high dose of vitamin A on experimental immunologic arthritis].

Vitamin A, a good adjuvant to immunologic reactions, has in this aspect an interesting therapeutic effect, especially in immunotherapy. On the other hand, in diseases caused by circulating immunocomplexes or in auto-immune diseases, vitamin A can prolong the pathologic immunologic process. This experimental study shows that vitamin A in high doses has an adjuvant effect, that is aggravating considerably the immunologic arthritis induced in the Wistar rat.


Retinyl palmitate, a major retinyl ester in rat testis seminiferous tubules. II. The Sertoli cell, site of retinol esterification.

The study was designed to 1) isolate and quantitate retinyl esters normally present in the testis seminiferous tubules (ST) and 2) determine whether the Sertoli (SE) cells in the ST have the enzyme system necessary to esterify retinol. In the first study testes from normal adult male rats were removed, the ST were isolated mechanically and retinol was extracted and separated into free and retinyl esters in a prestandardized alumina column. The fraction containing retinyl esters was hydrolyzed, and the fatty acid composition was determined gas chromatographically. The results showed that retinyl palmitate was the major retinyl ester in the testis ST constituting almost 55% of the total esters. In the second study adult male rats were given Busulfan (1,4, dimethylsulfonoxybutane) intraperitoneally twice six weeks apart. At the end of six weeks following injection, the testes from a few animals were examined histologically, and the results showed that Busulfan treatment destroyed the germinal epithelium completely but had no effect on the structural integrity of the SE cells. Labeled retinol (free) mixed in rat albumin solution was injected intratesticularly (in vivo study) or incubated (in vitro study) with ST which had been isolated from the testes of rats treated with Busulfan. The results of the studies indicate that labeled retinol (free) was converted to retinyl esters in the ST. Since the ratio of conversion of free retinol (labeled) to retinyl esters remained constant in the treated ST (which contained only Sertoli cells, the germinal epithelium having been destroyed) and in the control ST (which contained both Sertoli cells and germinal epithelium), we conclude that the Sertoli cells are the site of retinol esterification in the testis ST.


Regulatory action of phenylbenzo-gamma-pyrone (PBP) derivatives on blood constituents affecting rheology in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

In patients with CHD the hematological and serum chemical profiles showed significantly elevated (P less than 0.05) serum cholesterols, highly significantly increased hematocrits (P less than 0.025 to P less than 0.001) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) (red cell aggregation) along with several blood constituents causal of erythrocyte aggregation were significantly elevated (P less than 0.05 to P less than 0.025). Thus, major defects were elevated serum cholesterol, increased blood viscosity and reduced tissue perfusion which present evidence implicates as interactive factors in the pathogenesis of CHD. Methoxylated PBP derivatives exhibited a highly significant antiadhesive action (P less than 0.001) on erythrocytes and certain PBP hydroxylated glycosides showed a significant accelerating (P less than 0.05) action on erythrocyte aggregation which causes sequestration and reduced erythrocyte concentration. Thus, the PBP derivatives exert an apparent regulatory action on erythrocyte aggregation and concentration, two major factors affecting blood viscosity and flow. The PBP compounds occur in plants and are found in certain foods which suggests dietary control of the blood high viscosity syndrome.


The effect of non-protein food constituents on the nutritive value of radiation-sterilized casein.

The effect of radiation sterilization on casein alone and in the presence of glucose or starch was assessed by means of nitrogen balance studies in growing rats and compared to the effect of heat sterilization. No decrease in protein digestibility and utilization was noticed in the irradiated samples nor did the presence of glucose or starch during processing cause and changes of these parameters. Following heat sterilization of casein in the presence of glucose there was a significant reduction in protein digestibility and Net Protein Utilization (NPU). These changes were accompanied by a drastic decline of available lysine. The inclusion of 3% agar-agar (aqueous solution) in the diet induced a drastic rise in endogenous faecal nitrogen losses and a corresponding decrease in apparent protein digestibility and NPU.


Interactions between malnutrition and primaquine studied on Wistar rats. II. Complex vitamin B deficiency and thiamine deficiency.

The action of primaquine was investigated on male Wistar rats depleted on the vitamin B complex (approximately 50% of their requirement for optimal growth), on thiamine (approximately 50% of their requirement for optimal growth), and pair-fed control animals. There was only a marginal increase in adverse primaquine reactions in the malnourished, especially in the thiamine deficient rats.


In Trinidad: angular stomatitis and pregnancy.

Riboflavin deficiency is endemic in Trinidad. A syndrome is observed peculiar to pregnancy. It occurs in the second trimester in women with low blood riboflavin levels. Treatment with riboflavin gives clinical improvement in mothers and raises fetal blood levels. Early biochemical diagnosis and treatment of subclinical deficiency is of value to the Trinidadian mother but protection to the fetus is doubtful. This is because of the effect of multiple limiting factors in which the mother is deficient.


The effect of hypervitaminosis A on the sialic acid and hexosamine contents of the salivary glands of rats.

The effect of orally feeding 15000 I.U. of vitamin A during 15 days to male rats of the Wistar strain was studied on the sialic acid and hexosamine contents of the salivary glands. Sialic acid and hexosamine contents in the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands showed a decrease while those for the parotid salivary gland did not alter.


Effect of varying vitamin B6 intake of early-weaned piglets on urinary xanthurenic and kynurenic acid excretion, serum transaminase activity and urea concentration.

In a bipartite rearing experiment (day 1-24 and 24-45) 72 early-weaned piglets were used to study the effect of varying dietary vitamin B6 contents on renal excretion of xanthurenic and kynurenic acid after a tryptophan load, on urea concentration and activities of two transaminases in serum at the end of each period. The animals, divided into 6 groups, were fed ad libitum a prestarter and a starter in period I and II, respectively, each containing 0.5, 1.2, 2.0, 2.8, 3.5 or 6.6 mg vitamin B6 per kg dry matter. The urinary xanthurenic acid excretion was elevated especially at the vitamin B6 supply of 0.5 ppm and rose severalfold with increasing depletion time (period II). In both periods, the smallest amount was excreted by piglets supplemented with 2.8 ppm. In comparison to groups B (1.2 ppm) and C (2.0 ppm), their average excretion rate was reduced by 29% and 15%, respectively, in period I and by 50% and 22%, respectively, in period II. Analogously to xanthurenic acid, the smallest amount of kynurenic acid was excreted by group D (2.8 ppm). Starting from the lowest vitamin B6 supply, the activity of SGPT showed an almost linear increase in both experimental periods. In contrast, SGOT already reached an upper activity level with the dietary vitamin B6 content of 3.5 and 2.8 ppm at the end of period I and II, respectively. The concentration of serum urea was influenced only by the lowest vitamin B6 supply of 0.5 ppm.


Effect of hyper- and hypothyroidism on the alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and some organs of growing rats.

