Validity of quantitative tests measuring tremor.

A set of tests measuring tremor with an accelerometer has been developed to assist in objectively evaluating clinical trails. An experiment was designed to examine the consensual validity of the test measures for Resting, Sustention and Static Intention Tremor for 10 multiple sclerosis patients and 10 parkinsonian patients. Motion pictures of the patients performing the tremor tests were viewed by a senior neurologist who rated tremor using a nine-point ordinal scale. Comparisons made between the quantitative measures of tremor and the neurologist's ratings of tremor show that the tests are consensually valid. The methodology of this experiment may prove useful for examining in the future the consensual validity of new clinical instruments useful for evaluating trails.


Genetic differentiation among Sardinian villages.

The present study reports an analysis of genetic differentiation among 14 Sardinian villages located mainly in the center of the island. Chi-square tests show significant genetic heterogeneity among villages, and analyses by F- and R- statistics indicate an essentially random pattern of differentiation for all alleles. Using the kinship methods of Morton, a matrix, R, with elements rij describing the correlations between the gene frequencies of villages i and j is obtained. Use of Malécot's formula relating the rij to the geographic distances between villages shows a rapid decline of kinship with increasing distance but reveals essentially no relationship for distances over 40 km. Rotation of a two-dimensional reduction of the kinship matrix to maximum congruence with the geographic distances indicates that about 25% of the genetic distances can be accounted for by the geographic location of the villages. Isolation due in part to cultural factors, genetic drift, and special local or regional patterns of villages associations appear to be involved in the pattern of genetic variation.


Red cell acid phosphatase: another polymorphism correlated with Malaria?

The frequency of PC allele for acid phosphatase in fourteen Sardinian villages correlates positively with the altitude and negatively with past malarial morbidity and GdMed prevalence. The susceptibility towards hemolytic favism in Sardinian males with G6PD deficiency is dependent on the erythrocyte acid phosphatase and thalassemia phenotypes. Thalassemia trait exerts a protective action only in subjects carrying PA allele for acid phosphatase. The data suggest that the gradient for malaria morbidity directly or indirectly, through interactions with thalassemia and G6PD polymorphisms, mediated by the habit of eating Vecia faba, may have had a significant role in determining the heterogeneous distribution of acid phosphatase polymorphism in Sardinia. Besides malaria, other environmental factors related with altitude seem to have been very important in shaping the present pattern of distribution of both acid phosphatase and G6PD polymorphisms in Sardinia.


Do American born Japanese children still grow faster than native Japanese?

Growth patterns of Japanese schoolchildren in Hawaii, composed of 2,954 boys and 3,213 girls aged between 11 and 17, were compared with those comparable groups of Japanese schoolchildren in Japan based on the data published by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Growth characteristics studied were height, weight, and relative weight index, weight/(height). The Hawaii-Japanese boys were taller at early ages but the difference disappeared by age 16. Native Japanese girls were shorter than Hawaii-Japanese until age 13, but they overtook the latter by age 14, exceeding them in height after age 15. A similar pattern was found in weights of girls but the Hawaii-Japanese boys remained consistently heavier by 5.0 to 9.0 kg than native Japanese. The relative weight measure indicated that the Hawaii boys were more "obese" than native Japanese boys for the growth period studied; whereas the same tendency was maintained until age 15 in girls. These observations indicate a marked degree of convergence of the patterns of physical growth of the two populations, whose differences were unmistakably in favor of American born children in earlier studies. It is concluded that the convergence is due largely to the improved environmental conditions in Japan in recent years.


Taxonomic congruence in Eskimoid populations.

The study compares distance relationships in Eskimoid populations based on metric and attribute data with linguistic relationships based on structural and lexicostatistical data. Taxonomic congruence and the non-specificity hypothesis are investigated by matrix correlations and by a clustering procedure. The matrix correlation approaches employed are the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. An unweighted pair-group clustering procedure provides a visual comparison of biological and linguistic relationships. Data consist of 74 craniometric measurements and 28 cranial observations taken on 12 Eskimoid populations. Mahalanobis' D2 and Balakrishnan and Sanghvi's B2 were used to compute the metric and attribute distances, respectively. The results indicate that a strict adherence to the non-specificity hypothesis is untenable. Also, there is better concordance between the sexes for metric distances than for attribute distances, and the metric data are more concordant with linguistic relationships than are the attribute data.


Path analysis of palmar ridge counts.

The methods for path analysis of family resemblance (Rao et al., '74) are employed to test hypotheses concerning the inheritance of a-b, b-c and c-d palmar ridge counts using the correlation data of Pateria ('74). Homogeneity chi-square tests of the various familial correlations provide no evidence for sex-linkage of either kind, and also suggest that maternal effects are absent. The path coefficient model employed here involves heritability (additive) and common sibling environment. Variance components show that both heritability and common environment are significant, and account for most of the variation at each of the three ridge count area; b-c has the highest heritability, significantly higher than that for a-b or c-d.


Fission-fusion and lineal effect: aspects of the population structure of the Semai Senoi of Malaysia.

Analysis of histories and genealogies from seven relatively unacculturated, swidden-farming Semai settlements shows that the composition of local groups fluctuates through time. This instability is similar to a pattern which Neel and his colleagues have suggested is typical of primitive society, the fission-fusion model. In addition, the individuals comprising Semai fission groups are kinsmen which implies that the number of independent genomes represented is markedly less than the number of individual migrants (the lineal effect). Fission groups may form new villages or fuse with an established settlement. In either case, the genetic effects of such migration are more pronounced than would be expected on the basis of founder effect or random migration. Despite several conspicuous differences in social organization between the Semai and the South American Indians (e.g., bilateral vs. unilineal descent) whose population structure provided the empirical basis for the fission-fusion, lineal effect model, the basic similarities are striking. The Semai case thus lends support to the proposition that this pattern may be of some generality in technologically primitive populations.


Knuckle walking by a baboon (Papio cynocephalus).

This paper describes the development of a knuckle walking mode of locomotion by a free-living yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus). Some implications of this occurrence for theories of the evolution of knuckle walking are discussed.


Dental reduction and the probable mutation effect.

A recent test of the probable mutation effect can be interpreted to suggest the operations of mutations under conditions of reduced selection in the late Pleistocene reduction of the human dentition.


The health maintenance organization delivery system. A national study of attitudes of HMO project directors on HMO issues.

A national survey of health maintenance organization project directors' attitudes on HMO delivery issues was conducted to gather data about HMO planning development and delivery areas. Questionnaire results revealed characteristics of the HMO project director, sponsoring institution, and developmental stage. Seven HMO issues (Prepayment Mechanism, Quality of Care, Degree of Federal Participation) Public and Private Funding, Physicians' Attitudes toward HMO, and Consumer Recruitment) were identified to measure the attitudes of directors. As a whole, responses were in the positive range. Scale 1 (Prepayment Mechanism) and Scale 2 (Quality of Care) received the lowest mean scores and were in the moderate agreement range. Scale 3 (Degree of Federal Regulation) and Scale 5 (Public and Private Funding) had the highest mean scores and fell between slight agreement and disagreement. Further research has been noted in various administrative features and issue areas of HMO. Most crucial is the outcome of HMO legislation which has a bearing on the policy and program of the HMO delivery system. On the basis of what appears to be a representative sample of directors of DHEW-funded HMO Planning and Development Projects, the study has assessed attitudes on important issues relevant to HMOs and determined areas of greatest agreement and disagreement.


Career escalation training. Five-year follow-up.

A study has been reported on 5 years of experience in a community mental health center with a career escalation training program for indigenous workers in a ghetto community. More than one-half entered the program during the 5-year period and about one-third had either achieved a degree or were still active in the Program at the time of this study. Although it is too early to assess the full impact of the program on career advancement, the authors believe that at least a master's degree is required for true upward and lateral mobility. The most striking finding was the high retention rate in the mental health field of those workers who entered the program in contrast to those who didn't. A number of suggestions have been made to improve the effectiveness of a career escalation training program. It is too early to tell whether the long term benefits for individuals, the Center, and the mental health field at large justify the cost and the continuation of such educational release time programs.


Changes in some blood clotting and fibrinolysis factors during anaesthesia with neuroleptanalgesic agents.

The results of determinations of some factors of the blood clotting and fibrinolysis systems carried out in 30 patients operated on under anaesthesia with neuroleptanalygesics are reported. The factors determined included: the time of spontaneous lysis of whole blood clot, the euglobulin lysis time, the fibrinolytic activity on Astrup plates, the fibrinogen level and platelet count. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate a possible action of neuroleptanagetic agents on the system maintaining the blood in equilibrium. The fibrinolytic activity was not increased but the fibrinogen level and platelet count were decreased. These changes, however, seem to depend on the effects of the surgical operation and not on the method of anaesthesia used.


The effects of neuroleptoanalgesic agents on platelet adhesiveness in vivo.

Changes of platelet adhesiveness were studied after administration of neuroleptanalgesic agents in patients before surgical operations and tests were carried out during premedication with droperidol and fentanyl and morphine in 86 surgical patients. It was observed that neuroleptanalgesic agents exert no effect on platelet adhesiveness in vivo. Morphine also had no such effects.


Nasotracheal general anaesthesia in maxillofacial surgery.

Following a survey comprising of 172 patients subjected to nasotracheal general anaesthesia accounting for 37, 1% of all cases of anaesthesia the authors stress the particular usefulness of this method of anaesthesia in maxillofacial surgery. Nasotracheal anaesthesia is the most suitable method of general anesthesia in oral operations and it can almost completely eliminate tracheostomy which is a procedure frequently associated with both early and late complications. No early complications were observed in patients undergoing nasotracheal anaesthesia. Certain improvements of the technique of intubation and conduction of anaesthesia are described.


[Light microscopy studies on the olfactory epithelium of the deer].

