[Recent Lassa, Marbourg and Ebola viruses in African tropical viruses. I. Semiology--physiopathology--diagnosis--treatment (author's transl)]. Three new viruses have been identified in Africa during the present decade. They may cause sporadic cases or limited outbreaks, and they are probably endemic in areas which are still ill-defined. Severe forms of infection lead to the haemorrhagic syndrome or to hypovolemic shock, the physiopathology of which is being studied. The case-fatality ratio of severe cases is between 30 and 85 per cent. Nosocomial outbreaks have been observed, but they can be avoided if appropriate barrier nursing measures are carried out for the treatment of patients or adequate protection measures for sampling and examination of laboratory specimens. As such cases may be transferred outside the endemic zone, this implies that countries receiving travellers from Africa should have hospitals with specialized units for strict isolation and treatment of these patients.


Localisation of foldback DNA sequences in nuclei chromosomes of Scilla, Secale, and of mouse. Foldback DNA, prepared from mouse and Scilla sibirica main band DNA, and from rye (Secale cereale) total DNA, was characterised by denaturation, renaturation, and electron microscopy. 3H-cRNA of this DNA was hybridised in situ to nuclei and chromosomes of the respective species. There is no universal labelling pattern among the three species. In mouse, highly repetitive foldback DNA is present in the whole chromatin including the satellite DNA-containing regions. In Scilla sibirica, on the contrary, the highly repetitive foldback sequences are excluded form the satellite DNA loci and are arranged in clusters in the remaining chromatin. In rye, there is a clear preferential labelling of the chromocenters in the interphase nuclei as well as metaphase chromosomes, indicating that highly repetitive foldback DNA is preferentially located among other highly repetitive sequences.


DNA polymerase alpha and beta in the California urchin. DNA polymerase alpha and beta were identified in the urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The DNA polymerase beta sedimented at 3.4 S, constituted 5% of total DNA polymerase activity, and was resistant to N-ethylmaleimide and high ionic strength. The polymerase alpha sedimented at 6--8 S, was inhibited by N-ethylmalemide or 0.1 M (NH4)2SO4, and was dependent upon glycerol for preservation of activity. Both the polymerases alpha and beta were nuclear associated in embryos. The DNA polymerase alpha was markedly heterogeneous on DEAE-Sephadex ion exchange and showed three modal polymerase species. These polymerase alpha species were indistinguishable by template activity assays but the DNA polymerase associated ribonucleotidyl transferase (Biochemistry 75 : 3106-3113, 1976) was found predominantly with only one of the DNA polymerase alpha species.


Preparation of a complementary DNA for leghaemoglobin and direct demonstration that leghaemoglobin is encoded by the soybean genome. In soybean root nodules, leghaemoglobin (Lb) accounts for 25--30% of the total soluble protein but is not detected in other tissues. In order to determine whether the Lb genes are plant or bacterial in origin a cDNA probe for Lb was prepared from 9S poly (A) containing mRNA of root nodules. Although this 9S mRNA directed synthesis of predominantly three forms of Lb in vitro, the kinetics of hybridisation of cDNA and the 9S mRNA showed a transition at about 30% hybridisation which suggested that the 9S-cDNA was not pure Lb-cDNA. The abundant, Lb-cDNA was prepared by two cycles of hybridising 9S mRNA and cDNA to a Rot of 3 X 10(-3) and isolation of the hybridised cDNA on hydroxyapatite. The Lb-cDNA was homogeneous in hybridisation analysis with 9S mRNA and electrophoresis in 98% formamide gels. This cDNA hybridised with soybean DNA and not with Rhizobium DNA, thus directly demonstrating that Lb genes are of plant origin. Titration of Lb-cDNA with soybean DNA showed that Lb genes are reiterated about forty-fold per haploid genome.


Partial purification of transcriptionally active nucleosomes from trout testis cells. Mononucleosomes (MN1) enriched in structural non-histone proteins and transcribed DNA sequences were obtained by limited digestion of trout testis nuclei with micrococcal nuclease followed by selective solubilization in 0.1 M NaCl. These monosomes consist of the four inner histones plus stoichiometric amounts of the non-histone protein H6, of the HMG group, complexed with 140 base pairs of DNA. Hybridization experiments indicate that MN1 DNA is enriched in sequences complementary to cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA.


[Studies of lipase-induced fat necrosis in rats (author's transl)]. Disseminated fat necrosis can be produced by intraperitoneal injection of porcine pancreatic lipase. They get detecable by intravital staining with Phosphine 3R about 15 min after injection. The earliest fine structural findings are spotty destruction of the pinocytic invaginations and vesicles, combined with alterations of the cell membrane. Later there is a complete destruction and disintegration of the cytoplasm and its organels as well as the nucleus, whereas the cell membrane partly remains visible. At the same time the central lipid droplet shows cloudy disintegration and clumping as well as cristalline and granular structures. In the beginning the necrosis is limited to single cells. Later the adjacent fat cells also undergo necrosis, even when the applicated lipase has been removed after 30 min. In light microscopic studies fat necrosis are detectable 30 min after the application of lipase. During the first 48 hours they get demarcated by leucocytes. In the following days resorption and organisation take place. Lipolytic drugs facilitate the development of fat necrosis, whereas antilipolytic drugs inhibit it. In starvation the number of fat necrosis rises, after feeding it decreases. In the diurnal rhythm there is a maximum after midnight and a minimum in the early afternoon. The results support the hypothesis that pancreatic lipase only attacks fat cells, which are lipolytically active.


Growth deficiency dysmorphic syndromes.

Growth deficiency dysmorphic syndromes. The precept is set forth that many patterns of malformation are the consequences of congenital hypoplasia in the skeletal system, as in osteochondrodysplasias, or in multiple tissues as in a host of dysmorphic syndromes. The disorders include those caused by most known teratogens in man, by chromosomal abnormalities, mutant gene disorders and a number of syndromes of unknown etiology. Not uncommonly there is a good correlation between the degree of linear growth deficiency and brain growth deficiency within a particular syndrome. Postnatally there is usually a lack of catch-up growth; the children tend to grow at a normal rate for their diminished size by birth. Because there is often a problem in skeletal morphogenesis, roentgenographic interpretation for 'bone age' may be misleading in terms of maturational age. There is no known therapy for congenital hypoplasia disorders, and the ultimate prognosis for height may be judged from the height of adults with the particular disorder in question and related to genetic background of the parents. For example, the adult growth of girls with XO Turner syndrome tends to be about 3.7 SD's below that expected for mean parental height.


The fetal brain and intrauterine growth. The fetal brain stimulates intrauterine growth in man, rat and other species. Human congenital brain anomalies and experiments in rats indicate that the hypothalamus is the brain area responsible for this effect. The only factor found to stimulate intra-uterine growth was alpha-MSH. Various observations and experiments in rat show that stimulation of fetal somatic growth might indeed be a physiological function of alpha-MSH, while observations in the human fetus indicate that alpha-MSH might play a similar role in intra-uterine growth in man as well. Preliminary data in rat point to a similar function of this hormone in brain development.


[Tinea nigra. Apropos of a case diagnosed as melanoma of superficial dissemination]. The authors report a case of tinea nigra of left sole, diagnosticate at the beginning as melanoma of superficial dissemination. The mycological studies confirmed the dermatological diagnostic of tinea nigra by Cladosporium werneckii.


[Effect of different nitrogen sources on the biosynthesis of lipase by Oospora lactis]. The effect of inorganic and organic nitrogen compounds on the synthesis of biomass and extracellular lipase by Oospora lactis was studied. Among the inorganic nitrogen sources ammonium sulphate and ammonium secondary phosphate and among the organic nitrogen sources yeast autolysate proved to be most beneficial for the lipase synthesis. Lipase activity and biomass accumulation in the medium containing yeast autolysate were greater than in the media containing the above ammonium salts. Lipase synthesis reached maximum in the nutrient medium containing yeast autolysate (0.7%) and ammonium sulphate (0.3%).


An evaluation of the intrapair relationship for personal attributes in the NHLBI twin study. We have considered a group of questions which attempt to define the environments of twins in our study both within and between twin pairs. Only 8 of 31 questions on which twins compared themselves to their co-twins were reliable and showed discordance for twin pairs. Comparing discordant twins for cardiovascular risk factors, few significant results were obtained. Cigarette smoking seemed to be most closely related to the environmental differences; but negatively related to achievement in grade school and high school and to which twin was stronger in childhood. Weight at examination appeared to be related to strength in childhood. In addition, there may be a negative relationship between income and blood pressure. One additional question showed MZ twins get together significantly more often than DZ twins. In terms of differnces in environmental covariance, the question "how frequently do you and your twin get together now?" may be a simple but valuable measure of similarity of twins and should be considered for inclusion in twin studies.


Synthesis of some 2-styrylquinazoline derivatives structurally related to certain chemotherapeutic agents. The synthesis of certain 2-styryl-4-arylaminoquinazolines having the general formula 1 is described. 4-Chloro-2-styrylquinazolines were prepared by chlorination of 2-styryl-4-quinazolones in benzene solution using phosphorus oxychloride and an excess of dimethylaniline. Reacting the chlorostyrylquinazolines with certain arylamines afforded 1.


Investigation of iridoid substances in Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Active principles of bearberry have been studied for several decades. The drug Folium uvae-ursi is useful to the pharmaceutical industry (in production of medicinal teas) for its disinfective effect on the urinary tract which is derived from the content of phenolic glucosides. This work is a part of the total evaluation of the drug from the point of view of contents of active principles, biogenesis, isolation, qualitative and quantitative differences during the vegetative period, and the changes during technological treatment and pharmacological activity of its active principles.


Effect of electrostatic fields on the chromosomes of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells exposed in vivo. An effect of electrostatic fields on the chromosomes of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells exposed in vivo has been demonstrated. Cells exposed to horizontal electrostatic fields for two weeks had almost a threefold increase in the percentage of abnormal chromosomes when compared to control cells or cells exposed to vertical electrostatic fields for the same period. Extended exposure times of 4--15 weeks resulted in the disappearance of the aberrant chromosomes. It is suggested that the effected cells were incapable of cellular replication resulting eventually in their disappearance via cell death.


