Diagnosis of prolactin-secreting pituitary microadenoma.

Four women with secondary amenorrhea associated with hyperprolactinemia were studied. Baseline hormonal evaluation, including serum FSH, serum LH, TSH, T3, T4, and plasma cortisols were normal. Plain sella turcia x-rays were also normal. Prolactin-secreting pituitary microadenomas were found in all of the patients only after further diagnostic studies were done. These studies included polytomography of the sella turcia, dynamic pituitary testing of growth hormone reserve, ACTH reserve, gonadotropin reserve, and prolactin suppression with L-dopa. The early diagnosis of a small prolactin-secreting adenoma may be possible if several diagnostic criteria are ulilized. The most sensitive techniques available are: (1) polytomography, (2) the magnitude of plasma prolactin evaluation, and (3) the failure of suppression of prolactin secretion with L-dopa. Our findings emphasize the importance of an extensive evaluation of all women with amenorrhea associated with hyperprolactinemia.


Techniques of argon laser photocoagulation of diabetic disk new vessels.

Four argon laser techniques have been evaluated in the eradication of diabetic disk neovascularization: focal (nonfeeder) photocoagulation, feeder-frond photocoagulation alone, panretinal photocoagulation alone, and feeder-frond treatment combined with panretinal photocoagulation. Focal photocoagulation was dangerous and the least effective technique in preventing recurrence of neovascularization. Feeder-frond photocoagulation was effective initially, but was associated with a high incidence of recurrent neovascularization. Panretinal photocoagulation and panretinal photocoagulation combined with feeder-frond treatment produced results superior to those obtained with the two earlier techniques. The best results were obtained with combined feeder-frond and panretinal photocoagulation done concurrently. Early diagnosis, aggressive photocoagulation therapy, and close follow-up were essential in order to obtain good results.


Night myopia: cause and a possible basis for amelioration.

The relationship between night myopia under simulated night driving conditions and the dark focus accomodation was examined. Over a range of luminance and contrast conditions typical of the night driving situation, college-age subjects accommodated to about one-half the difference between a distant simulated road sign and their individual dark focus. Subsequent laboratory and field experiments demonstrated that: (1) a negative correction equal to one-half the value of the dark focus significantly improved night visual performance as compared with their normal or full dark-focus correction, and (2) greater improvements in performance were obtained for subjects who exhibited a relatively near dark focus.


Eye movement patterns and reading performance in poor readers: immediate effects of convex lenses indicated by book retinoscopy.

Eye movement patterns and reading performance were evaluated in 38 4th and 5th grade male students who were at least 1 year behind in their reading levels. Half of the subjects (Group I) demonstrated a need for convex lenses at near by a book retinoscopy criterion. The remaining subjects (Group II) showed no need for convex lenses at near by the same criterion. The subject's eye movements during reading were recorded by a commercial device called Eye-Trac. These recordings were made with 2 lens applications, plano and +0.50 D, respectively. The number of fixations, regressions, rate of reading, and relative efficiency for each condition (plano and +0.50 D) were calculated. In Group I, 3 of 5 measures showed significant improvement with plus lenses. These subjects showed fewer regressions, increased reading speed, and higher relative efficiency with plus than without. In Group II, 3 of 5 measures showed decrement with plus lenses, while 1 (comprehension) showed improvement. These subjects showed more fixations and regressions and lower relative efficiency with plus than without. It is therefore concluded that convex lenses of low power can have considerable immediate effect on children's reading skills, sometimes helpful and sometimes detrimental, and that proper pretesting with both retinoscopy will aid in the prediction of this effect.


Arterial and venous plasma levels of bupivacaine following peripheral nerve blocks.

Mean arterial plasma (MAP) and peripheral mean venous plasma (MVP) levels of bupivacaine were ascertained in 3 groups of 10 patients each for: (1) intercostal nerve block, 400 mg; (2) block of the sciatic, femoral, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves, with or without block of the obturator nerve, 400 mg; and (3) supraclavicular brachial plexus block, 300 mg. MAP levels were consistently higher than simultaneously sampled MVP levels, the highest levels occurring from bilateral intercostal nerve block. No evidence of systemic toxicity was observed. The results suggest that bupivacaine has a much wider margin of safety in humans than is now stated.


Ketamine and intraocular pressure in children.

The effect of ketamine on intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 10 children. Control IOP values were determined prior to induction of anesthesia, following premedication with atropine alone or in combination with pentobarbital and meperidine. After the IM injection of 8 mg/kg of ketamine, the IOP was determined at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. Mean (+/- SD) IOP values before and after ketamine were 22.2 +/- 4.8 and 16.7 +/- 3.3 torr (p less than 0.001), respectively. The authors believe that the reduction in IOP was not due to ketamine, per se, but rather to lack of patient relaxation and cooperation during control measurements. At the end of 20 minutes, a second dose of ketamine, this time 1 mg/kg IV, was given and measurements were repeated at the same intervals. In 5 patients, the effects on IOP of d-tubocurarine, endotracheal intubation, and N2O inhalation also was evaluated. A significant increase (6.7 torr) in IOP was observed only after endotracheal intubation. The authors conclude that ketamine does not raise IOP in the healthy pediatric patient and, therefore, can be used for ophthalmic procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia.


The effects of stellate ganglion block on the idiopathic prolongation of the Q-T interval with cardiac arrhythmia (the Romano-Ward syndrome).

The association of a prolonged Q-T interval, congenital deafness, and syncopal attacks due to ventricular fibrillation following emotional or physical stress is known as the Jervell-Lange-Nielsen syndrome. Absence of the congenital deafness characterizes the otherwise identical Romano-Ward syndrome. Both conditions have a high mortality rate and are recognized as contributing to sudden death in children. Although the pathogenetic factors are not yet completely elucidated, the condition is well enough understood to permit effective treatment. The authors performed a left stellate ganglion block in a 12-year-old girl with a mild form of the Romano-Ward syndrome, shortening the Q-T interval and eliminating the ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The left stellete ganglion block should be considered by anesthesiologists as an emergency measure, effective in interrupting the attack.


Anesthesia and the modification of response to infection in mice.

Anesthetic-induced immunosuppression, if clinically significant, could modify the natural course of infectious disease in vivo. To test this bypothesis, the localized response to IM Candida albicans and the mortality following fecal peritonitis were examined in anesthetized mice. Using these 2 models, halothane anesthesia was found not to modify the natural history of local sepsis but to significantly accentuate the mortality associated with the more severe infection. Possible explanations for these results include significant inhibition of reticuloendothelial function or plasma opsonization with relatively minor derangements of peripheral leukocyte capability.


The development of an acute tolerance to ketamine.

A rapidly developing tolerance to the hypnotic effect of ketamine in rats and mice has been investigated. On the basis of plasma and brain concentrations of ketamine at the time the animals wakened, it seemed likely that a central nervous system tolerance to the drug explained the shortened sleeping times noted.


Isoenzymes of creatine phosphokinase in serum of families with malignant hyperpyrexia.

The activity and isoenzymes of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the serum of 2 women vulnerable to malignant hyperpyrexia were studied. Serum CPK activity was markedly elevated but, in contrast to a previous report, only skeletal-muscle type CPK activity was present.


Naloxone antagonism after narcotic-supplemented anesthesia.

Narcotic-supplemented balanced anesthesia is increasing in popularity; however, the narcotic must frequently be antagonized postoperatively. Authorities differ in their recommendations as to dose and as to mode and duration of administration of the narcotic antagonist. In the present study of 58 patients undergoing narcotic-supplemented anesthesia, 60 percent of 42 fentanyl patients and 81 percent of 16 morphine patients required postsurgical naloxone for respiratory inadequacy. Naloxone dosage was initially 1.5 mug/kg IV, with repeat IV doses of 1.5 mug/kg, when needed, at 3-minute intervals, until a regular respiratory rate greater than 15 breaths/min was attained. None of the fentanyl patients and only 25 percent (4/16) of the morphine patients required additional naloxone in the recovery room. For the latter, the dose of naloxone previously administered was given IM and proved satisfactory. Additional analgesia was needed by 12 percent (7/58) of the patients during the recovery room stay. Judicious naloxone titration permitted respiratory adequacy to coexist with analgesia after narcotic-supplemented anesthesia.


Enflurane as a primary anesthetic agent for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

For years, halothane has been the anesthetic agent of choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reversible airway disease (asthma). Enflurane was compared with halothane in 100 patients with COPD substantiated by spirometry and history. Intraoperative and postoperative complications in each relatively homogenous 50-patient group were assessed. Spirometry, blood gases, chest x-rays, incidence of complications involving secretions, coughing, wheezing, and cardiovascular problems were similar in both groups. Enflurane appears to be equivalent to halothane as an anesthetic in such patients.


Postpartum hypertension and convulsion after oxytocic drugs.

An 18-year-old primipara developed acute hypertension leading to cerebral edema and convulsions following the IV injection of a bolus of 10 units of oxytocin with 0.2 mg methylergonovine maleate. Oxytocin in a dose of more than 2 units should not be administered IV in a single injection, as severe hypotension may result. If oxytocin is required, it can be injected either IM, or by IV pump or drip. The use of ergot in obstetrics should be limited to the treatment of life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage and be given only by the IM route. Ergot should not be administered to patients with cardiac, renal, or hypertensive disease, or in association with a vasoconstrictor.


Early reversal of postoperative hypoxemia.

Peridural analgesia was combined with the respiratory-stimulant effect of doxapram for intermittent hyperinflation of the lungs to reverse early postoperative (PO) hypoxemia following inhalation anesthesia for upper abdominal operations. Twenty unpremedicated men undergoing upper abdominal operations were studied for 5 hours in the recovery room. Ten of these patients received doxapram plus peridural analgesia; the other 10, doxapram plus morphine analgesia. Rectal temperature, PaO2, PaCO2, respiratory rate, exhaled minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), and blood pressure and pulse were measured. The mean increase from control for VE was 9.6 L/min and for VT, 356 ml/breath during doxapram therapy for the morphine group. Corresponding values for the peridural group were 14.4 L/min for VE and 660 ml/breath for VT. Mean PaO2 for the morphine group decreased significantly from the corresponding preoperative value (p less than 0.005). Lack of significant change between preoperative and PO values for PaO2 for the peridural group would indicate that under the conditions of this study, early PO hypoxemia can be reversed by the combination of peridural analgesia with doxapram therapy.


