[Lymphography for the prognosis of carcinoma of the cervix (author's transl)]. Ninety-two patients with carcinoma of the cervix, who had lymphograms before treatment, were observed for a period of three to five years. In patients with lymph node metastases 57.1% were found to have recurrences or metastases, or died during that period. Amongst patients with normal lymphograms the corresponding figure was 11.3%. These findings were true for each stage of the disease. Follow-up studies with histological examination of the lymph nodes have shown that the prognosis of carcinoma of the cervix is totally different if lymph node metastases are present. Separation into cases with good and bad prognosis can be achieved by pre-treatment lymphography. The radiological findings concerning lymph nodes should therefore be included in the classification of carcinoma of the cervix; the T.N.M. calssification of U.I.C.C. makes this possible.


[Chromosomal changes following irradiation with small doses (author's transl)]. The authors examined the chromosomes of 20 patients who underwent thyroid investigations. Leucocyte cultures from peripheral blood were studied immediately before the indtroduction of 131I, and again after 48 hours. The results indicate that a total body dose of 0.05 rad increases chromatid damage as well as increasing the incidence of labile chromosome changes.


[Panel discussion: problems of the specialist's duty to inform the patient (author's transl)]. The obligation of the physician to inform the patient--which he has to prove in case of a suit--is based on the patient's right of selfdetermination. This self-decision information was subject of the panel discussion. Not discussed in detail were the information concerning diagnosis and prognosis, and the instruction of the patient regarding his conduct postoperatively and during medical treatment. Not considered was the so-called malpractice and negligence respectively. Medical liability suits are increasing for various reasons and are frequently directed at a failure to inform the patient because the patient is often unable to prove a negligence of the physician ("surrogate liability"). The dimension of the duty of disclosure (complete information--no information at all) is discussed in general and with special regard to the radiological field.


[Thermographic investigations of thyroid foci (author's transl)]. Thyroid foci showing uptake on scintigraphy were examined by thermography and compared with foci showing no uptake. The following results were obtained: 1. One fifth of scintigraphically "cold" foci were also cold on the thermogram. 2. Two thirds to four fifths of foci showing scintigraphic uptake appeared as warm spots on the thermogram. 3. 10% of foci showing no uptake appeared as thermographic circumscribed hot spots. The combination of findings in "3" is suspicious of malignancy and this justifies the use of thermography in addition to scintigraphy and cytology.


[Galacto-biopsy (author's transl)].

[Galacto-biopsy (author's transl)]. By galacto-biopsy we understand the expression of a suspected intraductal papilloma by firm palpation as part of preparation for galactography. Using galacto-biopsy the accuracy of galactography in the diagnoses of intraduct papillomas was increased to 95%.


[Correlation the laevocardiogram and plain chest films in the presence of myocardial insufficiency (author's transl)]. A correlation was attempted in 106 patients with myocardial insufficiency between linear and volume parameters of the laevocardiogram and the corresponding parameters on plain chest films, as well as between pressure measurements and the degree of pulmonary congestion. Measurements on the plain radiograph provide only limited information on the function of the myocardium and the severity of myocardial lesion respectively. Nevertheless, they are of some value during the course of the disease.


[Coronary calcification and luminal diameter in coronary disease (author's transl)]. Two hundred and thirty-six patients with coronary heart disease were examined by coronary angiography and laevo-cardiography. In 111 patients (47%) there was coronary artery calcification. Of these, 108 patients (97%) showed abnormal findings on the coronary angiogram; in 72 patients (67%) coronary stenosis was greater than or equal to 50% of the lumen. The severity of the stenoses increased with the amount of calcification. There were only three false positive findings and the presence of coronary calcification indicates coronary sclerosis with a high degree of probability. Fluoroscopy is the simplest and most sensitive method of examination and is of great value in the non-invasive investigation of coronary sclerosis.


[Results of employing single crystal gammacamera and minicomputer in the first tracer passage to determine left-ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion (author's transl)]. Single crystal gammacamera and minicomputer were employed in 71 patients to determine left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (17 mCi 99mTc-HSA; 30 degrees RAO projection) by means of the first tracer passage. In 30 out of these patients, ventricular wall motion could be analyzed additionally because later on the gammacamera was equipped with a converging collimator. Comparison with cineventriculographically determined EF values revealed a good correlation (r = 0.91), not depending on left-ventricular wall motion pattern. Hereby, with first transit, high EFs were computed somewhat lower and low EFs were found somewhat higher. This non-limiting discrepancy is closely related to the influence of paracardiac "background"-radioactivity. Comparative analysis of segmental wall motion demonstrated agreement in 83% of the 90 segments examined. Therefore, it can be confirmed that performance of the first tracer passage for a evaluating segmental wall motion must not mandatorily be done with a multicrystal camera.


[The oblique projection in lung perfusion scintigraphy (author's transl)]. In perfusion lung imaging by scintillation camera routine use of posterior oblique views is recommended in addition to anterior and posterior views. Avoiding overlap activity ("shine through") from the contralateral lung they improve the detection rate as well as the characterisation and localisation of perfusion defects especially in the lower lobes. Artifacts due to increased absorption in the scapular region or to compression by mediastinal structures should be recognized.


[Acute aortic thrombosis (author's transl)]. A case of acute thrombosis of the aorta is described; it extended from the superior mesenteric artery to the bifurkation and was probably due to oestrogen medication. The clinical features and diagnosis of this rare condition are described. The condition usually develops against a background of advanced arteriosclerosis and is initiated by certain haemodynamic factors such as intimal damage from blunt trauma, emboli or the thrombogenic effect of oestrogens. The symptoms, such as pain, absent pulses etcetera are the result of ischaemia and depend on the extent of the lesion. A definite radiological diagnosis can only be made by means of aortography, if necessary with oblique projections. The Seldinger technique with a femoral or axillary approach is the method of choice. Aortography shows a filling defect and occasionally a collateral circulation.


[A comparative study between postmortem venography and the pathological anatomy of the liver (author's transl)]. A barium sulphate-gelatine mixture was injected into the veins in the left lobe of 50 human livers which were then x-rayed. The radiographs were compared with the pathological and anatomical findings and enlargements were studied and compared with the histology. A correlation was found between the venogram and the macroscopic and microscopic changes, particularly in various forms of cirrhosis of the liver. The scope and limitations of hepatic venography were studied with respect to solitary and diffuse liver metastase.


[Intravenous cholangiography in hyperbilirubinaemia (author's transl)]. The effect of bilirubin on biliary and renal excretion of methylglucamine-iodipamide at an infusion rate of 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mu mol/min/kg was studied by intravenous injection into five dogs with normal liver functions and chronic duodenal fistulas. Unconjugated bilirubin administered in a dose of 0.1 mu mol/min/kg reduced biliary iodipamide excretion and concentration significantly, but did not affect renal contrast material excretion. This indicates that the unsatisficatory radiological results of intravenous cholangiography in hepatic and obstructive jaundice depend not only on the reduced excretion capacity of the liver, but are also due to a direct inhibitory effect of bilirubin on biliary contrast material excretion. In the presence of hyperbilirubinaemia, the highest iodine concentrations in the bile were obtained with the highest iodipamide serum levels; a reduction in contrast material dose or prolongation of the period of contrast material infusion therefore does not appear to be indicated in jaundiced patients.


[Computer tomographic diagnosis of abscesses (author's transl)]. The computer tomographic diagnosis of an abscess must be related to the clinical condition of a patient. In the presence of pyaemia or following an operation, with high fever, tenderness on palpation, leucocytosis and rapid development of the illness, an abscess may be suspected. The computer tomographic findings depend on the stage of the development of the abscess. Early on there is the finding of a cellular tumour with high attenuation values; after a few days, with leucocyte degeneration, there is a significant reduction in the attenuation value to that of serus fluid, or even less. Later, when organisation takes place, the development of connective tissue causes a marked increase in attenuation values which correspond with those of solid tissues. If the abscess becomes encapsulated, or if there is caseation in a tuberculous lesion, a cyst may be imitated with, again, a reduction in attenuation values. The usefulness of contrast examinations is discussed.


[Value and results of computer tomography in diseases of the pancreas (author's transl)]. In a joint study carried out by the radiological university clinics of Bonn, Hamburg, Cologne, Leuven and Munich, 483 computer tomographs of the pancreas were evaluated. A correct histological diagnosis, or one confirmed at surgery, was obtained in 74.5% of 168 cases; in a further 9% an abnormality was seen in the pancreas or in its immediate vicinity, but was wrongly interpreted. The computer tomographic criteria of inflammatory processes and of tumours of the pancreas are given, and the not uncommon difficulties in distinguishing between these are discussed.


[Quantitative determination of the effect of angiotensin on renal blood flow (author's transl)]. The effect of angiotensin on renal blood flow was measured in ten patients by using selected angiography and video densitometry. A dose of 0.5 microgram. reduced flow in the renal artery 30 seconds after intraarterial application by an average of 60%. Neither the renal artery nor its primary branches showed any change in calibre.


[A new instrument for catheter introduction for angiographic and percutaneous transhepatic examinations (author's transl)]. An instrument is described which can be used in the femoral or axillary approach using the Seldinger technique, and which has been found to be satisfactory during several years' use. Its advantages are that it is easy to use and the necessary technique is easily acquired; catheters can be changed painlessly and without damaging the artery; thinner catherters can be introduced without producing bleeding and the space between the instrument and the catheter can be perfused. The instrument has also proved valuable for percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or portography by preventing buckling of the catheter at the costal chest/liver interface.