A fluorescent probe study of salmine AI. A fluorescent probe, 1-p-toluidinylnapthalene-8-sulfonate (1,8-TNS), was used to study the nonpolar sites on salmine AI. Fluorescence enhancement resulting from binding between the probe and the protein occurs at a wavelength of maximum emission of 497-500 nm, indicating the existence of moderately nonpolar binding sites on salmine AI. Fluorescence enhancement decreases as the ionic strength of the solvent is increased from 0.002 M to 0.050 M. Fluorescence increases with increasing acidity although this effect is not correlated to the pKa of 1,8-TNS. Positive cooperative binding takes place between 1,8-TNS and salmine AI. Equilibrium dialysis indicates that binding occurs only under conditions resulting in significant fluorescent enhancement. The binding was also studied using thin film dialysis, which is much faster than equilibrium dialysis and avoids the observed changes in probe-protein interaction that occur over long time periods with the latter system.


Ultrasonographic evaluation of vascular access complications. In 24 patients, sonograms were obtained of 25 vascular accesses, 16 of which were bovine grafts, 7 arteriovenous fistulae, 1 a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, and 1 an external Silastic shunt. On the sonograms, the lumen, course, and insertions of the vascular grafts and fistulae were outlined, anterior and posterior aneurysms demonstrated, hematomas differentiated from aneurysms, and intrinsic distinguished from extrinsic lesions. The authors conclude ultrasonography is a valuable adjunct to clinical evaluation in assessing certain complications of vascular access.


Changes in the effects of cocaine during chronic treatment. The principle object of the study was to identify the changes in the rat's response to cocaine which occurred during chronic administration of the drug. Doses of 20 and 35 mg/Kg cocaine were administered at intervals of 12 and 24 hours, for 300 days or until their effects proved fatal. Four main effects were observed: sensitization to cocaine's convulsant and behavioral activating properties, tolerance to its weight loss effects and decreased response duration. Convulsant sensitization occurred primarily among rats receiving the higher dose of cocaine. All other effects occurred with equal frequency in rats at both doses. None of the changes were dependent on the interval between injections.


Effect of propranolol on glycerol induced acute renal failure in rats. The effect produced by propranolol, administered for a prolonged period of time and in large doses, on renal function in rats has been studied, as well as the modifications induced by this treatment in an experimental model of acute renal failure, and the effects of a single dose of propranolol given 1 hour before provoking failure. Propranolol, administered chronically, causes sodium and water retention and increases creatinine clearance. Acute renal failure induced by glycerol in rats treated for 7 days with propranolol is less severe than the one produced in untreated animals. In this ARF model, a single dose of propranolol does not seem to have a protective effect.


Urate metabolism and gastric ulcerations in rats as influenced by stress and allopurinol. Stress and allopurinol (ALL) were investigated in rats with regard to their influence on serum uric acid and glucose concentration, gastric secretion, microcirculation (MBF) and stress ulcer index. There is a non-competitive type of interaction between severe stress and ALL-mediated xanthine oxydase inhibition (= per cent fall in serum uric acid) as compared with control conditions (= mild stress). Vmax is different (84.6 +/- 1.9 and 92.3+/-2.26; P less than 0.05), but not Km (0.39 +/- 0.09 and 0.68 +/- 0.08 mg/kg/h ALL). Serum uric acid is higher in rats with draining gastric fistula than those with closed fistula suggesting that already mild stress is associated with an increase in uricemia in this species. ALL does not significantly alter gastric acid and uric acid secretion but improves markedly gastric ulcer index during mild and severe stress. Since MBF is significantly elevated by ALL during the latter circumstances, a dissociation between MBF and acid secretion is one feature of ALL actions and might become a primary aim in treatment of this disorder.


Isolation of mycoplasmas from the canine genital tract: a survey of 108 healthy dogs. Cultivation of preputial or vaginal swab samples from 108 apparently healthy dogs gave presumptive mycoplasma growth in 72 cases. Specific identification of 58 mycoplasma isolates based on biochemical studies, indirect immunofluorescence and growth inhibition tests showed association with eight different species or groups, only four of which had previously yielded genital isolates. Fourteen strains were related to M bovigenitalium.


Instability of benzimidazole resistance in nematode eggs. The resistance of the eggs of benzimidazole resistant Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis is not stable and will decrease in the absence of drug challenge. Dosing animals harbouring resistant H contortus with either thiabendazole or mebendazole selects for nematodes producing thiabendazole resistant eggs. The eggs of a thiabendazole selected strain of H contortus were more resistant to thiabendazole, parbendazole and oxibendazole but less resistant to cambendazole and mebendazole.


Response of basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion and of serum gastrin to short- and long-term intravenous infusion of salmon calcitonin in hyperchlorhydric subjects. In 23 volunteers with gastric hyperchlorhydria the effect of intravenous administration of salmon calcitonin (SMC) on basal (n = 11) and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion (n = 12) and on immunoreactive serum gastrin (n = 11) was studied under various experimental conditions. SMC (0.075 microgram . kg(-1) . 2h(-1) and 0.3 microgram . kg(-1) . h(-1)) caused a statistically significant reduction of HCl output of 75% and 80% and of pepsin of 55% and 90%. Serum gastrin concentration showed a dose-dependent decrease of 17% and 31% respectively. Pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion was moderately inhibited by short-term administration of SMC (0.15 and 0.30 microgram . kg(-1) . 30 min(-1)), the effect being confined to the period of application of the hormone. Long-term infusion of the smaller dose for 2 1/2 h induced a sustained decrease of HCl output by 55%. It is assumed that SMC inhibits gastric secretion mainly by interfering with the production or liberation, or both, of gastrin. Whether long-term administration of SMC has advantages over substances currently used as therapeutic inhibitors of gastric secretion, e.g. in gastroduodenal bleeding, has yet to be investigated.


Detection of antiplatelet antibody in immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Two methods have been developed for the detection of antiplatelet antibodies in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The first, a competitive RIA, is highly sensitive, reproducible and allows quantitation of platelet associated immunoglobulins (PAI) and specifically adsorbed antiplatelet antibodies from serum of patients with ITP. The second procedure developed is a simple and rapid qualitative test, where antiplatelet antibodies are detected through the formation of rosettes of protein A producing Staphylococcus aureus with sensitized human platelets.


The margin to incontinence after three types of operation for stress incontinence. Three of the most widely used operations for stress incontinence--urethropexy ad modum Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz, pubococcygeal repair according to Ingelman-Sundberg and the Zoedler sling operation--were studied concerning urodynamic results. Simultaneous urethrocystometry with recording of the urethral pressure profile was used to quantify postoperative continence. The urethral pressure profile at rest, the transmission of pressure from abdomen to urethra and the efficiency of the smooth muscle in the urethral wall and its supporting tissues in a dynamic situation were compared with preoperative findings. Equally good results were obtained with the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz and the Ingelman-Sundberg operation, which improved pressure transmission.


Human and mouse hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase: dimers and tetramers. Human and mouse hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase subunits combine to form an active heteropolymer. Dimers form the basic subunit structure of the enzymes, yet the dimers can readily associate to form tetramers. The equilibrium between dimers and tetramers is significantly influenced by the ionic strength of the enzyme solvent.


Chemotactic responses of tumor cells to products of resorbing bone. To explore possible mechanisms for the metastasis of malignant cells to bone, a model of tumor cell migration was developed, using Walker carcinosarcoma or malignant lymphoma cells. It was found that bone contains a factor that is strongly chemotactic for tumor cells. This factoor is released by a variety of agents that induce resorption of bone.


Oocyte-follicle cell gap junctions in Xenopus laevis and the effects of gonadotropin on their permeability. Junctions between Xenopus laevis oocytes and follicle cells have been identified as gap junctions by the passage of microinjected fluorescent dye from oocytes to follicle cells. The opening or assembly of these junctions, or both, appears to be regulated by gonadotropins.


Fertilizable life of mouse eggs stored at 1 C and 25 C. Unfertilized mouse eggs were suspended in various media for 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours at 1 C and 25 C before exposure to spermatozoa in vitro. The largest number of eggs undergoing fertilization at both temperatures occurred after storage for 1 and 2 hours with the number decreasing over the remaining 6 hours. More eggs stored at 25 C appeared to be undergoing normal fertilization, especially after storage for 4 hours, when compared with eggs stored at 1 C. Various abnormalities associated with fertilization were visible in some eggs after storage at each time period and at both temperatures.


Proestrous levels of LH and FSH subsequent to adrenalectomy the same morning. Adrenalectomies and sham-adrenalectomies were performed on the day of proestrus between 0900 and 1000 hours. On the afternoon and evening of the same day, these animals, as well as unoperated control animals, were sacrificed at 2-hour intervals from 1400 through 2400 hours and blood was taken from the abdominal aorta. Plasma concentrations of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Adrenalectomized, sham-adrenalectomized, and normal rats all show a peak in LH levels at 1800 hours on proestrus. Peak concentrations of FSH were found at 2200 hours in control and adrenalectomized rats, while in the sham-adrenalectomized animals an advancement of the FSH surge by 2 hours, to 2000 hours, was seen.


The action of immobilized thrombin on factor VIII, fibrinogen and a synthetic tripeptide. Bovine thrombin was insolubilized by attachment to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose (Sepharose-thrombin) or to activated (Affi-Gel 10) agarose containing a 10 A long arm (Affi-Gel-thrombin). Coupling in both instances approximated 7,000 units of thrombin per ml packed gel as determined by 125I-thrombin incorporation. The thrombin beads hydrolyzed the synthetic tripeptide Bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA (S-2160) at different rates, with the Sepharose-thrombin more active (220 esterase units per ml) than Affi-Gel thrombin (20.4 units per ml). The Km was significantly higher for the insolubilized thrombins (2 X 10(-3) M) than uncoupled thrombin (Km = 8 X 10(-5) M). The Sepharose-thrombin activated factor VIII significantly more rapidly than Affi-Gel-thrombin. Neither matrix-bound thrombin clotted a fibrinogen solution or liberated significant amounts of fibrinopeptides over 48 hr. This data indicates that a proteolysis of factor VIII, rather than a complex with thrombin, is the method of activation of factor VIII and that factor VIII is more accessible to the action of immobilized thrombin than is fibrinogen.


