[The left ventricle at different stages of a two steps mechanical overloading. Electron microscopic study in the rat (author's transl)]. The left ventricle myocardium of rats subjected to a two steps mechanical overloading (abdominal aorta constriction + aortic insufficiency) was examined in the light and electron microscopes at several stages of the load, and particularly after 3 to 6 months when the animals exhibited congestive heart failure. In these conditions, the heart weight exceeded the control by more than 100 %. In the later stages, the absence of parallelism between heart weight and cell diameter was compatible with a process of hyperplasia. Cellular lesions looking like recent were found more and more frequently with time. Within apparently normal cells proliferation of small mitochondria, nucleoli and Golgi apparatus are compatible with some deficit in energy balance, which is usually encountered only in early stages of the load.


The relationship of adrenal androgens to the secretory patterns for cortisol, prolactin, and growth hormone during early puberty. Serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHA-sulfate), cortisol, prolactin, and growth hormone were measured at half-hour intervals for 24 hr in five healthy children aged 8--13 yr. Their adolescent development was assessed by clinical staging, plus determinations of serum FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol during both wakefulness and sleep. Correlative analysis indicates that there was synchronous secretion of DHA and cortisol, implying regulation of both by ACTH. With advancing age and sexual maturation, there was a progressive rise in mean serum DHA and DHA-sulfate levels, but no similar change in serum cortisol concentrations. There was evidence for enhanced secretion of both growth hormone and prolactin during sleep in all subjects (including one who was hyperprolactinemic), but there was no obvious relationship between levels of these pituitary hormones and the early pubertal rise in adrenal androgens.


Colorectal carcinoma: overview of management techniques. The fact that the national death rate from carcinoma of the colon and rectum has remained static over the past two decades is strong incentive for future investigation of measures to allow detection in its early and more favorable stage. Although no significant improvements in surgical techniques have afforded improvement in longevity, certain technical factors are known to inhibit tumor implantation during surgery. Data suggest that the extent of en bloc resection is the most crucial factor in avoiding recurrence. Extensive use of radiotherapy as the sole method of treatment or as preoperative or postoperative adjunctive therapy remains investigational, but it seems likely that this form of treatment will play an increasing role in the future. Preoperative radiotherapy seems to be useful in reducing the stage of the neoplasm and the incidence of extraserosal involvement; postoperative radiotherapy is beneficial for palliation. Chemotherapy, particularly with the fluorinated pyrimidines (5-FU and 5-FUDR), is being evaluated for its usefulness in lengthening survival time; response to 5-FU is occasionally dramatic. It remains for major investigational centers to clarify the role of combination chemotherapy in metastatic disease. Immunotherapy at present must be considered an unproven mode of treatment and of inconclusive benefit in any stage of colorectal carcinoma. Carcinoembryonic antigen assay is a useful prognostic and diagnostic tool in localizing primary tumor and in subsequent evaluation of response to treatment.


[Population-genetic studies in the microfoci of endemic goiter]. The material analysed is referred to 5 goiter endemic microfoci of one of the landscape-geographical zone of the Kama region with a relative iodine deficiency in the environment, caused by disbalance between iodine and other trace elements. Diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland was revealed in 50.5% of males, and in 69.7% of females; goiter disease was diagnosed in 3.3% of males, and in 11.6% of females. The empirical risk of goiter occurrence for members of the family with one patient suffering from this disease is double, and in the families with two or more patients--is four tunes greater than in the rest of the population. There proved to be statistically significant differences in goiter morbidity among persons with different degree of blood relation to the proband. Calculations by the original method presented demonstrated that familial associations of goiter patients corresponded to monomere autosome-dominant inheritance with an incomplete manifestation of the corresponding genotype within the range of P = 0.7--0.8.


[Excretion of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione and 7-ketodehydroepiandrostenedione in healthy men of different ages]. Urinary excretion of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstendion, and 7-keto-dehydroepistendion was studied in 34 healthy men, aged from 20 to 72 years. The maximal excretion of these steroids and observed in men, aged between 20 and 30 years; their reduction was noted with the advance of age.


Oral urine recycling in diabetes insipidus (DI) rats--the role of the gut in absorption of some urinary components. Brattleboro rats with diabetes insipidus (DI) will, if no other fluid is offered, drink their own previous day's urine. Such oral urine-recycling, where normal elimination is effective only in 15%, does not result in clinical or laboratory signs of uraemia even after 20 days. Serum electrolytes and creatinine remained normal, serum osmolarity and urea were slightly raised, but none of the parameters measured could be classified as uraemic. Extrarenal excretion of electrolytes increased. It is suggested that when the excreted load is represented to the organism from the gut lumen (as opposed to re-presentation into the peritoneal cavity or cessation of renal function) the gut wall serves a protective function by not reabsorbing significant portions of both the inorganic and organic loads in the urine. More detailed analysis will be required to establish this suggestion.


Ion transport in the heart atrial tissue of young and adult guinea-pigs and albino rats. Rubidium shifts between the extracellular fluid and cells were studied in the isolated atria of guinea-pig and albino rat hearts. In the young of both species, rubidium transport from the incubation medium to the cells was much slower than in preparations from adult animals. That implies that the efficiency of membrane mechanisms for the transport of Na+ and K+ ions in the atrial tissue increases during postnatal life. This conclusion is further confirmed by the finding that the intracellular potassium concentration in the atrial tissue of the young  of both species is lower, and the intracellular sodium concentration higher, than in adult animals. Conversely, the serum potassium concentration in the young is higher, and the serum sodium concentration lower, than in adult individuals.


Attitudes of families to some aspects of Huntington's chorea. One hundred and fifty-three complete questionnaires received from families with a history of Huntington's chorea were analysed to discover their attitudes towards the disease. Of special interest were: (a) how and when they were first informed about their illness; (b) what effects the knowledge of the hereditary aspects of the disease had on them and on their children; and (c) their reaction to a possible future predictive test.


Cerebrospinal fluid acetylcholinesterase in neuropsychiatric disorders. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with a diagnosis of Huntington's disease, depression, schizophrenia, or mania and also in the CSF of normal subjects. No significant differences in CSF AChE were found between any diagnostic group and normal subjects. Furthermore, the administration of choline chloride, physostigmine, or probenecid did not significantly alter CSF AChE. No diurnal variation in CSF AChE activity was apparent. These findings, combined with the unclear relationship of brain AChE to CSF AChE, suggest that this measurement does not reflect the relative cholinergic underactivity presumed to exist in some neuropsychiatric conditions.


Clinical implications of the convex supradiaphragmatic inferior vena cava. The configuration of the supradiaphragmatic segment of the inferior vena cava (SIVC) was evaluated on lateral chest radiographs to determine the clinical situations in which a posterior convex contour occurred. Of 34 patients with a convex SIVC, 31 had cardiovascular abnormalities. Left ventricular enlargement was present in 17 of 34 (50%), and right ventricular failure in 13 (38%). Valvular regurgitation, left-to-right shunts, narrow anteroposterior chest diameter, and chronic obstructive lung disease were also present. In 102 consecutive normal patients, the SIVC was visible in 97%; only 1 patient had a convex SIVC (p = 10(-7)). The results show that detection of a convex SIVC suggests associated abnormalities.


[Comparison of various characters and antigenic structure in S. aureus strains cultivated in hospitalized patients and in healthy carriers]. A comparison has been done between various characters of 170 non epidemic strains cultivated from hospitalized patients and 29 strains originated from healthy carriers without any hospital contact and antibiotic treatment since 6 months. Following characters have been tested: M.I.C. of 13 antibiotics, heterogenous methicillin resistance, enzymatic antibiotic resistance, macrolide inducible or constitutive type resistance, mercuric chloride susceptibility; phage types; enzymes and toxins production. Antigenic structure has been studied, in particular production of protein A, A  beta teichoc acid and type antigens. Significant differences have been observed between hospital and healthy carriers strains; these later strains are antibiotic susceptible, produce few toxins and enzymes, are not frequently phage typable. Their antigenic structure shows also significant differences: A beta-teichoic acid is less frequently detected; type antigens are less frequent and different. Role of these surface antigens in virulence is discussed.


Induction of chronic diabetes by streptozotocin in the miniature pig. The rapid i.v. injection of 60 mg streptozotocin/kg body weight 8 days after an initial dose of 30 mg/kg was the best method to produce a distinct insulin-deficient diabetes in minipigs. Even in the absence of any therapy the further course of this diabetes remained stable without tending to exhibit ketoacidosis. Besides hyperglycaemia and the loss of insulin response to glucose there was significant increase of triglycerides and a decrease of plasma albumin. In the oldest animals this diabetes has so far been observed for more than 3 years. Because of some special advantages this experimental diabetes could provide a useful model for studying diabetic angiopathies.


Effects of verapamil and aspirin on experimental chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy in rats. Rats made hypoxic by confinement in hypoxic cages for 4 weeks developed pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. Treatment with Verapamil or aspirin reduced both chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and the hypertrophy of the right ventricle. The antihypertensive effect of Verapamil is explained by the involvement of the transmembrane calcium flux in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle in the hypoxic vasoconstrictory response. Part of the antihypertensive effect of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis is attributed to a decrease in packed cell volume produced in hypoxic, aspirin treated rats.


[First results of a surgical treatment of a persistant low-back pain of dorso-lumbar origin]. Low-back pain may originate in the thoraco-lumbar joints. Due to motion and stress, the latter constitute a high-risk transitional zone. Pain is transmitted by the posterior branches of the D11, D12 or L1 spinal nerves, which innervate the cutaneous and subcutaneous levels of the low-back and upper buttocks region. It is experienced as a deep-seated pain. Clinical examination makes it possible to determine the level responsible. The lumbar pain disappears with anesthesia of the interapophysary articulation. Appropriate medical treatment most often succeeds. If its fails, surgery can provide a solution. It consists of a capsulectomy on the level responsible, and on the upper and lower adjoining regions. This operation also destroys the posterior branch, which is closely joined to the capsule. Out of the 10 cases operated on, there was 1 failure, 6 very good results and 3 good results after follow-up periods of 20 months to 6 months. Without prejudging the future, it seems that there is hope for the treatment of unexplained back pains or those persisting after operations on lumbar disks that are not relieved by appropriate medical treatment of the thoraco-lumbar joints.


