Increase in brain tissue oxygen availability induced by localized microwave hyperthermia. The present experiments demonstrate by direct measurements, that localized hyperthermia produced by microwave irradiation increases the oxygen levels in brain tissue in a manner dependent on tissue temperature, with concomitant breaking of the oxygen autoregulation, thus allowing for an additional increase in TpO2 upon O2 breathing.


Intracapillary HbO2 saturation in tumor tissue of DS-carcinosarcoma during normoxia. The measurements of the intravascular HbO2 saturation in tumor capillaries using the cryophotometric micromethod reveal that very low HbO2 saturation values predominate in malignant tumors. Under normoxic conditions only 8% of the measured values exceed 50% saturation. 53% of the intracapillary HbO2 saturation values are in the range of 0-10% HbO2 saturation. Great regional differences are seldom and can be found only in areas where a sufficient vascularization still exists. Taking into account the data of morphometric analysis of tumor vascularization and the parameters of respiratory gas exchange, the measured frequency distribution of HbO2 saturation values in tumor capillaries is simulated by means of different three-dimensional capillary structures; On the basis of these microcirculatory units, tissue pO2 values are computed in the intercapillary regions. As a result of these calculations it can be stated that the computed data derived from intracapillary HbO2 saturations are in sufficient agreement with pO2 values measured polarographically using gold- microelectrodes.


Prevention of ionizing radiation-induced liver microcirculation changes by the use of flow improvers. Platelet aggregation and adhesiveness, as well as TpO2 responses to hypoxia were measured as microcirculation parameters in beagle dogs subject to Co60 ionizing radiation to a dose of 4600 rads in 5 weeks. Simultaneously, changes in blood chemistry and coagulation were also determined. Marked changes in all studied parameters in the post radiation period lead to the conclusion that the radiation liver damage, which is at least in part mediated through microcirculation disturbances, can be prevented with the flow improver, Rheomacrodex.


Oxygen pressure values in the ischemic muscle tissue of patients with chronic occlusive arterial disease. For 3 years tissue oxygen pressure has been measured directly in the ischemic muscle of patients with chronic arterial diseases. The measuring procedure is nearly atraumatic, without pain, has no side effects, and can be performed or repeated within 10 min. The present method gives objective and quantitative data for oxygen supply to  tissue and therefore muscular microcirculation. It can be used for pathophysiological studies, for diagnostic purposes, and for objective quantification of therapeutic measures.


Effects of coronary occlusion on myocardial oxygen and pulsatile intramyocardial pressure. Local oxygen partial pressure in terms of O2-availability and pulsatile intramyocardial pressure of the left ventricular myocardium of anaesthetized open-chest dogs have been measured simultaneously by means of a piezoelectric ceramic and a platinum electrode. The tissue PO2 decreases more slowly than the pulsatile intramyocardial pressure during a transient acute occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The slow decrease in the tissue PO2 seems to be explicable by the assumption that the local myocardial contractile force decreases quickly due to an unknown factor during the acute coronary occlusion and that the O2-consumption of the local myocardial tissue is reduced in accordance with the rapid decrease in the contractile force.


Tissue-PO2 (PGO2) in the carotid body of the cat and tidal volume (V) during normovolaemic haemodilution. During normovolaemic haemodilution with Macrodex (R), the basic respiratory activity is unchanged, while the ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia generally decrease. The PGO2 in the cat carotid body remains constant down to an Hk of 10% to 15% and then decreases. This confirms the suggestion of Acker and Lübbers (1976) that increased plasma flow through the carotid body does not influence the oxygen supply to this organ, despite variations of both oxygen transport capacity and haemoglobin concentration. The fine structure of the carotid body is partly destroyed by haemodilution with Macrodex (R) and this could account for the impaired chemoreception.


Tissue blood exchange and tissue oxygen tension in relation to total body oxygen consumption in experimental surgical shock. This experimental shock model was well defined by the marked decrease in total body oxygen consumption, muscle PO2 and diffusion capacity during shock. Infusion of large amounts of electrolyte solution did not lead to a restoration of muscle oxygen tension after 1-4 hours. Dextran 40 infusion however restored both local PO2 and blood flow in the muscle as well as total body oxygen consumption.


Oxygen supply to the cirrhotic liver following various portacaval shunt procedures. Direct measurements of local oxygen pressure by means of a platinum multiwire electrode were performed to investigate the effect of five different portacaval shunt procedures on hepatic oxygen content in the cirrhotic rat liver. End-to-side shunt, side-to-side shunt, mesenterico caval shunt, splenocaval shunt, and portacaval transposition were performed and surface PO2 was determined immediately after operation, 24 hours following operation and after one week. Portacaval transposition and end-to-side shunt led to a striking oxygen deficit of the liver tissue with no incidence of compensation by the hepatic artery; Oxygen supply was improved considerably by a side-to-side shunt and tissue hypoxia could be prevented by a mesenterico-caval shunt and splenocaval shunt. This improving effect is thought to be due to the pancreatico-duodenal venous blood supply which should be carefully preserved for the liver circulation when a shunt needs to be performed.


The influence of electrical stimulation on cortex PO2 level in the rat brain. Local oxygen consumption of the rat brain cortex was artificially increased through local electrical stimulation of a small tissue sphere 5 mm in diameter. Measurements of the local PO2 distribution within the stimulated tissue as well as the induced field potential were performed with the same gold microelectrode. During stimulation the oxygen consumption increased significantly giving rise to local hypoxia and after 1-3 minutes to local anoxia depending upon the stimulus strength and duration. If however pronounced respiratory hypercapnia was applied the increased demand for oxygen was met by an increase in cerebral blood flow resulting in an almost constant PO2 level. According to these results it is concluded that the anoxic tissue sphere was not large enough to cause changes in the local blood flow. On the other hand recovery from local hypoxia and anoxia as well as reoxygenation of the stimulated tissue were delayed if a general hypoxia already existed.


[Epizootic of toxoplasmosis among the crowned pigeon, Goura cristata Pallas and Goura victoria Frazer, of the Antwerp Zoo]. The authors report an epizootic form of toxoplasmosis observed among the crowned pigeons (Goura cristata Pallas and Goura victoria Frazer). The evolution of toxoplasma from pigeons is described and the epizootiological analysis of two epizootic forms of toxoplasmosis encountered in Antwerp Zoo are compared.


[Use of transthoracic impedance in the monitoring of ventilation in neonatal resuscitation]. Continuous transthoracic impedance recording is a useful procedure for pulmonary ventilation control in term and preterm infants. The innocuity, ease and reliability of this method makes its use possible in neonatal intensive care. Its convenience is obvious in some physiological and pathological circumstances especially during apnea. The conditions of application, the physiological origins of impedance variations and the present limits of utilization are discussed.


[Nursing record and hourly monitoring].

[Nursing record and hourly monitoring]. The authors present a daily sheet of hourly care and control after having experimented it during four years and half. This sheet permits to group on one single document the medicinal therapeutic and any other prescriptions, the hourly values of the ventilatorical, and cardiovascular parameters, the values of the hydroelectrolytical exits, the clinical and biological datas and to compare them with their values of the previous days. This sheet permits to personnalize the cares and the controls and to get insured of their good execution.


[Xenon 133 pulmonary scintigraphy. Its significance in the preoperative evaluation of pulmonary function in adolescents with kyphoscoliosis prior to vertebral arthrodesis]. The pulmonary scintigraphy with xenon 133. On its interest in the pre-operative exploration of the kyphoscoliotic youth's lung function before vertebral arthrodesis. The classical functional lung exploration (spirometry, arterial blood gas) gives only a general aspect of the pulmonary function. On the other hand, the pulmonary scintigraphy with Xe 133 studying perfusion as well as ventilation gives into evidence some troubles concerning the distribution of the regional lung volumes together with a general or local increase of the lung on the scoliotic convex side; the base of the latter, whose volume is more important, is the seat of a physiological dead space. The lung on the scoliotic concave side shows a proportional reduction of perfusion and ventilation. We consider this investigation, harmlessly and easily carried out, as essential to observe the evolution of the young scoliotic patients' lung function.


[Human plasma lactic dehydrogenase activity: individual variations and reference intervals]. Out of a population of 8 7600 people of all origins, we drew up frequent values for the activity of total lactate dehydrogenase. From these values, we defined a reference interval on a selected population. Variations between individuals were determined in relation to the following factors: age (8 to 70 years), sex, height, weight, socio-prefessional categories, any excess weight, exercise and drugs. There exist definite variations in relation to age, especially in children. On the other hand, this enzyme shows little variation in relation to the morphology of the individual adult. Socio-professional groups have more influence on the activity of total lactate dehydrogenase.


[Evolution of blood fatty acid levels in severe burns]. During the first ten days following the burn, there is no significant increase in serum FFA for the surviving patients. This shows a good balance between production and use by the cells. The glucose that is brought allows their oxydation in tricarboxylic Kreb's cycle and the albumine allows for them transport in the circulating liquids, probably helping to maintain this good balance. On the other hand for 70 p. 100 of the patients who died this equilibrium does not exist and the serum FFA increased significantly. Later on and in all cases, the value of serum FFA decrease significantly below that of the control group. This fact can be explained by the exhaustion of the lipidic reserves and/or a decrease of serum proteines particularly albumin, and consequently of transport in the blood of the fatty acids.


[Adaptation on the ABA-100 of the optimized method of measurement of serum aspartate aminotransferase activity]. The analytical modifications necessary for adaptation of the SFBC technic for measurement of the activity of TGO method and those obtained by the technic adapted on ABA 100 suggest that the modifications proposed have no influence on the result of the enzyme estimation. The activation of TGO by addition of its coenzyme was assessed using mathematical models uniting the values of TGO recorded with and without pyridoxal phosphate. It has been shown that the parabolic model is more suitable than the linear model to explain the relation between transaminase activity determined without pyridoxal phosphate and that measured in the presence of the coenzyme. Using estimations carried out in 850 blood donors, it was possible to show that the reference interval of TGO lay between 7 and 28 mUI/ml. In man, the value of TGO is statistically higher than in women. On the other hand between 20 and 60 years there does not seem to be any significant difference depending on age.


