Coronary arterial lesions and myocardial necrosis in stillbirths and infants. In a detailed study of the coronary arterial tree and myocardium in 256 stillbirths and infants, abnormalities of the coronary arterial tree were noticed in 79 infants, and necrotic lesions of the myocardium in 111 infants. Of the 79 infants with arterial lesions, 70 had associated myocardial necrosis or scarring, or both; the group with coronary arterial lesions, therefore, accounted for the majority of cases with myocardial damage. The myocardial lesions varied from small zones of subendocardial damage, to larger 'geographical' zones of necrosis scattered haphazardly through the myocardium, and a small group where massive necrotic lesions of the papillary muscles were present. While the coronary arterial lesions were associated with all three patterns, they were particularly found in association with the 'geographical' and papillary muscle changes. The coronary arterial lesions varied from zones of acute focal, medial necrosis to severe proliferative intimal lesions and medial defects, with a distinct progression of changes from the acute to the more established lesions. The coronary arterial lesions were seen most commonly in association with conditions that could produce severe hypoxia, and it is argued that they result from hypoxia. It is suggested further that the myocardial damage, so commonly associated with the coronary arterial lesions, could compromise the ability of the hypoxic infant to respond to such an insult. The coronary arterial lesions seen in this group of young infants could offer one explanation for the later development of a variety of other pathological conditions seen in adolescents and young adults.


[Decrease in serum levels of retinol and its binding protein (RBP) in infection]. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the qualitative and quantiative effect of various infectious epsiodes on the blood serum levels of retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Twenty-four children and 30 adult subjects were studied. The infections studied included chickenpox (n = 7); bronchitis (n = 9) upper respiratory infection (n = 30); tonsillitis (n = 2); diarrhea (n = 2) and one case each of: febrile stomatitis, nonspecific gastrointestinal alteration, urinary infection and shigellosis. In addition to retinol and RBP, the study determined changes in serum carotene, proteins, albumin and globulins. The results clearly demonstrate the marked depressing effect of infections on serum retinol, with a magnitude which in many cases reached more than 20 micrograms/dl, and in others more than 30 micrograms/dl. The RBP levels were significantly correlated with retinol, decreasing proportionally with infection. Serum albumin also decreased in most instances; and the globulin levels of the children, but not of the adults, were significantly higher during the infections. Carotene did not show important variations. The effects were more intense when fever accompanied the infectious episodes. These results are considered of great public health significance, in view of the large majorities, mainly children, who ordinarily subsist with very low serum retinol levels in the underdeveloped regions of the world. As infections attack these underpriviledged children, their serum retinol and RBP levels will likely drop a magnitude similar to that observed in the subjects of this study. They may then reach even more critically deficient retinol levels and be in serious danger of developing a severe acute state of clinical vitamin A deficiency.


Prognostic evaluation of secretory otitis media as a function of mastoidal pneumatisation. Fifty-two secretory otitis media (S.O.M.) ears with protracted course were compared roentgenologically (Schuller projection) with 52 S.O.M. ears which recovered after insertion of a single ventilating tube. Measurements were done first by comparing the pneumatised area millimetrically and later semiquantitatively according to the size of the mastoid cells--grading the mastoid cells from 1 (eburnize) to 10 (very big mastoid cells). S.O.M. ears with protracted chronic course showed an average mastoid area of 312 mm2, their cell size showing on the average a diploic or small-diploic cells--corresponding to grade 3.5. On the other hand, S.O.M. ears which recovered promptly had an average mastoid area of 440 mm2, and their mastoid cells began to show as actual cells (small up to medium cells), corresponding to grade 5.7. The difference, both millimetrically and grade-wise, between the two groups was found to be very significant (P greater than or equal to 0.01). We may conclude that the prognosis of S.O.M. is related to the size of their mastoid cells or alternatively to the amount of air in the middle ear cleft as a whole.


Symptoms and feeding patterns in the first year of life. With the help of family doctors, mothers and infant welfare sisters, we report an analysis of symptom and food diaries maintained throughout the first twelve months of life on 482 infants. This reveals the existence of extensive symptomatology in the first year of life--most of which was clearly unrelated to ingestion of foods or cow's milk. Our efforts to define the true incidence of cow's milk allergy have been unsuccessful. Altogether, 77 of the 482 diaries have revealed symptomatology at some time in the year which could conceivably have been associated with cow's milk ingestion. But, in only one of these 77 children were withdrawal and challenge tests carried out to determine whether the symptomatology disappeared on withdrawal of cow's milk and reappeared on its reintroduction into the diet. Most of the remaining 76 children had long periods of complete freedom from symptoms whilst taking cow's milk, and the evidence of any association with cow's milk was generally very tenuous. Soya substitutes were introduced in 13 cases, and cow's milk was temporarily discontinued in another 11 cases. Only 16 of these 77 children continued to experience chronic symptoms during the last two weeks of their first year.


Reproductive performance of Iraqi buffaloes. I. Pattern of female reproduction. In a buffalo herd at Amara Buffalo Breeding Station between October 1975 and October 1976 various features were investigated of the reproductive performance of heifers. The average age of the heifers was 22.01 at first estrus, 22.50 at ovulation, 26.05 at conception, and 38.8 months at calving. Estrus occurred at an average interval of 72.7 days after calving. Extended post-partum anestrus for more than 90 days was observed in 26.8% of the animals studied. The average length of the calving interval was calculated as 408 days. 67.3% of the calvings took palce between June and October.


Variations in the total sterols, free sterols and sterol esters concentration during embryogenesis in Dysdercus similis (Freeman). In the present study fluctuations in the total sterols, free sterols and sterols esters concentration has been recorded day to day during embryogenesis. Oscillations in the total sterol correlated with the biosynthesis and/or utilization of cholesterol occur in the eggs while free sterols are used in the maintenance of cell membranes. The role of sterol ester is not known but their increase may be correlated with the accretion of oleic and linoleic fatty acids.


Haemangioendotheliosarcoma of the heart. Diagnosis and treatment. A case of haemangioendotheliosarcoma of the right atrium in a 28-year-old man is reported. The presence of a continuous murmur to the right of the sternum as a clue to the diagnosis is pointed out, and the usefulness of cardiac catheterisation and angiography in making diagnosis emphasised. Irradiation therapy with cobalt-60 had a palliative effect upon this malignant tumour.


Congenital cardiac abnormalities in monozygotic twins. Report and review of the literature. A pair of monozygotic twin girls is reported with concordance for 3 congenital cardiac abnormalities: (1) secundum atrial septal defect, (2) aneurysm of the membraneous ventricular septum, and (3) electrocardiographic frontal plane left axis deviation. A review of the published materials shows a 9.5 per cent incidence of concordance for congenital heart disease among monozygotic twins. In those in whom a precise cardiological diagnosis was made, 15/16 pairs (95%) were concordant for a specific defect, 2 had an additional defect, and only 1 pair had completely dissimilar defects. Concordance for congenital heart disease in monozygotic twins is uncommon, but when it occurs the defects will most often be identical.


Separation and determination of the relative concentrations of the homogeneous components of soybean leghemoglobin by isoelectric focusing. The multiple components of soybean ferric leghemoglobin are readily separated by analytical and preparative flat bed isoelectric focusing in both the presence and also the absence of the ligand nicotinate. In the presence of nicotinate the separation by isoelectric focusing is more rapid and results in sharper bands of the very stable ferric leghemoglobin nicotinate complexes. The separation is sensitive enough to permit analytical experiments on leghemoglobin from single nodules. Leghemoglobins a and c1 prepared by ion exchange chromatography are homogeneous by isoelectric focusing criteria. Leghemoglobin c2 prepared by ion exchange chromatography is an approximately 1:2 mixture of leghemoglobins c2 and c3. Leghemoglobin d consists of three components. The ratio of leghemoglobin a to leghemoglobin c3 content increases dramatically as very young nodules mature. The increase in relative leghemoglobin a content suggests that leghemoglobin a might be required for regulation of nodule O2 concentration only when the nodule structure is complex. The ratio of leghemoglobin c1 content to leghemoglobin c3 content increases somewhat during the early period of nodule development, while the ratio of leghemoglobin c2 content to leghemoglobin c3 content increases slowly throughout nodule development. Ratios of leghemoglobin b content to leghemoglobin a content and of total leghemoglobin d content to total leghemoglobin c content were almost independent of nodule age. Leghemoglobins a and b might be related biosynthetically, as might leghemoglobins c and d.


Kinetics and mechanism for the conformational transition in p-guanidinobenzoate bovine trypsinogen induced by the isoleucine-valine dipeptide. The interaction between p-guanidinobenzoate-trypsinogen and the isoleucine-valine dipeptide has been investigated by temperature-jump relaxation spectrometry. Using the absorbance at 281 nm the concentration dependence of the relaxation parameters is consistent with the conventional induced-fit model: rapid ligand binding coupled to a slower intramolecular change; some alternative mechanisms can be excluded. At 296 K, 0.1 M Tris HCl, pH = 7.4, the dissociation equilibrium constant for the overall process is K = 5.1(+/- 0.2) X 10(-5) M; for the binding step K1 = 2.3(+/- 0.3) X 10(-3) M and the rate constants for the structural change are k2 = 26(+/-6)s-1 and k-2 = 0.61(+/- 0.04)s-1; the overall dissociation reaction enthalpy is delta H0 = 26(+/-6)KJmol-1 and the reactiom entropy is delta S0 = 4(+/- 20) kJ-1 mol-1. In combination with CD and X-ray crystallographic data, the results of this study suggest that the binding of the dipeptide to a trypsinogen-like, partially disordered conformation induces a transition to a trypsin-like highly ordered structure.


The interaction of serum albumins with various drugs in aqueous solution. Gel permeation, calorimetric, and fluorescence data. Thermodynamic data relative to the reversible interaction between human or bovine serum albumin and some organic ligands (S- and R-warfarin, d- and l-oxazepam hemisuccinate, phenyl-butazone, fluorescein) in dilute aqueous solution were determined by means of gel permeation chromatography and microcalorimetric measurements. From an analysis of these data and on the basis of fluorescence titrations the identity of the "primary" binding site on the proteins for some ligands was evidenced, while in other cases a cooperative binding of two different ligands to different binding sites could be discerned.