To examine the olfactory epithelium of the roe by the light microscope, the respective nasal region was prepared on the spot right on shooting, stained with a solution of Trypan-Blue, fixed in "Susa" thereafter, and was finally embedded in paraffin by the usual process. Macroscopically already a luxuriant development both of the endo- and ectoturbinalia was to be observed, filling the entire olfactory region of the nasal cavity with numerous folds, convolutions and ramifications. For the purpose of microscopic examination sections from 6 to 10 mum in thickness were made. The border between regio respiratoria and regio olfactoria runs irregularly. Again and again there are patches bare of receptors respectively glandular ones even in the olfactory region. The thickness of the olfactory mucous membrane varies from 140 to 400 mum, the height of the epithelium from 35 to 90 mum. The olfactory area was determined to total approx. 90 cm2 by means of two methods. The distribution of olfactory cells within the epithelium is a very irregular one, their number ranging from 4 to 62 cells per 1000 mum2. Most commonly a density of 24 to 42 cells was encountered. Taking a mean density of 33/1000 mum2 and an overall olfactory area of 90 cm2, the total number of olfactory cells was calculated to run up to 297 million. Sections which turned out well display several olfactory cells entire with pericaryon, dendrite, neck and capitulum with rupturing points of cilia on the latter. Olfactory cells exhibit big dimensional differences. Among other factors their size depends on their relative position within the epithelium and on the density of occurrence. Olfactory cells lying but sporadically within the epithelium mostly possess broad dendrites measuring slightly less in diameter than the pericaryon does, whereas densely situated receptors mainly present thin dendrites and small capitula. Some cell-parts vary independently from each other, some, however, seem to stand in certain relationship to each other. The great differences between individual olfactory cells give rise to the assumption that several cell types or cells of different function respectively are concealed behind it.


Complications of endotracheal intubation in patients treated for acute poisoning.

In a group of 141 patients treated for coma following poisoning, complications of endotracheal intubation were assessed. The results of this study indicate that prolonged intubation is not quite safe and that serious complications occur in several per cent of cases. Complications are more common when intubation is prolonged over 24 hours. It was observed that hypoxaemia and hypercapnia have an unfavourable effect on the incidence of complications.


Changes in the phases of left ventricular contraction during induction of general anaesthesia.

By means of polycardiographic tracings the authors assessed the effects of althesin, ketamine and fentanyl on the dynamics of left ventricular contraction when these agents were applied for induction of anaesthesia. A depressing action of althesin was found while fentanyl and ketamine were without effect on the dynamics of left ventricular contraction. Polycardiographic tracings are a useful method for the assessment of the action of pharmacological agents on the cardiovascular system during operations.


Ketamine anaesthesia for caesarean section in poor-rick patients.

Caesarean section in a poor-risk patient treated intensively before and after operation is described. The operation was carried out when the patient was in diabetic coma with metabolic acidosis, electrolyte disturbances and low arterial blood pressure. Anaesthesia was conducted using ketamine with nitrous oxide and oxygen. Controlled respiration was performed administering fractionated doses of suxzmethonium.


Acute barbiturate poisoning in the 39th week of pregnancy. Case report.

A rare case of suicidal barbiturate poisoning in the 39th week of pregnancy is reported. Diagnostic difficulties and prolonged coma were the reason that the foetus was delivered by Caesarean section. The authors discuss the effect of barbiturates on the foetus and the possibilities of other ways of management.


Disturbances in the function of cardiovascular system in patients following endotracheal intubation and attempts of their prevention by pharmacological bloackade of sympathetic system.

The author recorded arterial blood pressure by direct method and ECG in 94 patients during laryngoscopy and intubation. A rise of the mean arterial blood pressure was observed from 104 to 153 mm Hg together with the appearance of ventricular premature beats in patients with normal arterial blood pressure and without arhythmia before the procedure. Superficial analgesia of the pharynx, larynx and trachea failed to prevent the rise of arterial pressure during intubation. The procedure of superficial analgesia connected with intubation caused also a rise in the arterial blood pressure and arrhythmia. Blockade of beta adrenergic receptors reduced the intensity of these disturbances, while blockade of alpha adrenergic receptors increased them. Blockade of the sympathetic ganglia by controlled infusion of trimethaphan (Arfonad) allowed the arterial pressure to be controlled during intubation thus preventing sudden rises and the development of arrhythmia. The author suggests that a sudden rise in the arterial blood pressure during endotracheal intubation may cause rupture of aortic or intracranial aneurysms. The rise of arterial blood pressure precedes the appearance of ventricular premature beats caused by stimulation of the pharynx, larynx and trachea.


Cardiovascular malformations in spontaneously aborted human fetuses.

Among 57 spontaneously aborted fetuses with a crown-rump length (CRL) ranging from 30 to 180 mm, 5 were found to have cardiovascular malformations. The number of cases with cardiovascular malformations (numerator) and the number of observed fetuses (denominator) classified according to their CRL were as follows: CRL 30-49 mm, 1/9 (persistent left superior vena cava); 50-69 mm, 4/11 (one case each of membranous VSD with aberrant right subclavian artery, high muscular VSD, pulmonary stenosis with muscular VSD and overriding aorta, right aortic arch with membranous VSD); 70-99 mm, 0/7; 100-139 mm, 0/16; 140-180 mm, 0/14. The above results clearly show a high prevalence of cardiovascular malformations in spontaneously aborted fetuses with a CRL of less than 70 mm. The practicability and potential value of microdissection of small fetuses are stressed.


Cardiac arrest during ophthalmological operations.

From a total number of 822 ophthalmological operations carried out under general anaesthesia two cases of cardiac arrest were observed as a result of oculocardiac reflex. The receptor for this reflex is the eye and the retrobulbal tissue, the effector is the myocardium. Children and adults with certain diseases show a predisposition to this complication. Most frequently the results of the oculocardiac reflex require no treatment, sometimes, however, resuscitation is necessary.


Anatomical studies on the arteries of the brain of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). I. The rete mirabile cerebri.

The arterial circulation to the brain of buffalo is accomplished through the rete mirabile cerebri. It is an interwined arterial mass located in the cavernous sinus on either side of the sella turcica and extend from foramen orbitorotundum to the sphenococcipital junction. The major contribution of blood reaches through the arteriae anastomotica and ramus anastomoticus, the branches of the internal maxillary artery. The vertebral and condyloid arteries form a plexus on basioccipital bone (plexus basioccipitalis). An emergent artery from the latter plexus bifurcates and joins the rete along its caudomedial angle. The internal carotid artery plays hardly any role in the cerebral circulation of buffalo.


Skeletal differences in the appendicular skeleton of the lynx and the caracal (Felidae: Carnivora) in relation to ecology.

The morphological characters of the girdles and limb-bones of the Lynx (Felis lynx Linnaeus) and the Caracal (Felis caracal Schreber) have been studied. Some features which aid in differentiating these two species have been represented. Further, an attempt has been made to correlate these differences with their habits.


Studies on the neurosecretory system and retrocerebral endocrine glands of Ranatra filiformis Fabr. (Hemiptera), using the technique specific for cystine and or cysteine.

The number of cystine rich neurosecretory cells is about 8-10 in each brain lobe. They are of A-type cells. The lateral cells do not have cystine in their secretion. The cystine rich neurosecretory material is seen stored in the loose tissue of the aorta. The axons storing this material have a beeded structure. A pair of CC and CA, which are situated immediately behind the brain are negative to PA VB. The CA have a superficial network of neurosecretory axons and a little amount of NSM in its intercellular spaces.


Surface coat of the palatal shelf epithelium during palatogenesis in mouse embryos.

The palatal shelf epithelium of NMRI-mouse embryos was examined by electron microscopy during palatogenesis (day 14 + 2 hrs p.c. to day 14 + 10 hrs p.c.). A ruthenium red positive surface coat was observed on the epithelium of the vertically projected and horizontally rotated palatal processes. The surface coat on the tips of these processes was especially thick and was observed to be shed after fusion. The localization and the quantitative changes of the ruthenium red positive material during closure of the palatal shelves suggest that the surface coat may be involved in the initial process of palatal epithelial adhesion.


Secretory phenomena at the ependyma of the IIIrd ventricle of the embryonic rat.

On the basis of previous observations of the third ventricle, the brains of rat embryos in the 17 to 21 gestation days were examined by light- and electron microscope as well as histochemically. Following results were obtained: 1. Between the 18th and 20th gestation days supraependymal secretion spherules and intraventricular secretion masses were observed in the rostral part of the third ventricular lumen. The intraventricular structures are not demonstrable with neurosecretory stains; they are PAS-negative and do not stain with periodic-acid-bisulfite-aldehydethionine. All histochemical reactions performed were negative. 2. The morphological finding in the same frontal plane is not uniform. Dorso-ventral difference exist between one ependymal region which lies caudal to the subfornical organ and an area in the same plane which is situated further ventrally near the entrance to the foramina Monroi (Fig. 1 a). In the superior portion, the supraependymal structures are spherical or bottle-shaped formations and are easily definable. In the lower ventricular portion densely situated ependymal protrusions are seen which become sperical only in the ventricular lumen. 3. In both instances (the spherical and flask-shaped protrusions of the superior portion and the strongly shaped protrusions of the lower portion of the third ventricle) cytoplasmic protuberances containing more or less dense, fine-grain ground plasma and a differentiated number of polyribosomes can be seen. Using the Richardson stain, chromophobe protrusions are seen to possess a diffuse ground plasma and only a few ribosomes, while chromophile protrusions have a dense ground plasma and numerous polyribosomes rosettes. Only rarely are single vesicles observed in the protrusions. 4. The ependyma cells contain densely packed, rough-walled endoplasmic reticulum whose cisterns are irregularly dilated and filled with electron-dense material; they also contain many ribosomes and dictyosomes. The organelles are accumulated mainly in the apical cell portions. A terminal web spans the cell surface and attaches to the zonulae adhaerentes, preventing the flow of cell organelles into the organelle-free secretory protrusions. 5. The functional implication of the ependymal secretion, which appears in the third ventricle for a few days only, during embryonic development, is still unknown and is the goal of subsequent examinations.