[Formation of new American psychiatrist and the future of psychiatry in the U. S.--A reference for France?]. A Ballad on the future of american psychiatry. Since the publication of Johann Reil's, Rhapsodies About the Application of Psychotherapy to Mental Disturbances (1803), variations upon this theme of extravagant discourse have received enthusiastic welcomes from the ever enlarging psychiatric audience for whom they are performed... Although the soloists change, the basic orchestration continues creating an uncanny sense of déjà entendu. While there as been longstanding recognition of the contributions of biological, psychological and social forces to the etiology of mental illness, actual efforts at a synthesis of their roles have been infrequent. Rather, we have experienced ideological clustering around each with the formation of schools and movements which have tended to over-value their own viewpoint at the expense of the others and to the detriment of progress in psychiatry. The authors describe a periodicity of one to two decades in which one of the schools achieves preeminence over the others, consolidates its position in medical education and with the community at large, comes under fire for failing to provide solutions to the problems of the mentally ill, and finally experiences a decline of its influence and prestige. Since World War II, both psychoanalytic and social and community psychiatry have experienced these vicissitudes, and, as the influence of the latter diminishes, voices are already raised promoting the succession of biological psychiatry of the seat of power. We believe another cycle of hopeful expectance in the quest for psychiatric omniscience and the following period of disillusionment can be avoided. The stunning advances in biological research in the past, and the prospect of even more exciting revelations to come should not lead us to devalue those techniques and institutions which have proved effective, while in pursuit of new approaches. Experience informs us that no one discipline in psychiatry can answer all the questions confronting us, and the time is ripe for a reassessment of the appropriate contributions of each subspecialty to the field as a whole. The authors propose the establishment of fellowships in biological psychiatry to promote this subspecialty, just as fellowships have been created to train child psychiatrists, administrative psychiatrists, etc. We believe such action could insure a more active role for biological psychiatry without repeating the cycle of disruption already described. The outlines of such a fellowship are sketched.


[Psychiatric services in New Caledonia]. The author describes Psychiatric hositals and psychiatric practice in Nouvelle-Calédonie, with historical and modern datas. The indigenous traditional psychiatry (healing) of the melanesians (who are half of the total population) remains ill-known and separated of occidental modern medical practice.


[Difficult and/or dangerous mental patients: criminologic survey on 547 subjects submitted to the maximum security ward at Cadillac between 1967 and 1976]. The writers of the article submit the results of a medico-legal analysis of 547 files of mental patients, some of whom are hard cases and others are dangerous. All the patients are males. Each of them was interned by order of civil prefect in the maximum security ward of the C.H.S. de Cadillac Mental Centre. These files cover the period between 1967 and 1976. First global study was made of all the patients whose average age, on their admission to the above-mentioned medical centre, was 33 years. The results of the study can be summed up as follows: a) Nosologically, three important groups of patients are distinguishable. Together, they constitute 85% of all the cases studied. 28% of the cases are psychotics, of whom 25,8% are chronic psychotics (14,8% schizophrenics; 7,7%, paranoiacs); 40,5% of the cases are psychopaths suffering from psychic imbalance; and finally, 16,4% of the cases are morons (debiles). b) According to their delinquent behaviour the cases fall into the following categories: 1) 47% of the cases committed acts of physical aggression (17,6%, murder or attempts at murder; 20% severe aggression; 6,2%, rape or attempts at rape). 2) 42,1% of the cases committed crimes against property (38%, theft; 4%, arson). 3) 10,6% of the cases showed anti-social behaviour (6,5%, threats of murder; 3,5% alcoholism, fugues, etc.). c) The origin of the studied population was as follows: 22% of them were sent to the maximum security ward from prisons; some of them were sent here as irresponsible and some as a result of abnormal and disturbed behaviour. 78% of them were sent to the maximum security settings from psychiatric centres: of whom 8% from other security settings and 70% from ordinary psychiatric centres [50% of whom because they had run away (fugues) and 50% of whom as a result of aggressive behaviour which was, in certain case, accompanied by threats of murder]...


[System method in psychiatry].

[System method in psychiatry]. The limits of the present methods in psychiatry incite the observer to seek for new methods of investigation. A new method, strictly of operation, can thus be determined from the elements brought in by contemporary epistemology. It's based upon a comparative and differential analysis of the pathologic phenomena gathered in homogeneous groups and sub-groups so as extract from them the permanent functional data (namely the invariants) which are used to constitute open models and systems to be checked by clinical experience. This method is defined here in its terminological and methodological characteristics; its first results and its advantages are pointed out.


Dietary aflatoxins and human primary liver cancer. The results of the dietary aflatoxin-liver cancer study carried out in the Murang'a district of Kenya have been reassessed in relation to disease incidence rates based on a total of seven years of cancer registration and related to the Population Census carried out during the course of the initial study. These newly derived data have been combined with the results of a second similar dietary aflatoxin-liver cancer study which was later carried out in Swaziland. Separate treatment of the male and female data has been considered necessary due to the variation of the sex ratio of the disease incidence in the two areas. The combined results of the two studies show a high degree of positive correlation between the calculated ingestion levels of aflatoxin, expressed as ng/kg bodyweight/day (x) and the adult incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma expressed as cases/10(5) adults/year (y) within the two study populations and this is true for both males and females. Based upon an assumed 2 kg/day intake of wet diet and a mean bodyweight of 70 kg, the calculated relationship for adult females is: y = 4.14 log10 x--0.80 (0.05 greater than P4 greater than 0.02, tor = +/- 2.90). With the added assumption of a daily intake of native beer of two liters/day the regression equation for adult males is: y = 21.96 log10 x--11.17 (P5 less than 0.001, tor = +/- 3.42). The regression data are found to be essentially compatible with comparable data recorded by independent workers in Thailand and Mozambique; the latter being the region where the highest rates of liver cancer and of aflatoxin ingestion levels have so far been recorded. A highly significant regression line has also been calculated using crude disease incidence data and aflatoxin exposure levels from all available studies: y = 7.60 log10 x--3.60 (P8 less than 0.001, tor = +/- 3.10).


Food mycotoxins survey and monitoring programs. Traditionally, mycotoxin problems have come to our attention mainly because of outbreaks of animal diseases and in several instances human diseases and there are then related to a mycotoxin as the causative agent. Undoubtedly this will continue to be a very important means for uncovering mycotoxin problems. However, in recent years, now that practical, sensitive analytical methods have become available, we have been able to seek out mycotoxin contamination, monitor problem foods and survey problem foods for a number of mycotoxins. Examples of effective programs, and effective peanut control program; import, export and manufacturing quality control programs are presented. Points of testing, sampling, sample preparation; types of tests such as screening, multidetection chemical and confirmation tests are discussed.


Mycotoxin tolerances in foodstuffs.

Mycotoxin tolerances in foodstuffs. In most countries general legislation on food (and feed) prohibits the sale of products containing poisonous or harmful substances, which would include relevant mycotoxins as well. So far only aflatoxin has been dealt with specifically in legislation. The aflatoxin control may include all foods (and feeds) but is limited in most countries to certain commodities likely to be heavily contaminated, viz. oilseeds and derived products. The aflatoxin tolerances established for foods vary from zero (level set by analytical method) through 30 ppb to 50 ppb. Tolerances for feeds are generally higher.


Mycotoxins in foods and feeds. Their occurrence and significance. In 1973, TPI carried out a world-wide survey to ascertain the data available on aflatoxin contamination of food and feedingstuffs (JONES, 1975). Considerable interest was shown in this work which led us to attempt a similar exercise to determine the situation with respect to mycotoxins generally. It was felt that there was a need for this information which was not immediately available. Questionnaires were distributed to as many organizations as possible and the replies evaluated. The data obtained gives only general indications of the current situation, but it is feld that this information will be of use to those concerned with the subject of mycotoxins.


Natural contamination of corn (Zea maïs) with mycotoxins in Yugoslavia. The 191 corn samples were collected in autumm and spring following the crop year 1975 from terminal elevators and from silos during the storage, at feed processing establishment. Some samples were taken on the farms at the region "Posavina" where the "Balkan kidney disease"--endemic nephrytis--is wide spread. The samples were analysed for : zearalenone, aflatoxins, skin irritating factors and ochratoxin A, by a modified multimycotoxins method. Zearalenone was found in 2.6 p. 100 samples (0.043-10 ppm), average 5.1 ppm. Aflatoxins were found in no samples. A skin irritating factor was found in 8.3 p. 100 samples (0.5-5.0 ppm), average 2.2 ppm, and ochratoxin A was found in 26 p. 100 samples (0.045-5.1 ppm), average 0.49 ppm.


Aflatoxin in Tunisian foods and foodstuffs. 1076 samples of different commodities were screened for aflatoxin contamination. Samples were taken from storage houses and dealers throughout the country. 14 of these samples contained aflatoxin (as much as 62 microgram/kg). Corn was found to be the most contaminated agricultural product followed by sorghum and peanuts. Wheat and barley showed no contamination. 1 out of 19 pistachio samples contained 22 microgram/kg of aflatoxin B1. Fluid milk showed no contamination while only 2 out of 248 cheese samples were found contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (10.6 microgram/kg).


Incidence and control of mycotoxin producing molds in domestic and imported cheeses. Molds were isolated from moldy cheese trimmings and both nonmoldy and moldy samples of domestic and imported retail samples of cheese. The majority of molds found were Penicillium species. A small percentage (about 4 p. 100) of the molds encountered were species known to be capable of producing recognized mycotoxins (P. cyclopium, P. viridicatum, A. flavus and A. ochraceus). Most of the molds isolated has psychrotrophic properties and were capable of growing at 5 degrees C. Sorbates were found to be partially effective in delaying the growth of molds obtained from cheese. However, 65--75 p. 100 of the mold isolates were capable of initiating growth in the presence of 0.3 p. 100 potassium sorbate within 7 days at 5 degrees C. Pimaricin, on the other hand, prevented the growth of all the mold isolates at 12 and 5 degrees C and of 96 p. 100 of the isolates at 25 degrees C for at least 7 days.