On the contemporaneous, reversible interaction of different ligands with serum albumins in dilute aqueous solutions. Fluorescein and phenylbutazone. The binding affinity of fluorescein and of phenylbutazone to human serum albumin (HSA) and to bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively, as well as of the two drugs together to each protein in dilute aqueous solution has been studied by means of gel permeation chromatography, circular dichroism, U.V. absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Identity of and/or interdependence between primary binding sites for the two ligands considered on HSA and BSA are evidenced and correlated with a simple theoretical approach to mixed drugs binding.


Evaluation of tcPO2, beat-to-beat heart rate and respiration in neonates with episodes of cyanosis, bradycardia, or apnea. Episodes of cyanosis, bradycardia, or apnea were studied in 26 newborns and prematures by continuous recording of tcPO2, beat-to-beat heart rate, and impedance pneumography. Hypoxemia related to therapeutic, diagnostic, or care procedures is very common and often is not accompanied by bradycardia or apnea. Idiopathic bradycardia lasting less than 30 seconds will not lead to hypoxemia. However, idiopathic bradycardia of more than 30 seconds' duration can lead to hypoxemia. Beat-to-beat cardiograms and transcutaneous oxygen measurement appear to be the most reliable methods for routine monitoring of these patients.


The role of selective internal urethrotomy in the management of urethral stricture: a multi-centre evaluation. The advent of selective internal urethrotomy under direct vision has enabled precision endoscopic surgery to be undertaken on a wide range of urethral strictures. A multi-centre survey of 197 cases involving 322 urethrotomy procedures from 5 urological departments in England is reported. The overall results after a follow-up of up to 4 years suggest that there is no indication for further procedures currently existing in 160 (81%) of those cases subjected to selective internal urethrotomy. The additional injection of triamcinalone acetate into the strictured area prior to urethrotomy is recommended in resistant cases. The procedure of selective internal urethrotomy is, in our opinion; the best primary method for the treatment of urethral stricture, and it is hoped this will reduce the indications for anastomotic or substitution urethroplasty.


Amino acid uptake systems in Bacteroides ruminicola. Uptake of amino acids by Bacteroides ruminicola was observed in cells grown in a complete defined medium, containing ammonia as the nitrogen source. A high rate of uptake occurred only in fresh medium, as an inhibitory substance, possibly acetate, apparently accumulated during growth. All amino acids except proline were taken up and incorporated into cold trichloroacetic acid precipitable material. Different patterns of incorporation and different responses to 2,4-dinitrophenol and potassium ferricyanide indicated multiple uptake systems were involved. Kinetic inhibition patterns suggested six distinct systems were present for amino acid uptake, with specificities related to the chemical structures of the amino acids. Thus, the failure of free amino acids to act as sole nitrogen sources for growth of B. ruminicola is not due to the absence of transport systems for these compounds.


The effect of L-alpha-amino-n-butyric acid on growth and production of extracellular isoleucine and valine by Eubacterium ruminantium and a related rumen isolate. Two anaerobic rumen bacteria, Eubacterium ruminantium and a closely related isolate, were studied to determine the effect of the valine antimetabolite alpha-aminobutyric acid on growth and production of extracellular isoleucine and valine in an amino acid free medium. In the absence of alpha-aminobutyrate, these organisms actively excreted valine during growth (90-195 microgram/mL) but only accumulated limited concentrations of isoleucine (3-7 microgram/mL) in the culture broth. Growth of both organisms was reduced in the presence of 0.5-1.5% alpha-aminobutyrate but this inhibition was largely overcome by the use of preadapted inoculum. Metabolism of alpha-aminobutyrate was also increased using preadapted inoculum. During growth in the presence of 0.5-1.5% alpha-aminobutyrate, both organisms accumulated high concentrations of isoleucine (100-225 microgram/mL) while the normal accumulation of valine was unaffected. alpha-Ketobutyrate, a product of alpha-aminobutyrate metabolism, also stimulated isoleucine excretion by these organisms. The results are discussed in relation to the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of isoleucine and valine in these rumen anaerobes and the potential significance of this amino acid excretion in ruminant nutrition.


Hormone profile in premenstrual tension: effects of bromocriptine and diuretics. Plasma levels of prolactin, FSH, LH, progesterone and 17-beta-oestradiol in twenty women with premenstrual tension were compared with those in twenty controls. The former group was studied also during treatment with bromocriptine. The mean prolactin level in the PMT group was lower in the follicular phase than in the luteal phase (P less than 0.01), but there was no difference between the PMT and control group in the luteal phase. No differences were found between the controls and the PMT group in FSH,LH, 17-beta-oestradiol and progesterone levels in the luteal phase. Bromocriptine suppressed prolactin concentrations (P less than 0.01), but had no effect on the FSH, LH, 17-B-oestradiol or progesterone levels.


Variability of serum ferritin concentration in normal subjects. Serum ferritin concentrations were measured in normal subjects over periods of 1 day, 1 week and 7 weeks. The variation of the results was compared with variation of control of control sera. In most of the subjects the variation in the results could be attributed to the variation in the method of measurement. No diurnal variation in serum ferritin concentration was observed.


Yersinia enterocolitica in Oneida County, New York. In a 7-month study during and after an outbreak of Yersiniosis in Oneida, N.Y., a total of 963 specimens were examined for Yersinia enterocolitica. Of the 103 Y. enterocolitica isolates recovered, 91 were from Oneida County. Sixty-two (60.2%) were from humans including 52 from Oneida County. The isolates from the outbreak were mainly serotype 0:8, which on biotypnig proved to be Niléhn type 2, Wauters type 1, Knapp and Thal type 2. The rest of the isolates were distributed among various biotypes and included organisms which belonged to eight different serotypes. The results suggest that Y. enterocolitica may be ubiquitous in New York State, as it was isolated from 10 to 25% of 275 water, milk, and animal specimens examined and from about 2.3% of 300 sequential stool specimens submitted for Salmonella and Shigella screening.


Isolation and characteristics of Yersinia enterocolitica-like bacteria from meats. Seventeen Yersinia enterocolitica-like isolates from vacuum-packaged beef and lamb are described. A majority of the isolates were motile at 25 degrees C but not at 36 degrees C, utilized citrate at 25 degrees C (delayed or negative at 36 degrees C) and produced acid from rhamnose, raffinose and melibiose. Increases in count of Y. enterocolitica occurred on raw beef stored at 0--1 degrees C over a 10-day period. No viable Y. enterocolitica were detected in beef roasts which were inoculated with about 3 x 10(6) cells/g and subsequently heated to a final internal temperature of 60--62 degrees C. Y. enterocolitica counts of inoculated beef steaks stored at 1--5 degrees C for 21--35 days were consistently higher in the more oxygen-permeable films than in vacuum packages. Colonies of Y. enterocolitica and related bacteria from meats produced shiny, enamel-black colonies on bismuth sulfite agar with plate incubation at 25 degrees C for 3--5 days.


[Dipetalonema viteae larva studied by scanning electron microscopy]. If the description in the literature is based on a study with the light microscope, in this work, with electron microscope scanning, the integumental surface on the larva of Dipetalonema viteae is studied at 1,500 to 50,000 magnifications.


Radiological procedures in portal hypertension. Radiological diagnosis in portal hypertension is of paramount importance for proper treatment. The site of portal obstruction is determined preoperatively by either direct (splenoportography, transumbilical portography, epiploography, selective percutaneous transhepatic catheterization) or direct (catheterization of the celiac truncus and/or the superior mesenteric artery) methods. After a shunt procedure the examination can best be done with a balloon catheter, by direct catheterization of a shunt or by indirect splenoportography. Recently, the radiologist has started to do the treatment by percutaneous transhepatic injection of a sclerosing agent into the gastric coronary vein. For each different method the advantages and disadvantages, the indications and technical procedure are described and discussed.


Carboxymethyl cellulose stimulation of neurite outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells in culture. The addition of 1% (w/v) carboxymethyl cellulose to the culture medium induces the formation of neurites of clone N18 neuroblastoma cells even in the presence of normal (5-10%) serum supplement concentrations, which rivals that previously observed by growth in low 0.1% serum. Heavy metal ions associated with the carboxymethyl cellulose were responsible for small increases in the sizes of cell bodies during treatment. Pretreatment of the PC12 pheochromocytoma line of neuroblasts with carboxymethyl cellulose for 1 day prior to their stimulation with nerve growth factor resulted in an acceleration in the rate, but not extent, of neurite outgrowth.


Effects of morphine on spontaneous activity of 18-day rat fetus. The effects of morphine on spontaneous activity of 18-day fetal rats have been observed in utero. Morphine injected subcutaneously in the dam caused a decrease in fetal spontaneous activity which was dose-dependent. The maximum depression of activity occurred after 20 mg/kg was administered to the dam. Activity returned to control levels following naloxone administration to the dam. Fetuses which had been chronically exposed to morphine from days 7 through 17 and observed on day 18 of gestation became hyperactive following administration of naloxone to the dam. This is thought to represent fetal withdrawal.


Intracranial haemorrhage in the preterm sheep fetus. The germinal layer in the brain of the sheep fetus at 58--85 days of gestation was found to resemble that of the human infant at 28--30 wk of gestation. Experiments were done on 65 exteriorized fetuses to explore the effect of various combinations of asphyxia and raised intravascular pressures in causing bleeding into the germinal layer, ventricles and other parts of the brain. Asphyxia by itself did not produce an increase in the incidence of intracranial hemorrhages when compared with control fetuses. The combination of asphyxia with intermittent increases in arterial or venous pressure, or both, did cause haemorrhages. Large increases in arterial pressure without asphyxia also caused intracranial haemorrhages, whereas increases in venous pressure without asphyxia did not. The types of haemorrhage observed closely resembled those seen in the preterm human infant, although massive intraventricular haemorrhages (IVHs) were rare. We conclude that: (1) the sheep fetus can be used for investigating factors associated with intracranial haemorrhage in the preterm brain; (2) the most effective method of producing haemorrhages into the germinal layer was by a combination of asphyxia with intermittent increases in cerebral intravascular pressure. Similar mechanisms may be at work in the newborn human infant, and could lead to IVH.


