[Recognition between tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases of different specificities].

A few examples of incorrect interactions between aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases and tRNAs extracted from the same organism have already been demonstrated. These interactions can lead, in most cases, to incorrect aminoacylations. The lack of specificity of the aminoacyl-tRNA suggests that incorrect interactions could be a general phenomenon. The aim of this study is to check whether incorrect interactions are a general feature, i.e. whether every aminoacyl-tTNA-synthetase is able to interact with homologous non-cognate tRNAs. In that case, it is interesting to know whether a given aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase is able to recognize any tRNA or only a particular group of tRNAs. The existence of such groups would lead to the concept of tRNA families. For that, we estimated the affinities of non-cognate homologous tRNA species for yeast valyl-tRNA-synthetase by using competition experiments. The measured affinities varied, in standard aminoacylation conditions, between 1:100 to 1:1000 of that of the non-cognate tRNA. In the absence of Mg2+ ions or in the presence of low concentration of this cation, the affinities were higher and could reach 1:3 of the affinity of the cognate tRNA. On the other hand, we determined the inhibitory effect of a high concentration of tRNAVal toward the aminoacylation of tRNAs specific for 13 amino acids. In order to compare the effects, we determined approximate Km/Ki values. These values ranged from 0.07 for methionyl tRNA synthetase to 0.002 for leucyl tRNA synthetase. For some aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases, the inhibition was too low to be detected by this technique. Two conclusions arise from this study. First, it seems that non-specific recognitions are quite a general phenomenon. Secondly, if one classifies tTNAs according to their affinities for valyl-tRNA-synthetase, it does not appear any well cut group of tRNAs. This result is not conflicting with the fact that on the basis of aminoacylation criteria several authors have found tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase families since we have already shown that discrimination depends rather on the maximal velocity of the reaction than on the affinity between the tRNA and the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases. Finally, the non-existence of clear-cut recognition families of tRNAs casts some doubts on the approach consisting in the characterisation of recognition sites of the tRNAs by the aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases by comparing the sequences of tRNAs which are amonoacylated by a given aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase.


[A stereochemical model for DNA-Na+ (H20) complex].

By computer calculation with the use of atom-atom potentials a stereochemical model of the DNA-hydrate Na+ complex was obtained according to which the Na+(H2O)6 octahedrons are localized in the narrow groove of DNA with formation of a great number of van der vaals contacts and hydrogen bonds. The model explains why the C-form of DNA is stabilized in the Na-DNA complex which is formed in the presence of 80% methanol (v/v). A possibility of the existence of such complexes in vivo at the DNA regions surrounded with media of diminished water activity (the DNA-membrane complex, chromosomes, phage heads) is discussed.


[The ratio of coat protein to bacteriophage f2 RNA in the translational repressor complex].

One of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the bacteriophage f2 RNA translation is the repression of the phage RNA-replicase formation by coat protein. This repression is due to the formation of a complex between f2 RNA and coat protein (complex I). In this work the mechanism of complex I formation as well as the effect of this complex on the f2 RNA-replicase formation was followed by inhibition of alanine incorporation into RNA-replicase polypeptide which was separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molar ratios of protein to f2 RNA in complex I were analyzed by sucrose gradient sedimentation. It was been found that complex I consists of six molecules of coat protein bound per one molecule of RNA. Ribonuclease digestion of the glutaraldehyde-fixed complex resulted in a mixture of products in which the hexamers of coat protein molecules were predominant. This indicates that the six molecules of coat protein bound to f2 RNA are neighbouring. It has been also shown that under conditions required for phage protein synthesis, coat protein occurs in solution is dimer. The results show that the translational repression of the RNA-replicase cistron is due to the cooperative attachment of three dimers of coat protein to phage template, forming a hexameric cluster on the RNA strand. The proposed mechanism of the complex I formation seems to be in good agreement with the sequence of events in the phage F2 life cycle. It is known that shortly after infection of the host cell the coat protein and phage RNA-replicase begin to be synthesised. According to our findings, the first portions of coat protein do not affect the translation of the RNA-replicase gene since at low concentration the coat protein occure in the form of monomers. At a later period of phage development, when the concentration of coat protein is sufficiently high to promote the formation of protein dimers, the translational repressor complex is formed and the RNA-replicase gene becomes inoperative.


[The primary structure of tRNA Val 2a from baker's yeast].

The primary structure of tRNAVal2a from baker's yeast has been determined. The general methods of the investigation are presented. Twenty six distinguished points can be noted in the tRNAVal2a and tRNA1Val from baker's yeast. The anticodon region of tRNAVal2a is represented by the sequence NAC, where N corresponds to a uridine analogue nucleoside of unknown structure. The comparison of primary structures of tRNAVal2a, tRNAVal2a, tRNA1Val from E. coli and tRNAVal2a and tRNA1Val from baker's yeast is analysed.


[The structure of nuclear pre-mRNA. VII. The hybridization and renaturation properties of double-stranded sequences of nuclear pre-mRNA].

Some properties of the double-stranded regions of pre-mRNA are discribed. 1. The double-stranded regions contain approximately 80 base pairs. 2. The material contains the heterogeneous populations of sequences and some homogenous material which renatures with a COT1/2 value of (1.5-3) X 10(-4). 3. Identical sequences of fast-renaturing "hairpins" may be found in various tissues. 4. Double-stranded RNA and mRNA have some sequences complementary to each other. These results consistent with the view that the hairpin sequences may act as specific recognition sites for ribonucleases involved in processing of pre-mRNA.


[On the differences of molecular aggregates structure with long wave fluorescence in the photosystems I and II].

Galactolipase and protenase action on the low temperature fluorescence spectra of light chloroplast fragments obtained from grana or intergrana thylakoids and grana thylakoids system before and after isolation photosystem I particles have been studied. Identical hydrolytic enzymes action in the two type photosystem I particles have been studied. Identical hydrolytic enzymes action in the two type photosystem I particles were observed. Grana thylakoids system after removing photosystem I particles contained photosystem II in the most purified form. These measurements results confirmed our previous suggestion that the band at 735 nm in the low temperature fluorescence spectra of light and heavy fragments belongs to the different native chlorophyll a aggregates.


[Theoretical conformational analysis of tripeptides. N-acetyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl methylamide].

The minimization procedure has been used for calculation of the local minimum conformations of threepeptide--Ac-(L-Ala)3-NHMe without intramolecular H-bonds. The significant energy deviations from additivity found, arising with increase backbone length to three links, can be considered as the evidence for mutual dependence of conformational states of the neighbouring and terminal amino acid residues. It have been shown that stability of alpha-helix form for alanine threepeptide in contrary to corresponding dipeptide is noticeably higher due to stabilizing effect of dispersion interactions. The results of calculations are compared with the data on conformational distrubution of the threepeptide fragments in proteins with known three dimensional structure. The important role of the backbone interaction in protein chain have been marked.


[The effect of detergent Triton X=100 on the light induced changes in the fluorescence yield of chloroplasts].

It is shown that light induced changes of the fluorescence yield (delta F) of isolated chloroplasts are affected by Triton X-100. delta F value descreases with the increase of the detergent concentration from 0 to 0.03%, increases in the range of 0.03--0.05% and is irreversibly blocked at concentrations more than 0.08--0.1%. The same dependence of delta F on  the detergent concentration is obtained for "digitonin" fragments of chloroplasts enriched in the photosystem 2, but not for fragments enriched in the photosystem 1. Light induced delta F of chloroplasts treated by detergent were activated by hydroxylamine and saturated at lower light intensities than delta F of untreated chloroplasts. Addition of 0.01% Triton resulted in an activation of light induced delta F of chloroplasts with damaged donor part of photosystem 2. It is suggested that the complex  dependence of delta F of chloroplasts on the Triton concentration is due to superposition of several effects: the uncoupling of photophosphorylation, inactivation of the electron transport chain in the donor and acceptor parts of photosystem 2, and changes of acting concentration of Triton X-100 within the range of critical micelle concentration.


[Theoretical investigation on the hypochromism of dinucleoside phosphates].

The hypochromism of stacked dimers of the nucleotide bases taken as models of the dinucleoside phosphates and dinucleotides was studied with the use of the configuration interaction and pertubation theory methods. General expression for the hypochromism of the polynucleotides is given in the first order perturbation theory with three different ways  for approximation of the matrix elements of the perturbation operator. This expression was used for calculation of the dimer hypochromism in terms of theoretically calculated monomer characteristics. Dependence of the hypochromism on the  dimer conformation was investigated. The results obtained so far demonstrate that it is important to take into account the electronic transitions in the vacuum UV region. This approach will enable one to elucidate the contribution of neighbouring bases into the DNA hypochromism.


[Biological activity of different forms of bacteriophage lambda DNA].

Hershey circles and linear tandem aggregated forms of DNA have been obtained in vitro and treated with polynucleotide ligase to form phosphodiester bond. Using zone centrifugation in glycerol gradient covalently closed circles and linear dimers have been purified and their biological activity investigated. It was found that closed circular molecules lost most, if not all, of their activity in CaCl2-dependent system. In order to investigate the biological activity of tandem dimer molecules, hybrid dimers consisting of DNA's from lambda C1857 and lambda 1434 have been obtained. In plaque assay with the appropriate non-permissive strains of E. coli the efficiency of infectivity of hybrid dimers was measured. Biological activity of dimer molecules sealed with ligase was about 5% of the activity of linear monomers. Ig has been suggested that tandem dimers of lambda DNA joined by phosphodiester bond are able to penetrate into the CaCl2-treated host cells and both components of dimers are active during subsequent multiplication.


[Spectral manifestations of different types of acriflavine binding to DNA in ultraviolet and visible region].

Difference absorption spectra (complex-sum of the initial reagents) are obtained in the visible and longwave UV region for the system of actiflavine and DNA in a number of cases differing in initial and final degrees of DNA filling by the dye, in particular separately for two types of dye binding to DNA. For these binding types conventional absorption spectra are calculated. In the visible region for the first binding type ("strong" binding) red shift of the absorption band is observed; for the second type ("weak" binding) we observed splitting of the band, short wavelength component being highly prevailing, and hypochromism. In the UV region for both binding types the spectra changed in approximately similar way; a slight blue shift and a rather remarkable hypochromism are observed. It is shown that the dye brings the main contribution into the spectral changes in the UV region. If to take into account the spectral properties of molecular aggregates the data obtained are compatible with the intercalation model for "strong" binding and dye stacking on DNA for "weak" binding.