The finding of a raised alpha-tocopherol concentration in the heart muscle, liver, skeletal muscle and serum during experimental hyperthyroidism, lasting 30 days, made the authors assume that this cumulation is a transient phenomenon which would disappear during a prolonged metabolic disorder as a result of energetic breakdown of the organism. The purpose of the paper was to verify this view. The investigation with experimental hyper- and hypothyroidism was made in 120 rats with a mean weight of 160 g. To 60 animals daily 100 mug thyroxin were administered by the i.p. route, 48 animals were given 2.5 Carbimazol daily by mouth to induce hypothyroidism and 12 animals served as controls. The animals were fed the same diet. The effect of the administered preparations was examined after 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days. In hypothyroid animals the 50th day was omitted. The results revealed: 1. In hyperthyroid animals the body weight was almost constant to the end of the experiment. However these animals had a significantly raised weight of the heart muscle and liver, as compared with the remaining two groups. 2. In hyperthyroid animals the highest alpha-tocopherol concentration in the heart muscle and skeletal muscle was recorded after 20 days. During subsequent time intervals the alpha-tocopherol concentration in the heart muscle declined gradually. In the skeletal muscle a dramatic decline occurred after 40 days and proceeded to the end of the investigation when the recorded values were at the borderline of detectability. This finding confirmed the authors view that the alpha-tocopherol cumulation in muscle exposed to an increased work load is a transient phenomenon and disappears during prolonged hyperthyroidism before the breakdown of the organism. 3. In hyperthyroidism no correlation was found between the alpha-tocopherol concentration and the lipid content of organs and skeletal muscle. This correlation was found in hypothyroidism. 4. The alpha-tocopherol serum level in hyperthyroidism was significantly higher than in hypothyroidism. 5. In hyperthyroidism the alpha-tocopherol cumulation in liver increased gradually, and reached its maximum after 50 days. At a time when the alpha-tocopherol concentration in the heart muscle and skeletal muscle declined already, its liver concentration increased. This phenomenon may be associated with the increasing protein synthesis in the liver during hyperthyroidism, or with other phenomena which call for further investigation.


Urea cycle enzyme activity in lambs fed different nitrogen levels at low dietary intakes.

Eleven Southdown male lambs averaging 19.8 kg were randomly allotted to two groups and fed diets containing 7.7% (low-N) or 15.8% (high-N) crude protein. All of the supplemental nitrogen in the high-N diet was supplied as urea. Intake of the low-N and high-N diets averaged 372.3 g and 340.5 g/day, respectively. Findings at the end of the thirty-day trial were: (1) mean body weights unchanged for the two groups; (2) plasma urea nitrogen three-fold higher in the high-N (19.07 mg/100 ml) than the low-N (6.57) animals; (3) similar hepatic activity levels of three urea cycle enzymes (ornithine transcarbamylase, argininosuccinase, arginase) in the two groups, and (4) similar liver weights and liver protein concentration. The absence of adaptive change in enzyme levels suggests the hypothesis that addition of non-protein nitrogen to maintenance diets may cause ammonia intoxication by exceeding the liver's reserve capacity for urea synthesis.


Public health significance of zoonotic tapeworms in Korea.

Through an epidemiological review on the zoonotic tapeworms in Korea, the frequency and severity of the zoonoses have been recognized. Taeniasis and human cysticercosis are of importance to the public health in Korea. The frequency of taeniasis is 0.3% to 12.7% discovered by stool examination and 4.5% to 38.0% discovered by questionaire survey. Taeniasis occurs more frequently in males than in females and, especially, in both sexes in the age-group of 20 to 49. T. saginata is more common that T. solium. No case of human cysticercosis caused by T.saginata has been reported in Korea. To the contrary, human cysticercosis caused by T. solium has been reported frequently during the 1960's. The severity of human cysticercosis is a significant problem of public health in Korea. Old data on bovine cysticercosis in the 1920's and 1930's are not useful for present control measures. Systematic surveys on bovine and swine cysticercosis as well as taeniasis and human cysticercosis are needed in Korea. Cases of sparganosis have been reported frequently during the past 15 years. Most of the 34 cases of sparganosis reported involved the eating of raw snakes and frogs. Most of the cases occurred in older males. Sparganosis in snakes, frogs, chickens, and swine has been reported in Korea. Human infection of Hymenolepis nana ranged from 0.2% to 1.4% discovered by stool examination. A few cases of adult worm collections of Diphyllobothrium latum and Hymenolepis diminuta have been reported in Korea. Two cases of human hydatid disease have been reported in Korea. No study on the disease in domestic animals is available. No case of human infection with dog tapeworm has been reported, even though it is highly prevalent in the indigenous dogs in Korea. I recommend that further study on the zoonotic tapeworms be conducted epidemiologically in Korea to get basic data for the public health programming.


Studies on morphological characteristics of Japanese strain of Schistosoma japonicum in rabbits.

The present investigation was undertaken to determine some morphological characteristics of Japanese strain of Schistosoma japonicum, the results are summarized as follows: (1) The pattern of testes in male worms can be divided into two types: the tandem (37.6%) and non-tandem (62.4%). (2) The number of testes varied from 1 to 13. The percentage of specimens with 7 testes was much higher than of others with both in tandem (70% against 30%) and non-tandem (86% against 14%) arrangement. (3) The unusual/irregular sets of testes including 2-3 additional sets were found in 158 (or 4.5%) of 3,498 male worms. Specimens with 7 testes in the unusual/irregular location numbered the highest (69.6%); the next with 8 (14.6%) and 6 (12%); and the lowest with 5 (3.8%). (4) Forty or 2.8% of 1,417 male worms were found to have 2-4 cecal loops. The cecal union located in 71-80% of worm bodys from the anterior end of male worm was found in highest number; the next in 61-70%; and the lowest in 51-60% and 81-90%. The location of united ceca in female worms was found all in the posterior part of body. (5) The ovary in all 125 females was located in the posterior portion of worm body except in 4 specimens. (6) The number of eggs in the uterus of female worms varied from 50 to 300. The mean number was 103.


An international survey of leptospiral agglutinin of dogs by RMAT.

FRom 1970 through 1973, the author used RMAT to examine the canine leptospiral antibodies against 10 serotypes in 12,374 attended dogs, 1,855 stray dogs and 480 house dogs in 24 countries. Among the 10 serotypes, L. icterohaemorrhagiae and L. canicola were the most prevalent. Positive rates were in the following order: Peru 26.3%, Chile 18.4%, Turkey 17.4%, Austria 16.0%, Korea 15.0%, Cina (Taiwan) 11.4%, Japan 9.8%, Brazil 7.7%, United States 5.5%, United Kingdom 4.5%, Italy 3.5%, Germany 2.0%, and Canada 0.4%. Negative results were obtained in Australia, Dominica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Malta, Philippines, Sweden and Thailand. Positive rates on different continents were: South America 11.1%, Asia 10.1%, Europe 3.4%, North America 2.4%, Oceania and Africa (Ethiopia) 0%. Negative results were obtained against either L. icterohaemorrhagiae or L. canicola in samples from most tropical countries. Lower positive rates were seen during summer in Korea and Japan. Positive reactors were detected against other serotypes, viz., L. grippotyphosa, L. australis A, L. pyrogenes, L. bataviae, L. autumnalis, L. hebdomadis and L. javanica. Sex, physical condition and vaccination status as factors in the presence of antibodies were reviewed.


Influenza virus isolations from dogs during a human epidemic in Taiwan.

During an islandwide outbreak of human influenza in June and July 1971, throat swabs were taken from dogs and cats in 3 urban communities of Taiwan. Eight influenza isolates were obtained from dogs in July 1971: two were identified as influenza A closely related to the human Hong Kong/68 virus, and one was a strain of influenza type B closely resembling human influenza B virus. The latter is the first such reported isolation from dogs under natural conditions.


