[Bacteriochlorophyll fluorescence changes related to the bacteriopheophytin photoreduction in the chromatophores of purple sulfur bacteria].

It is shown that illumination of chromatophores of sulfur bacterium Chromatium minutissimum at Eh of the medium --200 mV divided by --620 mV (when the photooxidation of pigment P890 is completely inhibited) induces a decrease in bacteriochlorophyll fluorescence yield, reversible in the dark. Under these conditions a reversible photoreduction of bacteriopheophytin is detected (bleaching of absorption bands at 543 and 760 nm and development of a band at 650 nm), which is accompanied by a blue shift of the absorption band at 8 nm. As a possible interpretation of these effects the suggestion is made on the function of bacteriopheophytin as a primary electron acceptor in reaction centers of bacteria. The bacteriopheophytin photoreduction, followed by a decrease in fluorescence yield, is also observed in other sulfur bacteria, Thiocapsa roseopersicina and Ectothiorodospira shaposhnikovii, but it is not detected in nonsulfur bacteria, Rhodospirillum rubrum and Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. This is considered as an evidence for the difference in the functional organization of the reaction centers of these two groups of bacteria,


[18 O-exchange reactions catalyzed by subfragment 1 of myosin molecule].

18 O-exchange properties of enzymically active proteolytic fragment of myosin molecule--subfragment 1 were studied. It was shown that 18O-exchange activity of subfragment 1 is similar to that of parental myosin and its other proteolytic fragment--heavy meromyosin. The experimental data suggest that the 18O-exchange activity is an integral property of myosin and is not determined by its contaminations.


[Effect of synthetic tetradecapeptide corresponding to 31-44 amino acid sequence of growth hormone on lipolysis in human adipose tissue].

Fat mobilyzing activity of synthetic tetradecapeptide, which corresponds in 31--44 amino acid sequence of human growth hormone, is studied in vitro in human fat tissue. The peptide at concentrations of 3--33 microng/ml considerably stimulated lipolysis in subdermal fat tissue, omentum and shoulder ateroma. Minimal efficient peptide concentration was 3 microng/ml in most experiments, sometimes it was 0.3 microng/ml. Direct dependency between dose logarithm and lipolysis rate was observed at dose interval of 0.3--18 microng/ml. Native growth hormone produced no activity in human fat tissue even in concentrations of 50--100 microng/ml.


[Bacteriophage T2 DNA modification by O-methylhydroxylamine].

A comparative study of the reactivities of free 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-HMC) and 5-HMC found in the composition of native, denaturated and intraphage DNA of the T2 phage with that of O-methylhydroxylamine (OMHA) demonstrated that the DNA secondary structure in situ is partially disturbed. The interaction DNA-protein in the phage particle channels the reaction into a predominant formation of 4N-methoxy-6-methoxyamino-5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, but not 4N-methoxy-5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, which is formed in vitro. In the course of the reaction the interaction DNA-protein is probably fixed by covalent binding.


[Properties and reaction mechanism of mitochondrial menadione reductase].

An isolation procedure of mitochondrial menadione reductase from rat liver using an ethanol-ether extraction for solubilization of the enzyme is described. The enzyme was purified 930-fold. The molecular weight of mitochondrial menadione reductase is 62,000. According to spectroscopic and enzymic analysis the prosthetic group of the enzyme was identified as FAD. Mitochondrial menadione reductase is inhibitied by dicumarol and p-chloromecuribenzoate. The enzyme is characterized by a group substrate specificity towards quinones. A high catalytic activity of menadione reductase towards 4-aniline-5-methoxy-1,2-benzoquinone (AMOBQ), and 4-N-(p-sulfoanilino)-5-methoxy-1,2-benzoquinone (AMOBQS) as acceptors was demonstrated. It was shown that the reduction of these orto-benzoquinones by NAD(P) H follows the "ping-pong" kinetics. The kinetic constants for NAD(P)H,AMOBQ and and AMOBQS were determined.


Cryosurgery in removal of orbital tumors.

Two cases in which medially placed retro-orbital tumors were approached transfrontally have been presented. The computerized tomographic scanner was important in the localization of both lesions. Although of different histologic types, both tumors were friable and vascular. This friability and vascularity would have caused severe difficulties in removal had it not been for the facility with which a cryoprobe froze and grasped tumor tissue. The importance of this instrument, previously unemphasized, has been pointed out.


Essential tremor in Papua, New Guinea.

The clinical features of 175 cases of essential tremor are related. This disorder is prevalent among a population of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It affects predominantly women in middle and old age; only 27 per cent of the cases were males. The disorder is slowly progressive and significant disability appears in elderly women when the trunk muscles are involved. Epidemiological studies have shown that the presence of tremor can be correlated with linguistic distinctions between high and low prevalence populations. Although only 30 patients reported a first degree relative with tremor, the syndrome would seem to stem from a genetic predisposition. In a number of patients essential tremor appeared to be associated with Parkinson's disease.


The diagnosis of congenital unilateral third-nerve palsy.

Sixteen cases of congenital unilateral third-nerve palsies collected from the records of the Wilmer Eye Institute and The Johns Hopkins Hospital over twenty-one years are reviewed. Their aetiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis and prognosis are discussed. Their benign nature with respect to absence of associated neurological disease and the high probability of their causing amblyopia and aberrant regeneration are emphasized.


Two-fold interindividual variation in plasma protein binding of phenytoin in patients with epilepsy.

Plasma protein binding of phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) in 63 epileptic patients was investigated with an ultrafiltration technique at room temperature using 14C-labelled phenytoin. A strong correlation was found between the total and the unbound drug concentration (r = 0.97, p less than 0.001). The unbound phenytoin fraction was 7.1 +/- 1.0% with a range of 4.9 to 10.2%. This variation is considerably less than that reported recently by different authors. Individual phenytoin binding was reproducible when the determination was repeated several weeks later. Salivary phenytoin concentrations in 33 epileptic patients were significantly correlated to the unbound (r = 0.83) and total concentrations (r = 0.82) of phenytoin in plasma. This study confirms that the clinical practice of monitoring total phenytoin plasma concentrations is sufficient, since the unbound phenytoin fraction has only a 2-fold interindividual variation in epileptic patients, provided that they do not suffer from renal or hepatic disease.


The replacement child--a developmental tragedy: some preliminary comments.

Some of the clinical and theoretical issues thought to be involved in the psychology of "replacement children" are discussed. A developmental framework is proposed within which to view such children. The replacement child is becoming an identifiable clinical syndrome, and a developmental framework is sorely needed to encourage more systematic research. A replacement child perceives his status differently on both a cognitive and emotional level within the context of each developmental phase, and the affective and associative links need to be reworked each time. We view the status of being a replacement child as a developmental interference insofar as demands are placed on the child's immature ego which he might not yet be equipped to cope with.


Applying the guidelines of Beyond the Best Interests of the Child.

Although the wisdom of the guidelines advocated in Beyond the Best Interests of the Child for making custody and visitation decisions is widely proclaimed, the realities of existing statutes and procedural systems preclude their simple application to present-day custody cases. It is the purpose of this paper to join the efforts of others in attempting to delineate how the theoretical policies and abstract strategies comprising these guidelines can be implemented under the constraints of present realities. This effort takes the form of three disguised cases to which is added the author's commentary on his interventions and recommendations.


The assessment of time-dependent changes in human performance.

This paper discribes a series of experiments to illustrate the use of various methods of time series analysis in the delineation of the effects of circadian and ultradian cycles on human performance. These experiments are concerned with measures of both human performance and physiology. They illustrate how the parameters of these time series analytic techniques can be used to postulate physiological mechanisms where time-dependent changes have been shown to be significant. The use of analytic techniques in both the time and frequency domain is illustrated.


Why do Tc-99m chelates work for cholescintigraphy?

There are four structural requirements for substances that are excreted by the liver: 1. Their molecular weight is between 300 and 1,000. 2. They are organic anions. 3. They contain at least two ring systems in the molecule. 4. They are bound to serum albumin. All the Tc-99m chelates suggested for cholescintigraphy fulfill these requirements. For the first time a rational for their efficacy is provided.


The correlation between liver scintigraphy and serum CEA levels in the detection of liver metastases from rectum carcinoma. A retrospective study.

Radiocolloid liver scintigraphy for the detection of liver metastases is widely used. Because of the known limitations of this technique we investigated the correlation between liver scintigraphy and serum CEA levels in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary rectum carcinoma. The serum CEA level is not suitable as a screening test for cancer, but it can be helpful as an extra parameter for the detection of liver metastases. The correlation between liver scintigraphy, the serum CEA level and the clinical findings has also been studied. A good correlation between liver scintigraphy and the serum CEA level was found. Serum CEA levels can be helpful in facilitating the evaluation of liver scintigraphy in patients with carcinoma of the rectum.


Experimental examinations on the suitability of organoaminomethane-bis-phosphonic acids for bone-scintigraphy by means of Tc-99m in animals.

Phosphororganic compounds of the general formula R2N-CH (PO(OH)2)2 were examined for their Tc-99m-labelability and suitability for bone-scintigraphy. Compared to Tc-99-m-Sn-EHDP (Hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid), four compounds showed a better concentration in the sceleton, while three compounds remained beneath comparative values.


The use of 123I labelled oestradiol in detecting the human prostate using a gamma camera.

123I labelled oestradiol was administered into patients with either benign hypertrophy or malignancy of the prostate, in order to detect the prostate. Using a gamma camera the results showed considerable radioactivity in the bladder-prostate region. The exact anatomical position of the prostate was determined by emptying the bladder and introducing 123I labelled sodium iodide into the balloon of the catheter already inserted in the bladder. The results demonstrated that the detected radioactivity in this region was in the bladder rather than the prostate. This conclusion was later confirmed by the presence of high level of the radioactivity in the urine and the extremely low concentration of the radioactivity in the prostate after the removal of the gland.