Non-specific and specific effects of a granulocytic bio-inhibitor on different haematopoietic cell populations. The effect of a leucocyte conditioned medium derivative on the 5-125iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (125I-UdR) uptake by 6 haematopoietic cell populations with a simple in vitro assay system was tested. The low doses of the test substance--a putative granulocytic chalone--inhibited significantly the uptake of 125I-UdR only in predominantly granulocytic cell cultures. This inhibition was achieved using micrograms/ml concentrations, which have previously been shown to be inhibitory to normal and malignant granulocytic cells in vivo. The test preparations inhibited the uptake of 125I-UdR in all cell populations (nongranulocytic included) when doses exceeding 10 micrograms/ml were used. The prerequisite for an adequate demonstration of the specificity of a bio-inhibitor is discussed.


Biomechanical considerations in the straight-leg-raising test. Cadaveric and clinical studies of the effects of medial hip rotation. Studies of the sacral plexus have been made in six cadavers to demonstrate the increased tension due to medial hip rotation. A standard protocol was adopted for the straight-leg-raising test (SLR) and three qualifying tests--dorsiflexion of the ankle, medial hip rotation, and cervical flexion--when examining 442 patients. Positive signs on medial hip rotation were frequently associated with evidence of increased tension and neurologic dysfunction of lumbosacral roots. It is concluded that uncontrolled hip rotation reduces the value of the SLR is a useful qualifying test for increased root tension, and that the diagnostic value and repeatability of SLR would be improved by adopting a standardized protocol.


Intervertebral disc herniation in the adolescent. Twenty-nine patients between 14 and 20 years of age underwent surgical treatment for intervertebral disc herniation over a 10-year period. Trauma was a significant factor in 59%. Back pain was a major complaint in all cases, and all but one had significant sciatic distress. Typical painful, restricted forward flexion was found in 22 cases. All patients had definite signs of nerve root tension. Nerve compression signs were present in 41%. Myelography was done in all cases, and discography was performed on 22 patients to aid in diagnosis and planning of definitive treatment. Twenty-three patients were followed over an average of 5.3 years. Excellent or good results were found in 89%. One patient required a further surgical procedure. Analyzing 12 procedures performed at the L5-S1 level demonstrated excellent results in all patients undergoing lumbosacral fusion combined with discotomy at this level in the presence of a normal L4-5 discogram.


Sixty years ago: hospital social work in 1918. The year 1918 marked a juncture in the development of social work in health sare. During that year, the fledgling group of hospital social workers responded to needs created by World War I, the influenza pandemic, and epidemics of tuberculosis and venereal disease. At the same time, in order to meet these needs and to professionalize their services, they formed a professional organization, published two new journals, and expanded opportunities for professional education. Examination of these matters helps to explain the place and direction of hospital social work exactly 60 years ago.


Visceral artery syndromes and reconstructions. Acute and chronic visceral ischemia are now well recognized clinical entities and extensive progress has been made in both the evaluation and treatment of patients with these lesions. The visceral vessels and the nature of their collateral pathways can also be of critical importance when dealing with other intra-abdominal pathology. Poor anastomotic healing, or the formation of strictures and intestinal fistulas may result when the mesenteric circulation is slowly compromised. Hence, it is imperative that the visceral arteries, their lesions, and their collateral pathways be understood by all surgeons operating in the abdominal cavity.


Genetic independence of the embryonic reactivity difference to cortisone- and 6-aminonicotinamide-induced cleft palate in the mouse. The A/J strain of mice is more reactive than C57BL/6J to both cortisone- and 6-aminonicotinamide-induced cleft palate. A breeding study was set up to determine the genetic control of the differences in embryonic reactivity between the two strains to the two teratogens. In this paper the test for possible association between the two response traits is presented. In the second-backcross generation of embryos where segregation of the two traits could be studied no association was found. Therefore, any embryonic genes making major contributions to differences in reactivity between the two strains are not the same for the two teratogens.


Correlation between mandibular retrognathia and induction of cleft palate with 6-aminonicotinamide in the rat. A single injection of the niacin antimetabolite 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) late in gestation produces cleft palate in the rat. In order to achieve an understanding of the mechanism of induction of cleft palate, craniofacial growth and palate development were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats after treatment with 6-AN on day 15 of gestation. The rats were maintained on a high niacin diet (95 ppm) and subjected to three different teratogenic levels of 6-AN. The first group was injected with 8 mg/kg, the second was fasted and injected with 8 mg/kg and the third was treated with 16 mg/kg. The lowest teratogenic dose, 8 mg/kg, produced mild mandibular retrognathia on day 16, delayed shelf elevation a few hours and resulted in small rostral and small caudal clefts of the secondary palate. The moderate dose, 8 mg/kg with fasting, produced more severe mandibular retrognathia, delayed shelf elevation about 24 hours and resulted in 37% full clefts and 63% partial clefts of the palate. The highest teratogenic dose, 16 mg/kg, produced severe mandibular retrognathia, delayed shelf elevation by more than 24 hours and resulted in 100% full clefts of the palate. In each 6-AN group, the most severe mandibular retrognathia was present between days 16 and 17, the critical time for palate closure in the rat. Treatment with 6-AN also produced abnormality of the epithelial cells of the palate, the toothbuds and the nasal septum. Molar and incisor toothbuds were small and malformed, and the epithelial surfaces of the palate and the soft tissue nasal septum did not fuse.


Changes of adenosine triphosphatase activity in the testes of albino rats under combined influence of low-frequency vibration and intoxication with the herbicide "Ramrod". The authors follow up the changes of the ATP-ase activity in the testes of albino rats under the influence of Ramrod and low-frequency vibrations, applied separately or in combination. They find that under the influence of a 30-days vibration period upon the gonads of the test animals, there appear changes in the energetic metabolism of a utilizing type, which manifest themselves with an increase of the enzyme activity. The intoxication with Ramrod during four months decreases that activity, whereas through prolongation of the intoxicating period the effect is reverse. The combination of both factors induces a synergetic action which is followed by a considerable increase of the ATP-ase activity.


Toxicology studies in mice, beagle dogs and rhesus monkeys given chlorozotocin (NSC 178, 248). Chlorozotocin was studied for toxic effects in beagle dogs and rhesus monkeys. The results are the subject of this report. The compound was administered i.v. as single and 5 daily doses in dogs and monkeys; and, in dogs, as 10 consecutive daily doses, once weekly for 6 weeks and for 5 daily doses followed by 9 days rest repeated 3 times. The most prominent toxicities in both species were dose-related renal tubular lesions. These appeared as a necrosis at the most toxic levels and a nephrosis at lower doses. The latter change was also seen in animals surviving higher doses but only after a 6-week posttreatment period. Bone marrow hypoplasia and lymphoid atrophy were other common findings at the highest doses in both species. The same general pattern of toxicity appeared in extended treatment studies in dogs, but also included aspermatogenesis. Signs of hepatotoxicity were seen in dogs at the highest dose levels, while monkeys receiving lethal doses also evidenced a toxic gastroenteritis. A single monkey had a diabetic response following 1 treatment with a high non-lethal dose. Renal lesions found in mice following acute, single dose administration were similar to those described for the larger laboratory animals.


Structural alteration and destructive corneal disease. There is good evidence that maintenance of the structural integrity of the human cornea carries with it significant advantages over and above the preservation of normal function. The breakdown in the protective layers of the cornea and invasion by blood vessels and lymphatics would seem to add greatly to the risk of recurrent inflammatory disease. There is a solid rationale, therefore, for the development of therapeutic principles aimed at preventing these structural changes from occurring.


Von Garrelts' uroflowmeter. A technical evaluation. Von Garrelts' uroflowmeter, commercially available, was tested at different true flow rates and jet velocities. The impact geometry was varied. Results show that flow-rate recording with von Garrelts' uroflowmeter is little influenced by variations of these parameters, and the instrument can be recommended for scientific and routine clinical use.


[The controlled TUR. Hydraulic stimulation of the external sphincter (author's transl)]. The demonstration of contractions of the external sphincter muscle is of good help for orientation in all transurethral resections of the bladder neck. A simple and reliable procedure is described producing contractions of the external sphincter muscle by hydraulic stimulation. This is achieved by sudden and repeated stop and flow of the irrigation fluid.


Siblings with prune belly syndrome and associated pulmonic stenosis, mental retardation, and deafness. This is the fifth family in the literature with siblings having the prune belly syndrome. It is the first with associated pulmonary stenosis, mental retardation, and hearing deficit. A genetic factor is suggested as the primary cause of the syndrome.


[Activation of plasminogen in its immobilization]. Plasminogen is established to be able of transforming into the plasmin-like is compound when it is immobilized on aminoethyl cellulose by means of glutaric aldehyde. The plasminogen immobilized in such a way manifests a caseinolytic activity and is not activated additionally by streptokinase. The plasminogen immobilized on bromocyanogen-activated sepharose and cellulose, like soluble proenzyme, has no activity of plasmin and retains the ability of being activated with streptokinase in catalytic amounts.


Studies on the epidemiology of bovine parasitic bronchitis. In the West of Scotland the epidemiology of parasitic bronchitis in grazing calves was studied over a two year period with the aid of tracer calves and herbage examinations for Dictyocaulus viviparus larvae. The observations of both years emphasised the importance of overwintered lungworm larvae as a source of disease. In the first year it was shown that the ingestion and development of these overwintered larvae were, by themselves, directly responsible for severe morbidity, high faecal larval counts and deaths. In the second year it was shown that pasture ungrazed during the winter and spring and from which a hay crop was removed in mid-summer was still capable of producing clinical parasitic bronchitis in susceptible calves within three to four weeks of their introduction in later summer. In both years there was some evidence that the outbreaks appeared to be associated with the sudden availability of infective larvae on the herbage. The possibility that such larvae may have survived for many months in the soil is discussed. Despite the heavy challenge with lungworm larvae experienced by the grazing calves in the first year those vaccinated with lungworm vaccine survived, their clinical signs were mild and of short duration and their faecal larval output was greatly reduced.