Thyroid carcinoma.

Pathological and clinical characteristics of thyroid carcinoma are reported. In 379 routine consecutive autopsies in which carcinoma was not suspected, serial sections of thyroid gland were histologically examined. Latent thyroid carcinoma was detected in 15.7% of the glands. Papillary adenocarcinoma comprised 76.3%, follicular adenocarcinoma 22.0% and trabecular carcinoma 1.7% of the cases. Sclerosing carcinoma was seen in 32 cases. The long diameter of 90% of these tumors was less than 5 mm. Whether or not thyroid carcinoma persists as such a small carcinomatous lesion indefinitely was studied along with its clinical significance. Carcinomatous lesions complicating hyperthyroidism were always less than 1 cm. About 70% were less than 5 mm long. Since proliferation of some thyroid carcinomas was inhibited by TSH suppression therapy, growth and proliferation of carcinoma in the presence of excessive thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism is probably already inhibited.


Termination of pregnancy in the midtrimester using a new technic. Preliminary report.

This report is a preliminary one because the number of cases is small (30+) and follow-up is not adequate, either as to detail or time. However, the initial results and observations are so favorable that unless untoward complications arise, we predict that this procedure will supplant the other usual methods of midtrimester abortion. We have looked for but have not found any infections, hemorrhage, perforations, failure of the uterus to empty within a reasonable length of time or prolonged postoperative bleeding. The method herein proposed offers greater safety by creating fewer risks to the patient; her exposure to hazards is therefore diminished. Future pregnancies are safer because the birth canal has not been attenuated by rupture, near rupture, perforation or surgical scarring. It is our hope that others will try this technic to prove or disprove its efficacy.


Microrheology of erythrocytes, blood viscosity, and the distribution of blood flow in the microcirculation.

The normal rheological behavior of the red blood cells is prerequisite for the survival of the red cells and also for the functioning of microcirculation. Severe alterations of red cell deformability are incompatible with life. When compensated by anemia, even relatively severe rheological incompetence of individual red cells is tolerable. Functional loss of red cell deformability is widely known to occur under conditions of sustained hypoperfusion, and disseminated stagnation of blood in the paracapillary bed occurs. The resulting capillary occlusion does not necessarily reveal itself in grossly reduced flow rates or increased "total peripheral resistance," since it is compensated by shunting through microscopic anastomoses. The biological significance of the phenomenon of red cell aggregation (collateral loss of blood fluidity, "collateral blood viscidation") is related to hemodynamics only on the level of individual capillaries. Since the compensatory potentials of vasomotor factors at this level are also very high, the collateral viscidation is not only facilitated but by the same token partially compensated. Therefore, unless complicated by a defect in the macrocirculation, the biological significance of blood rheology seen under the aspects of entire organs is not primarily related to hemodynamics, but to diffusive transcapillary exchange. As a consequence of collateral blood viscidation, diffusion takes place under sub-optimal conditions. The available surface area for exchange is reduced, the diffusion distances are increased. In themselves, these changes are no acute threat to the survival of the entire individual. In combination with other defects, they are capable of sustaining prolonged states of flow arrest. Since the rheological properties of blood can be easily manipulated, sustained circulatory deficiencies can be avoided or treated by improving blood fluidity.


Choline acetyltransferase in ocular tissues of rabbits, cats, cattle, and man.

The variation of choline acetyltransferase activity in ocular tissues of four mammalian species, rabbits, cats, cattle, and man, was determined. Enzyme activity of irides and ciliary bodies, i.e., parasympathetically innervated structures, tended to be similar in all four species. Two exceptions were bovine irides and human ciliary bodies; these two tissues had higher enzyme activities. Choline acetyltransferase activity was present in the corneal epithelium of rabbit, bovine, and human eyes, but little or none could be detected in that of cats. Feline retina and pigment epithelium-choroid also contained far less choline acetyltransferase activity than the same tissues in the other three species.


Comparison of ocular prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors.

A comparative study was carried out of the inhibitory effect of 14 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, administered topically, on the intraocular pressure and aqueous humor protein elevation induced by arachidonic acid in rabbits. The most effective agents were flurbiprofen solution and suspensions of indoxole (polysorbate-dispersed), meclofenamic acid, indomethacin, and clonixin.


A comparison between an acetazolamide test and weight tonography in pathological and apathological circulation of the aqueous humor.

In a total of 92 eyes in 46 individuals the outflow facilities obtained by weight tonography, Cton correlated curvilinearly with those estimated by an acetazolamide test, Cacet. The presumed apathological pairs of eyes were those with Cacet above (or equal to) 0.15 and pressure symmetry (right/left). Twenty-one patients referred for glaucoma suspicion (and three normal test persons) showed these characteristics. The eyes appeared clinically healthy even if the pressure range reached 30 mm. Hg. Here Cacet averaged 0.32 but Cton only 0.16; the discrepancy is possibly caused by the outflow obstruction brought about by the high pressures during weight tonography. The presumed pathological eyes (33 from 20 individuals referred for glaucoma suspicion or manifest glaucoma) were those with Cacet below 0.15. They generally showed pressure asymmetry and in some cases pressure values above 30 mm. Hg, and there were in several cases other glaucomatous signs. In this group Cton and Cacet were similar; both averaged 0.09. The acetazolamide test is considered more informative than weight tonography because the test provides at the same time an estimate of the outflow facilities in the normal- or low-pressure range as well as an accurate comparison between the pressures and outflow facilities of the two eyes. The test is time-consuming, however (1 to 11/2 hours).


Potentiation of the effects of topical epinephrine on the pupil and intraocular pressure in the sympathetically denervated rabbit eye by a catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor.

Dose-response curves of increase in pupil size and decrease in intraocular pressure with topical epinephrine have been determined in the sympathetically denervated rabbit eye. Topical pretreatment with the catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitor U-0521 potentiated the effects of epinephrine on both the pupil and pressure. These observations suggest a possible role for catechol-O-methyl transferase in the aqueous humor dynamics of the supersensitive eye. The possible use of the denervated rabbit eye as an experimental model for the glaucomatous eye in evaluating the ocular effects of adrenergic agents is discussed.


Corneal sensitivity in people with the same and with different iris color.

Corneal touch thresholds were determined for both eyes of 15 people with different colored irides (a condition known as heterochromia) and of 25 people with similar colored irides. It was found that corneal sensitivity is not significantly different in both eyes of either group. Therefore it is suggested that the fact previously demonstrated that corneal sensitivity is related to iris color is not of corneal origin.


The effect of tonicity on lens volume.

Rat lenses incubated in hypotonic medium adapted to the medium by first undergoing osmotic swelling and then returning after 1 to 2 days to their originial volume. Two processes--osmotic swelling and volume regulation--appear to be working simultaneously. The former is indicated by a decrease in the concentration of cell potassium to the expected level and the latter by a limitation of lens volume associated with a decrease in the potassium content of the lens. These findings are consistent with those observed in other types of cells and may be of significance in understanding the etiology of cataracts.


Hormonal influences on photoreceptor damage: the pituitary gland and ovaries.