Malformed vertebrae: a new mutant with the "wirbel-rippen syndrom" in the mouse.

A new skeletal mutant in the house mouse, "malformed vertebrae" (MV), is described. It is semidominant. The skeletal malformations can be traced back to disturbed somite formation.


A cytoarchitectonic volumetric comparison of the area gigantopyramidalis in wild and domestic sheep.

The area gigantopyramidalis has been circumscribed on frontal serial sections of brains of mouflons (Ovis ammon musimon) and domestic sheep (Ovis ammon f. aries). A brief description of the topography and lamination of the area 4 is given. By means of intraspecific-allometric methods this area has shown a decrease in volume by 29.9% in domestic sheep compared with wild sheep. In view of the close relationship between size and function of a structure the reduction rates of the area gigantopyramidalis, the cerebellum and the basal ganglia are discussed as due to the special environmental changes caused by domestication.


[Intercellular junctions in the guinea pig stria vascularis as shown by freeze-etching (author's transl)].

Freeze-fracture replicas of the guinea pig inner ear were analyzed to study the occurrence and structure of zonulae and fasciae occludentes (tight junctions) and nexuses (gap junctions) in the stria vascularis. Zonulae occludents of the marginal cells, which form a barrier towards the potassium-rich endolymph of the cochlear duct, were demonstrated to be of the "intermediate to tight" type (Claude and Goodenough, 1973). Abundant, extensive cell contacts of the basal cells were identified as fasciae occludentes forming a barrier towards the spiral ligament. Nexuses were found connecting marginal, intermediate and basal cells of the stria vascularis as well as between the basal cells and fibrocytes of the spiral ligament. Frequently, nexuses were seen within the areas of the basal cell fasciae occludentes. It is supposed that nexuses mediate the electrotonic coupling between neighbouring stria vascularis cells and that probably they are an essential factor for the development of the endocochlear potential. It is pointed out that the intercellular spaces of the stria vascularis represent a compartment with high oxygen supply and an important metabolic system. A high intramembrane particle density was observed on some nonjunctional areas of the cell membranes, especially on the A-fracture faces of the marginal cell extensions. It appears that these membranes exhibit a high metabolic activity. Finally, the findings are discussed with respect to the production and maintenance of the endocochlear potential.


Biomechanically important articular surfaces in the talocrural joint.

The authors investigated the influence of relations between the utile areas of the articular faces in ankle joint in medial twisting of the foot. For their investigation they used the material from the Institute of Anatomy "Drago Perović", Institute of Pathology and Institute for Forensic medicine of the Medical Faculty of  Zagreb. Investigations were performed in articular faces of the tibia, fibula and talus on the left and right legs of the adults. Mutual comparing of the joint faces, their areas and altitudes, angles between the medial malleolus and tibia, and the altitudes of the medial and lateral malleolus has shown great individual differences. According to these results the authors concluded that the disproportion of the articular bodies caused habitual medial twisting of the foot. The importance and the role of ligaments, muscles and joint capsule were not the object of this investigation. The obtained results are a contribution to the functional anatomy of the ankle joint, and to the clinical pathology of this region.


On some aspects of schwann-sheath development and the possible role of their desmosome-like structures.

An investigation was made of ventral and dorsal spinal roots (L7 and S1) in the postnatal life of the rabbit. The development of the Schwann sheath of the nerve fibers was studied and correlated with the distribution and morphological characteristics of the desmosome-like structures connected with them. The association of these structures with constituents of the endoplasmic granular and smooth-surfaced reticulum of the Schwann cell is pointed out. The possibility is discussed of a direct relationship between the inner mesaxons, as well as along the length of the peripheral myelin lamellae. In addition, it is suggested that in some cases already existing membrane formations of the adjacent cytoplasm become attached to the developing Schwann sheaths, which results in branching mesaxons or "poli-mesaxonal" nerve fibers.


Characteristics of bovine lung as observed by scanning electron microscopy.

The surface characteristics of the intrapulmonary airways and alveoli of the lungs from 12 young adult cattle examined by the scanning electron microscope are described. When compared with similar studies of the lungs of various other mammalian species, the bovine lung generally resembles that of other mammals except for several important features: (1) Alveolar pores of Kohn are small and extremely rare; (2) Alveolar macrophages are seldom seen in alveolar air spaces; (3) Interlobular septa completely separate the lung into distinct lobules.


An unusual modification of endoplasmic reticulum in epithelial cells of the mouse ascending colon.

A rarely occurring structure that is apparently a modification of endoplasmic reticulum was observed in the epithelial cells of the ascending colon of the mouse. The structure consists of a stack of 3 to 15 parallel cisterna-like elements separated by about 67 nm. The stacked cisternae usually are located adjacent to the basal end of the nucleus or in the region between nucleus and basal cell membrane. Top and bottom cisternae of many of the stacks have patent lumens and their outer membranes are lined by ribosomes. Most frequently, middle cisternae have attenuated lumens in their central regions. In some instances the width of the cisternal lumens is similar throughout. Closely apposed pairs of cisternae also occur. Some stacks have a concentric configuration. The intercisternal space contains tightly packed vesicles (38 nm) arranged in a hexagonal array. Many of the vesicles are connected to the membranes of the cisternae by stalk-like projections. The vesicles also occur between the nuclear envelope and the adjacent parallel cisternae. Mitochondria are situated close to each stack.


Light and electron microscopic study of the effects of ZnSO4 on mouse nasal respiratory epithelium and subsequent responses.

The effects of ZnSO4 irrigation on mouse nasal respiratory epithelium (NRE) and subsequent responses of the tissue were studied at the light and electron microscopic levels in two different strains of mice (C57Bl/6J and SWR/J). The most marked effect of the ZnSO4 took the form of necrosis and sloughing of surface cells in both strains one-half day after ZnSO4 irrigation. This treatment caused maximal change in a different cell type in each of the two strains. Ciliated cells were most noticeably affected in the C57Bl/6J strain, secretory cells in the SWR/J strain. Subsequent manifestations of recovery differed accordingly in each strain. In the C57Bl/6J mice numerous dividing surface cells and large areas of tall nonciliated and ciliating cells were prominent two to five days after treatment. Secretory cells appeared normal but were reduced in numbers during this time, indicating that they were also affected by the treatment. The NRE of this strain was normal by the fourteenth day following treatment. The NRE of SWR/J animals, on the other hand, contained no visibly dividing cells and no large areas of nonciliated cells during the first four days following treatment, although a few ciliating cells were present at this time. The secretory cell population in these animals was normal after five days but individual cells deviated from normalcy by containing numerous dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum which persisted in the secretory cells during the remainder of the experiment.


Presynaptic inhibition in man during anesthesia and sleep.

The slow positive (P2) wave of the evoked electrospinogram was recorded from the dorsal epidural space in man. The waveform characteristics of the P2 wave were similar to those of the dorsal cord positive wave (P wave), which is believed to be caused by the primary afferent depolarization (PAD) and to be related to presynaptic inhibitory action in animals. The "second" component of the P2 wave appeared during excitement or following strong stimulation and disappeared after thiamylal administration and during natural slow-wave sleep. The second component, also demonstrated in the P wave of rabbits during ketamine anesthesia, was abolished by spinal transection. Therefore, these second components in man and rabbits may originate from a feedback loop via supraspinal structures. Thus, supraspinal influences might play an important role in the regulation of presynaptic inhibition in the spinal cord of man during wakefulness and anesthesia.


Barbiturates and aortic and venous smooth-muscle function.

Using isolated rat aortic strips (AS) and portal veins (PV), it was found that all of the barbiturates studied (thiopental, secobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital, phenobarbital, and barbital): a) inhibit development of spontaneous mechanical activity (vasomotion) in AS and PV in concentrations used to induce surgical anesthesia or concentrations used for anticonvulsive therapy; b) dose-dependent attenuate contractions induced by epinephrine and potassium (K+); c) cause non-competitive displacement of the dose-response curves of these vasoactive compounds; d) attenuate calcium (Ca++)-induced contractions of K+-depolarized AS and PV; e) rapidly relax drug-induced, as well as Ca++-induced, contractions of AS and PV. In addition, the data indicate that: a) rat portal venous smooth muscle is more sensitive to the inhibitory actions of barbiturates than is rat aortic smooth muscle, and b) thiopental, but none of the other barbiturates, can elicit dose-dependent contractions of AS. Concentrations of barbiturates known to be present during induction of surgical anesthesia can exert depressant effects on at least two types of vascular smooth muscle that may be related to actions on movement and/or translocation of Ca++.


[Fluorometric dosage of the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolites in urine].

The author describes a method of identification and estimation in biological fluids of delta9-THC and its metabolites based on the formation after extraction and suitable binding with Gallium to form highly fluorescent complexes.


[Interference of noramidopyrin and its derivatives on the dosage of uric acid].

Administration of noramidopyrine or of noramidopyrine-methane-sulfonate interferes with the determination of blood uric acid by both the colorimetric method of Folin-Denis and an enzymatic uricase peroxidase method. This interference which is observed at least during the 24 hours following intravenous administration of noramidopyrine, results in either an increase (Folin-Denis) or a decrease (uricase) of the intensity of the final colour. The same effects are also observed in vitro when one adds noramidopyrine to an aqueous solution of uric acid. Existence of this interference should be taken into consideration especially in the diagnosis, the prognosis and the analgesic treatment of renal lithiasis.


[Dosage of urinary iodures with a crystalline membrane selective electrode].

The fixation of iodine 131 on thyroid is often disturbed by iodine overdose. In order to detect such conditions, the authors propose a method of estimation of urinary iodide based on the use of a selective crystalline membrane electrode.


[Determination of blood iron and the total fixation capacity of transferrin by a simple automatic technic without dialysis].