Quantitative studies on the occurrence of praziquantel in milk and plasma of lactating women. 10 healthy lactating women were treated orally with the anthelmintic praziquantel (Biltricide), and the resulting timedependent concentrations of the unchanged substance in plasma and milk were determined simultaneously. 5 of the women ("1st trial") received the single dose of 50 mg/kg; the other 5 women ("2nd trial") were treated three times at 4 hour intervals with 20 mg/kg. During the 1st trial a maximal plasma-concentration of 1.30 mg/l (arithmetic mean) was found. Subsequently the mean plasma-concentration decreased continuously and after 24 h it was only 0.4% of the maximum. During the 2nd trial the highest mean value (1.92 mg/l) was found 10 h after the first administration; after 32 h (24 h after the last administration) the mean value was 0.6% of the maximum mean value. The mean areas under the concentration/time-curves were 5.25 h. mg/l and 13.8 h . mg/l, respectively. The plasma half-life was estimated to be 3 hours. In both trials the concentration/time-curves of the milk corresponded qualitatively to those of the plasma. However, in each person and at each time, the concentration in the milk were essentially lower than those in the plasma. On the average, the plasma-concentrations were four times higher than the milk-concentrations. The mean values of the milk-concentrations increased and decreased correspondingly with those of the plasma-concentrations. At the end of the investigation (24 and 32 h, respectively, from the beginning) they were lower than the limit of determination (4 microgram/l). The mean excretion with the milk of the 10 women was 0.0008% of the given dose. From the comparative concentration/time-course, it could be demonstrated that the milk does not represent a deep department but readily equilibrates with the plasma. Equilibration obviously takes place by passive diffusion and not by active secretion.


Increase in lifespan of rats following polypeptide pineal extract treatment. The 20 month-long treatment of female rats with daily doses of 0.1 or 0.5 mg of polypeptide pineal extract (PPE) per animal increased their lifespan by 10 and 25%, respectively, as compared with controls. At the age of 16--18 months, 38% of control rats exhibited persistent disturbances in estral function (constant estrus or repeated pseudogestations), whereas these disorders were observed in 7% of experimental animals only. After administration of PPE to 16--18 month-old female rats checked for sterility by a two-week mating, a second mating period resulted in gestation development in four out of 16 animals and deliveries, accordingly. While chronic treatment with PPE did not affect the rate of neoplasm incidence, the mean age of tumour detection in the control group was 697 days and in experimental groups it was 811 and 868 days, respectively. Certain aspects of the interrelationship of rate of ageing, lifespan and specific age pathology are discussed.


[Iodine concentration in the blood and urine in children depending on the goiter size]. Epidemiological investigations have shown that at the Białystok Province about 30% of children and youth is afflicted with goitre. In this area drinking water is poor in iodine and iodine supply with food is quite unsatisfactory. The purpose of the present work has been to check the behaviour of the serum and urine iodine in children with thyroid goitre. The estimations of I in blood serum were made in 126 children with goitre (I, II, and III, according to the WHO classification) and in 100 healthy children. The method used included buthanol extraction according to Fisher and Morris. The concentration of iodine and its excretion rate in urine were assessed in 119 children with goitre of various advancement, an; in 170 children not affected with goitre, using the method of Fisher and Morris adopted to urine analysis. The authors found the following values for serum protein bound iodine: control group 4.9 microgram/100 ml, at average; 4.3 microgram/100 ml, 3.0 microgram/100 ml, and 2.6 microgram/100 ml in those affected with I, II, and III of the goitre, respectively. The 24 hr urine excretion rate of iodine in healthy children amounted to 66.4 microgram, and 64.2 microgram, 53.6 microgram, and 4o.2 microgram in those with I, II, and III goitre, respectively. The above results indicate a significant decrease of iodine concentration in blood serum and in urine in children with goitre; this decrease has been found to be dependent on the degree of the thyroid gland enlargement. The differences were statistically significant.


Clinical, hormonal and semiological data in adult men operated in childhood for hypospadias. Examination of 16 adult men operated in childhood for hypospadias revealed signs of moderate injury of the male genital system. It appears that accessory sexual glands were mainly responsible for the observed abnormalities. Since testicular position and size, serum testosterone and FSH levels were normal it seems that hypospadias and the accompanied disturbances are connected with reduction of responsiveness of target tissues to androgen stimuli rather, than with lesion of the testicle. The coexistence of normal serum testosterone and elevation of serum LH suggests the decrease of sensitivity of hypothalamic or pituitary receptors to negative feedback influence of androgens. The consciousness of sexual inadequacy noted in some cases was mainly of emotional character.


Mutational analysis of natural alleles in and affecting the B incompatibility factor of Schizophyllum. Primary mutations in the alleles of alpha 1 and beta 7 of the B incompatibility factor of Schizophyllum were induced with X rays. An additional mutation unlinked to the B factor and affecting its regulatory function was detected. This mutation is effective in monokaryons with most B-factor specificities. The spectra of induced mutations in different alleles is discussed in reference to a polarity in the expression of the recognition function and the regulatory function by each locus of the B incompatibility factor.


The ultrastructural morphology of leukemia L 1210 ascites tumor cells transplanted with different frequency. The mouse lymphatic leukemia L 1210 ascites tumor cells were transplanted every 3rd (L1210/3) or 6th day (L 1210/6) and then examined by an electron microscope. In cytoplasm of L 1210 cells thick bundles of 8 nm filaments were observed. Lysosomes were more numerous in L 1210/6 cells. Results obtained from morphometric datas shown that the relative cell volume of L 1210/6 population was 1.59 time larger as compared with L 1210/3. The index of nuclear volume to cell volume was very similar in both populations. The relative volume of endoplasmic reticulum was more than twice larger in the L 1210/3 population. The cell surface area was larger in the L 1210/6 cells as compared with this in L 1210/3 cells, but the increase in the surface was not proportional to the increase of the cell volume. The relative surface area of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae was smaller in L 1210/6 cells than in L 1210/3 population.


The effect of hyperthyroidism induced by thyroideum siccatum on the central nervous system: an electron microscopic study. Ten adult male rats were administered orally with thyroideum siccatum every day to produce a hyperfunctional state of thyroid hormone. They were examined electron microscopically for the fine structure of the brain. Clinically, experimental rats lost in weight, manifested a hyperactive, irritative attitude, and were in an aggressive state. Electron microscopically, the nerve cells showed a slight increase in the number of mitochondria in the frontal cortex, spiral and petaloid variation of ER in the thalamus. The specific findings in the experimental rats were variations of synapse observed in the frontal and temporal cortex, gyrus hippocampi, and thalamus, centering around the hypothalamus. They included meandering of the presynaptic membrane, formation of vacuoles by the presynaptic membrane, saccate projection of this membrane to the postsynapse, and changes in vacuoles which were torn off and fell into the dendrite. These variations occurred in the synaptic membrane and ER, probably because synthesis of the membrane had been accelerated remarkably by the action of thyroid hormones. They were considered to have brought about abnormalities to the conductive and transmission system. They seemed to be closely related with emotional disturbances and psychic symptoms, since such variations were particularly apparent in the hypothalamus.


[Transperitoneal fine needle biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes in cancer diagnosis]. Preoperative lymphography was performed in 97 patients with urological malignoma. Fine needle punctions were performed of 458 suspicious as well as non-suspecious lymph nodes. In 22 cases lymphographic and cytological findings were compared with histological results after lymphadenectomy. It could be shown that of 15 cases with lymph node metastases lymphographic and cytologic findings were corresponding in 6 cases. In 9 cases tumor cells were found in lymph nodes even though the lymphogram was rated non-suspicious. It is concluded that fine needle biopsy of lymph nodes after lymphography is an important improvement in preoperative diagnosis of malignoma.


The effect of basic proteins on the haemostatic system of the dog. Intravenous administration of histones or protamine to dogs resulted in a fall of the number of blood platelets, a lowered prothrombin consumption, a fall in the fibrinogen level, activation of the fibrinolytic system and deterioration of blood clot retraction.


The suckling-induced rise of plasma prolactin in lactating rats: its dependence on stage of lactation and litter size. The response of plasma prolactin in vigorous suckling was measured in lactating rats which had been isolated for 10-12 h from their offspring. Plasma prolactin was investigated during suckling at various stages of lactation. The results demonstrate that prolactin responds maximally to suckling already in the first days of lactation. In the second half of the lactation period, the prolactin rise in the plasma induced by suckling decreases gradually; this is not due to a reduced suck-intensity of older pups. A relationship is found between the height of the suckling-induced prolactin rise and litter size. The data suggest that during suckling in the first weeks of lactation the pituitary secretes large amounts of prolactin at a constant rate. It is speculated that in the first minutes of suckling, receptors may clear considerable amounts of released prolactin from the circulation.


Serum thrombocytopoietic activity in thrombocytopenias. By means of a bioassay performed in rats utilizing 75Se-selenomethionine as a platelet marker in vivo, serum thrombocytopoietic activity (STA) was determined in 9 healthy volunteers and in 82 patients with thrombocytopenia, viz. 27 cases of ITP (9 acute and 18 chronic), 19 of aplastic anaemia, 19 of acute leukaemia and 17 of chronic proliferative disorders. STA was the highest in the ITP group (p less than 0.01), particularly in the cases of short duration (p less than 0.001). In acute leukaemia, the STA was remarkably elevated (p less than 0.02) and a negative correlation between STA and blood platelet count could be demonstrated. A negative correlation between STA and the duration of thrombocytopenia was also found in the patients with ITP. No significant increase of STA was observed in patients with ITP after corticosteroid administration. In 5 out of 7 cases who responded satisfactorily to splenectomy a significant fall of STA was demonstrated after surgery. A slight, but statistically significant, rise of the STA value was found in patients with aplastic anaemia (p less than 0.05). No STA elevation was observed in the cases of chronic proliferative disorders with thrombocytopenia.