[The flash-photolysis study of recombination of hemoproteins with carbon monoxide at low temperatures].

The hemoproteins (sperm whale myoglobin, hemoglobin from larvae of Chironomus thummi thummi, bovine hemoglobin) were studied in viscous solvents (saturated sucrose solution, glycerol and water-glycerol solutions) in the temperature range +50 divided by -100 degrees C. At low temperatures the three-phase kinetics of Mb recombination with CO was observed. The velocities of two "fast" reactions did not depend on ligand concentration. This fact indicates that they are due to a so called cage-effect. The formation of the cage is caused apparently by a local change of the solvent state in the heme region. To explain the biphasic "cage" kinetics it has been assumed that during some time after photodissociation myoglobin remains in the "ligand-bound" conformation and reacts with CO faster than the "normal" myoglobin. For other hemoproteins the "cage-effect" was not observed. For all the studied hemoproteins the quantum yield of photodissociation decreased as the temperature decreased. The decrease of quantum yield can be described by the Arrenius law. The rates of the decrease of quantum yield differ for different proteins.


[Specificity of methylation of cytosine risidues in DNA of Bacillus brevis var. G-B].

On growing the cells of Bacillus brevis S methionine-auxotroph mutant in the presence of (methyl-3H)-methionine practically the total radioactivity included into DNA is found to exist in 5-methylcytosine (MC) and 6N-methyladenine (MA). The analysis of pyrimidine isopliths isolated from DNA shows that radioactivity only exists in mono- and dinucleotides and the content of MC in Pur-MC-Pur and Pur-MC-T-Pur oligonucleotides is equal. The analysis of dinucleotides isolated from DNA by means of pancreatic DNAase hydrolysis allows the nature of purine residues neighbouring with MC to be revealed and shows that MC localizes in G-MC-A and G-MC-T-Pu fragments. Bac. brevis S DNA-methylase modifying cytosine residues recognizes the GCAT GC degenerative nucleotide sequence which is a part of the following complementary structure with rotational symmetry: (5') ... N'--G--MC--T--G--C--N ... (3') (3') ... N--C--G--A--MC--G--N' ... (5') Cytosine modifying DNA-methylase activity is isolated from Bac. brevis cells; it is capable of methylating in vitro homologous and heterologous DNA. Hence, DNA in bacterial cells can be partially undermethylated. This enzyme methylates cytosine residues in native and deneaturated DNA in the same nucleotide sequences. As compared to the native DNA, the denaturated DNA is indicative of a decrease in the level of methylation of adenine, rather than cytosine residues. Specificity of methylation of cytosine residues in vitro and in vivo does not depend on the nature of substrate DNA (calf thymus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc.). DNA-methylases of different variants of Bac. brevis (R, S, P+, P-) methylate cytosine residues in the same nucleotide sequences. It means that specificity of methylation of DNA cytosine residues in the cells of different variants of Bac. brevis is the same.


[Regularities of formation of chlorophyll-human serum albumin functionally active complexes in the aqueous medium].

In the system with constant content of the chlorophyll a and increasing amounts of human serum albumin, dependence of pigment incorporation into the complex upon interaction of its aqueous associates with protein solutions was studied by applying the gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 and by measuring light scattering and rate of sensitized photoreduction of the methyl red by ascorbic-acid. The curves were obtained after extraction of the chlorophyll by acetone from dry pigment-protein films formed after desiccation of the aqueous systems. Sigmoid character of the above dependences, their linearization in Hill's coordinates and the value of cooperativity coefficient close to 2 testifies in favour of the cooperative character of the complex formation, two pigment molecules reacting with a single protein molecule. Measurement of adsorption isotherms and their treatment with use of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory of polymolecular adsorption make it possible to evaluate the maximum molar ratio of the pigment to the protein in the complex (close to 2). The pigment-pigment interaction suggests that the chlorophyll molecules adsorbed on the protein are in the state of loosely packed dimers. Deaggregation of aqueus pigment associates by the protein in the course of complex formation results in a considerable increase of the protosensitizing chlorophyll activity.


[Defective bacteriophage MS2 particles containing specific RNA FRAGMENTS].

Two types of MS2 particle are revealed when phage lysates are banded in CsCl density gradient. The lower band contain normal phage particles with a density of 1.46 g/cm3. The upper band with a density of 1.44 g/cm3 containes uninfective incomplete MS2 particles. Both phage types reveal no abnormalities in the content of the coat protein and A-protein. They are nearly identical in RNA content. RNA in the normal buoyant density phage particles is native. RNA in the defective particles consists of three specific fragments with molecular weights 6.5-10(5), 5.5-10(5) and 4.4-10(5) and molar ratios 5:4:9 respectively. THE 5'-TERMINAL ANALYSIS OF RNA from defective MS2 particles reveals the presence of native pppGp. THE 3'-TERMINAL ANALYSIS OF THE INDIVIDUAL RNA fragments reveals the presence of adenosine only in the shortest fragment. RNA fragmentation in defective particles can be explained by the action of intracellular RNAses on the unprotected regions on RNA chain in structurally incomplete virions.


[The comparative analysis of interaction between acridine orange and DNA-containing systems].

The interaction between acridine orange (AO) and diluted and concentrated solutions of DNA, DNP systems and chromatin suspension at the physiologic ionic strength was investigated. The effect of AO on DNP systems was also investigated. It was shown that highest possible number of AO molecules bound to DNA made up 70% of the total number of nucleotides. The model of AO binding to DNA is proposed and used for calculation of constants of stronger and weaker AO-binding capacities equal to 6-10(6) M-1 and 1,7-10(5) M-1, respectively. The AO-DNA binding constants in DNP-complex are five as low. The primary number of binding sites in chromatin suspension made up 10% of the corresponding sites in DNA and increased as AO was adsorbed. AO induced the supercontraction of oriented DNP systems at the physiologic ionic strength and the appearance of the low-temperature melting hump.


[The origin of mitochondrial RNA in animal tissues. 4. Post-transcriptional RNA modification and polyribosome formation in isolated mitochondria].

The kinetics of synthesis of various mitochondrial RNA classes and their contribution to polyribosome formation was studied in isolated rat liver mitochondria and in inner membrane fraction obrained from the latter. In pulse labelling experiments it was shown that mitochondrial mRNA synthesis occurred via heavy precursor (30S) not bound to polysomes followed by maturation of polysome-bound mRNA. The time course of polysomal mRNA decay in isolated mitochondria and of protein synthesis inactivation were studied under actinomycin D blockage of mitochondrial DNA trascription. The functional organization of transcriptional units of the mitochondrial genome is discussed in relation to the data obtained.


[Theoretical conformational analysis of methylamide of N-acetyl-L-lysine].

The spatial structure of the methylamide of N-acetyl-L-lysine has been analysed taking into account non-bonded and electrostatic interactions, torsional energy, bond angles distortion and hydrogen bonding. Conformational capacities of the backbone and mutual dependence of spatial structures of the backbone and the side chain was described by conformational maps obtained by energy minimisation, the dihedral angles and the bond angles of the side chain being varied for every phi, psi point. Every possible combination for phi, psi, x1-x5-angles was used corresponding to the stable form of the backbone and to torsion potential minima of the initial approximations in the calculation of preferred conformations of the molecule. Comparisons are made between stable forms of the methylamide of N-acetyl-L-lysine and Lys residues in proteins with known structure.


[Possibility of internal organization of RNA and proteins in ribosomal subparticles. A structural model of Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal subparticle].

The hypothetic model of reciprocal spatial arrangement of 18 from 21 proteins in the E. coli 30S ribosomal subparticle is suggested. The model is based on conception of the 16S R-A molecule macrostrand which is the right superhelix in the subparticle composition. Macrohelix's biopolarity against single-stranded sites of RNA and its small width result in that proteins binding with single-stranded RNA organized in chain, one-number sequence. The double helixes uniting the corresponding one single-stranded sites of RNA play the role of rigid transmission between them. So, in the course of subparticles reconstruction from RNA and proteins the spatially uncoupled proteins can interact without its direct contact. The model takes into consideration the vast amount of information.


[The effect of various acylating agents on the catalytic properties and structure of aspartate aminotransferase].

Changes of quaternary structure and conformation of molecule concomitant with inactivation were observed in the course of aspartate transaminase acylation by maleic, citraconic, dimethylmaleic and succinic anhydrides. It was established that acylation of 10-12 xi-amino groups of lysine did not induce the dissociation of transaminase into subunits. Further acylation of amino groups (2 groups if dimethylmaleic anhydrade was used as acylating agent) induced dissociation of transaminase dimer into subunits. These data were obtained by sedimentation analysis. The dissociation was accompanied with a sharp decrease of correlation time (from 18 nsec to 9 nsec) of the paramagnetic label covalently bound to the protein. The obtained results allow us to distinguish three types of xi-aminogroups of aspartate transaminase: exposed (about 12 residues), "contact" (2 residues) located in the vicinity to complementary surfaces of subunits and buried (about 6 residues). The stepwise  inactivation occurred during the acylation as a result of conformational changes or appearance of sterical hindrances in the cataytic site of the enzyme. The thiol groups were not modified in transaminase molecule under experimental conditions used. Aspartate transaminase treated with citraconic or dimethylmaleic anhydride may be deacylated under mild conditions. After reacylation the quaternary structure was reconstituted and catalytic activity was almost fully restored.


[The significance of speaking for the transfer of bacteria, and of the tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (author's transl)].

A Korean nurse was employed in Germany after having passed the routine medical checkup without discovery of apparent disease. Five months later she fell ill with fever due to pneumonia. Work was suspended for 8 days and then continued in an infants' ward for another 8 weeks. Because of increasing weakness the nurse was reexamined medically. This revealed an open Tuberculosis of the lung. The sputum culture was positive. The following treatment was successfull. No infant or other person with previous contact to the nurse contracted tuberculosis. The explanation for this is presumably given by the virtual speechlessness of the foreign nurse. --The importance of the tuberculin skin test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis is discussed with regard to the declining incidence of new infections, and practicability of mass screening for this disease.