Unexpected hepatic dysfunction found by multiple laboratory screening.

During a 1-year period, 7620 elective surgical admissions were given multiple laboratory screening (SMA-18) determinations. Of these, 11 healthy patients, aged 10 to 54, with a pretest classification of ASA 1 (no systemic disease) were found to have clearly abnormal elevations of the SGOT, SGPT, and LDH levels. The proposed elective surgical procedures and anesthesia were canceled. All 11 patients proved to have overt liver pathology by further testing, and 3 later became clinically jaundiced. No cases of unexplained postsurgical jaundice occurred in any of the other 7609 operated cases during the 1-year study. The incidence of clearly elevated enzyme levels in voluntary hospital surgical admissions is approximately 1/700 and the incidence of clinical jaundice is approximately 1/2540. There appears to be a seasonal variation, with the preponderance of elevated enzyme levels in the winter and spring months.


Local anesthetic agents--pharmacologic basis for use in obstetrics: a review.

Because of the minimal effects on mother and fetus, regional anesthetic technics are widely employed for labor and delivery. However, the literature describes at least 35 fetal and neonatal deaths and a frightening incidence of fetal distress associated with paracervical block for 1st-stage labor. Continuous lumbar epidural anesthesia for 1st-stage labor has also been associated with fetal distress, but this is minimal and no deaths have been reported. Bupivacaine, a relatively new, long-lasting local anesthetic, is extemely toxic when administered paracervically, but no deaths have been reported with its use for epidural anesthesia. While choice of method and agent must be individualized, continuous lumbar epidural block with bupivacaine appears as effective as and less often dangerous to the fetus than paracervical block.


The anesthetic potency of lidocaine in the rat.

The anesthetic effect of lidocaine was evaluated in rats by determining the change in anesthetic requirement of cyclopropane MAC that was produced by blood concentrations of lidocaine in the clinically useful range. A linear reduction in anesthetic requirement was produced with concentrations up to 1 mug/ml. Further increases in lidocaine up to 5.5 mug/ml resulted in no further decrease in cyclopropane requirement. Lidocaine was found to contribute a maximum MAC fraction of 0.4.


Uptake and excretion of 1-bromo-1,2,2-Trifluorocyclobutane (42M-9) in man: comparative study on pharmacokinetics and metabolism of inhalation anesthetics.

1-bromo-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (42M-9) has physical properties similar to those of methoxyflurane and has been suggested for use as an anesthetic agent. Its MAC value, predicted from its lipid solubility, is 0.26 percent. No clinically significant changes were observed in cardiovascular or respiratory function or in clinical laboratory tests. Ventricular dysrhythmias were not seen in this study at analgesic concentrations in contrast to those reported at anesthetic concentrations by others. Pulmonary uptake was high and wash-out was slow. The total amount exhaled comprised 60 percent of the dose. Fluorine, equivalent to 11 percent of total uptake, was rapidly excreted in urine as nonvolatile fluorinated metabolites. An additional 9 percent of 42M-9 was degraded to fluroide and excreted in urine. Since an amount of fluoride equivalent to that excreted in the urine tends to be deposited in the skeleton, approximately 29 percent of uptake may possibly be accounted for as metabolites. Based on fluorine recovery, the fate of 11 percent of 42M-9 uptake remains unknown. The kinetics of uptake, metabolism and excretion of 42M-9 did not differ significantly over a five-fold change of inspired concentration. A comparison of the pulmonary clearance of unaltered 42M-9 and the fraction of uptake converted to urinary metabolites or unrecovered with those of other volatile halogenated anesthetics and their physical properties supports the conclusion that 42M-9 is relatively resistant to biotransformation.


Obstetric anesthesia training centers in the U.S.A.--1975.

The current status of obstetric anesthesia training in the United States is reviewed. The 39 anesthesia residency training programs having full time chiefs of obstetric anesthesia were surveyed regarding clinical practice, physical facilities, teaching and research. This paper reports the results and compares them to recommendations of JCAH, ACOG and ASA, concerning standards of patient care and resident teaching.


Crdiovascular effects of lidocaine during acid-base imbalance.

Although lidocaine HCl is often given to critically ill patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, it use is not without hazard. To investigate whether acid-base disturbances and their subsequent effects on molecular ioization influence cardiovascular (CV) response to lidocaine, dogs in normal acid-base balance, metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis were given 2 or 4 mg/kg lidocaine IV. Heart rate (HR), PR and QT intervals, MAP, LVEDP, LV dp/dt, and LV dp/dt divided by CPIP were measured at intervals. In all groups a slight increase in mean HR occurred after 2 mg/kg. Generally, myocardial contractile force was depressed in direct proportion to dose. Essentially, the CV response to lidocaine was not altered by any clinically remarkable degree by pH disturbances. Responses differing from those observed during normal acid-base conditions could not be significantly correlated with changes in pH or PaCO2. Results suggest that, in the intact animal, the CV effects of lidocaine, administered in therapeutic doses, are not appreciably influenced by clinically encountered states of acid-base imbalance.


Supine hypotensive syndrome caused by intra-abdominal mass: a case report.

An obese woman who presented with 3 separate intra-abdominal masses developed a supine hypotensive syndrome following induction of general anesthesia. The hypotension was corrected by positioning the patient in a left lateral tilt and by releasing intra-abdominal pressure. Following decompression of the vena cava, arterial and central venous pressure rose and remained at a high level. Urine output was poor until IV furosemide was administered.


Uredofos: anthelmintic activity against nematodes and cestodes in dogs with naturally occurring infections.

A new broad-spectrum anthelmintic, uredofos, was tested in 146 dogs by single and multiple oral dosing. Single doses of 100 and 50 (but not 25) mg/kg were totally effective in removing Dipylidium caninum and Taenia spp from 46 dogs with infections of tapeworms. Among groups of 15 to 20 dogs, the average percentage efficacies against Toxocara canis for single soese of 100, 50, and 25 mg/kg were 98, 96, and 81%, respectively. The average percentage of efficacies against hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) were greater than 96% in dogs treated with single doses of 100, 50, or 25 mg/kg and were 100% in the 35 dogs given 2 or 3 treatments (24-hour intervals) at dose levels of either 25 or 50 mg/kg. The whipworm, Trichuris vulpis, was not efficaciously eliminated by single doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg (av percentage of efficacies of 30, 35, and 71%, respectively). Efficacy against T vulpis markedly improved when 2 doses were given at a 24-hour interval (av percentage of efficacies were 89% at dose level of 25 mg/kg and 99% at dose level of 50 mg/kg). At either dose (25 or 50 mg/kg), 3 daily treatments were no more efficacious against whipworms than were 2 doses. There was no evidence of drug toxicosis in any dogs tested. It was concluded that uredofos is highly effective against canine tapeworms, ascarids, and hookworms when given as a single dose of 50 mg/kg and against whipworm when given at dose level of 50 mg/kg/day for 2 days.


Comparative effects of uredofos, niclosamide, and bunamidine hydrochloride against tapeworm infections in dogs.

A single dose of a new broad-spectrum anthelmintic, uredofos, was more effective than single doses of either bunamidine hydrochloride (HCI) or niclosamide in removing natural infections of Dipylidium coninum from pound dogs, as determined by necropsy examination for scolices. The efficacy of uredofos was equal to that of bunamidine HCI and exceeded that of niclosamide in removing Taenia spp from his host. All of 12 dogs harboring D caninum and all of 5 dogs harboring Taenia spp were completely cleared of tapeworm infection following treatment with uredofos at 50 mg/kg of body weight. Bunamidine HCl cleared 9 of 11 dogs (82%) of D caninum and 5 of 5 dogs of Taenia spp. Niclosamide had the least anticestodal activity of the 3 drugs; 2 or more scolices of D caninum were found at necropsy in each of 12 dogs treated with this drug. Four of 5 dogs were cleared of Taenia spp following niclosamide therapy. Untreated control dogs did not shed tapeworms of either species during a 3-day period of posttreatment fecal collections, but did have tapeworms at the time of necropsy.


Experimental cleavage of chorioretinal scars by traction and subretinal fluid.

The resistance to separation by localized traction and exudative retinal detachment of experimental chorioretinal scars produced with argon laser photocoagulation, cryothermy and diathermy was tested in rabbits. In vivo, the area of retinal separation over the scar was similar to that obtained by traction on normal retina. Moreover, the retinal cleavage occurred at the level of the scar regardless of the scar inducing modality, indicating that the scar is the weakest point in the retina-pigment epithelium joint. However, spaced and dense chorioretinal scars produced by argon laser photocoagulation, diathermy and cryothermy usually remained attached after experimental production of exudative retinal detachments with penicillin G intravitreal injections. This study indicates that the resistance to detachment of the normal retina by traction may be as strong as that of the scarred tissue and that the chorioretinal scars' effect is related to lesser fluid penetration into the treated area.


Determination of bilirubin in amniotic fluid: a comparison of some current methods.

Three methods for the estimation of bilirubin in amniotic fluid are compared. The within-batch precision and recovery of bilirubin by each method has been studied, and the effects of the presence of haemoglobin, methaemoglobin, and methaemalbumin in varying concentrations have been investigated. Measurements on amniotic fluid from patients with rhesus isioimmunization have also been compared and regression equations calculated. The results of the three methods agree reasonably well so long as no haemoglobin degradation products are present. It is suggested that in the presence of these products a method involving organic solvent extraction of bilirubin gives the most accurate result.


Timing of fertilization and sex ratio of offspring--a review.

Evidence is reviewed for the hypothesis that there is a causal connection between the time of fertilization within the menstrual cycle and the sex of the resulting zygote.


[Lethal and mutagenic action of nitrosomethylbiuret on a culture of the mycophilic fungus, Didymocladium ternatum].

The effect of N-nitrozo-N-methylbiuret (NMB) on various features of Didymocladium ternatum, an organism producing termatin was studied. It was found that the lethal effect of NMB depended on the exposure time, prolongation of which resulted in increased numbers of the plus variants, morphological mutations and reverses into the populations. Variants possessing 8 times higher activity as compared to the initial culture were obtained as a result of selection of active variants.


