[Temporal and spatial fluctuations in the count of soil bacteria considered by a luminescence method]. Spatial and temporal (within a day or a month and daily) variations in the number of bacteria in soddy-podzolic soil were determined by the direct count of cells under the luminescent microscope. No reliable change in the number of bacteria in soil was detected in the course of a day whereas the effect of the spatial factor was statistically significant. Daily increases and decreases in the number of bacteria were registered only in the summer. Seasonal changes in the number of bacterial population were considerable (4--5 times).


Results from a multicentre trial of metoprolol and a study of hypertensive patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Ninety-nine patients took part in a multicentre, long-term study of metoprolol in the treatment of hypertension. Significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate were achieved by the use of metoprolol alone, or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Side effects were similar to those seen with other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, except that bronchospasm and cold extremities were rarely encountered. Results of monitoring for the abnormal eye symptoms and antinuclear factor titre are discussed. In a second study, 14 hypertensive patients with asthma (11 patients) or history thereof (three patients), received metoprolol for their hypertension. In general, no significant change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was found, despite significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. The concomitant use of a beta2-agonist is discussed.


Effective protection against influenza after vaccination with subunit vaccine. Immunization with an influenza subunit vaccine given in one dose about 1 month to 2 months before onset of an epidemic of influenza afforded from 80% to 90% protection in a double-blind clinical trial which was supported by isolation of virus and serological studies. In the vaccinated group, 20% failed to develop antibodies to the vaccine. Either serology tests or attempted isolation of virus alone would have failed to detect some of the cases.


The interaction between ethanol and antihistamines. 1: Dexchlorpheniramine. Thirteen paid student volunteers (9 male, 4 female) were used in a double-blind crossover experiment to investigate the effects of a therapeutic dose of dexchlorpheniramine alone, and in combination with a social dose of ethanol on perceptual, cognitive and motor functions. Both ethanol (0.75 g/kg) and dexchlorpheniramine (4 mg/70 kg) were given orally. Although a synergistic effect of dexchlorpheniramine with ethanol was only observed in some of the tests, a delayed recovery from the effects of the combination was noted. Subjective data indicated that the sedative effects of dexchlorpheniramine were more pronounced in the presence of ethanol.


[Bacterial toxins as cause of sudden infant death (author's transl)]. At post-mortems held on cot-death infants, the cause of death can be established as a variety of pathological changes.  Inflammationin the region of the respiratory tract, in particular in the lungs;infections of the gastrointestinal tract; otitis media; shift of electrolytes-recently also the so-called yellow fat ect., can in association with the data on the anamnesis in many cases, through the assumption of bacterio-enterotoxin poisoning, which takes a different course in infants, to that in older children or adults, be traced back to a common origin. Extensive inquiries before the post-mortem, are as much indispensable prerequisites forthe clarification of the cause of sudden death as are the actual post-mortem and the ensuing investigations which must be carried out in the same way.


Tube carbohydrate assimilation method for the rapid indentification of clinically significant yeasts. Yeasts have gained greater recognition in the past several years as being the cause of significant infections. We modified and evaluated a carbohydrate assimilation test to identify yeast isolates rapidly and accurately. The 192 clinical isolates used in this study included 20 species of the genera Candida, Cryptoccoccus, Saccharomyces, Torulopsis, Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, and Geotrichum. The method achieved 95% agreement with standard Wickerham assimilation results, and 97% of the isolates were correctly identified with the aid of a few auxilliary tests. The method is rapid, reliable, and versatile in its use.


Use of a rapid fermentation test for indentification of anaerobic bacteria. Rapid fermentation tests of carbohydrates were performed on 84 strains of anaerobic bacteria, and the result is compared with a commercially available micromultitest, API. An overall correlation of 87% was achieved between the two systems. The rapid fermentation test is easy to perform, since it is done aerobically, and easy to read. This study shows that RFT is useful in routine diagnosis of anaerobic bacteria, if it is used in combination with other relevant biochemical tests, morphologic examination, and gas chromatography.


[Affinity modification of Escherichia coli ribosomes in the region of the mRNA-binding center by a heptauridylate analog bearing a chemically active group at the 3' end]. 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzaldehyde acetyl derivative (RCL-derivative) of hepatauridylic acid was used to localize the structure organizing the mRNA-binding site of ribosomes. This derivative; like a free oligonucleotide, stimulates the binding of [14C]phenylalanyl-tRNA to ribosomes and effectively alkylates ribosomes, mainly the 30S subunit within the specific complex. The alkylation being completely inhibited by preincubation with polyuridylic acid, suggests that the chemical alteration occurs near the mRNA-binding site. Both rRNA and proteins undergo modification in the 30S subunit (15 and 85% of the total 30S subunit, respectively). The radioactive marked was found in fractions of proteins S18, S9 and S1.


[Peptidyltransferase center of ribosomes. II. Effect of temperature on the activity of model peptide donors and a study of oligopeptide formation in a matrix-free system with ribosomes]. The reaction of 3'(2')-O-(N-formylmethionyl)-adenosine 5'-phosphate with Phe-tRNA or CACCA-Phe catalysed with E. coli MRE-600 ribosomes and stimulated with cytidine 5'-phosphate was investigated. It was shown that the reaction with Phe-tRNA was stimulated within 2--3 times when the temperature has been raised from 0 to 40 degrees. On the contrary when the peptide acceptor was CACCA-Phe the yield of peptides synthesis dropped 5 times and more under the same conditions. Similar temperature influence was observed in the reaction with 50S subunits. The inhibition of peptide bond formation with pA and CpA at 0 degrees was achieved up to 80--90% but it was very low at 40 degrees. The synthesis of tri- and tetrapeptides was observed when the reaction of 3'(2')-O-(N-formylmethionyl)-adenosine 5'-phosphate was carried out either with Phe-tRNA or with CACCA-Phe.


[Sequence of events in the process of factor-promoted translocation in the ribosome]. A system of translation of matrix-bound poly(U) by purified Escherichia coli ribosomes was used to obtain pre-translocation state ribosomes in columns and then to induce translocation under controlled conditions by passing the elongation factor G (EF-G) with the non-cleavable GTP analog (guanylyl-methylene diphosphonate). It has been shown that translocation in the ribosome, checked by the release of deacylated tRNA, as well as by the puromycin reaction, is induced by the attachment of EF-G (with the non-cleavable GTP analog) to the ribosome and not by its detachment. In accordance with this, the ionic conditions under which the affinity of EF-G with the GTP analog to the ribosome is increased (NH4Cl instead of KCl, a lowered ionic strength) have been also found to be more effective for translocation. On the other hand, it has been shown that the detachment (removal) of EF-G is a strict pre-requisite for the appearance of competence to bind the next aminoacyl-tRNA, and thus for a continuation of the elongation cycle. A conclusion is made that the mechanical shifts of products and substrates, such as peptidyl-tRNA and deacylated tRNA, within the ribosome in the process of translocation are promoted only by the affinity of EF-G to the ribosome and does not depend on the cleavage of GTP. On the basis of the results obtained, the following sequence of events is deduced for the process of EF-G-promoted translocation: 1) interaction of EF-G.GTP with the pre-translocative ribosome, 2) translocation displacements of products and substrates, including the release of deacylated tRNA (probably conjugated with the shift of mRNA), 3) GTP hydrolysis, 4) release of EF-G and GTP from the post-translocated ribosome.


Screening of safrole, eugenol, their ninhydrin positive metabolites and selected secondary amines for potential mutagenicity. The mutagenicity of safrole, eugenol, the secondary amines, with which they combine during metabolism,  and the ninhydrin positive urinary metabolites of safrole and eugenol was tested. The panel of tests included the direct bacterial assay, a microsomal mutagenesis assay and a host-mediated assay. With the direct bacterial assay employing four mutant strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA1530, TA1531, TA1532, TA1964), all the compounds gave negative results. In the microsomal mutagenesis assay, employing the same four mutant strains, safrole and safrole metabolite II were mutagenic with strains TA1530 and TA1532. Dimethylamine was also found to be a weak mutagen in the microsomal mutagenesis assay with strain TA1530. Safrole and safrole metabolite II were also mutagenic in the host-mediated assay with strains TA1950 and TA1952. Negative results were observed for safrole metabolites I and III, eugenol, eugenol metabolites I and II, piperidine, pipecolic acid, proline, and pyrrolidine in all three assay systems.


Lack of mutagenicity and putative carcinogenicity of several novel benzopyrene derivatives. Several novel benzopyrene derivatives with the same gross structure and the same electronic periphery  as benzo(a)pyrene, but with some alteration in the complete electronic structure, when tested in the Ame's Salmonella/microsome test (TA 1537, TA 100 and TA 98], were found to lack mutagenicity and, therefore, putative carcinogenicity.


Mutagenicity of N-nitrosopiperazine derivatives in Salmonella typhimurium. Mutagenicity of several nitroso derivatives of piperazine was assayed using histidine auxotrophic strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Nitroso derivatives of piperazine required metabolic activation with preference to phenobarbital induced rat-liver microsomal enzymes. We observed a good correlation between a positive effect in the mutation assay and the carcinogenic potency of the compound. Even though our results are not in complete agreement with earlier published work using several microbial mutation assay systems, the differences we observed demonstrate the predictive value of an in vitro activation system using S. typhimurium to detect carcinogenic compounds as mutagens.


The mutagenic screening of fourteen imidazo compounds using a modified Ames' test. Eight imidazo[1,2-alpha] pyrimidine derivatives and six cyclic guanidine derivatives were synthesized in order to study their physiological activity. Mutagenic effects were not detected with any compound in a modified Ames' Salmonella test using TA100, TA98, and TA1537, with or without S9. No inhibition of growth was observed with any test compound. Positive and negative controls behaved as expected.