Light and electron microscopic observations of feeding behavior, nutrition, and reproduction in laboratory cultures of Thalassicolla nucleata. T. nucleata is a skeletonless, single-celled radiolarian commonly found in ocean surface water. Specimens were cultured in the laboratory in a seawater--antibiotic medium. Feeding experiments show that T. nucleata is omnivorous with preference for crustacea, colorless flagellates, and occasional diatoms. Pigmented algae bearing organic thecae are occasionally consumed, but Dunaliella sp. is rejected. Rhizopodial activity during algal predation is compared to activity during crustacean predation, and evidence for differentiation of function among rhizopodia is presented. Electron microscopic observations and evidence from cytochalasin B treatment support the hypothesis that microfilaments mediate organized rhizopodial streaming. Reproduction is by isospores which resemble those in other spumellarian Radiolaria. Survival time in laboratory culture indicates that T. nucleata has a life span of at least 3 weeks. These findings are discussed in relation to the unique requirements imposed by a pelagic habitat on survival of a single-celled floating organism.


Examination of the role of follicle stimulating hormone in estrogen biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro in the ovary of the cyclic hamster. The effect of neutralizing endogenous follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) with specific antisera on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen in the ovary of cycling hamster was studied. Neutralization of FSH or LH on proestrus resulted in a reduction in the estradiol concentration of the ovary on diestrus-2 and next proestrus, suggesting an impairment in follicular development. Injection of FSH antiserum at 0900 h of diestrus-2 significantly reduced the ovarian estradiol concentration within 6--7 h. Further, these ovaries on incubation with testosterone (T) in vitro at 1600 h of the same day or the next day synthesized significantly lower amounts of estradiol, compared to corresponding control ovaries. Although testosterone itself, in the absence of endogenous FSH, could stimulate estrogen synthesis to some extent, FSH had to be supplemented with T to restore estrogen synthesis to the level seen in control ovaries incubated with T. Lack of FSH thus appeared to affect the aromatization step in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway in the ovary of hamster on diestrus-2. In contrast to this, FSH antiserum given on the morning of proestrus had no effect on the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of estrogen, when examined 6--7 h later. The results suggest that there could be a difference in the need for FSH at different times of the cycle. Neutralization of LH either on diestrus-2 or proestrus resulted in a drastic reduction in estradiol concentration of the ovary. This block was at the level of androgen synthesis, since supplementing testerone alone in vitro could stimulate estrogen synthesis to a more or less similar extent as in the ovaries of control hamsters.


[Changes in the endomembrane system and mitochondria of cultured chick fibroblasts upon application of colchicine and following its withdrawal]. After the administration of colchicine (5 mcg/ml) into nutritive medium of primary tissue culture there is a remarkable decrease in the volume and number of fibroblast-membrane organoids during the first 3 hours. The removing of colchicine-damaged fibroblasts into the medium without colchicine leads to the renewal of the most of intracellular membranes during the following 24 hours. Probable reasons and mechanisms of colchicine-induced alterations are discussed.


[Effect of microorganism population density on protein metabolism]. The influence of population density of yeasts Candida utilis on the protein synthesis was investigated using 14C-L-leucine. After 15--30 minutes of exposure in 14C-L-leucine, the isotope incorporation into the protein was negligible at subcritical density of cell suspension (10(4)--5X10(5) cells/mm3), but then beginning from the 10(6) cells/mm3 density, a sharp activation of incorporation was observed. With increased incubation time up to 60--120 minutes for high density suspension (more than 10(6) cells/mm3), the degradation of newly-synthesized protein is the more the higher the cell concentrations and incubation time. The changes of protein synthesis intensity seem to be not associated with the influence of such traditional factors as nutrient medium exhaustion, toxicosis, change of hydrogen ion concentration and oxygen deficiency. It is suggested that structurally functional shifts in cells initiated by intercellular interactions may underlie the dependence of protein synthesis on the suspension culture density.


[Attempts at freezing bull semen in a yolk-raffinose medium without glycerin]. A new medium was produced, containing no glycerin but rich in raffinose, egg yolk, and mineral water, adequate for freezing bull semen. It was tested parallel to a control extender, consisting of yolk, lactose, and glycerine. The absolute survival rate of the spermatozoa kept at 0-4 degrees C in a raffinose medium proved by 24.25 h higher than that of the spermatozoa in the control medium. No other essential differences were established as to motility, heat resistance and percent of pathologic forms of freshly diluted and frozen semen between the test and the control medium. The biologic test on a total of 133 cows resulted in a 71.4% conception rate at first insemination. The semen frozen in the control medium showed 62.6% conception at the insemination of 123 cows. The difference of 8.8% was in favour of the new synthetic medium. The insufficient number of animals (133) used in the investigations made it necessary to test the new medium on a wider production basis.


Scombroid poisoning. Report of an outbreak. An outbreak of scombroid poisoning occurred in San Francisco in the fall of 1977. The vehicle was sashimi prepared from spoiled tuna fish. Prompt public health measures prevented further consumption of the implicated food. Laboratory studies showed the presence in the tuna of bacterial species capable of producing large amounts of histamine, a substance strongly implicated in scombroid poisoning. Chemical analysis showed that histamine is very unevenly distributed in the flesh of spoiling tuna, therefore accounting for the sometimes random occurrence of disease among people eating the same food at the same table.


[A pneumatic generator of aerosols for group vaccination (author's transl)]. It is given the description of a pneumatic generator of Aerosols--with the basical technical data--designed and built by the authors of this paper. The generator is used for producing aerosols for simultaneous vaccination of animals. Electrization of the aerosols contribute to a higher stability of the droplets and also to their longer retainment in the respiratory organs.


Blood-group A and G specific structures in toad (Bufo) spawn. Comparative studies on three species (Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Bufo calamita). Permethylation analyses of the spawn material of three toad (Bufo) species allow the conclusion that the serologically determinant group in Bufo bufo spawn is identical with that found in human and hog blood-group A substances (i.e. GalNAc(alpha1,3) [Fuc(alpha1,2)] Gal -), and the serologically determinant group in Bufo viridis and Bufo calamita spawn is identical with that found in blood-group H substances (i.e. Fuc(alpha1,2) Gal -).


Behavioural and physiological effects of testosterone propionate and cyproterone acetate in immature male domestic ducks, Anas platyrhynchos. The behavioural and morphological effects of testosterone propionate and of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate were studied in male domestic ducks. Testosterone was also measured by radioimmunoassay in the plasma of these birds to relate the behaviour to the actual circulating levels of hormone. Testosterone stimulates sexual behaviour but has few effects on social displays. There is no correlation between the individual variations of plasma testosterone and sexual behaviour.


[Effect of plant residues on the parasitic activity of soilborne pathogens and the saprophytic microflora of the soil. III. Influence of rye and rape grown as winter catch crop on the incidence of Cercosporella herpotrichoides Fron (author's transl)]. In a five-years field trial, the influence of two winter catchcrops, rye and rape, upon the incidence of Cercosporella herpotrichoides has been studied. The winter catch-crops had been repeated three times, followed either by stubble-crop or without in fall of the fourth year. The variants (blocks) had been completed by two variants without catch-crop, either carefully cultivated or overgrown with weeds. Each of the four blocks had been divided three times to be grown with three different crop sequences containing 80%, 60% (with the insusceptible corn), or 40% haulm fruit, respectively. Each of the 12 variants had been divided into two parts by continuous fallow stripe, one part being artificially infested with the pathogen in the beginning (1st winter wheat). In the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, only spring crops were grown, followed by winter wheat in the 5th year. The final exploration resulted in a medium to heavy degree of infection, being significantly higher in the 80% cereal crop sequence than in the 60% and 40% sequences. Concerning the catch-crops, infection in the rye variants was equal or significantly lower than in the carefully cultivated variants without catch-crop. On the other hand, infection of the rape variants had become significantly higher than that of the catch-crop-free ones, about as heavily as in the weed-infested variants. From fall 1966 to summer 1969, the development of the saprophytic soil microflora and several other edaphic parameters had been investigated. Remarkable differences in intensity of disintegration have been observed under the influence of the main crops, cereals or potatoes, respectively, but no differences could be stated resulting from the matter of disintegration--residues of rye or rape--, which might interpret the contrasting effects on the pathogen. Too, no indication for antagonistic activity of bacteria or actinomycetes has been noted. The results are compared with known facts of Cercosporella and of other soil borne pathogens. The difference in biology of Cercosporella on the one hand, and of root infecting fungi on the other hand seems to be most important to explain the results obtained.


[Studies on the composting of feathers (author's transl)]. The nitrogen of keratin of feathers is not taken up by plants as a suitable N-source. It becomes available by the keratinolytic activity of microorganisms. The high temperature evolved during the composting process promotes the growth and activity of thermophilic, keratin-decomposing microorganisms, e.g. Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. The increasing in temperature (self-heating) reflects the course of composting. A feather-peat mixture exhibits a considerably high heat production, i.e. a fast decomposition of keratin and other organic matter.


[Influence of sulphur dioxide on the growth of some fungal species (author's transl)]. The paper presents results of experiments with fumigation of different concentrations of SO2 on Flamulina velutipes, Nematoloma fasciculare, and Pleurotus ostreatus. All the three concentrations of SO2, 84, 168, and 1.680 microgram/m3, had inhibitory effect on the growth of the fungi species. The inhibitory effect on the growth of the fungi species. The inhibitory effect increased with increasing SO2 concentration. All the three fungial species were prevented from growing by the concentration of 1.680 microgram/m3 SO2. Any changes in morphological structure of hyphae, were not observed.


Surgical treatment of urinary fistulae.

