Theatre and community: 'the Tent of Joseph'.

The rationale of community theatre is discussed and its mental health and social goals set forth; these are the mobilisation of creativity through the construction of an original community drama and, impelled by this and its performance, activity for community organisation. An original project in Israel and its first stages of implementation are reported and analysed.


Growth and ultrastructure of Streptomyces venezuelae during chloramphenicol production.

Streptomyces venezuelae (3022a) was grown in flask cultures and fermentors, using three media having differential effects on chloramphenicol production. Micromorphology, ultrastructure and chloramphenicol concentrations were studied during the growth cycle in each medium. Chloramphenicol production was greatest in the glycerol-serine-lactate (GSL) medium, less in the glycerol-nutrient broth-yeast extract (GNY) medium and very low in glucose-mineral salts (GA) medium. In GSL and GA, much growth was in the form of microcolonies, especially in flask cultures, while short hyphal fragments predominated in GNY. The major ultrastructural features were the high frequency of mesosomes in fragmenting hyphae in GNY, and electron-transparent zones which appeared during chloramphenicol synthesis in GSL. None of the structural abnormalities induced by chloramphenicol in sensitive organisms were observed in S. venezuelae despite high levels of the antibiotic in GSL medium.


Fatty acid profiles of Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10832 grown on synthetic mediun with sucrose, fructose or sorbitol.

Streptococcus mutans NCTC 10832 was grown on synthetic medium in a chemostat, using various major carbon sources, viz, sorbitol, fructose and sucrose. Freeze-dried cells were methylated and the methyl esters analysed by GLC. The fatty acid profiles obtained showed small quantitative change with different sugars, sucrose concentrations and types of growth.


Early changes in the ultrastructure of the pars intermedia of the pituitary of Xenopus laevis after change of background color.

Stereological analysis of the secretory cells of the pars intermedia of Xenopus laevis over a period of 3 days following the transfer of animals from a white to a black background has revealed that significant alterations in the ultrastructural appearance of these cells can be detected 8 h after the transfer. In particular, changes in the secretory granules and the rough endoplasmic reticulum were found to correlate well with previous reports concerning the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) content and the capacity for protein synthesis of the pars intermedia.


Comparison between hypothalamic, hippocampal and septal multiple unit activity and basal corticotropic function in unrestrained, unanesthetized resting pigeons.

Multiple unit activity (MUA) was obtained from various forebrain regions in unanesthetized, unrestrained resting pigeons throughout the whole photoperiod and compared with plasma corticosterone levels. The pattern of electrical activity recorded from the adrenocorticotropic area of the hypothalamus showed diurnal variations which paralleled the plasma corticosterone fluctuations during the 24 h photoperiod. Both parameters were low in the late afternoon and the evening and high in the early morning. Hypothalamic activation slightly preceded the peak o corticosteronemia. Conversely, in hippocampal (H) and septal (S) regions, the peak of MUA occurred in phase opposition with respect to the hypothalamic peak, and there was a marked decrease of firing rates at the moment when adrenocorticotropic activation was initiated.


Metyrapone inhibition of 3H-hydrocortisone uptake and binding in various brain regions of the pig.

Metyrapone (MET) inhibition of hydrocortisone (3H-HC) uptake binding in the cytosol and nucleus of various brain regions of the pig was demonstrated in vivo. The hippocampus, hypothalamus and septum were the regions most sensitive to the inhibition by MET. The hippocampus exhibited the greatest reduction in 3H-HC concentration in whole homogenate, bound in cytosol and in nuclei. The anterior pituitary and cerebral cortex were the least sensitive to MET. In vitro incubation of hypothalami with 3H-HC and MET substantiated the results obtained in vivo with regard to the inhibitory action of MET on 3H-HC uptake and binding. These results were interpreted to indicate the MET may act directly in certain brain regions and that this inhibitory aciton has important implications for both experimental and clinical uses of this drug.


Production of weanling rat ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic syndromes by electrolytic lesions with platinum-iridium electrodes.

Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral anodic electrolytic lesions with platinum-iridium (PtIr) electrodes in the ventromedial (VMN) and dorsomedial (DMN) hypothalamic areas. Sham-operated rats served as controls. The rats were maintained for 48 days (experiment 1) and 33 days (experiment 2) and food intake, body weight (b.w.), nose-tail length and obesity index were recorded. The data of both experiments indicate that all parameters change in the same direction, as they do when lesions are produced with anodic stainless steel electrodes: in the VMN-P-lesioned animals, b.w. gains and overall mean food intake were normal, carcass fat increased and linear growth was reduced. In experiment 2, however, there was a temporary hyperphagia during the 1st 2 weeks of the study. In the DMN-lesioned rats, both ponderal and linear growth and food intake were decreased but body composition was normal. Plasma obtained at sacrifice in experiment 2 showed slight but significant hyperinsulinemia in the VMN rats (p less than 0.02 vs control and p less than 0.05 vs DMN rats). Prolactin (PRL) levels, on the other hand, were higher in the DMN-lesioned rats (p less than 0.05 vs control and p less than 0.02 vs VMN rats). The data indicate that the changes characteristic of the weanling rat VMN and DMN syndrmes are due to 'true' tissue destruction rather than to artifactitious side effects of the lesions. They also suggest, therefore, than an 'irritative focus' hypothesis is not required to account for the observed alterations. They further suggest that the DMN may play role in the control of PRL release.


Autoradiographic localization of estradiol-concentrating cells in the female hamster brain.

Autoradiographic methods were used to study the location of estrogen-concentrating cells in the brain of the female hamster. In the hypothalamus, well-labelled cells were reliably found in the posterior medial preoptic area (MPOA), the anterior hypothalamus (AHA), and the ventromedial (VM), arcuate (ARC) and ventral premammillary nuclei (VPM). In the limbic system, well-labelled cells were found in the ventro-lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the medial and cortical nuclei of the amygdala. Labelled cells, in small numbers, were also detected in the mesencephalic central gray (CG), lateral hypothalamus, subiculum and entorhinal cortex. The neuroanatomical pattern of estrogen-concentrating cells in the hamster supports the concept of a generalized vertebrate pattern. Furthermore, a comparison of hamster and rat patterns of cellular 3H-estradiol (3H-E2) concentration appears to suggest that species differences in their responsiveness to estrogen may be paralleled by differences in estrogen binding.


Selective actions of prolactin on catecholamine turnover in the hypothalamus and on serum LH and FSH.

The effects of prolactin (PRL) administration on catecholamine turnover in various brain regions of ovariectomized rats were determined by observing the decline of dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations after alpha-methyltyrosine (alphaMT) administration. PRL had no effect on the steady state concentration of dopamine in the median eminence, anterior hypothalamus and corpus striatum or on the norepinephrine concentration in the anterior hypothalamus. However, PRL selectively enhanced dopamine turnover in the median eminence and anterior hypothalamus after a latent period of 10-26 h. In addition, PRL administration significantly decreased serum concentrations of LH and FSH. These results suggest that the PRL-induced increase in activity of dopaminergic neurons in the median eminence or anterior hypothalamus may be responsible for the reduction of the post-castration rise in serum concentrations of LH and FSH.


Effect of ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic lesions on circadian corticosterone rhythms.

Weanling rats received bilateral electrolytic lesions in the dorsomedial (DMH) or ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic areas destroying primarily the dorsomedial (DMN) or ventromedial (VMN) hypothalamic nuclei. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Lesions in the VMN and DMN, both of which have previously been shown to disrupt normal diurnal feeding rhythms, were also observed to disrupt normal plasma corticosterone rhythms in the present study. The a.m. values of plasma corticosterone in the DMN-lesioned rats were higher than the sham-operated controls. In the p.m., the values of both VMN- and DMN-lesioned rats were lower than those of the controls but unchanged in comparison to their own a.m. concentrations. This disruption of the normal diurnal plasma corticosterone rhythm persisted for at least 9 post-operative weeks.


Ovarian control of gonadotropin secretion during induced precocious sexual maturation in the rat.

In sexually immature female rats 'primed' with a unilateral basal hypothalamic lesion on day 23 of life, a gonadotropin surge was triggered by progesterone (P) on day 26. The influence of sequential ovariectomy (OVX) on this response was studied in an attempt to elucidate the mode of action of brain lesions inducing precocious sexual maturation in this species. OVX, carried out on days 23-26, abolished or greatly reduced the LH surge, but had little effect on basal LH concentrations. In contrast, basal FSH concentrations rose rapidly after OVX. In lesioned rats, the post-castration rise of FSH could be prevented by leaving the ovaries in place during the 1st 24 or 48 h. It is concluded that the lesion-induced maturation of the positive feedback mechanism underlying the pubertal preovulatory gonadotropin surge is mediated by the ovaries. In prepubertal rats at this age, tonic FSH release, but not tonic LH release, is under tight negative feedback control.


Effects of continuous light and darkness, and of pinealectomy, adrenalectomy and gonadectomy on uptake of 3H-serotonin by the suprachiasmatic nuclear region of male rats.

Rats exposed to continuous light show no significant differences in serotonin (5-HT) uptake by the suprachiasmatic nuclear region (SNR) at 10.00 and 22.00 L, while in continuous darkness, the uptake at 10.00 D is significantly higher than uptake at 22.00 D. In consideration of the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in light-mediated control of neuroendocrine activity, this suggests endogenous generation or control of this uptake rhythm. An effect of sham-pinealectomy in decreasing 5-HT uptake was found, but cannot be fully interpreted at this time. The lack of effect of castration or adrenalectomy suggests that these endocrines have little if any direct effect on 5-HT mechanisms in the SNR.


Further studies on the effects of adrenergic, serotonergic and cholinergic drugs on the afternoon surge of plasma prolactin in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats.