A study of the mutagenicity of anesthetics and their metabolites. The commonly used volatile anesthetics, several of their metabolites, and drugs frequently employed by the anesthesiologist were screened for mutagenicity in the Salmonella/rat-liver microsomal assay system developed by Dr. B. Ames and his colleagues. Chloral hydrate, both a sedative and metabolite of trichloroethylene, was found to be weakly mutagenic. Other compounds testing including halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide were not mutagenic. Non-volatile compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit growth of bacterial strains with decreased capacity to repair damaged DNA. None of the compounds tested inhibited the growth of DNA-repair-deficient strains relative to a strain with normal DNA-repair. Halothane and trilene were tested for direct interaction with DNA; under the experimental conditions employed, no direct interaction of these compounds and DNA could be detected.


Mutagenicity of methylated N-nitrosopiperidines in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. N-Nitrosopiperidine (NP) and a number of methylated derivatives were examined for mutagenicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. NP, 2-methyl-NP, 3-methyl-NP, 4-methyl-NP and 3,5-dimethyl-NP were mutagens when metabolic activation (rat-liver microsomes) was provided. 2,6-Dimethyl-NP was not a mutagen. The NPs giving a positive response stimulated forward mutation to canavanine resistance (CAN1 leads to can1) and reversion of the his1-7 missense marker. Neither locus revertants nor suppressors of the lys1-1 ochre marker were induced, nor were revertants of the putative frameshift hom3-10.


The effect of hycanthone and maleic hydrazide on the frequency of micronuclei in the bone-marrow erythrocytes of mice. Male Swiss mice were assigned to 6 groups of either 3 or 4 animals each. 3 groups were given hycanthone methanesulfonate intraperitoneally, at 40, 80 or 120 mg/kg, respectively; the dose was repeated after an interval of about 24 h. At the same time 2 groups received maleic hydrazide at 100 or 200 mg/kg, and the remaining group was given dimethyl sulfoxide which was used as a solvent for both drugs. 6 h after the second injection, the mice were killed and bonemarrow preparations were made. Hycanthone induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei in the polychromatic erythrocytes and suppressed the P/N ratio significantly. However, there was no dose-response relationship. Maleic hydrazide, on the other hand, failed to influence the incidence of micronuclei or the ratio of poly- to normo-chromatic erythrocytes.


Caffeine concentrations in mice plasma and testicular tissue and the effect of caffeine on the dominant lethal test. Large groups of male Swiss mice received per os on average 100 mg caffeine per kg body weight per day for 1 or 8 weeks. The dominant lethal test was designed to achieve maximum sensitivity in order to detect any possible mutagenic effect. No mutagenic induction of dominant lethals, pre-implantation egg loss or depression of the fertility of females, caused by caffeine at the dose levels administered were observed. The half life of caffeine, which was between 2.5 and 3 h, was similar in plasma and testicular tissue. It was concluded that caffeine did not accumulate in the testicular tissue of mice. The maximum concentration of caffeine found was below 10 microgram/g testicular tissue, which is about a 100 times lower than concentrations that cause chromosome aberrations in cultured mammalian cells.


Cytogenetic and dominant lethal studies on captan. Possible mutagenic activity of captan was investigated by in vitro and in vivo cytogenetic studies and by the dominant lethal study in mice. In vitro cytogenetic study with cultured human diploid cells revealed a significant increase in the frequency of cells showing stickiness and a severe mitotic inhibition at concentrations of 3.0 and 4.0 microgram of captan per ml. although no chromosomal aberrations were observed. In in vivo cytogenetic study, no chromosomal aberrations were induced in the bone marrow cells of rats treated orally with captan at a single dose of 500, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg or at five consecutive doses of 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg/day. Dominant lethal study also failed to show any mutation induction after treatment of male mice with daily oral dose of 200 or 600 mg of captan per kg bw for five days.


A randomized trial of aspirin and sulfinpyrazone in threatened stroke. Five hundred and eighty-five patients with threatened stroke were followed in a randomized clinical trial for an average of 26 months to determine whether aspirin or sulfinpyrazone, singly or in combination, influence the subsequent occurrence of continuing transient ischemic attacks, stroke or death. Eighty-five subjects went on to stroke, and 42 died. Aspirin reduced the risk of continuing ischemic attacks, stroke or death by 19 per cent (P less than 0.05) and also reduced risk for the "harder," more important events of stroke or death by 31 percent (P less than 0.05), but this effect was sex-dependent: among men, the risk reduction for stroke or death was 48 per cent (P less than 0.005), whereas no significant trend was observed among women. For sulfinpyrazone, no risk reduction of ischemic attacks was observed, and the 10 per cent risk reduction of stroke or death was not statistically significant. No overall synergism or antagonism was observed between the two drugs. We conclude that aspirin is an efficacious drug for men with threatened stroke.


Inhibition of normal murine hematopoiesis by leukemic cells. Inhibition of normal mouse hemopoietic stem cells by leukemic cells (C1498) was observed with use of in vitro agar and in vivo diffusion-chamber cultures. The C1498 cells were unresponsive to colony-stimulating activity, and, above a critical threshold, they inhibited normal granulocyte progenitors in agar culture. C1498 cells added to normal marrow in diffusion chambers progressively reduced granulocyte progenitors. The larger, more rapidly growing, C1498 cells showed the most inhibitory effect. Transmembrane culture of C1498 cells adjacent to normal marrow in double diffusion chambers for five to 14 days led to reduction of recovery of granulocyte progenitors (72 +/- 7 per cent of control) and pluripotent stem cells (45 +/- 7 per cent of control) from the normal marrow chambers. These results indicate that leukemic mouse cells inhibit normal mouse-marrow stem cells by releasing a diffusible substance, and this inhibition occurs primarily at the level of the pluripotent stem cell.


Medicaid-funded private psychiatric care in New York City. The role of foreign-trained physicians. Data were obtained from the tax records and the Professional Registry maintained by the New York City Department of Health as well as from the Biographical Directory of the American Psychiatric Association to determine which psychiatrists were providing care under the Medicaid Program and how they compare with the pool of psychiatric practitioners in New York City. The data reveal that psychiatrists educated in foreign medical schools provide disproportionately more care to Medicaid recipients than would be anticipated from their numbers, and are a majority of those who received more than +30,000 in payments in 1976. Furthermore, these psychiatrists account for 80 per cent of those delivering care at the two largest "shared health facilities," commonly referred to as "Medicaid mills." These findings indicate that although the Title XIX Program has facilitated the access of the poor to the private psychiatric sector, in New York City their access is biased toward treatment by foreign-educated psychiatrists.


A mutation affecting the sigma subunit of RNA polymerase changes transcriptional specificity. The RNA polymerase mutation, alt-1, affects the sigma subunit and alters the in vitro selectivity of RNA polymerase to parallel the in vivo phenotype. We propose that the mutation changes the distribution of functionally distinct polymerase isomers.


Epidemiology and ecology of leishmaniasis in Latin-America. Of the diseases caused by protozoal parasites, leishmaniasis is probably second in importance only to malaria. Chemotherapeutic drugs are toxic, expensive and not 100% effective. This, and the absence of any non-living vaccine against the disease, means that control depends on eliminating either reservoirs or insect vectors, or both. Recently, a greatly increased knowledge of the Leishmania species involved, and of their natural hosts, has helped to define the nature and extent of the problem.


Identification of economically important parasites. The taxonomy of a parasite can be an important guide to its pathogenic characteristics. A wide range of anatomical, biochemical and behavioural tests is now being developed to define different strains and subspecies of the main tropical parasites.


The pathology, pathobiology and pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. Although the general pathology of schistosomiasis has been well understood for more than 70 years, it is only recently that it has been possible to analyse the disease at the molecular level and to understand the relationship between the number of parasites in an infected individual and the appearance of overt disease.


Cultivation of malarial parasites.

Cultivation of malarial parasites. The method for continuous cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum has now been successfully applied to several strains from different geographical areas. It has been used for tests of antimalarial drugs, for studies of parasite-host cell interactions with special reference to sickle haemoglobin, and for the production of amounts of parasite sufficient for experimental immunisation of Aotus trivirgatus monkeys.


Chemotherapy of parasite infections.

Chemotherapy of parasite infections. Although several good antiparasitic agents are available, new drugs are needed for the treatment of diseases such as chloroquine-resistant malaria, Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis and filariasis. The 'semirational approach' should be the basis for their synthesis.


Fast and slow myosin in developing muscle fibres. Slow and fast isoenzymes of myosin coexist in all the fibres of a fast-twitch mammalian muscle during early development. They later become segregated into different populations of fibres. Slow myosin is most abundant when the speed of contraction of the muscle is slow and the fibres are multiply innervated; its synthesis in the majority of the fibres seems to be 'switched off' when the speed of contraction increases and the fibres become innervated by single motoneurones.


Toward drugs derived from cannabis.

Toward drugs derived from cannabis. Recent work aimed at the introduction of natural and synthetic cannabinoids as drugs is reviewed. Delta1-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta1-THC) is mainly investigated as a potential drug against glaucoma and asthma, and as an antiemetic agent in cancer chemotherapy. Cannabidiol is being tried in the clinic against epilepsy and as a hypnotic. Numerous synthetic cannabinoids are currently being investigated as analgetics and as sedative-relaxants.


[Principle and use of the radioimmunoassay]. Radioimmunologic assay techniques are superior to most analytical procedures with regard to sensitivity, precision, general applicability, and experimental simplicity. Both for diagnosis and for monitoring of therapy this method has greatly advanced our understanding of endocrine physiology. Besides its use in clinical chemistry, radioimmunoassay is also employed in pharmacology, toxicology, and in pharmacokinetics of new drugs.


Improvement of renal failure due to membranous glomerulonephritis after unsuccessful renal transplantation. Membranous glomerulonephritis is not usually considered to be responsive to steroid or cytotoxic therapy. This report describes a patient with advanced renal failure who responded to treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine, initially given as immunosuppression for a renal graft which did not function.


Fibrinogen and FDP-E antigen deposits in nephritic kidneys. Glomerular localization of fibrinogen reactive antigens (FRA) and fibrinogen degradation products reactive antigens (FDP-E) was investigated in 184 renal biopsy specimens of diseased kidneys by an immunofluorescent method. There was clear dissociation of FRA and neoantigen deposits in the glomeruli in a moderately active stage of acute glomerulonephritis, chronic glomerulonephritis and in all 5 cases of lipoid nephrosis. In lupus nephritis and membranous nephropathy there were almost coincident deposits of these antigens.