[Osteoarthritis in the neonate. Radiologic diagnosis and follow-up observations (author's transl)]. A fatally ending index case of septic osteoarthritis that was diagnosed retrospectively initiated this report. This patient had severe, asymmetrically distributed metaphyseal growth disturbances at many long bones. In order to determine the features of early radiologic diagnosis we report the findings of 7 further patients with neonatal septic osteoarthritis with clinical and radiological follow-up. The most important observation for early radiologic diagnosis of osteoarthritis is the displacement of fat layers along the metaphysis. Other findings of the soft tissues have the same diagnostic value as bone destruction and subperiosteal new bone formation found one to three weeks later on roentgenfilms. Detecting early signs of osteoarthritis helps in localizing the focus for bacteriologic diagnosis, which is said to be more successful than blood cultures. Diagnosing a joint empyema initiates surgical intervention for pressure relief in order to avoid necrosis of the epiphysis as seen in the femoral head in septic arthritis of the hip joint. Early diagnosis and treatment prior to destruction of the growing cartilage is necessary to avoid growth disturbances and length discrepancies of long bones. In cases of sepsis a so called "babygram" and a repeat examination 10 to 14 days later is mandatory.


[Quantitative mineral estimations in vertebral bodies by computer tomography (author's transl)]. The accuracy of computer tomographic bone density measurements in the axial skeleton was tested by comparing results obtained from the first lumbar body in abdominal phantoms. An almost linear relationship (r = 0.998) was found between increasing concentrations of a calcium chloride solution and CT absorption values. The sum of the CT values of sections through the vertebral body correlated well with their ash content (r = 0.90) as well as with the hydroxyl apatite values obtained by I125-absorption densitometry (r = 0.88). Reproducibility of CT measurements on the phantom was good (coefficient of variation = 1.2% in the spongiosa). Average CT values of separate measurements of the spongiosa and cortex could be correlated with the total spongiosa by a special programme (r = 0.95). In the practical application of this technique, possible sources of error must be considered, such as the effect of high energy polychromatic radiation, inhomogeneity of the object being investigated and difficulties in positioning the patients


[Technique and diagnostic value of functional myelography in lumbar discopathy (author's transl)]. A standard myelogram using water soluble contrast with additional functional examination were carried out on 72 patients with suspected disc prolapse. Diagnostic accuracy can be significantly improved by the functional examination and, in some cases, the diagnosis can only be made in this way. There are no false positives. The advantages and limitations of the  method are enumerated and its morphological significance is discussed.


[Discographic visualisation of lumbar disc herniations (author's transl)]. The myelographic diagnosis of lumbar disc herniations remains unclear in about 5% of the cases. When the clinical examination does not allow clear localisation of the segmental level of the lesion and symptomatology is atypical, discorgraphy may be the only procedure providing further diagnostic information. Very lateral as well as ventral disc herniations can thus be clearly demonstrated. Knowledge of both typical and atypical findings is, however, required to avoid false negative results.


[The angiographic demonstration of infra-tentorial tumors with identical manifestations, localisation and histology in identical twins (author's transl)]. The angiographic diagnostic features of concordant tumors of the posterior fossa in monozygotic twins are described. In both cotwins cranio-spinal subependymomas were found which had grown through the foramen magnum and reached from the fourth ventricle down to the second cervical vertebra. Thereby, the conformity of the clinical mainifestation, symptomotology and the course of the disease, the localisation and extent of the tumors as well as the neuroradiologic findings and the histologic features of the tumors were particularly striking. After a review and critical summary of the few cases of concordant affections with brain tumors in identical twins published in the literature at present our couple is discussed under the question of the possible influence of genetic factors or a hereditary disposition on the development of cerebral tumors.


[Studies on the diagnostic accuracy of lymphography (author's transl)]. Contradictory reports in the literature on the reliability of lymphography stimulated the authors to test the diagnostic accuracy, employing methods which are approximately analogous to practice, using carcinoma of the cervix as the model on which the study was carried out. Using 21 observers it was found that there was no correlation between their experience and on-target accuracy of the diagnosis. Good observers obtained an accuracy of 85% with good proportions between sensitivity in the recognition of detail, specificity and readiness to arrive at a decision on the basis of discriminatory ability. With the help of the concept of the ROC curves, the position taken up by the observers in respect of diagnostic decisions, and a complex manner of assessing the various characteristic factors determining diagnostic accuracy, are demonstrated. This form of test, which permits manipulation of different variants of diagnosis, is recommended, among other things, for performance control at the end of training and continuing education courses in other fields of x-ray diagnosis as well.


[Modern therapy of acne vulgaris. A therapy proposal for the management of uncomplicated cases]. Acne vulgaris is one of the most widespread of all diseases and is frequently the object of treatment in general and specialist medical practice. New insights into the pathophysiology of acne show that the most important therapeutic principle is suppression of the propionibacteria in the pilosebaceous duct since these bacteria have a key role in the genesis of the comedo and of inflammatory acne efflorescences. Experimental findings are shown which prove the value of a local treatment with antibiotics and ethanol-containing masks. The second therapeutic principle is "keratolytic" therapy. Retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are in the forefront here. The third therapeutic principle is the reduction of seborrhea. Benzoyl peroxide is especially suitable for local treatment. Differential diagnosis of acne vulgaris and additional possibilities of treatment in problem cases are dealt with.


On the peripheral location of the Y chromosome. The location of the Y chromosome in metaphase spreads is studied in groups of (a) 96 normal males, (b) 17 Down's syndrome patients, and (c) 51 patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. The position of the Y is scored as either peripheral or nonperipheral using several of the traditional definitions found in the literature. It is shown that contradictory results may be obtained depending on the particular definition employed and that none of the available definitions capture the essence of the meaning of 'peripheral'. Therefore a new, standardized definition is introduced-one that applies to both circular and noncircular spreads. Using this new definition, we find definite intergroup variability. The Y is peripheral in normal males, but not in either the Down's or Klinefelter's samples.


Rapid identification of chromosomes carrying silver-stained nucleolus-organizing regions: application to case of 21/21 Robertsonian translocation. The use of a combination of transmitted light and epiluminescence after silver and fluorescent staining of chromosome preparations makes it possible to achieve simultaneous visualization of silver-stained NORs and flourescent chromosomes. This technique permits exact localization of silver precipitates on normal and BrdU-substituted chromosomes. After previous silver impregnation, fluorescent staining by actinomycin-daunomycin-DAPI was used to induce a banding pattern that enables identification of specific chromosomes while observing silver-stained NORs at the same time. Application of this method to a Down's syndrome patient revealed a 21/21 Robertsonian translocation with NOR'S eliminated.


Inversions and other unusual heteromorphisms detected by C-banding. Sixteen patients with unusual heteromorphisms involving alterations of the length and/or position of centromeric heterochromatin are described. Family studies showed that the heteromorphisms were present in other relatives and segregated in the expected 1:1 ratio. There was a significantly greater frequency of unusual heteromorphisms among Orientals than in other races studied.


Lung lysophospholipase activity in specific-pathogen-free rats infected with Pasteurella pneumotropica or Mycoplasma pulmonis. The effects of Pasteurella pneumotropica and Mycoplasma pulmonis infections in specific-pathogen-free rats were studied to determine whether or not bacterial infections could cause an increase in rat lung lysophospholipase activity and/or changes in bone marrow eosinophil levels. Lung lysophospholipase activity levels of M. pulmonis-infected rats were elevated with increasing infection dosages, but enzyme levels were not accompanied by a lung tissue eosinophilia or an increase in bone marrow eosinophils. Rats infected with P. pneumotropica showed neither an increased lung lysophospholipase activity level nor an increased tissue or bone marrow eosinophilia.


Complement activation in acne vulgaris: in vitro studies with Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium granulosum. To better define the role of bacteria in inflammatory acne vulgaris, we have investigated the ability of four strains of Propionibacterium acnes and three strains of Propionibacterium granulosum to activate complement. Complement activation was assayed by incubating normal human serum with varying concentrations of each strain and measuring residual total hemolytic complement activity. When serum was tested unaltered, P. acnes strains were approximately threefold more potent than an equal weight of P. granulosum in consuming complement, which could reflect classical and/or alternative pathway activation. All strains also consumed complement in serum chelated with ethyleneglycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid, which selectively assays alternative pathway activation. Incubation of unaltered serum with both P. acnes and P. granulosum resulted in immunoelectrophoretic conversion of C4, C3, and factor B of the alternative pathway. Incubation of chelated serum resulted in conversion of C3 and factor B. These data taken together suggest that both species can activate complement through either pathway. Serum incubated with P. acnes was chemotactic for polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and this chemotactic activity was largely C5 dependent as shown by antibody inhibition. It is suggested that complement activation may occur in vivo in acne, and the inflammatory response may be contributed to by the generation of C5-dependent chemotactic factors.


Mucopolysaccharide material resulting from the interaction of Treponema pallidum (Nichols strain) with cultured mammalian cells. During incubation of Treponema pallidum (Nichols strain) with cultured mammlian cells derived from normal rabbit testes (NRT), an amorphous material accumulated at the surface of the cultured cells. This material was randomly distributed on all tissue cells within the culture chambers. The amount of amorphous material was dependent on the treponemal inocula. With 3 x 10(8) organisms per ml, this material was readily apparent within 2 days; with 4 x 10(7) organisms per ml, this material was detectable within 4 to 5 days; with lower inocula, the accumulation of amorphous material was far less apparent. Deposition of this surface-associated material required attachment of treponemes to the cultured cells, and the amount deposited was related to the number of treponemes attached per cell. This amorphous material was not detected when NRT cells were incubated with preparations of T. pallidum that were heat or air inactivated. In addition, the accumulaton of amorphous material was not due to a soluble component from host testicular tissue or to a soluble component developing during treponemal infection. This was demonstrated by the inability of membrane filtered preparations of T. pallidum to induce the deposition of amorphous material at the surface of the cultured cells. The nature of this material appeared to be acidic mucopolysaccharide as indicated by its metachromatic staining properties, its stainability with ruthenium red, and its partial degradation by bovine and streptomyces hyaluronidase. This amorphous material that accumulated in vitro at the surface of cultured cells may be similar to the mucoid material that accumulates in vivo during syphilitic infection.