Bone imaging after total replacement arthroplasty of the hip joint. A follow-up with different radiopharmaceuticals.

Bone imaging was done in patients after total replacement arthroplasty of the hip joint every 3rd month using 99mTc-HEDP and 18F. Uptake ratios were estimated over cup/normal hip and femur prosthesis/normal thigh. Ratios decline rapidly and reach a stable level 6-9 months, postoperatively. Eight cases of late infection were predicted correctly 1-3 months before any radiologic evidence was present. In four cases there had been false-positive results with 99mTc-HEDP while 18F gave always correct information except in cases of soft tissue inflammation. Here both 99mTc-HEDP and 18F ratios were elevated. The early diagnosis of late complications after replacement arthroplasty seems to be possible. The clinical significance, however, is low: only one out of eight patients with manifest infection is still on conservative treatment. Bone imaging should be done to exclude late infection as a cause of pain after total replacement arthroplasty of the hip joint only.


[Effect of sodium hydroxybutyrate, phenamine, transamine, l-DOPA on the physical work capacity of animals under multiple stress conditions].

Complete restoration of performance capacity in rats following a preliminary single exertion is shown to occur against the background of action produced both by transamine and its combination with sodium oxybutyrate. After a preliminary 4-fold swimming transamine is effective only in combination with sodium oxybutyrate. With a combined action of sodium oxybutyrate and l-DOPA a prolonged increase of performance capacity of the animals under multiple loads is recorded.


[Oxidative phosphorylation in different regions of the rat brain following morphine administration].

The influence exercised by morphine in a dose of 20 mg/kg, introduced intraperitoneally, and also in concentrations of 10(-3) and 10(-5) "in vitro" on the parameters of oxidative phosphorylation of the brain cortex and stem of rats was studied. Morphine, used in a concentration of 10(-3), is shown to speed up the substrates oxidation rate. During the first days of its administration the narcotic analgetic inhibited oxidation of mitochondia released from the brain stem, and, once habituation to the narcotic had developed, the inhibition ceased to be effective. In "in vivo" experiments and in vitro tests the effect of phosphorylation remained unchanged. The data obtained suggest that with developing habituation in regard to morphine the functions of the brain stem and cortex mitochondria do not undergo any substantial changes.


[Effect of antipheins on indices of the activity of the pentosephosphate pathway for carbohydrate transformation].

Experiments set up on rabbits showed that with their intravenous administration in a dose of 10 mg/kg antiphein, aethimizol, allilnorantipheins and propylnorantiphein catalize the activity of the pentosophosphate mode of the carbohydrates transformation. The character of the action and the intensity of the effect depend on the features distinguishing the chemical structure of the substances, of particular importance here being changed conformation of the molecule.


[Hypotensive effect and toxicity of octadin and papaverine following their combined administration].

A study on the hypotensive action of combined injections of papaverine and octadine (guanethidine) was carried out in acute experiments on 90 anaesthetized cats. It was shown that with combined injections of octadine (in doses exceeding by 22% ED100) and of papaverine (in doses inferior by 22% to ED100) the hypotensive action was potentiated. A change of the said proportions led to a diminished hypotensive effect. It was also found that the most effective combinations of the 2 drugs was the one consisting of 0.5 mg/kg of papaverine and 5 mg/kg of octadine (in a ratio of 1:10). By studying the toxicity of the 2 drugs and of their combinations on 350 albino mice it was ascertained that their toxicity diminished if the drugs were used together.


[Iodine metabolism in uranium poisoning according to whole-body radiometry and activation analysis].

Experiments on rats showed that in chronic uranium poisoning the value of the intrathyroid iodine pool changed and time-dependent radioiodine recirculation relationship between the thyroid and the organism was upset. The process of the thyroid adaptation is a complex one, viz. the hormonal capacity of the organism being kept up through an increase in the mass of the thyroid as well as by a higher rate of iodine exchange.


[Experimental combined administration of cyclophosphane with serotonin, insulin and glucose].

Experiments on mice with sarcoma 37 evidenced that the use of cyclophosphan in combination with serotonin, insulin, insulin + glucose and serotonin + glucose enable it to obtain a more significant antineoplasic effect than this is possible by the treatment with cyclophan alone. A combined application of these agents produced a more profound inhibition of the glycogen-forming function and restitution of the glycogen cintent in the liver of the test animals occurred quicker than when cyclophosphan alone was used. In oncological practice it is recommended to use combinations of cyclophosphan with serotonin, insulin, insulin + glucose and serotonin + glucose.


[Relationship between means of administration, concentration in the blood, organ distribution and excretion of prespidin-14C from the body].

Blood content, distribution among organs and tissues and passage from the organism of prospidine-C14 in rats, following its introduction per os and application to the skin in the form of an ointment, were studied. With these modes of introduction it is shown that prospidine and/or products of its biotransformation are capable of relatively quickly penerating through the wall of the gastro-intestinal tract and skin. However, specific radioactivity in the organs in such cases is scores of time lower than with intravenous administration. In case of the peroral introduction of the compound 72.3 per cent of the amount of the compound and/or of its metabolites administered are eliminated via the gastro-intestinal tract in two days.


In vivo and in vitro cell-mediated immune reactions to auto-chthonous tumor extracts in patients with gastric cancer.

Sixty patients with advanced gastric cancer were subjected to the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test and delayed hypersensitivity skin test to tumor and normal tissue (gastric mucosa) extracts. Tumor extract induced significant inhibition of macrophage mobility in 51% and positive skin reaction in 32% of examined cases. Close correlation was observed between macrophage inhibition and diameter of skin reaction to tumor extract. Incidence of positive reaction in both tests to normal tissue extract was 55% and 12%, respectively. Significant inhibition of macrophage to tumor extract was also observed in breast cancer, but not in superficial gastric cancer and healthy persons. Normal tissue extract did not induce significant inhibition of macrophage in gastric ulcer. These results suggest that macrophage electrophoretic mobility test indicates a certain aspect of tumor-associated (but not tumor-specific) immunity in cancer patients. Macrophage inhibition appeared to be related with macroscopic tumor types rather than to clinical stages. Positive skin reaction to tumor extract was observed in Stages II, III, and IV of gastric cancer.


Effect of DL-alpha-hydrazino-delta-aminovaleric acid, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, on polyamine metabolism and growth of mouse sarcoma-180.

DL-alpha-Hydrazino-delta-aminovaleric acid (DL-HAVA) is a potent and fairly specific inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17). Its effect on polyamine metabolism and cell proliferation was investigated in sarcoma-180, inoculated into the axillary region of mice. In the tumor tissues, the activities of ornithine and S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylases and the putrescine level were much higher in the early stage of growth than those in normal mouse liver. Administration of DL-HAVA greatly depressed the putrescine level and putrescine formation from L-ornithine. It also suppressed DNA synthesis and increase in weight of the tumor tissue. However, it had little effect on RNA synthesis or the tissue concentration of spermidine and spermine. The inhibition of DNA synthesis and subsequent tumor development by DL-HAVA was effectively prevented by putrescine, but not by cadaverine or 1,7-diaminoheptane. From these results it is concluded that the suppression of DNA synthesis and neoplastic growth by DL-HAVA is due to decrease in the putrescine level by inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase.


Isolation of soluble immunosuppressive substance(s) from Ehrlich ascites tumor cell nuclei.

A potent immunosuppressive principle was isolated in a soluble form from the nuclei of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. DNA-free preparation, obtained from the purified nuclei by homogenizing in 2M NaCl-5M urea solution and removing the dissociated DNA with LaCl3-precipitation, revealed strong activity to suppress the development of helper thymus-derived lymphocyte activity in mice. Moreover, almost all of the immunosuppressive activity originally found in the nuclear residue fraction after extraction with sodium citrate solution was recovered in 0.25 N HCl extract which mainly contains proteins. The nuclear components of tumor cells were also detected in the body fluid of tumor-bearing animals, as examined by the reactivity with a rabbit antiserum specific for some nuclear component of Ehrlich tumor cells. These results suggest that the immunosuppressive principle in the nuclei of Ehrlich tumor cells is a histone-like substance, and liberated into the body fluid from tumor cell nuclei in the tumor-bearing state.


Cancer induction in subcutaneously implanted bronchial autograft of a dog by 3-methylcholanthrene.

An experimental cancer induction in subcutaneously autoimplanted bronchial grafts in dogs was studied. After successful bronchial autografting, 3-methylcholanthrene or 3,4-benzo[a]pyrene suspended in sterile saline solution containing 1% carboxymethylcellulose was injected into the lumen. Twenty-eight weeks after this treatment, an invasive squamous cell carcinoma with concomitantly existing atypical squamous metaplasia was found in one dog by histological examination. Squamous cell metaplasia was also observed in two other dogs at 24th experimental week. Cytological examination revealed the findings corresponding to these epithelial changes. Remaining 15 dogs are still living and under observation.


[Behavior of rosette-forming human lymphocytes in allogeneic cell mixtures].

Rosetting lymphocytes have been evaluated in allogeneic mixtures of human peripheral lymphoid cells. In these mixtures E-rosettes were inhibited as compared with that of individuals cells not sharing HLA antigens in common. Mixtures of lymphoid cells sharing HLA antigens in common (familiar combinations) were less or not inhibited. The inhibiting effect has been ascribed to shedding of HLA antigens in the allogeneic mixtures, interfering with the binding of sheep erythrocytes to lymphoid cells. These results confirm the existence of a very closely association between antigen receptor and HLA products on the cell surface of T-lymphocytes.


Limulus test, parenteral drugs and biological products: an approach.

The Authors report the results concerning the control of presence of bacterial endotoxins in parenteral drugs, blood products and immunological materials, by means of Limulus amebocyte lysate test. All the data suggest that Limulus assay is a simple, rapid, specific and sensitive test for endotoxin detection, mostly when it is correctly performed.