An automated method without dialysis for determining serum iron is described. It is an adaptation of the Lauber procedure to the Technicon Auto Analyser I: serum iron is split from its protein combination by exposure to an acetate pH 5.8 buffer, in the presence of a detergent (Teepol 710) which prevents any precipitation of proteins. Iron is maintained in ferrous state by addition of sodium dithionite and is quantitated with bathophenanthrolin colorimetry. Serum samples are analysed at a rate of 60/H. It is necessary to run a blank for each serum sample. Between 20 and 500 mug iron/100 ml the color intensity agrees with Beer's law. The reproducibility is good, and the variation coefficient less than 1.2 per cent. Our results are not significatively different of those obtained with the ICSH standard method. Bilirubin does not interfere. Iron added is satisfactorily recovered. Our method can also be used for determining the transferrin iron binding capacity.


Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver and intrahepatic hemorrhage in young women on oral contraceptives.

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver may occur with increased frequency in young women who have been taking oral contraceptives. Patients may present with massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage requiring immediate surgical intervention. These nodules may be multiple and occasionally pedunculated, mimicking ovarian cysts. Liver function tests are nondiagnostic. A liver scan and arteriogram are often helpful in determining a diagnosis. Percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated. Large nodules should be resected, and continued use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated.


The thyrotoxicosis of hydatidiform mole.

In 14 women with hydatidiform mole, 9 were hyperthyroid. Serum thyroxine (T4) levels varied between 18 and 34 mug/100 ml, and serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels between 300 and 800 ng/100 ml in the hyperthyroid patients. Bioassayable thyroid-stimulating hormone (molar TSH) was found in high concentrations in the serum of 13 patients in whom preoperative serum was available. There was a close correlation between the serum levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin, molar TSH, and T3. Intravenous sodium iodide caused a fall in serum T3 and, to a lesser extent, in T4 in hyperthyroid patients but not in a euthyroid patient. Removal of molar tissue caused a dramatic fall in the serum levels of T3, T4, molar TSH, and human chorionic gonadotrophin. The close correlation between the serum concentrations of molar TSH and human chorionic gonadotrophin lend support to the suggestion that the human chorionic gonadotrophin molecule itself, when present in large amounts, stimulates thyroid function significantly.


Reduced systemic vascular resistance as therapy for severe mitral regurgitation of valvular origin.

We examined the hemodynamic response to afterload reduction by sodium nitroprusside in 7 patients with severe mitral regurgitation of purely valvular origin. Lowering of systemic vascular resistance was associated with major reductions in pulmonary capillary mean (29 +/- 2 to 13 +/- 1 mm Hg) and left ventricular end diastolic (20 +/- 3 to 9 +/- 1 mm Hg) pressures, while substantial increases were noted in cardiac index (2.2 +/- 0.5 to 3.1 +/- 0.4 litres/min per m2 body surface area) and forward stroke volume (23 +/- 4 to 34 +/- 4 ml/beat/m2 body surface area). Angiographic calculations showed significant decreases in regurgitant volume (73 +/- 19 to 55 +/- 12 ml/beat/m2 body surface area) and regurgitant fraction (0.70 +/- 0.07 to 0.57 +/- 0.06). No significant change occurred in left ventricular ejection fraction or heart rate, suggesting that the improved cardiac function was not due to a reflex increase in adrenergic stimulation. These observations support the concept that afterload reduction may be therapeutic in severe mitral regurgitation by reducing impedance to forward left ventricular output, thereby promoting greater forward and small regurgitant fractions of the total stroke volume.


Fluid therapy in severe systemic reaction to radiopaque dye.

Two patients developed severe vascular collapse after left ventriculography with organic iodides. Hemodynamic monitoring showed marked reduction in systemic pressures. In one patient there was no response to the standard therapeutic measures in anaphylactic reactions, and prompt response to fluid administration was obtained. In the second patient response was prompt to fluids, adrenalin, and hydrocortisone.


Acute anticholinergic syndrome due to Jimson seed ingestion. Clinical and laboratory observation in six cases.

Ten patients presented with acute anticholinergic syndrome secondary to Jimson seed (Datura stramonium) ingestion. Six of the 10 patients required hospitalization because of hyperpyrexia and severe neurologic derangement. Electroencephalograms recorded immediately after admission showed [1] slow wave activity, and [2] bizarre rhythmical bursts of high-voltage sharp wave activity; both of which rapidly resolved during the next 24 hours, as did the associated clinical findings of hyperreflexia, bilateral dorsiflexor Babinski responses, and decerebrate posturing. Previously unreported elevation of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase and prothrombin time prolongation are documented. The pathogenic mechanism accounting for abberation of these laboratory values remains undefined. All patients showed rapid clinical improvement; follow-up neurologic evaluation and electroencephalograms have been within normal limits. Because of the widespread availability and potential abuse of the Jimson seed, the clinical syndrome associated with its toxicity merits recognition.


Significance of increased factor VIII in early glomerulonephritis.

One hundred sixteen patients with early glomerulonephritis had factor VIII without impairment of renal function. They also had other coagulation and fibrinolytic components and acute phase reactants. The patients were followed for up to 4 years with respect to both coagulation pattern and renal function. Patients who made a complete recovery during follow-up had normal initial factor VIII levels, while those who developed persistent renal damage had high factor VIII levels. The other coagulation factors and the acute phase reactants were of no prognostic significance. Factor VIII has been shown to be synthesized in the vessel intima. The initial factor VIII level in early glomerulonephritis may reflect the degree of vascular affection of the glomeruli. The high factor VIII levels may be of significance for the development of fibrin deposits in glomeruli.


A highly automated hospital medication system. Five years' experience and evaluation.

Since 1969, medications have been provided to patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital using a computer system that controls the entire medication process from entry of physician's order to hourly drug distribution. Special envelopes containing patient and dosage information are computer generated for each dose to be administered. These envelopes, containing individually labelled ready-to-administer doses, are delivered to the nursing units hourly. The system provides daily medication profiles, drug administration histories, discharge summaries, and management and billing reports. Medication errors of commission were 4.6 times more frequent on the traditional nursing units compared to the units with the computer system. Registered nurses spend 56% less time performing medication-related activities on the units served by the computer. For 250 beds, total costs are 7% higher using the computer system. For 450 beds, total costs are 14% lower using the computer system.


Pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase predicting metastatic spread in Ewing's sarcoma.

We measured serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in 36 patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma before treatment. The results were evaluated to determine if the levels served as a prognostic indicator for metastatic spread. After adjusting for primary site of disease and adjuvant chemotherapy, the pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase proved an extremely good predictor of which patients would ultimately develop metastatic disease. The median serum lactate dehydrogenase of the total group was between 201 and 214 IU/litre. Three of 18 patients presenting with serum levels of this enzyme of less than or equal to 201 IU/litre ultimately developed metastases, while 16 of 18 patients who presented with serum levels of greater than or equal to 214 IU/litre developed metastases (P less than 0.001).


Familial atrial myxoma.

Two siblings 14 years apart were found to have atrial myxomas. The brother's right atrial myxoma was found at age 21 and his sister's left atrial myxoma, with peripheral cerebral and coronary aneurysms, at age 30. Both tumors were excised successfully. These findings support previous reports suggesting that atrial myxoma may be familial. Echocardiography can be used effectively in the diagnosis of atrial myxoma, detection of its possible recurrence, and screening other members of the family.


Asthma from psyllium in laxative manufacture.

Symptoms of asthma developed in three patients after exposure to psyllium powder, which was being used in the manufacture of a bulk laxative. All three had reaginic skin test sensitivity, and two had positive bronchial challenges with a psyllium extract.


Prolonged hemolysis from overheated dialysate.

A patient with chronic renal failure exposed to overheated dialysate (50 degrees C) for 20 minutes developed evidence of delayed and protracted hemolysis, which continued for several days. By contrast, in the only previously reported similar case, sudden gross hemolysis followed by cardiac arrest occurred. It is emphasized that the rapidity and severity of hemolysis due to thermal injury to erythrocytes are dependent upon the duration of exposure and the height of temperature to which extracorporeal blood is exposed. Methods of preventing such incidents and therapeutic approaches are outlined.


Evolving patterns of drug abuse.

The sharp rise in drug abuse in the past decade has led to the development of new sources of information on drug-abuse trends. These include surveys, drug-related emergencies, drug-abuse treatment, hepatitis rates, and various types of law enforcement information. This paper summarizes data currently available for heroin, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and barbiturates. Heroin use occurred in epidemic form in the late 1960s. Some cities, which had experienced a subsequent decline in heroin use, recently have reported an increase again. Marijuana use has increased steadily. The abuse of amphetamines and barbiturates appears to be growing. Trends on cocaine use are unclear. The development of ongoing, quantitative data-collection systems is beginning to clarify many of the issues regarding drug-use patterns and trends. With the possible exception of survey data, however, each indicator provides data only on selected segments of the drug-using population.


Controlling rubella: problems and perspectives.

Long-term effectiveness of rubella vaccination in childhood is of particular importance because the ultimate goal of immunization is the prevention of infection during pregnancy. To determine how well vaccine-induced immunity persists in comparison to that acquired naturally, several hundred susceptible children who seroconverted after receiving HPV77DE5 vaccine were followed serologically over a 3-to-5-year period. The results indicate that vaccine-induced antibodies are less stable than those acquired through natural infection, and their persistence is closely related to the original response to immunization. Thus children who responded with a broad range of antibody types and who had brisk postvaccinal hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:64, maintained such levels without significant decline. In contrast, among the children who had feeble hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody responses initially and failed to develop complement-fixing or precipitating antibodies, a significant proportion lost detectable hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody levels after 3 to 5 years. The current and future immunity of such children is therefore in doubt, unless natural reinfection with wild rubella virus or revaccination with a more effective vaccine corrects their antibody deficiencies.


Foveomacular retinitis: report of cases in three young females.

Cases of foveomacular retinitis in three young females (4 eyes) are presented. No history of sun gazing was given; all returned to normal or near normal acuity following resolution of the natural course of the disease. The various proposed etiologies and abnormal findings are discussed.


Temporal arteritis: a spectrum of ophthalmic complications.