Lymphocyte transformation test in leprosy: decreased lymphocyte reactivity to Mycobacterium leprae in lepromatous leprosy, with no evidence for a generalized impairment. Untreated leprosy patients were examined with respect to lymphocyte transformation in vitro after stimulation with mycobacterial and other microbial antigens, allogeneic lymphocytes, or nonspecific mitogens. Methods were used to circumvent technical variability. The results were compared with those obtained in controls matched for age, sex, race, and environment. No evidence was found for a generalized impairment of lymphocyte transformation in vitro, whereas a specific defect towards Mycobacterium leprae was demonstrable in lepromatous leprosy patients. The response to M. leprae, investigated in untreated and treated leprosy patients, decreased along the leprosy spectrum. Moreover, the results of the one-way mixed lymphocyte cultures showed that lymphocytes from leprosy patients had a normal stimulator and responder capacity, when they were tested against a panel of allogeneic lymphocytes. The influence of serum factors was investigated in untreated leprosy patients in the mixed lymphocyte culture. On average, tuberculoid as well as lepromatous sera showed a low-level depressive effect, but some sera showed a stimulatory effect. Therefore, a depressive effect of serum factors cannot be considered to be a general feature of leprosy. The correlation between the Mitsuda type of lepromin skin test and the lymphocyte reactivity in vitro to M. leprae was studied, and a positive correlation was found.


Cytochemical observations of coelomocytes from the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris. Coelomocytes of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, were stained by cytochemical techniques to determine the biochemical composition of the seven different cell types and subtypes. The enzymes acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase are present in all types of coelomocytes, but are especially abundant in basophils and neutrophils; the differences in enzyme amounts correlate well with the differences in phagocytic activity of the various cell types. No peroxidase is present. The cytoplasmic basophilia of basophils is due primarily to ribonucleic acid. Basophils also contain large deposits of glycogen, with neutrophils and chloragogen cells containing somewhat lesser amounts. The predominant granules of the two types of acidophils and of granulocytes are composed of a basic protein and a neutral mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein. A second granule population, present in low numbers in acidophils and granulocytes, but in larger numbers in basophils and neutrophils, is small in size and lipid-positive and may, in part, represent lysosomes. Lipid is especially abundant in the vesicles and granules of the two types of chloragogen cells. Some granules of chloragogen cells also contain ferrous and ferric iron and a substance with pseudoperoxidase activity. The cytoplasm contains protein, glycogen, and a neutral mucopolysaccharide. In addition, acid mucopolysaccharides are variably present in the cytoplasm of chloragogen cells, the only coelomocytes to contain this class of substances.


Light and electron microscopic investigation of ATPase activity in musculature during anuran tail resorption. The histochemical activity of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) was studied at light and electron microscopic levels in larval tail musculature of Rana catesbeiana and Rana ornativentris during late metamorphic stages. The presence of low, moderate or dark reaction of K2-EDTA-preincubated Ca++-ATPase was correlated with the variable degree of degeneration of white fibres even at the late stage of tail resorption. The reasons for an increase in this ATPase activity in degenerating white muscle fibres are discussed. Irrespective of the degree of degeneration, all red fibres showed high ATPase reaction. During myocytolysis, it is shown that the SR vesicles accumulate electron dense amorphous material. The degree of myofibrillar disintegration correlated with decrease in ultrastructural reaction product for Mg++-ATPase. Although grouped atrophy of muscle fibres (as seen in Xenopus laevis, den Hartog Jager et al., 1973, 1975) was absent in musculature of resorptive tails, ultrastructural characteristics including proliferation of SR and dilation of its vesicles represent alteration of the normal neural influence on the skeletal muscle fibres.


Flow dependence of gas distribution and the pattern of inspiratory muscle contraction. We measured regional distribution of xenon-133 boli at 0.25, 0.75, and 1.5 l/s in four normal seated subjects during inspirations performed predominantly with intercostal and accessory muscles (IC) or with the diaphragm, accompanied by outward abdominal motion (Ab). In six additional subjects we inferred the topographical distribution of helium boli during similar breaths and flow rates from the slope of the alveolar plateau recorded during a slow expiration (less than 0.5 l/s). Distribution of the helium boli was studied during natural as well as IC and Ab inspirations. At each of the flow rates IC breaths distributed relatively more of the inspired bolus to upper lung regions than did Ab inspirations. Natural breaths at 0.25 l/s resulted in distributions similar to those of Ab inspirations, whereas at 1.5 l/s the distribution approached that of IC inspirations. A three-compartment model, representing upper, middle, and lower lung regions, was used to simulate bolus distribution. The experimental data showed substantial departure from predictions based on regional time constants alone. However, additional small differences in applied pressure (less than 0.50 cmH2O) between the regions satisfactorily accounted for the gas distribution.


Studies of the chemo-mechanical conversion in artificially produced streamings. III. Dynamic cooperativity--a new cooperativity in actomyosin systems with a polarized arrangement of F-actin. The order--disorder phase transition in the chemo-mechanical process in our streaming system, which was reported in the preceding paper [Yano, M. & Shimizu, H., J. Biochem, 84, 1087--1092], was studied in detail. Starting from the hypothesis that a new type of cooperativity, dynamic cooperativity, is present in the elementary cycles of the chemo-mechanical conversion, quantitative and consistent agreement was obtained between the theoretical and experimental data on the temperature dependences of the streaming velocity and the ATPase activity, including the presence of the phase transition. The hypothesis was also supported by observations of the temperature dependence of the ATPase activity in resisted streaming. The physical and physiological significance of dynamic cooperativity is considered. It is shown that dynamic cooperativity arises in actomyosin system which have a polarized arrangement of F-actin by directed streaming of the solution, because the rate of the elementary cycle can be accelerated by the streaming. Furthermore, dynamic cooperativity is the key mechanism of self-organization of a dynamical order such that in ordered motions, and is one of the essential conditions for the direct conversion of the chemical energy of ATP to the mechanical energy of ordered and directed motion.


Purification of modulator-deficient myosin light-chain kinase by modulator protein-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Modulator-deficient myosin light-chain kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle was purified by modulator protein-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. The purified protein showed a single band (MW 80,000) on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, and it exists as a monomer in the native state as determined by gel filtration. The modulator-deficient myosin light-chain kinase (MW 80,000), modulator protein (MW 16,500) and Ca2+ were essential for the kinase activity. The half-maximal activity of the kinase in the presence of excess modulator protein with 10 mM MgCl2 was at pCa 5.1, where full activity of actomyosin-ATPase is observed in the presence of the troponin--tropomyosin system. Assuming a rapid equilibrium between myosin light-chain kinase and two substrates, ATP and g2 light-chain, Km values for ATP and g2 light chain were evaluated as 0.28 mM and 0.024 mM, respectively. Vm/e was 5.7 s-1.


Effects of adenylyl imidodiphosphate, a nonhydrolyzable adenosine triphosphate analog, on reactivated and rigor wave sea urchin sperm. A nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), has been used to study the role of ATP binding in flagellar motility. Sea urchin sperm of Lytechinus pictus were demembranated, reactivated, and locked in "rigor waves" by a modification of the method of Gibbons and Gibbons (11). Rigor wave sperm relaxed within 2 min after addition of 4 micrometer ATP, and reactivated upon addition of 10-12 micrometer ATP. The beat frequency of the reactivated sperm varied with ATP concentration according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics ("Km" = 0.24 mM; "Vmax" = 44 Hz) and was competitively inhibited by AMP-PNP (Ki" approximately to 8.1 mM). Rigor wave sperm were completely relaxed (straightened) within 2 min by AMP-PNP at concentrations of 2-4 mM. The possibilities that relaxation in AMP-PNP was a result of ATP contamination, AMP-PNP hydrolysis, or lowering of the free Mg++ concentration were conclusively ruled out. The results suggest that dynein cross-bridge release is dependent upon ATP binding but not hydrolysis.


Reflex conditioning in a spinal man.

Reflex conditioning in a spinal man. A man with a completely transected spinal cord and a spastic neurogenic bladder was conditioned to void upon the presentation of an external stimulus. A classical conditioning paradigm was employed in which strong abdominal shock (unconditioned stimulus) was paired with an initially neutral mild electrical stimulation of the thigh (conditioned stimulus; CS). After the pairing trials, a reliable conditioned response of urination was elicited by the CS alone. The conditioned response did not extinguish over time, and the procedure left the bladder with clinically safe residual amounts of urine. Practical implications of the conditioning technique for the treatment of spastic neurogenic bladder conditions in spinally injured patients are discussed, as is the theoretical significance of conditioning at the reflex level in the absence of cortical involvement.


Huntington's disease: current concepts of therapy. Huntington's disease (Huntington's chorea), a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Since there is no cure for this genetic disorder, therapy has been focused on pharmacologic manipulation of the involved neurotransmitter systems. In Huntington's disease, there is a functional predominance of striatal dopaminergic activity over antagonist cholinergic and possibly GABA-minergic systems. Many dopaminergic antagonists and cholinergic and GABA-minergic agonists are currently used in treatment. Supportive psychiatric care for affected persons and their families is an important therapeutic adjunct in the management of Huntington's disease. The eventual therapy will depend upon accurate identification of the primary genetic defect.


[Rabbit experimental glaucoma--preliminary study (author's transl)]. Induced high intraocular pressure, lasting more than one hour, is described in the rabbit. We inject simultaneously inside aqueous humor Epsilon Amino Caproic Acid 5 mg and Thrombin 20 U.S.N.I.H. units. To avoid leakage of aqueous humor we make the injection though a nou-perforating corneal preplaced loep and sight the suture to close the track when injection needle is taken out. We assume that high intraocular pressure is induced by 1% Adrenaline, 2% Pilocarpine and 1% Guanethidine solutions dropped in the eye each 5 mn, beginning 15 mn before anterior chamber injection and lasting during all the experiment. We point out this fact as a proof of the suitability of this method.


[Thin soft hydrogel lenses of high and low water (author's transl)]. The authors relate the results obtained with very thin soft hydrogel lenses (0,10 mm thickness) of high and low water content: the Vergo-Softcon THX of 70% water-content and the Bauch and Lomb Plano-T of 38%. The most frequent indications encountered are bullous keratopathy, epithelial defects and keratitis sicca. The results are positive in 78,2% of cases with 70% w/c soft hydrogel lenses. Results are given for cases of direct fitting of thin lenses, as well as for cases of fitting after failures of classic soft hydrogel lenses and in cases of exchanges of 40% lenses for 70% lenses. The 70% water content lenses seem to give better results main in cases of epithelial defects and keratitis sicca.