[Infantile nephrosis. Microcystic renal disease (author's transl)].

Two siblings, male and female with nephrotic syndrome of neonatal onset are reported. Both parents were healthy as well as another 5 year-old brother. Both died under two months. Their clinical, biochemical and immunological data are described, and the more common causes of N.S. (i.e. syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis) ruled out. Pathology was available only from one of the cases, and the lesions were comparable to those described by finnish authors as corresponding to "congenital" N.S. This report is an additional evidence of the presence of this entity out of Finland.


[Use of paper discs in determining the biological activity of mycoheptin by the agar diffusion method].

Diffusion of mycoheptin from the discs into agar was studied. A procedure providing practical use of the discs for quantitative estimation of mycoheptin activity was developed. A possibility of using the discs in the assay of solutions containing significant amounts of an organic solvent was shown.


[Microbial growth and fuel tanks hazards (author's transl)].

Fuel tanks are susceptible to contain a microflora consisting of bacteria and fungi which appear as sludge at the bottom of the tanks. This microflora is quite variable. Various strains of microorganisms were isolated, belonging to the following genera: Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Mycococcus, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida, Cladosporium. These strains are generally adapted to hydrocarbons though non adapted strains are also found, which develop with the help of metabolites excreted by the adapted strains or their lysates. The microorganisms use mostly the paraffinic fraction of the fuel. Some strains attack also aromatic hydrocarbons. Contaminated fuels were found to contain noticeable amounts of fatty acids. The study of the production of organic acids by strains isolated from fuel tanks shows that many strains are able to excrete organic acids. The nature of the fatty acids produced depends upon the strain: in some dases they correspond to the branched paraffins contained in the fuel. The comparison of microbial growth and organic acid production in mixed cultures with fuel with various quantities of fuel to water shows that the large amount of fuel compared to water in a fuel tank can be responsible for the importance of microbial growth and organic acids.


Outcome of very severe birth asphyxia.

The aim of this study was to establish the outcome of very severe birth asphyxia in a group of babies intensively resuscitated at birth. 48 infants, born between 1966 and 1971 inclusive, were selected; 15 were apparently stillborn and 33 had not established spontaneous respirations by 20 minutes after birth. One-half of them died, but 3 to 7 years later three-quarters of the survivors are apparently normal. Later handicap was associated with factors leading to prolonged partial intrapartum asphyxia, while acute periods of more complete asphyxia were not necessarily harmful.


Factors regulating tapeworm populations: dispersion of eggs of Taenia hydatigena on pasture.

A dog with four patent Taenia hydatigena was placed at a fixed site on a pasture for 50 days. The spread of the eggs was determined by grazing lambs for 10 days on various plots, and counting the cysts present at autopsy. Some 'wild' eggs were detected on the pasture before the dog was introduced. Nevertheless, a marked divergence from randomness was detected in the cyst counts of lambs grazed within 80 metres of the kennel but not beyond from 10-20 and 40-50 days after the dog had been introduced. The main egg clusters remained within a radius of 25 metres.


Changes in diurnal temperature and feeding patterns of rats during repeated injections of heroin and withdrawal.

Rectral temperatures and feeding activity were measured in adult male rats every 30 min for 4 hr, then every 4 hr following daily s.c. injections at 08:00 or 20:00hr or saline or heroin. Initial heroin injections disrupted diurnal temperature and feeding rhythms: 5 mg/kg heroin HCl induced hyperthermia and abolished feeding for 2 hr; 20 mg/kg led to hypothermia, then hyperthermia and abolished feeding for 4 hr. By the 5th heroin day hyperthermia and increased feeding occurred in all groups with a shorter latency to onset. Total food intake was higher than on the 1st heroin day but the diurnal patterns remained disrupted. Changes in both diurnal rhythms again occurred on the 1st withdrawal day as hypothermia, sporadic feeding and hyper-irritability were observed. By the 5th withdrawal day diurnal temperature and feeding rhythms resembled those of the control period. Monitoring diurnal temperature and feeding patterns of rats reveals characteristic dose-related disruptions after heroin which are modified by repeated doses as tolerance develops and which eventually disappear on withdrawal.


Time-course of apomorphine in the brain of the immature rat after apomorphine injection.

The time-course of apomorphine in brain was studied in 7-day-old and young adult rats following i.p. injection of 10 mg/kg apomorphine. In the adult animals continuous stereotypes behaviour (SB) commenced within 1-2 min and was no longer present at 75 min. The peak concentration of apomorphine was present at 5 min and then declined exponentially (half-life = 10.5 min); only trace amounts (less than 0.01 mug/g) were present at 90 min. In the immature rat apomorphine induced an initial phase of intermittent locomotion lasting about 10 min after which the rats appeared sedated; 60-80 min after injection intermittent SB emerged and terminated 150-180 min after the apomorphine injection. The peak brain concentration of apomorphine was present at 10 min and then declined exponentially (half-life = 28 min). Significant amounts of apomorphine were still present in brain at 150 min and trace amounts evident at 180 min. The reason for the delayed onset of SB in the immature rat is unclear. The longer half-life is presumably related to incomplete development of enzyme systems metabolizing apomorphine in the immature animal.


[Ca and P metabolism in the skeletal system of the dairy cow as shown in histometric follow-up studies on the substantia spongiosa of the tuber coxae].

1. Histometric follow-up checks of the Substantia spongiosa of Tuber coxae in dairy cows have shown the trabecular percentage of the skeleton to decline continuously from the onset of lactation and to reach its lowest point in the last third of the lactation period. This was followed by some rise up to the next lactation, but the original values were not restored. 2. The percentage of spongiosa trabeculae, consequently, drops along with growing age, and so does the absolute trabecular surface. 3. No unambiguous dependence of trabecular surface on milk yield was established. 4. The results obtained from the above checks are discussed with reference to the physiological dynamics of the bone system as a mobile store of minerals. Some of the aspects mentioned are of greater relevance to practice.


Twin studies of affective illness.

In a summary of the major twin studies of affective illness, there are significant differences between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) concordance rates for both unipolar and bipolar illness, indicating the importance of genetic factors in the etiology of affective illness. However, since 28% of MZ twins are discordant for bipolar illness and 60% of MZ twins are discordant for unipolar illness, environmental factors are important as well. In addition, there is a significant difference between unipolar and bipolar concordance for MZ twins (although not for DZ twins). This supports other evidence that unipolar and bipolar illness are separate entities, and it suggests the possibility that genetic factors are more important in the occurrence of bipolar illness than in unipolar illness.


Chronic alcoholism and the pancreas.

In rats given 15% solution of ethyl alcohol (v/v) instead of drinking water adlibitum for eight months, histochemical analysis showed a dictinct fall in activities of the oxidative enzymes (succinate and lactate dehydrogenases, DPNH-diaphorase) in the centro-acinar cells of the pancreas and in the islets of Langerhans.


The influence of cystamine on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of thioridazine.

A study on the influence of cystamine on the kinetics and dynamics of the action of thioridazine has been carried out. Higher levels of this drug in the blood and lower levels in the brain tissue than those in unpremedicated rats were determined. Half-life of thioridazine underwent shortening from 2-55 hr to 1-05 hr. Excretion of thioridazine with bile was not significantly affected by premedication with cystamine. beta-Glucuronidase activity, after an initial drop on the first day following premedication, increased to levels higher than the control values. The dynamics of the action of the thioridazine were little affected. The cataleptic action of thioridazine was enhanced on the first day after premedication with cystamine. Thioridazine depressed exploratory activity in rats more significantly only during the first three days after cystamine premedication.


Varicose veins: facts and fantasy.

The high prevalence of varicose veins in Western countries contrasts with their relative rarity in traditionally living communities in the Third World. Evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that a major causative factor is the transmission of raised intra-abdominal pressures to the veins of the legs. One important cause of these pressures is the abdominal straining necessitated to evacuate small firm stools, which in turn are the result of fiber-depleted diets.


[Study of scalp hair patterns in the newborn infant].

A study of scalp hair patterns in 503 healthy patterns in 503 healthy neonates (260 boys and 243 girls) of more than 36 weeks gestation produced the following observations: 1.--A single whorl situated to the right of the midline in a clockwise rotation is the most frequent pattern. 2.--In 5.96% of cases there is a pattern not previously identified which we have called triradius and which is characterised by the arrangement of three locks of hair without a clear clockwise rotation. 3.--75.4% of the patterns, whatever their type, are located 2 to 4 cms from the posterior fontanelle. 4.--The percentage of whorls, double whorls, triradii and their position (right, left of midline) are significantly different according to sex. 5.--By contrast there is no significant racial difference in these parameters.


Postoperative acalculous cholecystitis due to Torulopsis glabrata.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis due to Torulopis glabrata, an opportunistic yeast, developed postoperatively in a 70-year-old man who had an extremely complicated course after resection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The infection first appeared as an acute surgical abdomen, three days after resumption of solid food intake subsequent to a prolonged ileus and after 31 days of parenteral hyperalimentation. The condition was successfully treated by cholecystostomy; at the time of writing, six months after cholecystostomy, there are no gastrointestinal symptoms.


[The replacement of skim milk in the diet of young pigs with an extremely short suckling period. 1. Report. A comparison of skim milk, fish meal and extracted soy beans as a protein source in conjunction with whole wheat meal in a liquid feed].

40 piglets were reared in separate cages from the 13th to the 28th day of age and received a liquid milk diet (controls) or a substituted liquid diet. Half of the protein requirements of the young pigs were covered from skim milk, the other half was supplied through fish meal, extracted soya bean meal or a combination of both meals. Whole wheat meal was used as source of substitution energy. The ration containing extracted soya bean meal reduced all the digestibility coefficients with the exception of NFE. As a result, the levels of energy and nutrient intake and the rates of weight increase were lower in the experimental groups receiving the soya bean meal diet than in the control group. The same performance level as with the control diet was achieved when 50% of the skim milk in the experimental diet were replaced by wheat and fish meal.


Plaque formation by African swine fever virus in chick embryo fibroblasts in the absence of CO2 atmosphere.