Efficacy of oxfendazole against natural infestations of nematodes and cestodes in sheep in Egypt. Oxfendazole liquid suspension (Systamex; Wellcome) was administered orally at the dose of 4.5 mg per kg to 800 indigenous Egyptian sheep clinically affected with Dictyocaulus filaria, Moniezia expansa, Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia circumcincta, Nematodirus spp, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia curticei, Trichuris ovis and Oesophagostomum spp. A 100 per cent clearance was recorded for all parasites with the exception of T ovis which were markedly reduced in number.


Lungworm: (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) infection in donkeys. The clinical, parasitological and pathological findings in a group of six donkeys naturally infected with D arnfieldi larvae are described. One animal had to be sacrificed at an early date because it developed pneumonia. The remaining five were unthrifty, showed mild clinical respiratory signs and had heavy strongyle infections. They had varying numbers of adult worms in the airways of the lungs and eggs were found coiled up in the smaller bronchi where they had apparently lead to an obstruction to airflow in that segment. The most striking gross pathological changes were circular discrete areas of over-inflation surrounding such bronchi. Histologically the infected bronchi exhibited a marked bronchiolitis with goblet cell hyperplasia and a mainly lymphoid inflammatory infiltrate. These areas also showed a localised bronchiolitus and overinflated alveolar tissue although true emphysema was not present. It is postulated that the parasite is well-adapted to its host and is able to survive for long periods within the lung without causing a debilitating amount of damage to the host. The immunological aspects of the infection are discussed briefly.


Efficacy of mebendazole against Dictyocaulus arnfieldi in the donkey. In a controlled trial in naturally infected donkeys the efficacy of mebendazole against Dictyocaulus arnfieldi infection was evaluated. A powder formulation of mebendazole given orally at a dosage rate of 4.3 to 5.7 mg per kg per day for five days had no apparent effect on existing lungworm burdens. However a paste formulation of mebendazole given orally at a higher dosage rate of 15.2 to 20.0 mg per kg per day for five days was 75 to 100 per cent effective in the removal of lungworms from individual animals.


The relationship between extracellular matrix vesicles and calcospherities in primary mineralization of neoplastic bone tissue. TEM and SEM studies on osteosarcoma. Primary mineralization in neoplastic tissue was studied in osteosarcoma, correlating observations obtained by SEM to those found with TEM. The process is characterized by extracellular matrix vesicles, distributed in the matrix between the forming neoplastic cells and the calcifying fronts. The occurrence of osmiophilic material and solitary hydroxyapatite crystals within the vesicles is followed by accumulation of apatite crystals, disappearance of the vesicular membrane and formation of calcospherites and calcified fronts. The process described here in neoplastic tissue is essentially similar to primary calcification in normal calcified tissues.


Pulmonary infection with capsule-deficient cryptococcus neoformans. A case of bilateral lobar pneumonia due to Crytococcus neoformans is presented. The capsule-deficient fungal organisms within tissue were suggestive of Histoplasma capsulatum. Cultures grew Cryptococcus neoformans and there was cryptococcal antigen in the serum. Pulmonary cryptococcosis and the occurrence of unencapsulated cryptococci are reviewed. The important role both culture and the latex agglutination test for cryptococcal antigen play in the differential diagnosis of systemic fungal infections with over-lapping histopathology are discussed.


Phagocytosis of chromium during patellar osteoarthritic remodelling associated with a knee prosthesis. The report is of an anatomico-pathological and electron probe microanalyzer study of a patella with osteoarthritic remodelling, that had been in contact with a cast cobalt-chromium-molybdenum prosthesis for two years and seven months. Abrasion of the metal resulted in preferential phagocytosis of chromium, principally in the wall of an osteoarthritis cyst. This observation indicates that a substance administered by intra-articular pathway for the treatment of osteoarthritis can become phagocytosed, and quite deeply, in the remodelled bone.


Orcein positive granules in the hepatocytes in chronic intrahepatic cholestasis. Morphological, histochemical and electron X-ray microanalytical examination. The morphological characteristics of orcein positive granules in hepatocytes from 11 patients with chronic intrahepatic cholestasis and from 2 newborn normal livers were studied. Histochemical investigations revealed their protein nature and many sulphydryl and/or disulphide groups. Copper was demonstrated in the granules by histochemical techniques and electron X-ray micronalysis. No difference was observed in the hepatic distribution and appearance of the granules between the livers of those with chronic cholestasis and the newborn. Ultrastructurally, a variety of electron dense granules were seen at the site of orcein positive granules in the hepatocytes of the patient with primary biliary cirrhosis. Some had a single-layered membrane and seem to be lysosomal derivatives. It is suggested that the copper in lysosomes seen in both chronic cholestasis and normal newborn livers, need not to be cytotoxic.


Course and spontaneous regression of acute pancreatitis in the rat. Rat exocrine pancreatic function was studied structurally and biochemically after the in vivo production of actue interstitial pancreatitis by supramaximal stimulation with caerulein. Two major phases in the reaction of the gland were observed: During the first two days after cessation of the supramaximal stimulation a progressive infiltration of the interstitium and the pancreatic tissue with polymorphonuclear leucocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages occurred which led to further destruction of the gland and to decreased functional response. From two days after the cessation of the treatment, hypertrophy of centro-acinar cells and an increased rate of mitotic activity indicated regeneration of the pancreas. This was combined with an accelerated in vitro discharge of newly synthesized proteins over a period of four days. Between days three and six after the initial treatment mitotic activity was also observed in fully differentiated exocrine cells. Total structural and functional recovery of the pancreas was achieved nine to tweleve days after the cessation of the supramaximal stimulation.


Kidney tubule basement membrane alterations in type II membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Fourteen kidney biopsy specimens from nine patients with type II membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) were examined by electron microscopy for tubular basement membrane (TBM) alterations. In all biopsies, laminal densities, charateristic for type II MPGN, were present in the glomerular basement membranes. The TBM alterations observed included: 1) the presence of laminal, and/or discrete, and/or aggregated densities; 2)focal thickening; 3) multilamination; and, 4) vesicular structures. Laminal densities occurred in 6 of the 9 cases examined. All biopsies had TBM densities representative of at least one of the three forms. The occurrence of electron densities in or near the TBM in type II MPGN may have diagnostic value. In those biopsies where tissue is insufficient for immunofluorescence microscopy and where glomeruli are not found on electron microscopy, an electron microscopic search for densities associated with TBMs would be warranted. Although TBM-associated densities are not pathognomonic for type II MPGN, the observation of such densities, espically laminal densities, would be useful in complementing light miccrscopic and clinical findings.


Bone modelling processes at the endosteal surface of human femora. Scanning electron microscopical studies in normal bone and in renal osteodystrophy. In femoral bone of 10 adult patients without bone disease and of 15 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, thy after nonmineralised organic material had been removed from the endosteal surface by sodium hypochlorite. This technique permits one to analyse the effects of past osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities. Im normal bone, the endosteal envelope shows a highly ordered texture: The main part of the inner surface is represented by fully mineralised smooth surfaces without evidence of apposition or resorption (so called neutral surfaces). In apposition areas, collagen fibers are still incompletely mineralised. Ordered mineral deposits are observed, consisting of spindleshaped calcospherites of uniform size. The resorption areas are sharply delimited. The resorption layer shows a small difference of level with respect to the surrounding neutral surface. Resorption areas consist of numerous lacunae with a smooth bottom. Individual lacunae are encircled by shallow ridges which run almost perpendicularly to the main direction of collagen fibers that have been exposed by resorption. These findings suggest that in normal bone osteoclasts act as a corrdinated group of cells. The direction of advance of the resorption area is to some extent influenced by the collagen pattern of bone. In patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, domain formation of the endosteal surface can no longer be recognized. The size and shape of caleospherites are extremely heterogeneous, a finding interpreted as evidence of formation of woven bone. Resorption areas are irregularly determined and often resemble worm-eaten wood. The planes of resorption vary in direction and depth and in general resorption cavities penetrate deeper than in normal bone. These findings point to loss of coordinated cell action under the influence of hyperparathyroidism. The observations suggest that in hyperparathyroidism endosteal cells do not respond to local factors which influence endosteal cell activities in modelling processes of normal bone. Such local factors consist of the pattern of collagen andlamellar organisation on one hand and mechanical forces presumably via pizo-electrical potentials, on the other. In hyperparathyroidism the interdependence between bone matrix texture and spatial orientation of bone surface lining cell activities is lost.


A new, simple method for intraoperative fast diagnosis. The suitability of stain-coated, ready-to-use slides (Testsimplets) for routine staining of intraoperative imprint-cytology preparations is discussed. The microscopic preparations are easily and quickly prepared, may be evaluated immediately and, with a slight loss of quality, may be kept for up to a week after application of paraffin to the cover glass. This method produces interpretable slides from cell-rich benign and malignant tumors. It is by no means a complete substitute for the usual fast-section techniques, but may be used in order to save time.


Rat liver alterations after chronic treatment with hexachlorobenzene. Groups of female rats were treated orally with 0.5, 2.0, 8.0, and 32 mg/kg hexachlorobenzene twice a week for 203 days. The liver content of hexachlorobenzene was found to be dose-dependent. In the animals treated with the highest dose the concentration was 273 mug/g hexachlorobenzene. In the fresh and fixed hepatic tissue of the treated animals pink fluorescence was observed. Electron microscopy revealed a dose dependent enlargement of all hepatocytes due to proliferation of the SER in the centrolobular area or to increased glycogen deposits (beta- or alpha-particles) and SER in the intermediary and periportal area. Numerous porphyrin deposits and siderosomes, intimate disorganisation and moderate dislocation of the RER and a moderate enlargement of bizarre-sharped mitochondria were recognized. The relationship between porphyrin crystals and mitochondria on the one hand and between SER and glycogen deposits on the other is discussed.