[A new colorimetric test in oncologic diagnosis: experiences and evaluation criteria].

The authors have examined a new colorimetric test, set up by Nixon in 1973 and appropriately modified by them. They have found out 80,14% positive reactions in 146 cases of neoplasms and 82,54% negative reactions in 126 patients suffering from tubeycular and different diseases; lastly 95% negative reactions in apparently healthy individuals. According to the authors' opinion, this test seems to be useful in the diagnosis of neoplasms, when joined, of course, with other diagnostic means now in use.


Assessment of parameters of physical growth of the newborn in relation to maternal supplementation with iron alone or with some biological additives.

Intrauterine growth charts were used for the assessment of physical growth of newborn infants in relation to maternal supplementation. Iron alone or with other additives (Copper, folic acid, ascorbic acid) were given during different trimesters of pregnancy. The study revealed that iron supplementation with or without other additives has an effective role in improving the haematological pattern in the neonates who also achieved better physical growth particularly with early supplementation with iron and ascorbic acid. Therefore, such supplementation is recommended.


Certain aspects of histogenesis of the B (Ashkenazy) cells in the human thyroid gland.

Certain differences are found in the localization of the peroxidase in subcellular structures of the neoplastic A- and B-cells of the human thyroid. The differences may result from functional pecularities and developmental diversities of these cells.


Attempts at inhibition of autooxidation of catecholamines in vitro.

The authors attempted to inhibit autooxidation of catecholamines in vitro by means of sulphur-containing amino-acids, monosaccharides, and aminobutyric acids. The SH group-containing amino-acids were found to suppress autooxidation of catecholamines passing from a chloroform-methanol solution (2:1) to water or buffer solutions. A similar though less pronounced property was manifested by cysteic acid. Likewise glucose, fructose and galactose blocked the reaction. Among aminobutyric acids only gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibited autooxidation of amines. However, despite positive results obtained, these experiments cannot be utilized in studies on reduction of Nitro-BT, as no reduction of Nitro-BT occured in the solutions in which catecholamine autooxidation was brought to a stop.


Detoxification of long-term methadone patients: problems and prospects.

Various aspects of the detoxification of rehabilitated methadone patients are considered in the light of experience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Bronx Psychiatric Center MMTP and the reports of others in the field. Patients studied met certain eligibility requirements which were thought to enhance the probability of successful detoxification. A total of 228 (10.4%) of 2,814 patients were included in the project. Sixty-three patients have completed detoxification. A follow-up on these patients indicates that 22.2% claim abstinence from all drugs and are reporting to the clinic, 47.6% claim abstinence but have not reported to the clinic, 14.3% returned to methadone maintenance, and 15.9% are lost to contact. This and other studies emphasize the importance of adequate counseling during detoxification.


Criminal behavior patterns of female addicts: a comparison of findings in two cities.

A great deal of the literature on addiction is devoted to analyses of the relation between drugs of addiction and crime among males. The few studies which have undertaken to describe the relationship between crime and addiction in females have generally concluded that addicted females either become prostitutes or they commit crimes against property. This study of addicted female arrestees in Denver (N = 153) and Philadelphia (N = 227) concluded that the hypothesized either-or pattern of addicted female criminal behavior is overly simplistic. Rather, four criminal behavior patterns of female arrestees are found: (1) prostitutes without a history of serious crimes, (2) females with a history of  serious crimes who are not prostitutes, (3) females who are both prostitutes and commit serious crimes, and (4) females who are not prostitutes and who commit only minor offenses. The utility of the four-pattern typology is borne out by analyses which indicate that these patterns are typical of different groups of female addicts and are not stages in a unitary socialization pattern involving drugs, prostitution, and crime.


Alpha conditioning as an adjunct treatment for drug dependence: part I.

The effects of alpha conditioning on the habits of four methadone maintained patients were assessed. All four learned some control over alpha activity in the 5-week, 10-session training period. The most striking results, however, related to the subjects' substitution of self-initiated mental states associated with alpha for previously used drug-seeking or self-medicating methods of coping with everday problem situations. All four subject reported a decrease in illicit drug usage and an increased feeling of self-control. Verification of improvement in adjustment and drug abuse was shown by counseling reports and narcotic screens from the maintenance program.


Characteristics of new admissions to a narcotics treatment program: 1970-1974.

Study was made of the demographic and drug-using characteristics of new admissions to a narcotic treatment program over the course of a 4-year period. Samples were drawn of 100 new admissions during the month of April in each year from 1970 to 1974. Results indicate that the treatment program under study came to be working with caseloads increasingly court referred, increasingly nonminority, and less frequently prepared to volunteer for methadone maintenance treatment. New admissions claimed to have delayed entrance into treatment based on the geographic inaccessibility of treatment programs or the fact that they did not consider themselves ready for treatment. Implications for the provision of treatment to heroin users are discussed.


A comparison of buoyant density and polypeptides of Drosophila P, C and A viruses.

On the basis of their buoyant densities in CsCl and their capsid polypeptides, three viruses isolated from Drosophila spp. which were originally described as serotypes, are now classified as distinct viruses. The biochemical properties of each virus suggest that it has several key features in common with the mammalian picornaviruses.


Toward a utility theory foundation for health status index models.

The axioms of utility theory are restated in terms of health outcomes, and some additional assumptions, consistent with the assumptions implicit in health status index models, are adduced to develop a consistent theory of the utility of health states. On the basis of the axioms and specific assumptions, techniques for measuring the health utility functions of individuals are described, and it is shown how these axioms and assumptions may be used to determine the utility to the individual of health programs that will affect him in various ways.


Neglected aspects of the quality of life.

Health status indexes have focused on physical function such as the activities of daily living, perhaps because the National Health Survey provides data of this sort or because it is the object of rehabilitation programs. In an attempt to elicit values concerning loss of function, 150 health workers were asked to assign weights from zero to 10 for 50 abilities or functions. Serious methodological problems were encountered in finding terms describing functional loss that were simple and meaningful to a wide range of workers. In addition, an open-ended request was made to identify other functions not included in the list. The largest average values were assigned to ability to use one's mental abilities, to see, to think clearly, to love and be loved in return, to make decisions for oneself, to live at home, to walk, to maintain contact with family and friends, and to talk. Some of the functional loss implied in these responses may not be amenable to cure or rehabilitation but may be preventable and thus needs to be included in outcome measures.


Development and application of an index of social function.

Brief indexes of social function were constructed in a project to develop a health index questionnaire designed to measure the social, emotional, and physical function of free-living populations. The social function items have been found to be generally applicable, capable of application by lay interviewers, and acceptable to interviewees. Initial evaluations to form composite scores for social function items have demonstrated their validity against concurrent assessments of a health professional. These social function indexes have been successfully applied in two randomized trials of innovative primary care services. The criteria for inclusion of items in the social function index questionnaire, the generation of the instrument, and the evaluation of questionnaire responses for their validity are summarized here.


Making annual indexes of health.

A discrete-state, continuous-time Markov model of health states and state transition probabilities is outlined as the basis of a health index that would reflect the annual health distribution and expected health changes of a population. The final index is an additive one, summing expected durations of the various health states over the entire population sample. The weights attached to the expected durations are derived from the instantaneous incidence rates, or intensity functions, that define the transition  probabilities. A general procedure for collecting data during overlapping 6-week periods from numerous population subsamples is described.


Health status: patient and physician judgments.

Patients at a rehabilitation center in Derbyshire, England, were asked to assess their own functional abilities at admission and again at discharge, using an 82-item questionnaire concerning 12 areas of daily living. Questionnaire responses were correlated with results of physical examinations, assessments by center personnel, and assessments of capacity for specific body movements. The highest correlations were observed in areas that related most directly to physical movements and to dressing and toileting. The results suggest that self-assessment of health status using this questionnaire may provide a viable alternative to judgments made by trained assessors.


Validation of an interval scaling: the sickness impact profile.

The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) is a measure of sickness-related behavioral dysfunction consisting of 189 items in 14 topic categories. To increase its discrimination, precision, and sensitivity in accounting for variance, the decision was made to scale the instrument. A two-step direct scaling procedure was used in order to avoid the monumental scaling tasks required by indirect procedures that guarantee equal-interval results; but because an equal-interval scale was needed, it was necessary to validate the scale values obtained and investigated the equal-intervval properties of the obtained scale. A three-stage validation process is described, consisting of an initial scaling by a group of 25 health professionals and students in 1973, a second scaling by 108 members of a prepaid group health plan in 1975, and an investigation of the metric properties of the resulting scale values. In addition, the concept of dysfunction underlying the SIP was validated. SIP scores from a field trial were compared with mean ratings of severity of dysfunction represented by the combinations of checked items from which the scores were derived.


Membrane specializations of dentritic spines and glia in the weaver mouse cerebellum: a freeze-fracture study.

Electron microscopy of thin-sectioned and freeze-fractured preparations of the cerebellum of the weaver mouse indicates that the dendritic spines are morphologically identical to those of their normal littermates. The weaver dendritic spines have been characterized as "unattached" since the synaptic input from the parallel fibers is absent (8-10). The entire region around the dendritic spines is taken up by astrocytic processes in the weaver. The outer fracture face of a normal dendritic spine contains aggregations of 10-nm wide particles in the immediate postsynaptic region. Similar particle aggregations occur in the unattached spines of the weaver. Freeze-fracture preparations reveal rectilinear arrays of particles, having a 7-nm center-to-center distance in the glial membranes. Rectilinear arrays are apparently distributed throughout the astrocyte membrane.


A filamentous cytoskeleton in vertebrate smooth muscle fibers.