The involvement of adrenergic, serotonergic and cholinergic mechanisms in the diurnal surge of plasma prolactin (Prl) secretion has been examined using ovariectomized, polyestradiol phosphate-treated (PEP) rats bearing aortic catheters. An afternoon surge in plasma Prl was observed to peak at 15.00 h and 17.00 h followed by declining levels at 19.00 and 21.00 h. This pattern was observed between 5 and 21 days after PEP administration. The alpha-adrenergic blocker, phenoxybenzamine (Phenox), completely prevented the Prl surge. The beta-blocker, propranolol (Propra), appeared to delay the onset and intensity of the diurnal Prl surge so that maximum levels were observed at 19.00 and 21.00 h. The serotonergic blocker, methysergide (MES), delayed the maximum diurnal Prl level until 21.00 h, while cyproheptadine (Cypro), another serotonergic blocker, significantly inhibited the surge. The muscarinic cholinergic agonist, arecoline (Arec), when administered at 12.00 h, delayed the surge, while the repeated administration of Arec completely blocked the surge. Atropine (Atro) (10 m/kg at 12.00 h and 5 mg/kg every 2 h thereafter) did not have any effect on the Prl surge, but when administered simultaneously with Arec, prevented the inhibitory effect of Arec on Prl release. The data suggested that the adrenergic and serotonergic systems have a positive input in the occurrence and magnitude of the surge and that the cholinergic system does not appear to have a physiologic role in tonically inhibiting Prl release, but may function under certain special conditions.


Influence of dopaminergic agonists and antagonists on serum prolactin concentrations in the rat.

Inhibitors of dopaminergic neurotransmission, such as reserpine (RES), given alone or combined with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MpT)or Ro 4-4602, as well as haloperidol (HAL) and sulpiride (SUL), induced highly elevated serum prolactin (Prl) concentrations in intact rats. In contrast, the dopaminergic agonists apomorphine (APO), lisuride hydrogen meleate (LHM), D-amphetamine (AMPH), piribedil and L-dopa greatly lowered the high serum Prl concentrations in female rats induced by i.p. pretreatment with 2 mg/kg RES. Additional inhibition of catecholamine synthesis in RES-treated animals by alpha-MpT abolished the effect of AMPH, which indicates that the effect of this compound is mediated through newly synthesized dopamine (DA), while the effect of APO and LHM remained unchanged. Inhibition of dopa decarboxylation by Ro 4-4602 within the whole body abolished the effect of L-dopa, while lower dosages of Ro 4-4602, which do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, had less effect. The noradrenergic receptor-stimulating agent clonidine (CLON) had no Prl-lowering effect in RES-treated female rats. In hypophysectomized rats bearing 4 pituitaries transplanted under the kidney capsule, APO and LSM still lowered serum Prl concentrations, while AMPH had no effect; SUL produced a strong increase. These results support the hypothesis that DA has a dominant role as an inhibitor of Prl secretion by acting itself as the Prl inhibiting factor (PIF) on dopaminergic receptors located within the pituitary.


Progressive facial hemiatrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome).

Three cases of progressive facial hemiatrophy are presented. In all three cases there is evidence of localised scleroderma or morphea in association with the facial hemiatrophy. This would seem to support the contention that the two disorders are closely related. In two cases, ocular complications are prominent and in one Raynaud's phenomena provide clear asymmetrical dilatation of the lateral ventricle suggest that there may be a central rather than a peripheral cause for the sympathetic overactivity.


Electrophysiological and pathological studies in spinocerebellar degenerations.

Electrophysiological and pathological studies have been performed on the peripheral nerves of patients with spinocerebellar degenerations. In Friedreich's ataxia there is impairment of sensory conduction and mild slowing of motor conduction which may be correlated with loss of large diameter fibres in the sural nerve. The abnormalities in Friedreich's ataxia are present early, in the first decade. In hereditary spastic paraparesis the nerve conduction studies and sural nerve biopsy are normal. In the other spinocerebellar degeneration and a mild loss of myelinated fibres in the sural nerve. However the abnormalities differ from those seen in Friedreich's ataxia.


The use of clonazepam in the treatment of tic douloureux (a preliminary report).

Results are reported of a preliminary trial with clonazepam in 19 patients with trigeminal neuralgia refractory to carbamazepine treatment. In this series of patients, 13 (68.4%) showed excellent or good improvement. No serious side-effects were seen. The pharmacology and mechanism of action of clonazepam are discussed. It is suggested that patients with trigeminal neuralgia, who do not respond to carbamazepine, should be given clonazepam before surgery is considered.


Serial nerve conduction studies in patients with maturity onset diabetes mellitus.

Serial study of peripheral nerve conduction in 18 patients with recently diagnosed maturity onset diabetes mellitus during a period of treatment of hyperglycaemia for 21/2 years showed improvement in motor conduction progressive increase in mixed nerve conduction velocity, but at the same time progressive fall of amplitude of sensory nerve action potentials. It is argued that two independent metabolic processes may underlie peripheral nerve dysfunction in these patients, only one of which is benefically affected by control of hyperglycaemia.


The continual administration of neostigmine and the neuromuscular junction.

The effect of continual administration of neostigmine on the neuromuscular junction of the rat diaphragm was examined by determining the number of quanta of acetylcholine released by each nerve impulse, the effect of differing repetition rats on quantal release and the amplitude and frequency of miniature end-plate potentials. The number of quanta of acetylcholine released at a nerve impulse repetition rate of 1/sec was reduced to 51% of normal in treated animals. The reduction was greater at faster repetition rates. The amplitude of miniature end-plate potentials was reduced to 75% of normal. This reduction appears to be due to blocking of receptor sites rather than the reduction in the amount of acetylcholine in each quantum. The frequency of spontaneous miniature end-plate potentials was reduced in treated animals.


Evoked potential studies in neurological disorders.

Techniques for recording and analysing visual and somatosensory evoked reponses using an on-line PDP 11/40 computer have been developed and applied to a group of subjects with established or suspected multiple sclerosis as well as to patients with a variety of other lesions of the visual pathways, myoclonic epilepsy and functional neurological deficits. The most consistent responses were obtained using the pattern reversal visual evoked response and the spinal somatosensory evoked response, abnormal responses being found with both techniques in a significant number of patients with suspected demyelinating disease even in the absence of symptoms or signs referable to the visual or somatosensory pathways. The complementary role of these techniques in the detection of sub-clinical abnormalities of conduction in sensory pathways in patients with suspected MS is emphasized.


Computerized axial tomography findings in a group of patients with migrainous headaches.

Computerized axial tomography of the cranium has been carried out in 46 patients referred because recurring migrainous headaches. Increasing frequency or severity of headaches or a change in headache pattern were the usual reasons for referral. Abnormalities were found in 37 cases and fell into 4 categories. The most frequent (21 cases) consisted of a mild degree of oedema in the white matter of one or both cerebral hemispheres. This was usually bi-frontal (15 patients) but was more extensive in 2 patients. Varying degrees of cerebral atrophy, as determined by widening of the Sylvian, brain-stem and interhemispheric cisterns, and/or widening of the third and lateral ventricles as compared to a group of normal scans, was found in 8 cases. Areas of occipital infarction were found in 4 patients with permanent visual field defects. Unexpected small areas of infarction were found in the temporal lobe in 2 other cases. Cerebral tumours were found in 2 cases. The significance of these findings is discussed, as well as the possible role of migrainous vaso-spasm with consequent changes in cerebral blood flow in the pathogenesis of oedema and atrophy in migraine subjects.


Three cases of post traumatic vascular headache treated by surgery.

Three cases are reported of vascular headache following trauma and which failed to respond adequately to standard therapy for migraine. In each case the effect of ligation of the arteries involved has been dramatic, with complete and lasting relief in two cases.


A unique case of derangement of vitamin B12 metabolism.

The case is described of a child, age 6 1/2 years, with retarded mental development, mild neurological signs and abnormal metabolism of sulphur-containing amino acids and methylmalonate, due to an inborn error in the formation of vitamin B12 coenzymes. The patient was treated for almost three years with hydroxycobalamin, folic acid, pyridoxine and choline. Though physical growth was normal, she continued to demonstrate a moderate degree of mental retardation. A brother of the patient died at the age of 5 years, probably of a similar, but undiagnosed, disorder. As far as we are aware there are only four other reported cases similar to the case described here. Two of these patients died and in other other two the defect was so mild that no treatment was necessary and who, in fact, showed appreciable improvement during the follow-up period, which to date amounts to 3 years and 3 months. For reasons detailed in the discussion, it is suggested that the diagnosis of homocystinuria is not complete until studies of folate and vitamin B12 metabolism are undertaken at the same time, so as to identify the metabolic defect(s) responsible for the condition.


Epilepsy and driving.

205 actual and potential drivers suffering from epilepsy were examined over a period of nine years in Tasmania under a State scheme whereby all such persons are referred to one neurologist. In Tasmania 0.3% of all road traffic accidents were due to epilepsy. 16% of the total who had had an accident had failed to disclose their disability and another 10% who were non-accident cases had similarly concealed their epilepsy. Only about 28% of the expected number (per year) of new cases of epilepsy in drivers disclose their complaint. Alcohol was a significant association with epilepsy in just over 8%. Medication should continue for at least three consecutive fit-free years and preferable five years. Only two out of 170 drivers approved to drive had a subsequent accident due to epilepsy.


Pattern visual evoked potentials in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and other disorders.

The diagnostic value of pattern visual evoked potentials has been assessed in a pilot study of 22 patients with proven or suspected multiple sclerosis. Of 7 patients satisfying McAlpin's criteria for diagnosing definite multiple sclerosis, 6 had delayed potentials. Four of 5 patients with probable multiple sclerosis, and 5 of 10 patients with possible multiple sclerosis, had delayed potentials. Ten patients with delayed potentials had no history of optic neuritis. Changes in the evoked potential with other neurological conditions that may affect the visual system are also described.


Some aspects of tuberculous meningitis in Surabaya.

Eighty tuberculous meningitis patients who were seen in the neurological clinics in Surabaya between the January 1971 and January 1975 were asked to cooperate in a double blind clinical trial. One group was given isoniazid, streptomycin and p-aminosalicylic acid, the other group was given isioniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and a protease. The outcome after the treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol was significantly better than that with isoniazed, streptomycin and p-aminosalicylic acid. The clinical and laboratory symptoms and signs are reviewed in detail.