The ultrastructure of the various forms of pulmonary arterial intimal fibrosis. Intimal fibrosis of muscular pulmonary arteries may present in various forms and in varying degrees of severity according to the underlying condition. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, the type of initimal fibrosis is often significant with regard to prognosis and reversibility. For these reasons we have studied the ultrastructure of the thickened intimal layer in aged individuals, where intimal fibrosis occurs as a normal age change, and in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with fibrosis of the lungs, mitral stenosis, chronic pulmonary thromboembolism and plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy (either primary or secondary to congenital cardiac defects). In all these forms of intimal fibrosis, the cellular component of the subendothelial intimal layer was apparently almost exclusively the smooth muscle cell. The cells usually had a haphazard arrangement. In primary and secondary plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy, however, there was a more regular circumferential arrangement. The ultrastructural evidence suggested that the intimal cells were derived from medial smooth muscle cells.


Purification of human intestinal goblet cell antigen (GOA), its immunohistological demonstration in the intestine and in mucus producing gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Goblet cell antigen (GOA) was purified from gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. It was immunogenic and was used to produced antisera which stained goblet cells of the small and large intestine and of intestinalized gastric mucosa by indirect immunological methods. Various types of gastric and colonic cancer contained GOA. These findings demonstrate a histiogenic relationship between intestinal goblet cells, various gastrointestinal cancers and associated premalignant conditions.


Extensive hepatic cell necrosis produced by the Shwartzman mechanism. Acute, severe, and extensive necrosis of the liver was produced in pregnant and non-pregnant female adult rabbits by the Shwartzman mechanism. Shwartzman reagent (E. coli endotoxin) was administered in various combinations by three routes of injection, the portal vein (mesenteric vein), the bile duct, and the ear vein. Morphologic changes of the extrahepatic organs were minimal. The similarity to massive necrosis in human liver and the effect of pregnancy on hepatic necrosis in rabbit and man were discussed. The lesion is presented as a new animal model for acute massive hepatic necrosis and is proposed as a third category of Shwartzman reaction, designated the univisceral type.


Muscle spindles in rheumatoid arthritis. An ultrastructural study. Ultrastructural features of muscle spindles were studied in biopsy material from 100 patients suffering from classical rheumatoid arthritis. Thickening of the outer capsule, increased amount of extracellular ground substance within the inner capsule, and marked thickening of the basement membrane of capillary blood vessels supplying the muscle spindles were observed. Chronic inflammatory cells and macrophages were present within the spindles. Changes affecting the intrafusal muscle fibres were also seen. They were manifest as atrophy and degeneration of the intrafusal muscle fibres, absence of the specialised junctional complexes, and of the intercellular bridges, microladders and satellite cells. It is suggested that the changes affecting the intrafusal muscle fibres are probably secondary. Damage to the myelinated nerves was present, while the sensory and motor nerve endings were well preserved.


The fine structure of meningiomas: an attempted classification. We examined 23 meningiomas by electron microscopy. In each case it was possible to distinguish certain cells with epithelial features (desmosomes, microfliaments, interdigitating extensions) and others with fibroblastic features (collagen fibers). Others cells of transitional form were also seen. The proportion of these cellular types is variable, making it possible to classify meningiomas into seven types of progressing gradually from a purely epithelial type to a purely fibroblastic one.-We found no important ultrastructural abnormalities in the cells. These case reports confirm the uniqueness of meningiomas, which are composed of variously shaped cells but have their origin from a single cellular type. This has double potentiality for fibroblastic and epithelial differentiation.


Ultrastructural observations on axonal swelling in the human gracile nucleus. The morphology of the spheroids in human gracile nuclei was studied by light and electron microscopy. Various spheroids encountered in the present study could be classified into three types based on the internal structure: The first one was chiefly composed of many irregular homogeneous dense bodies, multivesicular bodies seemed to deposit multicentrically in an axon in the early stage of "ballon" formation and coalesce to form larger ones. The second was characterized by a marked accumulated of closely approximated mitochondria and dense concentric bodies. In the third the most characteristic findings were neurofibrillary accumulation and aggregations of dense bodies. These findings showed some divergence from those of dystrophic axons and the last two mimic those of degenerative or regenerative axons, which suggested that axonal swelling (including dystrophic axon) is not characteristic reaction of specific disease but rather nonspecific one to a variety of noxious stimuli. With light microscope, it was difficult to distinguish balloons with different structures since they were quite diverse and manifold in their shape, size, appearance and stainability. Intra-axonal corpora amylacea were seen in most cases and their incidence appeared to be nonspecific for any diseases.


Maglignant giant cell tumor of tendon sheath. A benign, but aggressive, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath developed over a period of 20 years into a metasasizing, histologiclly malignant giant cell tumor. Ultrastructure of the malignant tumor showed the same five cell types as described in giant cell tumors of tendon sheath. Even the same crystals were identified in the osteoblast-like and osteoclast-like cells. It therefore appears reasonable to assume that giant cell tumors of tendon sheath indeed are neoplasms with a malignant potential and not an inflammatory with partial osseous differentiation. No ultrastructural similarities with fibrous histiocytoma were apparent.


Malignant Schwannoma associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. A series of 46 malignant schwannomas occurring in soft parts of patients having von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis was analyzed. The diagnosis of malignant schwannoma was based upon the occurrence of malignant spindled cells closely resembling Schwann cells in the neoplasm and the close association or origin of the malignant schwannoma in a neurofibroma (27 tumors), or a large peripheral nerve (31 tumors). Additional histologic features useful in making the diagnosis of malignant schwannoma included the arrangement of the spindled tumor cells in a whorled pattern about thin-walled, gaping blood vessels, perivascular cellular proliferation and the presence of prominent myxoid stroma containing abundant hyaluronidase-sensitive acid mucopolysaccharides. Nuclear palisading was present in only one case. Eight tumors containing both neoplastic Schwann cells and rhabdomyoblasts and five containing both neoplastic Schwann cells and rhabdomyoblasts (malignant "Triton" tumors) and five containing foci of malignant cartilage cells were included in the series. The neoplasms occurred principally in adults (median age, 34 years) and were most common in the lower extremity (18 cases) and retroperitoneum (11 cases). A mass with or without pain was the most common presenting symptom (28 cases). The median size of excised tumors was 11 cm. The malignant schwannomas were highly malignant neoplasms, causing the death of 39 patients within five years and two patients within 6--10 years after diagnosis. Only four patients were alive and free of tumor 5--15 years after diagnosis.


[Rule of homology and morbid anatomy (author's transl)]. 1. According to J.W. Goethe, morphology is a theory of evolution, H. Braus defined it as a theory of historic incidents, and according to D. Starck morphology is the role of shapes of the organisms. 2. The term homology was coined by morphologic researchers. Of course, it is used nowadays also in mathematics, chemistry, and linguistics and other logic matters. 3. Homologies have a special position in Goethe's work on the theory of types. Goethe's morphologic research and Schiller's aesthetic speculations are considered to be the origin of a 'typologic point of view.' 4. Coherences of Platon's theory of ideas and Goethe's theory of types are scrutinized. The theory of shapes ('Gestalt theory') is inconceivable without Platon's theory, and scientic morphology is inconceivable without shapes, either, and according to C. v. Ehrenfels "Gestaltphilosophie" could not exist without the shapes of Platon's theory. 5. It is shown that without Gestalt philosophy one cannot comprehend the following coherences: Gestalt (shape) as an idea, idea as a type of Goethe's rule, type as an element of the theory of homologies and even of constitution. 6. Homology will be constituted using certain criterions: a) detection of an equal descent, b) equal position of organismic structures in individuals, c) evidence of interpositions, and d) certain qualities of parts which are compared with each other. Homologous structures may be dissimilar in their architecture. 7. The term homology is explained a) by giving an analysis of morphologic and teratologic lines, b) by scrutinizing froms of symmetry, and c) by presenting the histopathology of topographical diverse but according to the morphogenetic mode coinciding tumours which are resembling each other in their microscopic patterns. 8. The application of the rule of homology in the morphologic investigation of diseases proves to be a) valuable from a heuristic point of view, b) an instrument of communication to characterize comparable matters, c) a means of classification, and d) a basic requirement to uncover inconceivable correlations of morphologic patterns in the first instance and then a basis for the prognosis findings which may be expected in the future. So far the didactic value of proven homologies is inestimably great. 9. The application of the rules of homology in morbild anatomy requires controls by 'regulatives.' There are: a) all facts must be born in mind, b) the rules of the mathematical logic, those of demonstrative and plausible conclusions need to be taken into consideration, and c) the criterions of Ehrenfels should be applied accurately. 10. At the contact surface of two scientific fields special difficulties may emerge. As far as contemporary pathology is concerned, elements of the Arts should be assimilated. This challenge is by no means a novel one. Covered traces of it could be found in our archive 50 years ago. We should not forget but keep in mind these elements.


Seminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. A special form of seminoma. Testicular seminomas may occur in various forms, of which the classical and spermatocytic are distinct, the anaplastic or atypical seminomas, however, less clearly defined. Lately, a separate group of particular clinical significance, comprising seminomas with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGC), has been specified. Although this type of seminoma had been recognized morphologically long ago, recent investigations have shown its ability to secret HCG, a fact that raises serious difficulties in its differential diagnosis with combined seminomas and choriocarcinomas. Two cases of seminomas with STGC are presented and pertinent clinical and morphologic problems discussed.


Ultrastructural studies on the evolution of amyloidosis in the cyclic hematopoietic (CH) dog. Electron microscopy studies were made on tissues of cyclic hematopoietic (CH) dogs of various ages presenting a high incidence of spontaneous amyloidosis. The distribution and morphologic characteristics of amyloidosis in this animal model closely correspond to the secondary and familial forms of the disease in humans. Plasma cells and, particularly, macrophages presented marked changes during the evolution of amyloid deposition. Residual bodies in the macrophages contained abundant cell debris, a result of both endocytic and autophagocytic activities. Intracellular amyloid fibrils were not observed by conventional electron microscopy. A few reticular cells contained intracytoplasmic fibrils which were morphologically different from amyloid. There was no correlation between the amount of intracellular fibrils and the size of the extracellular amyloid deposits. On the contrary, a temporal association between the magnitude of the amyloid deposits and cytoplasmic changes in the macrophages at sequential stages of the evolution of the disease was evident. It is suggested that the hematopoietic defect in the CH dog could play an important role in the production of amyloidosis, making this animal an excellent experimental model for studies of that disease.