Sister chromatid exchanges in cultured peripheral lymphocytes from twins. Sister chromatid exchange points (SCE points) on individual chromosomes were studied in cultured lymphocytes from 11 monozygotic (MZ) and nine dizygotic (DZ) same-sexed pairs by means of sequential Q-banding and BUdR-Giemsa techniques. No statistically significant variation between unrelated individuals with respect to SCE points on specific chromosomes was found. Intrapair differences in the number of SCE points on specific chromosomes were not significantly smaller between MZ twin partners as compared with DZ partners. The results suggest that genetic factors do not play any major role in the frequency and distribution of SCE in normal subjects.


Familial transmission of a translocation Y/14. A translocation of heterochromatic material, brightly fluorescent after actinomycin D-DAPI staining, to the short arm of chromosome 14 was prenatally detected during cytogenetic examination of cells obtained by amniocentesis on the indication of advanced maternal age. Besides this abnormal chromosome, 43 autosomes and two X chromosomes were present. Silver staining made clear that an active nucleolus-organizing region was included in the translocation product. Both the intense fluorescence and the size of the translocated extra heterochromatic block were indicative of a Yq origin. Upon cytogenetic investigation of the parents, the mother appeared to carry the same t(Y;14) chromosome. Therefore, we expected a normal girl to be born. This was confirmed after birth.


Comparison of the intracellular lipids of cultured vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts. The lipids of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, calf aortic endothelial cells and foreskin fibroblasts have been compared. Cell cultures were established, and, upon confluency, the lipids were extracted and analyzed with respect to total lipid content, classes of lipids and total lipid fatty acid composition. The total quantity of lipid per milligram protein found in both human umbilical vein endothelium and calf aorta endothelium was similar to that found in fibroblasts grown in similar medium. Both types of endothelium contained the same major neutral lipid classes as fibroblasts, although they contained more phospholipid than did fibroblasts. The fatty acid composition of the three cells examined was influenced by cell type as well as the type of serum in the culture medium.


Canine rabies seasonality.

Canine rabies seasonality. Data on births and oestrus cycles of 531 randomly sampled female dogs in Lima, Peru, were collected during 1974. Changes in the proportions of puppies in the canine population throughout the year were similar to the seasonal distribution of canine rabies. This finding has implication for the funding and thrust of any control programme.


Reimplantation of completely amputated rat limb. A technique for the amputation and immediate reimplantation of rats legs was studied using a microsurgical technique. Complete survival of the reimplanted leg was achieved by basing the blood supply on anastomoses of arteries about 0.4 mm in external diameter. Anastomoses of vessels in that range by interrupted sutures of 10/0 and 11/0 black monofilament nylon proved to be compatible with leg survival. The ultimate survival of the reimplanted limbs depended upon microsurgical technique, preoperative and operative heparinization and external protection during the recovery phase. Animals are alive and using the replanted limb, several months postoperatively.


A comparative study of electrosurgical vs. cold urethrotomy in the treatment of urethral strictures. Thirty-one patients with urethral stricture were subjected to internal urethrotomy under visual control. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure: electrosurgical or cold resection. A modification of the Sachse knife was introduced in order to permit its use with the American Cystoscope Makers Inc. instruments. The success rate with cold resection was 81.81% and with the electrosurgical procedure 40%. Internal urethrotomy with cold resection is a simple and harmless operation, being a first choice in the treatment of urethral stricture.


[Experiences with CO2-laser-surgery in otorhinolaryngology (author's transl)]. Experiences with 70 CO2-laser procedures are reported. 39 operations were performed in the larynx, 7 in the pharynx, 4 in the oral cavity; 19 were tonsillectomies and 1 the excision of an exophytic skin tumor. The advantages of the CO2-laser-surgery are: minimal hemorrhage during surgery, excellent visibility in the operative field, slight postoperative edema and reduced postoperative pain. Surgery with the CO-2-laser beam is best performed for the following indications: endolaryngeal microsurgery, procedures in highly vascularized organs (tongue) or on well vascularized tumors (hemangioma), operations in hemophiliacs.


Mitotic rate of thyroid follicular cells in untreated and goitrogen-treated rats: variation with time of day. The paper presents the results of investigations into the mitotic rates of thyroid follicular cells of adult male rats maintained under controlled conditions of temperature, photoperiod and handling. The mitotic rate in eight successive 3 hour periods of the day showed a clear mitotic rhythm, with a maximum at 12.00--15.00 hours in untreated rats. The mitotic rate over the 24 hour period was 7.6+/-0.83(S.E.)metaphases/10000 cells/hour. Rats treated with the antithyroid drug, carbimazole, for three weeks were manifestly hypothyroid, as shown by decreases in oxygen consumption and rate of growth. With carbimazole the mitotic rate of the thyroid follicular cells was increased three-fold, and the mitotic rhythm was no longer detectable. In an experiment to test the efficiency of vincristine sulphate, the accumulation of metaphases after 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg vincristine was linear for 0.5--8 hours, although, at the higher dose, the number of metaphases was reduced after 8 hours. The mean daily mitotic rate in untreated rats was approximately commensurate with the rate of increase of body weight, which supports the classification of follicular cells as an 'expanding cell population'.


High resolution scanning electron microscopy of elastic cartilage. The elastic cartilage of the rat epiglottis was studied with a high-resolution SEM technique. The chondrocytes were found to be anchored in their lacunae by fibrils running in from the territorial matrix. This matrix exhibited a dense network of fibrils arranged tangentially around the lacunar cavity. The fibrils of the inter-territorial matrix however, formed a three dimensional network of sheets with interconnecting fibrils. The SEM has shown up for the first time a substructure in the fibrils in the form of circular protuberances arranged circumferentially around the fibrils and forming ridges 12--19 nm apart. We suggest that the fibrils are collagen, and the protuberances are the proteoglycans attached to the collagen fibrils. Globules seen attached to the fibrils are most probably 'matrix granules' as observed in other kinds of cartilage. The total inability to visualize elastin with the high resolution SEM is puzzling.


Mechanisms of smooth muscle antibody production: a clinical study in children with infections, haemolytic syndromes, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Sera from 530 children suffering from various diseases and from 64 controls were tested for smooth muscle autoantibodies (SMA) by indirect immunofluorescence. A high incidence of SMA (51-86%) was found in patients with viral and bacterial infections (viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, measles, mumps, chickenpox, typhoid fever, and brucellosis), independently of liver invovlvement, and in patients with acute haemolytic anaemia due to G-6-PD deficiency (48%). By contrast, the incidence of SMA from patients with beta-thalassaemia major and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was no higher than in the controls. The discrepancy in incidence in haemolytic anaemias due to different causes may reflect the effect of endogenous and extrinsic agents. In the viral infections, SMA were mainly of the IgM class and gave an 'SMA-V' staining pattern. In bacterial infections (typhoid fever and brucellosis), SMA were either IgG only or IgM and IgG, and the staining pattern was also mainly 'SMA-V'. In infections which affect or may affect the liver (viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, typhoid fever, and brucellosis), SMA was present at high titres (1:80-1:320), whereas in infections not affecting the liver (measles, mumps, and chickenpox) the titres were lower (less than or equal to 1:80). In most patients SMA occurred transiently and without apparent pathogenetic significance. The antigen against which infection-induced SMA is directed is not actin; its nature has yet to be identified.


How concentrate feeding affects glucoregulatory hormones in ruminants: implications in bovine ketosis. Twenty-four feedlot steers and four sheep were fed roughage or grain rations while three other sheep received intraduodenal infusions of amino acids, glucose, volatile fatty acids, and proteins to determine whether the release of plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity is influenced by dietary factors and the composition of duodenal chyme. Plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity rose in both cattle and sheep as the proportion of grain in their rations was increased. In response to intraduodenal infusions, only glucose stimulated glucagon-like immunoreactivity release. These experiments demonstrate that plasma glucagon-like immunoreactivity concentrations change in cattle and sheep in response to the amount of grain consumed and that glucagon-like immunoreactivity release is triggered by glucose in intestinal chyme.


Oral nicotinic acid as a treatment for ketosis. Changes in blood metabolites and milk production were measured in eight cows with subclinical or clinical ketosis following treatment with daily doses of 12 g nicotinic acid fed with the concentrate mixture. Ketotic cows displayed a positive milk ketone test, reduced milk production and feed intake, hypoglycemia, hyperketonemia, and elevated free fatty acids in plasma. The milk ketone test was negative in all cows 5 to 9 days following initiation of treatment. After 7 days of treatment, milk production and glucose in plasma were increased while there were decreases in plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and free fatty acids. No relapses occurred.


Quantitative regularities of development of endogenous infection in irradiated organism (survey of literature). Statistical analysis of data from the literature and the author's own experimental results was carried out in order to reveal functional dependence between the dose of irradiation and the development of endogenous infection in an irradiated organism. Direct linear dependence was established between the dose of irradiation and the severity of endogenous infection at doses causing death from the "bone-marrow" syndrome in acute radiation sickness. In the case of death from the "intestinal" syndrome, inverse linear dependence can be observed between the dose of irradiation and the culture yield of microbes from internal organs. In this case, the pathological effect on the organism is due to bacterial endotoxins formed during disintegration of microbial cells in the organism. Endogenous infection and endotoxinaemia essentially aggravate the course of acute radiation disease. The importance of endogenous infection in death of the organism is neutralized after irradiation in doses causing death "under the ray".


Epidemic of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 1970. Epidemiological features of the epidemic of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in 1970, are described. On the basis of hospital figures and a House-to -House survey of 0.9% of the population it is estimated that 50-53% of Freetown's population suffered from the conjunctivitis in 20 weeks. Though no causative agent was isolated, it is supposed, on the basis of the striking similarity with other outbreaks, that the epidemic was caused by enterovirus type 70. Hospital figures, a house-to-house survey and a survey in a closed community provided evidence that man-to-man contact was the principal mode of spread.