A plaque assay method using ASFV previously adapted to growth in chick embryo fibroblasts is described. Chick embryo fibroblast monolayers under bactoagar or methylcellulose have been employed using cysteine, arginine, DEAE-Dextran and HEPES as additives. Plaque production was optimal under methylcellulose. HEPES rendered the plaques more clear when used with the overlay. Arginine enhances plaque formation with bactoagar, and DEAE-Dextran doubles the plaque size. The growth curve of ASFV in chick embryo monolayers has been studied.


[Development of the brain stem reticular formation during ontogenesis of lower simians as compared with man].

The work has shown a number of common features in the structural organization of the brain stem reticular formation in the adult rhesus monkey and man. According to the peculiar features and developmental features the reticular nuclei may be divided into 3 sections (median, medial and lateral) having different genesis. In ontogenesis all the nuclei of the reticular formation undergo differentiation and specialization due to the complication of the brain as a whole. This process, however, goes differently in ontogenesis of the macaque and man which can be seen in the heterochronous rate of their development, namely, in the macaque the terms of maturation of the reticular nuclei are somewhat more accelerated. The work shows changes in the density of cells, the volume of neurones and all the reticular formation in relation to the volume of the brain stem as a whole. However, the differences found in ontogenesis of the macaque and man are mainly of quantitative and idioadaptive character.


A theory of behavioral generality and specificity during mild stress.

A definitional system is given for the concepts of generality and specificity for behavioral variables, relating to signs and sizes of their intercorrelations. In particular, a mapping sentence is provided for defining the universe of observations for emotional behavior of mice under mild stress. Its three content facets are: (a) the temporal features of frequency, latency, and duration, (b) type of control, autonomic or voluntary, and (c) the experimental situation, the apparatus. Data from three studies published previously by other authors are analyzed by Smallest Space Analysis (SSA-I). In each case, the smallest space is found to be partitioned into contiguous regions corresponding to the elements of the three facets.


[Norepinephrine levels and morphologic alterations of myocardium in chronic alcoholic rats].

Experimental alcoholism was produced in rats by giving them 32% alcohol as the only source of liquid for 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Control rats were given no alcohol. After 12 and 24 weeks on test the alcohol-fed animals developed pathologic changes and tissue catecholamine alterations of the myocardium. However after 4 weeks there were no differences in myocardial structure and norepinephrine levels between alcohol-fed and control rats. The present experiments indicate that marked increase in norepheinephrine concentration accompanies morphologic evidence of myocardial degeneration and may play a role in the development of the alcoholic cardiomyopathy.


Comparative study of mitochondrial and cytosol protein kinase activities.

Both cytosol and mitochondria of rat liver display protein kinase activity, cyclic AMP-independent, which is resolved by Sepharose 6B filtration and P-cellulose chromatography into multiple forms phosphorylating, besides endogenous mitochondrial membrane-bound proteins, also exogenous phosphoproteins such as casein and phosvitin. However, the forms by far predominant in the cytosol phosphorylate both phosphorylserine and phosphorylthreonine residues of casein, while most of the activity associated to mitochondrial structures is due to the forms phosphorylating only phosphorylserine residues.


Puromycin inhibition of eucaryotic ribosomes. Differences in sensitivity between polypeptide synthesis directed by endogenous mRNA and synthetic templates including poly(U).

In a protein synthesis sytem derived from porcine uteri we have made the following observations: 1. Synthesis directed by the endogenous mRNA of the system is more sensitive to inhibition by puromycin than poly(U) directed synthesis. 2. Synthesis directed by the synthetic templates poly(G,U) and poly(C,U) is more sensitive to inhibition by puromycin than poly(U) directed synthesis and frequently shows a sensitivity to puromycin similar to that directed by endogenous mRNA. 3. Protein synthesis was inhibited by three aminoacyloligonucleotides (C-A-Phe, C-A-Asp, and C-A-Pro) which are analogs of the 3' terminus of aminoacyl tRNAs. Of the three, C-A-Phe was the most active and C-A-Asp the least active but, unlike puromycin, inhibition by these compounds was the same for endogenous and poly(U) directed synthesis. These results are interpreted as supporting the proposal that the acceptor site of ribosomes contains an hydrophobic binding region which interacts with the side chain of aliphatic amino acids, and particularly with the aromatic side chain of phenylalanine.


Single bilayer vesicles prepared without sonication. Physico-chemical properties.

Single shelled lecithin vesicles of uniform size (diameter = 300 A) are prepared without sonication by solubilizing unsonicated lecithin dispersions with sodium cholate and removing the detergent from the mixed lecithin - cholate micelles by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. A homogeneous population of pure lecithin single-bilayer vesicles free of multilamellar structures is obtained. The vesicle diameter is somewhat larger than the average diameter of sonicated vesicles. The curvature of the bilayer seems to be sufficiently large to allow for similar packing densities (areas/molecule) on the outer and inner layer of the bilayer. The morphology and some physico-chemical properties of these vesicles are described and compared with those of sonicated vesicles.


Dose-response effects of beta-phenylethylamine on stereotyped behavior in pargyline-pretreated rats.

We studied the dose-response and the time-course effect of beta-phenylethylamine (4.0-64.0 mg/kg, ip) on stereotyped behavior and motor activity in male Sprague-Dawley rats pretreated 2 hr eariler with pargyline (0.25-8.0 mg/kg, iv). Stereotyped behavior, defined as repetitive, nongoal-directed head movements and sniffing, and changes in motor activity were observed immediately after injection of beta-phenylethylamine for a 1 hr period. With increasing doses of pargyline pretreatment, beta-phenylethylamine produced, in a dose-response relationship, progressively more stereotyped behavior accompanied by increased motor activity. Without pargyline pretreatment, only 64.0 mg/kg beta-phenylethylamine induced behavioral changes. Stereotyped behavior and increased motor activity had an onset at 4-6 min after the injection of beta-phenylethylamine, peak at 10-30 min, and gradual decline in the next 10-20 min. These results are discussed in terms of a possible relationship with the degree of inhibition of Type a and Type B monoamine oxidase acused by the different doses of pargyline.


Influence of pyrazole on hepatic [1-14C] palmitate oxidation during acute ethanol intoxication.

When studied at different times following ethanol intubation, the effects of pyrazole, administered to rats prior to ethanol, affects differently the alcohol-induced disturbances in hepatic [1-14C] palmitate oxidation. This peculiar time-course of the pyrazole induced effects supports the relationship between active ethanol oxidation and inhibition of hepatic fatty acid oxidation, but also emphasizes the caution which must be taken when using pyrazole to study "in vivo" the mechanisms involved in the alcohol induced fatty liver.


Purification of an exo-1,3-beta-glucanase from Candida utilis.

An exo-1,3-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.-) has been purified from the culture fluid of the yeast Candida utilis, and its biochemical properties have been studied. The amino acid analysis revealed a high content of acidic amino acids. The purified enzyme had 20% carbohydrate and a net negative charge showing higher affinity for laminarin than for p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and yeast cell-wall 1,3-beta-glucans. In addition, the enzyme hydrolyzed the substrates starting from the nonreducing ends, releasing glucose as the exclusive hydrolysis product. The enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by lactones and also by some heavy-metal ions.


Preliminary studies of pharmacological antigonism of anaphylaxis in the horse.

Systemic anaphylaxis was induced in seven groups of ponies. Systemic hypotension, pulmonary hypotension, and apnea were observed in the control group. Suppression of anaphylaxis was achieved most efficiently with sodium meclofenamate followed by acetylsalicylic acid and diethylcarboamazine. Tripelennamine and methysergide reduced anaphylaxis minimally and burimamide not at all. The findings suggest that histamine and serotonin are of relatively low significance in equine anaphylaxis whereas kinins, prostaglandins and slow reacting substance may be more important.


[Enzymatic profile of uterine secretions of cows during estraus cycle].

The uterine secretions of 20 bovine females have been studied and the activity of the following five enzymes has been evaluated: aldolase, glucose-t-phosphodeshydrogenase (G-6-PDH), sorbitol deshydrogenase, glutamic pyruvic transminase. Significant cyclic variations have been observed for aldolase and G-6-PDH, aldolase activity being maximum during the estrogenic phase of the cycle whereas G-6-PDH activity has been more important during the progesteronic phase. These results indicate a significant uterine metabolic activity during the different phases of the reproduction processes.


Concentration of manganese in the tissues of cycling and anestrous ewes.

A wide range of variation in concentration of manganese was found in the blood of 51 cycling ewes although no significant differences were evident (P less than 0.05) between days 4, 11 and 15 (day 0 = day of estrus) of the estrous cycle. In addition, no differences (P less than 0.05) were found in the manganese concentrations of various soft tissues of 15 ewes, killed on day 4 (five animals), day 11 (five animals) or during anestrus (five animals). The highest concentration of manganese was present in the liver, pancreas and kidney cortex, tissues which are rich in mitochondria. Among the tissues of the reproductive tract, the corpus luteum showed the highest manganese concentration and the level increased significantly (P less than 0.01) between days 4 and 11 suggesting that this trace element may be closely related to the metabolic and possible functional characteristics of this endocrine gland. Uterine horn and caruncles contained greater manganese concentrations than other components of the reproductive tract. The significance of these findings in relation to the effect of manganese intake on ewe fertility remains to be assessed.


Effect of locoweed (Astragalus ientiginosus) feeding of fetal lamb development.

Locoweed, Astragalus lentiginosus, was fed to pregnant ewes for various periods during gestation. The principal gross effects on the developing fetuses were observed to be delayed placentation, decreased vascularization, fetal edema and hemorrhage, and alteration of cotyledon development. Deformed lambs and undersized lambs also occurred. Data from sheep fed locoweed during various periods of the entire gestation period are summarized and indicate that locoweed poisoning in the fetus as with the adult is a chronic type of intoxication. Also, poisoning of the fetus parallels poisoning in the dam.


Cardiological signs and symptoms in Friedreich's ataxia.

The cardiovascular signs and symptoms were recorded in 36 patients with typical Friedreich's Ataxia (Group Ia, Ib). Seventeen patients were asymptomatic and this did not correlate with the severity of the disease. No pathognomonic clinical constellation was found to reveal the underlying cardiomyopathy.


Immunochemical studies on the specificity of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin.