["Malabsorptive" dermatitis herpetiformis. A study with particular regard to biopsy findings of the small intestine (author's transl)]. 21 patients (6 females and 15 males) with Dermatitis herpetiformis have been studied with special considerations of the small intestinal biopsy-findings. During this investigation the patient's mean age was 45 years (20-68) and the mean age at onset was 38 years (17-64). In 5 patients (23.8%) total villous atrophy (group I) and in 4 patients (19.0%) a severe partial or subtotal villous trophy (group II) was found on small intestinal biopsy. The sprue-like changes were patchy lesions. Histocompatibility-antigens of type HLA-AL were found in 38.1% and of type HLA-B8 in 47.6%. After 20 years of the disease one patient died of a malignant lymphoma of the intestine (immunoblastic sarcoma). In all patients the number of interepithelial lymphocytes in the small bowel mucose was significantly increased, as it was in those patients with a normal villous pattern (group III). In a quantitative analysis of specifically labeled (peroxidase-anti-perosidase complex) IgG-, IgA- and IgM-cells in the intestinal mucosa it was found that the number of all three plasma cell classes are increased significantly (P less than 0.01).


Leiomyosarcoma of the pulmonary artery. A light and electronmicroscopical study. A 25-year-old man with chest pain and shortness of breath was found to have a primary sarcoma of the pumonary artery. On light- and electronmicroscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy the lesion was found to be composed of cells of smooth muscle origin. It was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma. The cross and microscopic features of the tumor are described and the morphologic characteristics of previously reported vascular sarcomas are briefly reviewed.


Cavernous hemangioma of optic chiasm, optic nerves and right optic tract. Case report and review of literature. Diminishing right ocular visual acuity for three weeks in a 30 year old man was confirmed by examination. Bilateral scotomata and bitemporal hemiachromatopsia indicated a chiasmal lesion; reduced visual acuity and Marcus Gunn pupil of the right eye and left relative temporal hemianopia indicated asymmetric involvement. Erythrocytes in the CSF verified a suspected subarachnoid bleed; contrast-enhanced CAT scan demonstrated a suprasellar mass. A cystic, multiloculated, bluish mass distorted the right optic nerve, tract, and chiasm. A hematoma was evacuated and biopsy revealed a cavernous hemangioma of the right optic nerve. Post-operatively, visual acuity has recovered in the right eye but a left homonymous temporal hemianopia has developed.


Peliosis hepatis as a result of endogenous steroid hormone production. A case of peliosis hepatis in a 3 year old child with steroid hormone producing adreanl tumour is presented. The diagnosis of the adrenal tumour and peliosis hepatis was settled on the basis of surgical material examination. This case of peliosis hepatis due to endogenous steroid production lends more support to the earlier reported cases of iatrogenically produced peliosis due to exogenous steroid treatment.


[Mucopolysaccharides, collagen and calcium of bone regenerate in replacing a bone defect by a method of unilocular compression-distraction osteosynthesis]. Intensive synthesis of collagen, which constitutes the basis of organic matrix in bone tissue, was observed in the regenerate developed during compression-distractional osteoxynthesis. The organic matrix of the regenerate was quickly mineralized; after termination of the distraction it contained more than a half of calcium as compared with the mature bone of healthy animals. Relatively low accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the regenerate appears to depend on development of favourable conditions of its blood supply together with suitable fixation of bone fragments.


Testosterone metabolism in normal males and male cirrhotics. The following physiopathological mechanisms for the abnormalities of testosterone metabolism observed in cirrhotic patients may be postulated: 1. The decreased testosterone secretion has a primary testicular origin; it seems probable that, as a result of direct toxicity the 17-beta-reductase is inhibited, resulting in decrease of testosterone and an increase of androstenedione. 2. The hypothalamic-pituitary function is nearly normal in cirrhotics. Basal level of LH and FSH are often slightly elevated, indicating a normal reactivity of the pituitary. 3. The conversion of androgens to oestrogens (androstenedione to oestrone) which occurs essentially extrahepatically, is increaed in cirrhosis.


[Echocardiographic studies on athletes of various sport-types and non-athletic persons (author's transl)]. The results of echocardiographic studies on 90 athletes representing various sport-types and 18 non-athletic persons are presented. The intracardiac diameter measured by echocardiography was proportional to the heart volume determined radiologically. The thickness of the septum and posterior heart wall compared to the internal heart diameter was greater in athletes with static exercise than in endurance athletes. This must be interpreted as a tendency to concentric hypertrophy. In endurance athletes this relationship tended to be less than in non-athletic persons. In addition stroke volume and cardiac output at rest was higher in endurance athletes than in athletes with static exercise and non-athletic persons. At rest no variations in parameters of heart muscle contractility related to heart size or sport-type could be detected.


[Ventricular and myocardial function in mitral regurgitation (author's transl)]. Left ventricular and myocardial performance were analyzed in 9 patients with chronic volume overload by mitral regurgitation from biplane cineventriculograms, simultaneous pressure recordings and cardiac output (thermodilution method) determinations. In spite of a considerable regurgitant fraction (49 +/- 17% of total stroke volume) cardiac index on the average is normal (CI = 3.3 +/- 0.7 l . min-1). The main compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac ouput in hypertorphy (WED = 1.1 +/- 0.2 cm; LVMI = 216 +/- 62 g . m-2; LVMI/EDVI = 1.3 +/- 0.3 g . ml-1) and dilatation (EDVI = 163 +/- 37 ml . m-2). An increase of preload is of minor importance (PLVED = 15 +/- 7 mmHg; sigma ED = (40 +/- 19) x 10(3) dyn . cm-2). Left ventricular enlargement and wall mass are related to the degree of clinical heart failure (NYHA). Enddiastolic volume on the average is more increased than total stroke volume (89 +/- 31 ml . m-2). Ejection fraction (EF = 54 +/- 7%) was depressed despite a normal afterload (sigma tej = (171 +/- 37 x 10(3) dyn. cm-2; sigma max = (247 +/- 48 x 10(3) dyn . cm-2). The reduced ejection fraction and diminished myocardial power are related to an impairment of myocardial function (VMW . sigma tej = (83 +/- 39) x 10(3) dyn . cm-2 . s-1; VMW . sigma tej/ln sigma ED = 7.9 +/- 3.6 x 10(3) dyn . cm-2 . s-1). In comparable degrees of heart failure myocardial function is more compromised in patients with mitral than with aortic regurgitation.


Comparative cytomorphology of the avian adrenocortical tissue. The histology and histochemistry of the interrenal gland of twenty avian species have been described in this report. The avian interrenal tissue, on the basis of nuclear orientation and other cytomorphic features, can be classified into six cytologically distinct types. Cytomorphic organization within the interrenal tissue of these avian species also indicates some regional demarcation into subcapsular and central zones. Zonal demarcation in the interrenal tissue of these birds has also been indicated from chemocytological investigation. Paradoxically not much of correspondence was noticed in the cytologic and cytochemical patterns. The cytological and cytochemical studies fail to indicate any phylogenetic trend within the interrenal tissue of the birds under investigation.


Physiological adaptation in relation to hyperosmotic stress in the epidermis of a fresh-water teleost Barbus sophor (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae): a histochemical study. The changes in distribution of mucopolysaccharides, glycogen and protein bound sulphydryl groups of cysteine in the various cellular components of the epidermis of Barbus sophor along with its structural alterations as a result of hyperosmotic stress, have been described using histochemical techniques. The hyperosmotic saline induces a cyclic secretion of acid mucopolysaccharides by the mucous cells. Simultaneously the polygonal cells also show a marked disturbance in the processes of mucogenesis and keratinization, indicating an inverse relationship between the degree of keratinization and the amount of mucus secreted by epidermis. The role of glycogen in the polygonal cells has been discussed in relation to disturbed mucogenesis. The appearance of intercellular spaces in basal layer and middle layer has been correlated with the passage for movement of increased amounts of nutrients through the skin.


[Primary visual cortex response recovery cycles caused by pharmacologic and electrical effects on the monoaminergic systems of the rat brain]. The recovery cycles (RC) of primary responses in the visual cortex were studied in alert rats following the electrical stimulation of raphe nuclei and locus coeruleus as well as following pharmacological and complex (electrical and pharmacological) actions on serotonin- and noradrenergic brain systems. It was found that both electrical and pharmacological actions on the above monoaminergic systems reduce the duration and depth of relative non-reactivity phase of RC. Complex (electrical and pharmacological) action leads to heterodirectional changes in RC. The character of these changes reflects the reciprocity existing in functional interrelations between serotonin- and noradrenergic brain systems. The probable connection of the found effects with memory mechanisms is discussed.


[Human IgG subclass study. II. The levels of the individual IgG subclasses in paired sera from mothers and newborn infants as well as in the blood sera of inhabitants of an isolated northern village]. The levels of the first 3 subclasses of IgG, as determined by the radial immunodiffusion test, proved to be similar in the blood sera obtained from mothers and newborns in Moscow. The concentration of IgG4 was 0.64 +/- 0.02 g/l iently indicative of a limited passage of IgG4 molecules through the placenta. The inhabitants of an isolated northern village were found to have the inheritable combined deficit of IfG2 and IgG3 synthesis in their blood sera, which was probably due to the prolonged processes of inbreeding and the progenitor effect.


Effect of some heterocyclic compounds on human semen composition and biology. The effect of some heterocyclic compounds on some aspects of human semen metabolism was studied. Caffeine produced stimulation of motility and lactic acid production and an inhibition of fructose utilization and oxygen uptake. Nicotinamide and riboflavin produced stimulation of motility, fructose utilization and oxygen uptake and an inhibition of lactic acid production.