Surgical treatment of urinary fistulae. A survey is presented, based upon a personal material of 225 cases of urinary fistulae. 173 of them were postoperative or obstetric fistulae, whereas 52 had appeared after a radiological or combined radiological and surgical treatment for cancer of the uterus. --The author's method for preparing the fistula region from a transverse incision under the external urethral orifice is described as well as his grafting techniques. Vessels are brought to the fistula region by using flaps from one or both pubococcygeus muscles, the rectus abdominis muscle or the gracilis muscle. --For vesico-vaginal fistulae situated high up in the fundus a graft from the omentum majus or an appendix epiploica is sometimes used. They can usually be grasped from below after the peritoneum has been opened. --In cases where the ureters were also damaged by irradiation a special technique was used. After the damaged part of the ureter had been resected the ureters were implanted into an ileum segment which was anastomosed to the bladder fistula. --In one of the 173 non-irradiated cases, a Bricker-bladder had finally to be made because of the failure to achieve a functioning urethra. The others were all cured after one or in a few cases two operations. --Among the 52 cases, which had been irradiated, 46 coud to be made, one got a fast growing local recurrence of the carcinoma and one had too bad general condition to allow a diversion operation. Two patients have rest fistulae but may be possible to cure conservatively.


[The carbachol test on the determination of detrusor denervation following extended hysterectomy]. Following radical hysterectomy the urinary bladder develops a denervation supersensitivity to cholinergic stimulation. The carbachol-test based on that observation: after filling the bladder with 100 ml sterile saline and subcutaneous administration of 0,004 mg.kg-1 body weight carbachol the course of the intravesical pressure was recorded. Normal bladders respond with a pressure rise non exceeding 15 cm H2O. Between 15 and 20 cm H2O is a suspicous zone. Test results of more than 20 cm H2O indicate a denervated bladder with increasing certainty. 6 healthy women and 50 patients underwent radical hysterectomy were examined. In 20 women measurements before and after the operation were performed. The carbachol-test is semiquantitative only. In patients with bladder dysfunction we found predominant pathological test results. But there is no evident correlation between the level of the test result and the clinical degree of the micturition disturbances. In some cases the effects of the detrusor supersensitivity on the urethra and the ureter were examined. The conditions of the denervated bladder call for caution in the administration of cholinergic drugs.


Oral treatment of human taeniasis by ethereal extract of male-fern (aspidium) preceded by the administration of hypertonic solution of magnesium sulphate. 29 Patients of ages varying from 12 to 60 years were treated orally with doses of 0.07 g/kg body weight of ethereal extract of male-fern, preceded by the administration of hypertonic solution of magnesium sulphate (15 g in 200 ml of water). All of them were previously treated with other anthelminthics without success. 25 of the patients obtained total cure. One woman expelled 14 scoleces of T. solium. The species determination for the 29 cases of Taeniasis revealed 3 cases of T. solium (10.3%) and 26 cases of T. saginata (89.7%).


[Monosaccharide composition of the lipopolysaccharides of bacteria of the genus Citrobacter]. The authors studied antigens obtained by Grasset's method from 13 strains of Citrobacter of the International collection. The strains possessed O- and H-antigens whose behaviur in the electric field differed. All the strains under study were divided into two groups (by the number of serologically-active components of their O-antigens); representatives of the second group had no cathode O-antigen component. Chemical composition of specific lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained by Westphal's method was determined. Fourteen different sugars were revealed. The strains under study were referred to the known chemotypes. Strain 16/52 (8a, 8c) was for the first time studied in respect to the monosaccharide composition of specific LPS, and was referred to chemotype designated as CC-L.


Studies on heterogeneity of the lysine-rich histone from ox pancreas. 1. Histone H1 from ox pancrease has been isolated by preparative electrophoresis at pH 2.7 in polyacrylamide slab gel, using the fraction F1 of Oliver et al. (1972, Biochem. J., 129, 349--353) as starting material. 2. The isolated histone H1 showed higher heterogeneity on isoelectric focusing than on polyacrylamide electrophoresis in long gel. The isoelectric points of the main subfractions of histone H1 were at pH 8.0--8.4.


Initiation of voiding in healthy women and those with stress incontinence. Sixteen healthy women, and 13 with stress incontinence were investigated by simultaneous urethrocystometry during the initiation of voiding. In the healthy women, there was a decrease in the maximum intra-urethral pressure immediately before micturition. A few seconds later (mean 3.0 sec), the intravesical pressure increased. As a result, the urethral closure pressure decreased to zero, and urine started to escape from the urethra. In the patients with stress in continence, three different ways of initiating micturition were observed. Five patients initiated voiding by the Valsalva manoeuvre, 3 mainly by decreasing the maximum urthral pressure, and 5 mainly in the same way as the healthy women. The results suggest that preoperative analysis of the micturition pattern by means of simultaneous urethrocystometry can be of value for the choice of operative procedure, and thereby make it possible to avoid or reduce postoperative retention of urine.


Bladder base insufficiency. Radiological, urodynamic, and clinical aspects. Among 420 consecutive patients referred for voiding cystourethrography 26% presented the picture of bladder base insufficiency (b.b.i.). The examination was carried out as a colpo-cysto-urethrography. A urodynamic and gynecological examination was performed in each patient. The characteristic morphological features were: Anterior and inferior displacement of the bladder neck and a pointed bladder base. The position and form of the vagina was normal. Radiological signs of detrusor function were weak and opening of the bladder neck was characterized by funneling. Urodynamically the patients with b.b.i. showed low opening and low detrusor contraction pressures. The flows were highly varying. Very high flows were seen in a few patients but the more common pattern was slightly reduced maximum flow rates. Opening of the internal urethral orifice is known to be caused by detrusor contraction. Closing is passive, caused by elastic properties in the tissues. In b.b.i. intravesical pressures during micturition were low and radiological signs of detrusor contraction were weak, indicating that the bladder neck was easily opened. This, on the other hand, means that the bladder neck was insufficiently closed during bladder reservoir function, and may explain the main symptom, stress incontinence, which was present in 84% of the patients. The underlying pathology in anatomical support and suspension of the bladder base is discussed.


Catecholamine-containing and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerve fibres in the rabbit conjunctiva. The innervation of the rabbit conjunctiva was investigated histochemically. Nerves containing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were demonstrated using a copper thiocholine technique. Sympathetic nerve fibres were demonstrated using either the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) or glyoxylic acid induced fluorescence (GIF) method. In addition, GIF and AChE-reactions were performed consecutively for the demonstration of fluorescent and AChE-positive nerves in the same specimen. The number of AChE-positive nerve fibres exceeded that of fluorescent fibres. Both fibre types were more numerous in the stroma of the limbal and tarsal conjunctiva than in the fornix. In the epithelium, only a few AChE-positive nerves were observed. These are assumed to be sensory. Most nerves seemed to contain both catecholamine-containing and AChE-positive fibres. However, nerves fibres containing only AChE-activity were also found. The blood vessels of the conjunctiva were innervated by both fluorescent and AChE-positive nerves, the distribution and number of which differed slightly.


Autoradiography on erythrokinesis and multihemoglobins in juvenile Salmo salar L. at various respiratory gas regimes. The kinetics of erythropoiesis in 5--6 month old Salmo salar L. was correlated to 4 combinations of environmental PO2 and pH/PCO2. Given single doses of 55Fe at the start of continuous flow bioassays, the incorporation was examined in circulating red blood cells (RBC) by autoradiography on blood smears. The proportions of immature, labelled immature and labelled mature erythrocytes were calculated on samples taken at intervals up to 52 days. Compared to control fish kept at a PO2 corresponding to 90% air saturation and pH/PCO2 at 7.6/8 pH unit/mmHg, oxygen depletion to 50% air saturation stimulated the proliferation of RBC stem cells and enhanced RBC maturation. Ceteris paribus, sustained hypercapnia at a PCO2 in a respiratory water raised to 23 mm Hg (pH 7.1--7.2), stimulated proliferation but did not affect the output of mature RBC. Simultaneously lowered PO2 and raised PCO2 to the levels mentioned above obviously stressed the fish, as the effect of lowered PO2 per se was not manifested. Radioactivity was traced to all electrophoretically separable protein fractions from RBC hemolysates. The relevance of blood physiological criteria for probing the fitness or well being of fish in environmental respiratory stress conditions has been discussed.


Haemangioblastomas of the central nervous system. Experiences with 47 haemangioblastomas of the central nervous system seen in our department over a period of 33 years are described. Among these cases there were six tumours of the brain stem and four of the cerebrum. It is pointed out that, after a diagnosis of brain stem tumour has been made, a shunt procedure is indicated if high intracranial pressure is present. Radiation does not seem to help this kind of patient. Polycythaemia was observed in both types of tumours. One case of spinal cord tumour was seen during the same period, and in another case multiple tumours of the brain stem and the spinal cord were observed.


Chilean experience with fortified children's formulas. In this paper we have described all the steps needed to develop an efficient program for distributing children's fortified formulas. The easiest steps are to develop the formulas on an experimental and laboratory basis. The real obstacles lie in implementation at the national level. All that has been described applies to experience in Chile, which we consider very successful because of the acceptance of the program as well as spectacular advances in preventing malnutrition. The figures for 1977 show that combining all degrees of malnutrition in the under six age group, the prevalence is now 12.2% compared to nearly 60% found 10 years ago. This progress is due, not only to the specific program, but also to the many others that constitute the national food and nutrition policy (CONPAN, 1976). This success is due to the persistent, skilled effort of many professional and technical staff members. It is impractical to acknowledge all individual contributions here. The National Food and Nutrition Council, the National Health Service, Universities, Research Bodies, and private enterprizes have all contributed to this joint effort. The purpose of this presentation is that this experience may benefit other countries with similar problems.