To determine whether the absence of pituitary or ovarian hormones would influence retinal degeneration, female albino rats were either hypophysectomized (HYPEX) or ovariectomized (OVEX) before pubery. Later, they were exposed to continuous light for periods up to 45 days. Retinas evaluated by light microscopic measurements showed damage to the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and photoreceptor layer in both the operated and intact, control rats. However, the degree of damage observed in retinas of HYPEX and OVEX rats was significantly less than that observed in retinas of intact rats exposed to the same lighting conditions. Therefore, hypophysectomy and ovariectomy, which influence the normal development of sexual maturation when performed on immature rats, significantly reduce photoreceptor damage in adult rats exposed to continuous light.


Photosensitive pigments formed with rat opsin.

Photosensitive pigments are formed in vitro from rat opsin with the rods in suspension or as digitonin solutions. Rhodopsin, isorhodopsin I, and isorhodopsin II were generated with 11-cis, 9-cis and 9, 13-dicis retinal, respectively. An isorhodopsin I analogue was formed on combination with 9-cis 13-desmethyl-14-methylretinal. The absorption spectra and photosensitivities of these pigments were found to be similar to the corresponding bovine pigments although the rates of formation are several fold slower.


The allergic theory of radiocontrast agent toxicity: demonstration of antibody activity in sera of patients suffering major radiocontrast agent reactions.

An allergic, immunologic mechanism for certain adverse reactions to radiocontrast agents has been postulated on the basis of clinical and theoretical considerations. One obstacle to the acceptance of this allergic theory has been the inability to demonstrate significant antibodies with specificity for these agents. In our studies, rabbits were immunized with 4 analogues of radiocontrast agents which induced IgG or IgE antibodies specific for the contrast media analogues. Then, to determine if antibodies to contrast agents were present in man a prospective, one-year surveillance of radiocontrast agent reactions was undertaken. Sera from 27 patients suffering severe reactions and 37 control subjects were analyzed by radioimmunoassay for antibodies reactive with radiocontrast media. Binding of radiolabeled contrast media was significantly elevated (p less than 0.01) by the serum globulin fraction of the patients suffering severe reactions. Demonstration of this antibody activity, although not proof of cause and effect between the presence of antibody activity and clinical symptoms, nonetheless adds support to the hypothesis that some adverse reactions to radiocontrast agents are due to antibodies.


The capability of fluoroscopic systems for the production of computerized axial tomograms.

Previous work in our laboratories and at other institutions has shown that fluoroscopic images recorded on a video disc can be used successfully for producing computerized-axial-tomograms. The work described in this paper gives a quantitative analysis of the capabilities of such imaging systems, in conjunction with a particular method of data processing, for detecting and imaging changes in object absorptivity. Relations between the degree of contrast or absorptivity and object size required by this type of system can be inferred from the data.


The role of cholecystokinin in radiographic opacification of the gallbladder.

Studies of the effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) on hepatic elimination of intravenously administered iopanoate and on gallbladder opacification were performed using nonoperated dogs with intact enterohepatic circulation and normal endogenous bile salt pool. Intravenous administration of CCK (3 units/kg) resulted in a 32% increase in apparent transport maximum (maximum rate of elimination) of iopanoate and earlier and enhanced gallbladder opacification. This increase in apparent transport maximum was abolished by cholecystectomy, indicating that the increase was a result of the release of bile salts from the gallbladder rather than a direct effect of the hormone on the hepatic elimination of iopanoate. The early gallbladder opacification and increased density of contrast material in the gallbladder were related to CCK-induced emptying of the gallbladder and subsequent filling with opacified bile.


Hearing loss due to combined effects of noise and sodium salicylate.

This study reports on hearing loss due to the combined effects of noise and sodium salicylate. A group of 10 adult chinchillas was used to test the hypothesis that the combined effects of prolonged exposure to noise and continuous salicylate intoxication will result in a larger Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) in the audibility curve than either of the agents alone can produce. Extensive behavioral training was used to determine hearing thresholds. Though use of shock avoidance techniques, the animals were trained to respond to tones by jumping a low barrier. After demonstrating sufficient ability in behavioral training, the animals were surgically rendered monaural. After recovery from surgery, monaural threshold data were obtained. The animals were exposed in a chamber to 85 dbA broadband noise for 48 h to measure TTS. The chinchillas were allowed to recover for a minimum of 45 days; then a second monaural audibility curve was obtained. The chinchillas were then injected subcutaneously with sodium salicylate at 6 h intervals to establish TTS-producing serum salicylate levels. After 36 h of salicylate exposure, the animals were placed in a noise chamber. For the next 42 h the animals were exposed to both sodium salicylate and 85 dbA noise. The results of this study indicated the chinchillas' hearing threshold is reduced in sensitivity by approximately 35 dB due to broad-band noise exposure of 85 dBA intensity. Serum salicylate levels of 20-40 mg per 100 ml resulted in a TTS of 30 dB on the average. The combination of noise and sodium salicylate exposure produced a temporary hearing loss of approximately 55 dB. These data suggested that the combination of prolonged noise and salicylate exposure may result in a larger hearing loss than either agent alone can produce.


An investigation of the servobehavior of the stretch reflex.

The stretch reflex is often described as a device for assisting in the regulation of muscle length or as a spinal servomechanism. Observation of the response to experimental interruption of voluntary movements fails to demonstrate a significant role for spinal reflexes. Functional responses with a latency of 120 ms, implying supraspinal mediation, are observed.


Biological disposition of perfluoroctylbromide: tracheal administration in alveolography and bronchography.

Perfluoroctylbromide, given tracheally either as neat liquid in alveolography or as 10:1 emulsion in bronchography, was cleared roentgenologically from the lungs within 24 hours. Quantitative analysis was performed on a gas chromatograph. The rats were given either 2 ml/kg of neat liquid or 0.4 ml/kg emulsion. One per cent of the neat liquid and 8% of the emulsion were recovered from the tissues respectively 24 hours later. The lungs had the largest amount followed by the intestine, adipose tissue and lymph nodes. Dogs were sacrificed at various intervals following 4 ml/kg of neat liquid or 2 ml/kg of emulsion. Less than 1% of the dose was found in the tissues at 24 hours. A similar pattern of perfluoroctylbromide distribution was observed as in the rats. The tissue contents of perfluoroctylbromide at three months were below the limit of detection. The perfluoroctylbromide levels in the blood and urine of dogs and human volunteers were either non-detectable or barely detectable over a 48-hour period.


The mechanism of hypotension following angiography.

The hypotension observed following the intracardiac injection of contrast media is believed to be the result of myocardial depression, peripheral vasodilatation, or both. It is unclear which of these factors is primarily involved in different types of angiography. To assess this problem, Renografin-76 was injected into the aortic root of 15 anesthetized dogs (1 ml/kg) and into the left coronary artery (3-5 ml) in 18 dogs. The heart rate, the systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, left ventricular pressure, peak dp/dt and dp/dt-40 were monitored continuously until return to baseline. Following selective left coronary artery injection, both systolic and diastolic pressures decreased maximally at 5 seconds with parallel changes in peak dp/dt and dp/dt-40. Following the aortic root injection, the blood pressure response was biphasic, increasing at 5 seconds and decreasing maximally at 20 seconds. The corresponding changes in peak dp/dt and dp/dt-40 were initial depression at 5 seconds with quick return to baseline and increase above control at the time of maximal hypotension. The left ventricular end diastolic pressure rose maximally at 5 to 10 seconds for both coronary and aortic injections. The mechanism of hypotension, therefore, varies with the type of angiography. Myocardial depression appears to be a primary factor with selective coronary angiography. However, with aortic root injection, myocardial contractility, although initially depressed, is already improved at the time of maximal hypotension, and thus peripheral vasocilatation is probably the prime mechanism of the hypotension.