[Histotopochemical and electronmicroscopical investigations of Wistar-rats with streptozotocin diabetes (author's transl)]. 15 streptozotocin-diabetic wistar rats (an application of a single dose of 64 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin) and a control group of 12 wistar rats with a healthy metabolism have been examined. The majority of B-cells was largely degranulated, insulin was hardly or not to be found with histochemical methods. The A- and B-cells of 11 test animals showed pathological findings: Karyolysis, the dissolution of cell membranes and the decay of cytoplasm which are criteria of necrosis. Besides a round-cell infiltration could be found as a symptom of insulitis. The B-cells showed only single granula under the electron microscope. The endoplasmatic reticulum was only poorly developed and with hardly any ribosomes. There were only very little mitochondria and no GOLGI's apparatus. The cell membrane was smooth and not enlarged by microvilli. Emiocytosis-figures were missing. No changes of nuclei could be noticed. The findings on organelles correlate well with the microscopical results. The exocrine parenchyma contained regions showing the decay of the lobule structure as well as of single acini. The acinus cells were in necrosis. The connective tissue was obviously increased. There were regions in the stroma with a round-cell infiltration as found with a pancreatitis. Both these and the results discussed from our literature show that streptozotocin does not only affect the B-cells of the islets of LANGERHANS, but also the exocrine pancreas and other organs.


Studies on the superprecipitation of actomyosin in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Superprecipitation of normal and hypertrophic cardiac actomyosin--made from individually purified cardiac myosin and skeletal F-actin-, compared with that of synthetic skeletal actomyosin was investigated. A proportional relationship was found between the extent maximum of superprecipitation (Emax) and the concentration of actomyosin complex in the range of 0.1-0.5 mg protein/ml. At 3 X 10(-5) M ATP the Emax was higher in the case of skeletal actomyosin than ardiac actomyosin. At 1.5 X 10(-4) M ATP the superprecipitation was preceded by clearing phase and the time required for the half-maximal increase of turbidity (t//2) was longer for cardiac actomyosin than skeletal actomyosin. The superprecipitation was promoted by decreasing Mg2+ concentration, while the increase in Mg2+ concentration inhibited the superprecipitation and caused the prolongation of clearing phase. The decreased superprecipitation of the actomyosin from hypertrophied hearts and the narrower potassium chloride concentration range, in which the superprecipitation took place, may be the consequence of the significantly lower ATPase activity.


[Plasma androgen levels in Papio hamadryas pavian hamadrils at different periods of postnatal development]. Using radioimmunological assay, it has been demonstrated that at the age of 0.5, 1 and 2 years sexual differences are absent in the concentration of testosteron, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosteron, dehydroepiandrosteron and delta 4-androstendion in the blood plasma. The level of testosteron in sexually immature animals does not differ from that in adult females. In sexually mature baboons, testosteron content was found to be more than 20 times higher. The activity of 5 alpha-reductase, checked by the ratio of concentrations of testosteron and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosteron, in adult males was 4 times lower than in sexually immature animals. No significant changes in delta 4-androstendion concentration were noted during the development of androgenic function. Dehydroepiandrosteron content of the peripheral blood in immature baboons is several times higher than that in adult animals, which may be associated with postnatal activity of embryonic zone.


Contraction properties and functional morphology of the avian stapedius muscle. The influence of the stapedius muscle contraction on middle ear volume and acoustic impedance was investigated in the chicken, Gallus gallus. The time course of twitch responses to electrical stimulation (measured as volume and impedance changes) was found to be largely independent of the stimulus voltage, having a contraction time of 22 ms and a half-relaxation time of 22 ms. The stapedius muscle was therefore characterized as a fast twitch muscle. Slow contraction properties were also revealed: A summation of responses to repetitive stimulation beginning at 2.5 Hz and a slow decline to baseline were seen in volume and impedance change recordings. The morphological characteristics were consonant with that of a homogeneously fast muscle: Only fibres with high ATPase activity were identified and no fibres with "en grappe" or multiple innervation were observed. The slow characteristics were suggested to be due to visco-elastic elements in the middle ear. The chicken stapedius muscle is suggested to be analogous to both the stapedius and the tensor tympani of mammals.


Transverse diameter of chest and heart after birth asphyxia in the newborn infant. The transverse diameter of the chest and heart was measured in 745 newborn infants after birth asphyxia. Both diameters showed a good correlation with birth weight. The great individual variations of the measurements were due to different degrees of birth asphyxia observed in the infants and to their different responses to compensate asphyxia. A wet lung and an increased transverse diameter of the chest (above the 90th percentile) indicate a good, and a decreased transverse diameter of the chest (bellow the 10th percentile) indicate a bad prognosis for survival. The cardiomegaly usually disappears after the first 12 hours of life, but in some cases it persists for more than 5 days, depending on the severity of birth asphyxia.


Partial purification and properties of bovine heart catalase. Catalase was partially purified (about 380-fold purification) from the post-mitochondrial supernatant of bovine heart and compared with catalases from bovine erythrocytes and bovine liver. The electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel (pH 8.0) of heart catalase was the same as that of erythrocyte catalase and was smaller than that of the liver enzyme. The heart catalase was indistinguishable from erythrocyte catalase in regard to the molecular weights of subunit polypeptides, the inhibition patterns produced by several catalase inhibitors, and specific activity. The pH-activity curve of heart catalase consisted of a characteristic biphasic pattern with a peak at pH 7.5 and a shoulder at pH 10.


Fibroma of the urinary bladder: a light and ultrastructural study of a case with review of the literature in Japan. A hard fibroma of the urinary bladder was found in an autopsy case of a 69 year-old female. The tumor, 10x9x6 cm, occurred in the superior wall of the bladder. Ultrastructurally, the principal cells of the tumor were myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts and fibrocytes were also present. Including our case, the number of reported cases of pure fibroma of the urinary bladder in Japan is 12. These are reviewed briefly.


Existence of serum HBe antigen and expression of liver HB surface and core antigens in hepatitis type B patients. A study of 52 liver biopsies (47 hepatitis type B and 5 asymptomatic carriers) was performed to clarify the roles of HBe antigen (HBeAg), HB surface antigen (HBsAg) and HB core antigen (HBcAg). In this study, the Gudat classification was modified so as to classify the patterns of HB antigens into six reaction types including: type O (negative for both liver HBsAg and liver HBcAg), type III-A (characterized by a spotty HBsAg pattern) and type III-B (characterized from a sub-lobular to lobular HBsAg localization pattern). This classification enabled accurate prediction of the prognosis of hepatitis. Patients with positive serum HBeAg had either minimal hepatitis with mild clinical features or chronic aggressive hepatitis with severe clinical features. Ten patients negative for both HBeAg and HBeAb were all positive for liver HBcAg. In all 3 patients on corticosteroid administrations liver tissue was markedly positive for HBcAg and serum was usually positive for HBeAb.


Co-existence of inhibitory and stimulatory factors modulating cell proliferation in rat liver cytoplasm. Factors that inhibit and stimulate cell proliferation were found to coexist in rat liver supernatant. The inhibitory and stimulatory factors were separated by ethanol fractionation. Both factors were sensitive to heat- and trypsin-treatment. The activity of the inhibitor was diminished by partial hepatectomy. The inhibitor from normal livers inhibited DNA and RNA synthesis in the L-cell system, but the same fraction from regenerating livers caused little or no inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis. The stimulatory factor from regenerating livers had a stronger effect on cell proliferation than that of normal livers. Furthermore, the inhibitor from normal livers depressed DNA synthesis in vivo in regenerating livers.


Effect of Litoralon on the development of goblet cells of the intestinal mucosa during metamorphosis of the frog. Gamma-L-glutmyl-taurine (Litoralon), a recently detected hormone of parathyroid gland, accelerates maturation of the gut of frog larvae and, similarly as vitamin A, it stimulates the synthesis of polysaccharides.


The Arthus reaction in rats, a possible test for anti-inflammatory and antiheumatic drugs. The Arthus reaction is an immunologically induced inflammatory response characterized by immune complex deposition, complement fixation, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and tissue damage. Many of these same pathological tissue alterations are found in the lesions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The similarities between the reversed passive Arthus reaction (RPAR) and RA led us to investigate the usefulness of the RPAR in the search for new antirheumatic agents. The RPAR was elicited in the skin of rats using chicken ovalbumin and the IgG fraction of rabbit anti-ovalbumin. Paramethasone, hydrocortisone, indomethacin, pirprofen, sulfinpyrazone, thalidomide and theophylline all gave significant inhibition of the RPAR. Ibuprofen, naproxen, cyprohepatadine and cromolyn sodium were inactive, while phenylbutazone and ASA exhibited a dose-dependent effect. The data show that the Arthus reaction, which is the result of the complex interaction of many factors, can be affected either generally or selectively at different time intervals by various therapeutic agents. The RPAR in rats may prove useful in detecting new therapeutic agents for the treatment of RA.


Humoral factors of local immunity in shigellosis. Secretory immunoglobulins and antibodies were studied in dysentery patients of various age groups and in healthy persons. It is established that the level of IgA (mostly sIgA)) in coprofiltrates of patients is considerably increased and that the local production of sIgA starts very short (in 2--3 days) after the beginning of the disease. Specific coproantibodies are chiefly sIgA-antibodies. Increase of IgG in coprofiltrates is observed at early stages of the disease and is evidently due to transudation of serum proteins through the damaged mucosal membrane. High concentration of IgM is found mostly in coprofiltrates of children and is evidently the result of its local synthesis. -- Local immune response in shigellosis develops independently of systemic antibody formation. Increase of serum IgA level and appearance of sIgA-antibodies in sera of patients show the participation of local antibody forming system in formation of systemic immunity in intestinal infections.


Examination of the immunocompetent cell composition of contact dermatitis. Methods for liberating infiltrative dermal cells and measuring antigen-dependent chromatin birefringence in them. Infiltrating cells from the dermis can be literated without serious damage to the cell surface by cautious enzymatic treatment in a cell extractor. A new rapid method has been worked out measuring lymphocyte stimulation by detecting changes in the chromatin's birefringence. The chromatin's anisotropy depended upon antigen concentration, incubation time at 37 degrees and was unsignificantly influenced by the samples' cellularity, between 4 x 10(5) and 4 x 10(7) cells per ml. Therefore, it was concluded that the stimulated lymphocytes in the eczematous infiltrate can be detected by birefringence after incubating for 30 min with proper concentrations of the antigen.