[Changes in pediatrics (author's transl)].

The decrease of infant mortality and the dramatic reduction of infectious diseases including Tuberculosis and Poliomyelitis have changed the problems in pediatrics. Today, sick children, who formerly had to be hospitalised are treated by the practitioner. In the hospitals, physicians are more dealing with chronic and malign diseases, where in addition, problems of psychological guidance of these children and their parents are of importance. Pediatrics should  deal with all aspects of child welfare and development directly or indirectly related to health.


[Role of transcutaneous electric stimulation in indication for implantation of an analgesic stimulator].

The author's describe: I. METHODS OF ANALGESIC CUTANEOUS STIMULATION: I) Transcutaneous analgesic stimulation: Stimulations realized by biphasic asymetrical "waves" of 0 to 80 milliamps intensity for a frequency of 10 to 100 cycles/S. -Place of the stimulation: a painful area. -Stimulation length: 15 to 20 minutes, repeated during several days. appreciate patients tolerance to the tingling sensation. Test the analgesic effect, sometimes sufficient to treat the patient. 2) Analgesic percutaneous stimulation: The percutaneous electrode is applicated to the dura, without penetrating it. Same types of results as for transcuteneous stimulation but more precise. II. DEFINITION of the indication of chronic implantation of an analgesic stimulator. Studying results of repeated analgesic transcutaneous stimulations allows to distinguish between several possibilities. I) Intolerance of the sensation of stimulation: Contra-Indication or increasing of the pain. 2) Complete and lasting amelioration leads to: Chronic transcutaneous neurostimulation. 3) Partial amelioration, No amelioration leads to: Acute percutaneous stimulation either successful results after stimulation, : Chronic implantation: -of peripheral nerve -on a peripheric nerve -of dorsal column -on dorsal column, either paraesthesis without Analgesia:? III - EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO THE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE "ANALGESIANT" ELECTRIC STIMULATION. A cutaneous "analgesiant" stimulation produces, in the cat, the inhibition of evocated potential in C.M. by "nociceptive" stimulation of the sciatic nerve. The inhibition only appears after a 30 minutes latence. This let suppose different mechanisms from the "Gate Control" theory. The authors specify their personal results (Tab. 2.)


[Lymphocytic infiltration in human gliomas].

A histological study of lymphocytic infiltration has been undertaken following removal at operation of one hundred human gliomas. This study has been completed with eight cases of tumour recurrence, six attempted autologous grafts, twenty one post-mortems and fourteen explorations of delayed hypersensitivity reactions. About half of the glioma specimens showed lymphocytic infiltration and no reaction was present in the other. Within this series of glioblastomas a correlation existed between the presence of infiltrating lymphocytes and the duration both of pre and post operative tumour evolution. The rejection of autologous grafts seemed to depend directly on the presence of lymphocytic infiltrations associated with the primary tumour. The retarded hypersensitivity reactions obtained after intradermic inoculations of cellular lyophilizates did not seem to be directly related either to the phenomenon of autologous graft rejection or to the presence of lymphocytic infiltrations. The results suggest that there is a complex system represented by two antigenic groups of transplantation type and sensitization type.


[Cerebrovascular accidents and oral contraceptives (reflections a propos of 36 observations)].

Thirty-six cases of cerebro-vascular accidents in young women using oral contraceptives have been studied and a survey of the literature devoted to the subject gives an opportunity to discuss a few problems related with these accidents. They occur with no evident relationship with the type of drug used, and the duration of treatment; in 66 p. 100 of the cases these patients have a definite and sometimes severe pathological history prior to the neurological accident. The cerebro-vascular accidents are of the ischemic type in more than 80 p. 100 of the cases. Angiographic studies demonstrate various types of lesion: stenosis or thrombosis of the arteries; in almost all of the cases the internal carotid artery or the sylvian artery or both of them are concerned; the angiogram appeared normal in 8 cases.


[Experimental intracranial venous microsurgery. Bypass of the sagittal sinus for arterial or venous repair and preoperative measurement of the cerebral impedance in the dog].

By-passes of the sagittal sinus-which is 2,5 mm in diameter-were carried out with autogenous arterial or venous grafts, in 34 dogs, using the classical microtechniques (operative microscope, micro-instruments, micro-sutures...). Controls were done both 1 degree by angiography (direct sinography was the only convenient procedure to visualize the sinus and the by-pass) during survival, and 2 degrees by anatomical and histological examination after sacrifying the animals, on an average the 40th post-operative day (from the 10th to the 75th day). The early patency rate (within the first post-operative month) was 76 p. 100. All cases of early thromboses, which affected especially venous autografts, were related to technical insufficiencies. The late patency rate (after a one month follow-up) was only 64 p. 100, because of the secondary occlusion of some arterial autografts. All these late thromboses were related to an extensive fibrosis of the arterial wall.


[Method of automatic modal analysis of variations in intracranial pressure in man].

When ICP measurement is used for a neuro-surgical patient we wonder about two questions: --which are the highest and the mean ICP value? --is there some spontaneous pathological variations like plateau wave or b wave? To answer these questions it is necessary to record ICP for extended periods of time. Numerical values are difficult and tedious to set up from ICP standard recordings. To resolve this practical problem, JANNY and KULLBERG had proposed a statistical automatic analysis of the different ICP values using a computer. The modal curve of the different classes of ICP amplitudes is then recorded. For 62 patients with various pathological situations (head injury subarachnoid hemorrhage, posterior fossa tumor, normal pressure hydrocephalus and dementia with symetric ventricular enlargement...) ICP has been recorded during 12 hours at the same time on the standard ink-writer recorder, and on a standard multichannels automatical analysis giving the modal curve of ICP amplitudes. On the round-headed modal curve obtained, ICP modal value i.e. the most frequent pressure value, can be read directly. ICP variations beyond this modal value like plateau wave or vasomotor variations modify the general aspect of this modal curve and sometimes in a specifical manner as regarded to the pathological situation. In our findings posterior fossa tumor without high modal ICP level are frequent but in these cases vasomotor response are nevertheless always present. In cases of normal pressure hydrocephalus as defined by clinical aspect, ventriculography and cisternography, the ICP modal value is higher than 12 mm Hg and vasomotor variations like B wave occurs frequently. The most typical monophasic aspect has been noticed in cases of metastatic meningitis. This technical approach of ICP measurement is very useful and gives immediately to the clinician the exact mean or modal ICP value as measured on the modal curve of the different ICP amplitudes with more accuracy and attainability than on the usual long term recordings.


[Arthrodesis of the sub-occipital spine by screwed occipito-cervical plate. Clinical case and technical notes].

The authors report a new technique in arthrodesis of the sub-occipital spine which has been experienced since 1973 in case of metastases at CI-C2 level. An occipitovertebral metal plate, inverted Y shaped has been realised after anatomical and biomecanical studies. It is adapted to the occipito-vertebral curvature and screwed in the articular processes of C3 and C4 (14 mm screw), and in the pedicles of C2 (32 mm screw). At the upper part, the occiptal ridge offers fixation by 12 and 14 mm Muller's screw. In addition CI is attached to the plate, by a nylon thread. After the report of the first clinical case with a nine month period of follow up technical features of the material as well as practical problems are exposed. Tomograms of the cervical spine as well as bilateral brachial angiography are of paramount value. The latter investigation may reveal anomalies of the vertebral artery that can hinder of forbid the pedicular fixation. Finally the authors discuss the extension of this technique to complexe trauma of the suboccipital column.


[Operation for stenosis of the internal carotid artery secondary to irradiation (a propos of 1 observation)].

A case of atheromatous left internal carotid stenosis is reported in a 25 years old male who had been treated 7 years before by cobalt radiations on the left angulo-mandibular region for ganglionar reticular cell sarcoma with apparent curative effect. Right hemiplegia with aphasia was present on hospital admission. No systemic sign of vascular atheromatous involvement could be detected. Endarteriectomy was performed and was followed by complete recovery. Post-operative angiography confirmed that normal blood flow had been restored. After survey of pertinent literature, it is proposed that gamma ray irradiation was the main factor in determining a carotid stenosis localized to the irradiated field.


Amygdalar participation in tonic ACTH secretion in the rat.

The role of the amygdaloid complexes in the compensatory hypersecretion of ACTH following adrenalectomy was studied in the adult male rat. Unilateral or bilateral radiofrequency or knife-cut lesions were placed in the amygdalae, their efferent pathways or the septal region. Three weeks following adrenalectomy resting plasma ACTH concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Bilateral lesions of a direct medial-projecting portion of the ventral amygdalo-hypothalamic pathway blocked the compensatory hypersecretion of ACTH following adrenalectomy. A unilateral complete amygdalar lesion coupled with destruction of the same direct amygdalo-hypothalamic pathway on the opposite side had the same positive effect. In contrast, unilateral destruction of the direct amygdalo-hypothalamic projections, ablation of the septum, or bilateral destruction of the stria terminalis did not block hypersecretion of ACTH following adrenalectomy. These data suggest that the amygdalae and their direct hypothalamic projections, but not the stria terminalis or septum, are essential for the hypersecretion of ACTH following adrenalectomy. Furthermore, one amygdaloid complex appears sufficient for this effect. It is possible that the amygdalae act as a central nervous system 'glucocorticoid-sensor' in the modulation of ACTH secretion in the rat.


Vasotocin biosynthesis by neurohypophysial cells from human fetuses. Evidence for its ependymal origin.