Seven patients of temporal arteritis with eye involvement have been presented. These cases represent a spectrum of disease from intermittent diplopia with minimal 6th nerve weakness through mild retinal ischemia with recovery to permanent bilateral blindness. Temporal arteritis should be suspected when any form of ocular ischemia is suspected by history or found on examination of an elderly person. An early diagnosis may protect the vision in both eyes if vision is normal at the time of diagnosis. If vision in one eye is decreased because of ischemia, the vision in the other eye can usually be retained if proper therapy is instituted. Furthermore, adequate therapy may even result in improvement in vision in the involved eye. Patients with biopsy proven temporal arteritis should be continued on steroid therapy until the active disease is quiescent. Inactivity should be determined by carefully monitoring the ESR while steroids are being tapered. If the ESR rises, it is indicative of continued inflammation and if steroids are not continued, the eyes remain at risk as seen in Case 5. If the ESR remains elevated for a year or more despite continuation of high steroid levels, consideration should be given to repeating the temporal artery biopsy. Temporal arteritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any multisystem disease in older patients. Even central nervous system involvement may occur concomitantly, since the intracranial vessels are not immune from the disease process. Tuberculosis, systemic syphilis and more recently the collagen vascular diseases have been dubbed the "great imitators" and "the protean diseases." We suggest that the same terminology can be applied to temporal arteritis. Temporal arteritis can affect any organ. Moreover, there is a wide spectrum of variation in the degree of involvement of any particular tissue as illustrated by these 7 cases of ocular involvement.


Lens refilling and regrowth of lens substance in the rabbit eye.

After evacuation the capsular sac of the rabbit lens collapses completely. Regrowth of lens substance often starts soon not only in the periphery, but in many places of the capsule sac. Experience with extracapsular extraction of cataracts in the human eye indicates a similar tendency to regrowth of lens substance in the human eye.


Bell's palsy and intraocular pressure.

A prospective study was established to test the effect of orbicularis tone on intraocular pressure. Local nerve block of the 7th cranial nerve by either the methods of Van Lint or O'Brien and Atkinson revealed no effect on the measured intraocular pressure.


Intracavernous aneurysm with isolated 6th nerve palsy.

A 35-year-old white man with a history of migraine and acute isolated 6th nerve palsy was found to have a large intracavernous aneurysm of the carotid artery. The case demonstrates that a 6th nerve palsy may infrequently be due to an intracavernous aneurysm and, therefore, one should rule out this and other intracranial lesions or systemic disease before accepting the diagnosis of ophthalmoplegic migraine.


Multiple myeloma involving the lacrimal gland.

The third case of myeloma presenting as a lacrimal gland tumor is reported. The lesion was originally diagnosed as a solitary extramedullary myeloma, but on follow-up, the patient was seen to develop other myelomas. This case illustrates the necessity for careful follow-up of patients with solitary myelomas, even in the absence of bone marrow pathology, for the solitary extramedullary myeloma may represent an early stage in the development of multiple myeloma.


Raeder's syndrome.

Raeder's paratrigeminal syndrome is a disorder manifested by unilateral ptosis, miosis, intact facial sweating, and severe pain in the distribution of the ophthalmic division of the fifth nerve. It is a clinical pattern where, usually, a middle-aged male gets a severe throbbing supraorbital headache accompanied by ptosis and miosis. The headache is intermittently present for several weeks or months. Facial sweating may or may not be affected. This report describes a female with Raeder's syndrome who had unilateral facial anhibrosis.


Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.

A 58-year-old woman with painful ophthalmoplegia of the left eye associated with thrombosis of the left superior ophthalmic vein and normal angiography is presented. Symptoms cleared on systemic prednisone therapy within 72 hours. The clinical picture associated with the venographic findings and response to steroids are characteristic of the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.


Hemosideric heterochromia iridum in malignant melanoma of the choroid.

A case is reported in which hyperchromic heterochromia iridum developed due to blood staining of an eye with malignant melanoma of the choroid in which massive hemorrhage developed. It is suggested that a possibility of the malignant melanoma of the choroid be kept in mind where hemosiderin deposits are suspected to be the cause of heterochromia but no intraocular iron foreign body is present.


Thermotrabeculocanalotomy: preliminary report.

Thermotrabeculocanalotomy is a simplified method of obtaining the results of trabeculectomy. After a corneoscleral flap is made, limbal-based, most of the anterior surface of the posterior corneoscleral lamella is undermined with cautery, and the anterior chamber is entered with knife and cautery. Drainage is by filtration. Preliminary results on 17 patients who underwent this surgical approach have been satisfactory. Follow-up time has been from 9 to 14 months.


Scleral buckling in retinoblastoma: case report.

In the course of treating retinoblastoma in a monocular child, a progressive retinal detachment occurred. Although no retinal break was demonstrated, several clinical features suggested that the detachment was rhegmatogenous. A successful scleral buckling procedure was performed without adverse sequelae. The rationale for this approach is discussed.


Diagnosis of superficial temporal arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis is an insidious disease which is often first suspected and diagnosed by the ophthalmologist. Because of the high incidence of serious ophthalmologic complications associated with the disease, the ophthalmologist has more than passing interest in establishing the diagnosis. Biopsy confirmation has become increasingly important as more clinical syndromes associated with giant cell arteritis are recognized. The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique for biopsy of the superficial temporal artery which insures obtaining an adequate specimen for histologic examination.


Frequency responses of hearing aids and their effects on the speech perception of hearing-impaired subjects.

Eight hearing-impaired subjects were tested with a binaural master hearing aid. This aid has "on-the-head" miniature transducers and has an adjustable frequency response. Five frequency responses were used, two of them were defined by their response in a 2-cm3 coupler: 1) uniform coupler gain (UCG), and 2) 6 dB per rise (6 dB). The other responses were defined in terms of functional gain (difference between unaided and aided thresholds): 3) uniform functional gain (UFG); 4 uniform hearing level (UHL); and 5) a simulation of a commercial hearing aid (AS). A significant difference between coupler and functional gain was seen. Discrimination was tested with a special closed-set word list which includes fifty monosyllabic words with a high percentage of voiceless phonemes. Discrimination scores were consistently better with the UHL response. The lowest scores were obtained with the AS response. The average difference in scores between these two responses was 18.4%. Further testing replicated these results and also compared the effects of a different type of word list phonetically balanced (PB); with these lists, the above-mentioned difference in scores was smaller in quiet (5.9%) but larger in noise (20.9%).


Multiple sclerosis: immunologic aspects.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although the causes are not known, the pathogenesis likely involves complex relationships between autoimmunity, immunogenetics, immunologic deficiency and viral infection. The evidence for such interrelationships is discussed.


A preliminary genetic interpretation of the esterase isozymes of human tissues.

1. The esterase isozymes of human tissues have been investigated using the technique of starch-gel electrophoresis. Conventional naphthyl-azo dye linked stains and new fluorogenic staining methods were used to detect the isozymes. 2. Multiple isozymes were identified in every tissue and they were characterized in terms of their electrophoretic mobility, tissue distribution, developmental changes in utero, substrate specificity, inhibition properties and molecular weight. On these criteria 13 sets of esterase isozymes were identified, in addition to the esterase isozymes due to cholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase. 3. The data suggest that the 13 sets of isozymes are determined by at least nine different structural gene loci. 4. No electrophoretic variants were identified in a limited population survey of post-mortem tissues from adults and foetuses, except for the previously described esterase D (ESD) phenotypes.


Assortative mating, linkage and genotypic frequencies.

The effect of introducing assortative mating in a population in linkage equilibrium is considered. It is shown that the introduction of assortative mating will disturb linkage equilibrium which will be re-established at another point independent of the recombination value r but depending upon additive variance and gene frequencies. It is also shown that when equilibrium is established Fisher's (1918) model of assortative mating will be applicable.


Parathyroid hormone: radioimmunoassay and clinical interpretation.

A radioimmunoassay for serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), which has had widespread clinical use for five years, is described in detail. The iPTH results in large groups of patients are reported, and are discussed in relation to the specificity of the assay and in relation to other assays. The assay has excellent precision and is highly proficient in discrimination of groups of patients. Ninety-three percent of 412 patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism were confidently separated from normal subjects or patients with hypercalcemia owing to other causes, while 86 percent of 160 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism had iPTH values more than 2 S.D. above the normal mean. Results in patients with ectopic hyperparathyroidism were lower than in primary hyperparathyroidism although these groups showed considerable overlap. The antiserum used in this assay for iPTH appears to be specific for the carboxy-terminal region of the secreted or intact form of PTH but recognizes predominantly the secreted form rather than carboxy-terminal fragments believed to be in the circulation. It does not recognize amino terminal fragments. The assay is useful in selective venous catheterization for preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue.


Review of phosphate methodologies.

A description of the extensive literature on the methodologies for the determination of serum phosphate has been reviewed. The evolution of the various phases of the analytical techniques developed in the last century leading to the simplified, sensitive and accurate procedures of the present have been presented in some detail. A procedure involving a simple direct reaction for the determination of inorganic phosphate in serum using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent and a citrate-arsenite mixture as a stabilizing-sensitizing reagent, all in a semi-aqueous medium containing dimethysulfoxide and the detergent Teepol 610 is recommended. Jaundice and mild hemolysis are noninterferencts and turbidity from severe lipemia is easily overcome by reversing the sequence in which reagents are added because citrate binds molybdate in preference to phosphate. Thus, the serum blank and the reacted serum are identical in makeup thereby yielding an idealized correction for irrelevant absorption. Reaction characteristics and potential errors are included in the discussion of the procedure.


Genetic studies on human lymphoblastoid cell lines: isozyme and cytogenetic heterogeneity in a cell line, with evidence for localization of the Pep A locus in man.