[Utility of soft hydrogel contact lenses in case of epithelial defects after corneal grafts (19) (author's transl)]. The authors relate the utility of soft hydrogel contact lenses in 19 cases of epithelial defects after penetrating corneal grafts, 8 of them being primitive and 11 secondary. Out of the 19 cases fitted with lenses, 10 have required a new keratoplasty. An attempt is made to define the indications, the advantages and the drawbacks of this therapy in observing the action of the lens on the epithelium, the stroma, the visual acuity as well as the possible problems due to the wearing of the lenses in the whole of the 19 cases. They try to understand the reasons for a new graft and they study the non-regrafted cases. They evidence the benefits of the wear of soft hydrogel lenses but the limits of their uses too.


[Prognosis of the retinal detachment in children (author's transl)]. Following features seem to characterize retinal detachments in children. High rate of difficult anatomical problems: invisible retinal breaks, macular or paramacular breaks, giant breaks or desinsertions (37% of our cases). High rate of severe traumatic macular lesions. Important delay in treatment with prolonged macular impairment. These facts explain the prognosis. Difficulties in the treatment of retinal breaks explain anatomical results (75% cure rate vs 78,6% for all the retinal detachments treated). In the same way they explain the high rate of multiple operations. Macular impairment and multiple operations explain visual results: 1/3 of the non amblyopic eyes recover a visual acuity comparable to the initial. So, the macular in children does not seem to have a special functional recuperation ability. Two supplementary facts may be mentioned. Delay in treatment has no adverse effect in anatomic prognosis. Non giant "simple" desinsertions expose to a noticeable risk of massive vitreous retraction.


[Astigmatism and corneal incision in cataract surgery. Statistical deductions (author's transl)]. Corneal incision in cataract surgery will produce a large degree of astigmatism greater than that produced in cataracts operated on by the classical methods. The position of the incision and the suture material (nylon) are responsible. The authors have attempted a statistical study of this difference, comparing modern and classical methods, referring for the latter to previous work.


[Prevention of malignant glaucoma: pars-plana vitrectomy? (author's transl)]. Prevention of malignant glaucoma: in first case report lens extraction and trabeculectomy was followed by a malignant glaucoma; in the second case report pars-plana vitrectomy and trabeculectomy was successful. The role of a vitreous posterior blockage is discussed.


[Types of occlusion in the treatment of convergent strabismus]. The different kinds of penalizations which are used in strabismus therapy--occlusion, atropine penalization, optic penalization, filters, partial occlusion of the glasses (sectors)--are being discussed with their advantages and disadvantages. Their indications and their results are reported according to the age of the child and the degree of the amblyopia.


Synchronous growth and aging of Caenorhabditis elegans in the presence of fluorodeoxyuridine. Fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR), an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, was examined for its ability to prevent a synchronous population of C. elegans from reproducing without otherwise interfering with the organism's post-maturational development and aging. When a synchronized population was exposed to 400 micrometer FUdR  just as the population reached sexual maturity, the FUdR induced complete sterility within five hours by preventing eggs from hatching. Any larvae that hatched from eggs made before the FUdR was added remained small in the presence of FUdR and were easily removed by filtration or sedimentation. FUdR-sterilized adults showed no morphological abnormalities. Age-associated changes seen in controls also occurred in FUdR-treated worms, including atrophy of the gonads, increased pigmentation, sluggishness and increased transparency. Life span was not shortened by FUdR treatment. Our observations suggest that treatment with FUdR under carefully controlled conditions is a reasonable way to maintain synchronously aging populations of C. elegans.


A weak human MLR locus mapping at the right of a crossing-over between HLA-D, Bf and GLO. An unexpected MLR reaction has been observed between three HLA-identical sibs; it consists of bidirectional positive MLR between identical female twins and a sister. No argument for a lymphoid mosaic could be found, although twins were frequent in the family; similarly no HLA-A/B or HLA-B/D recombinant could be demonstrated. The MLR, although weak, was highly reproducible. PLTs could be raised between the sibs, without an apparent segregation in this family nor in five other families, but such PLTs discriminated well between the positive and negative controls. In the absence of any proof that such a weak MLR locus could be on another chromosome than chromosome 6, two lines of argument are indirect evidences that such a locus could be indeed on chromosome 6: one of the sibs differs from the two others for two markers outside HLA--D--DR--Bf: glyoxalate (GLO) and red blood group P.


The electrocardiogram in ambulatory medical practice. The electrocardiogram is one of medicine's most frequently ordered procedures. A review of the current use of electrocardiograms in ambulatory clinical practice and the possible information that might be supplied by an electrocardiogram was undertaken. The electrocardiogram's advantages and disadvantages when used in evaluating specific cardiac disorders are discussed including the use of the electrocardiogram as a baseline. Both their values and their limitations in diagnosis and management are examined to support the authors' conclusion that electrocardiograms should be used as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis, not as a screening procedure.


Myotonia in centronuclear myopathy.

Myotonia in centronuclear myopathy. Centronuclear myopathy, which is unusual because of clinical myotonia, is described in two sisters. The diagnosis was established in adult life, but the first symptoms were noticed in infancy. The outstanding points of the clinical picture were mild amyotrophy, paresis, and clinical myotonia.


2-dimethylaminoethanol (Deanol) in Huntington's chorea. A double-blind crossover trial with 2-dimethylaminoethanol (Deanol), a possible precursor of brain acetylcholine, was carried out in nine patients with Huntington's chorea. It was found to be ineffective in inducing any alteration in hyperkinesia.


The early effects of ischemia upon skeletal muscle mitochondria. The effects of early ischemia were studied in the anterior tibial muscle of Sprague-Dawley rats after 2--24 hr of tourniquet compression at the thigh. Ragged-red fibers, moth-eaten fibers, cores and targets were seen in tissue examined by enzyme histochemistry and electron microscopy. Giant mitochondria, abnormalities of cristal arrangement, crystalloids, osmiophilic inclusion bodies and myeloid figures were dominant features of the mitochondrial reaction. The results of this experiment indicate that early ischemia induces a variety of changes described in other neuromuscular conditions such as dystrophy and the "mitochondrial myopathies". The pathogenesis of these changes and their relationship to human disease of muscle is discussed.


Receptor potential and spike initiation in two varieties of snake muscle spindles. 1. Receptor potentials, in response to ramp-and-hold stretch, have been recorded from two varieties of snake muscle spindles. 2. The two types of spindles have a similar sensitivity of impulse discharge to amplitude of receptor potential during the static phase of stretch. 3. Receptor potentials from short-capsule spindles show a high dynamic sensitivity to velocity of stretch. Amplitude of dynamic receptor potentials is well related to frequency of dynamic discharge except beyond a certain velocity of stretch where the frequency deviates progressively more than expected from linearity. 4. Receptor potentials from long-capsule spindles show a low dynamic sensitivity to velocity of stretch and amplitude of dynamic receptor potentials is well correlated with dynamic firing frequency. 5. The threshold level of receptor potential for initiating spike discharge varies with the velocity of stretch, the relation being similar for the two types of spindles. 6. It is concluded that the basis for functional differentiation of snake spindles may lie in the mechanism by which deformation of sensory endings is transformed into receptor potential. 7. Late adaptation of impulse discharge, a characteristic feature of the response of the short-capsule spindle to maintained stretch, has been related to length changes of the sensory region measured directly with Nomarski optics. The linear relation found between the slow adaptive fall of impulse discharge and the simultaneous shortening of the sensory region strongly suggests a mechanical basis for the late adaptation.


Potential hearing compensation cost by race and sex. A large general industrial population (n = 10,000) is analyzed using different low fences (15 bB HTL to 35 dB HTL) with the high fence held constant at 93 dB HTL. Three different audiometric test frequency combinations are considered: HTL.5,1,2 kHz, HTL.5,1,2,3 kHz and HTL1,2,3 kHz. The data base is analyzed first as a total population and then divided into different subpopulations including male, female, black and whites; and further subdivided into black males, black females, white males and white females. The findings indicate that significant differences exist between the groupings with respect to the potential hearing compensation cost and percent of a population exceeding the different low fence frequency combinations.


Assessment of standing aids for the physically handicapped. The suitability of four commercially available standing aids was assessed for routine therapy of a group of severely handicapped patients in hospital care. The problems which arose were mainly technical and these are considered. From experience gained during the study the design requirements of an ideal aid for these patients are proposed.


Medicine and disability--a broader view. This paper seeks to emphasise the social approach in the treatment of disability. It is important that disabled people should lead as near a normal life as possible with some financial security. Financial assistance for disabled people is left up to individual local authorities. The author points out the disadvantages of this system and draws attention to a voluntary organisation which fills a gap in existing services.


Reversal of the calcium pump in human red cells. Human red cells containing low ATP and high Pi concentrations were suspended in media with and without 2 mM Ca2+, and the incorporation of (32P)Pi into ATP was measured. There was some incorporation whatever the medium, but in every experiment there was an extra incorporation when the cells were in the Ca2+-containing medium. This extra incorporation was abolished by the ionophore A23187, which collapses the Ca2+ concentration gradient across the membranes, or by LaCl3, which blocks the Ca2+ pump. Starved and phosphate-loaded cells also show an uptake of Ca2+ which is not apparent in fresh cells. Results are consistent with the idea that Ca2+-dependent incorporation of Pi into ATP is catalyzed by the Ca2+ pump using energy derived from the Ca2+ concentration gradient.