There are three classes of myofilaments in vertebrate smooth muscle fibers. The thin filaments correspond to actin and the thick filaments are identified with myosin. The third class of myofilaments (100 A diam) is distinguished from both the actin and the myosin on the basis of fine structure, solubility, and pattern of localization in the muscle fibers. Direct structural evidence is presented to show that the 100A filament constitute an integrated filamentous network with the dense bodies in the sarcoplasm, and that they are not connected to either the actin or myosin filaments. Examination of (a) isolated dense bodies, (b) series of consecutive sections through the dense bodies, and (c) redistributed dense bodies in stretched muscle fibers supports this conclusion. It follows that the 100-A filaments complexes constitute a structrally distinct filamentous network. Analysis of polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis of cell fractions that are enriched with respect to the 100-A filaments shows the presence of a new muscle protein with a molecular weight of 55,000. This protein can form filamentous segments that closely resemble in structure the native, isolated 100-A filaments. The results indicate that the filamentous network has a structure and composition that distinguish it from the actin and myosin in vertebrate smooth muscle.


Reversibility of cell surface label rearrangement.

Cell surface labeling can cause rearrangements of randomly distributed membrane components. Removal of the label bound to the cell surface allows the membrane components to return to their original random distribution, demonstrating that label is necessary to maintain as well as to induce rearrangements. With scanning electron microscopy, the rearrangement of concanavalin A (con A) and ricin binding sites on LA-9 cells has been followed by means of hemocyanin, a visual label. The removal of con A from its binding sites at the cell surface with alpha-methyl mannoside, and the return of these sites to their original distribution are also followed in this manner. There are labeling differences with con A and ricin. Under some conditions, however, the same rearrangements are seen with both lectins. The disappearance of labeled sites from areas of ruffling activity is a major feature of the rearrangements seen. Both this ruffling activity and the rearrangement of label are sensitive to cytochalasin B, and ruffling activity, perhaps along with other cytochalasin-sensitive structure, may play a role in the rearrangements of labeled sites.


Fusion of the envelope of mucous droplets with the luminal plasma membrane in acinar cells of the cat submandibular gland.

The release of mucus from acinar cells of the cat submandibular gland was examined by electron microscopy. The limiting membrane of mucous droplets fuses with the luminal plasma membrane to form a five-layered contact. This is converted to a three-layered membrane (unit membrane) by avulsion of the plasmalemma. Attenuation and rupture of this membranous barrier permits the contents of the mucous droplets to flow into the lumen.


Concanavalin A induces microtubule assembly and specific granule discharge in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Human neutrophils stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A, 100 microng/ml) contained markedly enhanced numbers of microtubules and discharged peroxidase-negative (specific) but not peroxidase-position (azurophile) granules. Release of lysozyme from specific granules was dose and time dependent, could be inhibitied by alpha-methyl-D-mannoside, and enhanced by cytochalasin B. Many microtubules were associated with internalized plasma membrane bearing Con A binding sites.


In vivo induction of tight junction proliferation in rat liver.

The chronic administration of phalloidin induces an extensive development of tight junctions between rat hepatocytes. The junctional strands lose their predominantly parallel orientation with respect to the canalicular lumen and extend abluminally in irregular patterns which cover large membrane areas at considerable distance from the bile canaliculi. These changes indicate both proliferation and provide further evidence that these junctions are not permanent differentiations of the cell membrane.


A training sequence for low vision patients.

A structured training program for teaching low vision patients to efficiently use their optical aids for reading tasks is presented. The arguments for the use of this particular training sequence is supported through the sample patient histories. The training sequences can be developed in any low vision practice and the materials are readily available. The importance of training in a low vision program is emphasized.


Eccentric viewing training.

Eccentric viewing training seeks to train subjects to utilize a paramacular area of the retina for seeing when the macular area is damaged. The present paper demonstrates two techniques for training eccentric viewing, as well as a method for measuring impovement in the use of the paramacular area. Both techniques are inexpensive, can be administered by a technician, and do not require an extensive training period. However, there are indications the two techniques are not comparable in effectiveness.


The influence of visual field testing procedure on blind spot size.

Blind spots as measured by three different testing instruments were shown to be significantly different. These size variations seem to be related to the target contrast provided by the instrumentation. The need for instrument standardization in perimetry is discussed.


Accommodation and vergence with the Brewster stereoscope.

In this paper, formulas are derived to determine the accommodative and vergence stimuli for any target or patient in a Brewster type stereoscope. Using these formulas, tables have been prepared that will allow the clinician to quickly determine the stimuli to accommodation and vergence for any given patient and target situation.


Effect of corneal lens fenestration on edema and spectacle blur.

This paper is a clinical discussion of the effects of corneal lens fenestration on visible corneal edema and spectacle blur. Most of the discussion centers about photo slit lamp material selected to illustrate some of the author's experience with the subject. Although everyone does not benefit from fenestration, photographs show several cases in which visible corneal edema is reduced. Among patient impressions, the outstanding benefit is reduction of spectacle blur.


The automatic occluder, a new concept.

An electro-mechanical occluder is described for use in treating problems of binocular vision. A number of methods of achieving the automatic occluder goal are reviewed. Early results of clinical studies now in progress indicate that the "autocluder" has unique clinical usefulness.


Procedures to correct hallux abducto valgus and metatarsus primus adductus.

Four procedures are presented to correct hallux abducto valgus and metatarsus primus adductus in the child between the ages of 3 and 7 years. A new procedure is introduced: a subtalar extra-articular lateral arthroereisis, and an erasure procedure of the epiphysis is discussed. An important new concept in pediatric podiatry is introduced: it is often possible to prevent major surgery in the adult by performing a minor procedure in the young child. Finally, a Reverdin's procedure to correct the articular set angle in adults is presented.


Peroneus longus tendon lengthening as an adjuvant measure in cavus foot surgery.

Lengthening of the peroneus longus tendon is very important when performing cavus foot surgery. This tendon directly affects all three components (varus heel, increased arch height, and forefoot adduction) of the idiopathic cavus foot which can be accounted for by increased strength and activity of the peroneus muscle. The deforming force is removed or weakened according to the degree, duration and rigidity of the cavus foot by lengthening or transferring the tendon.


Postsurgical management of the runner.

After surgery, it is very important for a runner to maintain foot and leg flexibility and muscle strength. Isometric exercises, the type of muscular contractions that occur when the ends of the muscles are fixed (so activity is evidenced by increase in tension without change in length), are very useful as they develop power and strength and help in regaining power and strength lost by injuried muscles. Isometrics are of greater value when performed in several daily sessions instead of once a day.


Polydactylism--dural halluces.

This type of deformity does not appear often in any podiatric practice. An adequate regimen should be used to reduce deformity and, hopefully, to improve, or at least maintain, adequate function.


The prevention of wound infections with the use of local antibiotics.

The local use of kanamycin, a broad spectrum antibiotic, has been successful in preventing primary wound infections. There have been no instances of drug reaction or sensitivity when kanamycin is used as a dilute topical irrigating solution. Secondary wound infections, which occurred in two cases, responded to local and systemic antibiotic therapy. Kanamycin can be recommended as an effective and safe topical antibiotic to prevent wound infections in foot surgery.


Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus: discussion and case report.

A brief discussion of the salient clinicopathologic features of an entity known as osteochondritis dissecans and an illustrative case have been presented. High quality radiographic studies are of prime importance in formulating the diagnosis. Successful treatment of this relatively uncommon lesion can be provided once a thorough evaluation is made.


Triple arthrodesis.

Arthrodesis, the surgical fusion of a joint or joints when motion is undesirable, is one of the most exacting surgical procedures performed on the foot. In this article, the authors discuss arthrodesing techniques from the earliest attempts in 1878 to the more sophisticated and more successful corrective procedures of the present day. Their preference of the two surgical techniques used for triple arthrodesis is the method which involves two incisions--a 12-cm. incision on the medial aspect of the foot and an 8-cm. incision on the lateral aspect of the foot.


Anterior entrapment syndromes.

The anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome is best described as a chronic irritation or compression of the deep peroneal nerve. The pathogenesis, etiology, and diagnostic features of the anterior tarsal tunnel as it effects the foot are discussed with its complexities. Case histories are presented.


Clinical laboratory studies for the podiatric surgical patient.

Doctor Arden emphasizes the mimportance of the preoperative history and physical examination, including clinical laboratory studies, on all podiatric surgical patients. He discusses the complete blood count, coagulation studies, blood chemistry, serologic tests for syphilis, and urinalysis. These clinical studies may give evidence of undetected disease which could have a major impact on the surgery to be performed.


Health hazard among cash register operators and the effect of improved working conditions.

The health condition of female cash register operators in relation to their working conditions was investigated. A questionnaire study revealed that cash register operators more frequently complained of general fatigue, headache, sleeplessness, and low back pain than female office machine operators or other female workers. Dullness and pain in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers especially on the right side were characteristic of cash register operators. Physical examinations in 1973 showed that 31.3% of 371 cash register operators suffered from muscle rigidity or tenderness; 13 were severely afficted and, 69 operators had to be either laid off, reassigned to other jobs, or given shorter working hours. Occupational cervicobrachial disorders were suggested to have been caused by repetitive upper limb motions combined with static load, an unfavorable working environment, and mental stress. Implementation of some improvements including shorter operation time, worker rotation, and adoption of electronic registers proved effective in reducing the number of sufferers of cervicobrachial disorders found during the 1975 physical examinations. But the improvements were not effective enough to alleviate fatigue of the neck, shoulder, and back due presumably to sustaining upper limbs while operating the keyboard.


On the structure of steadily propagating rings of chemotactic bacteria.

The theoretical structure of steadily propagating cylindrically-symmetric rings of chemotactic bacteria is determined by solving the governing dynamical equations for the bacterial density distribution and the concentration of chemotactic agent. Accurate to first-order in the reciprocal of the radial distance from the axis of symmetry, the asymptotic solution obtained here can be employed for future comparison with measured experimental distributions.