An animal model for the study of drugs in the central nervous system.

An animal model which allowed repetitive sampling of CSF is described. It had a wide potential application and was used to study the passage of clonazepam into the central nervous system. A highly sensitive clonazepam assay is described which allow measurement of CSF and free serum concentrations as low as 0.5 ng/ml. Clonazepam passed rapidly into the central nervous system and its CSF concentration closely approximated to the concentration of unbound clonazepam in serum. Protein binding of clonzaepam in the sheep was 90-95%.


The effects of phenobarbitone dose on plasma phenobarbitone levels in epileptic patients.

The relation between plasma phenobarbitone level and phenobarbitone dose was studied in 121 patients. The relation changed with age, the dosage requirement (on a day weight basis) tending to fall as patients grew older. Males under 5 years had a higher dosage requirement than females of the same age, but otherwise sex did not affect the relationship, nor did the concurrent intake of the anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine or sulthiame. In the individual, plasma phenobarbitone levels tended to increase out of proportion of dosage increases. These findings can provide a basis for prescribing appropriate phenobarbitone doses in epileptics.


On the visual disturbances associated with massive basal aneurysms.

When massive basal aneurysms compromise the anterior visual pathways the resulting disturbances of vision are diverse and a firm clinical diagnosis is difficult. Because of the rarity of the condition, a critical analysis of the visual defects was made in five personally studied patients with large anterior basal aneurysms in an effort to clarify the clinical features of the disorder. These observations were related to those reported in larger series of patients by Jefferson and Bull. This study gives support to the opinion that the commonest visual defect seen with massive basal aneurysms is impairment of visual acuity, followed next in frequency by bitemporal hemianopia, and then by junction scotoma.


de Broglie waves in amoeboid motility.

The de Broglie wave equation has been applied to the study of amoeboid motility. This leads to precise predictions of wavelengths displayed by the cellular membrane during motility. Motile amoeba are compared to non-biological systems showing de Broglie wave behavior, and three simple experiments are suggested.


Chemiluminescence of cigarette smoke.

Chemiluminescence from cigarette smoke (aerosol) and smoke "extracts" (suspensoids) are described. The emissons from aqueous and organic suspensoids persist for hours, are proportional to oxygen solubilities, possess energy of at least 1.8 electron volts, and display characteristics which suggest that the emissions may be partially sensitized by singlet oxygen.


Bone lipids of marine fishes.

Assessment of candidates for investigation of bone lipid metabolism yielded the following findings. (1) A tropical marine butterflyfish, Chaetodon ornatissimus, had oil-filled bones (66-80% lipid, percent dry weight) hence may be a suitable condidate. (2) The tropical marine fishes Exallias brevis, Pomacentrus jenkensi, and Chromus agilis, and a Canadian fish Sebastes ruberrimus, had intermediate quantities of oil in their bones (12-49% lipid). (3) In all the foregoing species the major bone lipid was triglyceride, usually more abundant in skull than spine. Sterol and phospholipid were also present. (4) The major fatty acids of the triglycerides (and phospholipids) were 16:0, 18:0, 18:1, and C20, C22 acids. Those acids were dominated by 20:4, 20:5, 22:5, and 22:6. (5) There was more total unsaturation in the bone lipids of S. ruberrimus (from 10 degrees C water; 67-72% unsaturation) compared to the tropical fish (from 25 degrees C water; 32-67% unsaturation) with the exception of E. brevis. (6) One of the tropical species (Arothron meleagris) and a Canadian Chimaeran (Hydrolagus colliei) contained only 1-3% lipid in their bones.


Models for biological ion exchangers. II. Solvent selectivity in DMSO-water-Dowex 50W.

Dimethylsulfoxide-water-Dowex 50W-X8 systems are characterized by measurements of solvent selectively and proton magnetic resonance spectra. The H+-, Li+-, NH4+-, NHe4+-, NBu4+-, Mg2+-, Zn2+-, and La3+- forms are studied over a wide range of binary-solvent mole fractions. The relative selectivities for water by the ion exchanger, based on an integrated Kipling parameter, are Zn2+-form (reference) --1.00, Mg2+ --0.43, La3+ --0.38, Li+ +0.17, NMe4+ 0.20, NH4+ 0.31, NBU4+ 0.33, and H+ 0.68, the polyvalent counterions preferring DMSO. All of the ionic forms except the NH4+-form exhibit over much of the mole fraction range separations between the external water and the internal water peaks exceeding 50 Hz, the magnitude of the separation varying with the counter-ion. Comparison of results is facilitated by maintaining a constant ratio between the total number of moles of solvent and the number of equivalents of ions exchanger.


Studies on a patient with iminopeptiduria. I. Identification of urinary iminopeptides.

A patient suffering from recurrent ulcers on the legs was found to excrete large amounts of iminodipeptides in the urine. Among the iminodipeptides excreted, Glu-Hyp, Asp-Pro, Glu-Pro, Leu-Hyp, Gly-Pro, Thr-Pro, Ser-Pro, Ala-Pro, Val-Pro, Ile-Pro, Leu-Pro, and Phe-Pro were identified and their quantities estimated. Some of the iminopeptides had to be synthesized for purposes of identification.


The role of product release in enzyme catalysis.

Conceptual definitions of maximal velocity and the Michaelis constant are provided that do not involve the assumption of any rate-determining step. The experimental basis of those definitions is a combination of pre-steady state and steady state kinetic observations.


Experimental evidence for high-temperature organic fractional superconduction in cholates.

Experimental data are presented indicating that six organic compounds (homologous cholates) possess properties associated with high-temperature superconductivity. From magnetic and electrical measurements it is deduced that behavior resembling superconductivity occurs below characteristic transition temperatures in small domains included in the insulating bulk of the sample material, which is therefore designated a fractional o Type III superconductor. The six cholates exhibit this superconductivity below transition temperatures ranging from approximately 7.5 degrees K for sodium dioxycholate to 277 degrees K for sodium cholanate. It has been further established that the diamagnetic shifts with temperature cannot be attributed to ferrielectric, ferroelectric, or capacitive effects. Below the transition temperatures the cholates behave like perfect diamagnets, susceptible to forceful repulsion by a moderate magnetic field. Observed in a sensitive susceptometer, magnetic flux trapped in the material gave rise to a 3% remnant magnetic moment. Studied in particular detail were sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, and lithocholic acid, which showed transition temperatures of 30 degrees K, 60 degrees K, and 130 degrees K respectively. The hydrophobic property of the closed four-ring structure (R-group) common to the cholates, along with the hydrophilic property of the carboxylate group (S-group), are responsible for domain formation. Because of those properties, clustering of the S-groups occurs when traces of water are introduced into the material. When followed by slow desiccation, the clusters form the micelles constituting the superconducting domains.


Protection against toxic effects of formaldehyde in vitro, and of methanol or formaldehyde in vivo, by subsequent administration of SH reagents.

Rapid and progressive inactivation in vitro of both alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase by low concentrations of acetaldehyde or formaldehyde is illustrated. This inactivation can be prevented or reversed by glutathione or other SH reagents. Those effects led to investigations in vivo. Rats and mice were injected with concentrations that would result in death in approximately 10 h (methanol) and approximately 4 h (formaldehyde). When 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL), cysteine, or mercaptoethanol was injected (10 min to 3 h) after administration of methanol or formaldehyde, approximately 70% of the animals survived indefinitely; the remaining 30% showed substantial increase in survival time. The findings indicate the possibility of using reagents such as BAL for human therapy and suggest that the toxicity of methanol and formaldehyde is due in part to effects other than acidosis.


[The struggle against dust in the Belgian coal mines. Situation at the beginning of 1976].

The present communication gives a general view of the methods of dust control in the Belgian coal mines at the beginning of 1976. The statistical data received from the mines are presented in tabular form. The length and the output of coal faces treated by the classical methods of pre-spraying of the wall, wet cutting, water infusion and wet pneumatic picks, are given separately; in some cases two or more of these technics are used together on the same coal face. The number of stone drivages in which different methods of dust control are used, is also given.


Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties. I. A new transient-like visual response using a moving windmill (Werblin-type) target.

A human transient-like visual response has been revealed psychophysically with a rotating windmill target, similar to that used by Werblin in his recent studies of the retina of Necturus. The windmill pattern evoked complex perceptual phenomena (important in and of themselves) which were minimized by using a high luminance for the "criterion" flashing test field (relative to its increment threshold), and by moving the four-vaned windmill pattern at a rate of two complete revolutions per second. The transient response, herein defined as the difference in threshold between the stationary and moving windmill conditions, was greatest when the windmill vanes fell completely within the sensitization (inhibition-like) portion of the Westheimer function determined at the same retinal locus. The test has been developed so that it may be readily adapted to available clinical equipment for future diagnostic purposes .


Areal and temporal summation in the thermal reaction time.

It has previously been shown that the reaction time (RT) to radiant heat measures spatial summation of warmth, because the RT decreases with increases in both the areal extent and the intensity (flux density) of the heat. The previous studies of RT let the response terminate the stimulus exposure and thus introduced a confounding between stimulus duration and intensity, since the weaker the stimulus is, the longer it is presented. The present study shows the RT reflects spatial summation even with a fixed, brief stimulus duration. The precise rules for trading area and intensity that are obtained with fixed-duration pulses differ from those obtained with response-terminated ones, but both sets of functions are consistent with each other and with the results of magnitude estimation if it is assumed that the sensory effect of the heat sums over the stimulus duration, that is, that the RT reflects temporal as well as spatial summation. Two further experiments provide direct evidence for temporal summation.


Some effects of aphasic lesions on order perception.