Demonstration of antibody activity to clioquinol in sera of experimental rabbits and patients with subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy. Antibody to clioquinol(5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline:CIHQ) was detected by passive hemagglutinating reaction in rabbits receiving a prolonged administration of Emaform which was once a commercial preparation of CIHQ. The antibody was shown to be in the immunoglobulin fractions by separation with a specific immunoadsorbent, and it had relatively broad antigenic specificity. The antibody was also demonstrated in sera from patients who suffered from Subacute Myelo-Optico-Neuropathy (SMON) and from normal healthy individuals. However, its titer and frequency of positive reactors in the former were higher than those in the latter, and the two groups could be differentiated each other in frequency distribution patterns of the antibody proprietors. From these results, we discussed on desirable application of sero-epidemiological study to assessment of effects of chemical pollutants on living systems.


The role of trauma in low back pain: a review. Trauma plays an important role in the production of low back pain. This review emphasizes how the forces to which the spine is subjected are modified by many factors. Attention is directed to the role of mechanical stress in the etiology of spondylolisthesis, subtle spinal fractures, as well as the relevance of stress to the degenerative process. It is suggested that trauma plays a very major role in low back pain but, at present, the problems in diagnostic technology create difficulty in establishing the precise degree of that role. The drawbacks of over-reliance on plane radiography are emphasized. It is suggested that improved diagnostic techniques may result in more accurate treatment and perhaps less disability resultant from the ubiquitous problem of low back pain.


Production and expression of dTMP-enriched DNA of bacteriophage SP15. Normal DNA of Bacillus subtilis phage SP15 contains approximately equimolar quantities of dTMP and a hypermodified nucleotide, 5-dihydroxypentyl-dUMP (DHPdUMP). Deoxythymidine (dThd) rescue of phage DNA synthesis in 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR)-inhibited cultures resulted in the synthesis of SP15 DNA containing enhanced levels of dTMP and correspondingly reduced levels of DHPdUMP. This rescued system was used to probe possible roles of DHPdUMP in phage development. The results suggested that normal levels of DHPdUMP were not required for proper transcription of phage DNA, but normal amounts of DHPdUMP were indispensable for phage assembly and/or DNA maturation. The amount of exogenous dThd required to rescue phage DNA synthesis in FUdR-inhibited cultures was 20-fold higher than the concentration required to rescue cellular replication, whereas the same low concentrations of dThd sufficed to rescue viral and bacterial DNA syntheses in aminopterin-inhibited cultures. Normal SP15 DNA was made in rescued, aminopterin-inhibited cultures. We suggest that FUdR (but not aminopterin) partially suppresses biosynthesis of the hypermodified nucleotide and that there is a barrier to replacement of DHPdUMP by dTMP; therefore, exceptionally large amounts of dThd must be salvaged in FUdR-inhibited cultures to force replacement of the unusual nucleotide by dTMP.


Use of vascular prosthesis in the anastomosis of allograft renal artery. A case is reported in which a cadaveric renal allograft was placed successfully in a patient with a bilateral aortofemoral prosthesis for extensive vascular disease. Convalescence was uneventful and the subsequent clinical course seems to justify fully this operative approach.


Mutagenicity and mutagenic specificity of metronidazole and niridazole in Neurospora crassa. Mutagenicity and mutagenic specificity of niridazole and metronidazole, two chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of human parasitic diseases, were studied with the ad-3 test system of Neurospora crassa. The results show that neither compound is mutagenic in resting conidia. In growing vegetative cells, however, both compounds are mutagenic in N. crassa. Genetic analysis of the mutants indicated that niridazole induces predominantly base-pair substitution mutations. None of the niridazole-induced mutants resulted from multilocus deletions. The spectra of genetic alterations induced by metronidazole are similar to those induced by the mono-functional alkylating agents ethyleneimine (EI), ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS), and ICR-177. It is therefore suggested that the mechanism of mutation induction by metronidazole in Neurospora is similar to that of monofunctional alkylating agents.


Chromosomal aberrations and congenital heart diseases. The incidence of chromosomal aberration with CHD is 10.5% in the autopsy cases. 2. The characteristic major cardiac malformations associated with chromosomal aberration are conal abnormality, abnormal septation and cardiac valve abnormalities. 3. The characteristic association of chromosomal aberration and CHD is CAVO in Down syndrome, triple shunts and multivalvular disease in 18 trisomy, shunts in delition syndrome and coarctation of the aorta in Turner syndrome. 4. Minor cardiac anomalies associated with chromosomal aberration are valve dysplasia such as bicuspid semilunar cusps, parachute A-V valve, thickning, deformity and insufficient differentiation of valve and of chordae tendinae and hypoplastic or immature papillary muscles. 5. Primary target in cardiovascular involvement by chromosomal aberration might be a cement property of the connective tissue which is expected to conseal the foramens and shunts and to develop valve structures in embryonic heart.


[Neuronal and extraneuronal noradrenaline uptake and the state of the adrenoreactive structures of the isolated rat heart with compensatory myocardial hypertrophy]. It was demonstrated on an isolated heart preparation that the intensity of neuronal noradrenaline uptake by a hypertrophied heart diminishes as compared to that by a control in 6 and 30 days after constriction of the abdominal aorta and that extraneuronal uptake tends to intensify in 6 days and decreases significantly in 30 days. These changes, together with the reduced adrenoreactivity of a hypertrophied heart in vitro may in 30 days contribute to weakening of the adrenergic control of the heart in its compensatory hypertrophy and hyperfunction under conditions of chronic overloading by pressure.


[Herpetiform bilateral epithelial corneal dystrophy caused by Tyrosinemia (Richner-Hanhart-Syndrome) (author's transl)]. Nutritional Tyrosinemia in animal experiments (Schweizer, Burns a. o.) caused an epithelial corneal dystrophy. The corresponding clinical picture is the Richner-Hanhart-Syndrome with herpetiform epithelial corneal dystrophy, palmo-plantar-keratosis and -- in some case -- a later developing oligophrenia. Goldsmith and coworkers suceeded to find out that all these symptoms are combined with tyrosinemia presumably caused ty one congenital enzyme defect. -- Personal clinical observations of such patients demonstrate that as well the corneal as the dermatological symptoms could be cured by diet, if the diagnosis is made in childhood. Corneal symptoms are still absent with a tyrosinemia as high as 10 mg%. Dietetic formula was found out to maintain this level, which is low enough to avoid the symptoms of Richner-Hanhart-Syndrome and certainly high enough to avoid symptoms of nutritional deficiency. One might expect that oligophrenia will not develop if this diet is used consequently. -- Since the first corneal symptoms develop already during the first years of life the ophthalmologist ought to know this etiology. The levels of tyrosinemia are so exorbitant (30--50  mg%) that the laboratory diagnosis is possible without any difficulty. If the diagnosis is only made in adult patients dietetic therapy is of limited value.


[Immune defect syndrome in Crohn's disease (author's transl)]. In 20 patients suffering for several years from serious chronic relapsing Crohn's disease the following immunological tests were carried out: (1) in-vitro stimulation of blood lymphocytes by PHA-P, (2) identification of T and B cells by formation of spontaneous rosettes and complement receptor rosettes, (3) effect of Crohn's serum on mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) of normal allogeneic lymphocytes, (4) in-vitro phagocytosis and intracellular killing of E. coli by polymorphonuclear granulocytes. The results indicate an immune defect of lymphocyte function and the effect of humoral factor(s) on T cell mediated immune reactions: (1) Lymphocyte stimulation by PHA-P was reduced significantly in Crohn's disease. In PHA-P dose response, maximal stimulation has shown a decrease and a shift to higher doses. (2) An increase in the absolute number of B cells caused a decrease in the mean percentage of T cells. The absolute number of T cells did not differ significantly from those of the controls. (3) Crohn's serum has shown an inhibitory effect in MLR of normal lymphocytes. (4) No impairment of phagocytosis or intracellular killing by polymorphonuclear granulocytes has been observed. The results suggest a symptomatic immune defect syndrome in a wasting disease. There is no evidence of a primary immune defect in Crohn's disease.


Colonization resistance of the digestive tract and gastrointestinal transit time in SPF mice. The gastro-intestinal colonization resistance to Escherichia coli was assessed in individual CBA/Rij, C3H/StZ and Swiss/Cpb:SE mice. Gastro-intestinal transit time was determined by feeding small steel balls and x-ray examination of sequentially collected faeces. No correlation was found between transit times measured on 3 subsequent days, nor between them and colonization resistance.


Dactinomycin treatment of murine lupus erythematosus. I. Renal disease and longevity. Three groups of female (NZB X NZW)F1 hybrid mice were treated with an intermittent regimen of dactinomycin (actinomycin D), 3.5 microgram. daily. Median survival was doubled in two of the groups and increased by more than 75 per cent in the third. Most of the treated animals never had significant proteinuria. When kidneys from 14 treated mice, which died between the ages of 11 and 20 months, were examined by light and fluorescence microscopy, most showed the lesions of normal aged CBA and C57BL/6 mice, some expansion of the mesangial matrix and increased cellularity, consistent with deposition of immunoglobulins and complement components in the mesangium, generally sparing the capillary loops. Four of the 14 animals, three of them long-lived, had advanced renal glomerular disease. These data indicate that dactinomycin, by whatever therapeutic mechanism, permits very extended survival of B/W female mice, the large majority of them without significant renal disease.


Ultrastructure of the fibrous subaortic "ring" in dogs with discrete subaortic stenosis. The subaortic fibrous "ring" in Newfoundland dogs with discrete subaortic stenosis is characterized by the presence of large, uni- and multinucleated, rounded connective tissue cells that resemble chondrocytes in several respects. Connective tissue adjacent to these cells is rich in acid mucopolysaccharides, small but cross-banded collagen fibrils, and small, poorly developed elastic fibers. The chondrocyte-like cells contain numerous cisternae of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and prominent Golgi complexes, and they are surrounded by thick, concentrically arranged layers of basement membrane-like material. The differentiation of cellular and extracellular components of connective tissue in subaortic fibrous rings clearly differs in humans and in dogs with discrete subaortic stenosis.


Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) with young Down's syndrome children. Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) was investigated with 41 Down's syndrome subjects between the ages of six months and six years. The VRA procedure involved monitoring a head-turn response to a complex noise signal presented in a sound field with an ascending presentation paradigm and reinforced by a complex visual reinforcer. Twenty-four of the infants and young children also were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) to allow for analysis of the efficacy of VRA as a function of developmental age. Results were as follows: (1) 28 (68%) of the infants and young children initially oriented towards the source of the auditory stimulus, (2) only a few of the subjects who did not initially orient could be taught to respond, (3) of the children who initially oriented or were taught to respond, thresholds were obtained on a large number (81%) in one visit, and (4) a systematic relationship was demonstrated between consistency of subject response using the VRA technique and BSID Mental Age Equivalent with 10 months being the critical age for determining the potential success of the procedure. In addition, the results implied a higher incidence of hearing loss in the Down's syndrome subjects than found in normal pediatric population.


Purification and characteristics of hydrophobic membrane protein(s) required for DCCD sensitivity of ATPase in Mycobacterium phlei. The energy-transducing N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-sensitive (DCCD-sensitive) ATPase complex consists of two parts, a soluble catalytic protein (F1), and an intrinsic membrane protein (F0). The bacterial coupling factor complex, BCF0-BCF1, has recently been purified from Mycobacterium phlei, and used to reconstitute oxidative phosphorylation in detergent-extracted membranes. The BCF0 moiety has been purified by being recovered from the purified BCF0-BCF1 complex by affinity chromatography. BCF0 is a lipoprotein or lipoprotein complex with an approximate molecular weight of 60,000. The preparation contained 0.15 mg of phospholipid per milligram protein. There appear to be three polypeptides, with approximate molecular weights of 24,000, 18,000, and 8,000 as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Purified BCF0 conferred DCCD sensitivity on a purified BCF1 preparation. Reconstitution of oxidative phosphorylation was achieved after incubation of detergent-extracted membranes with purified BCF0 and purified BCF1.


Erythrocyte troponin inhibitor-like protein: isolation and characterization. A protein was isolated from a human erythrocyte lysate with an apparent molecular weight of 23,000--24,000 daltons. This protein was purified by batch DEAE cellulose followed by column DEAE cellulose chromatography and a gradient of NaCl. On sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide electrophoresis, the erythrocyte protein comigrated with muscle troponin inhibitor. An isoelectric precipitation (pH 9.25) was used for the separation of muscle troponin inhibitor from a complex with another troponin component. Both the erythrocyte protein and the muscle troponin inhibitor partially inhibited muscle myosin Ca2+ and K+-EDTA ATPase activity. Furthermore, they inhibited actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase of muscle myosin. The inhibitory effects were absent in the presence of muscle troponin calcium-binding component. Muscle troponin inhibitor and the erythrocyte troponin inhibitor-like protein bound to muscle myosin when myosin was precipitated twice at low ionic strength. The presence of a troponin inhibitor-like protein in erythrocytes suggests that it may be a component in the regulation of contractile activity.


An unusual mediastinal lipoma simulating cardiomegaly. A patient with vague, nonspecific symptoms was initially thought to have an enlarged cardiac silhouette on chest roentgenogram, and a primary intracardiac disorder was suspected. At surgery, a mediastinal lipoma was diagnosed and excised. The roentgenographic appearance represents an unusual presentation of a mediastinal tumor.


Coenzyme dependent suppression of 2,2-PDS induced contractures in Spirostomum. Spirostomum ambiguum was stimulated to contract by addition of the thiol inhibitor, 2,2-dithiobispyridine (PDS), which depletes intracellular reducing equivalents which are generated by coenzyme dependents reactions. PDS induced contractures were not suppressed after 2--4 h of pre-incubation in a medium enriched with ascorbic acid, thiamine, or riboflavin, singly. Two h of incubation with nicotinamide did not suppress contractures; however, 50% suppression occurred after 3 h incubation. Incubation of the cells in a medium enriched with all four coenzymes for up to 4 h, resulted in the suppression of PDS induced contractures to a level as low as 30% of control values. Suppression of contractures by the mixed coenzymes was concentration dependent. Cells that were stimulated with PDS and contracting, exhibited a 50% suppression of contractures within 3 min after transfer to a complementary medium enriched with mixed coenzymes. These results suggest that coenzymes interact synergistically with cellular metabolic processes to inhibit pharmacodynamic responses to PDS.


Prenatal diagnosis in New South Wales: comparative view of the first 1000 cases of chromosomal, sex-linked, and metabolic referrals. In 1000 cases referred for prenatal diagnosis, 28 affected fetuses were detected, and 24 therapeutic terminations of pregnancy were performed. There were five main reasons for referral. Among the 293 women referred because of advanced maternal age (40 years and above), there were 11 (3.8%) who had affected fetuses, while among the 439 aged 35 to 39 years there were 6 such women (1.4%). In the 112 mothers referred because of a history of a previous child with Down's syndrome, one fetus (0.9%) with trisomy 21 was detected. Of 27 cases in which one parent was a carrier of a balanced chromosomal rearrangement, two chromosomally abnormal fetuses (7.4%) were detected (the offspring of maternal carriers), and a further two spontaneous abortions occurred before the scheduled amniocentesis. In the 22 cases with a history of sex-linked disorder, there were 8 males. Nine women were referred with a possible inherited metabolic defect: one fetus affected with congenital adrenal hyperplasia was detected. The number of metabolic referrals was markedly less than in overseas studies. The finding of XXY, XXX and trisomies of chromosomes 13, 18, and 21 in fetuses of older mothers confirms the increased risk in such mothers for chromosome abnormalities in addition to trisomy 21. Sixty-two of the 1000 women (6.2%) had to have a repeat amniocentesis because of failure of culture. Of 900 births: one case of maternal cell contamination and one case of unconfirmed mosaicism were the only disparities between prenatal and postnatal karyotypes. The average time necessary to obtain the karyotypic result was 15 days after amniocentesis.


Huntington's disease: the establishment of a national register. The historical background of Huntington's disease in Australia is briefly described, together with the development of professional and self-help groups. An existing Huntington's disease register in Victoria is described in detail. A case is made for the need for the establishment of an Australia-wide register of Huntington's disease. Certain ethical issues and safeguards necessary to such a register are discussed.


[Advances in topical therapy of skin diseases (author's transl)]. The anti-inflammatory effect of the new topical corticosteroid fluocortin butyl ester is approximately equal to that of hydrocortisone acetate but it has the advantage that systemic side-effects are lacking. Vitamin A acid and benzoyl peroxide have brought significant advances in the topical treatment of acne. For the treatment of chloasma and other hyperpigmentations the combination of vitamin A acid and hydroquinone with a corticoid is considerably more effective than any of the single components alone. Povidone-iodine with its extraordinarily low sensitization rate has proved useful for external antimicrobial treatment. Extensive or multiple precancerous lesions are effectively treated with 5-fluorouracil. New hair growth can be induced in alopecia areata by the local application of DNCB.


Prenatal genetic diagnosis in 3000 amniocenteses. We analyzed 3000 consecutive amniocenteses for prenatal diagnosis to assess the frequency of abnormalities, safety of the procedure, technical and interpretive difficulties and overall diagnostic accuracy. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 2.4 per cent of the 2404 pregnancies tested because of advanced maternal age (greater than or equal to 35 years), in 1.2 per cent of 240 monitored because of prior trisomy 21 and in 9.1 per cent of 55 examined for other cytogenetic indications. Mosaicism was detected in 0.4 per cent, and unexpected translocations in 0.4 per cent. Amniotic fluid was obtained on the first attempt in 99.3 per cent of the last 1000 cases, and cultures established from 99.7 per cent of patients attending our clinic. The fluid was discolored in 1.2 per cent of patients, a quarter of whom had missed abortions. The rate of spontaneous abortion after amniocentesis was 1.5 per cent. There were 14 diagnostic errors, six serious enough to affect the outcome of pregnancy. The karyotyping error rate was 0.07 per cent. We conclude that prenatal diagnosis is safe, highly reliable and extremely accurate.


Prolonged remissions of cystic and conglobate acne with 13-cis-retinoic acid. Fourteen patients with treatment-resistant cystic and conglobate acne were treated for four months with oral 13-cis-retinoic acid, a synthetic isomer of naturally occurring all-trans-retinoic acid. The average dose was 2.0 mg per kilogram per day. Thirteen patients experienced complete clearing of their disease; the other had 75 per cent improvement, as determined by the number of acne nodules and cysts present before and after therapy. Prolonged remissions, currently lasting as long as 20 months after discontinuation of therapy, have been observed in all 14 patients. Clinical toxicity was limited to the skin and mucous membranes in most patients and was dose dependent and rapidly reversible upon discontinuation of therapy. The mechanism of action of 13-cis-retinoic acid in the therapy of acne probably involves a direct inhibitory effect of the drug on the sebaceous gland.


Effects of 6-aminonicotinamide on growth and acetylcholinesterase activity during differentiation of neuroblastoma cells in vitro. Addition of 6-AN (0.01 mg/ml) to growing cultures of C-1300 neuroblastoma cells strongly reduced cell division. This growth inhibition was accompanied by a higher cell volume and a lower protein content per cell as compared to controls. Concurrently the specific activity of AChE increased markedly incontrols and 6-AN-treated cultures. During the experimental periods the specific activity of AChE was significantly higher after 6-AN. Morphologically, 6-AN-treated cultures showed characteristic signs of differentiation, i.e. enlarged, flattened cells with long branched processes. The described effect of 6-AN on growth and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells was less pronounced if cells received the antimetabolite after a subcultivation period of 5 days.


Chronic hypertension induced by streptozotocin in rats. An intravenous injection of 40 or 65 mg/kg streptozotocin induced not only diabetes but also severe hypertension in rats. Whereas the hyperglycemia developed fully within a few days after the injection of streptozotocin, the hypertension progessively advanced and reached maximum level several weeks after the treatment and lasted more than 20 weeks. Twenty mg/kg streptozotocin did not induce hyperglycemia but significantly increased blood pressure several weeks after the treatment. Arrest of growth, polyuria, glycosuria, hyperlipemia and lenticular cataracts developed in the animals treated with 40 or 65 mg/kg streptozotocin, but in none of the animals treated with 20 mg/kg. In histological examinations in the 24th week after the treatment, degranulation and necrosis in the pancreatic beta-cells, and vacuolization and deposition of PAS-positive materials in the renal proximal tubules were found in the animals treated with 40 or 65 mg/kg streptozotocin.