The control and propagation of a genetic disease.

Preventive health is an appealing method to better our quality of life. However, in the practice of preventive health, its probabilistic nature and the time lag for results lessen its appeal. The specter of genetic diseases also has a probabilistic nature but has a time lag that spans generations. Thus any preventive health effort for genetic diseases should be studied so the results can be predicted in advance. A number of mathematical genetic problems have been solved that include mutation and phenotype selection factors. This paper takes a large human population that has birth and death frequencies that vary with age and that operates under Mendelian genetics. Hypothetical mutation and backmutation rates are put into this population; this results in an adverse effect on the death rate for those individuals born with homogenously mutated genes. This is called a genetic defect. The mutated genes are carried in the gametes of individuals who are born with the genetic defect and those who are exposed to the mutation rates; their manifestation is an increased probability of producing method gametes for reproduction. The preventive health control effort is birth control after genetic counseling. Various combinations of birth control selection effectiveness are tried on the different genotypes. It is found that a high selection factor for homogenously mutated genotypes gives the best result for reducing excess deaths caused by the genetic defect, and that a selection factor for heterozygous genotypes is a counterproductive effort. This model, employing a set of difference equations, may be used to evaluate preventive health policies on the control of genetically linked diseases such as sickle cell anemia, which affect the death rate of afflicted individuals. Also, effects other than death rate may be incorporated to evaluate policies on genetic diseases such as retinal blastoma.


Comparison between mercury and lithium chemical systems for pacemaker energy source applications.

Over the past decade several types of chemical systems have been developed as energy sources for implantable pacemakers. The most widely used system is the mercuric oxide-zinc cell. Historically, mercury-zinc systems were the first to be used to power an implantable pacemaker; they have undergone several developments and modification in order to improve their performance characteristics. Recently, several new power sources have been designed and developed exclusively for implantable pacemakers, the most promising of which are chemical systems based upon lithium metal as anode material. This paper reviews the basic chemical, physical, and electrical characteristics of mercuric oxide-zinc and lithium based systems and evaluates their suitability for pacemaker applications based upon analysis of their inherent characteristics.


Ultrasonic visualization of the non-opacified gallbladder: response of the normal and obstructed canine gallbladder to C8CCK.

In vitro studies of a simulated gallbladder show that B-scan ultrasonography is as reliable as radiography in measuring changes in volume of the organ. The width or planimetric area of the sonogram correlates with the change in balloon volume and with similar radiographic measurements. In vivo measurements of the normal canine gallbladder stimulated by a carefully prescribed infusion of C8CCK in the dose range of 2.2 to 5.5 ng/kg/min over an 8 to 10 minute interval, showed a clearly defined decrease in gallbladder width. In ligation and division of the common bile duct no change in gallbladder size was demonstrated. We conclude that sonography alone can be used to measure a change in gallbladder size to better differentiate complete obstruction of the common bile duct from medical causes in the jaundiced patient.


Automated rodent respiratory monitor and histogram computer--a preliminary report.

The system described in this paper was designed to monitor total inhaled volume (V), tidal volume (VT), and respiratory frequency (f) of Fisher rats before, during, and after exposure to cigarette smoke. The systems consists of three major subsystems: plethysmograph, analog signal conditioner, and histogram computer. The volume type whole body plethysmograph incorporates a rubber nose seal. Tidal flow rate (V) from the tube, measured by a pneumotachometer, is integrated by the signal conditioning system to obtain VT and V. Both V and V are displayed on a strip chart recorder. A rat will often exhibit considerable sniffing, especially in the presence of cigarette smoke. Consequently, average tidal volume (VT) and average respiratory frequency (f) are not accurate measurements of typical VT and f. Sensitivity of the system to changes in typical VT and f is important snce the system will be used to evaluate the effects of subtle differences in types of experimental cigarettes. A microprocessor was used in conjunction with a cathode ray tube to compute and display both the VT and respiratory period (T = 1/f) as histograms. From the histograms the most common (typical) VT (mode of the histogram) and the most common T can be easily observed and recorded. The histogram computer also calculates and digitally displays VT and f.


A charge coupled transversal filter for biomedical signal conditioning.

The analysis and processing of biological signals is often hampered by the contamination of these low frequency, often low amplitude waveforms by motion artifact in fluid-filled catheter systems and skin electrodes, power line hum, and so on. Although noise suppression techniques have relied upon low pass filtration of the analog signals with active or passive RLC filters, even the most recent active RLC filter implementations display operational characteristics not entirely satisfactory for low frequency applications.


Comparison of non-screen techniques (medical vs. industrial film) for fine-detail skeletal radiography.

High resolution radiographic techniques for imaging the peripheral skeleton (hand and foot) have gained wide clinical acceptance. The two procedures receiving widest attention are non-screen techniques: one uses medical film (Kodak RP); and the other uses industrial film (Kodak Type M) combined with optical magnification. The imaging properties and clinical applications of these two techniques were examined. The modulation transfer functions (MTF's) of the recording systems, Wiener spectrum analyses of noise, and film sensitometry were obtained. Clinical comparisons were made from 200 consecutive patients radiographed with both techniques and the relative merits in metabolic, arthritic and traumatic afflictions were assessed. The results demonstrate the superiority of the industrial film compared to medical film technique in all parameters of image quality. However, the inconveniences of special processing and viewing necessitated by this technique, as well as the increased radiation exposure, limit its clinical application to small, selection groups of patients as determined from the clinical comparative study.


Physiological data collection system for field use in trained military dogs.

This research program resulted in synthesis of a complete system for "in the field" collection of dynamic physiologic data from trained military dogs. Sensors and sensor implantation techniques were developed for arterial blood pressure, electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, temperature, and respiratory rate monitoring in dogs under strenuous field conditions. A data acquisition system was developed that provided the capability for recording this physiologic data for later computer analysis, and computer programs were written for evaluation of the data. In the final evaluation of the system, two factors indicated a need for additional refinement: (1) that of reducing EEG signal artifact due to cable capacitance and, (2) signal jitter caused by the casette recorder.


A rocking motion sensor for the blind.

Rocking motion is an unconscious and often unwanted phenomenon exhibited by the blind. It is usually manifested in oscillatory back and forth, side to side, or rotatory movements of the upper torso or head at about 1 Hz rate. Subjects desiring to function unobtrusively in the world of the sighted need to be alerted when rocking so they can control it. The rocking motion sensor incorporates biofeedback and records rock occurrences. A miniature body mounted accelerometer senses body accelerations exceeding 0.1g. These motions during a given period, compared with a presettable "rock threshold", discriminate rocking from normal activities. Sound biofeedback alerts the subject that he has exceeded threshold. Another counting and timing subsystem determines "end of rock" and resets the system. A recorder is provided that records signals only during rocking. Timing information is provided on a separate channel to permit later time line analysis. The rocking motion sensor system utilizes primarily solid state CMOS circuits with a combination of synchronous-asynchronous timing. The recorder is a modified commercial unit. The two units are separate, portable, and belt mounted. Tests have been made and results will be presented.