Occurrence of patulin in fruit and vegetables. In different varieties of apples and pears suffering from brown rot, patulin was found in about 50 p. 100 of samples investigated (about 120). Patulin levels as high as 1 g/kg rotten material were found 2-3 days after the fruit was removed from the cold store where it had been stored for 5 months. A significant diffusion into the healthy plant tissue was not observed in apples, but in peaches, tomatoes and pears. Vegetable products with natural patulin content: apples, pears, peaches, apricots, bananas, pine apples, grapes. After inoculation with Penicillium expansum, P. urticae or Byssochlamys nivea, patulin was also found in greengages, strawberries, honeydew melons, red and green paprika, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots. The artificial infection failed in celeriac, kohlrabi, cauliflower, red cabbage, radish, horseradish, onions, squash (zuccini), potatoes and egg plants. The author further investigated the patulin synthesis as a function of the temperature as well as its oxygen requirement in various mold species and strains.


Incidence of aflatoxin-potential contamination in Spanish sausages. 525 strains of moulds were isolated from 8 samples of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and from 3 samples of black pepper (Piper nigrum). These spices were commonly added to the various kinds of spanish sausages, specially to the spanish "chorizo". Of these 525 isolated moulds, 100 belonged to the Aspergillus flavus group. 69 were isolated from red pepper and 31 from black pepper. Of these strains, 28 strains isolated from red pepper were found positive in producing aflatoxin B1 while only 8 of the strains isolated from black pepper produced aflatoxin B1. 16 of the strains isolated from red pepper also produced aflatoxin G1. After experimental contamination by these aflatoxicogenic strains of moulds of various kinds of spanish sausages, and after drying them under similar storage conditions used in the sausage industry, the presence of aflatoxin were detected only on the skin but not in the meat of the sausage.


Mycotoxins in grain for animal feeds.

Mycotoxins in grain for animal feeds. A total of 302 crushed grain samples of barley, wheat, rye, corn and oats from the crop year 1974 were collected from commercial feed processing plants situated in all the provinces (voivodeships) of Poland. For the mycotoxin survey, performed according to the multimycotoxin detection method by Stoloff et al (1971), 150 grain samples were taken. The positive samples were analysed thereafter by the procedures for the individual mycotoxins and chemical confirmatory tests. Of the 150 samples tested by the multimycotoxin detection method, 77 (51 p. 100) showed fluorescing spots and Rf values of aflatoxins, 24 (16 p. 100) were of ochratoxins, 11 (7 p. 100) of zearalenone and 5 (3 p. 100) of sterigmatocystin. However when these samples were assayed by the specific methods and confirmatory procedures, only 8 (5 p. 100) samples were found to be positive, containing ochratoxin A at the level ranging from 50 to 200 microgram/kg.


The American Oil Chemists' Society's Smalley mycotoxin check sample program : an evaluation. For many years the American Oil Chemists' Society has offered through its Smalley Committee a number of oilseed and oilseed product check sample programs for interested analysts throughout the World. The goals of these programs are the standardization and upgrading of analytical proficiency, as well as providing recognition for excellence. A Smalley Subcommittee was formed to establish a check sample program for Mycotoxin contaminated commodities. This program was initiated in the (1974-1975) season with a deoiled aflatoxin contaminated peanut meal series and a deoiled aflatoxin contaminated cottonseed meal series. Each series consisted of an initial practice sample and five check meal samples provided at one month intervals. Laboratories participating in this program represent a cross section of industry, regulatory agencies, and referee chemists in North America and Europe. Methods of analysis for these series are restricted to those of A.O.A.C. and A.O.C.S. paraphrases. These are the C.B. or B.F. Methods for peanut products and the Pons procedure for cottonseed products. Operational and statistical evaluations of these two series seasons are presented.


[Contamination of cotton seeds and of cotton seed cake by aflatoxin]. Following the discovery of aflatoxin M in cow's milk in the previous study, the contamination with aflatoxin of cotton-seed and cotton-seed cake which constitute the principal feed of local animals was measured. The samples were taken from 2 factories. The grain from the 1st factory was grown in the centre of the country in dry climate, and those from the 2nd source originated from the humid region of the north of Iran. The grain and cotton-seed cake from the 1st factory did not contain aflatoxin before storage. During storage the sample contamination amount and percent increased with time in both regions, with the dry less than the humid. In conclusion, Iranian cotton-seed and cotton-seed cake appear to be contaminated with aflatoxin B in 2 processes. The 1st is aflatoxin contamination before harvest, in the humid region of Iran; the 2nd is general storage aflatoxin contamination in both regions in which humidity and length of storage appear to be the principal factors.


[Action of some factors on P.R. toxin excretion]. Conditions of P.R. toxin production by 4 strains of Penicillium roqueforti are tested. This production occurs only in specific conditions of culture. Some strains do not produce P.R. toxin.


Incidence of zearalenone producing strains of Fusarium in barley seeds. Barley grains at harvest in 1971, 1973 and 1974 were mycologically examined for isolates of the fungus Fusarium. These isolates were then examined for the ability to produce zearalenone. In 1974 the grain was also examined for the presence of zearalenone. The most common isolate was F. culmorum, 60 p. 100 of which in 1974, produced zearalenone. Other species isolated which produced this mycotoxin were F. moniliforme, F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. nivale and F. sambucinum var. coerulum, the last 3 species have not previously been recorded as producing zearalenone.


[Bioproduction of sterigmatocystine by Aspergillus versicolor (Vuill.) tiraboschi in dry fodder]. Lucerne and ray-grass, sterilized or not, were equilibrated at relative humidity (E.R.H.) 84, 88, 93 p. 100, and contaminated by spores of a highly toxinogenic A. Versicolor strain and maintained in these E.R.H. during 6 months. A peculiar technique for extraction and purification was necessary; the quantification limit for sterigmatocystin was 100 ppb; measurements had been done monthly in 3 replicates. Solvent water was estimated from water sorption isotherms: Toxin yield progressively increases, then lowers and, at last, becomes stable between 1200 and 2000 p.p.b.; The maximal yield is all the higher and the different evolution stages are all the shorter as E.R.H. is higher. The substrate nature influence is different according to E.R.H.; The toxin yields are about twice lower in unsterilized forages. The main parameter for fungal development and toxinogenesis, in low E.R.H. conditions, appears to be the solvent water concentration. Taking into consideration the weak yields of sterigmatocystin obtained in these conditions with a highly toxinogenic strain, the hazard of sterigmatocystin as a natural contaminant in these forages is low, in spite of the high frequency of this fungal species.


Biosynthesis of aflatoxins.

Biosynthesis of aflatoxins. The role of zinc on the primary metabolism of Aspergillus parasiticus in relation to aflatoxin biosynthesis was studied. Zinc deficiency impaired growth and metabolism of nucleic acid and protein while stimulating that of lipid. The activities of enzymes of glycolytic cycle were affected indicating that these are zinc dependent enzymes. Impaired glycolytic cycle tends to reduce the level of primary metabolites like pyruvate, citrate and oxaloacetate which trigger aflatoxin formation. During stationary phase these precursors accumulate as these are not used up for the synthesis of secondary metabolites (aflatoxins) due to zinc deficiency. ATP and energy-charge (E.C.) which are important for various physiological processes like growth are reduced in zinc deficiency. Also zinc deficiency results in low levels of AMP which favour synthesis of lipid. Inorganic phosphate accumulated due to zinc deficiency and this may be unfavourable for aflatoxin synthesis.


Some newly discovered mycotoxins.

Some newly discovered mycotoxins. The discovery of the aflatoxins in 1960 has taken place in the present era of the intense awareness of the importance of environmental contaminants. It has dramatically influenced subsequent fungal research with the resulting rapid increase in the number of publications describing mycological, chemical, toxicological and epidemiological aspects of mycotoxins. In this contribution results will be discussed which were published only subsequent to 1970. In this period the importance of several new classes of mycotoxins was realized, e.g. the toxic cytochalasins and the tremorgens. The potential role of highly oxygenated metabolites in mycotoxicosis was emphasized by the establishment of secalonic acids A and D. emodin, moniliformin, altenuisiol alternariol and austdiol as toxins. The structure of viridicatumtoxin, C30H31NO11, a metabolite produced by Penicillium viridicatum will be described. It is a novel compound, structurally related to the tetracyclines. The characterization of several mycotoxins from other toxigenic fungi will be reported.


Fusarium equiseti associated mycotoxins as possible cause of Degnala disease. In an attempt to find out the etiology of Degnala disease, occurring among buffaloes and zebu cattle in certain rice growing areas of India, preliminary field and laboratory investigations were conducted. On the basis of information so obtained, certain hypotheses (possible causes) were formulated and each of them was examined by instituting laboratory and experimental studies. These investigations suggested the possibility of the involvement of mycotoxins.


Pathology of Degnala disease in cattle and buffaloes. Degnala disease, which is believed to be a mycotoxicosis, has clinical syndrome similar to chronic ergotism and is characterised by development of oedema, necrosis and gangrene of the legs, tail, ears, etc. The gross and histopathologic studies revealed thickening of the wall of blood vessels, associated with thrombus formation, and eosinophilic infiltration in the subcutaneous connective tissue of the affected parts of the body.


Hepato-and cardiotoxicity of xanthoascin, a new xanthocillin analogue produced by Aspergillus candidus. II. A preliminary electron microscopic observation of the heart and lung with intranuclear myelin-like figures. Xanthoascin (1-4(hydroxyphenyl)-4-(2,2-dimethyl-6-chromanyl)-2,3-diisocyano-1,3-butadiene), a toxic metabolite recently isolated from rice grains infested with Aspergillus candidus L., caused acute hepatic injury with jaundice in mice. Following this, if the animals survived, degeneration of the myocardium developed over several weeks. Myocardial cells of dilated ventricular walls were diffusely vacuolated in routine H.E. sections. Electron microscopically, the vacuoles were filled with osmiophilic, concentric lamellar figures of varied size. Judging from observations in the early stages, this structure seems to develop in relation to mitochondrial membrane. The nuclei of the interstitial cells of the myocardium and pulmonary alveoli contained similar myelin-like figures. Recently it has been found that most strains of A. candidus produce terphenyllin, another toxic compound, and a smaller number of them produces, in addition to terphenyllin, xanthoascin. This may indicate that xanthoascin can be a candidate as a causative agent of primary myocardial diseases of men and contamination of foods with A. candidus and xanthoascin should be eargently examined.


[Mechanism of action of mycotoxins].