Effect of p-chlorophenylalanine on cerebral serotonin binding, serotonin concentration and motor activity in the rat. The effect of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the specific binding of 3H-serotonin (5-HT) was investigated in crude membrane preparations of the rat forebrain. The level of cerebral 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were concomitantly determined. A single dose of PCPA (300 mg/kg i.p.) increased specific binding at a low concentration of 3H-5-HT within 24 h by more than 100%. The time course of the elevation of specific binding was mirrored by the reduction in the 5-HT level. However, 8--10 days after drug administration, specific binding was close to the control level, while 5-HT was still significantly reduced. A Scatchard analysis revealed that the apparent affinity was significantly increased (KD reduced) during the initial period after PCPA administration, whereas the number of binding sites (BMax) was little changed. In contrast, after reported injections of PCPA (3 injections of 300 mg/kg at 6--8 day intervals, or 100 mg/kg/day for up to 12 days) leading to a prolonged 5-HT depletion, BMax was significantly increased, while KD tended to be restored towards the baseline level. Daily injections of PCPA (100 mg/kg) for 12 days resulted in a transitory increase in day-time motor activity with a maximum on drug day 3, and in a persistent reduction of night-time activity. It is concluded that the initial PCPA-induced decrease in KD was due to a reduced competition for binding sites by the endogenous 5-HT, whereas the increase of BMax after a prolonged 5-HT depletion may reflect a 5-HT receptor supersensitivity.


[Enlarged operations for atypical lombo-sciatic pain from disk origin (author's transl)]. In certain forms of atypical sciatic pain the surgical treatment of the affection cannot be accomplished exclusively upon the disk. This study was done on 120 patients operated upon during a two year period. The major technics used had an action upon the articular processes and facets with or without removal of the disk. In 60 cases a desensibilisation of the region was equally done. The principal reason of the surgical treatment remains still to permit the decompression of the sick root. In certain circumstances a more important surgical treatment is required: laminectomy is performed in cases of stenosis or in other cases an inter body fusion by posterior approach (60 patients). The term atypical lombo-sciatic pain is applied essentially when there exists discordancy in the clinical and neuroradiological examination. Surgical cure is applied when the medical treatment has failed. The best results have been obtained in atypical sciatic pain when facet rhizolysis has been associated with root decompression. However great care was taken to prevent the act from being destructive.


The influence of the nervous system upon adrenal gland weight and assayable pituitary MSH. A series of experiments were designed to test the assumption that neuroregulatory mechanisms associated with pituitary ACTH and melanotropin (MSH) secretions are interdependent. Stress elevates both ACTH and MSH activity in mouse pituitaries. There are nervous influences on the secretion of both of these hormones. We have undertaken to stimulate or block various components of the nervous control of these 2 hormones in order to determine whether the 2 are controlled by the same mechanisms or separate ones. We have exposed mice to neurotransmitter blocking agents against serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrin--parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA), alpha-methyltyrosine (MT), propranolol--both with and without stress. Unilateral adrenalectomy with and without hydrocortisone replacement therapy were investigated. We found that none of the neuro-active substances altered stress elevation of ACTH and MSH. Unilaterally adrenalectomized stressed animals treated with hydrocortisone showed elevated pituitary MSH levels but non increased ACTH release, as measured by size of the remaining adrenal. Adrenalectomy of animals without replacement therapy showed both elevated pituitary MSH and increased ACTH activity. Since the ACTH and MSH activity behave independently in the last described experiments, we conclude that ACTH and MSH are independently controlled.


Long term treatment of Huntington disease with L-glutamate and pyridoxine. Decreased levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its synthetic enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase, have been found in the brains of patients with Huntington disease. In an attempt to augment GABA-mediated neurotransmission, daily doses of 25 gm of L-glutamate (the substrate for glutamic acid decarboxylase) and 500 mg of pyridoxine, its cofactor, were given to five patients with Huntington disease. This regimen was continued for 2 years. Assessment of motor and behavioral function indicated no improvement on this regimen.


[Proposed model for evaluation of toxicity in antineoplastic chemo-hormonotherapy]. A detailed code for the evaluation of side-effects due to antiblastics in accordance with clinical, pharmacological and chronobiological parameters is described. Eight types of toxicity are recognised: systemic or local, cutaneous and adnexal, gastroenteric, haematochemical, cardiovascular, respiratory, genital and urinary, and nervous. Improvement of the objectivity and comparability of results in clinical oncology is proposed by means of a balanced points system for the expression of such effects, and methods for the summary expression of the toxicity of a single case or a uniform group of cases. The method of evaluation proposed also permits statistical comparison between different treatment protocols.


[Current role of pancreatic scintiscanning in the study of pancreatic symptomatology]. A brief reference is made to the part once assigned to scintiscanning as a method of approach to diseases of the pancreas. It is felt that the lack of confidence now displayed in this technique is based preconceptions. A new diagnostic approach is therefore proposed and briefly described. The advantages and disadvantages of the diagnostic techniques included in the proposed scheme are examined. The view is expressed that a fresh assessment should be made of nuclear pancreatography, since it is still a fundamental diagnostic tool.


[Uses in vascular symptomatology of the ultrasonic flowmeter with Doppler effect in patients revascularized for peripheral obliterating arteritis]. The Authors present 38 cases of surgical revascularization for arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities, operated in Clinica Chirurgica of Ancona during the space of three Years, from 1974-1977. The morphological profile of the sphygmic wave and pressures of occlusion or Travis Winsor's index were studied pre and postoperatively with Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter. The patency of vascular grafts and after thromboendarterectomy was shown by T.W.'s index. With this method, besides establishing a program for postoperative arteriography, a lesser use of the latter was shown.


Laparoscopy in the evaluation of gynecologic cancer. Laparoscopy was used to evaluate 60 patients with a variety of known or suspected gynecologic neoplasms. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on 18 patients to confirm benign or malignant pelvic masses or to confirm peritoneal carcinomatosis. Ten of these 18 patients (56%) were found to have unresectable carcinomatosis or benign disease which did not require further surgery. Staging laparoscopy was performed on 13 patients of which 3 had clinically unsuspected intraperitoneal spread of their disease. Surveillance laparoscopy was performed on 29 patients to determine the remission, regression, or progression of their disease following treatment; 8 (27%) had progressive or unresectable persistent disease. Despite the fact that the study comprised a high-risk group of previously operated on or irradiated patients, there was only one major complication. There was, however, a 10% incidence of laparoscopic failure from inadequate visualization. Twenty-one of the study patients (35%) were spared a laparotomy by the use of laparoscopy. The findings of this investigation help to identify those gynecologic oncology patients who should benefit most from the use of laparoscopy as an adjunct to the diagnosis, staging, or surveillance of intraabdominal malignant tumors.


[New methods in early diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy caused by adriamycin]. The cytostatic drug Adriamycin can, when given in overdose, cause a congestive (dilative) cardiomyopathy. In 120 patients, chest X-ray and ECG proved unsuitable for the early detection of this cardiomyopathy. However, a relatively early diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy can be made using echocardiography, radiocardiography, including determination of the minimal cardiac transit time, and through the determination of systolic time intervals. Especially the latter method represents a simple, economic, and yet exact means for the early recognition of Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy.


Spinal injuries in Rangoon, Burma.

Spinal injuries in Rangoon, Burma. Spinal injuries in Burma as a result of a fall from height, especially from trees, in young male adults in low socio-economic classes; road traffic accidents are the second commonest cause; deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is very rare during the period of immobilisation. There are still some social problems of getting back to work and living conditions. We are trying our best to help the patients with spinal injuries.


[Diplostomiasis in fishes in lake farms and the ways for its control]. Diplostomosis is the most common disease affecting Coregonidae in lakes of Karelia where intensive fish farming is conducted. The most acute form of diplostomosis, cercariosis, is especially dangerous for larvae introduced into small water bodies. Depending on a season or weather conditions a shift in the infection rate of fishes with metacercariae takes place. Some ways for diplostomatosis prophylaxis are being suggested. Relatively shallow lakes with low miniralisation of water of sulphate type have been found to be most suitable for Coregonidae nurseries. The very specificity of the intensive use of lakes for fish farming offers possibilities for diplostomosis development. In lakes-nurseries with a regulated water regime the abundance of Lymnaeidae can be reduced by winter draining off the water. The chemical control of mollusks, local use of copper sulphate, is also possible under lake conditions.


[Biological characteristics of mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex (Culicidae) in Abkhazia]. A high abundance of C. p. pipiens and C. p. molestus in the town of Sukhumi and its vicinity was recorded from June to October. According to siphonal indexes the 4-th-stage larvae of these mosquitoes differ from each other rather insignificantly. The females of C. p. pipiens exhibit a high fecundity within a warm period of the year which sharply falls by the autumn. During a two-year experiment with a basement micropopulation of C. p. molestus from a non-autogenous form of C. pipiens there was established a gradual increase in the number of autogenous and stenogamic individuals. At the carbohydrate feeding the majority of the first autogenous females with ripe eggs are at the 3-rd -4-th stage of obesity.


Visual calibration of posture in normal and motor retarded Down's syndrome infants. Infants with Down's syndrome are delayed in achieving motor milestones. When they first sit unsupported a discrepancy between visual and mechanical-vestibular indices of postural stability is less disruptive of their balance than in normal infants. Yet when they first stand unsupported, the same discrepancy disrupts balance more in these infants than in the normal infants. The effect of discrepant visual feedback also differs systematically as a function of the infants' experience of the posture. Monitoring posture in relation to a stable visual surround appears to be fundamental to the normal development of motor control.