[On the influence of thiocyanates on the delayed immune response in intact and epinephrectomised guinea pigs (author's transl)]. Daily application of 32 mg/kg sodium thiocynate from 1--11th respectively 12th--21st experimental day causes in epinephrectomised guinea pigs at the 26th experimental day an inhibition of cell-mediated immune response (sensitization was induced by intraperitoneal injection of horse serum at the 5th and 7th experimental day). The inhibition of cell-mediated immune response could be demonstrated by means of migration inhibition of spleen cells. Epinephrectomy was performed by operation procedures twice a week. Gluco- and mineralocorticoids were applied supplementary. -- Also other proved thiocyanates respectively compounds with thiocyanate groups such as potassium thiocyanate, ammonium thiocyanate and d,1-2-imino-3.4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-thiacolidinhydrothiocyanate showed the same effect. The results are only pointed out in intact animals, but distinct in epinephrectomised guinea pigs. Finally a significant weaker effect, but of the same kind was observed by potassium- and sodium iodate. Every used dose of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide suppress the migration inhibition. The influence of 2-iminothiacolidin-4-carbon acid and desoxycorticosteronacetat on the migration inhibition is different and depends on the antigen dose applied for sensitization. -- Simulated daily injections undertaken in form of stitches and application of aqua destillata are inefficacious.


[3H-thymidine-paper strip-counting of in vitro lymphocyte transformation. II. Specific antigens in the whole blood assay (author's transl)]. Erythrocytes did not influence the harvesting procedure or the paper strip counting method in a liquid scintillation counter using the whole blood assay of lymphocyte transformation test. The leucocyte-erythrocyte-ratio influences the blastogenesis in vitro. Only 1--2 ml of peripheral blood are necessary to proof lymphocyte reactivity to mitogens or antigens. The storage of the blood is possible over a period of 24 hours (4 degrees C) if the absolute lymphocytes count remains constant.


[Immunological investigations of house-dust and house-dust mites. Part III. A simplified basophil degranulation test. Preliminary communication (author's transl)]. The basophil degranulation test (BDT) after Shelley has been simplified and tried on patients allergic to house-dust or to house-dust mites. All 20 patients reacted to the mite extracts and 19 out of 20 to the house dust extracts. Out of 20 control persons 17 had negative results to the mite extract and 16 to the house-dust extract. The advantages of this new simplified method are discussed.


[Studies on the control of IgM-antibody synthesis V. Affinity of anti-DNP antibodies in carps immunized with DNP-ficoll (author's transl)]. The dynamics of affinity of anti-DNP antibodies of carps immunized with T cell independent DNP-Ficoll was studied during the immune response. The intrinsic affinity (KO) of antibodies to monovalent epsilon-DNP-lysine is 10(5)--10(6)M-1 and does not change significantly in course of the immunisation. The affinity of tetrameric IgM antibodies to multivalent DNP-T4 conjugate is only 10(2)--10(3)-fold greater than to monovalent hapten, contrary to about 10(6)-fold higher values following immunisation with T cell-dependent antigens. The functional affinity (KF) increases during immune response slightly. KO and KF or antibodies are dependent on antigen dose. High antigen doses elicite antibodies with higher affinity.


Elevation of ventricular defibrillation threshold in dogs by antiarrhythmic drugs. Effects of antiarrhythmic drugs upon the threshold delivered energy (TDE) and threshold peak current (TPC) for electrical ventricular defibrillation by damped sinusoidal shocks were investigated in 25 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. TDE and TPC were increased by the three antiarrhytmic drugs tested. Bolus injections produced a transient rise and continuous infusions produced a steady rise in difibrillation threshold. The maximal percent elevations in mean defibrillation threshold during the 60 minutes after intravenous drug treatment in groups of n = 5 dogs were: (formula: see text). Accordingly, individuals receiving antiarrhythmic drugs who nonetheless fibrillate may require greater electric shock strength for defibrillation.


Ischemic heart disease secondary to amyloidosis of intramyocardial arteries. Among 108 patients with cardiac amyloidosis studied at autopsy between 1889 and 1977 there were 5 (4.6 percent) with severe occlusive amyloid deposits in intramyocardial arteries. The hearts of all five patients showed focal subendocardial ischemic injury, and the vessels supplying these areas had either complete or near complete luminal obliteration by amyloid. Clinically, four patients had congestive heart failure; one of these patients also had arrhythmias and one had angina pectoris. Neither the clinical nor the pathologic features of ischemic heart diseases could be attributed to disease of the epicardial coronary arteries. Amyloidosis of the intramyocardial arteries appears to be capable of producing localized areas of ischemic necrosis and may produce intractable congestive heart failure due to multiple areas of ischemic injury.


Dilatation of the descending aorta: a radiologic and echocardiographic diagnostic sign in arteriovenous malformations in neonates and young infants. Eleven infants with arteriovenous malformations were admitted to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children between 1970 and 1978. Dilatation of the descending aorta was seen in the chest roentgenogram in 8 of the 11 patients. Echocardiography used in the two most recent cases revealed approximation of the descending aorta to the posterior left atrial and left ventricular wall in association with generalized cardiomegaly. The most frequently reported radiologic findings in infants with arteriovenous malformations are cardiomegaly, increased pulmonary vasculature and a widened superior mediastinum. These findings can accompany other congenital malformations of the heart, but the radiographic and echocardiographic findings of a dilated descending aorta appear to be more specifically associated with arteriovenous malformations in the neonate and infant.


Reproductive risk of t(13q14q) carriers: case report and review. We report a four-generation kindred with a balanced 13q14q Robertsonian translocation. The proband had the Down sydrome, due to trisomy of chromosome 21; he also carried the balanced D-group translocation. S segregation analysis of 86 sibships was performed to examine the risk of t(13q14q) carrier parents having trisomy 21, 47,XXY, or trisomy 13 children by which a number of families were ascertained. None of these disorders recurred after birth of the propositi. The frequency of abortions was not different from that of the general population. The conditional segregation ratio for balanced translocation carriers among the phenotypically normal offspring of carrier parents was  0.55 +/- 0.04.


Electrocoagulation of pelvic endometriotic lesions with laparoscopic control. Twenty-eight patients presenting with initial complaints of infertility or chronic pelvic pain were found to have pelvic endometriosis at laparoscopy. Destruction of the endometriotic lesions by means of electrocoagulation was performed via laparoscopy in a group of 19 patients. The remaining nine patients did not undergo such management. In the treatment group, seven of the 11 patients with chronic pain experienced complete relief of their symptoms, and six of the eight patients with infertility became pregnant postoperatively. Patients in the control group had a less favorable outcome. Only one of five patients with chronic pain had relief and one of four patients with infertility became pregnant following laparoscopy without cauterization. Electrocoagulation of pelvic endometriotic lesions under laparoscopic control appears to be satisfactory for the management of selected patients with chronic pelvic pain or infertility.


Acid mucopolysaccharides of congenitally defective, rheumatic, and normal human aortic valves. The qualitative nature, total amount, and relative proportion of various acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPSs) found in congenitally defective (bicuspid), young rheumatic, and normal aortic valvular tissue were compared. No differences in the qualitative nature of AMPSs were found in any of the aortic tissues studies; hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate B, and chondroitin sulfate A/C were the primary AMPS components, with a trace amount of heparin. Congenitally defective aortic valves showed increasing amounts of calcification, a lowering of total AMPS content, and an alteration in the relative proportions of various AMPS with advancing age, as compared with age-matched normal aortic valves. The total AMPS content of rheumatic aortic valves from individuals under the age of 21 years was found to be significantly higher than that of age-matched normal controls. In addition, these rheumatic aortic valves showed an alteration in AMPS composition that was similar to that of congenitally defective aortic valves obtained from older individuals. These observations suggest nonspecific changes in the AMPS composition caused by chronic tissue damage, calcification, and fibrosis.


Pediatric cancer survival and marriage: issues affecting adult adjustment. Of 36 men and women, now aged 21 or older, who were treated for cancer as children, 20 have married. As part of a long-term follow-up, 13 of their spouses were interviewed about the effects of cancer on the patient and on their marriage. Comparison of patient's physical limitations, visible impairments, and psychiatric adjustment ratings indicated significant differences between patients who have married or become engaged and those who have not married.


The ultrastructure of the capsule of the neuromuscular spindles from Python reticulatus (Schneid.). The capsule of the neuromuscular spindles in the lower costocutaneous muscles from Python reticulatus (Schneid.) has been studied at the electron microscope. As in other vertebrate species, the capsule is divisible into 2  components, i.e. an inner and an outer capsule, which display a very similar structure. Moreover, it has been possible to bring to light the continuity of the outer capsule with the cells and fibres of the perineural sheath enveloping the sensory and motory fibres. The capsule cells exhibit a number of pinocytotic vesicles, profiles of granular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, glycogen particles and Golgi complexes. The presence of these structures points to the secretory and transport activities performed by the spindle capsule in the control of the composition of the intracapsular fluid.


Efficacy of albendazole for treatment of naturally acquired nematode infections in Washington cattle. Albendazole, methyl 5-propylthio-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate, was given as a bolus (7.68 to 8.18 mg/kg of body weight) to cattle naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms in a controlled trial. Over 99% of adult Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus longispicularis, Cooperia oncophora, Nematodirus helvetianus, and Dictyocaulus viviparus were removed by the treatment. Efficacy against immature O ostertagi, early fourth-stage O ostertagi, and Oesophagostomum radiatum was 95.2%, 86.6%, and 96.7%, respectively. In a field trial, the same compound administered in a paste formulation (at approximately 7.5 mg/kg) eliminated over 99% of strongylin and Moniezia eggs from feces of treated cattle.