[Mechanism of action of mycotoxins]. The present paper is an attempt to review the hypotheses concerning the mechanism of the physiopathological effects induced by mycotoxins, in particular by the aflatoxins and PR toxin. We shall first examine to what extent the alterations produced on some metabolic pathways (transcription, translation) can explain the short terme toxic effects. The problem of the long term effects of aflatoxin B1, i.e. the hepatocarcinogenic effects, will be discussed taking into account the results concerning the action of the mycotoxin on DNA and DNA repair.


[Antibacterial properties of aflatoxin B1: cytotoxic effects on Bacilus thuringiensis (Berliner)]. In a sensitive strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner), aflatoxin B1 inhibited growth with a dose above 5.0 microgram/ml. With subinhibitory levels (0.5 - 5.0 microgram/ml) physiological damage (decreased growth rate) and cellular alteration (filamentous cells) were noted. With these doses the mycotoxin disturbs various metabolisms : DNA synthesis (gradual blockage of the specific bacteriophage multiplication and dispersion of nuclear apparatus in giant cells); protein synthesis (decrease of protease secretion (2.0 microgram/ml), thuricin excretion (3.0 microgram/ml) and inhibition of endotoxin formation (4.0 microgram/ml); specific activities (bacterial motility, flagellar arrangment and sporulation were respectively affected with 1.0, 0.5 and 4.0 microgram/ml). The mycotoxin did not affect the metabolism of a resistant mutant isolated in the presence of a lethal dose of aflatoxin B1 (mutation rate : 1.10(8) with 20 microgram/ml). The numerous bacterial responses to aflatoxin B1 indicate that the probable site of its toxic binding may not be restricted to a particular locus on the DNA. On the contrary these observations suggest that there exist many combining affinities of the mycotoxin for intracellular sites or interference with a key-function such as the messenger-RNA synthesis.


Aflatoxin toxicity and mode of action in plant tissues. The present paper reviews a selective sample of the last decade's literature relating to the mechanism(s) by which aflatoxins produce toxic responses in plants. Also is reported a portion of our published data regarding pollen germination as well as tube elongation and its metabolism and our recent studies on these areas in excised, cultured soya-bean roots. A possible role(s) for aflatoxins in regulation of membrance biogenesis and/or permeability as well as in membrane-associated processes is suggested.


Mutagenic effect of aflatoxin B1.

Mutagenic effect of aflatoxin B1. The present work aimed to study the mutagenic effect of aflatoxin B1 on human chromosomes. The experiments showed that aflatoxin B1 is a strong chromosome damaging agent. The treated cells showed a high rate of aberrations mainly breaks and interchanges. Using Giemsa banding technique, the study showed that the distribution of breakage points on individual chromosomes was significantly non-random. The study of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) indicated that the high incidence of breakage rate was paralled by an increased SCE rate. Some chromosomes were very sensitive to the mutagenic effect of aflatoxin B1, while other chromosomes were very resistant. The present data provides an additional consideration in assessing the risks of exposure to this agent.


[Effect of patulin of RNA and protein synthesis in vitro]. Patulin, a mycotoxin isolated from cultures of Byssochlamis nivea, alters the transcriptional and translational processes. Using cell-free systems derived from procaryotic and mammalian cells, we have studied the mechanism of the mycotoxin-induced inhibition of in vitro RNA and protein syntheses.


Short-term tests and mycotoxins.

Short-term tests and mycotoxins. Naturally-occurring fungal metabolites, such as aflatoxins and sterigmatocystin, are specific examples of toxic and hepatocarcinogenic environmental contaminants which are active in Fish, Birds, Mammals and, probably, Man. The biological potency of these substances has led to a search for other carcinogenic fungus-derived products. As screening techniques for selecting compounds to be tested for their genetic and carcinogenic potency in animals, various short-term tests can be currently utilized. The use of mutagenesis, DNA repair, chromosomal aberrations, cell transformation, cytological alterations and reaction with nucleic acids in vivo or in vitro as end-points in short-term tests to detect potential chemical carcinogens will be presented. Based on recent data in the literature and from our own research activities, 2 major aspects of various short-term tests will be critically reviewed: a. their predictive value, in order to assess the possible carcinogenic risk of mycotoxins, and b. their utility to investigate the mechanism of metabolic activation of these chemicals in Mammals and in Man.


[Relationship between chemical structure and biological properties of some fungal metabolites of the eremophilane type]. Certain strains of Penicillium roqueforti and of Phoma exigua var. inoxydabilis synthesize eremophilane-like sesquiterpenes, some of which are biologically active. We have chosen a group of these compounds which are related chemically in order to study the relationships between their chemical structure and their biological properties (toxicity in vivo, capacity of inhibiting RNA and protein syntheses in eucaryotes). This work concerns PR toxin and 2 derived metabolites synthesized by P. roqueforti and phenomenone which is produced by P. exigua. The results allow us to discuss the problem of the active sites of these compounds.


Mode of action of trichothecenes.

Mode of action of trichothecenes. In the present discussion, the author summarized the toxicological and biological features of thirty kinds of trichothecene mycotoxins which are produced by a wide range of Fusarium, Myrothecium and others. The 12, 13-epoxytrichothecenes induce nausea, emesis, vomiting, skin inflamation, leukopenia, diarrhea, hemorrhage in lung and brain, and destruction of bone marrow. Since these toxicological characteristics coincide with a major symptom of intoxicated humans and farm animals induced by consumption of moldy cereals and feeds, the red-mold toxicosis and bean-hulls poisoning in Japan, moldy corn toxicosis in U.S.A., A.T.A., stachybotryotoxicosis and dendrochiotoxicosis in Europe, are originated from a common toxicant, trichothecenes. Orally administered trichothecenes are rapidly absorbed and eliminated into the feces and urine upon deacetylation at C-4 by the microsomal esterase of liver. Biochemical approaches to the mode of action revealed that the trichothecenes are a potent inhibitor of protein and D.N.A. syntheses in eukaryotic cells. Bindings to the eukaryotic polysomes and ribosomes and the subsequent inactivation of ribosomal cycle is responsible for their inhibitory effect to initiation and termination reactions. Microbial approaches revealed that the trichothecenes are mutagenic to yeast cells, but are negative in D.N.A.-attacking ability to Bacillus subtilis and reversion assay with Salmonella typhimurium. Reactivity of the epoxide ring of trichothecenes with S.H.-group of proteins will be discussed in relation to the molecular mechanism of action.


[Secretion of ochratoxin A in rabbit milk]. The excretion of ochratoxin A in rabbit female was examined after a single intravenous administration of toxin. For the highest dose (4 mg par kg), the level in milk reached 1 ppm. The mammary excretion was also studied while plasma concentration of ochratoxin A was constant; the percentages of protein bound toxin in plasma and milk were determined. The likeness of theoretical and experimental ratio between mycotoxin levels in milk and plasma ultrafiltrates allowed to conclude in favour of the passage through the blood-milk barrier by nonionic passive diffusion of the free toxin. In conclusion, authors discussed about the sanitary problem concerning the presence of ochratoxin A in domestical animal milks.


The absorption, distribution, and excretion of 14C-penicillic acid by rats. Adult male and female rats were given 14C-penicillic acid (labeled in the 1, 3, and 5 positions by fermentation with acetate-1-14C) by oral intubation and were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hours following administration of the labeled compound. Approximately 98 p. 100 of the 14C-radioactivity given was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of the rats during the first 48 hours. After 7 days, 82 p. 100 was recovered in the urine and 13 p. 100 in the feces. Less than 1 p. 100 of the total radioactivity was recovered as 14CO2 from the expired air; most of this amount was recovered within the first 72 hours after administration. Various tissues were, analyzed for 14C-radioactivity throughout the 7-day-period; no significant retention of radioactivity was apparent in any of the tissues examined. The level of 14C-penicillic acid reached a maximum in the blood and tissues 2-4 hours after administration. Red blood cells contained the highest concentration of 14C-radioactivity. Liver, bladder, kidneys, heart, and bile also showed a high level of 14C-radioactivity concentration. The estimated biological half-life of penicillic acid was 18.7 and 17.1 hours for the male and female, respectively. The estimated biological half-retention time from the point of administration by the red blood cells, liver, and kidney of the male and female rats was 24.2 and 14.0; 19.8 and 17.8; and 21.3 and 19.0 hours, respectively. Recovery studies indicated no unchanged penicillic acid in the urine.


Fate and mode of action of zearalenone.

Fate and mode of action of zearalenone. Oral administration of zearalenone to ovariectomized mice induced increases in the uterine weight, RNA, protein and DNA. In vitro incubation of the uterine tissues isolated form zearalenone-pretreated mice resulted in a temporal acceleration in the uterine permeability to sugar, nucleoside and amino acid. 3H-zearalenone orally administrated to female rats was excreted mostly via feces. Chemical analysis revealed the metabolite-I from the feces, and the metabolite-II and 2 glucuronides from the urine. The toxin was distributed into the adipose tissue, ovary, uterus and others. The 9.000 g-supernatant fraction from the livers of mice, rats, guinea-pigs, rabbits and human biotransformed the mycotoxin into the metabolite-I in the presence of NADH or NADPH. This biotransforming activity localized in the cytosol was neither inhibited by SKF nor induced by phenobarbital. The metabolite-I, which still possess the estrogenic activity to mice, is presumed to be a hydroxylated zearalenone.


Mode of action and human health aspects of aflatoxin carcinogenesis. The toxicity and carcinogenicity of the aflatoxins have been studied extensively in the rat. In this species these compounds are recognized as some of the most active hepatocarcinogens. The early lesions induced by the aflatoxins have been studied in an attempt to recognize the developing malignant neoplasm prior to the presence of metastasis. The relationship of focal hyperplasia to neoplasia will be discussed in comparison with other recognized carcinogens. The pattern of human hepatic neoplasia will be compared with that of neoplasia induced by the aflatoxins in order to add weight to the "mycotoxin hypothesis" of the aetiology of hepatic neoplasia. The role of dietary modification will also be discussed.


Roquefortine and isofumigaclavine A, alkaloids from Penicillium roqueforti. Extraction of mycelium from cultures of Penicillium roqueforti (strain CS1) yielded 2 new crystalline metabolites, designated roquefortine and isofumigaclavine A. The structure of roquefortine, the major alkaloid, was established by a combination of chemical transformations and spectroscopic studies. The structure of isofumigaclavine A was determined by spectroscopic and X-ray analysis. Roquefortine possessed neurotoxic properties when injected intraperitoneally in mice and has been detected in 16 out of 16 samples of blue cheese from 7 countries. Isofumigaclavine A has also been found in blue cheese.