Prospective study on streptococcal pharyngitis among a town population. A one-year-round study on pharyngitis incidence among the general population of a town (24,300 inhabitants) was carried out. All patients, with pharyngitis who visited health centres were examined clinically and mcirobiologically. The overall pharyngitis incidence rate and the streptococcal pharyngitis incidence rate were, respectively, 8.3 and 3.9 cases per 100 population. Age-related incidence was highest in the group of 5-10 years, seasonal incidence was highest in autumn. Clinical diagnoses made preliminary to bacteriological examination were correct in only a half of the streptococcal pharyngitis cases. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis could, at best, be raised to 80% if fever of less than or equal to 38.0 degrees C and presence of exudate on tonsils should be considered significant criteria. A great majority of the streptococcal pharyngitis cases were caused by group A streptococci; the prevailing  M types were 12, 1 and 3. Emphasis is laid on the necessity of performing microbiological examination of all pharyngitis cases in order to ensure etiological diagnosis and causal therapy. 15)


Prevalence of ornithosis and other Chlamydia-like infections in the Ukrainian SSR. The prevalence of ornithosis and other Chlamydia infections among various groups of the population, some species of birds and mammals was studied in several regions of the Ukrainian SSR. Among the town population having no occupational contact with domestic fowl and farm animals, complement-fixing antibodies to group ornithosis antigen were found in 6.5% of the examined, among the inhabitants of rural localities in 8.4% and among the workers of poultry farms in 19.9%. During the examination of the immunological state of the workers of cattle-breeding farms, antibodies were detected in 15.1%. Pigeons, hens and ducks were investigated as probable sources of infection. The number of positively reacting individuals was 53.7, 13,7 and 24.9%, respectively. This indicates that they play a role in the spread of infection. The obtained data point out a considerable spread of Chlamydia infections among farm animals. Positive results of serological examination were recorded in pigs in 25.7%, in calves in 15.1% and in 8.6% of cases examined.


Testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin, unbound and total estradiol and testosterone, and total progesterone during the menstrual cycle in women with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs. Total plasma estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and the binding capacity of testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG) were measured and plasma unbound estradiol and testosterone calculated, every second day during nine cycles in six patients with epilepsy. They all received phenytoin as one medication. Some had additionally, phenobarbital or ethosuximide. Plasma concentrations were compared with those of a group of healthy women without medication. Total plasma testosterone and TeBG binding capacity were significantly increased in the treated group, as compared to the control group. However, the unbound testosterone concentration was within the range of the controls. The percentage unbound testosterone of total plasma concentration was clearly below that of the control group. This indicates that there was a primarily increased TeBG binding capacity in patients taking antiepileptic drugs.


Circannual changes in plasma concentrations of immunoreactive retinol-binding protein and luteinizing hormone in male and female Japanese quail. In a single experiment, lasting for 18 months, male and female quail were exposed to an annual cycle of artificial photoperiod synchronized with sunrise and sunset, and their plasma levels of immunoreactive retinol-binding protein (IRBP) and LH were monitored at frequent intervals. Plasma levels of both IRBP and LH showed a repeating annual cycle with maximal levels during the spring/summer, the period of reproductive activity and highest rate of egg-laying, and minimal levels during the autumn/winter. Plasma levels of IRBP and LH were significantly, but only weakly, correlated with each other. The possible role of LH in the regulation of plasma IRBP during reproduction is discussed. Evidence is presented that the proportion of IRBP which does not carry retinol (retinol-binding apoprotein; apoRBP) varies throughout the female breeding cycle and that the high apoRBP concentration noted in the spring/summer period may be related to the deposition of retinol in the egg.


Suppression of pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone by porcine follicular fluid during pro-oestrus and oestrus in the rat: effects on gonadotrophin and steroid secretion, follicular development and ovulation during the following cycle. In this study, we have examined whether the suppression of raised plasma FSH concentrations at pro-oestrus and/or oestrus by porcine follicular fluid (PFF) affected the development of follicles for ovulation in the next cycle. Adult, 4-day-cyclic rats were injected with PFF or pig serum at various hours of pro-oestrus and oestrus. Plasma FSH levels were suppressed following PFF treatment at any time of pro-oestrus and oestrus. Furthermore, this suppression was always followed by a 'rebound' increase in plasma FSH. In contrast, plasma LH concentrations were unaffected by PFF treatment and neither gonadotrophin was altered by treatment with pig serum. When rats treated with PFF or pig serum were allowed to complete one additional cycle, plasma LH and FSH concentrations at the pro-oestrus and oestrus after treatment were not significantly different among groups regardless of treatment or time of treatment. All ovaries of rats treated with PFF or pig serum on the next pro-oestrus morning before ovulation were histologically similar. Furthermore, all animals ovulated a normal complement of ova at the next oestrus regardless of whether preovulatory, secondary or both increases of plasma FSH had been blocked by PFF treatment during the previous cycle. However, animals given PFF during the preceding cycle, plasma oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly altered on the morning and afternoon of pro-oestrus respectively. These results suggest that increased plasma FSH concentrations at pro-oestrus and oestrus may not be essential for folliculogenesis and ovulation in the subsequent cycle. Alternatively, the 'rebound' of FSH on day 1 of dioestrus after the suppression of both phases of FSH secretion at pro-oestrus and oestrus may be sufficient to provide ovulatory follicles for the next pro-oestrous day.


A cellular mechanism for the palatal shelf reorientation from a vertical to a horizontal plane in hamster: light and electron microscopic study. Cellular and subcellular events during reorientation of the palatal shelf in hamster fetuses are described. An alteration in the morphology of the epithelial and the mesenchymal cells is observed during shelf realignment from a vertical to a horizontal plane. The mesenchymal cells elongate and subsequently appear to protrude in the medially bulging palatal shelf. Microtubules, microfilaments and close contacts are associated with elongation of the mesenchymal cells. The cells of the thickened epithelium may play a mechanical role in providing direction to the mesenchymal cells during palatal shelf reorientation. The altered morphology of the mesenchymal cells may be associated with the intrinsic shelf force implicit in Walker and Fraser's theory of palatal shelf reorientation.


[Recessive microencephaly linked to the X chromosome]. A family with X-linked recessive microcephaly is reported. As patients there were found 8 men or boys respectively out of 3 generations, all of them being related by their mentally healthy mothers. Besides microcephaly the patients showed growth retardation and obesity. Some of them, in addition, had various anomalies as inguinal or umbilical hernias, cryptorchism, tapering fingers, contractures, deeply rooted thumbs and club-feet. There were no hints for a metabolic defect or a chromosomal aberration. The dermatoglyphics could be investigated in 5 patients and showed in all of them a shifting of the axial triradius into the distal position t'. Comparing the own findings with case reports on X-linked microcephalies, the above mentioned family was found not to correspond to any of these observations. It is assumed that in this family, a new disease has occurred which until now has not yet been described, so that the X-linked microcephalies seem to be a heterogenous group of disease from the genetic point of view.


A case of complete testicular feminisation and 47,XXY karyotype. A very rare case of complete testicular feminisation with a 47,XXY sex chromosome complement is described. The X-chromatin is positive. The subject studied, who belongs to a family in which four other members have Morris's syndrome and have a 46,XY karyotype, is a perfect phenotypic female. The endocrine situation is unique and resembles, in part, that of subjects with Klinefelter's syndrome.


Antagonism by naloxone of tolerance and dependence in mice given a single dose of morphine. The effect of naloxone given at various times after morphine administration on the development of tolerance to and dependence on a single dose of morphine was studied. Naloxone antagonized the analgesic effect of morphine and the development of tolerance to and dependence on morphine, dose dependently. The time course of the development of tolerance to a single dose of morphine almost paralleled that of dependence on morphine but the time course of the disappearance of tolerance did not coincide with that of dependence. When start of the duration of action of morphine was blocked by naloxone for various time intervals, the degree of tolerance to and dependence on morphine was antagonized, time dependently. When the end of the duration of action of morphine was antagonized by naloxone for various time intervals, tolerance and dependence which developed up to that time was completely antagonized by naloxone.


Mode of antagonistic action of levallorphan in morphine-dependent rats and assessment of physical dependence liability. The antagonistic mode of levallorphan in rats dependent on morphine or codeine was studied from the viewpoints of the doses of morphine and the lengths of administration and also from the standpoint of timing of the challenge. In morphine-dependent rats on morphine-admixed food (60--100 mg/kg/day) for 1, 3 and 6 weeks, the rate of maximum weight loss on application of levallorphan (2 mg/kg, s.c.) did not correlate with the length of morphine treatment. The rate of weight loss on single application of levallorphan 0, 6, 12 or 24 hours after withdrawal or morphine was lower with the passage of time after the withdrawal. Rats which were given levallorphan 3 times in succession, i.e., at 0, 5 and 10 hours after morphine withdrawal showed such a pattern of weight loss that the first application of levallorphan resulted in 7% loss, while with the second and third applications there was little weight loss. Despite the continued withdrawal, the animals began to gain body weight as early as 14 hour, and body weight was totally recovered before the withdrawal in 24 hour. In conclusion, it is advisable to challenge with levallorphan at 0 hour of withdrawal to obtain qualitative and reproducible results. In addition, the application of levallorphan to morphine-dependent rats at adequate intervals provides for the early recovery of abstinence signs.


[Schaemic necrosis of urethra after repeat surgical attempt at the correction of stress incontinence. Vesicocervicoplasty (author's transl)]. This patient had been operated upon 3 times unsuccessfully for stress incontinence (buttressing of the bladder neck by the vaginal route, the first time); almost entire urethra has been lost. Neourethra reconstructed from bladder neck muscle and sling procedure. Total continenece preserved. 35 years follow-up.


Eating pattern of morphine dependent rats. To analyze the drug ingestion patterns of rats in the course of dependence development while on the drug-admixed food (DAF) method, an automatic food intake measuring apparatus was developed. Rats were put on morphine-admixed food, and the food ingestion patterns were recorded with the apparatus in the course of dependence development, during drug withdrawal and at the time of challenge with levallorphan. The naive rats ate the regular diet intermittently at night, and the eating time of morphine-treated rats was longer than that of naive rats. The treated rats also exhibited a frequent eating behavior after 4--5 days on the morphine treatment. During morphine withdrawal, the animal gradually ate the regular diet at about 1-hour intervals, even after evolvement of abstinence signs. When the morphine-dependent rats were given levallorphan, they neither ate nor approached to the food for the first 2--3 hours, but after this time, showed abrupt increases in these activities. Thus, the drug intake pattern of rats in the course of morphine dependence development suggests a correlation between the stage of development of physical dependence and the stage when the animals frequently eat the drug-admixed food.