The specificity of purified, peanut agglutinin has been studied immunochemically by quantitative precipitin and inhibition assays. The lectin showed substantial differences in precipitating with blood-group substances of the same specificity. Of the B substances tested, horse 4 25% completely precipitated the lectin, Beach phenol insoluble failed to interact, and PM phenol insoluble gave an intermediate reaction. The lectin did not precipitate with A1 substances, with hog gastric mucin A + H substance, or with A2 substance WG phenol insoluble. Another A2 substance, cyst 14 phenol insoluble, precipitated approximately 2/3 of the lectin. Of the H substances, Tighe phenol insoluble was inactive, JS phenol insoluble precipitated poorly, and morgan standard H precipitated about 80% of the lectin. However, first stage of Smith degradation, as well as Pl fractions obtained by mild acid hydrolysis of blood-group substances, gave products which precipitated strongly. The lectin was also completely precipitated by all precursor blood-group substances, as well as by cows 21 and 26, all having strong I-Ma, I-Ort, I-Step, and I-Da activities. Cow 18, which does not possess significant blood-group I activity, precipitated very slightly. Fractions of blood-group substances N-1 (Lea) and Tij (B) obtained by precipitation from 90 percent phenol at higher concentrations of ethanol interacted better with peanut agglutinin. These differences in activity are ascribable to a heterogeneity resulting from incomplete biosynthesis of carbohydrate side-chains of blood-group substances, particularly resulting in variations in the numbers of DGalbeta1 leads to 3DGalNAc or DGalbeta1 leads to 4DGlcNAc determinants. The agglutinin reacted with the hydatid cyst P1 glycoprotein, as well as with the previously studied antifreeze and sialic acid-free alpha1 acid glycoproteins, but not with pneumococcus type XIV polysaccharide. Inhibition of precipitation showed the lectin to be most specific for the disaccharide DGalbeta1 leads to 3DGalNAc, which is 14, 55, and 90 times as active as DGalbeta1 leads to 4DGlcNAc, DGal, and DGalbeta1 leads to 3DGlcNAc, respectively. DGalbeta1 leads to 3N-acetyl-D-galactosaminitol has approximately 1/25th the activity of DGalbeta1 leads to 3DGalNAc. Substitutions of DGlcNAc or LFuc on the DGal of active inhibitors completely blocked the activity, in line with the assumption that the combining site of the peanut lectin is a partial cavity. The oligosaccharides DGalbeta1 leads to 4DGlcNAcbeta1 leads to 6-hexane-1,2,4,5,6-pentol(s) and DGalbeta1 leads to 3[DGalbeta1 leads to 4DGlcNAcbeta1 leads to 6]N-acetyl-D-galactosaminitol showed the same inhibitory activity as DGalbeta1 leads to 4DGlcNAc, suggesting that the combining site of the peanut agglutinin may not be complementary to more than a disaccharide...


Autonomic innervation and plasma estradiol-17beta and progesterone levels in rats with subcutaneous ovarian autografts.

Ovaries were removed from female rats and immediately autografted into a subcutaneous pouch in the flank in order to quantitate the relationship of graft re-innervation, steroid secretion and vaginal smear pattern. Animals were killed at thre time periods: three days after grafting, on the first day a cornified vaginal smear appeared and at the first metestrus. In addition, control animals were killed at metestrus. Plasma samples were obtained from all rats and analyzed for estradiol-17beta and progesterone concentration by radioimmunoassay. At the first day of vaginal cornification after grafting, plasma estradiol-17beta (45.8+/-4.0 pg/ml) was elevated in comparison to controls at metestrus (24.0+/-2.6 pg/ml), but plasma progesterone (21.5+/-4.0 ng/ml) was not different (30.6+/-1.7 ng/ml). Subsequently, at the first metestrus following grafting, plasma estradiol-17beta (23.0+/-3.5 pg/ml) was comparable to control values. In contrast, progesterone was decreased (17.5+/-1.9 ng/ml). A definite correlation was detected between the vaginal smear and plasma levels of steroid hormones in the castrated female rat with subcutaneous ovarian autographs Histochemical techniques were used to study the adrenergic and cholinergic innervations of grafts three days after grafting, at the first day of vaginal cornification, and at the first metestrus. No correlation was shown between density of adrenergic or cholinergic innervation and plasma levels of estradiol-17beta and progesterone or onset of a cycling vaginal smear.


Phosphate compounds in the erythrocytes of newborns with ABO systems haemolytic disease.

The following phosphate compounds of the erythrocyte acid-soluble fraction were subjected to chromatographic separation: ADP, ATP, adenylo-diphosphoglycerate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, hexose monophosphate, hexose diphosphate. In each of the fractions total phosphorus, and in fraction II inorganic phosphorus, were estimated. The material was derived from ten newborns with haemolytic disease as a result of ABO incompatability and from ten full-term healthy newborns, just after birth. The concentration of the compounds assayed, except for 2,3-DPG (the values in both groups were similar) was higher in the erythrocytes from affected newborns, but lower than that found in the material derived from the newborns with Rh incompatibility. It is suggested that the metabolism of erythrocytes of the newborns with haemolytic ABO disease may be somewhat different from that in Rh incompatibility cases because in the former the haemolysis is weaker, the anaemia is less pronounced and the tissue hypoxia is of a smaller degree.


Acquisition of human blood group antigens by Schistosoma mansoni.

Juvenile forms of Schistosoma mansoni (schistosomula) have been cultured in human blood of various specificities and tested for the presence of blood group substances on their surfaces. The tests employed were survival following transfer into rhesus monkeys immunized against human blood substances, mixed agglutination reactions, and immunofluorescence. A, B, H AND Lewisb+ antigens were expressed at the surface when the parasites were cultured in blood of appropriate specificities. Rhesus, M N S, AND Duffy antigens could not be detected on the parasite surface following culture. The evidence suggests that the expressed blood group antigens are of host origin and are acquired by the parasite during culture, probably in the form of glycolipids or megaloglycolipids. It is likely that these substances are also acquired by parasites in the bloodstream of man. They may serve to mask surface parasite antigens, and so enable schistosomes to evade parasite-specific humoral or cellular immune responses.


The EMI whole body scanner in the demonstration of lymph node enlargement.

Thirty-three cases with malignant disease due mainly to lymphoma and testicular tumours were evaluated by computerised tomography (CT) scanning on the EMI general purpose scanner. In many cases there were either more lymph nodes demonstrated than on lymphography or more disease shown in bone or the thorax than was suspected. CT scanning is particularly valuable in showing mesenteric, retrosternal, axillary and para-aortic lymph node enlargement. Bone, liver and pulmonary metastases were shown when not demonstrated by other methods as well as showing the extent of recurrence of malignant disease. In testicular tumours metastatic spread to paravertebral soft tissues behind the diaphragm was clearly demonstrated. This cannot be seen on lymphography. CT scanning appears to be the most accurate method to date of showing the extent of malignant disease, particularly in cases of lymphoma and testicular tumours.


The P blood group system in pigeon breeders and pigeon breeder's disease.

A blood group P1-like antigen has been found in gram-negative bacilli isolated from pigeon droppings, in pigeon serum, and on pigeon red blood cells. As a probable resident of the environment of the pigeon loft, the antigen stimulated formation of anti-P1 antibody in eight of 11 pigeon breeders who belonged to the P2 blood group. Only one of 11 random hospitalized patients with the P2 blood phenotype had a detectable titer of anti-P1 antibody (P less than 0.01). The titer of anti-P1 antibody was not significantly different in symptomatic vs asymptomatic breeders. The presence or absence of anti-P1 antibody could not be correlated with any band of immunoprecipitates formed between pigeon breeder's serum and crude extract of pigeon droppings. The P antigen was identified in pigeon-dropping extracts of breeders with the P2 blood phenotype by inhibition of hemagglutination. We conclude that anti-P1 antibodies appear to be a component of the immunologic response to avian antigens of pigeon breeders but are probably unrelated to the pathogenesis of pigeon breeder's disease.


The status of prevention in the education of child psychiatrists.

While the pioneers of modern child psychiatry focused much of their attention on prevention, the situation today is markedly different. A questionnaire survey of child psychiatric residency programs suggests that when attention is devoted to prevention in the education of child psychiatrists, it is often ambiguous, haphazard, and minimal. This impelled the authors to sample the current status of available knowledge about preventive child psychiatry with an assessment of the validity of the knowledge and its potential utility. These are followed by some suggestions for child psychiatric education.


The effects of prenatal and perinatal complications on development at one year of age.

35 variables descriptive of birth and obstetric complications, prematurity, maternal discomfort, and demographic status were studied for a sample of 322 infants. Factor analyses of these variables resulted in 7 major factors that were used to predict developmental status at 1 year of age for 233 of the subjects. Factors identified as "prematurity," "delivery and related variables," "ethnicity," and "complications" made significant independent contributions to Cattell DQ at 1 year. When Cattell DQs were corrected for the effects of gestational age, only delivery and related variables remained critical, confirming the importance of this factor for later development.


Effect of melatonin on the reproductive systems of male and female Syrian hamsters: a diurnal rhythm in sensitivity to melatonin.

Hamsters were maintained on a long photoperiod (14L:10D) and were injected once daily with melatonin (10-25 mug) or sesame oil. Males which received melatonin during the afternoon (e.g., 6.5-13.75 h after lights-on) showed regressed testes and decreased levels of serum LH and FSH after several weeks of treatment. Injections of the oil vehicle or injections of melatonin given in the morning (3 h after lights-on) had no detectable effect on testicular size or on serum gonadotropins. Females which received melatonin during the afternoon became acyclic after several weeks of treatment and showed a diurnal pattern of LH secretion. The acyclic females required 4-6 weeks to resume estrous cyclicity following termination of the melatonin injections. The effects of melatonin on gonadal function and on serum gonadotropin concentrations in both sexes were similar to the previously observed effects of prolonged exposure to short photoperiods. These results indicate that chronic daily injections of melatonin can depress reproductive function in hamsters and that the effectiveness of the injections is dependent upon the time of day at which they are administered.


Total and free testosterone and total and free 17 beta-oestradiol in normally menstruating women.

Estimations of plasma total and free testosterone (T) as well as of total and free 17beta-oestradiol (E2) have been performed in 6 normal women throughout the menstrual cycle. The plasma total T levels showed a small but significant cyclical variations, with significantly increased values around the midcycle (p less than 0.001). The pattern of free T during the cycle was similar to total T. Regarding total plasma E2, two typical peaks occurred, which were also observed in plasma free E2. Changes in testosterone-17beta-oestradiol binding globulin have not been detected throughout the menstrual cycle.