Twenty-four aphasic, nine brain-damaged, and eight non-brain-damaged patients were tested for their ability to associate odors with visual targets. The results of the experiment show that lesions producing aphasia interfere with the ability to match an odor to a directly corresponding visual target. As aphasics with anterior and posterior lesions performed at similar levels in this task, it was not possible to conclude that the observed deficits were specifically related to temporal lobe functions. The severity of the deficit was greater for more massively lesioned aphasics. The exact nature of the deficit was not clear, but review of the literature and differential results obtained for the two experimental tasks suggest that aphasic lesions may interefere with odor identification.


Attenuation of vibrotactile spatial summation.

Masked and quiet thresholds at several frequencies of vibratory stimuli were measured as a function of contactor area. The test site was the left index  finger; the masking site was the left little finger. The quiet threshold data were consistent with previous investigations: Low-frequency stimuli showed no spatial summation, whereas high-frequency stimuli did. In the presence of a masker, spatial summation was reduced or eliminated for high-frequency stimuli, i.e., the masked threshold was, under some conditions, independent of contactor area. Low-frequency stimuli continued to show no spatial summation in the presence of a masker. The attenuation of spatial summation appears to be a direct function of the intensity of the masking stimulus. Additional measurements with the left thenar eminence as the test site showed that spatial summation could be attenuated by a masker placed on a contralateral body site. The implications of the results for quantifying the effectiveness of a masking stimulus, for the duplex mechanoreceptor hypothesis, and for the nature of spatial summation on the skin are discussed.


Olfaction and the common chemical sense: some psychophysical contrasts.

Three experiments explored the olfactory and the common chemical attributes of sensations produced by various concentrations of n-butyl alcohol. These two attributes combine in an almost-linear fashion to produce the overall perceived intensity of the stimulus. Common chemical intensity makes only a small contribution to overall magnitude at low concentrations, but its proportional contribution increases with concentration. In like manner, speed of response (i.e., reciprocal of reaction time) to the common chemical attribute increases more rapidly than that to odor. Nevertheless, odor always makes its appearance sooner than the common chemical attribute, even when the two attributes are matched in perceived magnitude. Repeated inhalations cause odor intensity to decrease slightly but cause common chemical intensity to increase dramatically. The results obtained from the normal subjects studied here agree with those obtained from subjects with unilateral destruction of the trigeminal nerve.


Evidence in support of the duplex theory of mechanoreception.

Psychophysical thresholds were measured as the frequency, size and duration of vibration on the thenar eminence was varied. The results supported the theory that there are two functionally distinct receptor systems in the skin for the perception of mechanical disturbances. Spatial and temporal summation were found for the detection of high- but not low-frequency stimuli. Furthermore, magnitude estimation data revealed that temporal summation occurs for the perception of high-frequency stimuli presented over a wide range of suprathershold values. On the other hand, temporal summation was absent for low frequency stimuli that were presented at 5, 10, 15, and 20 db above threshold.


The saltatory effect in vision.

Events in vision triggered by brief flashes in train prove to be strictly analogous to those generated in the skin by a succession of taps. A requisite condition for their appearance in vision is projection of the flashes into the peripheral retinal field. Experiments are described that establish the general relation between extent of saltatory leaping and degree of retinal eccentricity and between leaping and retinal subtense of stimulus patches. Additionally, a curious "dip" phenomenon and several qualitative experiments in which color has been used to "tag" the saltatory image are reported.


Interaction of spatial and temporal summation in the warmth sense.

Two experiments explored the interaction of  spatial and temporal summation in the perception of radiant heat. The first experiment showed that the absolute threshold for detecting two brief (0.1 sec) pulses of heat, one presented to each side of the forehead, is lower than the threshold for detecting a single pulse, even when the two pulses are separated in time by as muchas 0l75 sec. The second experiment showed that a single, 4-sec pulse of heat presented to one side of the forehead feels no warmer than two successive, 2-sec pulses, one to each side. Spatial and temporal summation appear to take place at least partly in the central nervous system.


Critical band in auditory lateralization.

A new and powerful procedure for determining frequency analysis in the auditory system, as evidence by the critical band, is described. The onset time difference, delta T, needed to lateralize 30-msec tone bursts toward the leading ear was measured as a function of the frequency difference, delta F, between the brust in one ear and the burst in the other ear. When delta F was less than the critical band, threshold delta T was constant at 100 mu sec or less, depending on center frequency; beyond the critical band, delta T increased with delta F. These dichotically measured critical bandwidths increased from 110 Hz at a center frequency of 500 Hz to 1100 Hz at a center frequency of 6000 Hz. They were unaffected by varying signal level from 25 to 80 dB or signal duration from 10 to 300 msec. The sam e critical-band values have been measured with monaural stimuli in loudness summation, maskin, detection, phase perception, consonance, and so forth.


Effect of double ipsilateral stimulation on vibrotactile sensation magnitude.

The phenomena of enhancement and suppression of vibrotactile subjective magnitude were investigated using a matching procedure. Results support earlier reports for audition and vibrotaction suggesting that enhancement is a fundamental sensory process. The time course is described for suppression of stimuli delivered to several different to several different pats of the body. The results are consistent with earlier studies of vibrotactile masking at threshold levels.


Vibrotactile temporal summation: effect of frequency.

Temporal summation of vibrotactile stimuli was measured at four frequencies (25, 40, 80, and 160 Hz) using a large contactor. Stimulation at 160 Hz gave temporal summation comparable in amount to that reported in previous studies. Stimulation at 25, 40, and 80 Hz gave less summation. The presence of summation at low frequencies is unexpected in view of existing data obtained with small contactors' those data indicate that the afferent system primarily sensitive to low frequencies may not summate stimulus energy over time. The present data suggest either that the low-frequency afferents do summate energy over time or that, under some conditions, the perception of low-frequency signals presented through a large contactor may be mediated by more than one afferent system.


Temporal properties of the human taste system.

An attempt to apply linear systems methods to the temporal properties of the human taste system is described. The percentage modulation in concentration required to detect a fluctuation in intensity was measured as a function of frequency of modulation. Both a sine-wave and a square-wave input were used. The sensitivity of the taste system at its maximum, and also at the low frequencies, was greater than expected from previous work based on classical methodology. The sensitivity of the taste system at its maximum, and also at the low frequencies, was greater then expected from previous work base on classical methodology. The sensitivity of the taste system to the various qualities was, in decreasing order, salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. The taste system in insensitive to frequencies above about 5 Hz. Except for bitter, representatives of the various taste qualities yielded similar functions within qualities.


Satiation in cutaneous saltation.

The extent of cutaneous saltation (the illusory displacement of a tap presented to one skin locus by another tap occurring close in time at another locus) was modified by a "preconditioning" stimulus presented prior to and at a site distant from the saltatory test pattern. The 10-sec vibratory preconditioning (PC) stimulus appears to be analogous to inspection figures that "satiate" the perceptual field in experiments on figural aftereffects, producing changes in the perceived size, position, or shape of subsequent stimuli. The direction of displacement of the saltatory phantom was always away from the locus of the prior PC stimulus, consistent with results observed in studies of visual and kinesthetic aftereffects. Th- amount of repulsion and the rate at which the saltatory phantom returned to its initial position depend on the intensity, locus, and number of PC stimuli. As with figural aftereffects, these results resist explanation by peripheral mechanisms such as adaptation.


Recovery of excitability after gustatory adaptation: effects of stimulus intensity.

The excitability of the rat chorda tympani nerve following adaptation to NaCl was measured by observing the recovery of the transient portion of the integrated neural response. When a single concentration of NaCl was used as a test stimulus, recovery time was positively correlated with the concentration of the adapting solution, a relationship common to a number of other sensory systems. Adapting and testing with the same concentration of NaCl produced very little relationship between concentration and recovery time. It is suggested that the relativley extensive period of postexcitatory depression is due to a prolonged inaccessability of tast receptor sites that results in a reduction in the rate of stimulus-receptor interaction.


[Electron-microscopic study of the nuclear membrane of the PKEV cells during mitosis. 1. The breakdown of the nuclear membrane (prophase, prometaphase, metaphase)].

An ultrastructural study on dividing PKEV cells provided a possibility to distinguish between certain stages of their desintegration. The changes preceding fragmentation of the nuclear envelope commence with desorganization of its structural components: vanishing of granular peripherial chromatin layer; appearance of the pores without central granules; formation of deep invaginations of the nuclear membranes. The desintegration of the nuclear envelope starts from the disapearance of many pores and the appearance of perforations almost of the same size. Simultaneously, the number of polysomes is reduced on the outer membrane of the nuclear envelope and in the cytoplasm. Specific features of the nuclear envelope being lost it becomes undistinguishable from the reticulum elements. On serial sections, no contacts were observed between chromosomes and membranous elements.


[Ecologic-histophysiological analysis of the neurohypophysis-metaadenohypophysis complex of the sazan female before and after spawning].

Much neurosecretory material (4.4 +/- 0.1 units) is seen in the neurohypophysis of sazan females before spawning. A1, A2, and B type terminals contain numerous neurosecretory granules, in particular, elementary granules. Synaptic vesicles are not numerous. The amount of neurosecretory material decreases during and shortly after spawning down to 3.6 +/- 0.3 units. Neurosecretory terminals have less elementary granules. The number of granulated, disintegrating, residual granules and synaptic vesicles somewhat increases. It is hypothesized that mainly peptide neurohormones are discharged from A1 and A2 terminals in the common circulation, and that both peptide neurohormones and monoamines reach glandular cells of the metaadenohypophysis in sazan females during and immediately spawning. The role played by neurohormones and monoamines in controlling the function of both the metaadenohypophysis glandular cells and visceral organs involved in the general adaptive reactions of the fish organism is discussed.


[Certain structural details of developing in vitro human embryonal brain explants studied with the aid of fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy].

The bundles growing away from the explants were mainly formed by neuroblast processes. It has been shown that the degree of differentiation of neuroblasts depends on "the age" of embryonal brain. The bundles of neuroblasts are accompained by slightly differentiated cells, having their own processes descending to the surface of the lining. These processes attached to the surface of a bundle cover and have no connection with the inner structures of the bundle. The use of a scanning electron microscopy allows to detect some new details of the behaviour of nerve cells in vitro.