[Pyosalpinx].

[Pyosalpinx]. A hundred-and-fourteen women with pyosalpinx, treated in the Varazdin hospital, are presented. The youngest patient was 16 and the oldest 63 years old. According to case history, 28 women denied having been pregnant. Eighty-one women (71%) were treated only with puncture and instillation and 33 (29%) surgically. Among the latter, 12 were surgically treated for peritonitis or under the picture of appendicitis at the Surgical Department. Surgical interventions ranged from unilateral adnexectomy to bilateral adnexectomy with hysterectomy, depending on age, the extent of the process, and other findings (myoma, carcinoma, etc.).


[Intrauterine growth retardation of newborns with congenital anomalies]. The authors examined 11,799 newborns whose intrauterine life lasted from 28 to 42 weeks. In the group of dysmature infants (443) malformations were present in 11% and in the group of prematures (841) in 4.3%. Malformations were divided according to localization. The most significant difference was observed in the occurrence of malformations of the extremities (dysmature infants 27.17% and prematures 15.79%). It is concluded that malformations appear to be considerably more frequent in dismature infants than in prematures and that by their presence they affect the child's intrauterine growth.


The local immune response in the mammary gland of the sow following infusion of a protein antigen. A study was made of the local immune response in the udder of the sow following infusion of a soluble antigen. Four mammary glands of each of four pregnant sows were infused with ferritin prepartum. Samples of blood, colostrum, and milk were collected during the following lactation; animals were slaughtered and mammary tissue removed for immunohistology. Blood, colostrum, milk, and mammary tissues were similarly collected from nonimmunized (control) sows. Colostral and milk whey from immunized sows contained higher levels of immunoglobulins than whey from control sows. There was an increase in numbers of IgA-containing plasma cells and total lymphoid cells in mammary tissue of immunized sows compared with controls. The results suggested that the local immune response was at least as great in non-infused glands as infused glands of immunized sows.


Multiple sclerosis : is it transplacentally induced? The aetiology of multiple sclerosis MS is not known. Most research workers believe a viral aetiology. An alternate theory - namely transplacental induction of MS is outlined. Correlative evidence is drawn from epidemiological studies, models of transplacentally induced conditions, metabolic disturbances in utero that can affect myelin development or result in offspring with defective immunological competence and surveillance. The relationship between B group vitamin deficiencies and mineral deficiencies and MS is considered. Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of MS in view of this theory is outlined.


Pig Bel.

Pig Bel. Pig Bel is a form of acute, segmental, necrotizing enteritis presenting as a common and life-threatening disease among the people (particularly the children) of the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. It relates to the consumption of pig meat and is thought to be caused by Clostridium welchii type C (an organism not usually present in the human intestine), the organism being transmitted to man by means of contaminated pig meat. Pig Bel resembles the diseases called "Darmbrand" which occurred in Northern Germany in the years that immediately followed World War II. Darmbrand was associated with a Clostridium welchii infection, possibly precipitated by malnutrition. It disappeared within a few years of its recognition. Conditions that closely resemble the clinical and pathological features of Pig Bel have been reported from Uganda and Thailand. In these countries, only a few cases have been encountered and they have not been associated with the eating of pig meat or with a clostridial infection.


Primary culture of mammalian nephron epithelia: requirements for cell outgrowth and proliferation from defined explanted nephron segments. Nephron segments were dissected from fetal or from early postnatal rabbit kidneys (n = 86) and explanted individually into primary tissue culture. Outgrowth of epithelioid cells and proliferation in monolayers from the collecting tubule and the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop occurred regularly if a special substratum and matrix were used. Media were either supplemented with non-proteins (defined media) or with embryo extract and fetal sera (undefined media). Outgrowth and monolayer spreading were recorded by Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy. Monolayer cells resemble those seen with the same recording technique during tubule in vitro perfusion. Undefined media were essential for growth of convoluted tubule segments from embryonic Nephron Anlagen and outgrowth of cells from proximal straight tubules, in contrast to the distal nephron segments. The specific functional and morphological properties of cells derived from primary culture of nephron segments are under study.


[Angiosarcoma of the breast. Apropos of a case]. A case of angiosarcoma of the breast is described. This is an unusual, malignant, vascular tumour observed in young, fertile women. Its aetiopathogenesis, histological picture and pathological anatomy are described, and reference is made to the deceptively benign nature it often displays initially, its diagnosis, and its clinical picture. Emphasis is also placed on the limited possibilities of treatment, and its dependence on the earliest possible diagnosis for a certain degree of validity.


Influence of replacement of chloride by sulphate upon urine excretion and glomerular filtration rate in blood perfused isolated dog kidneys. Tubular reabsorption was inhibited in isolated dog kidneys by the progressive substitution of plasma chloride by sulphate. In the absence of antidiuretic hormone activity, urine output remained unchanged owing to an equivalent decrease in glomerular filtration rate. This equilibrium was demonstrated under conditions of "saline natriuresis" and was not disturbed by furosemide. Although the impairment of glomerular filtration rate was accompanied by a decrease of total renal blood flow, the equilibrium was not disrupted by angiotensin antagonism. Sodium excretion was enhanced by low plasma chloride concentrations in the absence, but not in the presence of furosemide. The results are not compatible with a specific role of osmolality, sodium or chloride concentrations in the tubular fluid in the adjustment of glomerular filtration. Simultaneous changes in blood flow and tubular flow resistances might explain the results. It is suggested that, in contrast to the mechanism of tubulo-glomerular feedback found in individual nephrons of hydropenic animals, this intrarenal mechanism might serve to protect the organism against sodium loss under conditions of high intake.


Parallel between antianxiety and cardiovascular effects of chlordiazepoxide in genetically nervous dogs. There is evidence that cardiac arrhythmias are partially of CNS origin, and that certain drugs affect arrhythmia, both positively and negatively, through CNS action. We hypothesized and confirmed that chlordiazepoxide diminished the well-established incidence of arrhythmias (A-V blocks and nodal escapes) in five nervous pointer dogs. It is known that this drug normalizes behavior and aids in the bar-pressing performance of nervous dogs. Nervous dogs tend to have low heart rates (HRs) while normals have higher HRs. Chlordiazepoxide increased HRs in our five nervous dogs, and we postulated that HR increase would be less or none in normals. This was confirmed in a later study of five normals. A further study of eight normal dogs and eight nervous dogs essentially reproduced these findings, suggesting the possibility that the slow heart rates and the behavioral abnormality have a common basis, expected to be some CNS biochemical lesion.


Thermogenesis and thermolysis during sleeping and waking in the rat. Thermogenesis (VO2), sensible heat loss and subcutaneous back temperature were recorded simultaneously during sleeping and waking in both intact and depilated rats at Ra ranging from 21--28 degrees C. VO2 increased during wakefulness (W), decreased and plateaued during slow wave sleep (SWS) and then decreased 10% with each paradoxical sleep (PS) phase. Sensible heat loss, which represented about 90% of the heat production, increased and plateaued during SWS, decreased in W and generally rose abruptly (+40%) during PS. After removal of the fur the mean levels of VO2 and sensible heat loss were increased by 20--50% and returned to normal values within two weeks, although their variations related to stages of sleep were unchanged. These results concerning thermogenesis and thermolysis are in agreement with the variations of body temperature (brain excluded) during sleeping and waking.


Microsphere size and determination of intrarenal blood flow distribution in the rat. The influence of microsphere size upon the estimation of cardiac output (CO), renal blood flow (RBF) and its cortical distribution (ICBFD) was evaluated by simultaneous injection of 8.5 +/- 0.8 micrometer (SD) and 12.7 +/- 1.7 micrometer (SD) spheres in control conditions and after hemorrhagic hypotension (HH rats). The values of CO and RBF were unaffected whilst the ratio of flow to outer and inner halves of cortex (OCF/ICF) was 32% higher with 12.7 micrometer than with 8.5 micrometer spheres in both groups. Microscopic analysis of cleared kidneys slices confirmed that large spheres were more concentrated in outermost and less concentrated in innermost glomeruli than small spheres. In addition, the ratio of sphere number per outermost to that per innermost glomerulus (fs/fjm), and approximation of glomerular blood flow distribution was 1.74 and 1.76 with large spheres and 0.98 and 1.06 with small spheres in control and HH rats respectively. It is concluded that the artifact due to sphere size was not minimized in low flow conditions (HH rats) and that 8.5 micrometer spheres may be a more realistic marker of glomerular blood flow distribution in the rat than 12.7 micrometer spheres.


A continuous wave Doppler velocimeter for monitoring blood flow in the popliteal artery, compared with venous occlusion plethysmography of the calf. A transcutaneous Doppler velocimeter has been used for monitoring changes in blood flow in the popliteal artery during and after exercise of the calf muscles on a calf-ergometer. The instrument and the positioning of the probe are described. The validity of the Doppler measurements has been assessed by comparing results after exercise and after 5 min arterial occlusion with venous occlusion plethysmography. For 10 healthy volunteers calibration lines were found which are curved. This can be ascribed partly to alinearity of the Doppler instrument and partly to changes of the diameter of the popliteal artery. Displacement of the probe with respect to the artery, which influences the measured velocity signal, can be detected and to a certain extent corrected by taking into account the intensity of the Doppler signal. The largest deviation of a data point from the corresponding calibration line varies for the ten subjects between 90 and 170 Hz in the high flow range (mean Doppler frequency around 1000 Hz) and between 20 and 60 Hz in the low flow range (mean Doppler frequency below 200 Hz).