Aflatoxin and encephalopathy with fatty degeneration of viscera (Reye). In the past 5 years we have observed 27 children at the age from 3 days to 8 years who died on the encephalic syndrome with fatty degeneration of the viscera (Reye). According to the morphological changes in the liver and to the clinical course, we have divided our cases into 3 groups. In the first group there were 20 children who died within 2-10 days after the first symptoms of the disease appeared. In their liver diffuse fatty degeneration was found. In the second group there were 3 children who died within 1-2 months after the acute onset of the disease. In their liver fibrosis with bile duct proliferation and steatosis were found. In the third group there were 4 children who died within 2-4 months after the first symptoms. Their liver showed cirrhosis. The bacteriological and virological investigations in all cases were negative, but in the most of them direct contacts with viral infections were proved. In the liver specimens of the children in all 3 groups the presence of aflatoxin B1 chromatographically and spectrophotometrically was found. The source of the intoxication in 5 cases was aflatoxin contaminated milk food. Our observations of 2 - 3 - days old newborns with the morphological changes similar to that of Reye's syndrome seems to support our hypothesis about the possibility of the intrauterine intoxication. We suggest that aflatoxin represents an important factor in the etiology of this syndrome and a high risk for human health.


[Sarcoidosis with extensive ulcerating and atrophying cutaneous manifestations (of the Pick-Herxheimer type) and with cardiac and muscular involvement. About one case (author's transl)]. The authors report an unusual case of chronic sarcoidosis with skin ulcerations and atrophic lesions  simulating Pick-Herxheimer's disease. Other severe manifestations are found: cardiac involvement with conduction disturbances and myocardial failure, and muscular involvement which responded well to corticosteroid therapy.


[Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant lymphoma. Discussion of this association (author's transl)]. Kaposi's sarcoma was diagnosed in a 62 year old female at the last stage of an indefined malignant lymphoma. Clinically and histopathologically, some cutaneous aspects were consistent with mycosis fungoides. However, the histological examination of lymph-nodes led to the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, sometimes associated with features of Kaposi's sarcoma. During the past few years, the occurrence of Kaposi's sarcoma in the course of cancers, malignant lymphomas and especially during Hodgkin's disease, has been reported. It has been suggested that immunosuppressive therapy undertaken for the initial tumor could account for a viral carcinogenesis. In this respect, the vascular proliferation observed in Kaposi's sarcoma could be compared with the lymphocyte induced angiogenesis, which occurs during the experimental graft versus host reaction. Therefore, Kaposi's sarcoma could be the result of a tumoral rejection. In the case of our observation, it does not seem possible to diagnose an angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy; but it is of interest to note that, in this later disease, histological features of vascular neogenesis have also been reported.


[Lupus erythematosus and hereditary lack of complement. Review of about one case of C2 deficit (author's transl)]. A 22 year old woman having disseminated discoid L.E. with alopecia, photosensitivity and normal renal function is presented. Speckled FANA type R.N.P. was found; L.E. cells and anti-DNA were not present. Direct IF of involved skin revealed deposits of IgG and C3 forming a band at the dermo-epidermal junction. In normal skin there was speckled epidermal nuclear staining with IgG. The study of the patient's complement revealed a selective defect of the C2 component (0 p.100) with a drop in total complement (6 p. 100). The father probably has a heterozygote deficit of C2 (55 p. 100); the mother, however, is within the normal range (119 p. 100). The HLA investigation of the patient and her immediate family did not demonstrate haplotype A10, B18, DW2 as is frequently seen in cases of L.E. associated with a C2 deficiency. The patient is A1, B18, DW--/A10 (W26), BW15, DW--.


[Ultrastructural and genetic aspects of epidermolysis bullosa albo-papuloidea (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica and albo-papuloidea, which led them to the discovery of eight similar cases in the same family. After analysing the main symptoms, including the histological ones, they underline the ultrastructural and genetic data. This disease can be described as a dermolysis bullosa with missing fibrils, abnormal connective tissue and an intense activity of fibroblasts. As far as we know, there is no genetic relationship with the HLA system in this dominant hereditary trouble, which is believed to be transmitted through different non-allelic genes.


[Melanocytes in epiloia; ultrastructural aspects (about 7 cases) (author's transl)]. Hypopigmented macules of epiloia have been studied by photonic and electron microscopy in 7 cases. The number of melanocytes was not decreased but these cells were hypotrophic and had a low tyrosinae activity. The melanosomes were smaller in size and their maturation rate was greatly reduced; many abnormal round and granular melanosomes, phaeomelanosome-like, were observed. In one case, such abnormal melanocytes were also occasionally found in normally pigmented control skin.


[Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. About two observations (author's transl)]. After a reminder of clinical symptoms and development of the V.-K.-H. disease, some histological and clinical observations are related. The clinical observations are very characteristic of the V.-K.-H. disease. There are only two notable points: in both observations, a very low lymphocytic reaction to phytohemaglutinin and in the first observation, the presence of an anemia with parallel evolution to the uveitis. The histological examination of the depigmented area shows an infiltrate as described by Perrot, around the involved area in vitiligo. Ultrastructural study identifies 250 angströms wide particles that appear to be particles of alpha-glycogene, well developed amyelinic endings, and lastly, lymphocytoid cells closely joined with dendritic cells having internal granulations. These aspects have already been found in the iris by the Japanese authors, and they evoked an immunological mechanism.


[Strontium 90 in the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions and of some superficial skin cancers (author's transl)]. The use of strontium 90 has proved to be efficient and practical, because handy, and permitting short treatment, not only, to cure benign superficial tumors and, as reported in this study, of pre-cancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease of the skin but also some carefully chosen cases of superficial carcinomas. Hundred lesions have been so treated and followed for 3 years; two only have relapsed. The cosmetic result has been excellent in 80 p. 100.


Symptoms and pathology of experimental bovine tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata infection). Bovine tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata infection) is of great economic importance to several countries of Asia and Africa where millions of cattle are at risk of exposure to this disease. The authors describe symptoms, sequence of appearance of the parasite and pathology of the infection by three virulent strains of the parasite in fully susceptible calves. Symptoms observed were: enlargement of local lymph gland, fever, haemorrhages on visible mucous membranes and sometime on skin, anaemia and jaundice particularly in subacute and chronic forms of the disease. The parasite "schizont" was first detected in the swollen local lymph gland draining the site of attachment of ticks, then in other lymph glands which concurred with the onset of fever. Main post-mortem findings were: oedema and enlargement of, and haemorrhages in lymph glands and spleen, haemorrhages in subcutis and on most of the serous and mucous membranes on endocardium, pericardium and epicardium, and ulcers in in abomasum which rarely extended to intestine, oesophagus, tongue and gums. The microscopic lesions were characterized by hyperplasia of lymphoid cells at the haemopoietic centres in lymph glands and spleen followed by regression and degeneration of the germinal centres. Infiltration by lymphocytes and macrophages was observed in intermysial (heart) and periportal (liver) areas in interstitial spaces in kidneys. T. annulata parasitises lymphoid cells. It provides stimulus for accelerated production of the cells which results in hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue. Increased activity of the reticular tissue is a protective phenomenon.


[Description of the adult stage of Staphylocystis biliarius Villot, 1877 (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae), a parasite of Crocidura russula Hermann, 1780 (Insectivora: Soricidae) (author's transl]. The parasitological study of the shrew Crocidura russula from Catalonia (Spain) allowed to collect several mature Hymenolepididae, the scolex framework of which corresponding perfectly to that of the larva Staphylocytis biliarius Villot, 1877. The anatomy of the adult stage of this species, which has to be denominated as Hymenolepis biliarius (Villot, 1877) n. comb., is described for the first time.


[Aspects of rats schistosomiasis in the non-salted mangrove swamps and the backmangrove area in the island of Grande-Terre (Guadeloupe) (author's transl)]. The study of parasitism by Schistosoma mansoni among rats (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) has been carried on in Guadeloupe. Over half the rats caught in the non-salted mangrove swamps and the back-mangrove area of the island of Grande-Terre are parasitized. It seems possible diagrammatize the characteristics of these sites, where the cycle of rats schistosomiasis develops.


[Influence of ambiant temperature on evolution of Schistosoma mansoni in the mouse (author's transl)]. Mice infested with Schistosoma mansoni are kept continuously in an ambiant temperature of 35 degrees C for different periods and at different stages of the infestation. The effects of the hyperthermia thus provoked are evaluated by counting adult parasites and pulmonary schistosomules. There is a very considerable decrease in the number of parasites present, probably due to the action of the higher temperature on the early migratory phase of the schistosomules.


[Gallegostronglyus ibicensis n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Metastrongylidae), a lung parasite of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridale) in Ibiza (Balearic Islands) (author's transl)]. Description of Gallegostrongylus ibicensis n. gen., n. sp., a Metastrongyle parasitizing the lungs of Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Muridae) in Ibiza (Balearic Islands). Gallegostrongylus n. gen. is proposed to include in the Angiostrongylinae the parasites of the lungs of Rodents, with bursal rays of reduced or middle size, dorsal ray consisting of two branches completely separated and located wide apart from each other, and spicules imbricated, arched and winged.


[Experimental research on the life cycle of Opisthorchis chabaudi n. sp. Description of the adult (author's transl)]. O. chabaudi n. sp. is experimentally obtained from cercariae, born into rediae and naturally produced by the snail Gabbia neumanni (Martens, 1898). Cercariae encyst into some tadpoles. The adulte grows into the biliary ducts of the Cat. O. chabaudi is mainly characterized by its outline, therefore by the shape and position of its reproductive systems. Accidental human contamination possibility is not denied.