[Ultrastructural characteristics of localization of lactate dehydrogenase in the kidney glomerulus].

Lactate dehydrogenase was studied in dog's kidney glomeruli using electron microscope. Detection of the enzyme in the podocyte confirms the principle of structural integration of glycolytical enzyme on the membranes.


[Relationship between cell division and function. Resistance of the liver to toxic effect of CCL4 after partial hepatectomy].

The necrogenic effect of CCL4 was used as a marker of drug metabolizing function of hepatocytes. CCL4 induced a zonal centrolobular necrosis in normal mice. After partial hepatectomy, during intensive hepatocyte proliferation, the necrosis area in the sections was seen significantly decreased. No damaged cells being observed in some instances. The resistance to hepatotoxin is explaned by inhibition of the specific cell function during proliferation.


[Ultrastructure of the enterocytes of the upper 3d of the villi of murine small intestine].

The enterocytes of the upper one-third of the villi of duodenum, ileum and jejunum of mice were investigated with the electron microscope. It was found that enterocytes moving to the top of the villus underwent regular structural rearrangements that involve the appearance of triangular dilatations of the intercellular spaces at the cell base, condensation of the mitochondrial matrix, reduction of ergastoplasmic reticulum and dictyosome hypertrophy. It is suggested that enterocytes leave the top of the villus as structurally and functionally valid cells.


[Method of ultrastructural analysis with the aid of measuring television complex].

The area of the section of presynaptic dense projections of the active zone of axondendritic synapses of the rat's cortex was measured using a television complex. Tissue specimens were contrasted with phosphotungstic acid. Morphometry was carried out in the regime of error correction in measurement, the errors arising in scanning process of image. The area of the section of mitochondria, lysosome, nucleoli, channels and tanks of the endoplasmic reticulum may be measured by the method suggested. Quantitative data, obtained by the morphometry of the synapse ultrastructure, may serve a basis for understanding the mechanism by which synapses are involved in information processes of the central nervous system.


[Adaptation of a sliding microtome for sectioning of material embedded in epoxy resins].

The employment of a sliding microtome of sectioning plastic embedded material with glass knives is described. Using a new knife holder and a modificated device for fixing plastic blocks succeeded in cutting sections 1--10 micron thick of relatively large pieces of tissue.


Urinary 17-ketosteroids in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies.

The excretion of estriol into the maternal urine is an effective means of evaluating the fetus in pregnancies complicated by a number of metabolic disorders, such as chronic hypertension, renal disease, pre-eclampsia, etc. It is generally used in the management of pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes mellitus even though some question has been raised as to its validity for this disorder. In this study we have evaluated estriol precursors in the form of 17-ketosteroids in the urine of pregnant women with mild diabetes mellitus as well as a non-diabetic control group. Urinary total estrogen excretion was also determined. Diabetics were found to excrete significantly higher amounts of 17-ketosteroids than the non-diabetic group. The possible significance of this finding in relation to the dynamics of estriol production in pregnancy is discussed.


Pathology of the trophoblast and fetal vessels of the placenta in maternal diabetes mellitus.

The morphologic characteristics of the chorial villi from normal full-term placentas and from placentas of different clinical types of diabetic women were studied. The latter showed early maturation of the trophoblast, higher percentage of villi with stromal edema, and higher percentage of vessels of the villous trunks with lesions causing partial or total obstruction of the vascular lumen. The fact that the diabetic patients were treated suggests that the metabolic correction of diabetes mellitus prevents the occurrence or development of the multiple disturbances which the disease produces in the evolution of human pregnancy.


[Recommended vitamin intake].

Vitamins intakes cannot be absolutely established; they depend on basic composition of the diet, ecological conditions and physiological status of the subject. Nevertheless, approximate norms can be established, which avoid deficiencies or overdosages. Dietary and epidemiologic surveys, assays on volunteers conducted the commissions of F.A.O./O.M.S. Experts and National Authorities to propose values with a practical consensus for vitamins A, B1, B2, PP, P, C, D, B12 folates and some other factors.


[Influence of rapeseed oil feeding on morphology and oxidative properties of mitochondria isolated from the rat heart].

Mitochondria from heart of rats fed a diet rich in rapeseed oil for two months from weaning, oxidized oleic acid a little better than those from animals fed a control diet containing peanut oil; but their activity decreased much more in presence of potassium cyanide which is an oxidation inhibitor. When observed by electronic microscopy, mitochondria from heart of rats fed rapeseed oil were more mumerous and more mitochondria of great size were encountered as compared with control rats. Biochemical data seemed to show a decrease of activity or quantity of certain enzymatic systems in mitochondria from heart of animals fed rapseed oil. Cyanide could more easily inhibit these enzymatic systems because of their deficiency. It can be thought that it is the mitochondria of great size which are implicated in this phenomenon since their growth is not accompanied by an increase of their content in certain enzymes which are just sensitive to cyanide. A mixture richer in mitochondria of big size, thus poorer in certain enzymes for an equal protein content in drastic conditions, such as partial anoxia since cyanide blocks the respiratory chain.


[Tolerance and metabolic results of long-term administration of a mixture of saturated triglycerides by recto-colic route in rabbits].

Rabbit's and Dog's colonic absorption of triglycerides is shown in previous works. Further, we are studying the possibility to use the rectal route for nutritive substances. This way remains now poorly used and an exceptional therapeutic. However, bringing triglycerides in adequate state would be an energetic, supply, all the more as it is very difficult to provide potent caloric source in parenteral nutrition. This is why we investigate, on the Rabbit, the issues of chronic administration of glycerides by rectal route, on caloric balance and on a biochemical view to seek for in lipid composition of tissues the print of lipids administrated by transanal way. The animals are individually housed in metabolism units feeding a standard diet and drinking ad libitum. The treated subjects are given by transanal way, twice a day, for eight weeds, a sum of 1 g/kg of medium chain triglycerides. The metabolic balance-sheet is daily drawn. The clinic balance-sheet is set on the end, by biological controls to explore the hepatic and renal function (prothrombine ratio, transaminases (SGOT, SGPT), ornithine, carbamyl transferase (OCT), urea, total proteins ratio and electrolyte imbalance. We measure also the concentration of total lipids plasma and tissue (liver, kidney, heart, lungs, perirenal adipose tissue). The triglyceride composition and fatty acid composition of different lipids fractions of control and treated subjects are analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. The animals support perfectly, without damage, a chronic and massive (1 g/kg/each day) administration of medium chain triglycerides by rectal route. The growth of treated subjects is normal. On the opposite, they adjust their alimentary consumption with the caloric charge of the diet, this is the reason why the reduction is about 12p. 100 with respect to the control animals. The coli-rectal administration of saturated glycerides produces at middle end only qualitative variations of lipids extracts. They essentially affect the triglyceride and fatty acid fraction of the tissue lipids, they become intermediate between that of control animals and the mixture administered by the transanal way. These results prove the integration of the glycerides in the metabolic pathway. They show the problem of the colonic absorption for the liposoluble substances. They authorize researches in view of a possible caloric assistance by this way.


[Comparative physiological effects of partially hydrogenated herring and rapeseed oils in the rat. 1. Mean-term effects on growth, organ weights and heart histology].

Two partially hydrogenated herring oils, containing 15% or 30% of C 22: 1, supplemented or not with linoleic (maize oil), have been fed for 16 weeks to growing rats (15% by weight in the diet), and their effects have been compared to those of peanut oil (controls), and to those of 2 mixtures of rapeseed oil and peanut oil having similar C 22:1 contents (15% and 30%). On the basis of equal amounts of ingested food, the growth of the rats is lower with herring and rapeseed oil than with peanut oil; this phenomenon is emphasized in the case of the non--C 18:2--supplemented herring oils. Herring and rapeseed oils induce an increase of liver particularly with the one having the highest content of trans fatty acids. Heart lesions have been observed in rats feed herring or rapeseed oils, not in the control group. The frequency of these lesions is greater with rapeseed oil (11/13) than with herring oils (11/24). This result suggests that erucic acid (cis delta 13 docosenoic acid) is more pathogenic than at least some of its isomers present in the hydrogenated herring oils (particularly the trans isomers). In the second part of this paper, we report the effects of the tested dietary fats on organ lipids after very short-term (3-7 days) or mean-term (16 weeks) experiments.


[Effect of diet and of the microbial flora of the digestive tract on the intestinal pool and fecal excretion of bile acids in the rat: a comparative study in axenic, ghotoxenic and holoxenic rats].

When axenic rats are given a microflora which causes the caecum distension present to disappear but does not metabolize bile acids, the intestinal pools and fecal excretion of bile acids are intermediary between those of axenic and those of holoxenic rats. This flora acts non-specifically on bile acids metabolism by changing the physiological characters related to caecal distension in axenic rats. The intestinal pools and fecal excretion of bile acids are higher in rats given a commercial chow than in those receiving a semi-synthetic feed containing the same amount of cholesterol; the difference between axenic and holoxenic rat fecal excretions is greater than in rats given the semi-synthetic feed. This wider difference is especially due to greater fecal excretion of bile acids in holoxenic rats given the commercial diet; it is thus related to modification of the gut microbial flora due to diet.


[Metabolic adaptation to a fatty diet: growth and morphogenesis of Artemia salina (L)].

Dietary AMP deficiency induces the morphogenesis of supernumerary gonopodes on abdominal segements. The AMP concentration threshold inducing supernumerary gonopodes depends on the lecithin and albumin concentration of the diet. The AMP concentration threshold corresponding to maximal xanthine oxidase activity depends to the maximal rate of protein biosynthesis. The results suggest the existence of a relation between the developmental physiology of Artemia and AMP and lipid metabolisms, relation which would imply the activity of xanthine oxidase.


[Morphofunctional characteristics of the adrenal glands in the progeny from females with experimental hypothyroidism].