Salivary cooling, escape reaction and heat pain in capsaicin-desensitized rats. Salivary thermolytic mechanisms (weight of salivary glands, effect of desalivation on water intake and body temperature, grooming activity) as well as escape behaviour and reaction to heat pain were studied in capsaicin-desensitized and control rats exposed to various warm ambient temperatures. Body temperature of the desensitized rats increased more than the controls' at all the ambient temperatures studied (32, 34 and 36 degrees C); however, significant differences in the mechanism of salivary cooling were obtained only at 34 and 36 degrees C. Central impairment of saliva spreading in desensitized rats seems evident. Complete surgical desalivation did not increase hyperthermia of control and desensitized animals in warm environments. Therefore other mechanisms, primarily vasodilatatory, must also be involved in the rat's thermolytic normal response. Although desensitized rats did not show a tendency to escape from the warm environment their response to heat pain was normal. In conclusion, it is suggested that heat perception in desensitized animals is impaired; however, the existence of some capsaicin-insensitive thermolytic mechanisms (prone extension of the body) cannot be excluded.


Blockade of pressor responses to angiotensins I and II and noradrenaline using phentolamine, propranolol and hexamethonium in conscious rabbits. Angiotensin I is known to have direct agonist activity at some target tissues, independent of its conversion to angiotensin II. Aspects of its possible direct role as a pressor agent were investigated in conscious rabbits. Phentolamine (3 mg/kg i.v.), a dose which did not affect baseline blood pressure, reduced the pressor response to angiotensin II by 17% (P less than 0.05) but did not alter the sensitivity to angiotensin I. Noradrenaline activity was reduced by 56%. Propranolol (2 mg/kg i.v.), a dose which did not affect baseline blood pressure but which substantially reduced the depressor response to isoprenaline, had no effect on the pressor activity of either angiotensin I or II. Noradrenaline potency was reduced by 32%. Hexamethonium (20 mg/kg i.v.), caused a potentiation of the response to angiotensin I and II and noradrenaline. This was probably a non-specific action associated with the decrease in baseline blood pressure. No differential effect of ganglion blockade on the two angiotensins was noted. The dissociation of the effects of phentolamine on angiotensins I and II provides further evidence that pressor actions of these two compounds act through partially different mechanisms.


A new and simple technique for the generation of visual evoked potentials in freely moving animals. A new and simple technique for the generation of visual evoked brain-potentials (VEP) by the aid of a light-emitting diode (LED) is presented. The method allows the generation of VEPs in freely moving animals under constant stimulation conditions and prevents moreover any acoustic disturbances.


Changes in liquid-junction potential following chloride replacement in cat papillary muscle. The transient depolarizations in cat papillary muscle produced by chloride substitution with low mobility anions are largely due to changes in liquid-junction potential at the tissue level.


Sulfur amino acid and methyl donor status of corn-soy diets fed to starting broiler chicks and turkey poults. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplementing corn-soy-bean meal-white grease diets with sulfur amino acids and methyl group donors for starting broiler-strain chicks. The diets (23% protein and 3200 kcal ME/kg) were fed to quadruplicate lots of chicks in battery brooders. The diets were calculated to contain .37% methionine, .37% cystine, and 1499 mg/kg choline. Chemical and microbiological assays yielded values of .32% and .42% for methionine and cystine content respectively. Results of 5 chick experiments showed that supplementing this diet with .23% DL-methionine significantly (P less than .05) improved 3 week-gain (375 vs. 415 g) and feed/gain (1.54 vs. 1.47) over that obtained with the basal diet. When L-cystine and 2(CaSO4).H2O failed to give a significant (P greater than .05) response, compounds capable of donating methyl groups were fed. Significant (P less than .05) responses in gain (404 and 420) and feed/gain (1.48 and 1.51) over the basal were obtained with choline and betaine. These responses were not significantly (P greater than .05) different from that obtained with methionine. Serine and sodium formate failed to give consistent responses. Using a poult diet of 28% protein and 2800 kcal ME/kg, a significant (P less than .05) response to DL-methionine was again observed, with intermediate responses to betaine, choline, and serine. It is concluded that (within the limits of the experimental model) corn-soy type diets contain an adequate amount of total sulfur amino acid for chicks, but not poults, when sufficient choline or betaine are provided.


Effect of cued and uncued inescapable shock on voluntary alcohol consumption in rats. Rats were given cued and uncued inescapable shock; their voluntary alcohol intake was compared to a group given a yoked cue but no shock. Results suggested that, unlike uncued inescapable shock, cued inescapable shock caused an increase in voluntary alcohol intake, although the increase was insufficient to produce overt inebriation. It was suggested that the increase which occurred was due to a combination of adjunctive drinking and a gustatory and olfactory discrimination breakdown, both occurring in direct response to shock.


A frequency analysis of behavior components of the serotonin syndrome produced by p-chloroamphetamine. A time-sampling frequency analysis was made of criterion behaviors following injection of 2.5--10 mg/kg dosages of p-chloroamphetamine (PCA). Stereotypic behaviors (forepaw treading, circling, head weaving and inching) increased with increasing dosages and normal behaviors (grooming, rearing, and instances of inactivity) decreased. Composite scores of stereotypic behavior were a positive, linear function of PCA dosage. Composite scores of normal behavior showed near maximal inhibition at 5 mg/kg. Splayed hindlimbs is a reliable and sensitive indicator of PCA action, but vocalization, tremors, diarrhea and autonomic signs are not. Preinjection of PCA strongly attenuated the PCA-induec syndrome, as expected, since the preinjection should deplete brain serotonin and reduce the amount released by the second PCA injection.


Morphine and naloxone's effects on sexual behavior of the female golden hamster. The effects of morphine and naloxone were observed after administration to female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Large doses of morphine, 80 mg/kg, consistently produced sedation and behavioral depression of responses to nociceptive stimuli. Smaller doses of morphine (e.g., 10 mg/kg), that produced few other behavioral changes, suppressed a measure of female sexual responding. The suppressive effects on sexual behavior were reversed by 4 mg/kg of naloxone. Morphine administered intracerebroventricularly had little effect on sexual responding, even at doses which produced other side effects. Doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg of naloxone in opioid-naive subjects did not reliably alter sexual responding up to 2 hr after administration. These observations lead to the suggestion that morphine produces effects which are incompatible with full sexual functioning in female hamsters.


Behavioral antecedents of cocaine-induced stereotypy. The effect of cocaine on discriminative behavior was determined in a study in which the subjects' ongoing behavior at the time of drug administration was manipulated. Cats were trained in a discrimination task where bar-pressing when a tone was present (S+) resulted in milk reinforcement. When the tone was absent (S-) milk was not delivered. The duration of these periods varied randomly during 30-min sessions and responses during S- delayed the next trial. Once a high level of discrimination was achieved, drug testing was begun. Ongoing behavior was manipulated by scheduling either a 5-min S+ or S- period immediately after cocaine injection (1 mg/kg). When S+ followed cocaine, stereotyped bar-pressing developed with markedly increased responding during the remainder of the session. In contrast, when S- followed cocaine, suppression of bar-pressing developed. The effect could be reversed in most subjects when stimulus conditions were later reversed. A similar experiment using rats yielded similar results. These results indicate that ongoing behavior and stimulus conditions are critically important in determining the behavioral effects of cocaine.


HLA antigens in immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). 79 patients with definite ITP were investigated for HLA-A, -B, -C antigens. There was an increased frequencey of HLA-B5 in the entire groups (27.8% vs. 16.5% in controls and for HLA-B12 in male patients. However, after correction for the number of antigens tested, the difference of antigen frequencies became insignificant.


Zinc status in normal Thai infants and children. Serum zinc levels in Thai infants and children from newborn to 14 years were studied. Data showed that serum zinc levels of infants were significantly lower than that of children (P less than 0.0005) although serum zinc levels in infants were low. They appeared to have normal growth and development. Beyond one year of age serum zinc levels increased with increasing age and there was no reduction in serum zinc level in pubertal subjects. Serum retinol binding protein was also studied. It was found to be low at birth and started to increased in the age of 1--5 months, the relationship between serum zinc and serum RBP was not apparent either in the younger age groups or in adult population.


A survey on intestinal parasitic infections in Laotian refugees at Ubon Province, Northeastern Thailand, with special reference to schistosomiasis. 454 stool specimens were collected from the Laotian refugees residing in the refugee camp, Ubon Province, from August 8 to 11, 1978, and were examined by formalin ether sedimentation technique. One of them (0.22%) was infected with Schistosoma mekongi. Since there are freshwater hydrobiid snails, Lithoglyphopsis aperta, the intermediate host of S. mekongi in that area, it is probable that the disease may become established in Northeastern Thailand in the future, which will eventually lead to health and economic problems in Thailand.


In vitro inhibition of rat uterine contractility induced by 5 alpha and 5 beta progestins. Ten natural progestins were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the in vitro motility of rat's uterus. Progestins with their ring A reduced in the 5 beta position were significantly more potent than delta 4-3 keto and 5 alpha reduced progestins. These last progestins were ineffective to inhibit uterine motility excepting 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one which was slightly less effective than progesterone. The potency of the progestins to inhibit uterine motility was related to their capacity to induce membrane stabilization. The data indicates that 5 beta, but not 5 alpha reduction of progesterone, may be important for regulating myometrial activity.


Measurement of the testosterone binding parameters for both testosterone-estradiol binding globulin and albumin in individual serum samples. This report describes a solid phase method for the characterization of testosterone binding to both albumin and testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG). TeBG is adsorbed from serum samples onto a solid phase matrix of concanavalin A covalently linked to 4B Sepharose. The binding of testosterone is then examined both in the presence and absence of the endogenous serum albumin. Analysis of the resulting Scatchard plots permits determination of the TeBG binding capacity, TeBG association constant and a parameter of albumin binding equivalent to the product of its affinity and capacity for binding testosterone. Results showed that the TeBG capacity was lower in men than in women (18.4 +/- 5.8 vs. 33.1 +/- 19.2 nM, p less than 0.01). The association constant was greater in men (1.59 +/- 0.35 vs. 1.19 +/- 0.32 x 10(9)M-1, 10(9)M-1, p less than 0.01). There was no difference in the albumin binding parameter (43.8 +/- 18.3 vs. 46.6 +/- 15.5, NS). These parameters can then be used to calculate the distribution of the circulating testosterone into albumin bound, TeBG bound and unbound fractions.