Improvement of the protein quality of corn with soybean protein. In most Central American countries, lime-treated corn provides 31% of the total protein and 45% of the energy intake, and beans 24% of the protein and 12% of the calories. Such diet is low in protein quality and quantity, as well as in energy. To overcome these deficiencies, corn can be supplemented either with its limiting amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, or better still, with whole soybeans which improve not only the amount and quality of the protein consumed but, because of their high oil content, the energy intake as well. In addition, animal experiments have shown that for maximum utilization of these nutrients, adequate vitamin and mineral intake is indispensable. At a level of 15 parts of whole soybean or 8 parts soybean-derived products, to 85--92 parts of corn there were no significant changes in the rheological or organoleptic characteristics of the tortilla prepared there of. Higher levels of soybean products, however, may affect the consistency of the lime-treated corn dough and, therefore, the tortilla acceptability. Since corn is usually cooked, but not ground, at home, the soybean supplement can be successfully added at the wet--milling stage of dough preparation or whole soybeans and corn may be cooked together, when a nutritional intervention is desired at the village level. At an industrial scale, if whole soybeans are used, they may be cooked together with corn, and if soy flour is used, this can be mixed at the end of the process when the cooked corn is ground to a flour. A flow diagram for supplementing corn with 15% whole soybeans is presented. If interventions of this nature are to be successful, there is need for increasing the prestige of corn-based food, as well as of nutrition education programs in these populations.


Amino acid supplementation of isolated soybean protein in milk replacers for preruminant lambs. The growth of preruminant calves and lambs fed on milk replacers containing vegetable proteins is generally inferior to that of preruminants given cows' milk. The inferior performance has variously been attributed to an amino acid imbalance, to heat damage in preparation, and to the presence of growth-retarding substances. Soybean products that have been treated to remove, or destroy, growth-retarding substances are now available commercially. An experimental design is described that has been used to determine the order of limiting amino acids in soy protein isolates, and which may also be used to estimate requirements for individual amino acids. The design allows an economy in time and in experimental animals, and gives results that are not significantly different from those determined in classical balance experiments.


Inhibition of lysinoalanine synthesis by protein acylation. Treating wheat gluten, soy protein, and lactalbumin under alkaline conditions at 65 degree C for various times destroys part of the threonine, cystine, lysine, tyrosine, and arginine residues in these proteins. The losses were accompanied by the appearance of lysinoalanine and unidentified ninhydrin-positive substances. Treating wool under somewhat milder alkaline conditions destroys part of the cystine and lysine residues, but not the other amino acids cited. In this case, loss of cystine and lysine was accompanied by the appearance of lanthionine and lysinoalanine. Amino acid analysis of alkali-treated acylated proteins revealed that acylation by acetic and succinic anhydrides prevents or minimizes destruction of lysine residues and the formation of lysinoalanine in wheat gluten and soy protein and, in wool, minimizes destruction of cystine and lysine residues and the formation of lanthionine lysinoalanine. Mechanisms are proposed to explain the observed inhibiting effects of protein acylation and oertain additives on lysinoalanine formation.


Nutritional improvement of food proteins by means of the plastein reaction and its novel modification. The paper reviews recent studies in the application of the plastein reaction for the improvement of amino acid compositions of food proteins; it describes in a large measure the specific incorporation of amino acid esters into protein hydrolysate during the plastein reaction with papain. The information obtained from this specificity study has been found useful in the improvement of several unconventional as well as conventional proteins by incorporating controlled amounts of essential amino acids through the plastein reaction. Prior to carrying out this reaction, however, it is necessary to prepare a protein hydrolysate as its substrate. The entire process thus requires two independent steps: enzymatic protein hydrolysis and resynthesis. In very recent work we have found it possible to incorporate amino acid esters directly into protein by one step when a proper reaction condition has been adopted. This novel "one--step process" is also discussed in comparison with the conventional plastein reaction.


Improving protein quality of bread - nutritional benefits and realities. The bases for improving bread protein quality are critically examined. Protein consumption is shown to be directly related to total calorie intake in many countries, with a correlation coefficient (r) of greater than or equal to 0.90. Concentration of protein in bread, % kilocalories, is similar to that of mixed diets in many parts of the world. Quality of bread protein, when evaluated by male weanling rats, may be improved by supplementation with lysine and threonine, as well as with many protein sources. Human adults, on bread diets, may be maintained in nitrogen equilibrium or slightly positive nitrogen balance. Increases, however, in nitrogen retention have been reported when lysine was added to bread. Laboratory studies with infants and young children, often hospitalized and recovering from severe malnutrition, show that lysine supplementation of wheat flour and gluten diets enhanced nitrogen retention and weight gain. No effect was observed when whole wheat diets were supplemented with lysine. Several field studies with children indicate that the addition of lysine to either supplemental breads provided at school, or to all wheat products consumed, resulted in no observed beneficial effects. Other field studies report an increase in either weight or height with addition of lysine to breads. A laboratory study with human adults suggests that a wheat flour: soy flour mixture has a higher biological value than wheat flour alone. The role, in human nutrition, of breads with improved protein quality remains somewhat obscure.


Soy protein utilization in food systems. Soy protein products are utilized in food systems as whole beans, flours and grits, concentrates and isolates, and textured products. Soy proteins play a significant role in food systems as a source of supplementary and complementary protein and contribute functional properties such as solubility, water absorption, viscosity, emulsification, texture, and antioxidation. Whole soybeans are processed into snack foods, beverages, and fermented foods. Soy protein is an ideal supplement for cereal protein because it corrects lysine and other  amino acid deficiencies. Blends of soy flour or grits with cereals such as corn, wheat, or sorghum are widely used in world feeding programs. The blends are also valuable in domestic food systems such as breakfast cereals and baked foods. Concentrates and isolates are utilized in processed meats and baby foods. Isolates are utilized in processed meats and baby foods. Isolates are employed as whipping agents and coffee whiteners. Thermoplastic extrusion of defatted flours or protein concentrates produces an expanded type of textured protein. Isolated soy protein is converted to meat analogs by a spun fiber process. Textured soy protein products are used to extend or replace meat products in food systems.


Right atrial ultrastructure in congenital heart disease. I. Comparison of ventricular septal defect and endocardial cushion defect. Ultrastructural studies were performed on portions of the operatively resected right atrium from six patients with a ventricular septal defect and six patients with an endocardial cushion defect. The six patients with a ventricular septal defect had normal right atrial mean pressure and no evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients appeared normal and measured 6 to 12 mu in diameter. The six patients with an endocardial cushion defect had elevated right atrial mean pressure and evidence of right atrial volume overload. Ultrastructurally, the atrial muscle cells in these patients were generally larger than 12 mu in diameter. The cells were irregular and had multiple and occasionally widened intercalated discs. In addition, there were degenerative changes in two patients with markedly increased atrial pressure. These changes included extensive loss of contractile elements, aggregation of small irregular mitochondria and proliferation of tubules of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The structural changes suggest that hypertrophy of the right atrium may be secondary to volume overload of the atrium, whereas degenerative changes may be secondary to increased right atrial pressure.


Relation between apexcardiographic a wave and posterior aortic wall motion. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, an apexcardiogram and an aortic root echocardiogram were recorded in 24 patients. Eleven patients (46%) had a ratio of atrial to total amplitude (a/OE ratio) greater than 14% in the apexcardiogram, and all patients had a left atrial systolic posterior aortic wall motion after the conduit period that was greater than 50% of the total posterior aortic wall excursion as measured from the O to V points (A/OV ratio) on the echocardiogram. Only 2 of 24 patients (8%) had an echographic A/OV ratio greater than 0.5 with an apexcardiographic a/OE ratio of less than 14%. There was a significantly (P less than 0.001) high degree of positive correlation between the apexcardiographic a/OE ratio and the echographic A/OV ratio (r = 0.81), the a/OE ratio and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.82), and the A/OV ratio and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.75). It is concluded that the amplitude of posterior aortic root motion during atrial systole in relation to total posterior aortic wall motion may provide a useful index for the noninvasive assessment of left ventricular compliance and end-diastolic pressure.


The distribution and endocrine nature of the abdominal paraganglia of adult man. The paraganglia of adult man were studied using the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence (FIF) method for histochemical characterization of biogenic monoamines. Microspectrofluorimetry was used to record the emission spectra and fluorescence intensities of the paraganglionic cells. The study of samples from six patients showed that well vascularized paraganglia were widely distributed throughout the retroperitoneal spaces. The paraganglia exhibited strong FIF with the spectral characteristics of monamines. Treatment with HC1 caused an increase in the fluorescence intensity of the paraganglia and a simultaneous shift of the emission maximum from 480--495 nm. This change suggests the presence of high concentrations of tryptophyl-containing peptides and is not due to monoamines. The possibility of a dual endocrine function for the paraganglia is discussed.


Essential fatty acid requirements in infancy. The view expressed by Cuthbertson that essential fatty acid needs of human infants have been overestimated is contested. In our view Cuthbertson's assessment of essential fatty acid requirements of infants is too low because 1) consideration of the omega3 fatty acids is omitted; 2) the biological value of long-chain essential fatty acids is wrongly assessed; and 3) the significance of variations in composition of random human milk samples is misunderstood.


Meningitis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in a preterm infant. This report describes a case of meningitis caused by a Lancefield group C streptococcus (Streptococcus dysgalactiae) in a 9-week-old infant. Bacteria of this group rarely cause serious infections in man. The organism was identified as a member of Lancefield group C by the acid extraction method and as S. dysgalactiae by biochemical tests. The patient's condition responded well to penicillin and tobramycin therapy, with no obvious neurologic sequelae.


Effects of dextran 70 on factor VIII activity. A case of apparent association of dextran 70 therapy with reduced factor VIII activity in a 24-year-old white woman with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is reported. Diagnosis of TTP was based on clinical and laboratory data consistent with transient neurological deficits, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Intravenous dextran 70 (250 ml every 12 hours) and oral prednisone (80 mg daily) were given for TTP. Additional oral medications included codeine, Maalox and Tabron. When assay showed a factor VIII activity of 14% on the third day of dextran 70 administration, the drug was discontinued and oral administration of dipyridamole (100 mg four times daily) was begun. Factor VIII activity increased to 82% on day six. Dextran 70 (125 ml every 12 hours) was resumed on day seven following a splenectomy on the previous day. When factor VIII activity subsequently decreased from 75% to 29% within two days, dextran 70 was again discontinued and dipyridamole reinstituted at its earlier dosage. The patient's discharge medications included dipyridamole and 60 mg of prednisone daily (to be tapered). Reports of dextran 70-induced hemostatic defects involving platelets and factor VIII are reviewed. Dextran will form, with factors I and VIII, cryoprecipitates that may reduce the activity of factor VIII. It is suggested that patients receiving dextrans be monitored with partial thromboplastin times and, if available, with assays of factor VIII activity.