Cultured neurohypophysial cells from human fetuses aged 130-155 days release into the culture medium an active principle which has antidiuretic, hydroosmotic and rat uterine activities. The chromatographic mobility of the active principle, as well as the susceptibility of all of the above activities to tryptic digestion, indicates the presence of a basic peptide identical to arginine vasotocin (AVT). The ability of these cultured cells, which are probably ependymal cells, to release the above activities during 43 days of incubation, suggests that AVT is synthesized and secreted by specialized ependymal cells in the developing human neurohypophysis. Neither in the culture media from anterior pituitaries of the same fetuses nor in control culture media could antidiuretic, rat uterine or hydroosmotic activities be detected. Although the nonincubated neurohypophyses of the same age contain pharmacological activities suggesting the presence of vasopressin, oxytocin and AVT, the neurohypophysial cells cultured in vitro apparently release only AVT into the medium. This supports the suggestion that whereas vasopressin and oxytocin are synthesized in the hypothalamic neurosecretory cells, AVT, on the contrary, appears to be synthesized by ependymal neurohypophysial cells in the developing human neurohypophysis. Consequently, the fetal human neurohypophysis, and presumably the fetal mammalian neurohypophysis, appears not only as a storage site for neurohypophysial hormones but also as an endocrine structure which synthesizes and secretes AVT by ependymosecretion.


Effect of meal feeding on daily rhythms of plasma corticosterone and growth hormone in the rat.

After rats had adapted to regular meal feeding in the morning they demonstrated an altered circadian rhythm of plasma corticosterone (B) even under the normal light-dark cycle. The altered daily rhythm of plasma B consisted of two peaks, with one peak at 08.00 h in anticipation of meal feeding and a second peak corresponding to the normal peak of plasma B prior to lights-off seen in ad libitum-fed animals. Neither peak of plasma B in the meal-fed animals achieved the magnitude of the single peak observed in control animals. In spite of some quantitative differences during certain periods of the day, after the animals had adapted to meal feeding there was no difference in the basic profile of the daily rhythm of plasma immunoactive growth hormone (GH).


Melatonin inhibition of pineal enzymes in Coturnix quail.

The activities of the melatonin-forming enzymes hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) and N-acetyl transferase (NAT) were determined in pineals of mature female Coturnix quail receiving implants of melatonin (10 mug, 1 mug, 0.1 mug) weekly for 4 weeks. Both HIOMT and NAT were significantly decreased by implants of 10 and 1 mug melatonin compared to vehicle and intact controls. Oviductal weights tended to be higher with increasing quantities of melatonin. These results suggest that melatonin exerts a feedback inhibition upon its synthesizing enzymes which may be of particular importance during the rapid sexual maturation of this species.


Absence of a circadian rhythm in persisting corticosterone fluctuations following surgical isolation of the medial basal hypothalamus.

To determine whether the circadian rhythm in pituitary-adrenal function is abolished after interruption of neural connections of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), corticosterone patterns were examined in individual adult female rats following surgical isolation of the MBH (MBHI rats). Non-stress plasma corticosterone levels were assessed fluorometrically in blood samples obtained from a tail vein of each rat at 4-h intervals for 44 h, 7-8 weeks after surgery. The highest corticosterone levels for most intact and sham-operated controls were obtained in samples collected at the period of light-dark transition. Individual MBHI rats demonstrated steroid excursions of normal amplitude that were not linked with time of day; these patterns appeared asynchronous and devoid of a 24-h cycle. The data indicate that major excursions in plasma corticosterone levels persist following surgical interruption of connections of the MBH, but circadian rhythmicity is abolished.


Primary and secondary heart tumors in mice maintained on various diets.

Two mice of the TM strain, maintained on Purina chow supplemented with refined coin oil plus free fatty acids, in one case, and with refined corn oil without free fatty acids, in the other case, developed primary heart rhabdomyosarcomas. The tumors metastasized to the lungs and the kidney, in the first case, and to the lungs alone in the second case. One mouse of the TM strain, on the diet supplemented with corn oil plus free fatty acids, developed a fibrosarcoma behind the right anterior extremity. Metastases from the tumor were found in the liver, lungs and myocardium. Another mouse of the C57 Bl. strain, injected subcutaneously, in the interscapular region, at the age of 7 days, with a single dose of 30 mug of Delestrogen, developed, at the point of injection, a large rhabdomyosarcoma. At the age of 5333 days, when the animal was killed, metastases from the tumor were found in the intercostal muscles and in the heart. Three mice, one of the TM strain, on a diet supplemented with corn oil and cholesterol, and two of the C57 Br. strain, on a diet supplemented with raw egg yolk (rich in cholesterol) had organized blood clots in the atria (in two mice) and one extending into the ventricle.


Cytogenetic evolution of Ehrlich ascites tumor in rats. A chromosome-banding study.

The injection of Ehrlich tumor cells into normal and immunosuppressed rats induced a transitory ascitic tumor. In an initial stage only Ehrlich metaphases were observed. The incidence of rat metaphases, which appeared later on, increased gradually reaching 100% in a stage when neither the viability nor the tumorigenicity of the Ehrlich cells were significantly modified. No mouse-rat hybrid cells were observed. The results suggest that cell hybridization may be essential for the "naturalization" of a heterologous tumor.


Symptoms and causation of the planarian disease related to cancer.

The disease provoked by injections of water and other harmless liquids or wounds without tissue loss, is characterized by the regression of certain organs, opening in the epidermis, pigmentary anomalies and malignant tumors. The very few worms which recover spontaneously, regenerate the eliminated parts or develop supernumerary structures. Wound are producing the disease less frequently when planarians are undernourished. The disease can also manifest itself spontaneously, especially in the summer. Diseased worms become unable to regenerate. During a transitory period epimorphosis is still possible but is not followed by morphallaxis. The symptoms of the disease manifest themselves in the regenerated parts. A fragment cut out from a worm that just became diseased regenerates and recovers completely. The results give additional evidence to the earlier conclusions about the "type I cell" system of planarians. The disease is provoked by an excessive activity of this system with respect to the animal's actual need and is analogous both to cancer and the consequences of X-ray treatment.


[A factor influencing the process of chromatin condensation in hepatocytes of regenerating rat liver].

It was shown with the model supramolecular chromatin systems that the activity of the factor of chromatin condensation changes in the process of liver regeneration. No activity of the factor of chromatin condensation was found 20 hrs after operation. Within 32-33 hrs (in the period of increased mitotic frequency) its activity approaches that prior to the operation. The nature of the activity of the factor of chromatin condensation is discussed with respect to the functional state of chromatin.


[Incorporation of 3H-thymidine into glial cells of the parietal region and cells of the subependymal zone of two-week and adult mice under normal conditions and following brain injury].

Potencies of brain cells to DNA synthesis and proliferation were studied in two weeks old and adult mice in the norm and after the brain mechanical injury. No labeled large and middle neurons were found in the brain of intact and operated animals both under the pulse 3H-thymidine incorporation and saturation of mice with 3H-thymidine during 36 hrs. The same types of brains cells were labeled both in intact and operated two weeks old and adult mice: glial cells, cells of the subependymal zone, cells of the dentate gyrus inner margin, and sometimes, cells having characteristics of microneurons. The number of glial cells in the temporal cortex of intact mice diminished with the age. Under the brain trauma, the proliferative reaction of glia was expressed in a similiar way both in two weeks old and adult mice. The index of labeled cells in the subependymal zone is the same in these two age groups. With the age the cellular mass of subependymal zone decreases, rather than proliferative tendencies of supependymal zone. The brain traumatization resulted in the increase of labeled subependymal cell only under the direct injury of subependymal zone.


[Detection of biogenic monoamines in the developing nervous system of Lymnaea stagnalis mollusk embryos].

Formaldehyde-induced fluorescence of intraneuronal monoamines can be demonstrated in the Lymnaea embryos from the "late veliger" stage on. Green specific fluorescence indicating the presence of a primary catecholamine occurs in two paired formations which contain a mass of fibres and varicosities. The formations are supposed to correspond to cerebral and pedal ganglia. Single fibres of the same type can be seen in the foot and other organs of the embryo.


[Mechanisms of adenohypophyseal development in birds].

It was established by micrurgical methods that the second step of adenohypophysis morphogenesis related to the submergence of the Rathke pouch epithelium in the proliferating mesenchyme takes place due to high adhesivity of cells of the anterior wall of adenohypophysis anlage towards diencephalon base independently submerging in the mesenchyme. Cell adhesion ensures the direct contact of both the formations on the basis of which characteristic relationships between hypothalamus and adenohypophysis arise during development.


[Ultrastructural study of pulmonary lesions caused by a membrane oxygenator. Comparison with a similar case, which had not received the same treatment].

The authors made a preliminary study of the damage caused by membrane oxygenators. They suggest nevertheless before a completely definative interpretation to increase the number of observations and above all to check the autopsy findings by an experimental study.


[Chronic glomerulonephritis with Hb antigen].

The authors report nine cases of chronic glomerulonephritis with positive hepatitis B antigen (AgHB) (8 cases) and positive anti-AgHb (1 case). Five patients had membranous glomerulonephritis. The sub-type was ad in 6 cases and ay in 2. In 3 members of two families of patients, AgHB was positive with the same sub-type as the subject studied. In 5 cases, liver biopsy showed signs of chronic hepatitis. According to the authors, a positive AgHB in glomerulonephritis is often associated with clinically latent chronic hepatitis.


[The association between pheochromocytoma and brown fat pseudotumor].

A new case of an association between phaeochromocytoma and a brown fat pseudo-tumour is presented, with arteriographic and histological documents. The case serves to emphasize the difficulties in diagnosis related to the confusing coexistence of the two entities and to discuss the role of catecholamines in the growth of brown adipose tissue under normal and pathological circumstances.


[The role of surgery in the treatment of sciatica. An experience of more than 4000 operations].

Sciatica must always be first considered as a medical problem. Operation is indicated only for refractory cases. Analysis of more than 4 036 operations shows the best indications for surgery. These consist of typical disc sciatica, sciatica with excessive pain, with paralysis and with cauda equina syndrome. Myeloradiculography was not carried out routinely, being reserved for atypical forms. A negative radiculography is not necessarily a contraindication. The results of foraminotomy are less constant than after removal of a disc prolapse. It benefits 60 p. cent of patients, however. Some reserve applies to its use since it is not possible to predict those patients who will be relieved. There exist finally those cases in which the organic origin of the pain cannot be proved, at which time the surgeon should refuse operation which may be an aggravating factor.


[Osteomalacy induced by anticonvulsants. One case with a study of vitamin D metabolism].