Significantly decreased apparently free testosterone levels in plasma of male homosexuals.

Total and free plasma testosterone (T) were determined in male homosexuals. While total T showed no significant difference to a heterosexual control group, apparently free T in plasma was significantly lower (p less than 0.001) in 35 male homosexuals (mean +/- SD = 10.7 +/- 3.3 ng/100 ml) than in 38 male heterosexuals of similar age (13.3 +/- 4.5 ng/100 ml).


Mercury in Alaskan Eskimo mothers and infants.

The potential danger of natural mercury accumulation in the diet of the Eskimo is evaluated through mercury levels determined in cord blood, placenta, maternal blood, hair, and milk of 38 maternal-infant pairs from Anchorage and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Although mercury levels are not discernably dangerous, trends to larger accumulations in maternal and fetal RBC and placental tissue with proximity to the sea and consumption of seals during pregnancy provide the basis for considering possible indicators of neonatal involvement. Mercury level in RBC from cord blood appeared as the best potential indicator of this involvement, although relationships with the mother's diet and level of mercury in the placenta also appear useful. In this area, average and maximal mercury levels in cord blood are 39 and 78 ng/ml, respectively, far below the acknowledged toxic level in infants of these mothers who eat seals or fish every day during their pregnancy.


The role of biotransformation in chemical-induced liver injury.

The role of drug metabolism in chemical-induced liver injury is reviewed. Parameters for studying the formation of chemically reactive metabolites are discussed and the factors that alter the formation and covalent binding of reactive metabolites are selectively emphasized. Some of the experimental work that led to these concepts is discussed, especially the chemical toxicology of the hepatic injury produced by acetaminophen, bromobenzene, furosemide, isoniazid and iproniazid.


The effect of an extraluminal transducer on the reproductive capability of the rabbit.

An extraluminally attached microminiature force transducer, designed for reproductive tract contractility measurements, was investigated in terms of its effects on the physiology of the uterotubal junction in the rabbit. The presence or attachment process of the extraluminal force transducer (EFT) did not affect the rate of pregnancy or the number of embryonic implantation sites whether the attached device was silicone rubber or polyethylene-encased. The uterotubal junction was able to retain the blastocyst for the required time after mating, while an examination of postembryonic mortality revealed a rate of one resorption in some experimental groups. The gestation period was unaffected by the EFT, ranging from 30 to 40 days with a mode of 32, while histologic examinations revealed formation of a thin fibroblastic layer, some increased vascularity, and no abnormal leukocytic accumulation.


The specification of fertility planning status.

The principal obstacle to accurate measurement of fertility planning intentions in cross-sectional surveys is the disposition of the respondent to provide the interviewer with a reconstruction of the couple's history which departs more or less from what actually happened... Since married couples in America are now close to effective planning of fertility, the future of reproduction in the United States will depend much more than in the past on reproductive intentions. From this viewpoint, the uncertainty of reproductive intentions as shown here suggests extreme circumspection in using current reproductive orientations for future projections.


The structural gene for alpha-mannosidase-1 in Dictyostellium discoideum.

We have isolated 4 independent mutations affecting alpha-mannosidase-1, a developmentally regulated activity in Dictyrostelium discoideum. Three of these result in a thermolabile alpha-mannosidase-1 activity. One mutation also affects the substrate affinity (Km) of the activity. In diploids these mutations show a gene dosage effect and are all alleles. The structural gene for alpha-mannosidase-1, as defined by these mutations, defines a new linkage group, linkage group VI. alpha-mammosidase 1 is probably a homopolymer with subunits of 54,000 daltons. We have also mapped two temperature-sensitive-for-growth mutations onto two previously defined linkage groups.


[Inheritance of human finger and palm dermatoglyphic characteristics].

The degree of genetic determination of 25 quantitative dermatoglyphic characteristics has been studied on family: twin material: 45 pairs of MZ and 75 single-sex DZ twins; and 53 single-sex "parent-child" pairs. Approximating formulae were used to estimate main components of phenotypic variance due to additive interaction of genetic factors, to non-linear effects (intralocus dominance) and to the effect of total-familiar and random environmental factors. All the finger dermatoglyphic characteristics studied had a high degree of genetic determination (G greater than 0,80), and for most of them the contribution into the large variance of intralocus dominance effects was comparable with that of additive gene interaction, included in the determination of these characters. There are some palm dermatoglyphic characteristics ("ad" distance "cd" comb counting, "bad", "adt" and "cda" angles), which degree of genetic determination is low (G less than 0,35). At least ten quantitative finger and palm dermatogliphic characteristics with a high degree of genetic determination can be used for special studies in frames of multidimentional genetical analysis, including determination of twin zygosity type. Earlier described "indices" (using twin data) of relative role of genetic and environment factors in the determination of populational variability of quantitative characters are considered. None of them is shown to be a reliable estimate of the coefficient of genetic character determination. The use of these indices in practical studies can result in wrong conclusions on the degree and the character of genetic determination of quantitative characters.


[Protective effect of caffeine on chromosomal structures of mammalian cells irradiated with UV-rays].

The effect of caffeine (2mM) on the frequency of structural mutations induced by UV light (lambda = 265 nm at an incident dose of 40 erg/mm2) in the primary culture of mouse embryonic fibroblasts is studied. A half-hour treatment with caffeine of cells at the time of the first mitosis metaphase decreased approximately by 2 times the frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by UV light at the S stage and observed at the metaphase of this or the next C-mitosis. The frequency of both breaks and exchanges decreased as the result of caffeine treatment. The persistence of the protective effect of caffeine at the time of the second C-mitosis suggests that the observed decrease of the aberration rate is accompanied by the true reparation of pre-mutational lesions in chromosomes; the nature of the reparative process and the time when it takes place is as yet not clear. Caffeine did not decrease the frequency of spontaneous structural mutations.


["Coronary arteriographic findings in the patients of arteriosclerotic heart disease combined with cardiac arrhythmias or conduction defects" (author's transl)].

Correlation between cine-coronary arteriographic findings and various cardiac arrhythmias or conduction defects were studied in 40 patients with arteriosclerotic heart disease. These cases were divided into 3 groups according to the type of arrhythmias or conduction defects. The following conclusions were drawn. 1. In the group I of 25 patients whose arrhythmias were atrial origin, there were sinus bradycardia in 9, suins tachycardia in 5, atrial premature beats in 2 and atrial fibrillation in 9. Cine-angiographically, the degree of luminal stenosis of the main coronary arterial branches were mild to moderate in severity compared to that of the other two groups. However, it was remarkable that the sinus node artery was not visualized in 9 of 25 cases (36%). 2. The group II of 5 patients who have shown premature ventricular contractions exhibited moderate to severe degree of stenosis of coronary artery trees, especially much more often in left anterior descending coronary arteries. 3. In the group III of 10 patients who had various type of intraventricular conduction defects, the degree of stenosis of the main coronary artery branches were usually severe and also, the number of the coronary artery involved in stenosis was increased. Interestingly, atrioventricular node arteries were not opacified in 5 of 10 cases. There were 2 cases of complete A-V block where the atrioventricular node artery was not visualized at all both either from right or left coronary artery opacification. It seemed to be hard to draw a clear cut correlation between cine coronary angiographic pictures and a certain type of cardiac arrhythmias or conduction defects in such a small scale of study. However, cind coronary angiography may contribute to rule out local ischemia of the conduction tissue as a primary cause of the development of arrhythmias or conduction defects in patients with arterisclerotic heart disease.


An ultramicroscopic study on rigor mortis.

Gastrocnemius muscles taken from decapitated mice at various intervals after death and from mice killed by 2,4-dinitrophenol or mono-iodoacetic acid injection to induce rigor mortis soon after death, were observed by electron microscopy. The prominent appearance of many fine cross striations in the myofibrils (occurring about every 400 A) was considered to be characteristic of rigor mortis. These striations were caused by minute granules studded along the surfaces of both thick and thin filaments and appeared to be the bridges connecting the 2 kinds of filaments and accounted for the hardness and rigidity of the muscle.


The use of sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme for the identification of semen in dried stains.

The sperm-specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme (Blanco and Zinkham, 1963; Goldberg, 1963) separated from other LDH isoenzymes of semen by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been found to be suitable for specific differentiation of human semen from other human body fluids and semen of commonly encountered animals. Seminal isoenzymes were found to be stable even 4 weeks after storage in tropical conditions. The method gave substantially more positive results than microscopic identification of spermatozoa when applied to a large number of relatively old stains on actual crime articles. It is therefore valuable in a large number of cases involving normal males and also in interpreting results of immunological and enzymological individualisation of semen stains.


[Studies on the mechanism of lowering of the cholesterol level by ethyl-alpha-p-chlorophenoxy-isobutyrate (clofibrate) (author's transl)].

Amimal experiments were conducted to elucidate the mechanism responsible for lowering the blood cholesterol level of mice by clofibrate (CPIB). 1. Cholesterol biosynthesis: (1) Cholesterol biosynthesis from acetate-1-14C or mevalonic acid-2-14C in liver, blood, intestine and kidney was not changed when 0.3 X 10(-3) M CPIB was added to the liver homogenate, when mice were fed on a basal diet containing 0.1% CPIB for 10 days or fed on a basal diet containing 0.5% CPIB for 18 days, and when fed on a diet containing both cholesterol and 0.5% CPIB for 10 days. (2) However, the cholesterol biosynthesis in liver and blood of the mice fed on the basal diet containing 0.5% CPIB for 10 days was suppressed at the step of conversion of acetate to mevalonic acid. In addition, since the incorporation of acetate-1-14C into squalene and of mevalonic acid-2-14C into squalene and ianosterol was suppressed in the liver homogenate of the mice, the cholesterol biosynthesis was depressed at the step of conversion of mevalonic acid to squalene. Therefore, CPIB depressed the cholesterol biosynthesis at both steps before and after mevalonic acid. 2. The fecal excretion of the sterol-14C and bile acid-14C derived from injected cholesterol -14C: When mice injected with cholesterol-14C were kept on a basal diet or cholesterol-added diet containing 0.1% CPIB, the excretion of sterol-14C and nonsaponifiable materials-14C in the feces was markedly increased in the case of basal diet as well as cholesterol-added diet. However, the excretion of total bile acid-14C was not changed when mice were fed on the basal diet, but it was markedly increased when fed on the cholesterol-added diet. The specific radioactivity of sterol-14C in blood 30 days after injection was reduced in the basal diet or the cholesterol-added diet, while that in liver was not changed or increased. Total cholesterol level in blood 30 days after injection was not affected in mice fed on basal diet and was reduced in mice fed on the cholesterol-added diet. From the above facts, the lowering effective of CPIB on the blood cholesterol level appears to depend not on the alteration of the cholesterol biosynthesis but on the increase of excretion of sterol derived from the tissue cholesterol in the feces.