Ligandin in perfusates from transplanted kidneys: a test for tubular necrosis. Ligandin, an intracellular organic anion-binding protein, having glutathione-S-transferase activity, was detected in concentrated perfusing solutions from 8 of 13 kidneys preserved for homotransplantation. The presence of ligandin in the perfusate correlated well with oliguric acute renal failure following transplantation. Testing the perfusate for ligandin may be useful in predicting tubular damage in renal transplants.


[Delineation of brain tumors by stereo-impedo-encephalography (SIEG) (author's transl)]. Authors describe the SEEG technique which is routinely used during stereotactic investigations of brain tumors. By the way of the Talairach's stereoencephalographic electrodes, the brain tissue impedance is measured along the probe trajectory with a four electrode impedancemeter (0.25 mA; 5 KHz). The impedance profile provides a good pattern of the brain structures which are crossed; in pathological areas, the impedance significantly decreases as well in gliomas as in edema; cysts and CSF spaces also decrease the recorded impedance. As a contrary, metastases and meningiomas increase the impedance. SEEG appears to be a sharp method for stereotactic delineation of the brain tumors; a larger series as well as the real-imaginary decomposition of the impedance are needed for a best selectivity of the method.


[Suture threads in the pathology of the operated stomach]. Endoscopy following operations on the stomach showed inflammation or ulceration attributable to no-absorbable suture threads in a number of cases. The pathogenetic and clinical features of this picture are described. Complete remission was obtained after endoscopic removal of the foreign body.


[Lymphocytolysis caused by steroid hormones and antimitotic agents. Research performed at the School of Hematology in Ferrara]. Work done on steroid- and antimitotic-induced lymphocytolysis since the fifties by Baserga and his coworkers is reviewed. It has led to a morphological description of the stages involved in the lysis of circulating cells, and the estabilishment of the cytological and histological patterns of atrophy caused by such drugs, with particular reference to the thymus. A search is now being made for steroid-specific lymphocyte receptors. Reference is also made to Baserga's view that the damage caused by these drugs to lymph cells and lymphatic vessels is a particular feature of "aregenerative disease" within the wider framework of cell dysplasia caused by cytostatics.


[Goodpasture's syndrome. Observations on a case]. Following a review of the most recent aetiopathogenetic theories and therapeutic records of Goodpasture's syndrome, a personal case is reported. Stress is laid on the extreme clinical variability of the disease and on the role which disseminated intravascular clotting can have on its course.


[Treatment of initial cerebrovascular insufficiency with vincamine. Polycentric research on 828 cases]. The effect of vincamine on initial cerebrovascular insufficiency was examined by investigation of data relating to 828 patients from 11 centres. Most had received 6 tablets/day for 30 days. The method selected in gathering the data and their processing is described. Classic symptoms of initial insufficiency were considered after 7, 14, 21 and 30 days and evaluated along with a "seriousness" index relating to the symptomatology as a whole. The results pointed to continuous improvement in individual symptoms and overall from the outset of treatment, eventually leading to high remission percentages. Tolerance was generally good and very few cases of side-effects were reported.


Influence of protein intake and renal function on plasma amino acids in patients with renal impairment and after kidney transplantation. A group of 17 patients with chronic renal impairment and a group of 11 patients surviving for 3--7 years after kidney transplantation were examined. In all patients plasma amino acids were analyzed. The ratio of essential/nonessential amino acids, the valine/glycine ratio and Whitehead's quotient are influenced above all by the dietary protein intake. Raised citrulline and 3-methylhistidine values were not influenced by the protein intake, while they correlate with indicators of renal function. Changes detected after kidney transplantation are analogous.


Escherichia coli meningitis in the newborn: follow-up study. Followup study of 22 cases of meningitis due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the newborn period showed a mortality rate of 7 out of 22 (31.88%), severe physical and mental sequelae occurred in one case and mild to moderate sequelae in two others. Most psychometric tests were within normal range in the survivors examined. There was a correlation between low birth weight and a high CSF protein with adverse prognosis.


Prehistoric New Zealanders.

Prehistoric New Zealanders. The physical condition of prehistoric man in New Zealand is briefly surveyed. These were tall, robust Polynesian people living an active existence, and having an adequate diet. The mean life span of about 30 years for adults was short only by modern Western standards. A number of skeletal features, notably aspects of skull and long bone form, set them apart from other races of mankind.


A shortage of kidneys for transplant in New Zealand. There is a shortage of donor kidneys for transplantation in New Zealand. As a successful transplant is generally accepted to be superior to long-term haemodialysis as a treatment for chronic renal failure, efforts must be made to increase the supply of donor organs. Transplant centres in New Zealand are probably supplying near their maximum possible number of cadaver donors and it is not enough. The number of donors available could be greatly increased if peripheral hospitals took a more active part in donor supply. A further increase in the number of transplants in New Zealand each year would be expected if live related donor transplants were to become more common.


Diazepam, alcohol and drivers.

Diazepam, alcohol and drivers. Fifteen hundred drivers' blood samples have been analysed for the drug diazepam (Valium) over a three-year period. Of 1000 hospitalised drivers whose blood samples were forwarded to DSIR for alcohol analysis, diazepam was detected in 2.0% and alcohol in over 90%. Diazepam was found to a lesser extent in blood samples from 370 fatally injured drivers, and from 130 apprehended drivers who returned low blood alcohol levels. The significance of the levels of diazepam and its major metabolite in blood are discussed in relation to the blood alcohol level and consequent driving impairment.


Rape: sexual assault.

Rape: sexual assault. Forcible rape is a violent crime, as are all cases of sexual assault. In more than one-third of the cases, the victims are children, and a significant number of victims are elderly women. Although few of these victims have serious physical injuries, they all suffer psychological trauma that will affect their lives and the lives of those around them. All of these victims need medical care and psychologic counseling if they are to adjust and reenter society without difficulty.


Prophylactic use of cefazolin in monitored obstetric patients undergoing cesarean section. Prophylactic cefazolin was evaluated in high-risk obstetric patients who had invasive fetal monitoring and subsequent cesarean section. A three-dose regimen of either cefazolin or placebo was administered randomly in a double-blind manner to 93 patients, 48 receiving cefazolin and 45 placebo, with the first dose given when the cord was clamped. In the placebo group, 51% of the patients were treated for endomyometritis compared to 29% in the cefazolin group. The incidence of urinary tract and wound infections was similar in the 2 groups. One patient in the active drug group was diagnosed as having septic pelvic thrombophlebitis and received multiple antibiotics and heparin before she recovered. One patient in the placebo group required triple antibiotic therapy. Operation to control infection was not required in any patients and there were no maternal deaths. The cefazolin patients had fewer degree-hours of morbidity as calculated by the quantitative fever index (P less than 0.002). The perioperative use of cefazolin was efficacious in reducing the incidence of endomyometritis, but did not prevent serious postoperative pelvic infection.


The incidence of group B beta hemolytic streptococcus in antepartum urinary tract infections. Group B beta hemolytic streptococcus (GBBHS) is a potential pathogen for the urinary tract during pregnancy. At this medical center, 19 of 371 patients with urinary tract infection (5.1%) presented with Group B beta hemolytic streptococcus as the proven causative microorganism. This microorganism should not be considered only as a contaminant when isolated by urine culture.


The historic significance of circumcision. Understanding the importance of circumcision in the religious history of Western civilization provides an insight into why the surgical procedure is still so prevalent today. Circumcision appears as a motif in the religious literature of Western civilization throughout the ages. The history of the Jewish faith can be traced through the Old Testament by using the motif of circumcision. Some of the important theologic problems experienced in the early Christian church derived from the practice of circumcision, and the motif can be traced in the New Testament as well, especially in the writings of Paul.


Repair of defects of the eyelids and tarsal plates. Several new principles and operative procedures for repair of defects in the lid margin and tarsal plates are described. The results were satisfactory in all 50 cases treated by these procedures. Among these, 3 cases were successfully repaired with free composite tarsal plate grafts from the opposite normal eyes.


[Importance of the viability of the endothelium of corneal grafts]. Since we use a very strict control of the viability of the endothelium of the graft, we have no more failures in corneal grafting not even in cases with bad prognoses, such as Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. On the contrary, in corneal grafting without this control, we had failures in 20% of the cases.


Gonioscopy: uses old and new. The inheritance of occludable angles. The goniolens has become increasingly important in the practice of ophthalmology, For example, the treatment of angle closure and neovascular glaucoma is most effective in the earliest stages of the diseases, even prior to the onset of symptoms. Routine gonioscopy is essential if patients are to be provided optimum care. The critical nature of pressure gonioscopy is reviewed. The use of the goniolens to examine the corneal endothelium is described and recommended. Characterization of the configuration of the angle recess demands description of at least three aspects: (1) the angular approach to the recess, (2) the peripheral curvature of the iris, and (3) the point of insertion of the iris onto the ciliary body or endothelial surface. The nature of these three considerations is reviewed, as is their frequency in a normal population, in a group of ten people with definite 1 degree angle-closure glaucoma, and in 95 relatives of the subjects with angle-closure glaucoma. Marked anterior convexity of the peripheral iris appears to be highly correlated with the development of 1 degree angle closure. The three aspects of the angle configuration appear to be independently inherited. Gonioscopy of relatives of cases with 1 degree angle-closure glaucoma is highly recommended.


Long-term experience with timolol ophthalmic solution in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Timolol was used by 37 glaucoma patients from 1 to 18 months. Of those 37 patients, 31 used timolol for three months or longer and 7 used timolol for over one year. Timolol produced sustained reductions in intraocular pressure with continuous administration and did not induce miosis, accommodative spasm, or other annoying side effects. Systemic absorption produced a mild slowing of resting pulse rate. In some patients, timolol's ocular hypotensive effects are additive to miotics and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.


Etiology and diagnosis of bacterial postoperative endophthalmitis. It is necessary to determine if postoperative endophthalmitis is of infectious or sterile etiology. Intraocular contents should be cultured and were positive in 50% of 58 eyes tested at our institute with suspected postoperative endophthalmitis. The vitreous aspirate is more sensitive than the anterior chamber aspirate in making a diagnosis. The use of a membrane filter to concentrate vitreous samples obtained at vitrectomy increases diagnostic yield. Fifty percent of culture-positive eyes yielded gram-positive organisms. Stained smears were consistent with the cultured organism in half of the cases.