One hundred and thirty-three clones (60 mutagen treated, 73 controls) of the human male lymphoblastoid cell line F 137 have been examined for the electrophoretic pattern of more than 30 enzymes. In nine instances there was loss of activity of one allele of an X-linked or heterozygous autosomal locus. Seven of these involved the Pep A locus, and in every case the change was from the Pep A 2-1 phenotype to Pep A 2. Cytogenetic analysis of the parent line revealed a number of variants on the modal karyotype. On cloning, there appeared to be some selection for survival of non-modal cells. The proportions of the cytogenetically distinct populations within the bulk culture varied over a period of many months. There was a strong correlation in individual clones between loss of activity of the product of the Pep A1 allele and the presence in the cells of a 9/18 translocation. In addition there was one clone of phenotype Pep A 2 with a deletion of part of the long arm of chromosome 18. The data confirms the assignment of the Pep A structural locus to the distal half of the long arm of chromosome 18 and localizes it with some precision to the qter region. The Pep A 2 phenotype of the clones containing the 9/18 translocation could be the result of a small deletion eliminating the Pep A1 allele but not large enough to be detected cytogenetically. Alternatively inactivation of the Pep A1 allele may have occurred as a position effect resulting from the close association of heterochromatin from the centromere of 9 with the qter region of 18.


Centrometric linkage in autosomal trisomies.

A detailed description of the cytological mechanisms leading to autosomal trisomy shows that the proportion of trisomics carrying three alleles from three of their grandparents is bound to be greater than zero for any locus anywhere on a trisomic chromosome. The likelihood method used to estimate this proportion in pedigree data can be applied to the detection of linkage, or to investigations on the origin of trisomy when linkage is known.


Electron microscopy of disorders of skeletal muscle.

Some of the common pathologic changes in the muscle fiber as viewed with the electron microscope are considered. These include myofilament and Z band abnormalities, alterations of the sarcotubular system, mitochondrial aberrations and glycogen accumulations. Correlations with light microscopic findings are mentioned when pertinent. The diagnostic significance of the various ultrastructural changes is discussed.


Ultrastructure of the nervous system.

Within the nervous system, five cell types were studied by the electron microscope: the neuron, astrocyte, oligodendroglia, microglia and ependymal cells. The neurons are characterized by the Nissl substance within the perikaryon, the neurotubules and the neurofilaments. The three types of glial cells can be distinguished from one another. The astrocyte has relatively lucent cytoplasm and contains filaments which extend into long cytoplasmic processes. The oligodendroglia has electron-dense cytoplasm with thin extensions wedged between the cellular processes of the neuropil. The microglia cytoplasm is similar to the oligodendroglia but can be differentiated by the peculiar convoluted outline of the nuclear membrane and the clear space which separate the nucleus from the cytoplasm. The ependymal cell has characteristic microvilli and cilia at its ventricular surface. The cytoplasm contain parabasal bodies and tight junctions between adjacent cells. In the peripheral nerve, the axon and the myelin sheath are located within the Schwann cells. The terminal nerve endings from enlargements filled with synaptic vesicles. Electron microscopy of the nervous system is not only essential for research, but is also helpful in diagnosis of certain diseases.


Study of the genetic transmission of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in a 195 member kindred.

A pedigree of complex structure, comprising 195 individuals, is shown to be segregating for an autosomal dominant gene for hypercholesterolemia. The same pedigree shows two groups of individuals with respect to plasma triglyceride levels; the cause of this appears to be independent of the locus demonstrated, which accounts for over 50% of the variability in cholesterol levels in the kindred studied. The power of bivariate analyses of multigenerational data, as used in this study, is discussed. The lipid disorders in this family, however, differ from the usual familial hypercholesterolemia described by Harlan et al. (1966) in that there is a group of individuals who have elevated triglycerides, there is a substantial amount of premature cardiovascular disease, and not very many individuals have tendonous xanthomas. It is of course possible that in this family the genetic entity is a variant of the usual hypercholesterolemia mutant; or it may be the usual mutant, acting in concert with some other unknown factor. The cause of the two groups with respect to triglycerides is not clear; but, whether it is genetic or environmental, it is independent of the segregation for hypercholesterolemia.


Probability and genetic relationship: two loci.

A method has been described for calculating the 15 k-coefficients required to completely specify the genetic identity relations between two individuals at two linked loci. These k-coefficients are then used to derive a general expression for the covariance between relatives for a trait involving two linked loci and arbitrary epistasis.


[New heptaene antibiotic, flavomycin, formed by Act. flavus var. geptinicus var. nov].

An actinomycetous culture LIA-0734 was isolated from a soil sample. By its morphologo-cultural properties it was close to Act. flavus and differed from the latter in the sporophores, colour of the substrate mycelium on synthetic media amd markedly pronounced antagonism with respect to yeasts and yeast-like fungi. The culture was classified as Act. flavus var. geptinicus var. nov. The actinomycete produced new aromatic heptaens: flavomycins A and B. Their physico-chemical and biological characteristics and singularity are presented.


[Comparative characteristics of some actnomycetes, producers of antifungal antibiotics related to chondamycin].

Three actinomycetous strains designated as LIA-0773, LIA-0783 and LIA-0780 were isolated from various soil samples. The cultures actively inhibited the growth of Trichophyton gipseum and produced a non-polyenic antibiotic of the chondamycin type. The strains were identified with Act. griseochromogenes Fukunaga et. al., 1955. The cultures differed within the species by some morphological, cultural, physiological and antibiotic properties, as well as by the component composition of the antibiotic produced. Thus, strain LIA-0773 had larger spiral sporophores, satisfactorily hydrolized starch and inverted sucrose. The strain inhibited the growth of not only the fungi but also grampositive bacteria and mycobacteria and produced an antibiotic composed of 6 components. Strain LIA-0780 had small sporophores with close spirals and low amilolytic activity. It inhibited only the growth of the fungi and produced a monocomponent antibiotic. Strain LIA-0783 was intermediate. By its biological properties it was closer to strain LIA-0780. The antibiotic produced by it consisted of 6 components, while by its physico-chemical properties the antibiotic was close to that produced by strain LIA-0780. All the 3 actinomycetous cultures were considered as different variants of Act. griseochromogenes Fukunaga et al., 1955.


[Experiment to study some suspension media for the lyophilization of actinomycetes].

Viability and cultural properties of 59 actinomycetes and 17 bacteria lyophilized in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), sodium glutamate, their combinations and horse serum were studied after storage for 2 years at a temperature of 4-10 degrees. A 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had a high protective effect on viability of the above organisms. The solution containing 3 per cent of sodium glutamate and 3 per cent of PVP was somewhat less effective. The cultures lyophilized in 5 per cent solution of sodium glutamate had the same viability levels as those lyophilized in horse serum, while the latter had better growth rates on their plating out on nutrient media. A 5 per cent solution of PVP had no advantages over sodium glutamate or horse serum with respect to preservation of the organism viability. No significant differences in the cultural properties: colour of the aerial and substrate mycelium and pigment production were noted in the actinomycetes lyophilized in various protective media and the analogous control cultures maintained by means of passages on fresh nutrient media.


[Study of the fructosediphosphate aldolase and transketolase activity in the nystatin producer, Actinomyces noursei].

Activity of transketolase, an enzyme of the pentose cycle and fructosodiphosphataldolase, an enzyme of glycolisis was studied in the dynamics of development of the nystatin-producing organism and its inactive mutant under various conditions of their cultivation with a purpose of finding relation between the antibiotic production and general metabolism of Act. noursei. The transketolase activity of the organism was 2-4 times higher than that of the inactive mutant. Addition of 8000 Units/ml of nystatin to the medium markedly suppressed (50-100 per cent) the aldolase activity, however it had no effect on the transkelotase activity. Possibly the antibiotic accumulated in the mycelium played the role of a regulator of the activity of the enzymes, directing the metabolites along the hexosomonophosphate pathway of carbohydrate dissimilation.


[Production in an Actinomyces levoris culture under the action of an actinophage specific to it of variants with stable preservation of its resistance to the phage].

Act. levoris 28, an organism producing levorin was treated with an actinophage virulent to it. Variants of the organism were isolated from the secondary growth of the culture. As a result of lysogenization with the above phage the variants acquired stability to it which was preserved during the further generations. In the previous experiments carried out by the authors the variants isolated from the secondary growth of the culture after its exposure to the same phage lost their stability to the phage as a result of loosing the prophage by it during the subsequent passages. The phage stable variants did not differ from the initial culture either in the activity of levorin or the levorin composition. The phages found in the initial culture 28, and the virulent mutant were identical with respect to the particles morphology and antigenic properties which confirmed their relation.


[Experimental data on hygienic norms for antibiotics of the tetracycline group].

Toxicity of tetracyclines was studied experimentally on different species of laboratory animals. It was shown that tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline were close by their chemical structure and physico-chemical properties, as well as by the main toxicity parameters, i.e. acute toxicity, cumulative activity, skin-irritating and sensitizing effect. Under the conditions of subacute experiments the above 3 antibiotics induced evenly pronounced one direction changes in animals. The data obtained during the experiments provided recommendation of the level of 0.1 mg/m3 as the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline, i.e. the same level as the previously recommended for tetracycline.


[Changes in the ultrastructure of Staph. aureus cells under the action of certain antibiotics].

The ultrastructure of staphylococcal cells being in contact with oxacillin, cephaloridin, lincomycin, fusidin or gentamycin was studied with the help of electron microscopy. Differences in the changes of the submicroscopic sturcutre of the cells under the effect of the antibiotics inhibiting the synthesis of the cell walls or protein synthesis were shown. Teh level of the structure changes depended on the drug concentration.


[Effect of trypsin on the activity of tetracycline, erythromycin and levomycetin].

Trypsin had an antimicrobial effect on Staph. aureus. Increasing of protein in the broth culture of the staphylococci was inhibited in the presence of 50 gamma/ml of trypsin by 42.8%. The activity of tetracycline, erythromycin and levomycetin increased, when they were used in combination with trypsin, the effect of the trypsin combinations with tetracycline or levomycetin was additive, while that of the combination with erythromycin was synergistic.


[Streptomycin and kanamycin level in the blood and lungs of guinea pigs when the antibiotics are administered by inhalation and intramuscularly].