[Daily and seasonal changes in the oviposition activities of Culex pipiens pipiens L. (author's transl)]. The oviposition activity of C. p. pipiens during summer and autumn has been investigated at two breeding sites in West and North Germany. The egg rafts were collected and counted daily or hourly. Soon after its begin oviposition reached a high peak and then decreased sharply and faded out towards sunrise. There was an obvious correlation between the hourly maximum number of egg rafts deposited and nightfall. The peak of oviposition regularly followed the sunset with one hour delay. It shifted with the changing daylight period according to the season and geographic latitude. The decrease and ending of the oviposition in September is considered not to be related to the decreasing temperatures, but to be due to the disappearance of the gonoactive summer generation and the predominance of the diapausing females of the over-wintering population.


[The epidemiological significance of neo-natal parasitism with microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus (author's transl)]. Between April 1977 and June 1978, 214 babies born of 210 mothers infected with Onchocerciasis, were examined at the maternity of Po Hospital (Upper Volta). In four of them (1.9%) dermal microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus were found during the first week after birth. In two other cases microfilariae were seen in the tissue of the umbilical cord. All specimens from placentas and amniotic fluid gave negative results. The infected babies were reexamined monthly monthly from 2 to 18 months, depending on the cases. One child remained positive until the 6th month follow-up. The base-line examination of 5.757 children less than 2 years old from different villages in the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme in the Volta River Basin Area showed that 1% of children less than one year old and 2% of children of 12 to 23 months old were carriers of dermal microfilariae. These results indicate that in meso- or hyperendemic areas children less than one year old and carriers of microfilariae of Onchocerca volbulus may have been infected in utero. The existence of such cases, in an area of vector control, does not prove a residual vector borne transmission.


Women, doctors, and family health care: some lessons from rural Java. The following article describes traditional health care systems of rural Indonesian women. It distinguishes the central from the peripheral aspects of systems that women have developed to meet their own needs and contrasts them with modern health care systems. It suggests what can be done to keep the valuable features of each approach.


[Aspects of the development of ocular onchocerciasis in West-Africa after three years of simulium control (authors transl)]. In four rural West-African communities with different degrees of ocular affection the development of ocular onchocerciasis has been evaluated after three years of vector control. In the area of a successful disruption of the transmission the population with a slight degree of ocular onchocerciasis before control operations started, did not show an aggravation of the lesions. In those groups severely affected at the beginning of vector control the lesions showed no progression in the majority of the cases. The diminuition of the ocular parasite load, resulting from the reduced transmission, appears to be an important factor in the change of the incidence of blindness and severe ocular lesions attributable to onchocerciasis. Contrary to this the aggravation of ocular lesions was found to be more severe in a community situated in the area reinvaded by the vector than in those that did not experience a reinvasion of the fly.


The laboratory maintenance and rearing of Simulium damnosum complex species as a research tool for the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in the Vola River Basin. The laboratory maintenance and rearing of Stimulium damnosum complex species and the cytotaxonomic determination of reared larvae, has been useful to OCP in the following fields of investigation: 1. Species identification of reinvading females. 2. Distribution of biting populations of S. damnosum complex species. 3. Identification of eggs and small larvae found within the OCP area. 4. Host preferences of species within the complex. 5. Vector potential of S. damnosum complex species for Onchocerca volvulus and O. ochengi. 6. Provision of identified material for morphological investigation. The technique of indirect adult identification using reared larvae, may eventually by largely superseded by progress in morphological taxonomy.


The use of the starch grain and phenolsulphonphthalein tests to investigate infertile cows. The starch grain and phenolsulphonphthalein (PSP) tests were used to investigate the patency of the fallopian tubes in five "repeat breeder" cows. Evidence of tubal lesions was determined in three cows on rectal palpation. Using the starch grain test, bilateral occlusion was determined in three animals, left sided occlusion was determined in one and right sided occlusion in another. Using the PSP test there was evidence of bilateral occlusion in two of the four coes which were tested. In four cows the genital organs were examined visually and by palpation at laparotomy and in two cows tubal occlusion was confirmed when they were flushed with saline, and patency restored. In one animal both ovaries were almost completely encapsulated, while in the fourth adhesions involving the fimbriae occluded the ostia. There were broken down and this cow was the only one which subsequently conceived.


The California Child Health and Development Studies: twenty years of research. The Child Health and Development Studies are prospective longitudinal studies of pregnancy and delivery, and of health and development of the children from birth until adolescence. The studies are conducted on members of a prepaid medical insurance plan, and reside in the Oakland area of California, USA. The infants were born in one hospital, between 1659 and 1967. A variety of biomedical studies have been published; these have been summarized in separate sections representing the major research projects. Currently, an adolescent study is in progress in which the older children of the study cohort participate.


[Lymphatic vessels in the uterus of aging nulliparous and multiparous mice]. The morphological changes in the uterine lymphatics in aging nulliparous and multiparous mice, as shown by the application of dyestuffs (patient blue violet and Japan ink) are described, and their appearance corresponds to that described in earlier papiers by Fabian (1976, 1977, 1978). It is apparent on the basis of these findings that with the cessation of the sexual cycle, the previous regularly repeated morphological changes in the mouses uterus move into another stage, and associated with this the lymphatics inevitably take part in the aging process. According to Lindner (1975) this is essentially a dynamic process, rather than one which is purely passive, dengerative or involutional.


Persistent measles virus infection in a calf kidney cell line. Note III. Cellular alterations in the selected chronically infected K-2 cell line. Marked morphological, growth and chromosome alterations pointing to in vitro cellular transformation were made evident in a selected calf kidney cell line (K-2) chronically infected with measles virus. The transformed cell line released infectant virus and had no oncogenic potential for the hamster.


Benzo(a)pyrene contents of meat products. The Benzo(a)pyrene contents of 386 smoked and 18 grilled meat products were determined by application of capillary gas-chromatography-mass fragmentography using inner standards. 82 per cent of 183 black smoked hams contained appreciably more than the legal maximum amount of 1 ppb. The quantities of BaP increased very much with increase of soot accumulation on the surface. Only 15 per cent of 95 hams and only 9 per cent of 87 sausages smoked by normal methods had excessive BaP content. The amounts in excess of 1 ppb were much lower in these hams. Bratwurst grilled by use of pine-cones, spruce-cones and hard wood contained on average 28 ppb BaP. The BaP amounts of Bratwurst grilled over charcoal were without exception lower than 1 ppb.


[Are television cameramen and sound operators overstressed?]. Sickness absences occurred between 1975 and 1977 among 29 cameramen and sound operators of the Swiss Television Corporation (in French language) in charge of outside reports have been compared with both those of a control group working in TV studio and with those of the staff of the Federal Administration. No significant difference was found between these three groups as regards absences for illnesses and injuries lasting one to three days and for injuries lasting more than three days. On the other hand, illnesses of more than three days were significantly more frequent among the cameramen and sound operators. This was mainly due to a very high rate of psychosomatic diseases and nervous breakdown. This difference has been attributed rather to professional fag than to attraction to these professions of more vulnerable people.


[Hemolytic crisis in nocturnal paroxysmal hemoglobinuria after ingestion of acetic acid]. In a female patient with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria a dramatic haemolytic crisis developed after ingestion of acetic acid. The pathogenesis of the disease, therapeutic possibilities and possible mechanism of haemolysis are discussed.


Position of ultimobranchial body cysts in the human fetal thyroid gland. In a series of 21 human fetal thyroid glands examined histologically in serial sections, seven ultimobranchial body cysts were found. The position of these cysts correlated well with the distribution of calcitonin-containing cells found by previous investigators in the adult thyroid gland. Ultimobranchial body cysts found external to the thyroid lobes may offer a developmental explanation for the paucity of calcitonin found in some adult thyroid glands. The close developmental relationship between the parathyroid gland and the ultimobranchial body could explain the presence of calcitonin found in these glands in some adults.


Inhibition of intestinal smooth muscle contraction by surface-active alkyltrimethylammonium salts. The effects of surface-active alkyltrimethylammonium salts (C10--C20) on the contractile activity of isolated rat jejunum and on the gastrointestinal motility in anaesthetized rats were studied. The surfactants caused a dose-dependent depression of spontaneous contractions and of acetyl-beta-methylcholine and BaCl2 induced contractions of isolated rat jejunum. The depressant activity of the surface-active alkyltrimethylammonium salts on smooth muscle contraction increased with an increase in the length of the alkyl chain to maximum activity at C16. It is suggested that the depressant activity of the surface-active alkyltrimethylammonium salts on smooth muscle contraction is due to a non-specific interaction of the surfactants with the cellmembrane of the muscle cells. No effect on gastric and intestinal motility in vivo was observed following intragastric or intraintestinal administrations of surface-active alkyltrimethylammonium salts. This lack of effect upon intraintestinal or intragastric administration probably depends on an inability of the surfactants to reach the site of action when administered from the mucosal side.


Regional cerebral blood flow and visual attention in the awake isolated cerebrium of the pretrigeminal cat. The effect of visual stimulation on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was studied in five cats with brainstem transection at the pretrigeminal level. The CBF was measured in the occipital and frontal cortex by external monitoring of the clearance of 133Xe. As a visual stimulus, a feather duster moving for 2 min in front of the cats eyes was used. This stimulus evoked an increase of CBF. In the occipital cortex the CBF increase was greater and comparable to that evoked by elevation of the arterial pCO2. Both in the occipital and frontal cortex the CBF response was positively correlated with the intensity of the ocular-following reflex and the cortical EEG arousal. It is concluded that the CBF increase was correlated with the degree of attention paid by the cat to the visual stimulus.


Brief clinical report: the Dubowitz syndrome in a teenager. The Dubowitz syndrome has been recognized during the past few years as a new, distinct intrauterine growth-retardation syndrome with autosomal recessive inheritance. One new patient is presented, a 10 1/2-year-old slightly mentally retarded girl.