Hydrops amnii in sheep associated with hydranencephaly and arthrogryposis with wesselsbron disease and rift valley fever viruses as aetiological agents. During the 1974/75 lambing season numerous reports were received from various parts of the Republic of South Africa and South West Africa of severe abdominal distension in ewes after vaccination with the attenuated Rift Valley fever and/or attenuated Wesselsbron disease vaccine. The ewes were vaccinated at different stages of gestation in spite of recommendations to the contrary, the syndrome being especially obvious in ewes immunized with one or both of these vaccines during the first trimester of pregnancy. In some of the flocks hydrops amnii was recorded in as many as 15% of the ewes. Many of the ewes so affected showed a prolonged gestation of up to 6-7 months and, towards the end of gestation, were unable to rise or walk. They eventually died of ketosis, hypostatic pneumonia and complications due to dystocia. The foetuses examined were malformed and larger than normal with a mass of 3,6-6,7 kg. They usually showed arthrogryposis, brachygnathy inferior, hydranencephaly, hypoplasia or segmental aplasia of the spinal cord and neurogenic muscular atrophy. The amnion contained 8,0-18,0 1 of amniotic fluid, the endometrium was oedematous, and cystic tube-like dilatations, 1-10 mm in diameter, filled with a clear fluid, were scattered in the endometrium. No definite conclusions as to the aetiology of the syndrome could be drawn from serological tests performed on the ewes, lambs or foetuses. Preliminary experimental work confirmed previous observations that the attenuated Wesselsbron disease vaccine virus is responsible for this syndrome and that the wild-type virus is also implicated. In addition, the attenuated Rift Valley fever vaccine virus was found to the responsible for arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly without hydrops amnii and for micrencephaly and arthrogryposis associated with hydrops amnii in the ewe.


The taxonomic position of Clostridium botulinum type c. Experimental evidence is produced to justify abandoning the practice of subdividing Costridium botulinum Type C into type Calpha and Cbeta.


Studies on enzyme variation in the murine malaria parasites Plasmodium berghei, P. yoelii, P. vinckei and P. chabaudi by starch gel electrophoresis. Electrophoretic variation of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase (NADP-dependent) has been studied in the African murine malaria parasites Plasmodium berghei, P. yoelii, P. vinckei and P. chabaudi and their subspecies. Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis was used throughout. The number of isolates examined in each subspecies varied from 1 (P. y. nigeriensis) to 24 (P. c. chabaudi). Extensive enzyme variation was found among isolates of most of the subspecies from which more than two such isolates were available for study. It is clear that the phenomenon of enzyme polymorphism is of common occurrence among malaria parasites. With the exception of P. berghei and P. yoelii, of which all isolates share an identical electrophoretic form of lactate dehydrogenase, no enzyme forms are shared between any of the 4 species of murine plasmodia. By contrast, within each species common enzyme forms are shared among each of the subspecies. The subspecies are nevertheless, distinguished from each other by the electrophoretic forms of at least one enzyme. The distribution and reassortment of enzyme variation among isolates of a single subspecies is in accordance with the concept of malaria parasites as sexually reproducing organisms. The study of variation among parasites present in individual wild-caught rodent hosts demonstrates that natural malarial infections usually comprise genetically heterogeneous populations of parasites. Nevertheless, the number of genetically distinct types of parasite of any one species present in a single infected host appears to be small. Generally not more than 2 or 3 clones of parasite of distinct genetic constitution are present in a single infected animal.


Antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity of Trypanosoma cruzi: the release of tritium-labelled RNA, DNA and protein. The cytotoxicity of normal rat spleen cells to antibody-coated Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes has been studied by assaying the release of [3H]-labelled macromolecules from the parasites. The release of thymidine (DNA) is slower than the release of uridine (RNA), suggesting that the nucleus is broken down more slowly than the cytoplasmic membrane. Less than 50% of the leucine (protein) is released when the parasites are lysed, whereas uridine (RNA) is almost totally released. In practical terms these results show that the release of incorporated radioisotope-labelled uridine can be used as a sensitive assay for cytotoxicity of T. cruzi. Cytotoxicity by normal rat spleen cells is antibody dependent and proportional to the logarithm of effector cell number. The lag phase and the rate of RNA release is not altered by centrifuging the parasites and effector cells to enhance contacts between them.


Haemoflagellates: commercially available liquid media for rapid cultivation. The successful cultivation of a variety of haemoflagellates in three different liquid media is reported. These media include medium 199, Grace's insect tissue-culture medium and Schneider's drosophila medium, each in combination with 30% (v/v) foetal calf serum. These media were used to cultivate Old and New World species of visceral and cutaneous human Leishmania, as well as Leishmania species isolated from sandflies, rodents, and reptiles. Four strains of Trypanosoma cruzi, an isolate of T. R-angeli and and an isolate of T. lewisi have also been cultivated in these media. One or more of these media have been used to cultivate 121 strains of haemoflagellates, including at least 14 different species (11 Leishmania and 3 Trypanosoma) and many geographic isolates or strains. The Leishmania include L. braziliensis, L. peruviana, L. mexicana, L. tropica, L. donovani, L. chagasi, L. enriettii, L. hertigi, L. hoogstraali, L. adleri, and L. agamae. Using the Schneider's based medium, we have obtained primary isolates of both cutaneous and visceral Leishmania of man and of experimentally infected laboratory rodents and canines. Freeze-dried preparations of the Schneider's based medium that were reconsituted with distilled water after 24 months of storage at ambient temperature have proven to be suitable cultivation media. This feature makes the media valuable field tools. The various species of human Leishmania cultivated in these media have in our experience demonstrated no differences in growth rate, viability after liquid nitrogen preservation, or infectivity for laboratory animals and tissue-culture cells compared with promastigotes derived from blood-agar cultivation.


Stages in pediatric bone marrow transplantation. Bone marrow transplantation is a relatively new and aggressive procedure that is being used in the treatment of leukemia and aplastic anemia. We observed approximately 30 children and their families at the UCLA Medical Center throughout the procedure. Various psychological responses during the treatment are outlined. Eleven stages are identified, including the patient's and family's first awareness of this procedure, the preadmission evaluation and psychosocial assessment, the introduction into isolation, the donor's hospitalization, the transplantation itself, and the various reactions and interactions of the patient, family, and staff throughout these stages.


Prevention and therapy of serous otitis media by oral decongestant: a double-blind study in pediatric practice. We studied the efficacy of (1) preventing the development of serous otitis media (SOM) by using an oral decongestant in children with acute otitis media and (2) treating SOM with an oral decongestant. In a randomized double-blind study, 190 children were treated for acute otitis media with antibiotics and either pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed) or placebo. They were evaluated two weeks later by tympanometry and (independently) by clinical evaluation and pneumotoscopy. There were no significant differences between the two groups, except that males developed SOM significantly more often than did females. Use of decongestant and placebo was continued in 78 patients with SOM for up to four more weeks. Again, there were no siginificant differences between the treatment groups except that patients with an allergic history did significantly worse using a decongestant. Overall there was no benefit from pseudoephedrine in either the prevention or treatment of SOM.


Transcendental meditation and mirror-tracing skill. Learning, performance and patterns of inter- and intra-individual variability of 32 experienced Transcendental Meditators were compared to those of 32 non-meditators. The data indicated that certain effects attributed to the practice of Transcendental Meditation (such as increased alertness and maintenance of attention, greater consistency and less anxiety) are not manifested in terms of learning and performance of a novel perceptual-motor skill.


Study of structural analysis: comparing differential diagnoses based on psychiatric evaluation, the MMPI, and structural analysis of the Hand Test and Rorschach. Experimental investigation of Structural Analysis compared diagnoses of 30 psychiatric inpatients derived independently from psychiatric evaluations, MMPI analyses, and Structural Analysis interpretation of Hand Test and Rorschach data. Results yielded positive preliminary implications for the use of Structural Analysis in psychodiagnostics.


[The treatment of cardiac insufficiency using vasodilators (author's transl)]. Clinical applications involve heart failure during the acute phase of myocardial infarction, with the possibility of reducing the degree and extent of the perinecrotic ischaemic zone of the infarction. Treatment of this type would seem also to be particularly valuable in the provisional management of acute or sub-acute regurgitating valvular lesions: mitral insufficiency and interventricular communication secondary to an acute infarction, mitral and/or aortic regurgitation due the endocarditis. Finally, the results of oral vasodilators in the context of chronic refractory heart failure would seem ot be encouraging in the short term but their influence on long term prognosis is not known.


Immunological reactions caused by infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. A review. The natural resistance of cattle to infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculsis in relation to their immunological reactions is recorded. In vivo and in vitro manifestations of cell-mediated immunity during infection are reviewed, together with the antibody responses. It is suggested that three distinct immunological states may arise following exposure to infection.


Bacteriological examination of summermastitis secretions. The demonstration of bacteroidaceae. Corynebacterium pyogenes was isolated from 22, Peptococcus indolicus from 22, a microaerophilic coccus from 21, Bacteroides melaninogenicus subsp. melaninogenicus from 18, Fusobacterium necrophorum from 15, and various unidentified anaerobes from 9 of a total of 22 summermastitis secretions examined.


[A new method of pancreatic transplantation. 1 - Effects on the dog pancreas of the intraduct injection of neoprene (author's transl)]. Injection into the pancreatic ducts of a synthetic liquid gum (neoprene), which polymerises when it comes into contact with the fluid secreted by the gland, would appear to be a simple and effective means of suppressing exocrine secretion of the pancreas in the dog. Endocrine secretion was remained in the short and mid-term. The therapeutic implications of this new technique in the preparation of pancreatic transplants are discussed.


[Distal fixation of the intima after endarterectomy. Technical variation]. Oblique termination in a "bevel" of the distal endartery and its fixation by a circumferential continuous suture which provides a surface which is as stable and regular as possible, after endarterectomy. This may favourise improuved distal flow and influence immediate and late local permeability.