Ecophysiological hierarchies.

Among bovids, antelopes, rodents and marsupials--in fact, probably in most animals--the rates of energy and water turnover are linked to salt tolerance, renal concentration and protein synthesis rates. Evolution in wet areas is associated with high turnover rates and low salt tolerance, while desert derivation goes with low rate functions and high salt tolerance. This basic ecophysiology changes slowly, and animals that migrate to different environments may retain ancient patterns in areas where they seem inappropriate--so that cattle keep their high rates of energy and water use in arid zones, or llamas remain low in energy and water turnover after three million years in cool or wet environments. The rate functions may be linked through gene-controlled rates of protein synthesis and turnover, which evolved to run at high rates in well-supplied areas, and at low rates in the face of the sparse resources of the desert.


Water conservation in xerophilic birds.

Adaptation of birds to dry climates involves decrease in relative evaporative water loss (mechanism unknown); decrease in GFR; and high urine osmolality in the dehydrated state in conjunction with cloacal resorption parameters, which allows the urine to enter the cloaca without a further water loss. The net result of the adaptations is such that the best adapted birds, such as the budgerygah (12) and the zebra finch (13) fed dry seeds alone can live without water. Similar features have been observed also in the best adapted desert rodents (27). Finally, birds tolerate a 7 to 13% increase in plasma osmolality (9). Tucker (28) has calculated that the budgerygah has fuel for 14 h flight; we have calculated that it also has water for 14 h (12) at neutral temperature and humidity. This is better than the Jumbo Jet, which can only fly for 12 h.


Prediction of equivalent environments by energy exchange and assessments of physiological strain and discomfort.

The described equivalence postulate was confirmed experimentally by examining physiological responses as well as discomfort sensation in a series of predicted equivalent conditions during exercise (congruent to 3 met). ET or the equivalent Ta at 50% RH is a single independent variable that is uniquely related to the mean skin temperature (Tsk), skin wettedness (w), body core temperature (Tcore) and sense of discomfort.


A study of the interface between bone and acrylic cement by scanning electron microscopy.

Under the scanning electron microscope, acrylic cement presents an external surface dotted with hemispherical protuberances and a cut surface of cancellous structure. The reaction of bone to acrylic has been studied, both in stable and unstable mechanical conditions. In the first instance, the bone tissue grows towards the cement with an osteogentic front that insinuates itself between the irregularities of the external surface and tends to infiltrate the apertures in it, producing a perfect anchorage which remains solid even after a long period of time. In the second instance, the contact between cement and bone is indirect, with an interposed layer of dense fibrous tissue, probably with a shock-absorbing function.


A study of the early ultrastructural changes secondary to experimental compression of the tibal nerve in rabbits.

The early ultrastructural changes which arise in nerve fibres following axonotmesis are described. The study was conducted experimentally by means of silk ligature of the tibial nerve in rabbits. The findings on electron microscopy of samples of nerve taken at two and twenty four hours respectively after operation are reported.


Traumatic separation of the upper femoral epiphysis in a child aged two.

Traumatic separation of the proximal femoral epiphysis in children is a serious and as yet unresolved problem. Should treatment be conservative or surgical? Because of the rarity of the lesion, the literature offers no definite answer. In the case presented, conservative treatment gave a good result.


Desmoplastic fibroma of bone. (A study of three cases).

Three cases of demoplastic fibroma of bone are presented. Thirty six cases already reported in the world literature are reviewed, making the present total thirty nine cases. The extreme rarity of the tumor is emphasised, and its clinical, radiographic, morphological and pathological aspects discussed. Though the absence of metastases or histologically abnormal cells  attest to its benign nature it has a definite tendency to local recurrence. Differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed.


A new approach to the pathology, clinical features and treatment of stress tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon.

On the basis of clinical, anatomical, surgical, histological and pathological investigations, the authors propose a classification of the tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon associated with stress. These are particularly common in the field of sport. Three syndromes are identified: a) pure peritendinitis; b) peritendinitis associated with tendinosis; c) pure tendinosis. The symptoms and possible complications are described and the problem of treatment is discussed. In pure peritendinitis tenolysis is recommended, but in peritendinitis associated with tendinosis it should be combined with extensive scarification of the tendon in order to promote revitalisation.


Removal of total prostheses of the hip. Review of twenty six cases.

The "painful prosthesis" is a difficult problem. Removal is often the best solution. Out of 566 McKee-Farrar prostheses, twenty six (4.2 per cent) were removed. The causes that made removal advisable are analysed. The methods used and the results obtained are described.


Re-appraisal of treatment of congenital club foot.

Residual deformity following the treatment of club foot is still very common and in many cases it is the result of the treatment itself. The traditional treatment of this condition is undergoing a critical reappraisal with a swing towards surgery in the earlier stages. The Turco technique is discussed and the results in seventeen patients over one year of age are presented.


In vitro antibiotic sensitivity of Pasteurella multocida.

Thirty Pasteurella multocida strains were tested against 19 antibiotics using an agar dilution method. Penicillin G was the single most active agent tested. Anti-staphylococcal penicillins were markedly less inhibitory than penicillin G. Other penicillins including phenoxymethyl penicillin, and tetracyclines, chloramphenicol and cephalosporins all inhibited the organisms in low concentrations. Erythromycin and lincomycins had poor activity against several of the strains. The range of M.I.C.s observed for most antibiotics was narrow but wide variation was seen in zone size when antibiotic disk tests were performed.


A new medium for the presumptive identification of gram-positive uropathogens.

A significant percentage of urinary tract infections are caused by gram-positive microorganisms. The rapid identification of these uropathogens is important in determining the appropriate treatment of such infections. A selective medium containing colistin sulfate and nalidixic acid (Columbia CNA Agar) was modified by the addition of esculin, ferric ammonium citrate, mannitol and phenol red. The new medium (Esculin-Mannitol Agar) was extensively evaluated as a primary plating medium for urine specimens. Isolates were presumptively identified solely by colonial morphology and reaction of the medium. Presumptive identification of the isolates was confirmed by conventional tests. The accuracy of the presumptive identification indicated that Esculin-Mannitol Agar was useful in the primary plating of urine specimens when employed together with an appropriate medium for the recovery of gram-negative organisms.


The antimicrobial activity of embalming chemicals and topical disinfectants on the microbial flora of human remains.

The antimicrobial activity of embalming chemicals an topical disinfectants was evaluated to determine the degree of disinfection achieved during the embalming of human remains. The administration of arterial and cavity embalming chemicals resulted in a 99% reduction of the postmortem microbial population after 2 hours of contact. This level of disinfection was maintained for the 24 hours test period. Topical disinfection of the body orifices was also observed. Therefore, it is probable that present embalming practices reduce the hazard from transmission of potentially infectious microbial agents within the immediate environment of embalmed human remains.


Seattle-King County revisited.

For approximately five years the Seattle-King County Public Health Laboratory has measured its diagnostic laboratory workload quantitatively in terms of relative values. Seattle-King County has used the laboratory average cost-per-relative value concept. However, increasing operational costs, multiple demands for the same tax dollar, and professional desire for more precise costing information led the laboratory staff to refine their method of determining a cost-per-relative value. This article shares their new methodology of determining a cost-per-relative value for each primary cost center. Also shared are a few examples of how costs differ when using the old method in comparison to using the new method.