Streptomycin and kanamycin levels in the blood and lung tissue after the antibiotic inhalation or intramuscular administration were studied comparatively on 86 healthy guinea pigs. The antibiotics were inhaled with the help of the nozzle or ultrasonic aerozol apparatus. The studies showed statistically reliable advantages of the ultrasonic aerosols in attaining high levels of streptomycin and kanamycin preserved for prolonged periods of time in the lungs of the experimental animals as compared to the intramuscular administration route or the aerosols introduced with the help of the pneumatic inhaler. After inhalation of the ultrasonic aerosols the levels of streptomycin in the lung tissue of the guinea pigs were 5 times higher than those after inhalation of the nozzle aerosols and 64 times higher than those after the antibiotic intramuscular administration. As for kanamycin the respective values were 2 and 14 times higher.


[Action of valinomycin in vivo on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. A change in the ultrastructure of the tumor cells under the influence of valinomycin].

It was found with the help of electron microscopy that valinomycin administered to mice with Ehrlich ascitic tumors in a dose inhibiting the proliferating activity induced impairements in the mitochondria. The changes were similar to those under the effect of valinomycin in vitro. An increase in the antibiotic dose resulted in more pronounced and irreversible changes not only in the mitochondria but also in other structures of the tumor cells.


[Experimental study of the embryotropic action of tetracycline].

The general toxic and embryotropic effect of tetracycline was studied on unbred pregnant albino rats. The antibiotic was used in concentrations of 1 and 0.1 mg/m3, the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The animals were exposed to tetracycline inhalation for 20 days of their pregnancy. On the basis of the results it was concluded that tetracycline in the concentration at the level of the MPC, i.e. 0.1 mg/m3 had under the experimental conditions a negative effect on the pregnant animals. In concentrations of 1 and 0.1 mg/m3 it had in addition an embryotropic effect. It was also shown that the pregnant animals were more sensitive to the antibiotic than the non-pregnant ones.


[Functional state of the testis after the use of certain antibiotics and nitrofuran preparations].

The functional state of the testis due to the effect of antibacterial therapy was studied in 50 patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases of the urinary-genital system and treated with neomycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, furadonin and furagin. It was shown that the above nitrofurans and neomycin had a negative effect on the testis function lowering the number of the spermatozoa in 1 ml and the whole ejaculate and their mobility. Contrary to it tetracycline therapy had no significant effect on the spermatozoa number, while the use of streptomycin was accompanied by a certain tendency to an increase in their number. The data were to some extent in certain accordance with the results of the experimental studies.


Accuracy of Kirby-Bauer susceptibility tests read at 4, 8, and 12 hours of incubation: comparison with readings at 18 to 20 hours.

Disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility tests as performed by the hospital diagnostic microbiology laboratory were read at 4, 8, and 12 h of incubation and compared to the traditional 18-h readings. Both the zone size in millimeters and a judgement of susceptible or resistant were recorded by the investigator at each time interval for each drug tested against the various clinical isolates. Considerable variation of zone sizes existed for certain organisms (e.g., staphylococci and Proteus) and certain antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) when zone sizes in millimeters were examined. However, 8 to 60% of isolates demonstrated visible growth at 4 h of incubation and could be placed in susceptible or resistant categories with a fair degree of accuracy (74 to 95% agreement with 18-h readings). By 8 h of incubation, 83 to 100% of the cultures showed visible growth and almost all the organisms had accurate readings (89 to 98% agreement). The ability to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns early could influence favorably the prognosis in serious infections.


Treatment of influenza infection of mice by using rimantadine hydrochlorides by the aerosol and intraperitoneal routes.

Rimantadine hydrochloride was administered for 4 days in a small-particle (95% < 6.5 mum) aerosol (8.8 mg/kg per day) or intraperitoneally (40 mg/kg per day) to mice previously infected with influenza A/Aichi/2/68 (H(3)N(2)), mouse adapted. Mean time to death and incidence of survival were significantly increased in all treated groups of mice. The rate of eventual disappearance of virus from lung tissue was also accelerated by therapy. However, maximal mean virus titer per lung, and lung histopathology, did not reveal any difference between control and either group of treated mice. Aerosol therapy initiated at 72 h postinfection was as effective as that initiated at 6 h, even though lung virus titers of these mice had already peaked by 72 h. In contrast, intraperitoneal therapy initiated at 72 h was not effective in all studies.


Fermentation, isolation, and antitumor activity of sterigmatocystins.

In a screening program for antitumor substances from microbial fermentations, a compound was isolated from the mycelium of an Aspergillus species which proved to be the mycotoxin 5-methoxysterigmatocystin. This and the subsequently isolated sterigmatocystin gave significant inhibition of the transplanted mouse leukemias P-388 and L-1210. Preparation and testing of several derivatives of 5-methoxysterigmatocystin suggest that certain functions in the molecule are essential for tumor inhibition. Although slight antitumor effects have been reported for the chemically related aflatoxins, we believe this is the first report of antitumor activity of sterigmatocystins.


Analysis of rifampin disk diffusion and stability in 7H10 agar.

Rifampin was incorporated into Middlebrook 7H10 medium either by adding an aliquot of the antibiotic into melted agar (final concentration 1.0 and 3.0 mug/ml) or by submerging a 5 or 15 mug of rifampin paper disk into 5 ml of melted agar contained in one quadrant of a Felson "X" plate. At intervals, plugs of agar were removed from the stored plates and assayed. Plates stored at 5 C for 28 days showed no loss of potency; at 37 C, the half-life of rifampin was 9 days. Stability of rifampin at these concentrations in 7H10 medium was independent of the method used for incorporation. Using the disk method, uniform rifampin concentrations of 0.75 mug/ml on day 5 for the 5-mug disk and 2.7 mug/ml on day 6 for the 15-mug disk were observed. Results indicated that the rifampin concentrations within the agar dilution and disk diffusion plates were equivalent at these times.


Inactivation of myxoviruses by calcium elenolate.

Calcium elenolate inactivates all myxoviruses so far tested. The pH of the reaction mixture is less critical for myxovirus inactivation than that required for coxsackie A-21 virus; the myxoviruses are inactivated at a broad spectrum of pH with the maximum activity occurring at a pH below 7.0. The infectivity of the virus is more susceptible to the action of calcium elenolate than is either the neuraminidase activity or the hemagglutinin. The inactivation of Newcastle disease virus by calcium elenolate also destroys the ability of the virus to induce interferon formation in cell culture and in mice.


Gentamicin nephrotoxicity: failure of three cephalosporins to potentiate injury in rats.

The possibility that gentamicin and cephalosporin antibiotics may act synergistically to produce nephrotoxicity was evaluated in an experimental model. Necrosis of the proximal tubules occurred when rats were treated with 60 to 120 mg/kg of gentamicin for 5 days but not when 15 to 20 mg/kg per day was given for up to 4 weeks. In all gentamicin-treated animals lysosomes of proximal tubules were increased in size and number and the lumens of many tubules contained a granular deposit. Examination by electron microscopy revealed that the abnormal lysosomes contained membranous whorls. The luminal deposits consisted of similar material; identical bodies were also present in the urinary sediment. To determine whether concurrent administration of a cephalosporin would augment the nephrotoxic potential of gentamicin, additional rats were treated for 4 weeks with daily injections of gentamicin (20 mg/kg) and either cephaloridine, cephalothin, or cefazolin (500 mg/kg). None of the combination regimens produced any more injury than did gentamicin alone.


Concentration of clindamycin in human bone.

Thirty patients undergoing total hip replacement received clindamycin beginning the day before surgery. Mean clindamycin concentrations during surgery were 7.33 +/- 3.37 mug/ml in serum and 2.63 +/- 1.76 mug/g in bone; mean ratio of bone-serum concentration was 0.40 +/- 0.30.


Comparison of cefoxitin and cephalothin therapy of a mixed Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterius necrophorum infection in mice.

Cefoxitin, a beta-lactamase-resistant cephalosporin, was found to be more effective than cephalothin against an experimental mixed infection containing Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum.


Effects of temperature and crude oil composition on petroleum biodegradation.

The biodegradability of seven different crude oils was found to be highly dependent on their composition and on incubation temperature. At 20 C lighter oils had greater abiotic losses and were more susceptible to biodegradation than heavier oils. These light crude oils, however, possessed toxic volatile components which evaporated only slowly and inhibited microbial degradation of these oils at 10 C. No volatile toxic fraction was associated with the heavier oils tested. Rates of oil mineralization for the heavier oils were significantly lower at 20 C than for the lighter ones. Similar relative degradation rates were found with a mixed microbial community, using CO2 evolution as the measure, and with a Pseudomonas isolate from the Arctic, using O2 consumption as the measure. The paraffinic, aromatic, and asphaltic fractions were subject to biodegradation. Some preference was shown for paraffin degradation, especially at low temperatures. Branched paraffins, such as pristane, were degraded at both 10 and 20 C. At best, a 20% residue still remained after 42 days of incubation. Oil residues generally had a lower relative percentage of paraffins and higher percentage of asphaltics than fresh or weathered oil.


Effects of an abrupt change in ration from all roughage to high concentrate upon rumen microbial numbers in sheep.

When three sheep were abruptly changed from a ration of 100% orchardgrass hay to 60% cracked corn-40% orchardgrass hay, fed at equal dry-matter intakes, significant increases in concentration were observed in the rumen microbial population. Bacterial numbers (colony counts) per gram of rumen contents did not appear to have stabilized within 21 days after the ration change; however, protozoan numbers per milliliter plateaued after 5 days. The concentration of cellulose-digesting bacteria varied considerably between animals and decreased in all animals with the change. Changes were observed in total and molar percentages of volatile fatty acids, which were typical for the two types of rations. Although the concentration of protozoa increased after the ration change, only minor differences were observed in their percent generic distribution. A significant decrease in rumen volume was measured in two of the three sheep with the change in ration; however, fluid turnover rates were not significantly affected. Rates of rumen dry-matter turnover were slower with the concentrate ration, although rumen dry-matter digestion was increased. Calculation of total bacterial numbers based on total rumen volume completely negated the effect of ration change in one animal, whereas total numbers in the other two animals were still significantly different between rations and very similar between animals. Adjustment of total protozoa numbers did not alter the trends seen previously with concentration values.