Detection of 5-methylcytosine in DNA sequences. Col E1 DNA has methylated cytosine in the sequence 5'-CC*(A/T)GG-3' and methylated adenine in the sequence 5'-GA*TC-3' at the positions indicated by asterisks(*). When the Maxam-Gilbert DNA sequencing method is applied to this DNA, the methylated cytosine (5-methylcytosine) is found to be less reactive to hydrazine than are cytosine and thymine, so that a band corresponding to that base does not appear in the pyrimidine cleavage patterns. The existence of the methylated cytosine can be confirmed by analyzing the complementary strand or unmethylated DNA. In contrast, the methylated adenine (probably N6-methyladenine) cannot be distinguished from adenine with standard conditions for cleavage at adenine.


The interconversion of conformers of phenylalanyl-tRNA with different affinity to 70S ribosomes of Escherichia coli. Earlier the existence of two conformers of Phe-tRNAPhe of E. coli was demonstrated because one of them yields complexes with 70S-poly(U) of extremely high affinity and the other with at least a 105 lower binding constant. We denote the first conformer as HAC (high affinity conformer) and the second as LAC (low affinity conformer). This high difference in binding constants was used for studying the process of reversible interconversion of conformers of Phe-tRNAPhe. The transition kinetics of LAC to HAC in conditions when the latter is stable (in the presence of magnesium ions) was studied and a high value of activation energy (35 kcal/mole) found. The interconversion is the first order reaction and equilibrium does not depend of overall Phe-tRNA concentration.


Enzymatic synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides of defined sequence. Polynucleotide phosphorylase catalysed addition of deoxyribonucleotides to primers which are good or poor acceptors. Analytical high-pressure anion-exchange chromatography on RPC-5 has been used to study the behaviour of a good primer, d(pT-T-A-G), and a poor primer, d(pT-T-T-T-T-T) in the E. coli polynucleotide phosphorylase-catalysed reactions of dADP, dCDP, dGDP and dTDP where the primer is extended, predominantly, by one or two nucleotides. The experiments provide some generalizations for obtaining optimal yields in preparative reactions. In the course of the experiments, examples of anomalous behaviour of oligonucleotides on RPC-5 were encountered and these are discussed.


Enzymatic synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides of defined sequence. Polynucleotide phosphorylase catalysed synthesis using pyrimidine analog-containing deoxyribonucleoside 5'-diphosphates. The E. coli polynucleotide phosphorylase-catalysed reaction of the deoxynucleoside 5'-diphosphates of 5-methyldeoxycytidine, N4-hydroxydeoxycytidine, deoxyuridine and 5-mercurideoxyuridine with the primers d(pT-T-A-G) and d(pT-T-T-T-T-T) have been studied under conditions where the primer is extended, predominantly, by one or two nucleotide residues. In experiments with 5-mercurideoxyuridine 5'-diphosphate, no 5-mercurideoxy-uridine-containing oligonucleotides were produced. The other three nucleotide analogs were found to be good substrates for E. coli PNPase and the conditions established for synthesis with these analogs will allow the construction of a number of biologically useful types of oligodeoxyribonucleotide.


A novel conformational change of the anticodon region of tRNAPhe (yeast). The temperature dependence of the fluorescence of the Y-base of tRNAPhe (yeast) was investigated kinetically by the temperature jump method. In the range between -15 degrees C and +30 degrees C A NOVEL CONFORMATIONAL TRANSITION OF THE TRNA could be characterized. This conformational change was found in the absence of any artificial label; it is a characteristic property of tRNAPhe in its native structure. This transition accounts for 30% of the total fluorescence change. Its activation enthalpy is 16 kcal/mole (67 kJ/mole), and the transition enthalpy is between -2 kcal/mole and +2 kcal/mole (+/-8 kJ/mole). A model is represented in which this transition can be explained by a a change in the stacking pattern of the anticodon loop. The experimental findings are discussed with respect to several hypotheses about the molecular mechanism of protein biosynthesis which postulate conformational rearrangements of the anticodon loop.


Interaction of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthesis with noncognate tRNA's. Several noncognate tRNA's from Escherichia coli were mischarged with glutamine by E. coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase if dimethylsulfoxide was present in the reaction mixture. Kinetic analysis of the mischarging revealed that dimethyl sulfoxide stimulated the misacylation by affecting the maximum velocity. Several noncognate tRNA's were shown to interact with glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase as measured by their ability to protect the enzyme against thermal inactivation or to replace cognate tRNA in stimulating glutamine-dependent ATP-PPi exchange reaction. These tRNA's, however, did not coincide with those which were mischargeable with glutamine.


A cell-free system for the replication fo bacteriophage M-13 duplex DNA. Cell-free extracts from M-13 am5 infected Escherichia coli cells which are highly concentrated on cellophane membrane disks replicate efficiently endogenous M-13 duplex DNA. If the reaction is carried out in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine triphosphate, the majority of the label is found in two classes of hybrid DNA molecules in which either the viral or the complementary strand is newly synthesized. A minor portion of the label is incorporated into fully synthetic duplex DNA. DNA synthesis requires ATP and is inhibited by nalidixic acid, novobiocin, and arabinosylnucleoside triphosphates. Rifampicin blocks preferentially the synthesis of molecules with labeled complementary strands. A similar effect is observed upon addition of the helix-destabilising M-13 gene V protein. In contrast, addition of E. coli helix-destabilising protein (Eco HD-protein) stimulates the synthesis of both types of hybrid DNA molecules as well as the formation of fully synthetic duplex DNA.


Replacement of wybutine by hydrazines and its effect on the active conformation of yeast tRNAPhe. The highly modified base wybutine (YWye) next to the anticodon of yeast tRNAPhe has been replaced by different hydrazine derivatives. The effect of the replacement on the activity of the tRNA has been studied in the heterologous aminoacylation with synthetase from E. coli and in the poly(U) directed binding to ribosomes from both yeast and E. coli. It was found that starting from tRNA-PheYWye the activity increased with increasing size, aromaticity, and stacking tendency of the substituent replacing YWye. It is concluded that YWye by the size of its aromatic system and by its stacking properties is particularly well suited for stabilizing the native conformation of tRNAPhe.


H+ back diffusion and peptic activity related to ulcerogenesis following thermal injury. This investigation was undertaken to study the effects of cutaneous burn on the integrity of the gastric mucosal barrier (GMB). H+ back diffusion and peptic activity of gastric aspirate were determined in burned and shamburned rats. Twenty-four hours after a 30 percent body surface contact burn (Brevital anesthesia) and a 48-hour fast with saline and ten percent dextrose ad libitim gastric secretions were collected for two hours following pyloric ligation under urethan anesthesia. Studied were: basal secretion, histamine stimulation, glycine instillation, saline instillation, and a combined glycine instillation with histamine augmentation. Significant reductions in acid secretion occurred in burned rats unless the secretion was stimulated by histamine and/or glycine. Following stimulation, acid values in the burned rats exceeded those of unburned rats. GMB disruption, as determined by glycine trapping, was not an apparent pathogenetic mechanism of gastric erosion in 24-hour postburn rats. Peptic activity was elevated in burned rats with mucosal erosion, suggesting a contributory role for this proteolytic enzyme.


Relaxation training as a nursing intervention versus pro re nata medication. To determine the effect of relaxation training on the frequency of intake of pro re nata medication for relief of tension and to compare the difference between live and taped instructions of this training 60 patients on PRN minor tranquilizers and sedatives in one nursing unit were studied. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: group A, control; group B, live instruction; group C, taped instruction. Dependent variables monitored were: 1) frequency of intake of PRN medication; 2) pre- and postinstruction change in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration; 3) change in the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale; and 4) change on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory score. Although no significant difference was found between method of relaxation training, there was evidence that group B surpassed group C in terms of benefit of the treatment. Physiologic variables as well as MMPI scales K, I, and VII yielded better results for group B. Not all variables demonstrated significant differences. Groups B and C were more similar at the conclusion of the study than had been anticipated-perhaps because subjects responded favorably to inclusion in the study regardless of method of training.


Calcium requirements in man: a critical review. Many official bodies give advice on desirable intakes of calcium but no clear evidence of a calcium deficiency disease in otherwise normal people has ever been given. In Western countries the usual calcium intake is of the order of 800-1000 mg/day; in many developing countries figures of 300-500 mg/day are found. There is no evidence that people with such a low intake have any problems with bones or teeth. It seems likely that normal people can adapt to have a normal calcium balance on calcium intakes as low as 150-200 mg/day and that this adaptation is sufficient even in pregnancy and lactation. Inappropriate concern about calcium intake may divert attention and resources from more important nutritional problems.


[Clinical evaluation of fludilat in cerebrovascular insufficiency]. In order to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fludilat, we studied 75 patients, 37 women (49.3 per cent) and 38 men (50.7 per cent), with ages between 36 and 98 years, during a period of 3 months. 50 of the patients received Fludilat at the dose of three tablets per day during 3 months. The remaining 25 patients received Placebo during the same period of time. We obtained very good results in 63.5 per cent, good in 20.4 per cent and poor in 16.1 per cent of the patients treated with Fludilat. The results with Placebo were very good 2.9 per cent, good 41.8 per cent and poor 55.3 per cent. We observed no side effects during the treatment. Therefore from our study we conclude that Fludilat is an effective drug in the treatment of the disturbances produced by the cerebral vascular insufficiency.


[Clincial aspects and treatment of exacerbated chronic respiratory insufficiency in silicosis patients]. The clinical picture and treatment of exacerbated chronic respiratory insufficiency is studied in 189 silicosis patients with different stage and degree of decompensation. It is found out that chronic respiratory insufficiency determination in these patients is conditioned by the exacerbation of a chronic inflammtory process in the bronchi and lungs (68.2 per cent), or by intercurrent acute inflammtory pulmonary process (15.9 per cent). The clinical manifestation of the disease is aggravated and modified by the appearance of new clinical elements, resulting in the typical clinical picture of inflammatory decompensation of silicosis. It is stressed that the effect of treatment is greater, the milder the stage of the disease, and the earlier and less marked the decompensation-induced derangements. Lethality in patients with III degree silicosis amounts to 8,2 per cent, and in patients with III degree respiratory insufficiency -- to 30.7 per cent. A complex active therapy program for silicosis patients with exacerbated chronic respiratory insufficiency is proposed.