Haemoglobins of the shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni. III. Amino acid sequence of the beta-chain. The amino acid sequence of the beta-chain of the principal haemoglobin from the shark H. portusjacksoni has been determined. The chain has 141 residues, the same as that of mammalian alpha-chains and less than the 146 residues of mammalian beta-chains or the 148 residues of the alpha-chain from the tetrameric shark haemoglobin. The sequence was deduced from the sequences of peptides obtained by digestion of the globin or its cyanogen bromide fragments with trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin and papain. The difference in length of the beta-chain is most readily accounted for by the absence of the D helix. This small helical section is normally present in myoglobins and beta-globins but absent in alpha-chains. The deduction that it is absent from shark beta-chain is based on consideration of homology. The beta-chain shows the insertion of histidine beta2 and the deletions corresponding to residues A17 and AB1 relative to alpha-and myoglobin chains. The reactive thiol group in shark haemoglobin was shown by radioactive labelling to be residue 51 in the beta-chain, immediately preceding the E helix. The amino acid sequence of shark beta-chain shows 92 differences from human beta-chain, significantly more differences than shown by chicken or frog beta-chains, in line with its earlier time of divergence. If the tertiary structure of the shark beta-chain is the same as that of the horse then there are two changes in the alpha1beta2 contact site in oxyhaemoglobin and an additional one in deoxyhaemoglobin. When both alpha- and beta-chain contacts are considered there is a total of nine changes in residues involved in the alpha1beta2 contacts. There is no Bohr effect in shark haemoglobin, and of the residues normally involved in this effect the C-terminal histidine residue of the beta-chain is present, but the aspartyl (FG1) residue to which it is salt-linked is not, being replaced by a glutamyl residue.


Some properties of human skeletal muscle creatine kinase. Creatine kinase has been purified from human skeletal muscle. The properties of the human enzyme are similar to those of the enzyme from rabbit muscle. The molecular weight was determined as approximately 80000 with a probable two reactive sulphydryl groups per molecule. Manganous (II) ion was almost as effective as magnesium as the activating metal ion, and calcium and cobalt could also act in this capacity. Under standardized conditions the nucleotide specificity was ADP greater than dADP greater than IDP greater than GDP greater than UDP greater than XDP in the reverse reaction. No hydrolytic activity was observed with ATP. Initial velocity and product inhibition studies were used to determine various kinetic constants for the substrates of the enzyme. It was concluded that, as for the rabbit muscle enzyme, the reaction probably followed a rapid equilibrium random mechanism. Anomalous kinetic behaviour, however, was observed for the forward reaction for MgATP2- but not for creatine, when measurements were extended over a much wider range than normally used. The reciprocal plot of velocity as a function of substrate concentration gave a curve, concave downwards, instead of a straight line.


Stability of segments of rabbit alpha-tropomyosin. Rabbit alpha-tropomyosin was cleaved into two pieces at the cysteine residue of each chain. The products were separated by chromatography and characterized by amino acid analysis, molecular weight determination in benign and denaturing solvents, optical rotation and circular dichroism. When the cleavage reaction was carried out under mild conditions which preserve the two-chain structure there was considerable loss of alpha-helix in each segment. Thermal stability studies, monitored by optical rotation and circular dichroism, showed that the transition temperature of the N-terminal fragment at pH 7.6 was approximately 17 degrees C higher than that of the C-terminal fragment. In acid solutions there is little difference in the thermal stability of the two segments. The least stable part of the molecule is concluded to be between residues 133 and 205 and this includes the troponin-binding site. The relative stabilities found for segments of rabbit alpha-tropomyosin differ from recent published conclusions and this may be a result of the different methods used to study the loss of the alpha-helical conformaton. The two tropomyosin fragments, unlike the parent tropomyosin, do not inhibit actomyosin adenosinetriphosphatase when mixed with troponin. The fragments did not show any of the aggregation properties of tropomyosin and did not combine with actin. The N-terminal fragment did not complex with troponin but there was some evidence for an interaction between the C-terminal fragment and troponin.


Metabolism of D- and L-lactate by Pseudomonas putida. Pseudomonas putida grew at the same rate with the same molar growth yield on D-, L, or DL-lactate as the sole source of carbon for growth. D- and L- lactate were utilized simultaneously and at the same rate  when the organism was grown on DL-lactate (ratio of D isomer to L isomer of 1:1). Growth on either isomer alone, or in combination, caused the induction of both a D-lactate, and an L-lactate dehydrogenase. Both enzymes were particulate and used dichlorophenolindophenol, or oxygen, but not NAD, as electron acceptor, and were inhibited by cyanide when oxygen was the electron acceptor. The pH optimum for the D-lactate dehydrogenase was about 6.5, and for the L-lactate dehydrogenase was about 8.0. The D-lactate dehydrogenase was more heat-sensitive than the L-lactate dehydrogenase. The stoichiometry of both enzyme reactions was the same with 2 mol of lactate dehydrogenase. The stoichiometry of both enzyme reactions was the same with 2 mol of lactate being oxidized by 1 mol of oxygen to form 2 mol of pyruvate. No lactate racemase was detected in the cell extracts.


An autoradiographic study of the implantation of transferred mouse blastocysts. Mouse blastocysts collected on day 4 were cultured in [3H]thymidine (0.01 muCi/ml) for 24 h and transferred to the uteri of pseudopregnant recipients. Autoradiography revealed that when such blastocysts were allowed to develop for 48 h in utero, label was apparent in the nuclei of decidual cells. The experimental conditions were physiological since blastocysts developed into normal offspring when gestation was allowed to proceed in pseudopregnant recipient animals. The transfer of foetal DNA into maternal decidual cells may be of important immunological significance.


Isolation of mutants with altered metabolic control of the NAH plasmid-encoded catechol meta-cleavage pathway. Two types of mutants which displayed altered regulation of the NAH catabolic plasmid-encoded catechol meta-cleavage pathway were isolated in Pseudomonas putida. Altered metabolic control was indicated by assay of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. In one type of mutant the catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was synthesized constitutively. In the other type the range of carbon sources which induce the catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was increased.


Influence of partial pressures of acetylene and nitrogen upon nitrogenase activity of species of Beijerinckia. Acetylene reduction and nitrogen fixation by strains of Beijerinckia indica and B. lacticogenes increased with increased partial pressures of acetylene and nitrogen up to 80 kPa. The optical emission spectrophotometric method was used for the determination of 14N:15N ratios. The molar ratios of acetylene to nitrogen varied greatly from the theoretical value.


Studies on nematode infections of beef cattle in New South Wales. The occurrence and seasonal trends of nematode parasite infections in beef cattle on the Tablelands and North Coast regions of New South Wales are described, based on worm counts from 627 spring-born steers slaughtered at 2-monthly intervals from 6 to 24 months of age. The predominant parasites were Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei and Cooperia spp. Large burdens of adult Ostertagia were seen in 12-month-old animals in late winter and early spring, and later in 18- to 20-month-old cattle in the following late summer and autumn. These infections often resulted in outbreaks of clinical parasitism. Massive numbers of inhibited early fourth stage larvae (EL4) also accumulated in the yearlings during their first spring, reached peaks in mid-summer and then declined. The possibility of their resumption of development to mature worms in the late summer and autumn period is discussed. Adult T. axei showed a similar seasonal trend to Ostertagia and may have increased the severity of outbreaks of clinical disease. Cooperia populations of EL4 and adult worms were highest in weaners during winter, but lower numbers thereafter indicated a strong resistance to re-infection. In addition, Haemonchus placei occurred frequently on the North Coast both as EL4 and adults in cattle of all ages up to 20 months. Of the other cattle nematodes, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Trichuris spp occurred in low numbers, mainly in weaners. Bunstomum phlebotomum and H. contortus occurred sporadically on the North Coast and Tablelands respectively. Intestinal Trichostronglyus spp, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Dictyocaulus viviparus were seen occasionally and Nematodirus spp were not seen. There was a poor relationship between worm counts and faecal egg counts. Cooperia spp dominated the egg counts, while those for other genera were generally low and did not reflect the relative abundance or seasonal changes in worm numbers.


Isolation and characterisation of herpes virus from turkeys. Turkey herpesvirus (HVT) was isolated from the kidneys of 6 of 8 turkey poults from two flocks. The isolates were identified by syncytial-type of cytopathology, inhibition of plaque formation by 5-bromodeoxyuridine, formation of Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions in cell cultures, and presence of herpes-type virions in negatively stained preparations and thin sections of infected cell cultures. One of these isolates inoculated into chickens proved apathogenic over an observation period of 10 weeks. Indirect immunofluorescence and serum neutralisation tests revealed serological relationship between these isolates and the strain NSW 1/70 of HVT. Staining of HVT-infected cell culture by Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) antiserum showed intranuclear fluorescence but attempts to prepare HVT precipitating antigen or to demonstrate cross-precipiation between HVT and MDHV were unsuccessful.


The influence of light infestations of Linognathus vituli on the growth of young cattle. Groups of Hereford weaners carrying naturally acquired infestations of L. vituli were allocated to a factorial experiment to examine the effect of lice treatment, sex and nutrition on growth rate during winter and early spring. Plane of nutrition was the only factor influencing growth rate over this period. In untreated groups of cattle, the plane of nutrition influenced the lice score but lice score did not influence growth rate.


Granulomatous lesions in pigs associated with the use of an oil-based erysipelas vaccine. Severe granulomatous lesions in cervical muscles and lymph nodes, associated with the use of an oil-based erysipelas vaccine, caused considerable economic loss at slaughter in 1400 pigs from the one herd. The condition was reproduced experimentally using the same vaccine, and in a less severe form with another commercially available oil-based erysipelas vaccine.


[Memory function following episodes of transitory total amnesia]. The Authors, considering the insufficiency of data in this condition, have studied the memory functions in patients who, in the follow up after an episode of TGA, did not show any clinical sign. A selective loss of a short-term "verbal" memory, without any psychometric alteration, is found out. The meaning of those observations is discussed with regard to the possible further differentiation of TGA syndrome in acute and chronic phases.


[Electroencephalographic changes during lithium salt therapy: correlation with the erythrocyte lithium content]. 18 subjects, affected by manic-depressive psychosis, have been studied during lithium therapy, in order to control EEG. changes in relation to erythrocyte lithium concentration. According to data obtained, significant relation subsistes between EEG. changes and erythrocyte lithium concentration.


[C(16)-substituted steroids in umbilical cord blood during normal and pathological pregnancies]. In this study the levels of Estriol and their precursors C(16) substituted in cord plasma are examined. The values found during normal pregnancies are compared with those of pregnancies complicated by different pathology. These compounds can be considered as a good index of feto-placental wellbeing.