A case of osteomalacia, with no cause apart from the ingestion of anti-convulsants, is reported. As was shown by a study with tritium labelled vitamin D, the metabolism of the latter was accelerated in this case in comparison with deficiency type osteomalacia. This lends support to the hypothesis that anti-convulsant medications, acting via a hepatic enzyme induction process, cause increased transformation of vitamin D into inactive metabolites, thus explaining a certain deficiency in vitamin D in treated epileptics, a deficiency state which requires treatment.


[Inappropriate antidiuresis after acute colchicine poisoning. 2 cases].

Transient episodes of the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuresis developped in two severe colchicine poisonings. These are the first cases reported. On patient also developped a reversible periphal neuropathy. The similarity of such accidents with vicristine neuro-toxicity is emphasized.


[Pharmacology of acebutolol in animals].

In the course of routine screening of beta-adrenoceptor blocking compounds, it was found that a number of compounds did not block the vascular and cardiac effects of isoprenaline in proportion. Moreover, it was also found that the anti-arrhythmic action was not wholly related to the beta-adrenoceptor blocking potency. In particular, the anti-ouabain arrhythmia properties were not dependent upon beta-blocking potency. It was, therefore, possible to select a compound which had both cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking and anti-ouabain arrhythmic activities. The chosen compound was acebutolol. Acebutolol is a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent which has marked anti-arrhythmic against arrhythmia induced by methylchloroform and adrenalin in the cat, and also arrhythmia induced by ouabain in dogs and rabbits. It has less pronounced membrane stabilising properties than propranolol and has no demonstrable sympathomimetic action in normal anaesthetised cats or dogs. Bronchial beta-adrenoceptor blockade has been investigated in anaesthetised cats in which bronchoconstriction is evoked by PGF2 alpha. Isoprenaline prevents the effect of PGF2 alpha and this is restored by pre-treatment with propranolol. Acebutolol is 100 times less active than propranolol in these experiments.


[Study of acebutolol dialysis and pharmacokinetic data in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing hemodialysis].

The dialysance of acebutolol, in vitro, has been found to be equal to 87 ml/mn for a blood flow of 200 ml/mn through an artificial kidney; at the same flow rate, that of urea is 136 ml/mn. In subjects with normal renal function, half-life of acebutolol in plasma, after oral administration, is 4.4 +/- 0.6 h; in haemodialysed patients with renal failure, it is very increased; during haemodialysis, it is near normal (mean: 5.9 h in 4 subjects). Authors discuss the meaning of acebutolol dialysance, in vivo, considering a possible protein binding of this drug.


[Effects of acebutolol on the renin-aldosterone system in essential arterial hypertension].

Acebutolol, a new cardioselective beta-blocking agent, has been given for 5 days, at a daily dosage of 600 mg to 8 patients with mild essential hypertension. Plasma Renin Activity (PRA), Plasma aldosterone (PA), Aldosterone Metabolic Clearance Rate (AMCR), Aldosterone Secretion Rate (ASR) have been compared before and after treatment. Whatever is the daily sodium intake, acebutolol decreases PRA and does not change AMCR. Under a normal sodium diet, PA and ASR are unchanged, in spite of the fall in PRA. On the contrary, under a sodium free diet, the decrease in PRA is accompanied by a decrease in PA and ASR.


[Hemodynamic effects of the intravenous form of acebutolol].

Acetubolol was administered intravenously to 11 patients with various heart disorders, without any adverse effects. The bradycardic effect of this compound is slight. It did not change the auriculo-ventricular conduction in 10 patients with sinus rhythm. The effect of acebutolol on myocardial efficacy is slight or absent in controls. At the doses studied, it did not alter systolic arterial pressure. Furthermore, the effect on the myocardial contractility is slight (-10 p.cent, mean). The important point noted is that the drug does not increase the pressure in ventricular filling, the first sign usually of left ventricular insufficiency caused by most other drugs of this pharmacological type.


[Study of the action of acebutolol on the parameters of cardiac contraction measured by ultrasonic echography].

Recording by means of echography the motions of the posterior wall of the left ventricle makes it possible to compare in subjects acting as their own controls the amplitude of the movement, contraction and decontraction time of the myocardium before and after medication. This report concerns the variations recorded in 10 healthy patients before and after oral administration of 200 mg/day of acebutolol for 10 days. A statistically significant decrease of 8-9 p.cent of the various parameters was found. It probably reflects the negative inotropic action exerted by the drug.


[Changes in renal function in the hours following an intravenous injection of acebutolol].

A study was carried out, of the changes of renal functional value and of urinary electrolytes excretion after rapid intravenous injection of acebutolol in twelve subjects with various glomerular filtration. Renal functional value was estimated by measuring inuline. P.A.H., urea and creatinin clearances during a control period of thirty minutes and during the four hours following administration of acebutolol. The variations in the excretion of electrolytes: chloride, sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus were measured during the same periods. The following results were obtained: in subjects with normal renal functional value, administration of acetubolol brings about: a variation which is under 20 p.cent of glomerular filtration and P.A.H. clearance; a 50 p.cent average decrease of natriuresis. in cases of renal insufficiency: clearances of inuline and P.A.H. are unchanged. There is a 20 p.cent average decrease of natriuresis. There is a decrease of urinary output (35-45 p.cent) and of urea clearance (20-50 p.cent).


[Study of clinical pharmacology of acebutolol in 5 asthmatic patients].

Respiratory function (V.E.M.S.-C.V.) and cardiovascular function (pulse and blood pressure) were studied in 5 asthmatic patients who were given isoprenaline aerosols after I.V. injection of normal saline solution (in the first step) and acebutolol (in the second step). The respiratory function is not disturbed by acebutolol. On the other hand, the cardio-accelerating effect of isoprenaline was not neutralized by acebutolol during these two assays, but significantly reduced.


[Treatment of arterial hypertension with acebutolol. Double-blind study with placebos].

Acebutolol, a cardioselective beta-blocker, was studied at doses of 600 to 800 mg in a double-blind trial against placebo in 33 patients with essential hypertension. A moderate reduction in the arterial pressure was seen with placebo, but the pressure was greatly reduced by treatment with acebutolol (p less than 0,01). The heart rate was unchanged after placebo and was reduced by about 10 p.cent by acebutolol. Similarly plasma renin activity, in both lying and standing subjects, was not changed by the placebo, but it was greatly reduced by acebutolol. In the 33 patients studied, the arterial pressure returned to normal in 13 cases (39 p.cent), an improvement was obtained in 12 cases (36 p.cent) but in 8 cases (24 p.cent) the hypertension was not modified by acebutolol. The tolerance to acebutolol was excellent in all cases. No relationship was found between the hypotensive effect of acebutolol and the heart rate or its augmentation induced by orthostatism nor with the levels of plasma renin activity.


[Absorption of D-xylose in intestinal parasitic diseases].

In order to investigate the intestinal absorption in relation to parasitic diseases, 106 children were studied using the xylose test. All of them were attending a primary school. The height and weight were recorded, and the hemoblobin and hematocrit were estimated in each one. The examination of the stools shown one or more parasites in 57.6 per cent specimens. The E. histolytica, Hymenolepis nana and A. lumbricoides, were identified in 22.6, 21.7 and 20.7 per cent children, respectively; G lamblia was found in 10.4 per cent. Only the children with Giardia had a statistical difference in the absorption of xylose, with respect to those without parasites. At the same time height was low in comparison to a group of children with similar age and sex, selected among the 45 without parasitic diseases. Findings are discussed according to the pathogenic mechanism involved in giardiasis. Emphasis is done in the interplay of malnutrition and G. lamblia.


[Use of amniotic membranes as biological dressings. Preliminary report].

The authors compared the results obtained with the use of amniotic membranes as biological dressings in the treatment of 15 patients with skin loose of different etiology and that obtained with the conventional therapy. The associated benefits obtained with this treatment were lessen of the pain, low incidence of infections, early cicatrization of the wounds and shortening of the hospital time. The primary observations permit a wide investigation about the therapeutic usefulness of this kind of biological dressings.


[Splenogammography with Anger's camera].

Through 230 consecutive studies, 180 from patients and 50 from healthy persons, we obtain simultaneous figures of the spleen and the liver. The best position to obtain better scintigraphies of the spleen was the posterior left oblique. The normal dimensions of the spleen image was 11.1 mm. +/- 1.2 mm. (1 sigma) long diameter, and 6.9 mm. +/- 1.1 mm (1 sigma) broad diameter. In a great number of patients we found an enlargement of the spleen in the scintigraphic image without clinical demonstration. The study is easy, rapid and without troubles for patients; moreover it afford an important knowledge in the study of the spleen and the liver in simultaneous form.


[Hypophyseal gammography in man. Preliminary report].

Two normal individuals (healthy volunteer) and one patient with pituitary adenoma were evaluated with estrogenic complex 131-I for pituitary scan. All of them receive 400 muCi of the radionuclide orally. The study was performed 24 hs. after the ingestion of the drug. The results obtained with this method were so encouraging: one side, any toxic reaction was detected through a period of three months, clinical nor laboratory; other side, we visualized directly and in an no invasive form, the pituitary gland with only one dose of the drug administered orally. It is necessary more investigation for a good evaluation of this.


[Biological treatment of psychoses].

The role of the therapeutic posibilities as "psycopharmacologic revolution" agree us to understand the great importance that the psychiatry has in the general practice, five years far from the begining of its scientific era. Inspired in Deniker the author of this paper make a classification of psycotrope drugs and in base of it he review some important topics of psychopharmacology.


Synthesis of morpholinobiguanide derivatives.

Several new morpholinobiguanide derivatives were synthesized to be tested as hypoglycemic agents, by condensing morpholinobiguanide with alkyl or aryl isocyanate and isothiocyanate, and with dialkylaminoalkyl chloride. The carbamate, prepared from morpholinobiguanide and ethyl chloroformate, was condensed with different aryl amines and certain sulpha drugs. Most of the prepared compounds are easily soluble in water and preliminary examinations as hypoglycemics show promising results.


Effect of hashish on brain gamma aminobutyric acid system, blood fibrinolytic activity and glucose and some serum enzymes in the rat.