[Treatment of blood circulation disorders with a hemoactive-vasoactive drug]. The therapeutic activity of Fludilat in circulatory disorders was evaluated in 9 women and 11 men, with ages between 41 and 75 years. Three suffered atherosclerosis and 17 diabetic vascular disease. Elimination of the symptom was obtained in intermittent claudication in 71 per cent of the patients who suffered it, in 67 per cent in case of feeling of coldness, in 46 per cent in paraesthesias, in 73 per cent in feeling of heaviness and in 6 per cent in trophic changes. In the remaining patients there was a significative reduction in the intensity of the symptoms, except in trophic changes. This result are considered as excellents. The general result of the treatment was satisfactory. There was no significacative change in the blood pressure and no side effects were reported. A better response of the atherosclerotic patients was obtained. We found no influence of age, sex and blood pressure on the results. The study corroborates the efficacy of Fludilat in the treatment of circulatory disorders and its excellent tolerance.


Reconstitution of an Escherichia coli repair endonuclease activity from the separated uvrA+ and uvrB+/uvrC+ gene products. An in vitro complementation assay has been used for partial purification of uvrA+, uvrB+, and uvrC+ gene products from Escherichia coli. The uvrB+ and uvrC+ products cochromatograph on DEAE-cellulose and are completely resolved from the uvrA+ product, which has been further purified by phosphocellulose chromatography of the nonadsorbed protein fraction from the DEAE-cellulose. Neither the uvrB+/uvrC+ nor the uvrA+ product shows appreciable endonuclease activity on UV-irradiated DNA when tested separately. However, these factors complement each other to yield and ATP-dependent endonuclease activity specific for UV-irradiated DNA. Gel filtration experiments with the partially purified proteins indicate that the functional uvrA+ gene product has a molecular weight of 100,000. The uvrB+ gene product has an apparent molecular weight of 70,000, but it is presently unclear if this is the size of the uvrB+ product alone or the size of a complex of the uvrB+ and uvrC+ gene products.


Isolation of a mutant of Escherichia coli lacking penicillin-sensitive D-alanine carboxypeptidase IA. A mutant of Escherichia coli that is deficient in D-alanine carboxypeptidase IA has been isolated. The enzyme is membrane bound and moderately sensitive to penicillin. It catalyzes in vitro both D-alanine carboxypeptidase and transpeptidase reactions. Being able to synthesize crosslinked peptidoglycan both in vivo and in vitro despite the absence of enzyme activity, the newly isolated mutant grew normally under a wide range of growth conditions. Therefore, this enzyme, like D-alanine carboxypeptidase IB, is not required for normal peptidoglycan synthesis in E. coli. The defect in the activity of D-alanine carboxypeptidase IA in the mutant however was not associated with disappearance of penicillin-binding proteins 5 and 6 (which have been shown to be D-alanine carboxypeptidase IA) or any of the other protein bands that bind [14C]penicillin G. Genetic mapping studies showed that the mutation (dacA) is located close to leuS(13.7 min) on the E. coli chromosome map. Double mutants (dacA dacB) that are deficient in both D-alanine carboxypeptidases IA and IB were obtained. These double mutants also were found to grow normally and to catalyze normal formation of crosslinked peptidoglycan.


Cold pepsin digestion: a novel method to produce the Fv fragment from human immunoglobulin M. A strategy for the proteolytic fragmentation of human IgM has been developed. This method is called "cold pepsin digestion" because of its unique feature of achieving restricted peptic cleavages at 4 degrees and pH 4.0. Cold pepsin digestion has been applied successfully to produce an Fv fragment from 14 human IgM proteins. The Fv fragment consists of the heavy chain variable domain (VH) and the light chain variable domain (VL) held together by strong noncovalent interaction. Thus, each Fv fragment contains one intact antigen-binding site and represents the minimal active fragment derivable from an antibody molecule. A series of other structurally and functionally important fragments were also isolated and characterized. Two basic digestion pathways were recognized; these mainly reflect the relative accessibility of five sets of major interdomain cleavage sites.


Transformation-dependent secretion of a low molecular weight protein by murine fibroblasts. A protocol has been devised to radiolabel proteins secreted by murine fibroblasts in vitro. A radiolabeled polypeptide of molecular weight 35,000 is released into medium in relatively large amounts by transformed cells and in much smaller amounts by nontransformed fibroblasts. This major excreted polypeptide (MEP) is found in the medium of spontaneously transformed mouse cells and in the medium of mouse cells transformed by a DNA tumor virus, RNA tumor viruses, or methylcholanthrene. The appearance of MEP appears to be well correlated with anchorage independence in these transformed cells. MEP can be localized within the cytoplasm of transformed but not untransformed cells by indirect immunofluorescence. The presence of MEP within murine fibroblasts or in their culture medium serves as a novel biochemical marker of transformation. A biological role for this protein has not been assigned.


Immunofluorescent localization of a serine protease in rat small intestine. An intracellular serine protease, which is believed to initiate the degradation of several intracellular pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes, was localized by immunofluorescence in atypical mast cells of the lamina propria and in intraepithelial cells of the rat small intestine. Some mucus-secreting goblet cells also contained the protease antigen. Atypical mast cells containing the enzyme were present in large numbers beneath the epithelium of bronchioles. All atypical mast cells also contained low levels of the chymotrypsin-like protease of normal mast cells. Both enzymes were consistently present in normal connective tissue mast cells. Amino acid content, molecular weight, and lack of immunologic crossreactivity indicate that the two enzymes are similar but not identical. The cell-specific localization of the intestinal serine protease makes it unlikely that the enzyme has any general role in the degradation of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes. The function of the enzyme in mast cells, atypical mast cells, and intestinal goblet cells is not known.


Potentiation, desensitization, and inversion of response in bacterial sensing of chemical stimuli. Behavior patterns of chemotactic mutants of Salmonella typhimurium were compared to those of the wild type by using the quantitative tumble frequency assay. Some cheU mutants were completely inverted in their responses--e.g., attractants produce responses expected for repellents and repellents produce responses expected for attractants. Still others swam smoothly and did not respond to any stimuli. Mutants of other complementation groups were found to exhibit exact additivity or potentiation in response to multiple stimuli whereas the wild type showed desensitization. The results suggest that the cheU gene product acts as a switch at the interface between the sensing system and the motor response. The system is finely tuned so that changes in individual proteins can produce potentiation, desensitization, exact additivity, or inversion of responses.


Comparison of Artemia salina and Escherichia coli ribosome structure by electron microscopy. The structure of eukaryotic Artemia salina and prokaryotic Escherichia coli ribosomes has been compared by electron microscopy. Despite the established differences in size and in the amount and proportion of the protein and RNA moieties, both types of ribosomes appear to have substantial similarity in the overall shape and in the mutual orientation of the subunits on the monosome. The small subunit is located in the "crown" region of the large subunit lengthwise between the two side crests. However, high-resolution electron microscopy reveals distinct differences in the fine structure of both small and large subunits. The 40S A. salina subunit with three structural domains is more complex than the corresponding E. coli subunit. The 60S A. salina subunit has a less expressed "crown" region and shows a knob-like protrusion in the base. Structural asymmetry is a characteristic feature common to subunits and monosomes from both A. salina and E. coli.


"Panning" for lymphocytes: a method for cell selection. We have developed a simple method for the fractionation of T and B lymphocytes. Plastic dishes coated with antibodies specific for mouse Ig selectively bind splenic B lymphocytes. The adherent cells are easily removed by gentle pipetting; both adherent and nonadherent populations retain immunologic function. In a typical experiment, when 3 X 10(7) splenic lymphocytes were added to a 100 X 15 mm plastic dish coated with microgram quantities of anti-Ig, 98 % of the nonadherent cells were Ig negative and 97% of the adherent cells were Ig positive. The method is sufficiently sensitive to allow detection and separation of cell types comprising as little as 2% of the total population and can be modified to allow the selection of cells by a double-antibody procedure. We believe that the plastic dish method will be generally useful for fractionating cells on the basis of their cell surface antigens.


Conservation of ribosomal protein binding sites in prokaryotic 16S RNAs. The Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal subunit proteins S4, S7, S8, S15, S17, and S20 that interact independently with 16S RNA from E. coli formed specific heterologous complexes with 16S RNAs extracted from 11 different prokaryotes covering a broad phylogenetic range. Complex formation was shown to be specific by saturation of binding in the presence of excess protein. Binding stoichiometries and the apparent affinities for a given protein varied depending on which 16S RNA was used, although the pattern of binding was not strictly correlated with phylogenetic relationships. The size-distribution of fragments resulting from limited hydrolysis of free prokaryotic 16S RNAs with T1 and pancreatic ribonucleases indicated that the structural organization of 16S RNA from E. coli is similar to that of 16S RNAs from closely related species, but differs, although to an unknown extent, from that of 16S RNAs from other prokaryotes tested. Digestions of RNA-protein complexes under similar conditions indicated that the proteins remain bound to specific RNA fragments. For those 16S RNAs isolated from species closely related to E. coli, the fragments were comparable to those generated by hydrolysis of the homologous complex.