The dentist and preventive dental health information.

Patients receive differing amounts of preventive dental health information from their dentist. What factors affect the amount of preventive information a patient receives? Many possible reasons which have been advanced for this difference are discussed in this paper. Using the clues presented in the literature, and results of a presurvey, some factors thought to influence the amount of preventive dental health information the patient receives were investigated. Specifically, the research problem was, "What is the relationship between the amount of preventive dental health information a patient receives from the dentist in his private office and the following factors: patient's appearance, interest-responsiveness, nervousness, need for dental care, request for service, orientation to dentistry, and dentist's liking for the patient?" The hypothesized relationships of amount of preventive dental information delivered to dentist's perception of patient's characteristics were not upheld. The paper tentatively concludes that the characteristics of the dentist and his dental practice affect the preventive information delivered more significantly than patient characteristics.


Health education manpower in the United States.

Problems in collection of uniform data on health education manpower on a continuing basis are discussed. Sources of data on current health education manpower projections for future needs are reviewed. Possible directions for improving manpower planning in this field are cited.


Changes in the activities, functions, and roles of public health educators.

Accounts of early activities of public health educators, statements of the American Public Health Association on the qualifications and functions of these educators, and studies concerned with their responsbiliities, functions, work, or roles are reviewed. These point up the three major foci in public health education over time in the U.S., viz, dissemination of information, community organization, and health behavior and program planning. Functions of public health educators in emerging settings for practice are presented and the implications of this movement (i.e., movement of health educators into non-traditional settings) for public health education profession are discussed.


Preparation of manpower for health education: a comparative view.

Differences between various models in the organization of health education services are explored. New developments in health education approaches used in training, career structures, and job definitions in some European countries are summarized. Problem areas have been defined and recommendations have been produced by numerous activities of the World Health Organization in recent years. At a 1974 symposium, it became obvious that no planned manpower development is feasible without a job definition of the health educator as an educational product. The need to specify the aims of future developments requires taking a critical view of past developments and spelling out existing differences.


The role of the clinical health educator.

A combination of forces favor the expansion of health education efforts in hospitals. This article describes four areas of health education in clinical settings: the justification for a health educator in this setting; his preparation; his role as a member of the health care team; and the extended role of the educator in the community, with voluntary and official agencies, and with families of patients.


[Psychiatric consultation in pediatrics. Description and problems].

In this study of psychiatric consultations in a paediatric department, a description is given of the evolution and duration of treatment in the first 55 cases seen. Children ranged from age 1 month to 12 years. Two findings are of particular interest: most of the children were of a very young age (less than 3 years); most psychiatric treatments were of short duration. These results are due to the preventive orientation of our consultation and to the close collaboration between pediatricians and psychiatrists. The preventive approach allows for less heavy and costly measures than the standard long-term psychiatric treatment. This preventive approach is only possible if the diagnosis is established early. The pediatrician is in a better position than the psychiatrist to practice early detection, as in young children the psychopathology is often expressed through somatic channels. In cases where the pathology was detected at a later age, the treatment is usually more difficult.


[Brain tumors in childhood. Clinical aspects].

The analysis of 76 case histories of children suffering from brain tumor revealed a majority in preschool age. The diagnosis at admission to the hospital was correct in 2/3 of the cases. The main causes for admission among unclear cases were headache, a history of head trauma, and epilepsy. An evaluation is made of the diagnostic value of symptoms, neurological signs, and of auxiliary investigations.


[Genetics of idiopathic scoliosis].

Families of 241 patients among 913 cases of idiopathic scoliosis were surveyed. The data suggest two possible modes of inheritance: either an autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance and more frequent manifestation in girls than boys, or a genetic heterogeneity with a mixture of dominant and multifactorial modes of inheritance.


[Influence of ouabain on the electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes in 7 patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy].

Measurements of electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes under the influence of ouabain were carried out on seven patients suffering from progressive Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. While ouabain-treated erythrocytes of healthy controls showed a significant decrease (alpha = 0.001) in electrophoretic mobility, an increase was found in five of the patients, and two patients revealed a slight drop in electrophoretic mobility. A significant difference (alpha = 0.001) was obtained in comparing the control group of patients. Initial trial measurements suggested that such a difference is also true for some other forms of muscular dystrophy and Werdnig-Hoffmann's spinal muscular atrophy.


Cardiac complications after vaccination for smallpox.

A case of severe myocardial damage 8 days after smallpox vaccination is described in a 6-year-old boy. A huge embolus overriding the bifurcation of the aorta complicated the disease and was removed surgically. Attention is called to the rapid recovery of this patient, which may be attributed to the use of massive doses of antivaccinia gamma globulin.


Cricopharyngeal achalasia associated with congenital suprabulbar paresis.

A case of congenital suprabulbar paresis is reported. The associated severe dysphagia which presented soon after birth was shown by radiographic and cineradiographic studies to be due to cricopharyngeal achalasia. During four years of follow-up a clear tendency to spontaneous improvement was seen. It is therefore suggested that the condition may have a favorable outcome without resorting to surgical intervention.


[The ultrastructure of dyskeratotic and dysplastic keratinocytes in oral epithelium (author's transl)].

The fine structural morphology of dyskeratotic and dysplastic keratinocytes in human oral epithelium was investigated by light microscopy as well as by transmission and scanning-electron microscopy. On the epithelial-connective tissue border, marked changes are seen in the form of polymorphous microinvasive cytoplasmic processes of basal keratinocytes, structural alterations of the basement membrane and rarefaction of the subepithelial connective tissue. Dyskeratotic keratinocytes with abnormal tonofilament configuration are phagocytized by dermal macrophages and are transported to the lamina propria. Ultrastructural signs of atypia are found in the nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasmic organelles and mitotic apparatus. Furthermore, multiple alterations of the plasma membrane, decrease in numbers of junctional complexes and acantholytic widened intercellular spaces are observed. Intracytoplasmic lumina are formed by endocytotic invagination of desmosome-studed plasma membrane regions at the cell surface. Despite an inverse relationship between the degree of keratinization and the glycogen content of the epithelium at the subcellular level, large amounts of glycogen are found in some keratinocytes. The epithelial surface is formed by hyper-, para-, or orthokeratosis, or shows individual cell keratinization, alteration of the disintegration process and defective keratin synthesis. The ultrastructural analysis of dysplastic keratinocyte populations reveals some morphological criteria common with invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which may be important in the early diagnosis and prognosis of malignant transformation of epithelial dysplasia.


[Diagnostic importance of electrophysiologic tests in Bell's palsy: report on a longterm follow-up study in 100 cases (author's transl)].

The present study is based upon the results of repeated electrodiagnostic tests carried out in a series of 100 cases of Bell's palsy (Determination of Rheobase and Chronaxy). The first symptoms of denervation can be observed during the second week after the onset of the paralysis. This seems to be the critical period in which the ultimate consequences of the lesion are determined: partial or total recovery or complete irreversible denervation. In cases showing a rapid increase of chronaxy during the 2nd week, prognosis is rather poor because a difference of 240% between the affected and the normal side indicates a progressive denervation. Cases in which the difference of chronaxy values during the 2nd week is increased upto 240% (i.e. partial denervation) recover incompletely in 15% of the cases. Estimation of prognosis in Bell's palsy and timing of a facial nerve decompression must be based on reliable facts, such as the results of repeated electrodiagnostic tests (modified measurement of Rheobase and Chronaxy) carried out at least every secont but preferably every day during the first 3 weeks after the onset of the paresis.