Glucose lactate interrelations in sheep. The constant-infusion, isotope-dilution method was used to investigate the interrelationships between the glucose and lactate pools of six trained sheep deprived of food overnight. Arterial plasma lactate concentration was a linear function of the net lactate entry rate as was the net production of glucose from lactate, which suggests that the net rate of formation of glucose from lactate is dependent on the availability of lactate. Similarly the arterial plasma glucose concentration was correlated with the net entry rate of glucose as was the net production rate of lactate from glucose, suggesting that the net rate of lactate production from glucose is a function of arterial plasma glucose concentration. The demonstration of these two interrelations between glucose and lactate in normal sheep suggests that, in the absence of external factors producing hormonal or other changes that could cause perturbations of carbohydrate homeostasis, the net rates of conversion of glucose to lactate and of lactate to glucose may be largely determined by the arterial concentrations of glucose and lactate, respectively.


Streptocerciasis: degeneration of adult Dipetalonema streptocerca in man following diethylcarbamazine therapy. Thirty-three patients in Zaire with streptocerciasis were treated daily with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for 21 days. Histopathologic studies of biopsy specimens with papules of skin established that during DEC treatment adult male and female Dipetalonema streptocerca die and degenerate. DEC may thus produce radical cures of streptocerciasis.


Demonstration of a common antigen between Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica. The presence of a common antigen between Schistosoma mansoni eggs and Fasciola hepatica adult worms was demonstrated by utilizing in an anti-S. mansoni adult worm antiserum. Although not one of the three major serologic S. mansoni egg antigens, its complete cross-reactivity suggests that serologic tests done with these crude antigenic extracts will result in many false-positive cases in areas where both parasites are endemic.


Epidemiologic investigation of Marburg virus disease, Southern Africa, 1975. During the first 10 days of February 1975, an Australian hitchhiker contracted Marburg virus disease while traveling through Rhodesia and died; the infection was subsequently passed to two other persons, who recovered. Investigators retraced the hitchhiker's steps in March and again in June 1975 in an effort to uncover the natural reservoir of the virus and determine how it was transmitted. Serum samples were collected from humans and animals wherever the patient had come in close contact with animals or insects. Arthropods of various types were collected in June 1975 and again in February 1976 for virus isolation attempts; at no time did the patient come in direct contact with nonhuman primates of any kind, or any other animals. Indirect contact with bats, monkeys, and birds through aerosols was possible, though at some distance. Direct contact with arthropods occurred throughout the trip; on several occasions it was notably severe. We believe that during this outbreak the first Marburg virus infection occurred by vector-borne transmission from an arthropod yet to be identified, and that patients 2 and 3 acquired the disease by exposure to the oropharyngeal secretions of patients 1 and 2, respectively. Studies are underway to identify the species of arthropod involved in this transmission.


A comparative study of prevalence of skin hypersensitivity to cockroach and house dust antigens. Allergy skin tests with cockroach antigen along with various common inhalant allergens were performed on 222 atopic and on 63 non-atopic subjects. The most prevalent allergen producing a positive skin test was house dust antigen with a positive response of 72%, 78% and 57% in atopic adults, atopic children and non-atopic children, respectively. The next prevalent positive skin test was to cockroach antigen with 50%, 60% and 27%, respectively, of the three groups tested. The differences between positive cockroach hypersensitivity and house dust hypersensitivity in all three groups tested were statistically significant. Next in order of prevalence of positive skin test to common inhalants were western weeds, ragweeds and cats. Incidence of cockroach hypersensitivity was 58% among asthmatic adults and 69% among asthmatic children. The results indicate that cockroach hypersensitivity is highly prevalent and that cockroach antigen is an independent agent from house dust as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity reaction.


Diurnal variations in outflow facility.

Diurnal variations in outflow facility. Tonography was carried out at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM on 43 normal eyes, 58 open-angle glaucomatous eyes and 10 ocular hypertensive eyes. Diurnal variations in outflow facility and their relation to those in intraocular pressure (IOP) were studied. Diurnal variations in outflow facility were present in almost all eyes, with approximately a 10% exception. The average diurnal variation in true outflow facility (deltaCtrue) was 0.10 microliter/min/mm Hg in normal eyes and 0.07 microliter/min/mm Hg in glaucomatous eyes. The average rate of diurnal variation in true outflow facility: formula: (see text) was 43.6% in normal eyes and 69.1% in glaucomatous eyes. The value was greater in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes. The curve of diurnal variations in true outflow facility was divided into 5 types, and in glaucomatous eyes the value of outflow facility was apt to increase in the morning and decrease in the evening. In 42% of the normal and 45% of the glaucomatous eyes, inverse relation was seen between diurnal variations in outflow facility and diurnal rhythm in IOP. It is thought that diurnal variations in outflow facility, along with diurnal fluctuations in the rate of aqueous formation, are one of the factors responsible for the diurnal rhythm found in IOP.


Argon laser treatment of cutaneous vascular abnormalities: progress report. One hundred six cutaneous vascular abnormalities were treated over a 3-year period by the argon laser. Absorption of light energy causes heat coagulation of the hemangioma with sparing of the overlying skin and secondary skin appendages. Patients with port wine hemangiomas, capillary/cavernous hemangiomas, and telangiectasia showed good response to argon laser treatment. Superficial varicosities of the lower extremity proved to be relatively insensitive to laser treatment. The argon laser shows promise as an effective clinical tool in the treatment of hemangiomas; however, further clinical and laboratory investigation will be necessary to establish the laser as the modality of choice in the treatment of such lesions.


Dermatoglyphic total patterns on palms, finger-tips and soles in twins. 110 palms of MZ twins and 111 like-sexed pairs of DZ twins have been compared in respect of a concordance rate of the palmar, sole and finger-tip total pattern types. Dermatoglyphic patterns have been classified according to the topological method, and the distributions of the numbers of discordant pattern elements from homolateral, heterolateral and bilateral comparisons in MZ and DZ twins, respectively, are presented. The highest concordance occurs in homolateral comparisons in MZ twins and the lowest in heterolateral comparisons. Bilateral concordance is highest for sole and finger-patterns, while palmar patterns present a considerable degree of dermatoglyphic asymmetry. Palmar, sole and finger-tip patterns are also not alike in homolateral concordance rates within MZ and DZ twin pairs. The differences between MZ and DZ twins are much more pronounced for sole patterns than for palmar or finger-tip patterns, which is also reflected in the estimated H values. For soles, this may be in some way related to the considerable symmetry of patterns. The fact that some pattern elements are intercorrelated may also introduce a bias in estimates of heritability, based on twin material.


Transfusion syndrome and the heritability of IQ. The recent analysis of transfusion syndrome effects by Munsinger (1977) suggests that there is literally no effect of social environment on IQ variation in the population. The detailed analysis of Munsinger's report, however, indicates that his conclusions cannot be supported. Though Munsinger assigned birthweights to separated MZ twin pairs described in the literature, there do not in fact exist birthweight data for most pairs. Further, for some pairs, Munsinger also estimated their IQ's. There is no valid basis for Munsinger's claim that he has detected those separated MZ pairs within which transfusion syndrome occurred. When discussing six studies of birthweights of MZ pairs reared together, Munsinger in each case made transcription errors in selecting data from the original studies. Then he misapplied a statistical formula to the erroneous data, and concluded that inclusion of pairs with large birth-weight differences biased the IQ correlation of MZ's downwards. When Munsinger's own data base is correctly analysed, employing his own procedures, inclusion of pairs with large birthweight differences in fact increases the IQ correlation. There is thus no demonstrable basis for Munsinger's claims about transfusion syndrome and the heritability of IQ.


Chromosome studies at the paediatric necropsy. The results of chromosome studies from 1193 consecutive paediatric necropsies in Edinburgh and 331 in Adelaide are given. In the Edinburgh series 51 major chromosome abnormalities were detected in 780 (6.5%) necropsies where chromosome studies were successful and in Adelaide 16 in 295 (5.4%) were found. It is suggested that chromosome studies should become an integral part of the paediatric necropsy except for deaths due to primary central nervous system lesions and trauma.


Absence of the d triradius.

Absence of the d triradius. Ten cases of absence of the d triradius are reported from a heterogeneous collection of dermatoglyphs from 3610 subjects. There was one case in 1000 normal' controls. There were three cases in a group of 800 subjects with congenital heart disease. There were two cases with the 49, XXXXY constitution, a previously noted association. A pair of probably monozygous twins were discordant for absence of the d triradius. The condition was left-sided in six cases, right-sided in one case, and affected both sides in three cases.


X-linked muscular dystrophy.

X-linked muscular dystrophy. X-linked muscular dystrophy has been separated into two types that are generally considered to be distinct entities. We have investigated three families with X-linked muscular dystrophy who demonstrate remarkable intrafamilial variability. In one family 2 brothers with a benign type had a maternal uncle who was affected with the Duchenne type. In another family, 4 members had the benign type but a fifth was much more severely affected than in the classic Duchenne dystrophy; therefore the presence of an "aggressive form" is proposed. A third family also had both benign and severe types. A search of the literature revealed families in which the severe and benign types coexisted. The genetic determinants of this heterogeneity are not yet known. Clinical similarities between benign and severe types of X-linked muscular dystrophy and the presence of families with both types suggest that the two are intimately related.


Congenital fiber type disproportion in identical twins. Eighteen-month-old identical twins with the muscle histological characteristics of congenital fiber type disproportion are reported. The fiber typing system of pH-dependent adenosine triphosphatase was used to analyze the size and percentage of type 1, 2A, and 2B fibers in muscle tissue obtained by needle biopsy. Both twins had significantly larger type 2 than type 1 fibers, with 2B fibers representing the largest type. One patient also had type 1 predominance at the expense of a reduction in 2B (2B deficiency). The probands as well as other family members had transient delayed motor development, macrocephaly, and normal intelligence. A biopsy obtained from 1 of these family members failed to demonstrate a similar histological abnormality. The disorder is nonprogressive in this family, as evidenced by minimal disability in the older members and gradual improvement in the probands.