Regulation of the galactose pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: induction of uridyl transferase mRNA and dependency on GAL4 gene function. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, utilization of galactose requires four inducible enzyme activities. Three of these activities (galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase, EC 2.7.7.10; uridine diphosphogalactose 4-epimerase, EC 5.1.3.2; and galactokinase, EC 2.7.1.6) are specified by three tightly linked genes (GAL7, GAL10, and GAL1, respectively) on chromosome II, whereas the fourth, galactose transport, is specified by a gene (GAL2) located on chromosome XII. Although classic genetic analysis has revealed both positive and negative regulatory genes that coordinately affect the appearance of all four enzyme activities, neither the basic events leading to the appearance of enzyme activities nor the roles of the regulatory genes have yet been determined. Regulation of inducible enzyme activity could be mediated by events related to transcription, translation, or enzyme activation. For the purpose of studying galactose pathway induction and its regulation, we have developed an immunoprecipitation assay that enables us to detect the GAL7 specified uridyl transferase polypeptide in yeast extracts and among the polypeptides synthesized in an RNA-dependent in vitro translation system. Use of this immunoprecipitation assay in conjunction with in vivo labeling experiments demonstrates the presence of [(3)H]leucine-labeled transferase in extracts prepared from cells grown in galactose but not from cells grown in glucose. This galactose-specific induction of transferase polypeptide is mediated by the de novo appearance of a functional mRNA species whose synthetic capacity is detectable by the combination of in vitro translation and immunoprecipitation. The appearance of functional transferase mRNA depends on wild-type expression of the positive regulatory gene, GAL4. Cells carrying a nonsense (amber) mutation in the GAL4 gene fail to produce the transferase mRNA, whereas a nonsense suppressor of the GAL4 amber mutant regains the galactose-specific mRNA response. Our results establish that the induction of the GAL7 specified uridyl transferase activity is mediated by de novo appearance of a functional mRNA and that this galactose-specific response is dependent on a wild-type GAL4 gene product.


Bone marrow colony-stimulating factor and tumor resistance-enhancing activity of postendotoxin mouse sera. The passive transfer of postendotoxin mouse serum could enhance nonspecific resistance to the development of TA3-Ha transplantable ascites tumor in mice. The postendotoxin serum was not directly cytotoxic to TA3-Ha tumor cells in vitro, nor did it contain significant amounts of residual endotoxin, but it was rich in colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). High-titer CSF serum could be induced by endotoxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nonendotoxic, lipid-free, and polysaccharide-rich hydrolytic breakdown product of LPS (called PS) was less potent but still active in CSF induction. There was a correlation between the level of CSF stimulation and the capacity of the sera to transfer tumor resistance (TUR). Those LPS preparations that had the highest CSF-inducing capacity were the most potent in TUR enhancement. Suppression of CSF production by treatment with theophylline or epinephrine, enhancers of cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios, lowered the enhancement of TUR by endotoxic LPS. The infection of serum donor mice with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) 18 days prior to LPS treatment gave the highest serum CSF levels and the most potent TUR-inducing serum preparation. Even more notable was the finding that the nontoxic PS preparation could replace toxic LPS in the above BCG-LPS system. The serum harvested from BCG-infected mice 2 hr after PS injection was similarly effective in the passive transfer of TUR.


Modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid transport in nerve endings: role of extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid and of cationic fluxes. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible functional significance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) homoexchange at nerve endings. Using synaptosomes from adult rat cerebrum, we found that a number of conditions altering cationic fluxes produced a concomitant change in the stoichiometry of GABA homoexchange, In fact, exogenous GABA (10 muM), while not causing net release of intrasynaptosomal GABA in standard conditions, triggered a large net GABA release in the presence of veratridine, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitors, or the ionophore A23187, superimposed on that due to the various agents tested alone. This extra release was mediated by the membrane carrier, being largely inhibited by the GABA carrier-blocker L-diaminobutyric acid. The altered stoichiometry of GABA homoexchange observed under these conditions (efflux > influx) appeared to be coupled to the influx of Na(+) (or of Ca(2+)), rather than determined by the establishment of a high intrasynaptosomal [Na(+)]. Under conditions of reversed Na(+) flux (Na(+) efflux), the GABA outward/inward flux ratio was also reversed, and the stoichiometry of GABA homoexchange was in favor of net influx. The possible contribution of K(+) to the effects observed is also discussed. It is concluded that the GABA transport system of nerve endings is susceptible to fine modulation by changes in cationic fluxes similar to those occurring in vivo during depolarization and repolarization. These fluxes may have a prominent role in determining the direction of net GABA transport in GABA-ergic nerve terminals of the living brain.


The kinetics of oxygen-induced proton efflux and membrane energization in Escherichia coli. The kinetics of respiration-dependent proton efflux and membrane energization have been studied in intact cells of logarithmic phase Escherichia coli. Proton efflux following a small O2 pulse is slow (t1/2 approximately equal to 10 sec) and inefficient (H+/O approximately equal to 0.5), taking 5-10 times longer than expected from the time required for the cells to reduce the O2 added in the pulse. A much closer agreement is found in cells treated to enhance counter ion fluxes and eliminate the transmembrane electric potential (deltapsi). In cells treated with SCN-, or with colicin E1 (which enhances K+ permeability), the rates of proton efflux are much faster (t1/2 less than or equal to 1 sec) than in untreated cells. The kinetics of formation and dissipation of deltapsi were estimated from changes in the fluorescence properties of the cell envelope bound probe N-phenyl-l-naphthylamine. In untreated cells, a small O2 pulse induces a rapid (t1/2 less than or equal to 0.5 sec) decrease in fluorescence intensity followed by a slower (t1/2 approximately equal to 40 sec) return of the fluorescence to the original level. The extent of the initial fluorescence  decrease is proportional to the amount of O2 added, although the half-time for the relaxation is independent of the amount of O2 added. Colicin E1 (plus K+) and the uncoupler FCCP greatly decrease the half-time of the relaxation, while only slightly affecting the extent of the initial decrease, indicating that the initial fluorescence decrease is reporting the energization of the membrane while its relaxation is reporting the subsequent deenergization of the membrane resulting from counterion redistributions. The fact that the efflux of H+ into the medium after an O2 pulse is small and much slower (t1/2 approximately equal to 10 sec) than the actual energization of the membrane (t1/2 less than or equal to 0.5 sec) suggests that the current of respiratory H+ involved in membrane energization is confined within the bacterial cell envelope.


Comparative biochemistry of nucleotide-linked sugars. Nucleotide-linked sugars have 2 general biochemical functions: they are i) intermediates in the formation of monosaccharides found in complex carbohydrates and ii) glycosyl donors of these monosaccharides. Few sugars arise by reactions not involving nucleotide-linked intermediates. Of these few, glucose, mannose, and N-acetylglucosamine are important in that they are transformed after attachment to nucleotides into most other monosaccharides. Several different nucleotides are involved in these transformations. What factor governs the choice of a particular nucleotide carrier for a given reaction is not apparent, but the use of different nucleotides separates pathways of synthesis and offers a means for their independent control by creating reactions unique to the synthesis of certain products and therefore suitable for regulation. Carrying sugars on different nucleotides may also be advantageous by increasing the accuracy of synthesis of complex carbohydrates. For example, a transferase responsible for the transfer of fucose from GDP-fucose is less likely to transfer galactose from UDP-galactose by mistake than galactose from GDP-galactose. The role of nucleotides in the synthesis of complex carbohydrates thus appears related to the specificity of enzymes that catalyze the modification and transfer of nucleotide-linked sugars.


Immunochemistry of streptococcal group C polysaccharide and the nature of its crossreaction with the Forssman glycolipid. Acid hydrolysis of streptococal Group C polysaccharide yields a disaccharide, 3-O-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminosyl-N-acetylgalactosamine (3-O-alpha-GalNAc-GalNAc) which expresses Group C antigenic activity. This disaccharide, which exists as a side chain in the intact polysaccharide, can completely inhibit the binding between Group C polysaccharide and most Group C antibodies, indicating that this unit is the immunodominant feature of the intact polysaccharide. The alpha anomeric configuration and N-acetylation are required for the expression of the antigenic activity by the haptenic disaccharide. Also obtained from the acid hydrolysis of the Group C polysaccharide are rhamnose oligosaccharides with structural identity to the Group A-variant polysaccharide and with Group A-variant antigenic activity. It is inferred from these data that the Group A-varient polysaccharide structure is the core unit of the Group C polysaccharide. The nature of the immunologic crossreactivity between the Forssman glycolipid and Group C polysaccharide, which possess identical nonreducing terminal digalactosamine units, was investigated. Rabbit anti-Group C antibodies bound the Forssman glycolipid with approximately the same affinity as 3-O-alpha-GalNAc-GalNAc and were capable of mediating lysis of sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Antibody fractions isolated from anti-sheep hemolysin were likewise able to bind Group C polysaccharide. The heterologous reactions were in most assay systems weaker than reactions with the immunizing antigen.


"Bleeding" of silicone from bag-gel breast implants, and its clinical relation to fibrous capsule reaction. We present evidence of the following. 1. Modern silicone bag-gel breast implants leak silicone gel through the bag. 2. The amount of silicone leaked by an intact implant varies from one implant to another, and is not constant for any type or brand. 3. The leaked silicone, together with fibrous thickening and various degrees of inflammation will be found in capsules surrounding the implants if extensive biopsies are taken and many sections are examined.


A cervicopectoral rotation flap for cheek coverage. A massive cervicopectoral rotation flap is described for coverage of large cheek defects. The advantages and complications with this flap are discussed.


Denervation supersensitivity and the delay phenomenon. We have reviewed the denervation supersensitivity-AV shunt hypothesis (explaining the delay phenomenon) and assessed the contribution of each of the two components of denervation supersensitivy to delay. We concluded that adrenergic denervation supersensitivity contributes little to the delay phenomenon. We propose a new hypothesis, based on the effects of prolonged vascular smooth muscle relaxation in the precapillary arterioles, to explain the delay phenomenon.


Perichondro-cutaneous graft.

Perichondro-cutaneous graft. A perichondro-cutaneous graft uniquely provides skin cover with the potential of generating its own cartilaginous support. An initial laboratory investigation is reported, and various applications of this graft to reconstructive facial surgery are proposed. Several clinical cases are presented.


Use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous island flap for reconstruction in the head and neck area: case report. Cadaver dissection indicated that a large amount of tissue could be transferred in one stage to the head and neck by a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous island flap tunneled beneath a pectoral skin bridge. A clinical trial of this flap (for one-stage reconstruction of a patient after excision of a recurrent mandibular carcinoma and a neck dissection) was successful. Previous investigators have found the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap to be dependable and adaptable in reconstructions of the chest wall, breast, and shoulder. It is evident now that the flap also has value in reconstructions of the head and neck.