Adult male rats were exposed to Hashish smoke for 15 min. Certain biochemical parameters were determined. This treatment did not change the brain glutamic acid level, whereas it significantly decreased brain gamma aminobutyric acid level. There was a significant increase in the activity of the brain enzyme forming gamma aminobutyric acid, namely glutamate decarboxylase, as well as in that enzyme metabolizing gamma aminobutyric acid, namely aminobutyrate aminotransferase. However, the increase was much more marked in the case of aminobutyrate aminotransferase, a finding that might explain the decrease observed in brain gamma aminobutyric acid upon exposure to Hashish. Blood glucose and fibrinolytic activity were significantly increased. It was concluded that these changes might be due to an adrenaline releasing effect of Hashish smoke inhalation. Serum lactate dehydrogenase and serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase activities were significantly increased, whereas serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase activity was unaffected. From these data it was suggested that the source of leakage of these enzyme activities into the blood is probably the skeletal muscles rather than the liver.


Physicochemical study of drug binary systems. Part 3: Tolbutamide-urea and tolbutamide-mannitol systems.

The phase diagram of the tolbutamide-urea system, constructed by data obtained from the microheating table apparatus, was a peritectic type. It showed the possibility of the formation of two molecular compounds with incongruent m. p. at 112 degrees C and 123 degrees C. Metastable and stable eutectic points were observed at 63 degrees C and 92 degrees C respectively. The phase diagram of tolbutamide-mannitol system revealed that in addition to eutectic liquefaction at 102 degrees C and 6% (w/w) mannitol, there was a region [40--80% (w/w) mannitol] in which the two components were not completely miscible in the liquid state. Solubility studies showed an increase of about 2.5 fold in the solubility of tolbutamide with 0.5 g% urea and suggested the possibility of the formation of a low-solubility complex in addition to a soluble higher complex of the two components. No obvious increase in the solubility of tolbutamide was detected in the presence of mannitol. A full description of the nature and composition of the final solidified melts of the two present systems could prove to be helpful in the explanation of the dissolution behaviour of the different studied samples and their corresponding physical mixtures. The fused 90% urea and mannitol solid dispersions showed a fast rate of dissolution in the order of 15 and 10 times (respectively) greater than pure tolbutamide.


[Results of nuclear medical, electroencephalographic, and angiographic examinations after brain tumor operations].

The methods of nuclear medicine and electro-encephalography allow, in combination, in almost every case the answer to the question of the cerebral tumour relapse. Our evaluation confirms the discovery of the greater sensitivity of the isotopic methods with relapses of glioblastomas, while relapses of meningiomas, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and spongioblastomas can be recognized more frequently only by electro-encephalographic methods. The value of angiography is limited in cases of cerebral tumour relapses without pathological vascularisation, since the swelling can spread in the resection cavity without retroaction on the surrounding areas. For this reason vascular displacement (an only be observed very late on. Clinical judgement is furthermore complicated by the fact that after the removal of the primary tumour, often no reposition of the arteries ensues. After our exainations, a negative angiographic condition can be rule out a diagnosis of a relapse which has been established by electro-encephaolographic and isotopic methods.


[Schizophrenia and neuro-endocrine functional disorders--a case study on the problem of paranoid psychosis].

Schizophrenia and neuro-endocrine functional defects - a case report concerning the problem of paranoid psychosis: The case of a female patient with paranoic psychosis and endocrine defects has been reported. Under the present pathophysiological concepts the possibility of a combination of schizophrenic and neuro-endocrine symptomatic is suggested. The results of more recent investigations are discussed in respect of organic origin of schizophrenia that is based on potential reduction in the region of the limbic-hypothalamic nervous system.


[Chronic lymphocytic meningitis with polytopic involvement of the nervous system (after tick bite?)].

After an introductory description of the terminology, the individual experiences of 65 patients with chronic lymphocytic radicular myelo-meningitis after tick bite are  reported with reference to the literature. The finding of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lymphoplasmocytic meningitis together with radicular and regional pains, and a one-or two-sided peripheral facial nerve paresis represents the nucleus syndrome of the illness, which usually progresses as meningopolyneuritis. The pathogen, probably a virus, could not yet be isolated. The treatment is purely symptomatical with corticosteroids and antibiotics. Quoad vitam, the prognosis is invariably favourable, residues are frequent.


[Clinical and pathol-anatomic findings in corpus callosum deficiency, enlarged cavum septi pellucidi, and septal defect].

A comparison is made of the pathological changes of the median line structures such as corpus deficiency, enlarged cavum septi pellucidi (Csp.) and septal defects in 10,457 pneumo-encephalography (PEG) examinations of neurological and psychiatric patients, and in 11,016 general autopsy cases. Clinical peculiarities in corpus deficiency and other development anomalies of the median line structures are discussed along with case reports. A predominance of the male sex in cases of enlarged Csp. together with frequent combinations with neurological and psychiatric illness were noticeable, particularly oligophrenia, behavioral disorders, epilepsy and cerebral tumours. Thus, certain inferiority of the dysrhaphic mutation of the central organ can be assumed.


[The female sexual delinquent].

Among 371 adult sexual delinquents, there were only 14 women. From a total of 16 female sexual delinquents, 9 were feeble-minded, 4 mentally disabled, 3 were physically disabled, and almost all were uneducated and solitary people. The personality was distinguished by emotional disturbances, unsteadiness, impulsiveness, and often anti-social behaviour. Only in the cases of incest between brother and sister were cases of inhibited female character discovered. Among others, 3 cases of sexual crimes against children, and one case of probable fetishism are presented. Traditional moral inhibitions, passivity and an extensive lack of aggressiveness in the sexual behavior of woman, together with a stronger mental link between eroticism and sexuality than with the male, are seen as the main causes for the low figure of female sexual delinquents.


[Determination of F-wave conductivity in the normal N. ulnaris].

The methodical procedure for the determination of the F-wave conductivity in the ulnar nerve (in total - conductivity, afferent, conduction frequency forearm, afferent-efferent in the proximal segment of the peripheral motor neuron) and the results of a hundred examinations are presented. The results are compared with the motor nerve conduction velocity. No influences of sex, age or the site of lead could be discovered.


Acute non-traumatic transverse syndrome from a neurosurgical standpoint.

With a seventh of 233 neuro-surgical patients operated on in the area of the spinal canal, an acute or sub-acute transverse syndrome had become manifest before operation. The analysis of these cases shows that 2 out of 12 cervical, and 12 out of 100 lumbar cases of dislocation of the disk cause an acute or sub-acute transverse lesion of the cord with paraplegia. In 56 cases of intradural extra-medullary tumours, no acute development was observed. However, this was seen in 55% of the extra-dural tumour growths. The role of a vasal component in the event of speedy development of the transverse symptomatology in such cases is mentioned.


Normal values of thyroxine and triiodo-thyronine retention in the rat. Valores normais de tiroxina e retenção de triiodo-tironina em ratos.

The authors report the results from Murphy and Pattee's method 9, 10 1964, 1966 for T4 and those from Hamolsky et al.'s method 5 1957 for percent retention of T3 as applied to the normal rat serum. For that purpose, 32 adult Wistar rats, of both sexes, kept at the laboratory environment and fed with usual diet were used. Blood samples were taken after noon directly from the heart, without anesthesia. The analysis showed a T4 value of 4.20 +/- 0.92 mug/100 ml of serum (both sexes). The percentuals for mean T3 retention values were found to be 87.46 +/- 6.59% (male) and 81.78 +/- 5.22% (female). No statistically significant correlation could be drawn between the body weights and the hormonal findings.


Anatomical study on the proximal attachments of the human popliteus muscle.

The anatomical study of the proximal attachments of the human popliteus muscle was performed in 25 knees obtained from the dissection room cadavers, of the Anatomy Department of the São Paulo University Medical School. Our findings suggest that the p.m. has four proximal attachments, the condylar, meniscal, capsular and fibular. The muscle can be divided into a lateral portion whose fibers are attached in the lateral condyle of the femur by means of the popliteal tendon. A medial portion whose deep fibers are attached in the posterior part of the lateral meniscus and the superficial ones in the knee capsule; and finally the fibular attachment that appears to have a philogenetic meaning.


[Cerebellum of birds: quantitative and comparative study of the Purkinje cells (author's transl)].

The quantitative and comparative analysis of the Purkinje cells indicates the higher mean linear density in the anterior lobe, with regard to posterior lobe, in the cerebellum of the dung cook, Gallus gallus. Likewise the mean linear density of the Purkinje cells in that species, was significantly higher than that estimated in the cerebellum of the pigeon, Columba livia. The relationship between these quantitative differences and the type of locomotion, the walk, predominant in the dung cock is discussed.


[Anemia in pregnant women of Sobradinho, a satellite city of Brazilia, Brazil (author's transl)].

Four hundred and seven pregnant women, living in Sobradinho, a satellite city of Brasilia, Brazil, divided in three groups according to their gestation age: I trimester (50 cases); II trimester (140 cases); III trimester (201 cases), were studied for the hemoglobin concentration of their blood and intestinal parasitism. In nineteen of the anemic women iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 serum determinations were done. The mean hemoglobin concentration and the percentage of anemia (less than 12 g/100 ml) in the different stages of gestation, were: 13.06 g/100 ml and 22% for the first trimester: 12.49 g/100 ml and 29% for the second trimester and 12.11 g/100 ml and 34% for the third trimester. In the 19 cases of the anemic group studied we found 73.7% of iron deficiency (below 60 microg/100 ml); 26.3% of folic acid deficiency (below 4 ng/ml) and 10.5% of vitamin B12 deficiency (below 140 pg/ ml). A combined deficiency occured in two cases: iron plus folic acid (case 11, table 3) and folic acid plus vitamin B12 (case 3, table 3). The stool examination showed parasitic infection, in 51% of the women.


[Preliminary report concerning the histologica patterns of an anthracotic pneumoconiosis observed in the area of Londrina, Brasil (author's transl)].