[Cystine aminopeptidase (CAP) and intrauterine death of the fetus]. 13 pathologic pregnancies with intrauterine fetal death, serially monitored by C.A.P. determination, were retrospectively examined. In 81,81% of the cases the last C.A.P. value determinated before fetal death is situated below the--1 of standard deviation. Furthermore 50 cases with the last C.A.P. value situated below the--1 of standard deviation were considered: in 26% of these cases subsequentely happened intrauterine fetal death.


[Treatment of thyroid neoplasms and proposed therapeutic plan]. Thirty-seven patients with thyroid cancer were treated at 1a Clinica Chirurgica of Parma between 1962 and 1970. Fourty-five per cent of tumors were papillary, 24 per cent follicular, 2 per cent medullary, 9 per cent anaplastic. Surgery combined with ormonal therapy formed the commonest treatment. Eighty-five per cent of the patients with papillary carcinoma 70 per cent with follicular and 33,3 per cent with anaplastic carcinoma survived for 10 years. This present series indicates that total thiroidectomy combined with ormonal therapy influences the survival time, confirms the prognostic value of histology and shows that papillary node metastases do not prejudice survival.


[A case of scleroderma associated with total medullary aplasia]. A case of scleroderma associated with pancytopenia is reported. The Authors point out that the severe haematological defect was not caused by autoimmune mechanisms and/or by iron, B12 or folic acid deficiency but it was related to bone marrow aplasia. The microangiopathy of scleroderma is taken into consideration as a possible factor responsible of the bone marrow failure.


[Asplenomegalic idiopathic myelofibrosis. Clinical observations and considerations on 5 cases]. The Authors, after some theoretical considerations on cell Kinetics, report five cases of Primary Asplenomegalic Myelofibrosis. Pointing out some data about the diagnosis, the Authors take into consideration the clinical course of the disease which, according to the literature, appears significantly more severe.


[Use of the pictorial intelligence test (PTI) in preschool-age children]. In order to ascertain the validity of P.T.I. test for handicapped children, the As. evaluate P.T.I. test in comparison to Columbia Mental Maturity Scale. High correlation over the 4 years of chronological age and no correlation between 3 and 4 years are observed.


[Angles of the base of the skull in chimpanzees]. Ten angular measurements have been retained for a study of the basis of the skull for two species of chimpanzees : Pan troglodytes (83 skulls) and Pan paniscus (179 skulls). Were especially studied : growth and sexual or specific differences. Classical parameters or angles measured in reference to the horizontal vestibular axis were used. The statistical study clearly shows the phenomenom of negative rotation with an ontogenic accentuation of quadrupedia.


[Biometric aspects of hyoid mechanics in man]. The motionless position and the movements of the human hyoïd bone are defined by angular and linear measures, with regard to the basis of the skull and the horizontal palatine level. It appears that the hyoïd mechanic, which is at best expressed during swallowing and speech articulation, is mainly dependent on styloid suspension, that allows sinusoïdal trajectories.


[Arterial vascularization of the 3rd and 4th portions of the duodenum. Recent acquisitions]. New knowledge on arterial blood supply of the 3rd and 4th parts of theduodenum. Injection of the digestive arterial system in 15 adult subjects allows the study of the blood supply of the 3rd and 4th parts of the duodenum. Although the duodeno-pancreatic arches are constantly found, the authors showed that the branches to the duodenum have a variable layout. On the right of the superior mesenteric artery, the distribution of the branches is always regular on both sides of the 3rd part of the duodenum. On the other hand, on the left of this artery, there is sometimes a vascular hiatus which may extend to the duodeno-jejunal angle. Although in 60 per cent of the cases, this part of the duodenum is well supplied with blood on both surfaces, in 40 per cent of the cases on the other hand, there exists an avascular area on both sides. This lay-out is not favorable for division and anastomosis of this segment of the digestive tract.


[Study of anastomoses between the left renal vein and the internal vertebral plexus]. Anastomosis between the left renal vein and the rachidian plexus exists in about 80% of the cases (16 cases out of 20); they are important in 25% of the cases (5 cases) ; their origin is constant ; their ending has a high frequency for the rachidian plexus of the intervertebral foramen L1-L2. These anastomoses are of great importance : as they are the only renal circulation's safety device in seven of our cases : their hypertrophy in some pathological cases can explain some neurological clinical pictures of compression, reversible after the ligature of the hypertrophic anastomotic veins.


[Circadian variation of the mitotic activity of the adrenal cortex in male rats]. The mitotic activity in the adrenal cortex has been studied during a 24 hours-cycle in male rats that have been sacrificed by perfusion of fixative. A method of calculation of the thickness of the zona germinativa is proposed : it permits to compute mitotic densities in relation to surface, and mitotic index. Mitotic activity seems to be the combination of a relatively low and constant activity occurring from 7 a.m. (local time) to 11 p.m., and an hyperactivity from 0 to 6 a.m. Two maxima are demonstrated : one at 0 h, and another one, more important, at 5 a.m. (local time). Results are analyzed, discussed and compared with others obtained on different organs : each tissue seems to have its own characteristics according to horary and intensity in mitotic activity.


[Sexual dimorphism of correlations in crainometry]. The correlations of the 20 main cranial dimensions, in 2 series of 500 male and 500 female subjects are often higher in man than in the women. This result confirms Schreider's former statement. Through partial correlations, we keep constant the two main sexual characteristics of the skull (weight and volume) : the sexual differences of partial correlation are then in equal number in each sex, Schreider's hypothesis being thus confirmed : sexual dimorphism is partly genetical and related to sex.


[Electron microscope study of the surface of human placental villi at the onset and at the end of gestation]. The surface of the syncytiotrophoblast covering the human placental villi at the first month and at the end of pregnancy has been observed using both Scanning and Tranmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural changes have been compared and related to the physiological activity of the trophoblast during the maturation of the placenta.


[Development of arachnoid granulations]. The ontogenesis of arachnoid granulations has been analysed in specimens derived from 30 humans, 5 cats and 10 ships. We distinguish the following developmental stages : (i) The arachnoid membrane forms small diverticula that grow toward the superior sagittal sinus. In the majority of cases, this process is followed by an infiltration of mesothelial and connective tissue cells from these diverticula into the dura mater, where it forms the wall of the sinus. (ii) These arachnoid cells form an evagination, giving rise to an arachnoid granulation of simple pediculated form, which, by generating evaginations of second and third order, can become an arachnoid granulation of the so-called complex pediculated form. The wall of the superior sagittal sinus participates in the development of the granulation by the formation of a fibrous capsule. This capsule has openings where arachnoid mesothelium and sinus endothelium are in direct contact.


[Study of the vascular density of tissues surrounding the right recurrent nerve (apropos of 56 cases)]. Study of 56 cases. The right recurrent nerve is more easily found near its origin, below the crossing with the inferior thyroidal artery. Since the vascular density of the adjacent tissue is less important, the dissection is easier and less haemorrhagic.


[Radio-anatomical study of the arteries of the hand. Anastomoses (radiological incidences). Digital vascularization (apropos of 25 anatomo-radiological preparations)]. An original procedure is used for the specimens. The hands of fresh corpses preserved in a cialit solution are prepared by an injection of resin mixed with a leadsalt into the arteries. The accurate dissection of the hand's arteries is compared to the X rays. 1) Palmar arci are rare. We found an arcus palmaris superficialis in 10% and an arcus palmaris profundus in about 50% of the specimens. To avoid a misinterpretation of X rays, three incidences were used (one full-face and two oblique incidence: a transversal one at 15 degrees and a vertical or longitudinal one at 30 degrees). 2) All fingers receive arteries of double origin in 80% of the cases. Only in 20% of all cases, the thumb or the little finger have an exclusive vascularisation (radial for the thumb and ulnar for the little finger). 3) All digital anastomoses are dissected--Retrotendineous anastomoses are patent and large.


[Arterial vascularization of the os coxae]. Study of the arterial vascularization of the coxal bone by microangiographic methods. Nutritive and periosteal blood-vessels come from Iliaca interna and Iliaca externa arteries. The ilium is vascularized by the Ilio-lumbalis artery which is a nutritive blood vessel. A eriosteal vascularization also exists. Ischium and pubis have a periosteal vascularization. Blood vessels are oriented toward the sus-acetabulum area where many anastomoses exist.


[Nucleo-cytoplasm ratio, DNA content of superficial and intermediate vaginal cells during the female genital cycle]. A quantimetric study of vaginal superficial cells is done every day of the sexual cycle on five normal women (no pill) with a cervical smear of type 2 (Papanicolaou classification). Our results show that nucelo-cytoplasmic ratio for 98% of the cells varies between 0.0040 and 0.0210. This level is independant of age and cycle duration and is proposed as reference for later studies of women under pill or with cervico-vaginal dysplasia and cancer.


[The skull of the child (morphological study)]. The child skull presents some very precocious bony protusions: the zygomatic bone's tuberculum marginale, the cresta occipitalis externa, the processus paracondylaris. A formula for estimating infantile cranial capacity is also given.


[Aims of applied veterinary anatomy. An interdisciplinary consultation]. Forty-one French veterinary educators have chosen to respond to the present questionnaire on applied anatomy. Seventeen of them are not satisfied with the knowledge of their students:--they are not always able with the time available to fill in the gaps, in their programs;--they would like an anatomy course to be less theoretic and more directly orientated toward professional applications;--they present, with their specialities in mind, the kinds of basic material and details that they would like to find acquired by the students;--with the limitations of class time, they suggest that applied anatomy be integrated into the clinical studies. Many thanks to those who responsed to the questionnaire and we hope that their ideas will be accepted by French anatomists for a better coordination of our common educational activity.


[Vascularization of the transverse colon]. Results of 21 injections of the transverse colon with coloured latex. The superior and inferior mesenteric arteries are separately injected. Dissections allowed the study of the topography and width of the colic transverse vessels. Collateral circulation is also described. A middle colic artery is present in 85% of the cases. The length of transverse colon vascularized by each arterial system is related with accuracy to the number of arcades issued from each system. The superior mesenteric artery prevails in the blood supply of the transverse colon (70% of its length).