[Passive electrical constants of skeletal muscular fibres studied in different muscles of normal and thiamine deficient rats (author's transl)].

10 Some effects of thiamine deficiency were studied in three skeletal rat muscles, having different proportions of "fast" and "slow" fibres: extensor longus digiti IV (a nearly pure fast muscle), soleus (having a predominant population of slow fibres) and diaphragm muscle (mixed fibre population). 20 Cross section area of fibres (fig. 2) is reduced in thiamine deficient animals, mostly for fast fibres having a glycolytic metabolism, the histochemical profile of which tends to become similar to that of slow fibres, in which oxydative metabolism is predominant, as shown by a marked increase in succinodehydrogenase activity. 30 Measurements of resting potential E, of membranes time constant tau and of fibre input resistance R were performed in normal and thiamine deficient muscles (table I). R and tau were obtained from square pulse analysis, using a double shifted sampling method permitting the use of a single microelectrode. E is not greatly affected by thiamine deficiency. tau changes appear not to be significant, except for fast fibres from extensor longus muscle, where tau is slightly reduced. R is increased in thiamine deficient animals (fig. 3). 40 Changes in R and tau do not exactly follow the predictions of cable theory, if one assumes that a purely dimensional factor is involved. Thus, the view that thiamine deficiency does not change basic passive electrical constants of fibres (membrane specific resistance and capacity, myoplasm resistivity) can be considered only as a first approximation. 50 R and tau values obtained in normal muscles are larger than data taken from other studies. The reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. It is suggested that diet differences may play a role.


[Effect of cold exposure on synthesis of cerebral dopamine (author's transl)].

The synthesis of dopamine (DA) has been studied in the striatum and cortex of rats exposed to a temperature of 40C for 2.5 or 24 h. The synthesis rate has been estimated 30 mn after an i.v. injection of 3H tyrosine (TY), by the evaluation of the ratio: 3H-DA specific activity 3H-TY specific activity. Cold exposure modified DA synthesis differently in the two brain areas. In the striatum, DA synthesis was multiplied by a factor of 1.5 after 2.5 h of cold exposure and returned to normal value after 24 h. In the cortex, cold exposure did not significantly change DA synthesis (at any of the two times studied).


Intestinal polyposis associated with oxyurid parasites in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

A 40-year-old male chimpanzee had multiple intestinal polyps associated with immature male oxyurid parasites. The gross and histologic characteristics of these lesions were identical to those produced by Nochtia nochti in the stomach and esophagus of Old World primates. It was theorized that the lesions resulted from hypersensitivity to oxyurid infection in an aberrant host.


Historical and theoretical perspectives: sex, love, and commitment revisited.

A sociology-of-knowledge perspective is used to examine the interplay among sex, love, and commitment within the context of historical trends and social changes. The implications of qualitative and quantitative differences among love, sex and commitment are discussed in relation to (1) the concept of "multiple selves," (2) "individual variations in threshold levels," and (3) the misuse of "ideal types." Clinical and research efforts to differentiate among sex, love, and commitment need to be balanced by explicit awareness of the tendency to compartmentalize these three areas.


Clincal observations of sex as a reverberation of the total relationship.

In the psychiatric treatment of sexual dysfunctioning the generally accepted method has been to concentrate heavily on the intrapsychic conflicts of one or both spouses. There now is increasing evidence that treatment is sometimes more effective if the therapeutic intervention takes place directly in the interpersonal system. Such evidence has been provided by those therapists with clinical experience in marital systems who are prepared to utilize theories evolved from a multidisciplinary approach to marital problems. This paper is meant to discuss and illustrate this shift in treatment strategy as it applies to sexual dysfunctioning and deals with the function of the interplay of sex, love, and commitment through the illustrative cases.


Audiological tests for evaluation of central auditory disorders.

Three audiological tests (Competing Sentences, Rapidly Alternating Speech, Staggered Spondaic Words) currently being used to evaluate central auditory dysfunction are discussed. Audiological and neurological findings on three patients with central auditory lesions are presented, with special reference to their performance on these central auditory tests. Results suggest the tests are of value in identifying and/or corroborating central lesions, and in providing a more complete explanation of patient communicative difficulties.


A study of acupuncture in adult sensorineural hearing loss.

Twenty-nine adult volunteers with stable bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were treated by acupuncture. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: active needling, active needling followed by sham needling, sham needling followed by active needling, and sham needling. All subjects received 30 treatments. Only one ear was treated by acupuncture. The second ear was kept for an intrasubject control. Prior to treatment a baseline of hearing was established. During the course of acupuncture, audiological assessments (pure tone thresholds and speech tests) were made after sets of five treatments. Hearing was again measured during the year following acupuncture. The results in individual subjects and statistical comparisons of active and sham groups showed that acupuncture did not produce significant shifts in hearing.


[Diabetes and diseases of the internal ear].

The authors present a series of 30 cases of vertigo where diabetes and hyperlipidemia were found. The literature on the subject is reviewed, and evidence points to a diabetic lesion of the inner ear. Our cases illustrate that lesion and its clinical presentation.


High-potassium induced contracture in guinea pig ureter.

Some characteristic properties of guinea pig ureter in high-K induced contracture were studied. The contracture was composed of three contraction components, quick-phasic, slow transient, and substained states. The height of the second component decreased with time when the preparation was immersed in high-K solution. This was observed during a brief washing treatment with normal Tyrode solution applied at varius times after immersion in high-K solution. When the brief washing treatment was applied after 30 min, a contracture composed of the first and the third components was observed. Similar results were obtained in Ca-induced contracture of K-depolarized preparations. Fluctuations of tension were observed in the course of the contracture. The fluctuations could be evoked by various types treatments and were observed to have some relationship to extracellular Ca. It was indicated that extracellular Ca has an important role in the initiation of each component of the contracture and that the role of Ca is controlled by the cell membrane.


[Blood calcium levels in heart defects after surgery with extracorporeal circulation].

The total content of calcium and protein was studied in 50 patients during the initial 5 days after surgery for their congenital or acquired heart diseases conducted under extracorporeal circulation; in half of them the content of the dialysing fraction of total calcium and plasma albumins were also examined. The study has demonstrated that during the 1st postoperative day the content of the total and dialysing calcium is elevated which is due to the administration of calcium for the neutralization of citrate during blood transfusions. The greatest fluctuations of these values (both decreases and increases) were observed when the heart-lung machine was primed with blood containing 18.2--23mEg Ca++ per 1 1 of citrate blood. Within the early 5 postoperative days no restoration of the impaired calcium balance is observed in these patients, while the blood content of calcium is returning to the preoperative level. The blood content of calcium was studied after repeated injections of various doses of calcium. The most rational method proved to consist in repeated injections of 5ml of 10% CaCl2 solution every 30 min--1 hour which resulted in a moderate elevation of the blood content of the total and dialysing calcium.


[Study of carbohydrate metabolism in rats after administration of myocardium-damaging doses of adrenaline].

The investigation included a study of the content of glycogen, of the activity of the enzymes of its decay (phosphorylase and hydrolytic enzymes), of the content of lactic acid, and glucose in rats following the administration of myocardium damaging doses of adrenalin, as well as in animals who had died after the administration of adrenalin or were agonizing. The analysis of the carbohydrate metabolism parameters in animals who had died due to the adrenalin administration, or who had been sacrificed in an agonizing state (sharp fall of the glycogen content in the heart, increased activity of hydrolytic enzymes in the heart during the agonizing phase) indicated that the temporary elevation of the glycogen content in the heart after the administration of 300microng/100g of adrenalin was a compensatory reaction of the body. It is suggested that a certain relationship exists between the markedness of this compensatory reaction, i.e. the glycogen level in the heart muscle, and the severity of necrotic lesions.


[Prognosis of work capacity in the system of rehabilitation of patients with myocardial infarct].

The possibilities of prognosing with regard to the capacity for work within the 1st year of resuming working were studied in the system of rehabilitation of myocardial infarction patients. The prognostic value of several items was determined that characterize the state of the patient prior to his myocardial infarction, the course of the acute phase, and the state in the postinfarction period prior to resuming working. The informativeness of several sets of items was determined along with the relative informativeness of a certain single item, with that of a group of other items known. It was demonstrated that in determining the capacity for work the leading items should be conside


[State of the coronary bed and certain indicators of hemodynamics and myocardial contraction in auricular fibrillation].

Selective coronary angiography was performed and cardiac catheterization was employed to study the indices of the myocardial contractility and the state of central haemodynamics in 20 patients with ischaemic heart disease, 24 patients with myocarditic cardiosclerosis complicated by cardiac fibrillation, 6 patients with "idiopathic" atrial fibrillation, and 20 patients with extracardiac pathology (controls). The data obtained by the author indicate that selective coronary angiography helps significantly in the differential diagnosis between myocarditic cardiosclerosis and ischaemic cardiomyopathy.


[Molecular mechanisms of cardiac insufficiency in myocardial ischemia].

An analysis of the main concepts of the pathogenesis of heart muscle insufficiency under ischaemia was conducted. None of the hypotheses postulating the invariability of the energy supply to the myofibrills was shown to explain the fast reduction of the contractility of the ischaemic myocardium. These hypotheses are based on the experimental fact of the ATP level in the myocardium practically undergoing no reduction under ischaemia. At the same time, one of the earliest changes in the heart muscle under ichaemia consists in creatine phosphate concentration reduction that correlates with the decrease in the contractility. The recently obtained data indicate that the energy synthesized in the mitochondria of the cardiac muscle is carried away from them in the form of energy of creatine phosphate molecules that is later used for ATP synthesis in the myofibrill creatine phosphokinase reaction. A scheme is suggested that implies that under ischaemia severe changes in the energy supply consisting in creatine phosphate synthesis reduction are the leading factor in the pathogenesis resulting on the early stages of the process in a reduction of the contractility, and on the later ones--in irreversible damages of the membrane systems and cell destruction.