Under study were the morphofunctional features of adrenal glands of 1, 10, 20, 30 and 40-day-old rats born by females with experimental hypothyrosis obtained by bilateral subtotal parathyroidectomy and blocade of the gland functioning by mercazolil (3 mkg/kg). The experimental treatment preceded pregnancy. The antithyroid drug was injected during pregnancy and lactation. The posterity of experimental animals was established to have a decreased need in oxygen as compared with controls. Their adrenal glands were of less weight (especially in off-springs of parathryodidectomized rats in the neonatal period). There are a number of morphometrical and histochemical signs suggesting the suppression of the functioning of the cortical and medullary substance, including the period of adaptation of the organism to the extrauterine life.


[Position of the embryos of American mink in the fetal chamber at different stages of development].

The spacial position of American mink embryos is characterized by regular changes and is associated with the development and formation of provisory embryonic organs and the uterus. After the implantation the longitudinal axis of the embryo's body lies perpendicularly towards the long axis of the uterus horn. From the end of the 22nd day till birth the embryo moves along the antimesometral side of the fetal chamber by rotation counter clockwise relative to the point of attachment of the alantois stalk. On the 20th day prior to delivery the embryo's body bent as a coil takes a vertical position its fore-part is disposed in the yolk sac cavity, and the hinder part is in the exocoelom. During 17 days before birth the embryo "rolls out" from the yolk sac cavity and occupies the low position in the longitudinal posture of the body. During the following 6 days the prefetus moves towards the opposite side wall of the fetal chamber, takes the upper position and keeps a longitudinal position till the end of the embryonic life.


[Cytological characteristics of the gonocytes in the course of their migration in early rat embryos].

The work was carried out in 23 rat embryos from 9,5 to the 11th day of development. In 9,5-day embryos the primary sex cells are localized in the mesenchyma of the allantois and in the intestinal entoderm. Later they migrate either with the blood flow or on the surface of cellular layers towards gonad germs which are reached by the 11th day of the intrauterine development. In the course of this process there occur structural and cytochemical changes in gonocyte nuclei. The nucleolus is replaced to the periphery of the nucleus, around it there appears a rim intensively stained with methylene green. Chromatin has a shape of thin threads. These changes of the nuclei seem to be associated with an increased synthesis of r-DNA and hence with the synthesis of substances having the role to prevent the somatic differentiation of primary sex cells in the course of migration.


[Contact microscopic and histochemical studies of the placenta in normal and pathological pregnancy].

The placenta was studied in 70 women: 19 of them had physiological pregnancy and 51 had pregnancy complicated with late toxicosis. Lesions in the placenta have been shown to increase with the growing severity of toxicosis, and compensatory potencies--to decrease. In late toxicosis the expansion of desorganization and reparation in the placenta occurs from the center towards periphery, the peripheral parts playing the role of reserved zones of the placenta, keeping high functional activity.


[Changes in the human fetal membranes in late pregnancy toxicoses].

Changes of a destructive and adaptational character have been revealed in the extraplacental coats in late toxicoses of pregnant women by histological, histochemical and spectrophotometrical methods. The intesity of the apotomical way of the glucose oxidation decreased in the aminiotic epithelium. While the activity of enzymes converting the lipid decomposition products into glycolysis increased. The glucose utilization in the chorial epithelium occurs mainly due to anaerobic glycolysis. Histochemical methods have established a high content of acid glucoaminoglycanes in the smooth chorion under these pathological conditions and the appearance of fibrinoid deposits on the border with the decidual tissue. The number of polyploid cells containing a considerable amount of RNA has been found to increase in the amniotic and chorial epithelium by spectrophotometric methods. The possible role of the extraplacental coats of the fetus in pathogenesis of late toxicoses is discussed.


[Localization and volume of the derivatives of the prechordal plate of the cephalic gut in vertebrates].

In order to determine the localization and volume of the prechordal lamina derivatives the initial stages of histogenesis of the cephalic gut epithelium lining were studied in embryos of chickens and mammals (rabbits, rats, mice) in early terms of the formation of the fore-part of their digestive tube. It has been established that the derivatives characteristics of the prechordal lamina such as the cephalic end of the chordal, larval mesodermal somites, are formed by the real enterocelic means only from the entodermal epithelium of the Seessel's pouch walls which is the most cranial end of the cephalic gut. In other parts of the dorsal wall of the pharynx, the more of the oesophagus, the prechordal lamina derivatives fail to be determined. This fact shows that the localization of the prechordal lamina coincides with the disposition of the Seessel's pouch lining, the histological nature of its material being identical to the entoderm.


[Effect of genetic factors on the rate of embryonic growth in mink].

A comparative analysis of the growth rate of embryos of two groups of minks differing in the coat colour was carried out. For comparison, 10 development stages with progressively more complicated morphology were taken. It has been demonstrated that the difference in the emmbryo growth rate between the standard and "sapphire" colour forms appear at the "pre-fetal" and, especially, "fetal" period of development.


Optimal function and health.

Regular physical activity is essential for the optimal function of many vital organs and tissues, and for general function. I am less sure about its direct and significant effects in the area of preventive medicine, but I can mention much indirect evidence to justify a whole-hearted promotion of physical exercise. Information about diet and exercise should be tied together. My present prescription for exercise is as follows: Daily -- at least 60 minutes of physical activity, not necessarily vigorous, nor all at the same time. During your daily routine, moving, walking, climbing stairs, etc., whether for one minute 60 times per day, 12 minutes 5 times a day, or any combination totalling 60 minutes, will burn up approximately 300 kcal (1.2MJ). Weekly -- at least two or three periods of 30 minutes of intermittent or sustained activity at submaximal rate of work (brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, gymnastics etc.) are necessary for maintaining good cardiovascular fitness, and will consume an additional 750 kcal per week (3MJ).


[Epidemic due to group B Coxsackie viruses in a newborn infants' department (author's transl)].

Virological and clinical researches have been done on hospitalized newborn infants' with various infectious diseases (respiratory infections, aseptic meningitis, serious generalized disease). Initially from some newborn children Coxsackie B5 virus has been isolated and later from other patients Coxsackie B3 virus. The pathological findings, in those newborn who died as a result of serious generalized disease were dominated by hemorragic lesions in different organs.


[The behaviour of the seric immunoglobulins in brucellosis (author's transl)].

The Authors studied the behaviour of the seroproteic picture and of the seric immunoglobulins in 34 patients affected with brucellosis, almost all of which came from a single epidemic center, some in the initial phase and others in an advanced stage. As regards the seroproteins they found a constant increase in the globulin, which was more apparent in the beta and gamma fractions. As far as the immunoglobulins are concerned they demonstrated an increase in all three classes examined, but a clearer one in the IgM at the beginning of the illness. However the Authors were not able to find evidence of the usual diphasism probably depending on the fact that the primary phase can develope in a pre-clinical stage.


Panel V: Acceleration of collaterals due to physical activity--dogma or fast. A misguided goal or unrealized objective?--introduction.

The hypothesis drawn from Eckstein's study of dogs [5] suggests that collateral circulation (measured retrograde coronary collateral flow) could be enhanced in man provided that the coronary arteries were partially obstructed before training. The currently available data on the effects of exercise training on arteriosclerotic heart disease subjects with significant, but not complete, obstruction, and without collateral vessels before training, indicate that visible coronary collateral vessels do not develop unless further coronary obstruction progresses to complete or near complete occlusion. Although the above hypothesis is not supported by the angiographic studies to date, final judgment should be held in abeyance until data are presented on the collateral flow and regional myocardial perfusion in exercise-trained human subjects with arteriosclerotic heart disease.


Exercise training as a therapeutic modality.

At present we have no data to assure us that physical activity changes or prevents the development of coronary atherosclerosis or that it changes the progression of the disease which is already present. The data are excellent that in about 85% of patients with coronary disease, exercise training has beneficial personal and societal effects. However, even this opinion must be subjected to critical scrutiny. Several (controlled and randomized) studies of the effects of exercise training on arteriosclerotic heart disease subjects are in progress, in the United States, in Canada, and in Europe. The National Exercise and Heart Disease Project in the U.S.A has already accessed 600 arteriosclerotic heart disease subjects and expects to attain the target study population of 800 subjects by 1 June 1976. We msut be prepared and willing to accept the results of such rigorously controlled studies. In another four to five years of follow-up, the basis for our present views will be either confirmed or rejected -- although most of us anticipate a validation of our present opinion, viz., exercise training enhances the quality of life, and coping capacity, even though the direct effects on the course of coronary atherosclerosis have not been demonstrated.


Are we mobilizing early enough?

1 A review of experiences with a shorter post-myocardial infarct hospital stay has been presented. 2 A seven-day hospital stay in selected patients appears reasonable and safe. 3 Further multi-center controlled studies to enlarge on this experience is proposed. 4 The socioeconomic impact of a shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work, in higher percentages, would be striking.


[Change in the nociceptive reactions caused by dental pulp stimulation during excitation of the midbrain].

It was demonstrated in chronic experiments on cats that stimulation of certain midbrain regions decreased or fully depressed the pain reaction evoked by dental pulp stimulation. The antinociceptive effect depending on the parameters of the brain stimulation was shown in differential change of the separate motor and vegetative and emotional - behaviour components, forming a general pain reaction. A poststimulation analgesia was revealed and the dynamic of restoration of different pain manifestations after the cessation of brain stimulation was traced. Possible mechanism of the realization of the antinociceptive effect are discussed.


[Dependence of the evoked potentials of the auditory cortex on the parameters of acoustic stimulus].

Experiments were conducted on 40 rabbits; a study was made of the dependence of the amplitude and the latent period of the auditory evoked potentials on the intensity, duration, accretion front, frequency and the rhythm of the acoustic stimuli (the intervals between them). The intensity of the stimuli, the accretion front and the interstimulus intervals proved to influence the induced potential parameters.


[Changes in the selfexcitation reaction in rats under the effect of modulated electromagnetic field].