Interrelationships of oxygen consumption and insecticide sensitivity. The circadian rhythms of oxygen consumption and insecticide sensitivity (to dichlorvos, a rapid-acting organophosphate) in adult confused flour beetles (Tribolium confusum du Val) were determined using a LD 12:12 lighting regimen and other standardized conditions. Analysis included fitting a 24 h cosine curve to the data to estimate rhythm characteristics. Relationships between rhythms in oxygen consumption and insecticide sensitivity were evaluated on the basis of each rhythm's acrophase (timing of high point). The acrophase of oxygen consumption occurred on the average about 3 h after the middle of the daily dark span. Maximum insecticide sensitivity, based upon the reciprocal of the LC70, occurred about 2 h earlier. Although the times are fairly close, the difference between the two acrophases was statistically significant.


A likelihood ratio method for studying the re-entrainment of circadian rhythms. A simple technique is described that enables the degree of adaptation at different times of day to be studied in organisms that have been subjected to a sudden change in the Zeitgeber (as typically found in shiftwork or after transmeridian flight). The investigator is thus able to place greater emphasis on some readings than on others and to measure the amount of disruption at a particular time of day (e.g. for an important meeting) rather than to merely rely upon an overall daily measure. The method uses the likelihood ratio statistics which also allows a powerful test to be made of the statistical significance of any apparent adaptation. The method is illustrated on some 'jet-lag' data, where it was able to determine differential rates of adaptation according to the time of day at which the subjects were tested.


Perspectives in chronobiology of air pollution. In a series of experiments, male and female Sprague Dawley rats, kept in light (L) from 06(00) to 18(00) alternating with darkness (LD 12:12) inhaled different concentrations of carbon monoxide (50-1,700 ppm) at each of two test times, 12 h apart. A decrease in flow of CO2 (VCO2) resulting from CO inhalation was greater in the active dark (D) than resting light (L) span. Experimental hypoxic mortality of male and female mice also shows circadian variations, being greater in the D than in the L span. Moreover, a difference of mortality was observed betwen hypoxic exposures performed at 12(00) (in LD or DL) and hypoxic exposures performed at 00(00) (in LD or DL). Such results await tests of any extent to which they model responses of human beings to air pollution. In human beings any external environmental circadian, circaseptan and circannual variations in air pollution as such may serve to variable extent as socioeconomic synchronizers of innate rhythms with a corresponding frequency, rather than as solely generators of time patterns in any physiopathologic response to air pollution.


The free-running circadian rhythms of two schizophrenics. Two chronic schizophrenic patients and a psychiatrist spent 21 days in an isolation unit. For the first 4 days they lived on normal time but thereafter the clock was removed and they were free-running. The psychiatrist followed the schedule set by the schizophrenics, one of whom spontaneously decided the times of retiring and rising while the other followed passively. The psychiatrist commonly retired some time later but without disturbing the schizophrenics, the mean duration of whose days was 23.7 h, distinctly shorter than is usual in healthy subjects. This was made up of an activity period of 11.77 h and a rest period of 11.94 h. Pulse rate and temperature were measured frequently throughout the waking hours and rectal temperature was monitored during sleep. Urine samples were also collected throughout the 24 h and were analysed for potassium, sodium, chloride, creatinine, phosphate, calcium and uric acid. Urinary and temperature rhythms followed approximately the activity rhythm, in both healthy and schizophrenic subjects. Pulse rate in the schizophrenics followed a rhythm with a period slightly less than that of activity, and in one schizophrenic showed a consistently early phasing. 11-hydroxycorticosteriods at the end of the observation showed a very early phasing corresponding to that of activity. The findings suggest that schizophrenics may have an abnormally short circadian period.


The effects of prenatal protein deprivation on thyrotroph development. Maternal dietary protein restriction produced by feeding a diet containing 4% casein throughout gestation adversely affects body size and retards development of various organs in the progeny. For the most part, alterations are present in structural or functional entities which evolve during the last trimester of gestation. Fetal thyroid follicle formation and iodine concentrating capacity, which increase rapidly between the 17th gestational day and birth in pups of dams fed the control (24% casein) ration, are retarded in age-matched pups of protein-deficient females. The first immunoreactive thyrotrophs appear in the fetal pituitary on day 17 in both control and prenatally protein-deprived (PPD) young. The total number of thyrotrophs per pituitary was unaffected by maternal protein deficiency, except on day 21 when there were significantly more thyrotrophs per pituitary in fetal control rats. Although pituitary volume was significantly reduced in 18-, 19- and 21-day old fetal PPD rats, as compared with controls, pituitary volume:body weight ratios differed between young in the two dietary groups only on day 21, when the ratio was significantly higher in PPD as compared to control young. Maternal protein deprivation does not affect the morphological maturation of the thyrotrophs of the anterior pituitary of the fetal rat.


[Fosfomycin. I. Antimicrobial action in vitro]. The results obtained from the test of the in vitro activity of Fosfomycin by a concentration of 104 bacteria/ml and by Nutrient Broth with 5% defibrinated blood, have shown that the drug has a capacity of action on both Gram-negative and Gram-positive germs, also on beta-lactamase producing bacteria. Fosfomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic. infact the M.I.C. values are simjlar to M.B.C. values.


[L forms of Staphylococcus aureus. Behavior of coagulase, hemolytic and desoxyribonuclease activities and antibiotic sensitivity]. L Forms derived from strains of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, have, on the whole, preserved their DNAsic, haemolitic and coagulastic activities. L. forms showed high resistence to antibiotics acting on the bacterial cell-wall. The sensibility to other antibiotics was, roughly, analogous for the L forms as well as for the bacterial strains ones, with the exception of the clortetraciclin and the diidrostreptomicin, ehich proved to be comparatively more active on the L forms.


[4 cases of purulent otitis media caused by Salmonella Wien]. The authors start from the analysis of four cases of purulent otitis media, caused by S. Wien, after doing a chronicle of S. Wien and of its pathogenetic mechanisms, they infer that the matter hand is an, at least clinically primary localization in the middle ear. They stress moreover, the importance of the isolation of the microorganism in question in all the cases of infectives diseases as well as its sensibility to antibiotics.


[Changes in the membrane receptors of lymphocyte populations during immunization]. A population of splenic lymphocytes has been studied as well as their  surface antibodies and their affinity for antigen in different days and periods of immunization. Fractionation of a specific population of lymphocytes having an affinity for antigens coated on glass beads were accomplished. The other aspecific population did not bind ot the glass beads and was not retained on the column. During the primary immuno-response the number of lymphocytic cells with surface antibodies specific for antigen was higher than in the booster response: in secondary response only the total number of antibody forming-cells increases while the number of lymphocytes with surface antibodies is constant. The authors suppose that the surface of spleen lymphocytes is modificated in different way at different time, by immunizing antigen.


[Endotoxemia and phagocytic function in premature infants. II. Role of the blood platelets]. The AA. have studied the relationship between endotoxaemia, detected in premature children and platelets function, according to the most recent finding, supporting the presence of specific receptors for endotoxin at the surface of thrombocytes. The finding of 6 positive Limulus test on platelets over 7 cases support the ability of clearance from platelets towards endotoxin. Furthermore, the AA. suggest that the presence of endotoxaemia in the plasma is due to an impairment of more complex mechanism, as liver's detoxification, which seems the most important.


[Studies of the distribution of hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies against A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2), B/Hong Kong/8/73 and A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1) influenza viruses in a Turin population sample]. 53%, and 29.8% respectively, of a sample of 500 adults living in Turin have been shown lacking of any antibody against A/Victoria/3/75 and B/Hong Kong/8/73 influenza strains; less than 20%, and 45.4% respectively, possessed antibodies at a protective level (greater than or equal to 1:40). Furthermore, the study of age distribution of immunity against A/New Jersey/76 has confirmed specific h.a.i. antibodies to be present, at a significant level, only from the sixth decade onwards.


[Differences of capacity of human erythrocytes of newborn infants and adults and trypsin-treated erythrocytes to bind rubella virus hemagglutinin]. Rubella virus hemagglutinating (HA) antigen shows different titers against non treated, trypsin-modified and cord blood human erythrocytes. Trypsin-modified erythrocytes give titers eleven fold higher, and cord blood red cells sixteen fold higher than those seen with the non treated cells. These differences in sensitivity agree with a different ability to bind HA antigen: with an excess of antigen cord blood erythrocytes bind two, and trypsin-modified erythrocytes three times as much antigen was bound by non treated cells. The amount of bound antigen shows little or no dependence on 4 degrees or 37 degrees C temperatures.


[Bacteriocins as cytotoxic agents in experimental neoplasms: considerations on the role of possible contaminants]. In most recent papers some Authors have demonstrated that several bacteriocins are able to markedly inhibit the division of various neoplastic mammalian cell lines; also in vivo the inhibition of tumor growth or even regression relative to controls are statistically significant. Since such preparations are "crude" and it's possible that contaminating agents may represent a possible source of variability in the results, mostly in vivo; we have examined a preparation of Pyocin employed in this study for the possible endotoxin contamination using the Limulus assay. Such test was positive in triplicate and semiquantitative determination has shown and endotoxin amount of 5 to 10 microgram/ml. This level is, in vitro, not anough to give cytotoxic effect, but in vivo is able to influence experimental results. In addition, since some bacteriocins and enterotoxins are produced under exactly identical conditions, there is this a possibility that the enterotoxin are coproduced in these preparations and are causing some of the cytotoxic effects on experimental tumors. A more complete separation and purification of preparations will be required before definitive comments.


Animal feed additive regulation in the Common Market: rules, principles and ideas. The fundamental factors which govern legislation relating to the use of additives are examined. The rules advocated are as follows: 1) All additives unless licensed remain strictly prohibited. 2) There must be a severe but realistic appraisal of additives to be authorised, taking into account the interests of the farmer and the health of the consumer, particularly in respect of cumulative toxicity and relay toxicity. 3) Periodic revision of licenses is necessary in the light of experience acquired and of new scientific knowledge. 4) Strict regulation of veterinary dispensing is necessary and it should not be possible to use prohibited additives through the lack of such a regulation. In other respects the veterinarian should prescribe substances which might leave residues only when there is adequate time for their disappearance before slaughter or in animals where the products are not for human consumption. 5) It should be possible to monitor all regulations. 6) It should be impossible to use compounds or drugs similar to those already authorized without new investigations and experiments on such additives. 7) Guidelines must be produced. Such European guidelines are now being discussed by a committee of experts. We hope that such guidelines will be studied by the FDA and a Joint Committee will be organised with the European Commission for relevant discussions.