Reconstruction of incompetent oral commissures with dermal-muscle flaps from the lips: case report. We present a case in which troublesome postoperative drooling at the commissures was corrected by a local muscle reconstruction and interdigitation to recreate the normal muscular forces at the angles. The possible application of this technique to other areas is suggested.


Primary lesion of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurring in a skin tatoo: case report. A case of histiocytic lymphoma in a tattoo is presented. The incidence, clinical problems, diagnostic difficulties, treatment, and possible etiology are discussed.


The versatile gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. The medial and lateral gastrocnemius myocutaneous flaps are described. Their usefulness, as direct flaps without a delay, in reconstruction of the lower extremity is described. In our practice, this flap has supplanted the cross-leg flap for most reconstructions in the lower extremity.


Hand deformities in patients with snakebite. Over the past 25 years, 83 patients have been treated at our hospitals for poisonous snakebites of the hand. Prior to 1970, polyvalent antivenin was used, either alone or in conjunction with cryotherapy, steroids, or incision and suction methods. Hand deformities, due to tissue necrosis, were encountered in 15 of 22 patients (68%) treated by these methods. In contrast, excisional therapy, without the use of polyvalent antivenin, was the sole method of treatment in 61 patients seen since 1970. The incidence of hand deformity in them was 8.2%. We have concluded that early excision of the envenomated tissues will not only curtail systemic toxicity from the injected venom, but will also minimize the extent of local tissue damage.


Forehead flap for reconstruction after ablative surgery for oral and oropharyngeal malignancy. The forehead flap is a reliable means of bringing viable lining to the oral and oropharyngeal cavities after composite resections for cancer in locally radiated areas. We discuss the complications and results of such reconstructions.


Hypothalamic function as related to body weight and body fat in anorexia nervosa. Percentage body fat is predictive of the onset of menstruation at puberty. In anorexia nervosa a relationship between luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and percentage weight loss has been reported. In the current study the relationship of percentage body fat and of percentage weight loss to LH and LH reactivity was examined in anorexia nervosa. Fifteen women with anorexia nervosa were studied. The resting levels of LH were measured, and in seven of the subjects LH response to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and clomiphene was tested. The increment in plasma LH was measured in response to a 100 microgram dose of LHRH, and also to a 5-day course of clomiphene 100 mg. The resting LH levels were found to correlate with percentage fat, body weight, and percentage weight loss. Correlations were also found between the response to either LHRH or clomiphene and percentage weight loss, percentage fat, and absolute body weight. Other pituitary hormones measured did not show a relationship to body fat or weight. It is concluded that in addition to being predictive of the onset of menstruation, percentage body fat is significantly related to resting LH and LH reactivity in anorexia nervosa. Although percentage body fat, percentage weight loss, and absolute body weight are all significant correlates of LH reactivity, we cannot at this time conclude that any one in particular is the superior.


A study of the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on human mood and behavior. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone in doses up to 500 microgram was administered to 12 healthy male volunteers. Luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels increased subsequent to GnRH administration. No immediate effects of GnRH on mood and behavior were noted, though an increase in alertness, a decrease in anxiety and fatigue, and an increased speed of performance on automatized motor tasks were noted several hours after GnRH administration.


Medico-psychological interventions in male asthmatic children: an evaluation of physiological change. The purpose of this study was systematically to evaluate the effectiveness of several modes of psychological intervention used with male asthmatic children being treated in the Allergy Outpatient Clinic. Therapeutic effectiveness was measured by large airway changes in respiratory function, and the number of recurrent asthmatic attacks. The psychotherapeutic modes used were Relaxation Training, Assertive Training, and combined Relaxation plus Assertive Training. All patients were administered medication by the responsible physician. The group psychotherapy experiences were controlled by using patients who received medication alone and by patients who received medication and met in a leaderless group. The effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions was determined by comparisons between pretreatment measures and measurements taken during and after the eight-week treatment program. Both Relaxation Training by itself and combined Relaxation plus Assertive Training increased respiratory functioning and reduced the number of attacks. Assertive Training alone failed to improve respiratory function and had a tendency to increase the frequency of asthmatic attacks. It was concluded that the most effective management in male asthmatic children was achieved by the combination of medical and psychological treatments.


[Detection of antibodies against rubella virus by means of radial hemolysis in gel]. Haemolysis-in-gel test for the detection of Rubella antibody has shown a good agreement with the results of haemoagglutination inhibition. This test was simple to perform, rapid, sensitive and could be well suited for screening of large numbers of serum samples.


[Comparison of radioimmunologic and immunoenzymatic methods in detection of Australia antigen]. A new immunoenzymatic method (enz-me-linked-immunosorbent-assay) has been compared with the radioimmunologic method, in solid-phase, for the research of HBsAg in serum analysed in normal routine. This method has evidenced a high sensitivity and correlation to the RIA test.


[Electroimmunodiffusion reaction in the diagnosis of syphilis (author's transl)]. A group of 800 human sera, obtained from syphilitic and nonsyphilitic individuals were tested in the counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) technique with Reiter protein antigen. The sera were assayed for comparison in the following treponemal and nontreponemal tests: standard serologic tests for syphilis with cardiolipin; complement fixation (Kolmer 1/5 vol) with Reiter protein antigen (RPCF); T. pallidium immobilization (TPI) test; haemoagglutination test for T. pallidum antibodies (TPHA). The sensitivity and specificity of CIE test, its simplicity, the low cost, the possibility of practical application as a routine test for syphilis serology were discussed.


[Economic criminality. Problems of definition and lines of research]. After reviewing the many proposed definitions of economic criminality, which are now very numerous in specialized literature, and after considering the various critical attitudes assumed on this point by the most qualified experts on the subject, the Authors state that it is absolutely indispensable to establish an appropriate definition on which an aggreement can be reached. In fact, without such a definition it is impossible to deal with the object of interest and therefore to make any progress with the research, the legislation and the measures necessary for the prevention and repression of economic criminality. If this problem of economic criminality is discussed at the various national and international levels without the aforementioned definition, this is an indication that a popular intuition has been formed which is able to distinguish the object of interest. The most suitable lines of research are indicated in order to establish and clarify the elements of such an intuition which the Authors consider in a hypothetical light.


Combined use of dopamine and prostaglandin A1 in patients with acute renal failure and hepatorenal syndrome. Dopamine and prostaglandin A1 were infused intravenously in 4 patients with the hepatorenal syndrome, in 1 patient with acute tubular necrosis, and 1 patient with cortical necrosis. Large doses of prostaglandin A1 decreased arterial blood pressure preventing increase in dosage; in contrast, high doses of dopamine elevated blood pressure. When the two drugs were administered conjointly, much larger doses of each agent could be administered without change in arterial blood pressure. Significant improvement of renal function was not observed in any of these critically ill patients during or within 24 hours after dopamine and prostaglandin A1 administration. This study demonstrated that extremely large doses of these vasodilating agents can be safely administered conjointly.


Induction of labour with prostaglandin E2 gel in cases of intrauterine fetal death. In established intrauterine fetal death, 20 patients were treated with prostaglandin E2 gel administered extraamniotically. The results were compared with those of another group of 20 patients who had received combined treatment. In this group, one or more of the following agents had been administered :- i.v. oxytocin, 20% NaCl solution or Premarin instilled intraamniotically, introduction of a balloon catheter or Rivanol administered extraamniotically. Average induction-abortion interval for the PG group was about 12 hours while for the second group it was about 30 hours. The side effects observed were slight in both groups. The results show that administration of PG-gel can be used with advantage in fetal demise because of the relatively short induction-abortion intervals obtained, the insignificant side effects and the low dose of PG required.


Differences in the isoelectric focussing pattern of antibodies to human serum albumin eluted from an immunoadsorbent (HSA-sepharose) with thiocyanate ions. Anti HSA-antibodies were isolated from HSA-sepharose by direct and stepwise elution with 0.5 M, 2.0 and 3.0 M KSCN at different pH values. The antibody fractions, especially those eluted stepwise, varied in their isoelectrofocussing pattern. Nearly all antibody molecules with an isoelectric point (PI) lower than 6.5 were eluted with 0.5 M KSCN. Application of increasing KSCN concentrations led to the recovery of antibody fractions showing a parallel shift in the PI to the region higher than 7.5. These differences were not correlated with differences in antibody avidity. The effect of KSCN does not seem to be restricted to the combining sites of the antibody. The dissociation of the antibody from the antigen is apparently facilitated by an interaction of KSCN with the remainder of the antibody molecule thereby influencing the overall net charge.


Double-blind crossover comparison between a beta-adrenergic agent and a new anticholinergic agent by metered dose inhaler. The recently developed anticholinergic agent Oxitropium bromide (OTB) by metered dose inhaler is compared in a double-blind crossover study with the beta-adrenergic agent Fenoterol (FEN). Total airway resistance and forced expiratory volume served as evaluation criteria for the bronchodilating effect. The maximum effect is reached more quickly with FEN, but the effect of OTB lasts longer. On the whole the results show that the intensity of action of the anticholinergic agent coincides to a large extent with that of the beta-adrenergic agent.


Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is not a common condition, even though asthma due to sensitization to Aspergillus antigen is very common in many countries because of the ubiquitous distribution of the fungus itself. During the course of 14 years, the Mycology Department of the V. P. Chest Institute, Delhi, has confirmed the diagnosis of ABPA in 46 patients. The present study is based on the follow-up of 17 patients for understanding the evolution of the disease. All of them had Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) in the sputum with positive type I and type III skin reaction to AF antigen. 7 patients were treated for 10 days with oral administration of Hamycin, an antibiotic isolated from one of the streptomycete species. Immediate results were very good, with marked alleviation of subjective symptoms and absence of fungi in the sputum. The drug deserves further trial.


[Destruction, of traumatic origin, of the orbito-palpebral region and of the nasal pyramid]. Sequelae of nose and orbito-oculo-palpebral destructions from a traumatic origin can present on the therepeutical level under various aspects according to the lesions observed. Accidental damages must indeed be treated by surgical and prosthetic means. The loss of the ocular globe and of its annexes make of these traumatisms an essentially plastic problem, difficult indeed but bringing about satisfactory issues on the whole.