The effect of electromagnetic field with various modulation frequencies (2, 7, and 50 hertz) on the reaction of selfstimulation was studied in rats. The frequency of 2 hertz proved to cause a primary increase in the incidence of the selstimulation reaction, followed by its depression; the frequency 7 hertz at first failed to alter the selfstimulation intensity and then led to the gradual reduction of the incidence of the selfstimulation reaction; the frequency of 50 hertz depressed the selfstimulation reaction practically from the very beginning. The changes in the selfstimulation reaction were independent of the localization of the stimulating electrodes, but were determined by the frequency of the EMF modulation.


[Effect of sulfhydryl compounds on the automatism of the pacemakers].

Experiments were performed on the isolated rabbit hearts and also on the hearts with complete atrioventricular block; a study was made of the effect of an excess or deficiency of the sulfhydryl groups on the automatism of the cardiac pace makers. Unithiol and cysteine in concentrations of 1-10(-6)-1-10(-4) g/ml were used as donors of sulfhydryl groups; deficiency of these groups was induced by the alloxan administration in concentrations of 1-10(-5)-5-10(-5) g/ml. Changes in the sulfhydryl group content produced no marked effect on the automatism of the synoatrial node. An excess of sulfhydryl groups promoted poststimulation depression of the automatism of the potential pace makers of the cardiac ventricles and could lead to the origination of Luciani's periods. On the contrary, in case of a deficiency of the sulfhydryl groups there was a sharp elevation of the automatism of the ventricular pace makers, the atrioventricular conduction became disturbed, and the poststimulation depression of the automatism became considerably diminished. Disturbances of the cardiac activity caused by the sulfhydryl group deficiency were completely eliminated by unithiol or cysteine.


[Relationship between the frequency and amplitude of myocardial contractions in rats adapted to heat].

Papillary muscles from the left ventricle of rats contracted under the effect of electrostimulation with the frequency of 0.2 c. p. s. in Krebs' solution at 28 degrees C. A study was made of the contraction amplitude with the increased stimulation frequency. Following preliminary heat adaptation (3 hours a day at 35 degrees C for one month) the contraction amplitude of the myocardium of the adapted animals with a high frequency was greater than the control level. This difference persisted at 36 degrees C and disappeared at 25 degrees C. Apparently adaptation leaves a definite structural trace in the cells of the cardiac muscle.


[Effect of distribution of the stimulation frequency in the volley on post-contraction hyperemia of the gastrocnemius muscle of cats].

The influence of  stimulation frequency distribution in a volley on postexercise (postcontraction) hyperemia was studied in acute experiments on cat gastrocnemius muscle. The initial high frequency of the rhythmic volley augmented the postcontraction hyperemia indices (the peak blood flow and an additional blood volume).


[Role of intermediate products of prothrombin proteolysis by thrombin in the stimulation of the anticoagulation system of blood].

Two components - the intermediate product  1 (P-1) converting under certain conditions into thrombin, and product 2 (P-2) which possesses no such properties were isolated from the products of prothrombin proteolysis by thrombin. The intravenous injection of the P-1 to rats lengthened the blood coagulation time and plasma recalcification. The sum total fibrinolytic activity proved to increase and the fibrinogen concentration - to decrease. A sharp 5-fold rise of the nonfermentative fibrinolysis was observed. It seems that this effect of the anticoagulating and fibrinolytic potential mobilization was stimulated by the response of the second anticoagulating blood system.


[Seasonal changeability in the leukocytic composition of blood in dogs].

The leukocyte blood composition was studied for seven years in dogs kept outdoors. The lymphocyte count proved to be higher from May to September than from November to March. Variations in the neutrophil and monocyte count were subject to reverse regularity. Changes in the total leukocyte count failed to coincide with the seasonal periodicity.


[Role of reactions of large-capacity blood vessels in the pathogenesis of experimental cardiogenic shock].

Reaction of the capacitance vessels of the abdominal cavity and the pelvis was studied in dogs with the cardiotoxic myocardial necrosis complicated by the cardiogenic shock. The deposit of a significant volume of the circulating blood in the venous part of the vascular reservoir of the abdominal cavity and the pelvis was observed in the course of the first minutes of acute myocardial necrosis. A substantial role of reduction of the venous return to the heart in the pathogenesis of the hemodynamic disturbances accompanying the development of the cardiogenic shock is emphasized.


[Role of the biological activity of serotonin in the production of the "shock lung" syndrome].

The influence of the serotin biological activity on forming the "shock" lung syndrome was revealed in experiments on rats. Tachyhyperpnea with predominance of functional emphysema and a small number of atelectic tissue areas were observed in the animals with traumatic "shock" during the serotonin hypersecretion. Tachyhypopnea with a significant predominance of atelectiv areas was seen during the serotonin hypoproduction.


[Effect of hyperoxia on the rate of restoration of blood composition after blood loss].

Regeneration of the peripheral red blood was considerably retarded in the anemic rabbits (blood letting of 2% of body weight) after a 5-hour exposure to the hyperoxiconditions (98% of oxygen in the inhaled air, 2 ata).


[Effect of thyrotoxicosis on the activity of proprioceptors of the skeletal muscles].

A study was made of the influence of prolonged administration of the thyroid hormones on the pulse activity of the cat soleus muscle spindles. In the animals with thyrotoxicosis the response of the primary endings of the spindles on the continuously acting and sudden rapid extension proved to be considerably enhanced both during the dynamic and the static phase. The frequency of discharges of the secondary endings showed no significant changes. It is supported that the changes in the activity of the primary endings observed were connected with the disturbances in the metabolism of the muscle and also with its atrophy.


[Age characteristics of acid-base equilibrium and the blood coagulation system in starvation].

The state of the acid-base balance and of the blood coagulation system was studied in starvation of young (5-6-month-old) and old (24-26-month-old) male rats during starvation. The periods of the maximal changes coincided in both systems; in the young animals the onset of the acidotic crisis and hypercoagulation development occurred earliear and were more pronounced. Old animals proved to be more resistant to the conditions of starvation and died later than the young ones.


[Acetylcholinesterase in aging of human erythrocytes].

Acetylcholinesterase possessed a different activity in the membranes of young, mature and old human erythrocytes - it was greatest in the mature and least in the old cells. In the young and mature erythrocytes the enzyme existed in the form of 3- and in the old ones in the form of 2-molecular components. The data obtained suggested that the changes in the structural organization of acetylcholinesterase in the red cell membrane had a direct relationship to the aging of these cells.


[Relationship between the systems of activation of fatty acids and ademine nucleotide translocase in the mitochondria].

Experiments were conducted on freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria and mitochondria subjected to ageing by two different methods. It was shown that the work of the mitochondrial system of fatty acid activation could lead to inhibition of the adenine nucleotide transport through the internal mitochondrial membrane. Inhibition of adenine nucleotide translocase was eliminated by preincubation of mitochondria with carnitine. The presence in the mitochondrial preparations of fatty acids in the concentration adequate for induction of inhibition of addition of CoA and ATP served as a preculiarity of adenine nucleotide translocase inhibition of the ageing mitochondria. The data obtained permitted to make a supposition on the participation of acyl-CoA formed by the mitochondrial acyl-CoA-synthetase in the regulation of adenine nucleotide transport into the mitochondria.


[Activity of various enzymes of energy metabolism of the myocardium after neurogenic injury].

A 3-hour electrostimulation of the aortic arch in rabbits was followed by the exhastion of the tissue noradrenaline stores in the myocardium accompanied by increase in the activity of the glycolysis enzymes and of the enzyme limiting the process of the pentosophosphate route-G-6-PDH. The use of noradrenaline precursor - 1-DOPA restored the noradrenaline level in the myocardium completely after a 48-hour stimulation. Simultaneously there were noted no changes in the activity of the enzymes under study caused by the stimulation of the aortic arch. The data obtained confirmed the important role of the sympathetic nervous system and of its mediator - noradrenaline in the mechanism of the tissue metabolism regulation, whose derangement played a significant role in the development of dystrophic lesions of the heart tissue.


[Effect of visual deprivation on the composition of structural proteins of the visual system of rabbit brain].

Composition of membrane proteins of the visual system structures of normal and dark-reared rabbits (for 2 1/2 months from birth) was studied by using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Solubilization of membrane proteins was carried out using a 1% solution of Triton X-100 and a 0.1% solution of sodium dodecylsulfate, in succession. One fraction representing the fraction of high-molecular proteins was absent in membrane proteins of the visual analyser in the dark-reared animals; there was also a change in the percentage content of proteins in different fractions in comparison with the normal. The data obtained led to the conclusion that visual deprivation caused marked quantitative and qualitative reconstruction in the composition of membrane proteins of the brain with some specific characteristics for the formation of the visual analyser.


[Structural-mechanical properties and swelling of the protein complexes of hyaluronate and protein-chondroitin-4-sulfate].

It was shown that the mechano-structural strength and swelling of gels consisting of gelatine and potassium hyaluronate (PH) or potassium protein-chondroitin-4-sulphate (PPCS) depended on the correlation of the components. Low PH and PPCS concentrations showed a minimal mechano-structural strength and a maximal swelling of gels. In the zones of neutralization of the positive electrical charges of gelatine by macropolyanions a high mechano-structural strength coincided with a minimal swelling. With high PH concentrations the mechano-structural strength and swelling of gels became equal to those of pure gelatine; and with high PPCS concentrations there was noted an additional parallel increase in the strength and swelling of gels.


[Collagen-polysaccharide gel as a model of intercellular substance of the connective tissue].

Gel samples forming at 37 degrees C in the solutions containing tropocollagen and various polysaccharides were examined by electron microscopy. Contracting gel clots formed in the solutions containing chondroitin sulfate, proteoglycine from the tracheal cartilage, gum arabic. Electron microscopy showed such clots to be permeated with collagen fibrillae with transverse striations and a period of 640 A. An association between the density of the forming gel and the nature of the polysaccharide component is discussed. Gel forming in the solutions containing tropocollagen and various polysaccharides is regarded as a model of the connective tissue intercellular substance.