Detection of Clostridium botulinum toxin by local paralysis elicited with intramuscular challenge.

Clostridium botulinum toxin can be identified by a characteristic, acute local paralysis that follows its injection into the gastrocnemius ("calf" muscle) of mice. The local botulism can be elicited with slightly less than one-tenth the toxin amount that is needed to kill mice by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) challenge route. The practical sensitivities of the intramuscular (i.m.) versus i.p. tests are about equal, however, because maximum sample volume injectable i.m. is 0.1 ml as compared to the 0.5-ml range that can be given i.p. i.m. injection of 10 or more mouse i.p. mean lethal doses causes paralysis in about 1 h, and an i.m. injection of about 0.5 i.p. mean lethal doses causes paralysis in 3 to 4 h. Toxin neutralization by homologous type of antitoxin only can be demonstrated with an incubated mixture of toxin and antitoxin. Although not as convenient as the i.p. method for routine use to detect botulinum toxin, the i.m. method has characteristics which could make it a useful supplement to the presently accepted i.p. procedure.


Formation of methyl mercury by bacteria.

Twenty-three Hg2+-resistant cultures were isolated from sediment of the Savannah River in Georgia; of these, 14 were gram-negative short rods belonging to the genera Escherichia and Enterobacter, six were gram-positive cocci (three Staphylococcus sp. and three Streptococcus sp.) and three were Bacillus sp. All the Escherichia, Enterobacter, and the Bacillus strain were more resistant to Hg2+ than the strains of staphylococci and streptococci. Adaptation using serial dilutions and concentration gradient agar plate techniques showed that it was possible to select a Hg2+-resistant strain from a parent culture identified as Enterobacter aerogenes. This culture resisted 1,200 mug of Hg2+ per ml of medium and produced methyl mercury from HgCl2, but was unable to convert Hg2+ to volatile elemental mercury (Hg0). Under constant aeration (i.e., submerged culture), slightly more methyl mercury was formed than in the absence of aeration. Production of methyl mercury was cyclic in nature and slightly decreased if DL-homocysteine was present in media, but increased with methylcobalamine. It is concluded that the bacterial production of methyl mercury may be a means of resistance and detoxification against mercurials in which inorganic Hg2+ is converted to organic form and secreted into the environment.


Vitamin B12 production by a methanol-utilizing bacterium.

Vitamin B(12) production by a newly isolated strain of a methanol-utilizing bacterium was studied. The maximal yield of the vitamin, 2.6 mg/liter of medium was attained by optimization.


Fermentative accumulation of guanosine polyphosphates by Brevibacterium ammoniagenes.

Guanosine-3'-diphosphate-5'-monophosphate (3.35 mg/ml), guanosine-3'-diphosphate-5'-diphosphate (MSI) (5.21 mg/ml), and guanosine-3'-diphosphate-5'-triphosphate (MSII) (0.82 mg/ml), in addition to guanosine 5'-monophosphate, guanosine 5'-diphosphate, and guanosine 5'-triphosphate, were accumulated by microbial conversion of 5'-xanthylic acid with a mutant of Brevibacterium ammoniagenes.


Gamma-aminobutyric acid pathway and modified tricarboxylic acid cycle activity during growth and sporulation of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Enzymatic analyses of Bacillus thuringiensis extracts suggest that a modified Krebs tricarboxylic acid cycle (without alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) can operate during sporulation in conjunction with the glyoxylic acid cycle and the gamma-aminobutyric acid pathway.


Isolation of acetyl T-2 toxin from Fusarium poae.

Acetyl T-2 toxin (3,4,15-triacetoxy-8-isovaleroxy-12,13-epoxy-delta9-trichothecene) was isolated and characterized as a naturally occurring emetic trichothecene from liquid cultures of Fusarium poae (NRRL 3287). Acetyl T-2 toxin was shown to be much less toxic than T-2 toxin in pigeon assays.


Carbon monoxide and heart attacks.

A study of the relationship between carbon monoxide exposure and heart attacks was conducted in Baltimore. There was no evidence of clustering of either myocardial infarction or sudden ASHD on a specific day, nor was there correlation between the number of cases per day and ambient CO levels. Postmortem HbCO levels were slightly higher in ASHD sudden deaths than in sudden deaths due to other causes. Any differences were probably primarily due to cigarette smoking. Cigarette smokers who died suddenly due to ASHD had substantially higher postmortem HbCO levels than nonsmokers. Practically all of the elevated HbCO levels could be related to cigarette smoking or specific environmental exposure. There were no differences between HbCO levels in ASHD sudden death patients and in living controls. There was also no relationship between cardiac pathologic findings and postmortem HbCO levels among patients dying suddenly of ASH.


The lead content of teeth. Evidence establishing new minimal levels of exposure in a living preindustrialized human population.

Teeth were collected from populations differing in their degree of industrialization and from prehistoric populations. Lead analysis of dentine revealed that in contemporary teeth the lead level was related to the degree of industrialization and that in prehistoric teeth very low concentrations of lead were present. Because tooth lead reflects the body burden of lead, this result suggested that the prehistoric populations and modern nonindustrial populations were exposed to environments low in lead. Teeth from a contemporary population of nonindustrialized Indians of the Lacandon forest in Mexico contain lead in concentrations comparable with those of the prehistoric populations. Comparison of the Indian teeth with teeth from a modern industrial population reveals a 45-fold difference in median tooth lead level. This finding lends support to the hypothesis that high levels of urban lead pollution result in elevated body burdens of lead.


Heavy metals in normal Japanese tissues. Amounts of 15 heavy metals in 30 subjects.

To obtain the usual values of arsenic, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, methyl mercury, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, vanadium, and zinc in the normal human body, the amounts of 15 metals were determined in 15 male and 15 female Japanese cadavers (average weight, 55 kg [121 lb]). The content of metals found ranged as follows: Zn, 1,800 mg; Cu, 65 mg; Cd, 35 mg; Pb, 25 mg; Mn, 8 mg; Ni, 6 mg; Cr, 4 mg; Hg, 3 mg; Sb, 0.7 mg; MeHg, 0.4 mg. Cadmium and mercury were higher in Japanese blood than in blood of other people. Cadmium and mercury were absorbed by the metabolic tissues; Cr, Ni, and Pb showed higher concentration in tissue exposed to the environment. Concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg tended to be higher in females, and Cr Cu, MeHg, and Mn concentrations tended to be higher in males.


Age, smoking inhalation, and pulmonary function.

This study examined the relative effects of age and smoking on pulmonary function. Smoking was measured by six smoking variables, taken singly and as a composite. Subjects were 1,516 male participants in the Normative Aging Study. A stepwise multiple regression with vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1.0) as the criteria accounted for 24.4% and 28.3% of the variance, respectively. Two-way analyses of variance showed that the age decline in pulmonary function was substantially greater for high inhalers than it was for low inhalers or nonsmokers. Age and the inhalation index were also noticeably and independently related to a decline in pulmonary function.


A soluble cadmium-binding component in rat and dog spleen.

The spleens of cadmium-treated Sprague-Dawley rats and mongrel dogs were examined for cytoplasmic soluble cadmium-binding moieties following the cessation of parenteral cadmium exposure. Cell homogenates prepared in 0.25M sucrose were centrifuged at 29,000 g and the supernatant fractionated on a fractionating column (Sephadex G-75). Ultraviolet absorbing peaks that showed characteristically high 250-nm to 280-nm absorbences were further analyzed for cadmium content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cadmium-binding fractions isolated from the spleens of both species were characteristically similar to rat kidney metallothionein-like substances isolated and identified by the same procedure. Molecular weights for the canine and rat spleen cadmium-binding components were estimated at 14,783 +/- 343 and 13,916 +/- 490, respectively. These preliminary data indicate the production and persistence of soluble metallothionein-like substances in spleen that bind and retain cadmium ions long after cadmium exposure has ceased.


Asbestos, smoking, and laryngeal carcinoma.

This study was designed to examine the relationship between exposure to asbestos and laryngeal cancer. A retrospective study of 43 pairs of patients with laryngeal cancer and their matched controls examined a number of variables, including smoking, exposure to asbestos, and other occupational factors. Patients with laryngeal cancer and the controls were matched for age, sex, and place of residence. The data indicate a substantial association between asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer. Cigarette smoking was also associated with the disease, although the strength of association was not as high as that for asbestos. Exposure to uranium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, x-rays, and alcohol did not appear related to later development of carcinoma of the larynx. We conclude that exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking are potent factors in the development of this disease.


Selection of patients and operative approach in primary aldosteronism.

A system for discriminating between adrenal adenoma and hyperplasia based on the levels of aldosterone production, plasma renin concentration, severity of electrolyte disturbances, plasma aldosterone patterns during recumbency and after assuming erect posture, and 131I-19-iodocholesterol scan has been developed. Indicated for operation are patients with adenomas whose elevated blood pressure cannot be continuously controlled with usual doses of medication and patients with documented deterioration of target organ function. Adrenalectomy has been performed 83 times in 81 patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. Results of excision of adrenal adenomas have been excellent with significant lowering of blood pressure in all cases and cure of hypertension in over 60%. Results of total or subtotal adrenalectomy for hyperplasia have been poor with almost all patients still requiring medication for hypertension. Adenomas have always been unilateral, and usually can be localized so that unilateral exploration is curative. Therefore, we have tried to distinguish preoperatively between adenoma and hyperplasia. Anterior transperitoneal adrenalectomy has been effective with few complications, and no postoperative hypercortisolism after unilateral adrenalectomy for adenoma. The unilateral extraperitoneal approach gives shorter morbidity and potentially fewer serious complications.