[Disseminated intravascular coagulation in myocardial infarct].

In patients with angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction different signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation were found, their intensity depending on the severity of the clinical course. In myocardial infarction with a complicated course and, especially, in shock signs of disseminated intravascular microthrombus formation were revealed, its criteria including, according to the author's data, reduced platelets count, factor V activity, shortening of platelets life and period of labelled fibrinogen circulation, appearance of large quantities of the fibrin-monomer complex.


[Evaluation of the adrenal cortex function in patients with acute myocardial infarct by means of radioisotope micromethods].

Employing modern radio-isotope techniques of hormone examinations (that of competitive protein binding for hydrocortisone determinations, and the radioimmunoassay for progesterone and aldosterone determinations in the peripheral blood), 102 patients with acute myocardial infarction were examined. It is concluded that a comprehence study of the functional state of the adrenals in patients with myocardial infarction with the employment of radio-isotope techniques will permit to reveal some additional mechanisms of the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and its complications, and to be guided in the choice of rational therapy.


[Intrahepatic hemodynamics and liver function in the acute period of myocardial infarct].

Data are presented on the state of the intrahepatic blood flow and the absorption-excretory capacity of the liver in 221 patients with acute myocardial infarction. The changes in the absorption-excretory function of the liver and of the hepatic blood circulation are described on the basis of a dynamic observation (on the 1st, 20--30th, 50--60th day of the onset of the disease) and with due regard of the extent of the myocardial infarction and the presence of complications, cardiogenic shock in particular.


[Study of the contractile function of the myocardium with the aid of echocardiography].

The problems of studying the contractile function of the myocardium were investigated in patients with acquired heart diseases and varying stages of circulation insufficiency. Echocardiography was used to examine 92 patients, aged 17 to 38 years. The results of the examination permitted to obtain a clear understanding of the degree of changes in the myocardium contractile function. The most valuable parameters of echocardiogrammes which permit to record the early signs of cardiac insufficiency include the myocardium excursions rate, the ejection fraction, the contraction rate of the circular fibers of the myocardium, the percentage of shortening the anterior-posterior dimensions of the left ventricle.


[Selection of power force for the electrocardiostimulating apparatus and the study of the characteristics of the battery "Krona VTs"].

An independent power supply of electrocardiostimulators improves the electric safety of the patient and of the attending staff, does not produce any additional interferences with the functioning of instrumentation and makes it possible to design mobile portable devices. The storage battery used as a power source should have a sufficiently great capacity, provide for some back-up time ensuring normal operation of the apparatus, have small dimensions and mass. These requirements are met with most adequately by the air-zinc battery "Krona Vts". To estimate the continuous operation time for the apparatus experimental characteristics of the battery's pulse discharge are given.


[Errors in the lung volume measurement and its reproducibility by the method of helium displacement in the closed system].

On a mechanical model of the lungs systematic (constant) and accidental (random) errors in measuring the volume by the device (see article)-1, were determined and these amounted to +2.7 and identical to 2.2, respectively. The latter was three times as low as the mean-square reproducibility error, i.e. the degree of error in the physiological measurement of FRC. Different sources of errors in the measurement of FRC, among which particular attention is called to errors in defining the helium concentration at the end of the mixing process in closed system, are considered.


[Ground-isolated input circuits of the electronic diagnostic apparatus as means of increasing electric safety of the patient].

Introduction into the medical practice of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, such as electric stimulation, measurement of intracardiac blood pressure, of pH and others, entails possible hazards for the patient to suffer an electric current injury. To ensure the patient's safety during various disturbances in the operation of the devices certain protective measures have to be devised. On an example of the electrocardiograph possible methods of accomplishing complete isolation of the patient from the ground through separating the signal and supply circuits is shown.


[Electric dental analgesia apparatus with increased stabilization of the operating current].

To improve the construction of the existing (formula: see text) apparatus intended for relief of pain during treatment of hard dental tissues a new version of this unit with a higher stabilization of the operating current--model (formula: see text) -- has been designed. In it the intensity of the current is adjustable within the range of 1 to 30 micronA. Power supply from the mains and from the storage battery "Krona" is provided for in the apparatus.


[Commutation systems of the roentgenodiagnostic apparatus operating with automatic exposure relays].

The automatic exposure relay (X-ray exposure meter) enables the exposure time in roentgenography of diverse human organs to be determined and fixed with a high degree of accuracy, but the subsequent protracted commutation of the main and control circuits of the roentgen-diagnostic apparatus tends to practically bring to naught this high precision. The paper deals with an analysis of commutation delays and lags in different control systems of the roentgen apparatus and with assessing the effect they have on the quality of the X-ray picture.


[Elaboration of the structure and principles of construction of a unified system for the apparatus for artificial circulation].

A pertinet analysis and assessment of medico-technical and ergonomic characteristics, both of individual extracorporeal circulation units (ECU) and major functional components (pumps, oxygenators, etc) served as a background to suggesting a principle for establishing a unitized ECU system based on the functional (performance) and spatial (packaged) module.


[Problems of thrombogenesis and destruction of the superficial layer of implanted artificial heart valves].

Experience with the use of artificial cardiac valves has revealed basic shortcomings of their designs, viz. their hemodynamic inadequacy to natural cardiac valves and thrombogeneity. The thrombogenesis is held to be qualitatively linked with the turbulence of the blood stream on the prosthesis, but the mechanism of this phenomenon has not been explained so far. Metallographic investigations of the titanium valve surfaces, with the valves having been operative in the human body over periods of from 8 hours to 80 days, demonstrated destruction of the superficial layer of the valve's cell. The surface layer of the metal is structurally changed to a depth of 0.05 mm, has a spongy texture and is readily detachable from the bulk of the metal. The presumed cause of erosion is considered to be saturation of the surface layer with gases, possibly as a result of cavitation within the prosthesis zone.


[Comparative evaluation of cuprophane and cellophane used as membranes for hemodialysis].

Investigations into the structure, mechanical properties and permeability of the Soviet-made cellophane, cellulose film No 100 and cuprophane have shown the Soviet-made cellophane membrane to be inferior to cuprophane with regard to the strength and permeability of low-molecular metabolites. High strength properties of the cellulose film No 100 go with a much more lower permeability than in the case of cuprophane and cellophane. Sterilization with gamma-irradiation does not have any material effect on the physico-mechanical and functional characteristics of the membranes. Ways and means for improving the strength and permeability of the hydrate-cellulose membranes are outlined.


[Power units of implanted artificial heart and assisted circulation system].

The existing and presently planned systems of power supply for an artificially implanted heart and assisted circulation devices are reviewed. A comparative analysis as to their conformability to biological, functional and technical demands placed on the implanted systems is given. In an implanted artificial heart and assisted circulation systems most promising is shown to be the use of nuclear fuel as a source of power and as converters -- that of thermal engines with gas and steam cycle.


[Synchronous mechanical heart massage during assisted circulation].

In tests on dogs specially devised cardiac massage appliances and a monitoring system synchronizing the mechanical massage with the R wave on the ECG were used in carrying out a synchronous mechanical chest massage in conditions of an experimentally induced incompetence of the cardiac ventricles. Optimal parameters of the hemodynamics were recorded with the massage proceeding in such a manner, when mechanical action on the cardiac ventricles coincided with termination of the maximum pressure period of the myocardium. The synchronous ancillary cardiac massage effected under conditions of ventricular incompetence was found to be attended by a rise of cardiac output and increased aortic pressure, falling tension in the auricles and normalization of the acid-base equilibrium figures. Synchronization of the massaging appliance operation with cardiac contractions is an effective method of assisted circulation in acute incompetence of the heart valves.


[Components of an implanted artificial heart and the medico-technical requirements].

The task of designing and providing power supply for an implanted artificial heart (AH) is a many-sided complex problem that includes a number of medico-biological, technical, physical, power-supply and other factors. The analysis of the AH components and the mentioned basic medico-technical requirements permits it to outline the ways and means for a rational solution of this complicated problem. The greatest attention is paid to the analysis of and future prospects for the use of different power sources and methods of power conversion.


[Surgical cryo-ultrasonic instrument].

With the YPCK-7H unit, serving as a base, a cryo-ultrasonic instrument for a combined use of cryogenic and ultrasonic methods has been constructed. A pipe for the passage of liquid nitrogen is mounted on an ultrasonic waveguide, this securing the cooling of the soft tissue subjected to the operation down to--135--80degreesC and separation of the tissues with the frequency of ultrasonic oscillations within a range of 20 to 45 kHz. The surgical cryoultrasonic instrument is apt to significantly increase the efficacy of hemostasis and helps achieve a still better neatness of the cut, this obviously being due to the cryogenic factor which adds advantage to the ultrasonic operative intervention.


[Cryogenic instruments for the treatment of head and neck neoplasms].

Experience gained with the treatment of head andneck tumours with different cryogenic instruments, whose size and shape varied within a wide range, helped choose and recommend for performing a large number of operations as instrument, the length and diameter of whose working part measure 200 mm and 6 mm respectively, with the length of the freezing tip of 25 mm and the angle of its inclination to the axis--100--120 degrees. The presence of a warmer and of a holding handle makes it easy to handle.


[Cryosurgical applicator in dermatology].

An autonomous dermatological applicator is proposed for cryological destruction of pathologically altered sections of the skin. It is equipped with a set of interchangeable tips permitting it to treat different areas of the skin. The temperature and the force of contact of the tip with the tissue are adjustable. As a refrigerant liquid nitrogen is made use of.


[Cryosurgical devices in otorhinolaryngology].

Two instruments for realization of cryosurgical treatment are proposed, viz. with gas and liquid systems of cooling. Nitrogen serves as a cooling agent. In devices a rapid interchange of tips, depending upon the kind of the operation, is provided for. The time necessary for making the cryodevices ready for the operation does not exceed 1.5 minutes.