The A. presents a preliminary report concerning on the histologic patterns of an anthracotic pneumoconiosis found in necropsies of the "Hospital Universitário da Universidade de Londrina", Paraná, Brazil, and in some cases from the Legal Institute of the same town. The lesions, on its histologic pattern are comparable to those observed in the lung of coal and iron mines workers as described in the consulted literature. The cases studied (plantations workers and dwellers at rural and suburban areas) are proceeding from an essencially agricultural region, without detectable polluition by industry or others known factors. This agricultural zone presents some geophysic peculiarities and dust from the errosive soil, is a constant factor in the local athmosphere. The soil is so called "Terra Roxa" (red soil) and in its physicochemical composition there is a great amount of iron oxides, silica (silt, agril laceous material), aluminium, manganese, organic compounds. In this preliminary report the A. suggests further research for a better knowledge of the composition of the respirable air and if dust exposures are or not responsible for the lung lesions.


[Identification of DNA synthesis stimulating and inhibitory factors from the rat submandibular gland during post-natal differentiation (author's transl)].

Cell-free homogenates of submandibular gland of 10 to 90 days old female rats, when injected in 90 days old female rats, previously treated with isoproterenol, produced a stimulatory or an inhibitory effect on the DNA synthesis. By filtration on Sephadex G-100 it was possible to separate protein or proteins presenting such an effects. The stimulatory effect was found in glands of 10 to 30 days old rats, while the inhibitory one was present in the 60 to 90 days old rats. It seems that there is a coincidence between the appearance of acinar cells and the presence of the inhibitory factor.


[Color changes in Uca rapax (Smith, 1870) Crustacean. Decapode. Effect of an injection of sinus gland extract].

Color changes of Uca rapax (Smith, 1870) of São Paulo's northern littoral were studied in function of injections of sinusgland extracts. When 0.06 of the sinusgland was injected the melanophore's pigments attained a maximal dispersion in 45 minutes and the effect remained during 6 hours. The animals with one eyestalk kept their normal chromatic behavior. It was observed that the rate of melanophores dispersion varies directly to the hormone concentration.


Cytomorphologic findings on the final stages of erythrocyte maturation in mamals.

An increase of organelles occurs at the reticulocytary maturation stage, when compared with the erythroblastic one, in the peripheral blood of embryos and of patients with acquired hemolytic anemia. This increase is due to hemosome formation, in which possibly the final stage of hemoglobin biosynthesis may take place. In animals with posthemorrhagic anemia, biosynthesis does not occur and reticulocytes present only typical mitochondria. Based on these findings, as well as on reticulocyte basophilia, suggestions were done for the introduction of some modifications in the Harris & Kellermeyer16 1970 conception of the erythrocyte maturation.


Atomospheric pollen counts in Brasilia, Brazil.

Daily pollen counts were made in Brasília DF, Brazil, from February 9, 1973 to February 9, 1974. Just one pollen season was perfectly delineated: a grass season. Two weeds, Smilax and Aristolochia, showed some regularity, with a few number of pollen granules. Tree pollens belonging to the Rosaceae family presented a similar behaviour.


[Considerations about the branching of the Aorta abdominalis in Mesocricetus auratus (author's transl)].

This paper deals with the disposition of the abdominal aorta branching in Mesocricetus auratus, stablishing variation groups with relation to the celiac, cranial, mesenteric, renal, genital and caudal mesenteric arteries. Sixty animals (30 males and 30 females) of different ages and weights, from the Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas e Biologicas de Botucatu, were anaesthetized with chloroform, injected with contrasting substance in abdominal aorta (50 animals with Neoprene latex and 10 with radio-opac mass) and dissected through stereoscopic microscope. The animals with radio-opac mass were radiographed in order to compare with other preparations. The results were expressed in relative percentage figures and compared with the human and other mammalian arterial dispositions.


[Histometric study of age related changes of elastic and collagenous fibers in the aortic arch of Meleagris gallopavo L., 1758, of both sexes (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the quantitative variation of elastic and collagenous fibers in the aortic arch of Meleagris gallopavo (turkey), both sexes, from 1 up to 180 days old. An histometric method was employed using as integrating eyepiece for the countings. The results show that the concentration of elastic fibers increase from the first to the 45th day, decreasing from this point until the age of 180 days, while that of collagenous fibers increase from the first until the last etary group studied.


[An impedance measuring technique for blood flow qualitative recording].

An impedance measuring technique was developed for blood flow qualitative recordings in laboratory animals. Basically, it consists in the administration of an indicator solution (0,1 ml, NaCl 20%) which, mixing with the blood, provokes a decrease in its electrical resistance, in such way that the passage of this mixture (concentrated saline/blood) through a bipolar receptor electrode, resistively balanced by the electrical impedance of blood alone, will be detected as a sudden resistance fall. The results so far show that it is an adequate technique for blood flow qualitative studies, since, despite its simplicity, provides consistent and unequivocal recordings which, performed simultaneously with those of other circulatory events, may become a helpful tool for their understanding.


Measurements of stress and strain in live bone by electrical strain gage method.

Measurements of stress and strain in parts of musculokeletal system has been extensively studied in recent years. "In vitro" tests have contributed important information. The present study is an attempt to assess "in vivo" measurements using electrical extensometers attached to the bone with biocompatible adhesives permitting accurate measurements of strain over long periods of time. Even though its seems to be an adequate method there are some limitations to be considered. The problem involving tissue reaction, protections and isolation of the measuring unit, validity of measurements and determination of the principal directions of the strain are discussed. When adequately used the method may contribute to the knowledge and understanding of biomechanics of the musculokeletal system.


Estimation of renal hypertrophy: comparison of renal diameter, weight and volume.

The opposite kidney was studied 5-15 weeks after unilateral nephrectomy in groups of rats. The relative merits of weight, volume and diameter as parameters of renal hypertrophy were compared. Renal diameter was found to be a less sensitive index of renal hypertrophy than the other two parameters. Standard curves are presented which provide a suitable method for eliminating the influence of growth of the animal upon renal hypertrophy. This is particulary importan when animals of different weights are untilised.


The direct potential of the intestinal wall. Its change in ischemia and revascularization. An experimental study in the rat.

The DC otential between the jejunal mucosa and the skin of the tail's root was measured in 29 rats. In twenty animals the superior mesenteric artery was clamped during up to VBJ minutes and recording of the DC potential was performed before vascular obstruction, during the period of ischaemia, and after revascularization was resumed when the clamp was removed. Prolonged ischaemia of the jejunum led to increasing reduction of the DC potential but recovery occurred about 75% of the rats when revascularization was established. The remaining 25% did not recover from vascular occlusion due to thrombosis or mechanical damage to the arterial wall. After removal of the elctrodes from the former group functional recovery of the intestinal function occurred in all the animals in which the removal was successful and no perforation of the intestinal wall was produced. Measuring transmural potential may be a convenient method to assess the viability of an infarcted intestine, thus aiding in selecting the appropriate therapeutic measures and in prognostic evaluation.


Neuromuscular abnormalities in the major mental illnesses. I. Serum enzyme studies.

Eighty-eight of 187 (47.1%) psychotic patients had increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity at admission. By the time of discharge, 75.9% had had an increased serum CPK activity. There was no significant difference between various groups of types of psychoses in the incidence of increased serum CPK activity. In 25% of the patients with increased serum CPK levels, the peak increase was equal to or greater than five times the upper limit of normal. Only the skeletal muscle isozyme of CPK was present in serum. The incidence of increased serum CPK activity at admission is significantly greater for those patients whose gross psychotic symptoms began 1 to 7 days prior to admission than for those whose symptoms began 8 or more days prior to admission. Some types of psychopathology were more intense or more frequently present in those patients with increased serum CPK activity at admission. Moreover, patients with increased serum CPK activity at any time during hospitalization had significantly greater mean ratings of some types of psychopathology, longer mean hospitalization and required higher doses of medication than did patients who never had such increases. Serum CPK levels were correlated with particular types of behavior for many psychotic patients. "Baseline" mean serum CPK activity of psychotic patients with increased serum CPK levels at some time during hospitalization was significantly greater than that of psychotic patients who never had increases in the hospital. One hundred and three of 337 (30.6%) first-degree relatives of psychotic patients also had slightly increased serum CPK activity. A significantly greater proportion of the relatives with slight elevation were related to patients who had elevated serum CPK activity. Many of the characteristics of increased serum CPK levels in patients with various types of major mental illnesses are similar to each other and to increases present in patients with a variety of acute brain diseases. This obviously does not mean that all these diseases have a common cause. They may, however, share a common mechanism producing increased efflux of CPK from skeletal muscle or decreased clearance of CPK from serum. Determination of serum CPK activity in newly admitted psychiatric patients may help distinguish psychotic from nonpsychotic patients, but the number of false-negatives and -positives will be considerable. The most important values of serum CPK determinations in psychotic patients may be to stimulate further investigations of the neuromuscular system.


[Serial electroencephalographic study of 3 siblings with agenesis of the interhemispheric great commissurae, cortical neuronal immaturity and hypoplasia of the optico-pyramidal tracts].

Three children, two females and one male, born from unrelated parents show brachycephaly, ogival palate, blindness from 5-6 months and progressive piramidal symptoms. Two subjects had since sixth monthy epileptic seizures, the other one died at 5 th month. In one subject died at 28 month age, central nervous system autoptic examination shows neuronal cortical immaturity, lack of corpus callosum, visual and piramidal patways hypoplasia. The serial EEG recording shows three caracteristic aspects: a) altough a marked changes, the organization of the electric cerebral activity was partially preserved; b) a epileptogenic potentiality was present, that is caracteristic of electro-clinic immage of this subject; c) a suggestive and peculiar tendency to asincrony and asimmetry of epileptic tendency in two hemispheres.


[Pathogenetic, clinical and therapeutic considerations on a case of the stiff man syndrome].

The AA. describe the clinical features of a woman (fourty-one years old) suffering from Stiff-man syndrome. The treatment with diazepam and baclophene improuved the symptoms in a very satisfactory manner. The Author's opinion is that syndrome could be due to abnormal activity of neurotransmitters.


[Juvenile Pick's disease: clinical study].