[Two new cases of allergy to tartrazine (author's transl)]. Two patients developed allergy to tartrazine, and the symptoms, as in most such cases, were related to the skin and mucous membranes. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the basophil degranulation test. These observations underline the intrication of food substances and medications in the genesis of these accidents and demonstrate the notion of a quantitative contribution of food additives. The author discusses the frequency of these allergies to this colouring substance, and restates the position, which has just been taken by the Academy of Medicine, with the objective of prohibiting the use of tartrazine E 102 in food substances.


Hereditary and acquired cardiomyopathies in experimental animals: mechanical, biochemical, and structural features. Evidence has been presented regarding alterations of contractile behavior muscle biochemistry, and ulstrastructure during the course of the hereditary hamster cardiomyopathy. Also, preliminary structural and mechanical data were presented on the acquired cardiomyopathy of diabetes mellitus in experimental animals. In the hamster model, contractile performance, measured as isometric tension and rate of tension development, was shown to be depressed throughout the course of the disease, whereas normalized force-velocity relationships returned to normal only during the compensated stages of hypertrophy. Force-frequency relationships were depressed in myopathic muscles, indicating the presence of alterations in the muscle activation system, namely, the biochemical and functional integrity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of the contractile proteins in myopathic muscle has revealed depressions of Ca2+ activity in purified myosin in addition to an independently increased neutral protease activity that results in the specific degradation of LC2 of myosin. Sympathetic time and norepinephrine turnover increase progressively during the course of the disease. These changes are accompanied by decreasing tissue levels of neorepinephrine and increasing levels of dopamine, indicating a shift in the rate-limiting step for norepinephrine synthesis. Alterations were also noted in nuclear protein composition and serotonin levels. Microscopically, the myolytic and calcification changes that characterize the hamster cardiomyopathy have been confirmed. In addition, contraction bands and lysosomal changes have been observed that may relate to cateholamine hypersensitivity. In the experimental model of diabetic cardiomyopathy, a significant alteration in relaxation process was demonstrated despite the fact that peak tension development and its rate of development were unaltered. Also, the length dependence of contractile behavior was altered when compared to that of age-matched controls, indicating a potential loss of contractility reserve. When animals with combined hypertension and diabetes were studied, bothe contraction and relaxation processes were affected to a greater degree.


Adenylate cyclase in muscular dystrophy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the previously reported differences in adenylate cyclase activity between the sarcolemma of normal and dystrophic chick muscles are also found in the SR, to search for a possible relationship between the adenylate cyclase changes and the pathophysiology of dystrophy, and to investigate whether the findings can be extended to Duchenne human muscular dystrophy by studying the adenylate cyclase and ATPase activities of erythrocyte ghosts from DMD patients and carriers. Microsomes were separated by standard techniques from the pectoralis muscles of normal and dystrophic ckeckens of various ages. The microsomal yields were significantly larger in dystrophic muscles. Adenylate cyclase activities in dystrophic microsomes were higher than those in matched controls and increased with the progression of the disease. The ratio between the two rose from one at 2 weeks of age to nine at about 9--10 weeks. Kinetic analyses showed that the ks for MgATP2- was about 40 microM (at 3 mM Mg2+ and 0.3 mM Ca2+) both in normal and dystrophic microsomes, that calcium caused umcompetitive inhibition of the enzyme (Ki = 0.2 mM), that the effect of calcium was noncooperative (Hill coefficient, nH = 1), that calcium did not affect the cooperativity for MgATP2-, and that magnesium competitively removed the calcium inhibition and caused additional, cooperative stimulation of the enzymatic activity (ka = 1.5 mM; NH =2). The major difference between normal and dystrophic adenylate cyclase was a higher enzymatic velocity in the latter, suggesting a larger amount of enzyme. We investigated whether altered cAMP levels may effect calcium accumulation. Calcium uptake measured (in the presence of oxalate) at several ages revealed no difference between normal and dystrophic chickens. The extent of calcium binding was also similar, although the kd for Ca2+ was lower in dystrophic microsomes. Binding was enhanced in the presence of exogenous protein kinase, but the responses of normal and dystrophic tissues were similar. We concluded that the elevation of adenylate cyclase in dystrophy was not related to microsomal calcium accumultion. Ivestigation of the localization of microsomal adenylate cyclase supported this view. Separation of calcium-loaded microsomes on a discontinuous sucrose gradient into four fractions demonstrated that adenylate cyclase activity, measured in the presence of Lubrol-PX and EGTA, was inversely related to calcium-accumulating activity. Na+, K+-ATPase comigrated with adenylate cyclase. Highest specific activities were found in the lightest fraction. These observations were confirmed by histochemical studies. The reaction product from adenylate cyclase activity was present predominantly in the terminal cisternae of the SR. In the context of the literature, our findings suggest that the rises in adenylate cyclase and Na+, K+-ATPase in avian dystrophy are compensatory changes, elicited by a defect in ECC at the calcium release step...


[Metronidazole therapy in rosacea (author's transl)]. Metronidazole was administered (500 mg daily the first month, 250 mg daily the second month and, in some cases, 250 mg every other day the following months) to 62 patients suffering from rosacea or perioral dermatitis. 90 p. 100 of them improved within 2 months and Metronidazole was particularly effective against papulo-pustules. Relapses after interruption of treatment seemed to be less frequent than with Tetracycline therapy. Side-effects (gastro-intestinal disturbances) occurred in few patients but long-term tolerance remains uncertain. So, the length of treatment was less than 6 months and the drug was not given to pregnant women.


[Studies on the conidial differentiation of "Neurospora crassa" -- VII. -- Alcoholic regulation and conidiogenous capacity (wild-type and "fluffy" mutant) (authors transl)]. Sucrose consumption by the wild-type Neurospora crassa is quicker, with much more ethanol produced, in the ammonium medium than in nitrate as single N source. On low sugar concentration which is quickly nullified, little alcohol is produced and early conidiation can develop. The higher the initial sugar concentration, the higher is the alcoholigenic coefficient defined as the efficiency of alcoholic glycolysis per unit of sugar consumed, and the more complete is the conidial "repression" in ammonium medium. The nitrate counteracts this catabolic repression effect and, depressing the alcoholigenic coefficients, permits conidiation even on high sugar (8 %) medium. The "fluffy" mutant produces relatively less ethanol (average 2-3 times less) in all cases even though it increases its alcoholigenic coefficient with the increased sugar concentration. Surprisingly, it is not induced to alcoholigenic glycolytic disinhibition by ammonium and produces even more alcohol in nitrate than in ammonium media, thus revealing an inability to benefit from the antiglycolytic, normally conidiogenous, effect of nitrate. Suggestion is made that this amacroconidial mutant is defective in its metabolic regulation related to the Pasteur effect which is required for conidiogenic expression in the wild type.


[Oral treatment with tretinoin: andrological, trichological, ophthalmological findings and effects on acne (author's transl)]. Twelve patients (20 +/- 2 years) with acne vulgaris were treated orally with 20-30 mg/day tretinoin (vitamin A acid) over 90-300 days. Various laboratory tests were performed to rule out unwanted pharmacological side effects. Tretinoin therapy was well tolerated except for minor complaints of dryness around the mucous membranes of mouth and nose. The acne remained unchanged. All laboratory tests were unremarkable except for a significant rise of ejaculate volume. Other sperm parameters, trichological, ophthalmological as well as blood and urine analyses showed no measurable effects of tretinoin therapy.


[Risks and long-term results or tricuspid monovalvular replacement, using a ball or disk prosthesis. Apropos of 21 cases]. 21 patients (15 with stage IV and 6 with stage III symptoms by the NYHA classification) underwent monovalvular tricuspid replacement with a ball or disc prosthesis for varying tricuspid pathology, bacterial endocarditis in half the cases, between June 1964 and July 1973. Hospital mortality was 29 p. 100 (6 patients), medium-term mortality, nil. There were 23 survivors (62 p. 100) with an average follow up of 7 years (range 5 years to 10 years 4 months), 12 of whom recovered to stage I disability by the NYHA classification after the first postoperative year. 12 patients are on long-term anticoagulant therapy and 3 on diuretic or digitalo-diuretic therapy. The main complications observed were 2 prosthetic thromboses and 3 haemorrhages for 1095 patient-months. The results are to be compared with those bioprostheses, which, not requiring anti-coagulant therapy, may tend to supplant ball and disc prostheses.


Microbiological transformations. XI. The use of immobilized Rhodotorula mucilaginosa cells to reduce some ketones. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa cells were immobilized by polymerizing acrylamide with the addition of a cross-linked agent, a catalyst and an initiator. This gel was used for the stereospecific reduction of acetophenone and alpha-acetylnaphthalene resulting chromatographically pure alcohols with absolute configuration S. When karen-3-dion-2,5 was used as substrate, four products were obtained. Androstenolone was reduced with 30% yield. Activity of the immobilized cells could be regenerated by glucose.


[Pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular partition wall. Surgical treatment of a case with duramater ceiling]. It is presented a pulmonary artresia case with untouched interventricular partition wall surgically treated. It was established the continuity between right ventricle and pulmonary artery's trunk with duramater ceiling, for which it was made a pulmonary valve. Postoperation evolution was excelent and it was obteined a frank diminution of the right ventricle's systolic pression. It is discussed about therapeutic conducts in this kind of congenital badformation.


Outcome of comprehensive medical rehabilitation: measurement by PULSES profile and the Barthel Index. In view of current emphasis on evaluation of benefits derived from rehabilitation programs, it is important that there be easily replicated measures for demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided, as well as for transmitting information on patient functional status when transferring service responsibilities from one agency or facility to another. The authors used the PULSES profile and the Barthel index to measure severity of disability and to monitor rehabilitation progress in a heterogeneous sample of 307 severely disabled persons in 10 comprehensive medical rehabilitation centers, geographically selected. Gains in functional independence were registered for up to 2 years after admission. Cutting points of PULSES score totals or Barthel score totals distinguished the degree of severity of disability. The 2 scoring modalities appear valid, reliable, and sensitive for describing functional abilities and change over a period of time. They can be applied both to medical records and direct observations, and staff of medical facilities can readily be trained in their use.