[Method of recording impulses from an implanted cardiostimulator].

An analysis of pulses from an implanted cardiostimulator recorded from the surface of the patient's body is one of the methods permitting it to pass judgment as to its functioning. Because of the possibility of the recording electrodes location coinciding with the equipotential line an erroneous interpretation of the cardiostimulator's condition is not to be ruled out. It is recommended that the pulses should be recorded with their subsequent analysis in no less than 2 standard ECG leads from the limbs.


[Outfit for impedance studies of the auditory function].

An apparatus for measuring the middle-ear impedance enabling it to record the threshold of the acoustic reflex and to measure its dynamic characteristics with contralateral and ipsilateral stimulation, as well as to carry out tympanometry of the middle ear and to judge on the ventilation function of the auditory tube is described. The set-up includes: a device for pressure feeding and recording in the external ear, an arrangement for imparting a sonic stimulus and the one for input and recording the air pressure.


[Use of electroglottograph].

The most informative method of investigating the phonatoric function of the larynx is the one proposed by F. Fabre back in 1957. Utilization of a specially devised apparatus--electopharyngograph enables it to make a delicate differential diagnosis, to observe the patient dynamically during the treatment and to effect a comparative analysis of the vocal cords condition.


Metastatic spread and "escape" from the immune defenses of the host.

The effectiveness of the host's immune reaction against primary and disseminated tumors depends not only on the magnitude of the host's immune response, such as the number of cytotoxic cells and antibody molecules produced, but also on the capacity of tumor cells to evade destruction. The latter process which has been termed "escape" depends on several factors including intrinsic properties of the tumor cell. In some experimental systems, it was shown that the capacity of disseminated tumor cells to give rise to distant metastases is in part determined by the efficiency of escape. Tumors which in vivo appear to be nonimmunogenic may still carry tumor-specific antigens to which the host responds by making cytotoxic mononuclear cells, but these fail to kill because escape is effective.


Possible mechanisms in regression.

The mechanisms responsible for spontaneous regression of cancer may be nonimmunologic. Among other possible models, it is suggested that the necrotizing properties of endotoxin offer an open approach to the problem.


Spontaneous regression of colon carcinoma.

Apparent spontaneous regression of advanced colon carcinoma has been reported in 7 patients. This is a very rare event, and the circumstances accounting for this are elusive.


Spontaneous regression of cancer evaluated by computerized data.

Where immunologic intergrity wanes, clinicians observe a greatly increased incidence of neoplasia. Factors in this phenomenon are reviewed. With complete and detailed recorded data on patients who have exhibited spontaneous regression of cancer, a systematic data-reduction approach becomes a practical reality, without the inherent handicaps of missing details in patient histories or anecdotal and often conjectural observations. Presented here is the plea for detailed recording of complete histories of all carcinoma patients who exhibit the phenomenon of spontaneous regression. Physicans of several decades ago generally considered as unrelated much data deemed important to us today.


Regression of cancer following surgery.

Postsurgical tumor regressions are rare but well-recognized entities. The causes of such phenomena are unknown but probably are multiple. Regression of any tumor must ultimately come about by changes in the host-tumor interaction which suddenly becomes unfavorable for tumor growth. This is likely a manifestation of changes in the immunocompetence of the host. There are many variables influencing the host-tumor interaction, and the study of tumor immunology is stil in its infancy. It is through the exploration and investigation of basic mechanisms of the immunology of cancer that the most potentially fruitful associations between tumor growth or regression and surgical manipulations may be made and applied to the treatment of cancer patients.


[Rare anatomical form of spinal cord ependymoma: metastatic ependymoblastoma involving whole spinal axis].

The authors report a case of malignant ependymoma of the terminal medullary cone and the cauda equina, presenting at the stage of metastatic diffusion to the whole spinal axis. They stress the pathological interest of such a form and its extreme rarity.


[Hyperproduction of CSF in choroid plexus papillomas in children].

Two cases of papilloma of the choroid plexus in children, one in the fourth ventricle and the other in the central part of the left lateral ventricle, are reported. Hyperproduction of CSF could be suspected in the first case by the productive character of pre-operative external ventricular drainage and demonstrated in the second by measurement of pre and post-operative flow rates through a ventriculo-peritoneal bypass which had been installed previously. The origin of this over-production of CSF is discussed, in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus, in comparison with other factors such as subarachnoid haemorrhage, hyperproteinorachia impairing the resorption of CSF.


[Case report of giant calcified pituitary adenoma].

The exceptional nature of compact, extensive calcifications in a giant pituitary adenoma points to the possibility of immunological, histological and chemical mechanisms in the calcification process.


Effects of dorsal fornix section and hippocampectomy on adrenocortical responses to sensory stimulation in the rat.

With the purpose of identifying the neural structures which are involved in the mediation of the adrenocortical responses to photic, acoustic and sciatic nerve stimulation, experiments were conducted on male rats with bilateral section of the dorsal fornix and dorsal or ventral hippocampectomies. The basal corticosterone levels in these animals were not significantly different from those in controls. Stimulation of the 3 sensory modalities produced normal adrenocortical responses in rats with fornix section. The hippocampectomies had no effect or only a marginal effect on the response to ether stress and to photic and acoustic stimulation; however, the adrenal response to sciatic stimulation was very significantly reduced. The data demonstrate the participation of the hippocampus in the transmission of somatosensory responses which promote adrenocortical activity. The efferent connections of the hippocampus to the hypothalamus which are involved in this mechanism are discussed.


Opiate and endocrine interaction: morphine effects on hypothalamus and pineal body.

Experiments were performed on male Holtzman albino rats. Stainless steel semimicroelectrodes 60 micron in diameter were implanted stereotaxically in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and in the pineal body (PB). Six to eight days following this operation, the sensory field potentials from freely behaving, unrestrained rats were averaged. After a control recording was achieved, animals were given injections i.p. with 10,30 or 50 mg/kg of morphine and recordings were resumed for 45 min. Naloxone was then administered and recordings were monitored during another 45 min period. Three consistent components of the averaged sensory evoked potentials were evaluated. In both structures following the two lower doses of morphine (10 and 30 mg/kg), increased and decreased response amplitudes were observed, while following 50 mg/kg morphine, mainly increased response amplitudes were obtained in both structures. With increased doses, the percentage of responses was increased. During the 45 min of recording after morphine, effects remained consistent. Differences in the percentage and the direction of the responses were observed between the VMH and the PB. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) reversed the morphine effect in the two structures, both the increased and decreased responses. The possible interactions between morphine and endocrine function of the two structures are discussed.


[The ventricular pressure-volume ratio, an index of left ventricular performance in man].

The left ventricular systolic pressure-volume diagram has been established before and after infusion of Nitro-prusside, Angiotensin and over post-extrasystolic potentiation on 33 patients, by the simultaneous measure of the aortic pressure and the left ventricular volume. In every case left ventricular dp/dt max. and (dp/dt/Pt) max. have been measured before and during post-extrasystolic potentiation, and in 16 cases after vasomotor therapy. The end-systolic left ventricular pressure-volume ratio appears to be independent of loading modifications--more than dp/dt max. and (dp/dt/Pt) max.--and on the opposite to be a good index of inotropic state alterations.


Mucopolysaccharide complexes in the fibrous tissue surrounding hydrophilic polymers in subcutaneous implantation.

The biocompatibility of three types of hydrophilic poly-(glycol methacrylate) gels--homogeneous, microporous and macroporous--was investigated in an experimental subcutaneous implantation. The occurrence of mucopolysaccharide complexes formed by both hyaluronic acid and chondroitine sulphates was examined in the fibrous tissue which surrounds the implant and penetrates into it in the case of a macroporous polymer. In an early stage of investigation hyaluronic acid prevails, but with proceeding collagenization the chondroitine sulphate part becomes predominant.


Blood pressure, edema and proteinuria in pregnancy. 3. Study design, population and data characteristics.

1. The mean blood pressure runs a curvilinear pattern during the course of pregnancy, with the lowest reading between 20 and 27 weeks of gestation, a continuous rise from 28 to 36 weeks, followed by a plateau. 2. the mean blood pressure in pregnancies without edema and proteinuria are lowest throughout pregnancy. However, the mean blood pressures in pregnancies complicated by edema, proteinuria, or both, are less than 5 mm. Hg higher after 28 weeks of gestation. 3. The mean blood pressures are lower in black gravidas than in white gravidas throughout pregnancy, independent of the presence or absence of edema, proteinuria, or their combinations. 4. The mean blood pressure is related to age and parity. Median-age gravidas (20-34 years) of parity 1-5 have the lowest mean blood pressures overall at any time during gestation. The mean blood pressure of nulliparas, independent of age, is elevated over the mean blood pressure of comparable multiparas. Independent of parity, maternal age systematically affects the mean blood pressure. 5. The standard deviations for the mean diastolic and systolic blood pressures are approximately 9 and 11 mm. Hg, respectively, independent of the weeks of gestation. They are affected very little by the absence or presence of edema or proteinuria, or both. 6. Edema of hands and/or face occurs more often in black gravidas. 7. The overall perinatal mortality rates in pregnancies complicated by edema are not higher than in pregnancies without edema.  Perinatal mortality rates in pregnancies with proteinuria, or edema and proteinuria, on the other hand, are approximately double the rates for pregnancies without edema and proteinuria.


New approaches to the chemical characterization of membrane molecules.

Recognition of the H-2D and H-2K cell surface molecules plays an integral role in the cell mediated cytolysis of virally infected or chemically modified cells by immune cytotoxic thymus derived cells. Previously, technical difficulties have made structural studies on these membrane molecules extremely difficult. We present micromethods based on detergent solubilization and indirect immunoprecipitation which have allowed us to determine the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal portion of four H-2D and H-2K molecules. Application of these microsequencing methods to the determination of the detailed structure of these molecules will allow us to assess their involvement as targets in immune surveillance. This kind of approach will facilitate detailed chemical analysis of a variety of membrane molecules of interest in developmental and tumor biology.