Visual evoked potentials and postmortem findings in a case of cortical blindness. A patient with cortical blindness due to extensive bilateral posterior cerebral infarcts showed occipital visual evoked potentials to flash stimulation on repeated testing. These responses were probably mediated by extrageniculocalcarine connections between the optic nerve and the secondary visual cortex of the occipital convexity.


Enhanced production of Rauscher leukemia virus after infection of high-passaged JLS-V9 cells. JLS-V9, a mouse bone marrow cell line infected with Rauscher leukemia virus at high passage level, produced larger amounts of virus than the standard JLS-V10 cells. The enhanced virus production was attributed to the increased saturation density of JLS-V9 cells.


Evaluation of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as a potential mycotoxin producer on soybeans. Solvent extracts of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia were nontoxic to mice and chicken embryos; psoralens were not detected. Solvent extracts of soybeans inoculated with 10 strains of S. sclerotiorum were toxic on injection but nontoxic on per os administration to mice. The presence of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the soybeans may partially help explain toxicity by intraperitineal injection.


Temperature function integration and the development and metabolism of poultry spoilage bacteria. The rate of spoilage of chicken tissues, the development of spoilage bacteria, and the utilization of amino acids by spoilage bacteria as a function of temperature were more accurately described by the general spoilage curve of Olley and Ratkowsky (Food Technol. Aust. 25:66-73, 1973; Food Technol. N.Z. 8:13-17, 1973) than by the linear equation of Spencer and Baines (Food Technol. [Chicago] 18:175-179, 1964). Remaining shelf life of poultry tissues may be predicted at temperatures up to 16 degrees C by using a temperature function integrator which incorporates the general spoilage curve.


Light inhibits the production of alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in Alternaria alternata. Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, grown in drop culture, produced alternariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in late growth phase. Production was almost completely inhibited when the fungal cultures were exposed to white light (180 W/m2), although mycelial dry weight was not significantly affected. The fungus was most sensitive to light during the exponential growth phase. Twelve hours of light exposure was sufficient to decrease significantly the production of the secondary metabolites. In light the fungus produced a red-brown pigment of unknown nature.


Comparison of four agar plating media with and without added novobiocin for isolation of salmonellae from beef and deboned poultry meat. Four plating media, Hektoen enteric (HE), xylose-lysine deoxycholate (XLD), tryptic soy-xylose-lysine (TSXL), and tryptic soy-brillant green (TSBG) agars with and without 10 mg of added novobiocin per ml, were evaluated for recovery of Salmonella from roast beef and deboned turkey. Colonies producing a reaction typical of H(2)S-positive salmonellae (alkaline with black centers) were picked. On the media without novobiocin, from 109 determinations on 75 samples, number of salmonellae found and false-positives were, respectively: HE-13, 58; XLD-17, 18; TSXL-23, 0; TSBG-22, 7. When novobiocin was present the corresponding results were: HE-17, 24; XLD-21, 2; TSXL-23, 3; TSBG-20, 7. A total of 25 determinations were positive on one or more agars. False-positives on HE and XLD without novobiocin were predominantly Proteus, which were almost totally eliminated by addition of 10 mg of novobiocin per liter. If alkaline H(2)S-negative colonies had been considered, many more false-positives would have been found on HE and XLD but not on TSBG or TSXL. Addition of novobiocin markedly improved isolations of salmonellae from XLD and HE and reduced the number of false-positives. Addition of novobiocin did not improve performance of TSXL and slightly impaired differentiation of salmonellae from Citrobacter on TSBG. XLD with novobiocin and TSXL are highly specific for H(2)S-positive salmonellae, and the appearance of Salmonella-like colonies on these media can be considered a presumptive test for H(2)S-positive salmonellae.


Reappraisal of linoleic acid requirement of the young infant, with particular regard to use of modified cows' milk formulae. Most infants in the UK are bottle fed with cows' milk formulae that are alleged to provide less than the minimum requirement for linoleic acid, i.e. 1% of the total dietary energy. 20 term infants fed solely on a modified cows' milk formula that provided 0.55% of the energy from linoleic acid were therefore examined for evidence of deficiency. Rates of growth in length and weight, measured during the first 3 months of life, were identical with those of 20 wholly breast-fed infants. Voluntary food intakes (kcal/kg per day) followed the normal pattern. The fatty acid composition of the plasma lipids showed changes characteristic of a low intake of linoleic acid, but triene:tetraene ratios did not indicate a deficiency state, and clinical signs of deficiency were not observed. These findings suggest that the requirement for linoleic acid is substantially less than was formerly believed. The small amount of alpha-linolenic acid present in cows' milk may however exert a sparing effect on linoleic acid.


Heart failure apparently due to overfeeding in a neonate. Severe heart failure in a one-month-old infant is described, apparently due to the administration of cows' milk in the region of 300 ml/kg per day. There was also pronounced hypocalcaemia. The infant responded rapidly to treatment with no evidence of intrinsic heart disease.


Faecal excretion of oligosaccharides and other carbohydrates in normal neonates. Chromatographic analysis of sugars in the stools of 40 normal newborn infants has shown the presence of an oligosaccharide in 85% of samples. The oligosaccharide has been shown to contain fucose (6-deoxygalactose), glucose, and galactose and is present in normal breast milk. In addition fucose has also been found in the presence of galactose in some samples and is probably a breakdown product of milk oligosaccharides. These findings, which affect the interpretation of faecal sugar excretion, have not been described previously.


Excretion of MHPG in normal subjects: implications for biological classification of affective disorders. Exretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) was measured repeatedly in 17 normal subjects. The amount of MHPG excreted over a 24-hour period was fairly stable over a period of three consecutive 24-hour samplings, but stability was rather poor over subsequent periods of several weeks, suggesting that execretory patterns are not traits. A normal range of MHPG excretion was estimated to be 900 to 3,500 micrograms/24 hr. This range covers the majority of persons with affective disorders whose excretion patterns have been measured, although comparisons of absolute values between laboratories must be made cautiously. Further, substantial changes within this range may occur in normal subjects with no accompanying change in affect. A slight but definite diurnal pattern of excretion was found, with a peak at the period of 1600 to 1800 hours. No clear relationship to MHPG excretion to state of physical activity, recent consumption of foods or beverages, or prevailing affective state was defined in those subjects living under normal conditions. While MHPG excretion may yet prove useful for categorizing depressed patients and predicting response to drugs, any inferences drawn regarding the pathogenesis of affective disorders must be guarded.


Enzyme activities and protein and carbohydrate concentrations in cervical secretions at dioestrus in normal ewes and ewes with permanent phytooestrogenic infertility. Cervical secretions of clover-affected and control ewes in the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle were obtained by flushing the anterior vagina. The flushings were analysed for proteins, carbohydrates and enzyme activities, and were found to be similar to the secretions of the normal ovine uterus. There was significantly more protein, carbohydrate and acid-soluble glycoprotein but less alkaline phosphatase, N-acetylglycosidases (EC 3.2.1.30 and 3.2.1.53) and ribonuclease I in the vaginal flushings of clover-affected ewes. The observed changes were not due to more inflammation in the cervix of clover-affected ewes as there were fewer bacteria, leukocytes and epithelial cells and no elevation of lysozomal enzyme activities in their flushings. It is suggested that the cervix of the clover-affected ewe behaves as though under a stronger than normal oestrogenic stimulation during dioestrus.


Prostaglandin F in the fallopian tube secretion of the ewe. Oviducal secretions were obtained from conscious unrestrained ewes throughout the oestrous cycle via indwelling cannulae and the content of prostaglandin F (PGF) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Levels of PGF of up to 230 ng/ml were found in oviducal fluids obtained from ewes showing regular patterns of secretion and normal cyclical ovarian function as indicated by plasma progesterone measurement. Relatively large day to day fluctuations in content were evident, but there was no consistent relationship between concentration and stage of the oestrous cycle. Concentrations of PGF in excess of 100 ng/ml were common in preparations where autopsy later revealed infection or tissue irritation, and the concentration of PGF invariably exceeded 75 ng/ml when the concentration of protein in the oviducal fluid was abnormally high.


Fusion and hybridization of marsupial and eutherian cells. V. Development of selective systems. The availability of systems which permit the selective elimination of marsupial cells from fused cultures is an essential requirement for the production of marsupial X eutherian somatic cell hybrids. Such hybrids have particular advantages for genetic studies of mammalian cells. We describe the isolation and characterization of several drug-resistant marsupial cell strains. We have selected strains resistant to concentrations of 10 micrograms/ml of the purine analogues 8-azaguanine and 6-thioguanine. Several of these strains were found to be deficient in the enzyme hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase and consequently sensitive to hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT) selective medium. We have also isolated marsupial cell strains resistant to concentrations of 22 micrograms/ml of the thymidine analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine. These strains were thymidine kinase deficient and HAT sensitive. Drug resistance was a stable characteristic maintained for many generations in the absence of the drug. However, inhibition of growth of these drug-resistant strains was strongly density dependent, a factor that caused difficulties in the selection of hybrids. We have also developed selective systems which exploit differences between marsupial and eutherian cells in sensitivity to growth in ouabain, and in adhesiveness and other growth properties. Marsupial cells were found to be naturally much more sensitive to ouabain than rodent cells, a phenomenon that should be useful in the selection of marsupial X rodent cellular hybrids. We discuss a number of difficulties associated with the derivation and use of variant marsupial cell strains.


Assignment of the gene for glyoxylase I to mouse chromosome 17 by somatic cell genetics. Evidence is presented for the assignment of the gene for glyoxylase I to mouse chromosome 17 using mouse X Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrids. GLO I was not expressed concordantly with any known marker enzymes which represented 11 linkage groups. The presence of chromosome 17 and expression of GLO I were concordant in 31/31 clones. GLO I is thus linked to the H-2 histocompatibility locus in the mouse.