The Authors discuss the case of a 23-year-old man who manifested the characteristic symptomatology of a progressive mental deterioration and disorders in behaviour displaying themselves as apathy, speechlessness, progressive detachment from environment and considerable slovenliness. It has been also emphasized a situation which suggest Kleist's melokinetic apraxia. In addition to usual routine laboratory studies, the patient underwent a EEG, an encephalography and psychodiagnostic investigations executed by a means of series of tests in order to ascertain his intellectual efficiency and outline his psychological profile. On the basis of the investigations made and after a discussion concerning possible differential diagnoses, the Authors have reached the conclusion that it is an uncommon case of juvenile Pick's disease.


[Preventive anti-epileptic action of taurine administered by direct cortical perfusion].

To test taurine preventive antiepileptic effect a 90-minute taurine cortical perfusion was made to 8 cats in the left sensory-motor area. A cobalt lesion was then made in the same area following routine. In all cats the beginning and subsequent development of the interictal and ictal epileptic picture were remarkably delayed in comparison with a control group of animals without taurine pretreatment. The taurine preventive action, as the consequence of its brain uptake, is discussed in comparison with the lack of taurine preventive action, when administered intraperitoneally (MUTANI et al., in press). The possibility of the taurine uptake by the normal brain and, therefore, of the prevention of the epilepsy would be related to the different anatomo-physiologic features of the barriers met in the two routes of administration.


Homologous vessel graft as substitute for flexor tendon graft. An experimental study on rabbits.

Homologous vessel grafts were tried as substitutes for flexor tendon grafts. Pieces of different lengths were excised from a flexor tendon and replaced by a homologous abdominal aorta graft which was turned inside out and then anastomised by drawing it over the tendon stumps in a cuff-like manner. The grafts became firm, homogeneous and completely tendon-like with very little adhesion but with a tendency to become extended and thus too long to be functional.


Reconstruction of articular cartilage using autologous perichondrial grafts. A preliminary report.

In a pilot study of grown-up rabbits perichondrium from the ear was grafted to the joint surface of cavitas glenoidalis from which the normal articular cartilage had been resected. in all cases regeneration of new cartilage occurred. Five clinical cases of arthritis are reported in which, following removal of the degenerated cartilage and grafting of rib perichondrium, articular cartilage regeneration took place


Assessment of surgery of the rheumatoid wrist.

A series of 314 wrist operations performed on 227 patients with rheumatoid arthritis is presented. In 266 hands various wrist operations were undertaken with the object of synovial debridement and in 48 hands the wrist was also arthrodesed. The mean age at the time of surgical treatment was 51 years and the mean period of observation 4.2 years. This study shows that the main benefits of synovectomy are related to a constant and marked pain relief and prevention of tendon ruptures. The hope that synovectomy might arrest or prevent skeletal destruction was not realized and progression of X-ray changes was found in 74%. The very low recurrence rate in the present series as judged by clinical signs is probably not very significant and it is concluded that the X-ray findings are the most reliable criteria reflecting the real activity in a rheumatoid joint. In several wrists where prophylactic ulnar head resection had been performed through a small ulnar incision, an active dorsal tenosynovitis with tendon invasion developed later. These and other findings at the operation indicate that the erosive effect of the distal end of the ulna is certainly not the sole cause of tendon rupture in this area and that a complete exposure and decompression of the tendons should regularly be performed. Finally, arthrodesis of the wrist was so successful that it can be highly recommended.


Metacarpophalangeal joint implants. III. Roentgenographic study of the in vivo function.

With tomographic examination of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the straight lateral projection with maximum active extension and flexion, performed after the implantation of 42 Swanson and 41 Niebauer finger joint implants, it was possible to study the in vivo function of these implants. A method was devised to determine the position of the proximal phalanx in relation to the metacarpal bone in the plane of flexion. This was correlated to the ideal position of the proximal phalanx as determined for each of the implants in experimental studies and defined only by the implant axis of rotation. A displacement of the phalanx in the proximal and volar direction was found. Usually, this was more pronounced with fracture of the implant, and could be about 7-8 mm in each direction. The hinge of the Niebauer implant was found to bend significantly less than expected, indicating movements taking place in other parts of the implant. The two blocks of the midsection were found to move in relation to the adjacent bones. Indicating an insufficient intramedullary fixation of the stems, these findings explained why cortical erosions appeared at the sites where the stems were in close contact with the bone: dorsally in the metacarpal bone and volarly in the proximal phalanx.


Hand surgery and the development of hand prostheses.

Hand surgery has shown that afferent impulses to conscious level are essential for control and effective use of any advanced grip. Control of position, motion and load (proprioception) is possible to obtain without joint receptors, by cutaneous receptors alone. Further advances in the construction of hand prostheses must be based on this premise. The value of the key grip is outlined.


[Value of electromyography in the study of polyneuropathy caused by industrial glues].

The Authors have studied 47 patients with manufacturing glue neuropathy by electromiography and motor and sensitive nerve conduction velocity recording in medianus, ulnaris and sciatic nerves. The evolution of the disease was studied during two years. From these data, on the basis of recent complete bibliography, the speculated abant the place of damage and the pathogenesis of this professional disease. There was demonstrated the importance of EMG in the earlyer diagnosis and in the medical and legal evaluation of the consequential damages of those diseases.


Fractures of the scaphoid.

Fracture of the scaphoid is the most common injury of the carpus. Inadequate treatment frequently leads to non-union, which causes pain and serious disability. In the present study 134 scaphoid fractures treated during the period 1961-70 are reviewed. In fresh fractures less than 4 weeks old, bony union occurred in 95% with proper conservative treatment. The vexed question of whether a high or low circular cast should be used may not really be so important. In the present study, both methods of external splintage have given favourable results. It is indisputable, however, that other factors, such as the age of the fracture, its type and location are of great importance for the final result. It was also found that fracture dislocation greater than 1 mm regularly led to pseudarthrosis. Operative treatment is suggested in these cases, and the Matti-Russe technique has proved to be an excellent method for treatment of pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid. The study further confirmed that fractures of the scaphoid in children are more common than is usually supposed. They were all located in the distal two-thirds of the bone and it is suggested that this pattern of distribution is typical of childhood.


Primary mobilization after secondary flexor tendon surgery.

The value of immediate postoperative mobilization after secondary repair was studied in 63 patients with 93 flexor tendons. With grafts, an essential requirement is strong fixation. Distally, the graft was carried through a canal drilled from the distal phalanx to the upper side of the nail. Proximally, Pulvertaft's technique was used. The initial aftercare was very important, and required 3 weeks stay in hospital. Mobilization was started on the first postoperative day. The operating surgeon himself supervised the daily exercise for 3 weeks, after which the patient was discharged. The end-results show that, despite what has been alleged by the critics of primary mobilization, the graft is capable of development and grows stronger with this treatment.


Neurofibroma in the median nerve treated with resection and free nerve transplantation. Case reports.

The commonest tumours of the peripheral nerves are neurolemomas and neurofibromas, both arising from the nerve sheath. Both tumour types are described. It is established that the neurofibroma becomes malignant in about 10% of cases and that removal involves resection of the nerve. Radical resection is nevertheless recommended and the defect in the nerve may be overcome by free nerve transplantation. Two cases are reported.


Fracture dislocation in the ulnar carpometacarpal joints. Open reduction and pinning--a case report.

Eight patients with fracture dislocations in the four ulnar carpometacarpal joints were treated with open reduction and pinning. All patients could return to work some 2 months after operation. Follow-up after 3-5 years was carried out in 7 of the 8 patients. One complained of slight clumsiness and ache over the incisional area, whereas the other 6 were free from symptoms and had normal hand function.


Functional results after Moore arthroplasty in femoral neck fractures. A long-term follow-up study.

Sixty patients with Moore's hip arthroplasty were followed with a mean observation time of 4.9 years. The results were found to be acceptable, as 70% had minimal or no pain, 78% had acceptable hip mobility and 40% were able to walk more than 500 metres. 25% became nursing-home patients, but in nearly all of these cases this was due to unrelated disabling illnesses. According to the classification adopted by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 52% were classified as excellent or good, 43% as fair, and 5% as poor. The roentgenological findings of setting of the prosthesis and osteolysis along the prosthesis were significantly correlated to reduced hip mobility.


The relationship between some psychological factors and the outcome of medical rehabilitation.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between some psychological factors and the outcome or rehabilitation. The subjects were 70 patients at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Central Hospital, Jönköping. The mean age was 45.8 years (range 20-66). They were subjected to an intelligence test, a personality inventory and a perceptual test. The outcome of the rehabilitation was measured with ratings by the staff members and by the patient himself. Positive factors for a sucessful rehabilitation was low age, good education, good intelligence and a high degree of dominance (i.e. self-confidence, ego-strength, a need to attract attention and no guilt feelings). A negative personality factor was passive dependence (i.e. lack of independence, application for assistance and dependence on other people). The most pronounced factor was field dependence-independence. The field independent subjects reached a more sucessful rehabilitation than the field dependent. This may be due to the fact that a field independent person makes his perceptual judgements according to inner frames of reference and directs and organizes his experiences more than does the field dependent. He also uses more complex and more specialized defences and experiences his own body in an analytical fashion which results in an articulated body concept and a well-developed sense of separate identity.


Amorphosynthesis on the chess board.

Visual spatial perception difficulities on the chest board have been studied in a patient with a dominant hemisphere infarction. The game of chess can be useful to demonstrate and follow the evolution of amorphosynthesis.


[Value and limits of the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in postoperative evaluation of patients with colonic and rectal carcinomas].

An attempt is made to define the usefulness and limitations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) radioimmunoassay for evaluation of tumor resection and detection of tumor relapse in patients with large-bowel carcinoma. In 45 patients for whom complete tumor resection was reported, all but 5 showed a drop in CEA to normal values after surgery. The 5 patients whose CEA did not fall to below 5 ng/ml showed a subsequent rise in CEA level and later were all found to have a tumor relapse. The results indicate that an incomplete drop in circulating CEA level one month after surgery is a bad prognostic sign. Twenty-two of these patients were followed up by repeated CEA radioimmunoassay for several months after surgery; 8 showed a progressive increase in CEA levels preceding clinical diagnosis of tumor relapse by 2-10 months. The clinical history of these 8 patients is briefly described. The results demonstrate that relapses of colon and rectum carcinoma can be detected by increased CEA levels months before the appearance of any clinical evidence.