[Effect of vitamin E on the alteration of the cholesterol metabolism with the aging of mice (author's transl)].

1. Vitamin E (alpha-tochopherol acetate) 200 mg/kg was injected twelve times every five days into two groups of dd mice, one six months old and the other one month old. Thereafter the incorporation of acetate-1-14C or mevalonic acid-2-14C into sterols in the liver and kidney was examined. (1) In the liver, the incorporation of acetate-14C or mevalonic acid -14C into total lipid, total cholesterol, total fatty acid and proteins was lower in the old group than in the young group. When vitamin E was administered to the young group, hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis from the acetate-1-14C was reduced while total lipids, total fatty acid and proteins were not affected. Whereas when vitamin E was administered to the old group, the body weight increased, the hepatic cholesterol was reduced and the incorporation of acetate-1-14C into total lipids and proteins was increased while that into total cholesterol was reduced, and that into total fatty acid was not affected. The cholesterol biosynthesis was inhibited at the step of conversion of acetate to mevalonic acid in both young and old groups by the injection of vitamin E. (2) In the kidney the incorporation of acetate-1-14C into total lipid, total fatty acid and total cholesterol was more reduced in the old group of mice than in the young group. The administration of vitamin E to the young group of mice reduced the incorporation of acetate-1-14C into total lipid, total fatty acid and total cholesterol, while in the old group of mice administered with vitamin E the incorporation into total lipid and total cholesterol was not affected but that into total fatty acid was increased. The incorporation of mevalonic acid-2-14C into cholesterol was reduced in the young group of mice administered with vitamin E while the same was not affected in the old group. 2. When the old group of mice was fed with a diet containing vitamin E for two months, the excretion of bile acid-14C derived from injected cholesterol4-14C or cholic acid-24-14C was increased and the disappearance of hepatic cholesterol-14C became more rapid. As a result, it may be said that aging brought about the reduction of the lipid biosynthesis in liver and kidney, which was recovered partially by the administration of vitamin E. With regard to the cholesterol metabolism, the aging increased total cholesterol level, which was adjusted by vitamin E. The effect of vitamin E appeared to depend upon the supression of cholesterol biosynthesis as well as the increase of cholesterol catabolism and the excretion of bile acid.


[The tissue distribution and the effect of mercury on the hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis following the oral administration of methyl- and ethylmercurial compounds (author's transl)].

Hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis from acetate-1-14C, hepatic cholesterol level and accumulation of mercury into various tissues were examined following oral administration of methyl- or ethyl-mercury to mice (or rat) at next dosage levels, 80 ppm for 10-19 days, 50 ppm for 30 days and 100 ppm for 15 days. The results obtained were as follows. 1. Hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis was elevated at a dose of 80 ppm and decreased at a dose of 50 and 100 ppm. The change of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis showed the negative correlation with that of cholesterol level. 2. In comparison between methyl-and ethylmercury, the latter accumulated more than the former in liver and spleen, while the former accumulated more than the latter in kidney, cerebum and skeletal muscle. The administration of ethylmercury caused more decrease of body weight, increase of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and hepatic cholesterol level than the administration of methylmercury.


[A statistical study of autopsy cases in the department of legal medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, during the last 10 years (author's transl)].

The mediocolegal autopsies performed in the Department of Legal Medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, during the 10-year period, 1965-1974 were 617 cases, 87 of them in newborns, 530 in infants and adults. Of cases autopsied as homicidal or suspicious deaths in infants and adults, 88.5% were recognized to be due to external causes, 9.1% to disease conditions and 2.5% undetermined. Of neonatal deaths, 10.3% were stillbirth, 78.2% live birth and 11.5% undetermined. Among the deaths due to external causes in infants and adults, 43.3% were homicidal, 7.2% suicidal, 32.6% accidental and 16.6% undetermined. Of external factors causing death, 42.9% were force, 36.8% asphyxiaton, 8.0% chemical substances and 8.0% heat. The causes of homicidal deaths inflicted with cutting or piercing instruments were circulatory disturbance, asphyxia and infection. In deaths inflicted with blunt instruments, they were mostly injuries of central nervous system and circulatory disturbance in the minority. All categories of causes of death were recognized in accidental deaths. All neonatal deaths were due to external causes. Their causes of death were mostly asphyxia and blunt force injuries of head.


Immunogenicity of "single component" port insulin.

Twelve diabetic subjects who were not previously treated with insulin were divided into two groups of six each. Group I was treated with single component pork insulin and Group II was treated with standard (USP) insulin for 5 to 10 months. Three out of six in Group I, and five in Group II, developed circulating insulin antibodies. Daily insulin requirement in the two groups were almost the same. Insulin antibody titer did not fall in three insulin-treated diabetic subjects when single component pork insulin was substituted for USP beef-pork insulin. This study shows that the single component insulin is antigenic in human subjects.


Endometrial blood flow in rats.

The endometrial blood flow was measured in rats by injections of 85Kr saline into aorta and measurements of the clearance of the radioactivity by a Geiger-Müller probe situated in the uterine lumen. Estrus and diestrus were determined by vaginal smears. The endometrial blood flow was found to be 0.88 +/- 0.08 (mean +/- SEM) ml/g tissue/min in estus and 1.60 +/- 0.15 mg/g/min in diestrus. The experiment indicates that the endometrial blood flow and the total uterine blood flow change in opposite directions during the estrous cycle.


Testosterone production by ovarian follicles of the domestic cat (Felis catus).

In order to determine whether the ovarian follicles of the domestic cat which normally ovulates following copulation, were similar to those of the rabbit steroidogenically, the following experiments were carried out. Follicles were dissected out of ovaries from nine estrous cats throughout the year and incubated in medium alone or with luteinizing hormone (LH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Media were removed every 15 min and stored frozen until analyzed for testosterone using established radioimmunoassay procedures. Although LH and HCG caused slight increases in testosterone production the amounts produced were much less than that produced by rabbit follicles under identical conditions. However, when follicles were incubated for a total of 8 h without removal of media, marked changes in testosterone and estradiol production occurred. These data suggest that the ovarian follicles of the estrous cat are steroidogenically active.


The use of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid as a reporter group molecule for circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements. The effect of stearic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate on the conformation of bovine and human serum albumin.

The fluorescence probe ANS(8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid) was employed as a reporter group molecule for circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements in order to investigate the effects of stearic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate on the conformation of bovine and human serum albumin. Stearate as well as dodecylsulfate displaces ANS from the binding to both albumins. Besides this displacement, stearate and dodecylsulfate influence the fluorescence properties and the extrinsic Cotton effects on ANS bound to both albumins. It is suggested that the origin of these effects is a microdisorganization of the albumin structure, provoked by the binding of stearate and sodium dodecylsulfate. Each of the four extrinsic CD bands of bound ANS was influenced in a different manner by the addition of stearate and dodecylsulfate. Using the data of the fluorescence measurements and of the circular dichroism measurements it was possible to differentiate the effects of one ligand on both albumins and of both ligands on one albumin more efficiently than would have been possible using one of the two methods alone. It is suggested that the use of ANS as a reporter group molecule for fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements is a very good tool to detect small changes in the environment of ligand binding sites on protein molecules.


Abnormal behaviour of proline in the isothiocyanate degradation.

It has been observed that proline residues often initiate overlaps during sequenator analysis. The cause has been shown to be an abnormally slow cleavage reaction. The kinetics of the cleavage reaction has been studied and found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics. There are considerable differences in reaction rates depending on the position of proline in the sequence, as demonstrated for the four prolines in the N-terminal section of the H2B histone from chicken.


Activity of nuclear DNA-dependent RNA polymerases in mouse limb buds differentiating in vivo or in organ culture.

1) A method was developed to measure the activity of DNA dependent RNA polymerase reactions I (alpha-amanitin-insensitive) and II (alpha-amanitin-sensitive) in homogenates of very small amounts of tissue. This technique was used to study the activity of these polymerase reactions in limb buds from mouse embryos developing in vivo or in an organ culture system. This culture system allows the morphogenetic differentiation of limb buds in early stages of embryonic development (day 10-11 of gestation greater than or equal to 37 - 45 pairs of somites) from a blastema stage to well recognizable cartilaginous bone analgen. 2) An increase in the activities of both types of RNA polymerases was found to occur in vivo in limb buds on day 12 of gestation when compared with the activity measured on day 11 of gestation. A similar increase with a maximum about 24-48h after initiation of the cultures could be observed in the explants differentiating in organ culture. To our knowledge this is the first time that induction processes proceeding in mammalian embryonic tissues could be correlated with an increased activity of RNA polymerases. 3)A rough estimate shows that the rate of transcription due to RNA polymerase I measured in homogenates or in isolated nuclei (measured with substrate concentrations giving about 80% of the maximal rate) would account for the assumed rate of rRNA synthesis in vivo. The measurement of the RNA polymerase activity in isolated nuclei, thus, may give some information about the transcriptional processes occurring under "physiological" conditions. 4) The mammalian organ culture system presented provides a suitable model for studying embryonic differentiation processes.


Constitutional chromosomal breakage.