Regulation of transport in mammalian cell culture.

The regulation of amino acid transport has been investigated in Balb/3T3 cells. Transport for neutral amino acids in animal tissues is carried out by two distinct systems. The transport activity of the A system (alanine preferring) is inhibited by high internal of substrate amino acids, a process termed trans-inhibition. In contrast, the L system transport activity is greatly stimulated by high internal levels of substrate, a phenomenon termed trans-stimulation. Regulation of amino acid transport in animal cells occurs by a repression-derepression mechanism or by a feedback inhibition or feedback stimulation process. The level of endogenous amino acids is shown to be important in the regulation of transport activity. Cells which are slow growing or quiescent have increased levels of endogenous amino acids, which in turn effect the transport activity. The A system transport activity is decreased in quiescent cells, whereas L system transport activity increases. Conditions which effect endogenous amino acid levels have an effect on transport activity. Feedback regulation of transport activity through the amino acid pool levels is another way animal cells can regulate transport activity.


[Determination of renal plasmatic flow by the hematic curve evaluation of PAH decrease (author's transl)].

PAH clearance utilizing the standard technique with blood and urine collection was determined in thirty patients affected by various primary or secondary renal diseases. Each of these patients, also had a "bolus" infusion of p-aminohyppurate. "Bolus clearance" was calculated from the disappearance slope of their blood concentration. The "bolus clearance" of PAH correlated well with the standard technique. However "Bolus PAH clearance" overestimated the standard technique. This overestimated (236 ml/min) was significant and defined by a regression factor. Reasons are briefly discussed.


[Study of the realiability of the Limulus amebocyte lysate test for the detection of bacteriuria (author's transl)].

The Limulus amebocyte lysate test has shown a good agreement with the results of cultural methods for the detection of gram-negative bacteriuria. In particular this test would seem promising in the examination of urine samples where the presence of antibacterial substances makes unreliable the results obtained by conventional cultural techniques.


[The effects of staphylococcal alpha toxin on regenerating liver (author's transl)].

The effects of staphylococcal alpha toxin on regenerating liver of partially hepatectomized rats are studied. Sixty six rats are used. They are divided into three groups of twenty two animals each one. The first group included untreated animals, the rats of second and third group are injected with 0,1 UE of staphylococcal alpha toxin, respectively soon after hepatectomy (second group) and after twenty two hours (third group). As parameters we used: mitotic activity, percentage of hepatic regeneration, the contents of liver water and proteins. The results are: a low letality in all the animals, a lower mitotic activity in all treated animals than in the intact ones, the percentage of restoration, the contents of water and proteins are the same in all the animals of the three groups. The AA. conclude that staphylococcal alpha toxin has a little negative mitotic effect on partially hepatectomized rats liver.


[Endoscopic and histofunctional study in gastroptosis (author's transl)].

The AA., after the nosographic, etiopathogenetic and clinical description of the "gastroptosic disease", give their findings of a functional and morphologic (gastroscopic and histologic) study accomplished over 200 patients with stomac tonus and/or stomac position disturbances. This study, confirming the numerous anomalies of the gastric-secretory function, especially of the hyposecretory and/or hypohydrochloric type, demonstrates the high incidence of the macro- and microscopic changes on the gastric mucosa. The AA., on account of the gastric morpho-functional changes observed, discuss, finally, the possible pathogenetic mechanisms.


[Psychological theories on delinquency].

The authors review the various psychological explanations of delinquency, based on a psycholgoical etiological approach, considered within three broad categories: 1) Unchanging intrapersonal factors; 2) Changeable intra-personal factors, and 3) Interpersonal factors. For each theory, three criteria of validity have been used, based on the theory explanatory power in relation to: 1) the differential rates of deliquency for various subgroups, and the peaking at age 16; 2) the various forms of delinquent behavior, and, 3) the individual motivations to delinquency. The implications for prevention, of the different theoretical approaches, are also briefly discussed. The interpersonal theories appear to offer the most fruitful research and action opportunities. The practical implications for primary prevention, particularly at the school level, are discussed.


[Venous occlusion "strain gauge" plethysmography in the estimation of the blood flow at rest and after ischemia in the limbs (author's transl)].

The AA. describe venous occlusion "strain gauge" plethysmography with the apparatus and the calibration system necessary for the exact measure of the limb blood flow at rest and after ischemia.


[Enzymatic determination of total serum cholesterol by 4-aminophenazone-phenol: manual and automatic method (author's transl)].

A direct method is proposed for total serum cholesterol determination by two specific enzymes and a coupled colorimetric reaction according to Trinder. The red colored compound is antipyridilquinonimine. The method is simple (serum plus reagent), rapid (30 min of incubation) and relatively inexpensive. It is perfectly correlated with Röschlau's method and easy to apply to discrete automatic methods.


[Immunological dtermination of at. III (author's transl)].

We have effectuated immunologically determination of At. III in serum and plasma into two groups of patients: 1) constituted of 10 subjects which never take oral hormone contraceptives; 2) constituted of 22 subjects who are taking OHC; for various time period. The results indicating that a difference exist between serum and plasma At. III concentration, ad this difference reaches to 30%. In this series of data the At. III levels was normals.


[Rate meaning of estriol-dosage in the pregnant wife pointing out the phoetus development (author's transl)].

The AA. point out the meaning of the urinary estriol dosage in high risk pregnancy. The screening must be frequent and regular, with constant growing curve all time along. A sudden fall down of the rate shows a severe malaise of the phoetus and proper therapy is badly needed. Extemporary screenings dont supply any sufficient knowledge.


[Determination of CPK isoenzymes by column chromatography (author's transl)].

The AA. have carried out in patients affected by proved myocardial infarct, by other cardiac diseases and by muscular dystrophy  the following enzymes determinations: total CPK, total LDH, SGOT, SGPT, HBDH, CPK isoenzymes by column chromatography (Mercer's method) and LDH isoenzymes either by column chromatography (Mercer's method) and by electrophoretic separation. Some results concerning the appearance of the CK-MB isoenzymes during the acute period of the myocardial infarction are described.


Mass-spectrographic evidence of the conversion of p-chloroamphetamine to 3,4-dimethoxyamphetamine.

Intraventricularly injected p-chloroamphetamine (p-CA) was actively metabolized to 3,4-dimethoxyamphetamine (3,4-DMA) in the rat brain. Time-course experiments with intraperitoneally injected p-CA confirmed that the presence of cerebral 3,4-DMA was not due to its "one-pass" entry from the peripheral organs. The identity of 3,4-DMA from brain tissue and urine was established by comparison to authentic 3,4-DMA. The synthetic and biological samples were isographic in all analytical systems. 3,4-DMA from biological samples was verified by mass spectrography.


Scanning electron microscopy of four teleostean retinas.

The morphology of the retinas of the goldeye Hiodon alosoides (fam. Hiodontidae), the brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (fam. Salmonidae), the yellow perch Perca flavescens and the walleye Stizostedion vitreum (fam. Percidae) was studied by SEM. Semi-thin plastic sections of the same retinas were also examined for comparison. Contrary to observation of earlier authors the goldeye retina was found to possess both rods and cones; in the case of the other three fishes' retinas, present observations correspond to previous ones, adding only details. SEM gives an impressive, three dimensil view of the gross surface features of the retinas. Shrinkage during the processing of the specimens for SEM, while not altering the general topography, does induce artifacts in both plexiform layers.


[Absorption of D(+)glucose by the intestine of the eledone (Eledone moschata Lamarch): effect of phloridzoside].

"The in vivo intestinal absorption of D(+)glucose by Eledone (Eledone moschata Lamarck), a cephalopod mollusc, is decreased by 2.10(-4)M phlorizin and increased by 2.10(-2)M phlorizin. It is noted that phlorizin is dissolved in the glucose solution before its introduction into the intestinal tube. The first result is similar to that known in vertebrates; the second differs."


The pathology and pathogenesis of Trypanosoma vivax infection in the goat.

Acute and chronic forms of disease can be distinguished in Trypanosoma vivax infection in the goat. The main difference between the acute and chronic form seems to be the presence of microthrombi in the acute stage of infection; these consist of platelets, trypanosomes, monocytoid cells and some fibrin. This thrombus formation seems directly related to the high parasitaemia in acute trypanosomiasis and may result in ischaemia which could also explain the haemorrhages, the oedema of the lungs and other tissues, and the necrotic changes found in several organs. The anaemia, associated with erythrophagocytosis, haemosiderosis, extramedullary haemopoiesis and hyperactivity of the bone marrow, seemed to be of haemolytic origin. The factors leading to emaciation seemed to be degenerative atrophy of muscular tissue and loss of protein in the urine caused by a possible immune complex glomerulonephritis.


Seasonal changes in the coat of the cat.

The coats of four cats were studied for 20 months through one winter and one summer in Australia. It was found that the outer coat and undercoat length varied from 25 mm and 12 mm in summer to 30 mm and 15 mm in winter. Follicle activity was at a maximum about February (late summer) and at a minimum in August (late winter). The peak of winter inactivity was narrow, and fell short of 100 per cent. During summer never more than 70 per cent of the outer coat hairs, and 50 per cent of the undercoat were active, indicating that despite a basic seasonal cycle, hair replacement is relatively gradual.


Babesia major in Britain: cross-immunity trials with Babesia divergens in splenectomised calves.

Splenectomised calves infected with Babesia major were shown to have no resistance to challenge with Babesia divergens; however, initial infection with B divergens provided a good protection against subsequent challenge with B major. It is suggested that this might mean that B divergens would be the dominant and most commonly encountered species in areas where both occur.