Extensive conjugation of dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) metabolites in cultured human skin fibroblasts and rat hepatoma cells. [G-3H]Dopamine (3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) metabolism in human skin fibroblasts and rat hepatoma cells in culture was determined by high-pressure liquid-chromatographic analysis of both cell extract and uptake medium. Conjugated metabolites were selectively hydrolysed by incubation with arylsulphatase or beta-glucuronidase before analysis. The principal metabolites of dopamine in fibroblast cells are 3-methoxytyramine 4-O-sulphate and 3-methoxytyramine. No significant differences, either in the amounts of these metabolites or in the amount of dopamine metabolism, were observed in fibroblasts from both normal and homocystinuric individuals. In rat hepatoma cells, the major metabolite of dopamine was 3-methoxytyramine 4- or 3-O-glucuronide; lower concentrations of dopamine 4- or 3-O-glucuronide, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and two unidentified glucuronide conjugates were also observed. Significant differences in the relative concentrations of these metabolites in cell and uptake medium were observed in both cell systems.


Symmetry of binding sites of a mouse IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315). We have investigated the mechanism of monovalency of the 7S subunit of a mouse IgA myeloma protein (MOPC 315) against a large antigen. This subunit, although it clearly can bind two molecules of a small hapten, fails to precipitate or hemagglutinate the relevant multivalent antigen. In an equilibrium Farr assay, we have shown that the subunit has only one valence for a univalent 40,000 molecular weight antigen (dinitrophenyl-dextran). We have investigated how various levels of affinity labeling quantitatively affect (a) the valence observed in the equilibrium Farr assay against a large antigen, and (b) the binding of the MOPC 315 to an insoluble antigenic matrix. Our results indicate that the Fab regions of the 7S subunit are arranged symmetrically and that the inactivity of one of them toward a large antigen is probably due to steric hindrance caused by the antigen bound to the adjacent site.


DNA Bifunctional intercalators. 2. Fluorescence properties and DNA binding interaction of an ethidium homodimer and an acridine ethidium heterodimer. An ethidium homodimer and acridine ethidium heterodimer have been synthesized (Gaugain, B., Barbet, J., Oberlin, R., Roques, B. P., & Le Pecq, J. B. (1978) Biochemistry 17 (preceding paper in this issue)). The binding of these molecules to DNA has been studied. We show that these dimers intercalate only one of their chromophores in DNA. At high salt concentration (Na+ greater than 1 M) only a single type of DNA-binding site exists. Binding affinity constants can then be measured directly using the Mc Ghee & Von Hippel treatment (Mc Ghee, J. D., & Von Hippel, P. H. (1974) J. Mol. Biol. 86, 469). In these conditions the dimers cover four base pairs when bound to DNA. Binding affinities have been deduced from competition experiments in 0.2 M Na+ and are in agreement with the extrapolated values determined from direct DNA-binding measurements at high ionic strength. As expected, the intrinsic binding constant of these dimers is considerably larger than the affinity of the monomer (ethidium dimer K = 2 X 10(8) M-1; ethidium bromide K = 1.5 X 10(5) M-1 in 0.2 M Na+). The fluorescence properties of these molecules have also been studied. The efficiency of the energy transfer from the acridine to the phenanthridinium chromophore, in the acridine ethidium heterodimer when bound to DNA, depends on the square of the AT base pair content. The large increase of fluorescence on binding to DNA combined with a high affinity constant for nucleic acid fluorescent probes. In particular, such molecules can be used in competition experiments to determine the DNA binding constant of ligands of high binding affinity such as bifunctional intercalators.


Magnetic circular dichroism of netropsin and natural circular dichroism of the netropsin-DNA complex. We report the first measurement of the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of the basic polypeptide antibiotic netropsin (Nt). The MCD shows that the longest wavelength absorption band of Nt is the sum of more than one component and permits a radically new interpretation of the circular dichroism of the complex which Nt forms with DNA. We conclude that Nt has no major effect on the CD and thus the helical structure of the bases of the DNA to which it is bound. Thus the ability of Nt to inhibit the function of DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and the photoreactivating enzyme must be mediated by factors other than a distortion of the helical structure of the bases.


On the activation of bovine chymotrypsinogen A. Preparation of alanine-neochymotrypsinogen and its activation to alpha-chymotrypsin. Alanine-neochymotrypsinogen was prepared by incubating 20 parts bovine pancreas chymotrypsinogen A with one part alpha-chymotrypsin in a solution containing 1 M (NH4)2SO4, 0.1 M sodium acetate, 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 8.0) and 0.5 mg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor. Optimal yields of NH2-terminal alanine were obtained after 60 h incubation at 4 degrees C. Ala-neochymotrypsinogen was isolated from the reaction mixture by affinity chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose. As expected, the purified preparation was enzymatically inactive and, compared to chymotrypsinogen, had one additional NH2-terminal group identified as alanine. Ala-neochymotrypsinogen was activated by incubating with trypsin at a zymogen : trypsin ratio of 30 : 1 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.6 at 4 degrees C for 1 h. The fully active, stable species was identified as alpha-chymotrypsin.


Purification and biochemical characterization of an 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin. The chromatographic separation and biochemical characterization of a beta-bungarotoxin is described. This toxin is isolated as the most basic eluting protein of Bungarus multicinctus venom when separated by column chromatography on CM-Sephadex C-25. The protein migrated as a single band on pH 4.3 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of this toxin was estimated to be 10 000 +/- 1000 by analytical sedimentation analysis. This value was consistent with the electrophoretic mobility of the toxin in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The amino acid composition of this 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin was similar to that of the 22 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin previously reported (Lee et al. (1972) J. Chromatogr. 72, 71--82; Kelly, R.B. and Brown, III, F.R. (1974) J. Neurobiol. 5, 135--150; Kondo et al. (1978) J. Biochem. Tokyo 83, 91--99), suggesting that the 11 000-dalton toxin may be one of the polypeptide chains of the larger toxin. The 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin was toxic to mice when injected intravenously. Animals that received lethal doses exhibited hyperexcitability followed by ataxia, convulsions, and death. The minimum lethal dose was 0.12 microgram/g body weight. This beta-bungarotoxin exhibited Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A activity comparable to that of the 22 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin. The enzyme exhibited phospholipid substrate specificity in the rank order of phosphatidyl-choline, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidyl-inositol. The enzyme activity was destroyed by boiling for 3 min at pH 8.6. In addition, an enzymatically inactive quantity of the 11 000-dalton toxin, equivalent to five times the minimum lethal dose of enzymatically active toxin, was not lethal when injected into mice. To test whether phospholipase A activity is responsible for lethality, bee venom phospholipase A2 was injected into mice at similar and greater concentrations with no toxic effect. Thus, while phospholipase A activity may be required for the lethal effect of the 11 000-dalton beta-bungarotoxin, the specificity of action of the toxin is not determined by its enzyme activity.


Purification of retinol-binding protein from serum and urine by affinity chromatography. A new method for the purification of retinol-binding protein from urine and serum is described. The method is based on the reversible binding of retinol-binding protein to retinoic acid linked to Sepharose and prealbumin linked to Sepharose. The yield is comparable to conventional methods using ion exchange and gel filtration and the product is an apo retinol-binding protein of high purity. The product has the same electrophoretic mobility and molecular weight and the same ability to interact with retinoic acid and prealbumin as retinol-binding protein prepared by conventional methods.


Non-parallel secretion of newly synthesized rat pancreatic proteins after feeding a diet containing raw soybean flour. The relative rate of secretion of rat pancreatic proteins was studied in vivo using a double label method. Rats were injected with [3H]leucine and after different time intervals with [14C]leucine. At a fixed time after administration of the second precursor the animals were killed, and the pancreatic proteins were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The dpm of tritium to dpm of 14C ratio of several identified enzymes was assessed. The percentage secretion of a newly synthesized secretory protein was derived from the difference between the actual 3H/14C ratio and the 3H/14C ratio that was found for non-secretory proteins. In pancreata of rats fed with a standard diet several identified proteins, viz. three trypsinogens, chymotrypsinogen and three amylases were secreted in "parallel". When a diet containing raw soybean flour was fed, the secretory pattern for the amylases differed from that of the other proteins.


Cytotoxicity as an indicator for transport mechanism: evidence that melphalan is transported by two leucine-preferring carrier systems in the L1210 murine leukemia cell. Melaphan, L-phenylalanine mustard, is transported by the L1210 cell through carriers of the leucine (L) type. Its initial rate of transport is inhibited by both L-leucine, a naturally occuring L system amino acid and 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), A SYNTHETIC AMINO ACID WHICH IS TRANSPORTED BY THE L system in the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell. Both amino acids inhibited melphalan transport comparably in sodium-free medium. However, BCH, in medium containing sodium, was unable to reduce a component of melphalan transport which was readily inhibited by leucine but not by alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Inhibition analysis indicated that leucine competes with BCH for transport but that a portion of leucine transport is not readily inhibited by BCH. These results suggest that in the L1010 cell melphalan is transported equally by a BCH-sensitive, sodium-independent L system and a BCH-insensitive, sodium-dependent L system.


Day-to-day variations in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in homosexual males. Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in sera of eight homosexual males and a matched control group were determined every second day during one month. Significant day-to-day variations in serum levels of FSH and a reversed LH area/FSH area ratio among homosexuals were found. There were no significant differences between homosexuals and controls in relation to the average levels of the tested hormones nor the average area and variance of LH and testosterone. It is suggested that a single blood sample for each subject is not enough for hormonal evaluation of homosexuals. It is suggested that the present findings may point to some defect in the gonadotropin regulation in male homosexuals.


[Effect of substances of a polypeptide nature isolated from the cerebral cortex on the immune response of mice]. The influence of low molecular weight polypeptides (Mol wt below 10,000) isolated by acetic acid extraction from the cortex and white matter of the brain and from the bone marrow of cows on the primary immune response to SRBC was studied in experiments on 248 male CBA mice. The results showed that after the subcutaneous injections of the preparations from the cortex (where the theta-antigen cross-reacting with the thymocytes was localized) for 5 days prior to and 3 days post immunization, hemagglutinin titres and the quantity of direct (IgM) and indirect (IgG) antibody-forming cells increased 2.5 times in comparison with the control. The preparations from the white matter of the brain and from the bone marrow failed to demonstrate such an effect.