There were 18 individuals found to have a constitutional chromosome fragility causing an increase in break frequency. For each chromosome the breakpoint is always the same, whether it involves chromosomes from the same person, the same family, or different families. The fragile points are bands 10q24, 12q13, 16q21, 17p12, and Xq27. Autosomal constitutional fragility does not seem to have a phenotypic correspondence. They were found mostly in parents of children with chromosomal abnormalities or in couples with a history of repeated spontaneous abortions which permits one to raise the possibility of an interchromosomal effect. The six constitutional chromosomal fragilities of the X chromosome had in common the association of mental deficiency, delayed speech, and large malformed ears. The break points in constitutional chromosomal fragility were compared to those of spontaneous breaks in vitro, to those induced by X-rays, and to those in Fanconi's anemia. The theoretical  consequences of these structural abnormalities are discussed as well as what to do about them when they are found.


Volatile nitrosamines in fried bacon.

Higher levels of NPy and NDMA in cooked bacon and its cooked-out fat were associated with those cures which contained higher levels of nitrite, but no correlation between nitrosamine concentrations and initial nitrate levels was observed. There was a higher proportion of nitrosamines in cooked-out fat than in cooked bacon, but by far the greatest amounts were lost in the vapours produced during cooking.


Determination of eight volatile nitrosamines in thirty cured meat products with capillary gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry: the presence of nitrosodiethylamine and the absence of nitrosopyrrolidine.

Five samples each of six cured meat products were analysed for the presence of eight volatile nitrosamines. A combined steam distillation-extraction step at pH 8-9 plus a concentration step were used for preparation of extracts. These were analysed, without further clean-up, using a coupled capillary GC-HRMS system at a resolution of 4 000. The MS was used in the fixed mass mode, but after the retention time of each nitrosamine the mass adjustment was tuned to the mass of the next nitrosamine. This combination allowed not only an unambiguous identification of the nitrosamines but also their direct quantitative determination. The products investigated were cooked ham, fermented sausage, raw bacon, mildly fried bacon, fried minced mean and smoked meat. Only one nitrosamine, NDEA, was sometimes found to be present in relatively large amounts. It occurred in two of the bacon samples; the concentration increased during mild frying from 4 and 13 mug/kg to 16 and 43 mug/kg, respectively. It was also present in two of the smoked meat samples in amounts of 7 and 91 mug/kg, respectively. Its identity was further confirmed on a second and third capillary column also coupled to the MS, and by direct introduction of the extracts into the MS at a resolution of 15 000. A silicon compound with practically the same retention time and mass as NDMA, which originates from the antifoam agents used as shown by other investigators, was found in the extracts in amounts corresponding to abuot 2 mug/kg of product. Nevertheless, seven samples were found positively to contain NDMA in amounts of 2-6 mug/kg. NMEA, NMPA, NMBA and NDPA could not be detected in any of the samples, nor could NPip or NPy. That no NPy (i.e., less than 50 mug/kg) was found in the fried bacon samples may be due to the mild frying method used. The use only of capillary GC with a nitrogen-selective detector, without further sample clean up, would have led to many false-positive results due to the presence of other nitrogen-containing compounds.


Nitrosamines in cured meat products.

One hundred samples of specially selected spiced meat products (sausages, salami, bologna, wieners, meat loaf, canned luncheon mean, etc) were analysed for nitrate, nitrite and volatile nitrosamines. None of the samples contained high levels of nitrosamines, but many contained traces, generally in the range from 2-50 mug/kg. Some contained as many as four nitrosamines, namely, NDMA, NDEA, NPip and NPy. In a few cases the samples were reanalysed after two weeks' storage at 4 or -20 degrees C, but no significant change in the nitrosamine levels could be detected. The identity of the nitrosamines was confirmed by GLC-high-resolution-MS.


Identification and quantitative determination of nitrosoproline and nitrososarcosine and preliminary investigations on nitrosohydroxyproline in cured meat products.

A method for the quantitative determination of certain nonvolatile N-nitrosoamino acids has been developed. After a clean up procedure, using liquid-liquid extraction and ion exchange separation, the nitrosoamino acids are determined either by GC after conversion to their methylesters or by photolysis and subsequent determination of formed nitrite ion. Identification is made by GC-MS. Nitrosoproline and nitrososarcosine can be determined unambiguously; work on nitrosohydroxy-proline is in progress. Analysis of some cured meat products has shown that nitrosoproline may be present in relatively large amounts (340-440 mug/kg, confirmed by GC-MS) as compared to the amounts of volatile in notrosamines commonly found in these products. A trace of nitrososarcosine (about 10 mug/kg) was found in one product.


The relation between the determinable quantities of volatile N-nitroso compounds and the peroxide number in soya bean oil.

Comparative studies of soya bean oil with and without addition of N-nitroso compounds (NDMA and NDEA) at different hydroperoxide concentrations have shown that the determinable quantities of substances having the retention time of N-nitroso compounds in soya bean oil and of nitrosoamines added to the oil are dependent upon the peroxide number. The determination was carried out by gas chromatography (nitrogen detector, nitrogen-sensitive, flame-ionization detector) prior to and following irradiation with UV light (360 nm). When the peroxide number was above 4, the determinability and the recovery were reduced by more than 60 per cent. In advanced autoxidation and after reduced recoveries, large amounts of NMDA and NDEA may be encountered for a short time. A possible linkage between N-nitroso compounds and peroxide is discussed. Comparative investigations of soya beans, crude oil, intermediates and commercially available steamed oils have revealed that the concentrations of the compounds with NDMA and NDEA properties in crude oil (peroxide number about 3) is higher than in soya beans. The recovery of these compounds is very poor in intermediate products with high peroxide numbers (about 5 to 9). However, N-nitroso compounds can be demonstrated in commercially available oils treated with steam (peroxide number about 0.7), although to a lesser extent than in crude oil.


Prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in cattle slaughtered at an Ohio abattoir.

Specimens of heart, diaphragm and, in 159 instances, esophagus were taken from 352 cattle slaughtered in an Ohio abattoir. The total weight of the material was 32 kg, and this was fed to 12 specific-pathogen-free cats to test for Toxoplasma infectivity. None of the 12 cats acquired Toxoplasma infection, as evidenced by their failure to excrete oocysts or to develop antibodies, and by failure to isolate Toxoplasma from their tissues by inoculation into mice. In further tests, a 650-g sample of beef from 77 of the 352 cattle was digested in 1% trypsin, then inoculated intraperitoneally into 40 mice. Toxoplasma was not isolated from the mice. Serums from 186 of the 352 cattle were inactivated at 60 C for 1 hour, then examined by the Sabin-Feldman (dye) test for antibodies to Toxoplasma. None had titers of more than 1:8. Of the 186 serums, 77 were also examined for antibodies in the indirect hemagglutination test. One had a titer of 1:64, which was considered nonspecific. Thus, evidence for Toxoplasma infection was not found in 352 cattle.


A serologic survey of a population of Georgia dogs for Brucella canis and an evaluation of the slide agglutination test.

In a serologic survey of stray and pet dog populations of Georgia, serums were screened for Brucella canis antibodies, using the slide agglutination test. If results were positive, B canis antibody titers were determined, using the standard tube agglutination test. The stray dogs had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher titers than did the pet dogs. The reactor rate was 58% higher for the slide agglutination test than for the tube agglutination test. The manufacturer's  evaluation of the slide agglutination test was based on a comparison of the serologic results of that test with those of the tube agglutination test, using a comparative method that permitted the results to be interpreted as 99% agreement between the 2 tests. Reevaluation of the manufacturer's data by a different method indicated that the slide agglutination test is very accurate when the results are negative (99.7% specific) but less so when the results are positive (62.5% sensitive).


Evaluation of a modified water-deprivation test for diagnosis of polyuric disorders in dogs.

A modified water-deprivation test was performed on 12 polyuric and 4 clinically normal dogs. Immediately after maximal urine osmolality had been achieved with water deprivation, antidiuretic hormone was injected to test further renal concentrating ability. The test provided accurate diagnosis of severe hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus in 3 dogs, partial diabetes insipidus in 2 dogs, and primary (psychogenic) polydipsia in 2 dogs. Five polyuric dogs with hyperadreno corticism had a response to the modified water-deprivation test similar to that of dogs with partial diabetes indipidus.


Scanning electron microscopy of the endometrium during the secretory phase.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the rabbit endometrium during the secretory phase of the oestrous cycle. The free surfaces of ciliated and of inactive active secretory cells are described. Changes in secretory cell surface morphology resulting from accumulation and secretion of material involve the apparent retraction of microvilli and the formation of one or more bulbous protrusions of the cell's apical surface. These protrusions may be relatively smooth surfaced or exhibit long  slender micro-extensions. The protrusions grow in size and are eventually pinched off. Loss of the bulbous protrusions often leaves behind crater-like invaginations of the cell's surface. Secretory cells adjacent to the endometrial glands are the first to exhibit signs of mucin accumulation and secretion. The single cilium of a secretory cell is not apparently affected by the secretory process. Signs of ciliated and secretory cell degeneration, and possible sloughing, are also described.


Genetic influence on normal variability of maximum expiratory flow-volume curves.

To determine the importance of genetic influence on the variability of maximum expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves in normal individuals, MEFV curves breathing air and a mixture of 80% helium and 20% oxygen (He-O2), lung volumes, specific airway conductance, and closing capacity (CC) were obtained in 10 pairs of identical and 6 pairs of nonidentical twins, all nonsmokers and asymptomatic. For a given pair of identical twins, MEFV curves on air were more similar than those of a pair of nonidentical twins (P less than 0.02). The intrapair differences of identical twins were smaller than nonidentical twins of maximum expiratory flow (Vmax) at 60% of total lung capacity (TLC) on air (P less than 0.001) and on He-O2 (P less than 0.01). However, intrapair differences of Vmax at 40% TLC and CC were not significantly different in the two groups. Since Vmax at 60% TLC on air and He-O2 are dependent on the geometry of large airways these findings are suggestive that the geometry of large airways may be related to genetic factors. The relationship of the geometry of the peripheral airways and genetic factors has not been defined.


Molecular weight estimation of protoheme ferro-lyase by radiation inactivation.

The molecular weight of protoheme ferro-lyase [EC 4.99.1.1], a mitochondrial enzyme, was estimated by the radiation inactivation method. Irradiation in vacuo caused less inactivation than that in air. The approximate molecular weight determined by this method was in the range from 250,000 to 320,000. The significance of the location of the enzyme in connection with its role in heme synthesis is discussed on the basis of Singer's membrane theory.