[Study of metabolic mechanisms of the isolated and combined effect of a chemical allergen].

Biochemical study of the activity of the enzyme systems of different localization in the cell connected with the subcellular structures - lysosomes (hyaluronidase, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, beta-glucosidase) and hyaloplasm-soluble (aldolase of neuraminic acid), and also a study of the state of the enzyme-substrate groups, belonging to the immunoreactive biopolymeres containing a carbohydrate (glucoproteins, glycosaminoglycanes) was carried out in the tissues of different organs (the liver, kidneys, small intestine, skin) and in the blood serum of albino rats exposed to the isolated and joint (in combination with various doses of ultraviolet irradiation) action of the chemical allergen (dinitrochlorbenzene). General and specific regularities of metabolic reactions, the appearance of which could presumably be connected with the development of delayed allergy were revealed.


[Effect of the spleen extracts on primary immune response in mice].

Experiments were conducted on mice. Direct Jerne's test demonstrated a possibility of intensification of the primary immune response in the sexually mature mice under the effect of the splenic extracts. The significance of the extract dose and of the time of administration for the manifestation of the stimulating action was studied.


[Intensification of cellular immune response by immunization of mice with the cells preincubated in interferon].

Mice F1(CBA X C57BL/6) were immunized intraperitoneally with a single injection of L-1210 cells preincubated in interferon or control "false" preparation. CBA mice were injected with MX-11 cells: similarly treated according to the same scheme. Injection of interferon-treated cells was accompanied by the enhancement of the cellular immune response. The greatest cytotoxic activity was possessed by the lymphocytes of mice to which M-11 cells were administered together with interferon in which the cells were formerly incubated.


[Appearance of entodermal antigen in the mouth mucosa of dogs in recurrent spontaneous stomatitis].

An additional component absent in the same areas of the mouth under normal conditions appeared in dogs with spontaneous stomatitis in the ectodermal derivatives (mucosa of the cheeks, tongue and the hard palate). This component proved to be fully identical to the antigens of the mucosa of the soft palate, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, which were entodermal derivatives. No entodermal antigen was revealed in the other organs and tissues under study.


[Chemiluminescence of the mouse liver after administration of a cancerogenic substance into the body].

Regular alterations in the liver chemifluorescence intensity occurred at various periods after injection of a carcinogen (9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzantracene) to mice. A possible relation of this phenomenon to the accumulation of the endogenous blastomogenic substance in the liver is considered.


[Sensitivity of the early mouse embryos to antifolic preparation chloridine].

A study was made of antifolic preparation chloridine (2,4-diamino-5-p-chlorphenyl-6-ethylpyrimidine) on the cleavage of CBA mouse embryos. Chloridine failed to influence the development of early mouse embryos in the maternal organism and considerably inhibited the cleavage of embryos explanted into the chloridine-containing medium. Chloridine sensitivity in the mouse and rat embryos was compared and a conclusion was drawn on the absence of interspecies differences in their reaction to teratogen at the level of the embryonic cells.


[Effect of antenatal administration of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone on the blood system of newborn rats].

The effect of sex hormones administered to pregnant women on the blood system of their progeny was revealed. The changes were noted in different portions of the system: the peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, liver. The sex hormones intensified the hemopoiesis in the bone marrow and the spleen of the fetus and inhibited it in the liver. The noted shifts were assessed as the process of acceleration of the functional maturation of the blood system maturation in the fetus.


[Effect of preliminary stress on mitotic activity of the regenerating liver].

Male rats were exposed to 14- or 24-hour immobilization before partial hepatectomy. Some of these animals were given subcutaneous theophylline injections immediately after and the next day after the immobilization. A tendency to increase of the mitotic activity of the regenerating liver was seen in the stress-subjected animals. This effect was particularly pronounced in rats given theophylline.


[Autoradiographic study of the rate of collagen synthesis under conditions of stimulation of the wound process].

A study was made of the rate of the tropocollagen synthesis by the granulation tissue fibroblasts and of its passage into the intercellular space in control animals and under conditions of stimulation of the wound process by potassium orotate, one of the pyrimidine series derivatives. It appeared that the process of tropocollagen synthesis became accelerated under the effect of the stimulant; collagen fiber precursor appeared in the intercellular space earlier than in control and became included into the fibrous structures of the granulation tissue, this correlating with the intensification of the RNA synthesis in the fibroblast nuclei and an accelerated passage of the newly-synthesized RNA from the nucleus into the cell cytoplasm under analogous conditions. There was noted no sharp excess of collagen in the granulation tissue of animals given potassium orotate.


[Role of the mesothelium of the parietal peritoneum in the process of absorption of true solutions and india ink suspension from the abdominal cavity].

The method of electron microscopy was applied to the study of absorption from the abdominal cavity of hypotoanic, physiological, hypertonic solutions and of the Indi-ink suspension on physiological saline. Quantitative assessment of pynocytosis was conducted on electron microphotographs. Passage through the mesothelium of true solutions was realized by way of diffusion through the cytoplasm of its cells and by the intercellular spaces; as to the India ink suspension, it passed only by way of the open intercellular spaces. Pynocytosis in the mesothelial cells coursed from their basal portion to the apical one and was directed to the balancing of the concentration of the protein and salt composition in the serous fluid.


[Healing of experimental wounds under the effect of x-ray irradiation at high altitude].

Experiments were conducted on 969 mature rabbits; combined radiation injury (in general irradiation with 500 r and even more so in local irradiation with 2000 r) inflicated during the first two adaptation phases (particularly the first one) to the high altitide (3379 and 3640 m above the sea level) led to more profound morphological changes in the tissues and to the greater delay in the healing of the penetrating wounds on the pinna than in the valley (820 m above the sea level).


[The Budd-Chiari syndrome: clinical case reports].

Two cases of Budd-Chiari's Syndrome are presented. These refer to two women aged 34 and 33 years respectively. The aetiology of the first case is linked to polycythaemia rubra and the use of oral contraceptives; that of the second case to a fibrous perihepatitis involving the outlet of the suprahepatic veins, with a tenacious action of stenosis. The surgical therapy used was a latero-terminal left porto-renal shunt in the first case, and a decapsulation and ligature of the common hepatic artery in the second case. In the discussion the aetiopathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic problems inherent in the Syndrome are analysed, also on the basis of the most recent experiences reported in the relevant literature.


[Usefulness of the early study of intrathoracic digestive anastomoses].

The appearance of a dehiscence after an operation of oesophageal resection and reconstruction with stomach, jejunum or colon, constitutes a highly serious event frequently leading to the patient's death. Early recognition of dehiscence is therefore important for the purpose of starting adequate therapy as quickly as possible and preventing the rise and establishment of those lesions which condition an irreversible trend of the clinical condition. In this note the means today available for early diagnosis fo fistula, with particular reference to early radiological examination, are discussed. Early diagnosis and adequate prompt treatment may, in our opinion, lead to an improvement in the poor results reported by a number of surgical schools.


[Recent aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis in thoracic surgery].

Pulmonary tuberculosis--although appreciable reduced as regards number of cases--is still far from being wiped out and even today constitutes a real problem in the field of thoracico-pulmonary surgical pathology. Infection with Koch's bacillus can from this point of view arise basically according to two procedures: a) as superimposed element--unexpected guest--on a pulmonary disease of surgical interest, sometimes being mistaken for it (e.g. a tubercular inflammation of slow evolution mistaken for a cancer of the lung) or b) taking the form of pulmonary relics of an earlier and apparently extinguished Kochian infection, the starting point of an always possible revival of the infection during the postoperative period. In the former case the so-called attack therapy must be adopted without delay in accordance with well tested doses and schedules; in the latter case by means of a chemoprophylaxis, carried out in with rifampicin (600/1200 mg/day) in the cases reported and also continued in the postoperative period.


[Indications and limitations of bronchography in surgery of carcinoma of the lung].

Starting from a consecutive series of 53 bronchographies performed under local anesthesia, in subjects with carcinoma of the lung ascertained by operation, the Authors analyse both the bronchographical aspects which most frequently come under the surgeon's observation, and the usefulness of this investigation in formulating the operating plan. As regards carcinomas of the large and medium bronchi, the bronchographic aspects they found most frequently are occlusion (82%) both in the form of sudden arrest and in the form of a cone image and stenosis (18%). In peripheral carcinomas, on the other hand, most characteristic bronchographic signs are identified as occlusion (58%) (amputation and stenosis) and dislocation (38%) with rigidity of one or more small calibre bronchi (rigid impairment). On the basis of their experience the Authors conclude that bronchography constitutes an almost indispensable examination for diagnostic purposes in malignant neoplasias, especially in the initial stage, when located outside the field of action of bronchoscopy, and can supply elements indispensable in the preoperative operatability judgement. In fact it not only gives very reliable information on the anatomical situation of the bronchus, as well as on the site and presumed starting-point of the neoplasia, but also supplies more approximate elements with regard to the extent of the neoplasia and any presence of lymphoglandular metastases.


[Emergency surgical treatment of diverticular disease of the colon (personal cases and review)].

After a critical review of the indications, techniques and results recorded in literature, there is a description of experiences in emergency surgical treatment of 24 cases of diverticulum disease of the colon. In the light of personal results and in agreement with the majority of cases reported in literature, the conviction is expressed that in this surgery the processes graduated in stages (Mickulicz, Hartman, colostomy on transverse - resection) may frequently be indicated, especially in serious and weak patients.


[Primary malignant neoplasms of the duodenum. Considerations on 4 cases].

Starting from four primitive malignant neoplasias of the duodenum observed during the course of the last two years, the Authors briefly outline the clinical aetiopathological and especially the radiological characteristics of duodenal primitive malignant neoplasias. They stress the importance of the radiological investigation for early diagnosis of such disturbances, as can clearly by deduced from illustration of the radiological pictures concerning the four cases, all male patients aged from 55 to 68 years. A localisation in the duodenal bulb, with ulceration, is to be considered very rare; the other localisations were two at the 2nd and one at the 1st duodenal portion.