[An intralabyrinthine and intratympanic acoustic neuroma (author's transl)].

An intra labyrinthine acoustic neuroma, which had simulated otitis media, is reported. The tumour had extended into the cavum tympani over the basal turn of the cochlea and into all the seimicircular canals. The bulk of the tumour lay in a wide defect between the vestibule and the fundus of the internal auditory canal. The literature on intralabyrinthine neuromas is reviewed.


[Applied anatomy of the facial nerve. I. Nuclei, supranuclear connectiions and peripheral nerve (author's transl)].

The clinically important anatomy and morphology of the facial nerve is reviewed. The nuclei, and the supranuclear and internuclear connections are described, and the facial canal, its dehiscences and its relation with the nerve are discussed in detail.


[Hazards associated with artificial humidification in tracheotomized patients (author's transl)].

Bacteriological testing in tracheotomized patients has shown that infection can be avoided when only sterilized water is used for post-surgical humidification and is disinfected at least every two days. In so doing, water condensation can be avoided by the use of concomitant tube heating. Conclusions indicate that humidifers which utilize water evaporation are more useful in patient care than ultra-sonic nebulizers.


[Cervical-nystagmus as related to vertebral receptors].

Two patients with absent peripheral labyrinthine function are reported, in whome cervical nystagmus could be demonstrated. Return of labyrinthine function with simultaneous disappearance of the cervical nystagmus in one of the patients demonstrates existence of receptors in the upper three vertebral joints and their potential influence on the vestibular system. Pathogenetic as well as diagnostic functions of the sensory afferent systems of the upper cervical region are discussed.


[Endo-ecto-laryngeal dysproportion: a frequent cause of dysplastic dysphonia (author's transl)].

A post-mutational laryngeal dysplasia is described which results in rapid vocal fatigue and chronic dysphonia. Pathognostically important in the respiratory position is a profile-deficient endolarynx, combined with hypoplastic Morgagni ventricle and distinct vocal cord contour in the phonatory position. We interpret this dysplasia as the consequence of a dysproportionate growth process during which the growth of the endolaryngeal soft tissue fails to match that of the laryngeal frame.


[Combined treatment of a cicatrised post-intubation complication with surgery and medication summary (author's transl)].

A case of postintubation laryngotracheal injury is described. The paramedian position of the vocal cords was found to be a consequence of cicatrix in the area of the posterior commissure, and by a luxation with ankylosis of the right cricoarytenoid joint. Paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was excluded by electromyography. Multiple incisions of the cicatrix failed to correct the problem, whereas subsequent incision followed by intensive therapy with fludrocortisone and hyaluronidase was successful in management. In administering the medication, a new simplifed method for translaryngeal injection is described.


[Prolonged endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy in children (author's transl)].

Five patients with subglottic tracheal stenosis following prolonged endotracheal intubation are reported. To minimize tracheal stenosis the indications for prolonged intubation should be well defined and tracheostomy considered as an alternative. The incidence of tracheal stenosis following prolonged intubation is stimilar to that following tracheostomy. The risk of stenosis increases with the duration of intubation, the degree of physical trauma to the laryngotracheal mucosa (suction, tube changing, restlessness), infection of the trachea or larynx, and with the age of the child. Prolonged intubation necessitates sedation and intensive care. Tracheostomy has a higher mortality but this and the risk of stenosis depend greatly on the operative technique. Particularly in cases where prolonged intubation increase the risk of tracheal stenosis, the advantages of tracheotomy become evident. Tracheostomised children rarely need sedation, the tracheobronchial tree can be easily and carefully toileted and the changing of the tube is without risk. Neither method is absolutely preferable, but the correct application of both will minimise the complication rate. The indications for each may be summarised as follows: for primary treatment of acute respiratory distress in children prolonged intubation is the treatment of choice. If after 3 days there is no chance of extubation, tracheostomy should be considered but this depends also on the child's age and behaviour, and on the laryngotracheal mucosal reaction. The younger the child the more cautiously should tracheostomy be considered. Children under 2 years of age should only be tracheostomised if there is no alternative.


Comparison of acoustic reflex and behavioral thresholds as a function of stimulus frequency and duration.

Threshold-duration functions for the acoustic reflex and threshold-duration functions based upon behavioral measures were obtained on the same group of subjects and compared. The mean temporal integration for the acoustic reflex threshold appears to be comparable to that for the behavioral threshold for stimuli of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, but marked individual differences exist in temporal integration of the acoustic reflex. At 4000 Hz, the mean change in the reflex threshold as a function of stimulus duration is significantly greater than the change in the behavioral threshold under the same conditions, suggesting that in the elicitation of the acoustic reflex the auditory system processes energy less efficiently at 4000 Hz than it does at lower frequencies.


Perception of time-compressed consonant-nucleus-consonant monosyllables by non-native speaker/listeners of English.

Recent investigations of time-altered speech have dealt with the effect of time compression and sensation level on intelligibility scores of native speaker/listeners of English. In the present investigation, the intelligibility of time-compressed consonant-nucleus-consonant monosyllables was studied using English speaker/listeners whose native languages are Spanish or Indo-Dravidian. Results supported earlier findings in that intelligibility decreased as a function of increasing percentage of time compression and decreasing sensation level. This effect was more prominent for the Indo-Dravidian than for Spanish speaker/listeners. The Spanish group of subjects showed generally lower difference scores than did the Indo-Dravidian group when compared to native English speaker/listeners.


Modified rhyme test and synthetic sentence identification test scores of normal and hearing-impaired subjects listening in multitalker noise.

Articulation functions were established for 35 normal hearing, 6 flat sensorineural, and 6 high frequency sloping sensorineural hearing-impaired subjects using the modified rhyme test (MRT) and synthetic sentence identification test (SSIT) in three message competition ratios (MCRs) of multitalker noise. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences between tests, subject groups, presentation conditions, and interactions between variables. Post hoc analyses revealed that SSIT functions were not significantly different among groups, and that MRT functions were different for each group. The MRT and SSIT were found to be two significantly different tests, each taxing different areas of discrimination. Results suggest that both tests can be used clinically with various MCRs of multitalker noise, but that the poorest MCR for each test does not aid in defining discrimination abilities.


Surgical repair of atrial septal defect in a dog.

Atrial septal defect, a relatively rare canine congenital cardiovascular defect, caused syncope during excitement in a 5-year-old male Boxer dog. The defect was successfully repaired by open heart surgery.


Traumatically induced bullous lung lesions in the dog: a radiographic report of three cases.

Three dogs with automobile-induced trauma had radiographic evidence of multiple bullous pulmonary lesions. Two of these dogs were subsequently reexamined, and resolution of their lesions was demonstrated radiographically.


Study of the classical and modified alternate binaural loudness balance tests in normal and pathological ears.

This study was carried out to examine recruitment of loudness measured by the classical and the modified, self-recording alternate binaural loudness balance tests in 20 normal subjects and in 14 patients with various kinds of ear pathology. In spite of individual variability, the modified method, when used as described in this study, does provide an indication of the presence or absence of loudness recruitment.