The relationship of mechanical Vmax to myosin ATPase activity in rabbit and marmot ventricular muscle. Papillary muscle mechanics and ventricular myosin calcium-activated ATPase activity were measured in the same heart as a function of temperature (8--28 degrees) in rabbits and marmots, in order to examine further the hypothesis that the velocity of cardiac muscle shortening at zero load (Vmax) is correlated with myosin ATPase activity. There was a similar Q10 for Vmax in each muscle type, as measured with isotonic afterloaded quick-releases at 30--33% time-to-peak tension; the calcium activated ATPase of myosin in the two muscle types also was similar. The least squares linear regression of rabbit Vmax on calcium-activated myosin ATPase activity was the same as in the marmot, so all the data were pooled to yield a linear regression (Y = 0.47 +/- 3.82X) with a high correlation between the two variables [r = 0.95, P less than 0.01 (ANOV)]. Furthermore, the correlation proved to be predictive of cardiac Vmax and myosin ATPase activity levels in other experiments where these two measurements decreased below normal as a result of hypertrophic growth. Consequently, the quantitative relationship between Vmax and myosin ATPase defined here may prove to be predictive of the ability of cardiac muscle to release bond energy.


DNA gyrase: subunit structure and ATPase activity of the purified enzyme. DNA gyrase has been purified to near homogeneity from Escherichia coli. The enzyme consists of two subunits of molecular weights 90,000 and 100,000 present in roughly equimolar amounts. The subunits can be identified as the products of two genes, determining resistance to coumermycin A1 and novobiocin (cou) and to nalidixic acid and oxolinic acid (nalA), respectively. These antibiotics were previously shown to be specific inhibitors of DNA gyrase. The ATPase activity of DNA gyrase is stimulated by double-stranded DNA and strongly inhibited by novobiocin but is relatively insensitive to oxolinic acid. Covalent attachment of an ATP derivative to the smaller (coumermycin-specific) subunit is also inhibited by novobiocin, suggesting that this drug interferes with the energy-coupling aspect of the DNA supercoiling reaction by blocking the access of ATP to the enzyme.


Systemic administration of beta-endorphin: potent hypotensive effect involving a serotonergic pathway. In normal adult rats anesthetized with urethane, intravenous injections of beta-endorphin (30--150 micrograms kg-1) induced a transient fall of blood pressure followed by a small hypertension and a prolonged hypotension. Prior administration of naloxone completely blocked these effects, whereas naloxone, given 1 hr after beta-endorphin, did not reverse the prolonged depressor phase of the opioid peptide. The effects of beta-endorphin on the arterial blood pressure were greatly reduced in animals pretreated with p-chlorophenylalanine, a specific depletor of serotonin. Moreover, in rats pretreated with potent serotonin antagonists such as cyproheptadine, mianserin, and metergoline, beta-endorphin did not produce a significant hypotension. Furthermore, the depressor effect of beta-endorphin was potentiated by fluoxetine, a specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. These observations suggest the participation of a serotonergic pathway in the action of beta-endorphin on the arterial blood pressure.


Biphasic effects of the antiserotonergic methysergide on lordosis in rats. As also reported by other workers, the antiserotonergic drug methysergide was found to facilitate lordotic responding in estrogen primed, ovariectomized rats. A second dose of methysergide 24 hr after the first, however, failed to produce any increment in responding. Animals received daily estrogen injections in order to maintain a relatively constant level of priming. After several days of methysergide, a progesterone injection facilitated lordosis to the same degree as in controls receiving only saline and estrogen. When a second injection of progesterone was given 24 hr later, however, the animals failed to respond. In contrast, saline controls with this estrogen paradigm responded equally well to both progesterone injections. These results are discussed in terms of their bearing on possible serotonergic and non-serotonergic mechanisms by which progesterone may control lordosis.


A review of muscle transplantation in mammals. Recent research in the field of mammalian muscle transplantation is reviewed with respect to the typical postoperative course of a free muscle graft. Several questions of clinical relevance are discussed, such as 1) whether or not predenervation of a muscle graft is necessary, 2) the issue of survival vs. regeneration of muscle fibres within the graft, and 3) whether or not a muscle must be grafted as an intact anatomical unit. In addition problems of neuromuscular relations are discussed.


[The ultrasonic flowmeter : its use to measure peripheral venous circulation]. Using an ultrasonic flow-meter, the author measured, in the internal saphenous vein, the speed of the venous blood in various functional instances of tibiotarsal articulation. He was able to establish the essential role of this articulation in starting up the venous return flow, whence he infers a prophylactic approach to venous thrombosis.


Characterization of cardiac myosin from rabbit embryos and adult rabbits. 1. Ca2+-ATPase of myosin and electrophoretic pattern of light chains of myosin were investigated in cardiac muscles of 22-day-old rabbit embryos, new-born and adult rabbits. 2. Ca2+-ATPase activity was found to decrease during development and in contrast to that of adult rabbit, cardiac myosin prepared from 22-day-old embryos, is stable on exposure to pH 9.5. 3. Myosin from the cardiac muscle of rabbit embryos reveals light chains of both fast and slow types, that from adult animals, however, reveals light chains of the slow type only. 4. These studies suggest that unlike the cardiac muscle of adult rabbit, cardiac muscle of rabbit embryos contains both fast and slow types of myosin.


Membrane currents in a calcium type muscle membrane under voltage clamp. Four ionic current components were identified in the total membrane current recorded under voltage clamp conditions from the muscle membrane of the crayfish (Astacus fluviatilis). The early inward current component is dependent on the presence of Ca2+ ions, disappears in Ca2+ free solutions and is insensitive to variaton of external Na+ ions and to tetrodotoxin. The outward current consists of at least three components, an early, a late and a slow outward current. The outward currents are sensitive to TEA and their reversal potentials differ. The early potassium current may be separated in a proportion of fibres by a hump from the later potassium current. An insufficient space clamp as a cause of the hump was excluded by comparing the size of the clamped membrane area with the distribution of large membrane clefts in the fibre. The early outward current is critically dependent on the presence of Ca2+ ions and is relatively more sensitive to TEA ions and to conditioning depolarisation than the late outward current.


Changes in electrical properties of muscle membrane systems during decoupling and recoupling induced by glycerol. In isolated muscle fibres of the frog and of the crayfish the following electrical parameters were determined during the glycerol procedure from the voltage transients at 20 degrees C: the sarcoplasmic resistivity, Ri; the membrane resistance, Rm; the series tubular resistance, Rs; the surface membrane capacity, Cm; the tubular membrane capacity CT. No significant changes were found in fibres equilibrated with glycerol (G) saline. During the washout of glycerol only Ri and Cm remained unchanged. In reversibly decoupled crayfish fibres (300 mM-G) CT decreased to 70%, Rs increased to 175% and Rm increased to 200% of the control values. The changed parameters returned to control values upon reapplication of glycerol. In irreversibly decoupled fibres (500 and 600 mM-G) the changes in CT and Rs were more pronounced; and Rm was decreased. The resting potential remained constant with few mV. In frog fibres the changes in electrical parameters were in the same direction except the decrease of Rm during reversible decoupling (150 mM-G). The corresponding changes in reversible and irreversibly (300 mM-G) detubulated fibres were as follows: CT--60 (80) %; Rs--10 (14) times; Rm--50 (35) %.


Chronic polyelectromyography in awake, unrestrained animals. A procedure is described for making an implantable electrode array for recording EMG activity in muscles of awake, unrestrained animals (rats and cats) at rest, during rhythmic activity and in response to various reflexogenic stimuli. The electrode array consists of a percutaneous connector (covered with Dow-Corning Silastic Medical Adhesive), steel wire spiral leads contained in silicone tubing and silicone plate probes with platinum electrodes. These plate probes can be fixed either to the bone underneath the muscle, slipped under the fascia, or fixed between muscles. EMG records are presented of postural activity and ambulation in rats, mastication in cats and unilateral and bilateral spinal and supraspinal reflex responses in rat hind limb muscles up to 6 months after implantation. The advantages (and drawbacks) of this technique and its possible uses in neurophysiology are enumerated in the discussion.


Evidence for the role of serotonin in the inhibition of specific motor responses. Two behavioural paradigms were used to test the effects of serotonin depletion on a specific form of response inhibition. Treatment with both p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) at 200 mg/kg and lesions of the medial raphe nucleus impaired the acquisition of a step-off passive-avoidance response. The experimental design allowed the elimination of alternative interpretations in terms of increased sensitivity to shock and increased responsiveness to stimuli. p-CPA also impaired response inhibition during an omission-training schedule. The results of the three studies support a general role of serotonin in withholding specific instrumental (reinforced) motor actions. The results contrast with those of studies supporting a role of noradrenaline in response inhibition. A tentative conclusion supports Konorski's (1967) suggestion for differentiation of various types of response inhibition that are mediated by different neurochemical systems.


[Reformatory educational approaches in early special education of the physically handicapped - a survey based on the "Journal for the Care of Cripples" 1909--1929 (author's transl)]. An historical survey of special education of the physically handicapped is necessary because the dialectic relationship between the educational attention for the physically handicapped on the one hand and the educational rejection of the most severely handicapped on the other hand, seems to be occurring today as in the first decades of this century. At first, the article reviews the social-biological approach of the orthopaedist K. Biesalski and the "educational psychology of cripples" of H. Würtz, who worked together with Biesalski. The educational demands for cripples which result from their theories are briefly described. The influence of reformatory educational theory on both the pre-scientific educational theories concerning cripples before 1920 and the experimental-psychological and special educational concepts until 1929 are outlined. Finally the article analyses the resource material including articles of Agahd 1909; Delitsch 1909; Denzer 1910; Plass 1912; Würtz 1912, 1913; Legel 1914; Köhler 1926; Herold 1929 und Winkler 1929.


[Physically handicapped pupils at a regular school - experiences of the school experiment "Lichtenau" (author's transl)]. As an experiment in integration, the joint placement of physically handicapped and non-disabled pupils into the regular class settings of a school belonging to the Hessisch-Lichtenau experiment makes special social and educational measures necessary both at school and in the residential home. The main activities have to be directed towards scientific studies of existing problems and their practical solutions. The following article describes the problems arising from the integrational efforts and suggests possible solutions.